Seafarers Log: Vol. 63 No. 6 (2001-06-01)

www.seafarers.org

__ .......... -- Signing

the merger docu­
ment are (from left) NMU VP

Charles Stewart, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel, NMU President Rene Lioeanjie and SIU Executive
VP John Fay.

64 Years of
Maritime History

e ind erger
Last month, members of the Seafarers
International Union and the National
Maritime Union approved the details of
the merger agreement between the two
unions, thereby finalizing the unification
and marking an historic occasion in
maritime labor history. Page 3.

1-:.~ I SEAFARERS • LOG I~- I -~ ·/, . ... " " ""'"···· ....................................................... .... : ... .
SHIP UNIONS AGREE~-._. ~- ~
ON JOINT PROGRAM .. =~=erg .......... -~ .... ··:--..- .... . !..-" ..... _

Volume 63, Number 6 June 2001

SIU President
Michael Sacco (left)
and NMU President
Rene Lioeanjie say

the merger bene­
fits the entire

U.S.-flag mar­
itime industry.



President's Report
Runaway-Flag Fight Continues

If you've ever wondered why the SIU remains active in the
International Transport Workers ' Federation's global campaign
against runaway-flag shipping (ITF), a glance at some recent head­

lines emphatically provides part of the answer.
Last month, the runaway-flag cruise ship

Norwegian Sky was cited for illegally dumping con­
centrated sewage between Juneau and Ketchikan,
Alaska. According to news reports, the Bahamian­
flag vessel discharged sewage for 20 to 30 minutes
while under way - leaving a trail of waste that the
Coast Guard easily traced to the ship.

Problems for the Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel
Michael Sacco didn't end there. On May 19, 78 people aboard the

ship were injured after a mishap involving the
autopilot. Passengers said they feared for their lives as the ship turned
hard to the left, sending people and objects airborne. Some reportedly
suffered broken bones. The Coast Guard is investigating the accident.

The Norwegian Sky hardly is an isolated example of recent trou­
bles involving runaway-flag ships, also called flag-of-convenience
(FOC) vessels.

On May 18, the ITF announced its intervention on behalf of30
mariners facing starvation after their Cambodian-flagged ship reported­
ly was abandoned by its owner. At the time when the ITF moved to
lend assistance, the crew hadn't been paid in eight months. They had
been stranded with no food or water for the previous 30 days, relying
on donations from the port authority and local churches in Kochi, India.

And, as reported on this page, ITF inspectors earlier this year
recovered a quarter-million dollars in back pay for mariners on the
Joywave, another runaway-flag passenger ship. Those crew members
also endured a shortage of food and slave-like living conditions
aboard the Cyprus-flagged ship.

In fact, more often than not, the Seafarers LOG contains articles
about how the union's ITF inspectors are working to help mariners on
FOC vessels secure what they are owed by dishonest shipowners and
agents. If you have read those pieces, then I'm sure you'll agree that
the conditions on many runaway-flag ships are flat intolerable. The
recurring theme is that greedy FOC shipowners subject their crews to
inhumane and criminal treatment - usually in the name of profits.

Morality isn't the only motivation in the ITF campaign. Besides
all the other things that are wrong with runaway-flag shipping, it
isn't fair for U.S. mariners to be forced to compete with crews earn­
ing Third World wages. In some cases, those crews on FOC ships
aren't even qualified mariners, but instead desperate individuals who
bought their credentials.

Anyone doubting that last point should see the recent stories
involving the Republic of Panama's selling of a first officer's certifi­
cate and sea book to the head of the ITF, despite his lack of maritime
training or shipboard experience. The issuance of the phony docu­
ments speaks volumes about the depth of the runaway-flag scam.

There is yet another aspect to the campaign. Without question,
FOC shipping threatens America's national security. It hurts U.S.
sealift capability.

For all of those reasons, the SIU remains committed to the fight
against runaway flags. Working with our brothers and sisters in the
ITF, we will continue doing everything possible to hold FOC
shipowners and operators accountable.

It has been a long fight, but we're progressing. The proof is in
better wages and improved working conditions aboard many run­
away-flag vessels, thousands of which have come under ITF con­
tract. Progress also can be seen in tougher port-state control inspec­
tions and stronger international regulations.

At the same time, we won't let up in our efforts to revitalize the
U.S.-flag fleet. American-flag ships, crewed by Seafarers, are the
world's safest. They are crewed by the best-trained mariners, and
they represent strength and security for our nation.

By working with the ITF to raise the world's shipping standards,
rather than letting them sink to the lowest levels, the SIU stands up for
mariners worldwide. We will not let up in this fight until we have won.

Merger Complete
On a personal note, I extend thanks and congratulations to the SIU

membership for your solid support of the recently concluded merger
of the NMU into the SIU. During most of our union's history, such a
merger with the NMU seemed unachievable. But, times change - and
we all realize the benefits of working together.

This is a great day for all of us. The merger will benefit the mem­
bership and the whole U.S.-flag industry.

As you know, the merger involved several steps. Each time we
asked for your confidence, you responded by moving forward.

Again, thank you for that confidence, and congratulations on a
great new united future.

Volume 63, Number 6 June 2001

The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month­
ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth

'-"eoH011wuN1c~r. Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-
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Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing
Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim

'°" · ~ .. "'~1• Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne
'" •O Textor.

Copyright © 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD
All Rights Reserved.

2 Seafarers LOS

Florida-Based ITF Reps
Come Through for Crew,
Net $225,000 in Back Pay

Inspectors from the International Transport
Workers ' Federation's (ITF) cruise ship campaign
office in Cape Canaveral, Fla. earlier this year
secured $225,000 in back wages for crew members
aboard the runaway-flag ship Joywave.

SIU ITF Inspector Scott Brady and SIU of
Canada ITF Inspector Jim Given also gained repa­
triation for 62 crew members while the Cyprus­
flagged vessel was in Puerto Plata, Dominican
Republic.

"We toured the vessel and the conditions were
the worst I've seen yet," observed Brady. He said
the entire crew (approximately 80 people) shared a
single bathroom with two showers and slept six to a
cabin. Only a dozen sets of eating utensils and plates
were available for the mariners.

The crew also suffered from a shortage of stores
and a lack of fresh water.

"I've been doing this for a while, and this was the
worst ship I've ever seen," concurred Given. "For
example, the hotel catering crew had been on board
for four-and-a-half months. They were given fresh
fruit once-a single orange that they were supposed
to split."

The Joywave, owned by New Marathon of

Crew members from the runaway-flag ship Joywave
receive back wages, thanks to assistance from ITF
Inspectors Scott Brady and Jim Given.

Greece, had been arrested in February because it
owed port fees to the Dominican Republic (and,
reportedly, to other nations as well). On its way into
port, it also collided with and sank a yacht.

Armed guards were stationed near the Joywave
when some of the crew-which included individu-

Continued on page 6

Rank-and-File Financial Committee
Approves Union's Records for 2000

A committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by their fellow
Seafarers during last month's
union meeting in Piney Point,
Md. , has reviewed the SIU's
financial records for the year 2000

and found them in good order. James Simms (chairman).
Serving on the committee

were Charles Clausen, John
Gallagher, Walter Harris,
George Mazzola, Chris Nar­
done, John O'Connell and

In its report, the committee
noted, "All records used in con­
nection with the union's financial
operations were reviewed
fully. . . . We find that the head­
quarters of the union it taking all
steps possible to safeguard union
funds and to see that the disburse­
ments of the union are in accor­
dance with the authority delegat­
ed to them and that, at the same
time, there is a striving effort to
increase day-to-day efficiency of
our operation."

Serving on the finance committee are (from left, seated) Charles
Clausen, Walter Harris, James Simms, (standing) John Gallagher,
George Mazzola, Chris Nardone and John O'Connell.

The use of an annual financial
committee is required by Article
X, Section 15 of the SIU Con­
stitution. It reads: "The Annual
Financial Committee shall make
an examination for each annual
period of the finances of the
Union and shall report fully on
their findings and recommenda­
tions."

B Receive $132K in Scholarships from SHBP
A panel of professional educators comprising the

Seafarers Health and Benefits Plans scholarship
committee last month in New York selected the
eight recipients for the 2001 awards.

This was the first year of the expanded program,
which saw an increase in the dependents' scholar­
ships from $15,000 to $20,000; raised the four-year
grant for an active SIU member from $15,000 to
$20,000, and added a fifth dependent scholarship,
up from four last year.

Jeffrey Allan Lagana, a graduate of class 561 in
the Paul Hall Center 's unlicensed apprentice pro­
gram who now sails as an AB, was awarded the
$20,000 Seafarers ' scholarship. He plans to com­
plete his bachelor 's degree in environmental science
and continue toward graduate studies while still ful­
filling his responsibilities at sea.

Two scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each
were awarded to deep sea members Brian
Burchette and Army Joe Leake.

Burchette started sailing aboard the American
Hawaii cruise ships in 1987 in the steward depart­
ment. He hopes to use his award to study in the
computer field.

Leake joined the SIU in 1997 and has enjoyed
sailing and seeing the world. He now plans to major

in business management while in college.
Five dependents of SIU members were selected

to receive $20,000 each to attend four-year colleges
or universities. They are Hail Said Abdullah, son of
Great Lakes member Said Ahmed Abdullah; Kyla
Robb DonLevy, daughter of inland member
Richard William DonLevy; Alan Sun, son of Chief
Cook Steven Sun; Alexander L. Talarico, son of
retired deep sea member Louis James Talarico; and
Demi Lynn Vorise, daughter of steward department
member George Vorise Jr.

This year 's selection committee, as in the past,
was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.

The panel was composed of Dr. Michael Glaser,
St. Mary's College of Maryland; Dr. Charles D.
O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago; Dr. Gayle A.
Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Henry
Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in
Minnesota; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County
[Md.] Community College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr.,
American Association of Colleges and Universities;
Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University;
and Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio.

For a more in-depth look at each of the scholar­
ship winners, see page 9.

June2001



embers Approve Merger
SIU, NMU Complete Long-Anticipated Unification

Members of the Seafarers International Union and the National Maritime Union last
month approved the details of the merger agreement between the two unions. This finalizes
the unification and marks an historic occasion in maritime labor history.

Voting took place through­
out May at SIU and NMU halls
across the nation. Overall,
members okayed the agreement
by a nearly unanimous tally.

"It's long overdue," stated SIU
President Michael Sacco. "This
merger will benefit not only our
membership, but also the entire
U.S. maritime industry. It means
a more powerful voice for
mariners, a stronger manpower
pool for national defense, and a
brighter future. It's a very posi­
tive move."

NMU President Rene Lioe-

SIU-NMU affiliation and
merger coverage in the

Seafarers LOG

Issue Page(s)

April 1998 2,3
Oct. 1998 2
Jan. 1999 3
Feb. 1999 5

May 1999 4
July 1999 2
Sept. 1999 2
Oct. 1999 2, 3
Nov. 1999 2
Dec. 1999 2
Jan.2000 2
Feb.2000 2

March 2000 3
Sept. 2000 7

(included in report of constitu­
tional committee)

Oct. 2000 15, 26, 32

Feb.2001 3
April 2001 2,3

(full merger agreement print­
ed)

anjie said, "It's clear that the
memberships of both unions are
ready for this merger. As one
organization, we' re better equip­
ped to improve the working con­
ditions of our members and fight
for a bigger, stronger U.S.-flag
fleet."

Intermittent merger talks be­
tween the SIU and NMU date
back to the mid-1950s. Battles
between the unions go back even
longer, to the late 1930s.

But the NMU's affiliation in
December 1998 with the Sea­
farers International Union of
North America signaled that both
organizations finally were pre­
pared to join forces. Since then,
SIU and NMU members have
trained side-by-side at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md. They also have sailed
together.

The merger 's mechanics were
patterned after those of the 1977 -
78 merger between the SIU and
the Marine Cooks & Stewards.
From Dec. 1, 1999 through Jan.
31, 2000, SIU and NMU mem­
bers voted by secret ballot on
whether the unions should pro­
ceed with merging. SIU members
approved the resolution with 86
percent voting in favor of full
merger talks; in the NMU, 93 per­
cent of those voting approved the
resolution.

During the most recent SIU
general election, from Nov. 1-
Dec. 30, 2000, Seafarers ap­
proved two constitutional amend­
ments related to the merger.
Eighty-four percent of those vot­
ing approved the amendment
adding "NMU" to the union's full

name; 87 percent approved the
amendment calling for the addi­
tion of two executive board slots.
Those results were affirmed by
the Sill 's rank-and-file tallying
committee, whose report in tum
was approved in March 2001 at
SIU halls throughout the country.

Finally, the merger agreement
itself was presented for votes at
the May membership meetings of
the respective unions, following
the document's completion in late
February. The May votes includ­
ed NMU members voting on
whether to accept the sru consti­
tution.

"Perhaps the greatest testa­
ment to the merger's timing is the
support and matter-of-fact reac­
tion from both memberships,"
said SIU Executive Vice Presi­
dent John Fay. "For sure, there
are those who cannot or will not
let go of the days when the sru
and NMU clashed. However,
many more members have greet­
ed the merger with enthusi­
asm-recognizing the benefits
and saying, in essence, the sooner
the better."

Before this latest series of
votes, news that the organizations
were talking about a possible
affiliation first was announced in
March 1998 when the NMU held
its constitutional convention at
the Paul Hall Center.

The NMU delegates approved
a resolution that stated · "some
form of affiliation eventually
leading to a merger with another
maritime union would be in the
best interest of the membership."

Sacco, addressing that conven­
tion, reflected on the past prob­
lems between the organizations

President Bush's Energy Plan
Includes ANWR Exploration

President Bush on May 17
issued his proposed energy poli­
cy, and the detailed report
includes recommendations for
exploration and development of
part of Alaska's Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Parts of the president's wide­
ranging policy will require con­
gressional action (including
ANWR), while others can be car­
ried out via executive orders and
regulatory changes.

The SIU recently joined a new
coalition called JobPower which
favors the safe development of
ANWR. Trade unions, elected
representatives and businesses
are part of the fast-growing
group, which estimates that up to
700,000 domestic jobs will be
generated by opening ANWR.

President Bush's energy plan
cites numerous potential benefits
in ANWR development, includ­
ing reducing U.S. dependence on
foreign oil. His report states the
following:

June2001

"We need to increase our
domestic production and lessen
our reliance on foreign oil.
America's dependence on foreign
oil has · risen sharply in recent
years, going from 39 percent in
1988 to 56 percent today. In 2020,
if trends continue, we will import
two of every three barrels of oil.

"We are proposing to open
only a small fraction-8 percent
-of ANWR for oil and gas
exploration. Between 6 and 16
billion barrels of oil exist in
ANWR. The mean estimate ( 10
billion barrels) would make
ANWR the largest oil field dis­
covered in the world in the last 40
years. The expected output of oil
would equal 30 years of oil
imports from Saudi Arabia and
almost 60 years of Iraqi oil
imports."

The report notes, "21st century
technologies like horizontal
drilling, 3-D seismic mapping
and ice roads can help us mini­
mize the production footprint to

only 2,000 acres out of the 19
million acres in ANWR. That is
equivalent to four average
American family farms in an area
the size of South Carolina .... Oil
and gas development has success­
fully coexisted with wildlife in
Alaska's arctic for over 30 years.
The Central Arctic Caribou Herd
and Prudhoe Bay has grown from
3,000 in 1970 to 27,000 today-a
nine-fold increase."

Legislation including authoriz­
ing language to develop ANWR
was introduced earlier this
year-S. 388, the National
Energy Security Act of 2001, in
the Senate; H.R. 39, the Arctic
Coast Plain Energy Security Act
of 2001 , in the House.

SIU President Michael Sacco,
endorsed ANWR development at
a Capitol Hill press conference
March 27. "By opening ANWR,
the United States can increase
domestic oil production, reduce
our reliance on foreign sources of
oil, and create hundreds of thou-

SIU-NMU
Key Dates

1892
Founding of International Seamen's Union, a federation of a num­
ber of seamen's unions on the U.S. coasts and forerunner of both
the SIU and NMU

1937
Formation of National Maritime Unton
AFL takes over remnants of JSU to rebuild a seamen's union with­
in the federation

muates With
America

1999 .. 2000
SIU and NMU members
unions

2001

and called on the delegates to
imagine what could be accom­
plished for the U.S.-flag fleet if
the two stood together.

Talks between officials from
the two unions continued through
the year, climaxing with the sign­
ing of the affiliation document in
December 1998.

Before 1935, all labor unions
were affiliated with the American
Federation of Labor (AFL). With­
in the AFL was the International
Seamen's Union (ISU), headed
by Andrew Furuseth.

sands of new jobs for American
workers," stated Sacco, who also
serves as president of the 8-mil­
lion member Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO. "ANWR
will be explored and drilled by
American workers; the oil trans­
ported through U.S.-built
pipelines; refined and distributed
by domestic facilities ; and its by­
products used by U.S. energy pro­
ducers and U.S. consumers."

He added, "Many of our broth­
ers and sisters in maritime labor
will crew the growing fleet of
environmentally safe, double­
hulled, U.S.-flagged tankers that
will carry the oil from Alaska."

mergers with Congress of

After World War I, the ISU
had more than 100,000 members.
But by the mid- l 930s, the mem­
bership had fallen to fewer than
3,000. The ISU disbanded in
1937.

The NMU was founded that
year and represented unlicensed
mariners in the newly formed
Congress of Industrial Organiza­
tions (CIO). One year later, the
AFL chartered the SIU under the
leadership of Harry Lundeberg.

Over the subsequent decades,
the waterfront saw numerous
confrontations between the two
unions as they tried to obtain con­
tracts from non-union operators
and take in new members. The
fighting continued even after the
AFL and CIO merged in 1955.

However, the SIU and NMU
found ways to work together­
particularly in the international
campaign to expose and elimi­
nate runaway-flag shipping
which was taking American
mariner jobs overseas.

After the creation of the AFL­
CIO, the SIU and NMU entered
into talks several times to bring
the two organizations together.
However, none of those efforts
was successful- until now.

Please be advised that SIU headquarters and

all SIU hiring halls will be closed Wednesday,

July 41 2001 for the observance of

Independence Day

(unless an emergency arises).

Normal business hours will resume

the following workday.

Seafarers LOS 3



National Maritime
Day Ceremonies
Spotlight Merchant
Marine1s Value

The accomplishments
and sacrifices of the United
States Merchant Marine
have played a key role in
America's national security
and economic prosperity.

This was the common
message offered May 22 by
speakers at three National
Maritime Day events in
Washington, D.C.

SIU members and offi­
cials attended each event.
The SIU contingent includ­
ed President Mike Sacco,
Vice President Contracts
Augie Tellez and students
from the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and
Education in Piney Point,
Md.

The ceremonies which
paid tribute to the bravery
and sacrifices of the thou­
sands of U.S. Merchant
Mariners who so honorably
served their country in

Chuck Raymond,
President and CEO, CSX

4 Seafarers LOG

years past were the 2001
Merchant Marine Memor­
ial Service at the U.S.
Naval Memorial, conduct­
ed by the U.S. Maritime
Administration (MarAd); a
Maritime Day Memorial
Luncheon sponsored by the
Port of Washington Pro­
peller Club; and a National
Maritime Day Memorial
Service at the Washington
Navy Yard, sponsored by
the U.S. Military Sealift
Command (MSC).

MarAd Memorial
U.S. Secretary of Trans­

portation Norman Y.
Mineta served as the
keynote speaker during the
Merchant Marine Memor­
ial Service. He stated,
"Each time in the last cen­
tury our nation's military
deployed to protect U.S.
interests, the lives of

Rear Adm. Edward Fahy,
U.S. Transportation

Command

Vice Adm. Gordon Holder,
Commander, U.S. Military

Sealift Command

Larry O'Toole,
MEBA President

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta (middle of three men wearing suits), keynote speaker at the U.S.
Maritime Administration's ceremony May 22 in Washington, poses with SIU President Michael Sacco (to Mineta's left),
NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (to Mineta's right), and students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education.

America's men and women
were placed at risk. And in
each one of those deploy­
ments, their logistical life­
lines-the U.S. Merchant
Marine-were right along­
side, or close behind, with
the tools to get the job done
and return home safely."

Mineta said that World
War II best exemplifies the
spirit of sacrifice that
defines service in the U.S.
Merchant Marine. He
pointed out that nearly
7 ,000 seamen perished at
sea during World War II,
most as a direct result of
engaging the enemy.
Roughly one in 30 U.S.
Merchant Mariners, he
said, died in the line of duty
during the war. "Aside
from the U.S. Marine
Corps," he continued, "no
other armed service suf­
fered a higher percentage
of war-related deaths than
the U.S. Merchant Mar­
ine."

Despite these heavy

casualties, the U.S. Mer­
chant Marine still got the
job done. "In the dark days
of 1942 when Allied ship­
ping in the Atlantic was
being lost at horrific rates,"
Mineta said, "the steel
bridge across the ocean
bent and swayed-but
never broke. The seamen's
iron will ruled their fears.
Doing one's duty was
expected."

And some job they did.
"Americans wartime cargo
from the homeland to the
Pacific and to Europe
totaled more than 258 mil­
lion long tons," the secre­
tary said. "In the last year
of the war, the delivery rate
reached 8,500 tons· every
hour of every day."

The same scenario still
is true today, stated Mineta.
"The civilian seafarers' role
has never been easy .... The
military still depends on the
fourth arm of defense for
transportation. We must
never forget that America's

maritime future is insepara­
bly bound to its past."

Rear Adm. Edward J.
Fahy, commander, U.S.
Transportation Command,
echoed the positions of­
fered by Secretary Mineta
and commented on the eco­
nomic impact which the
U.S. Merchant Marine has
had on our country.

"This is a maritime
country, a nation built on
the sea," he said. "From our
very first president George
Washington through Tho­
mas Jefferson and Ben­
jamin Franklin, and then
through the days of past
presidents and sitting presi­
dents ... we all recognized
that there is a need for a
strong merchant marine to
keep this nation so great."

Without a strong mer­
chant marine, the admiral
said, America is no longer a
maritime nation, but simply
an island. "And we simply
cannot afford to lose the
leadership of the world by

isolating ourselves that
way. So we must have a
strong merchant marine;
it's important to all of us."

He added, "The incredi­
ble ability for this country
to put goods at sea cannot
be diminished. It's those
U.S. citizens, the patriots
that answer the call, that
make this country great.
And we must, from our
perspective at Transporta­
tion Command, continue to
keep that U.S shipping as
strong as possible.

"It is crucial to us in all
of our plans that when we
go to war, we must have
U.S. access guaranteed­
and the only way to keep
that open to us is through
U.S.-flag shipping and U.S.
citizen crews sailing across
the ocean for us," Fahy
concluded.

Larry O'Toole, presi­
dent of the Marine Engi­
neers' Beneficial Associa­
tion, gave further testament

Continued on page 5

'National Marlttlft:,.Di!.~001
By the President of the United States of ~<:a: . ·

A Proclamation

Throughout our history, America's economic prosperity has been closely tied to its maritime geography. From indige~
nous peoples navigating our majestic rivers to colonists settling along the New World's eastern shores, natives and immi~
grants alike have relied on the sea and our bountiful inland waterways for commerce and security.

In colonial days and in the t 91n century, America's maritime industri€S facilitated the exchange of goods and the
migration of pioneers. During World War 11, some 6,000 American seafarers and more than 700 U.S. merchant ships
fell to enemy action, many in the infamous Run toMurmansk. No branch of our Armed Forces, save the Marine Corps,
suffered a higher casualty rate. Today, our Merchant Marine continues this proud tradition.

As recently as the Persian Gulf War and during humanitarian and milltazy operations since, a unique partnership of
government, fndUStry and labor has continued its vital maritime service to our nation. Many cMfian merchant mariners
crew the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force, which is obseniing its 25111 anniversary.

Today, the U.S. maritime fleet has decreased In the number of vessels In the international trades, but it transportS
goods more efficiently and economlcafly than ever before. These U.S. ships deliver a billion tons of imports and exports
each year in our foreign trade and another billion tons of waterborne domestic trade. Many merchant seafarers are
trained at outstanding institutions such as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Pont, New York, the six state
maritime academies, and several union and industry training facilities.

To help ensure continued competitiveness, we must tailor our maritime policy to the challenges of the 2 tn century.
America's Marine Transportation System will help detennine our long-term economic health and improve our ability to
respond quickly and effectively in crisis. Within the next two decades, cargo will double. Accordingly, my Administration
is working with government agencies, the maritime industry, shippers, labor unions and environmental groups to ensure
that our waterways continue to serve as a sound transportation option in the face of ever-growing congestion on high­
ways and rail lines.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May
20, 1933, h.as designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested that the
president issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

Now; therefore, I, GeoJJe W. Bum, president of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me
by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 200 l, as National Maritime Day. I calf
upon the people of the United St.ates to celebrate this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their
homes and in their communities. I afso request that all ships sailing under the American flag dres.s ship on that day.

In wft.nes.s whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty~fifth.

George w. Bush

June2DIJ1



SIU Crews Up Liberty G ory

SAFETY Fl RST: Crew members
The bulker Liberty Glory signifies new job opportunities for SIU mem- and officers set the right tone with
bers. a shipboard safety drill.

The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs with
the crewing of the Liberty Glory, a bulk carrier operated
by Liberty Maritime Corp.

mid-April, the Liberty Glory is 623 feet long, with a 105-
foot beam. It is listed at 50,601 MT and can travel at 15.3
knots. The ship is equipped with four cranes.

Wayman Sellers, John Pahner and Scott Grider, QMED Warren

Wright, GUDEs Melvin RatclitJ and AbdouDa Amoudi,

Steward/Baker Michael Baker, Ollef Cook Cail Husted and GSU
N~ Htmian. The SIU crews five other Liberty Maritime

ships. Liberty Maritime Corp. is based in Lake Success, N.Y.

The U.S.-flag vessel was built in Oshima, Japan. A sis­
ter ship, also crewed by Seafarers, is expected later this
summer, possibly as soon as next month. Delivered in

SIU members sailing on the vessel's maiden voyage-haul­
ing grain from New Orleans to Haifa, Israel-were Bosun
Francisco Munoz, ABs Alex Relojo, George Holland,

Maritime Day
Continued from page 4

to the U.S. Merchant Marine's
role in national security and its
impact on our economy.

"From the first shot of the
Revolutionary War to the strug­
gles against tyranny in World War
II to restoring of Kuwait
Independence, the merchant
marine answered our nation's call
during times of crises by stead­
fastly delivering troops and
equipment to foreign lands,"
O'Toole said.

Although many merchant
mariners tragically paid the ulti­
mate price, their deaths were not
in vain, he said. "Together with
our allied forces, they won world
peace, American security and the
defeat of fascism .... The contri­
butions of the U.S. Merchant
Marine to national defense during
wartime justifies its existence,"
O'Toole continued. "Indeed, it

SIU members AB Brian Gillins (left photo) and OS Sandra Hines repre­
sented the unlicensed crew of the USNS Indomitable during the MSC
ceremony.

Maritime College Honors 3

June2001

demands safeguarding its vitality
during peacetime."

Chuck Raymond, president
and CEO, CSX Lines, and chair
of the Marine Transportation
System National Advisory
Council, was the MarAd service's
final speaker. He dubbed our
seagoing forefathers as "ordinary
mariners who performed extraor­
dinary actions for their country."

Recalling the merchant marine
in World War II, Raymond cited a
quote from President Franklin
Roosevelt: "Mariners delivered
the goods when and where need­
ed in every theater of operations
and across every ocean in the
biggest, the most difficult and the
most dangerous job ever under­
taken."

The CSX Lines president said
that through events like the
memorial service, citizens across
the country have begun to under­
stand the importance of the mer­
chant seamen's story. After not­
ing that President Bush's procla­
mation mentions the importance
of today's U.S. Merchant Marine
to our economy and to our
national security, Raymond
offered, "Our economic welfare
depends on their [merchant
mariners ' ] ability to move goods
and passengers. But never forget
this: The security of our country
is strengthened by a robust, well­
trained and totally committed
U.S. Merchant Marine. We are
the military's fourth arm of
defense."

MarHlme Day Memorial
Luncheon

Secretary of Transportation

SIU President Michael Sacco
(right) was one of three hon­
orees at a scholarship bene­
fit dinner conducted March
31 in New York by the
Maritime College at Fort
Schuyler Foundation Inc.
The foundation recognized
Sacco for the SIU's efforts in
maritime education. The
organization also honored
Alfred ''Ted" Ruhly (left),
retired chairman of Maersk,
and Commodore Leroy
Alexanderson.

SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right) and former U.S.
Maritime Administrator Al Herberger (far right) were among many peo­
ple attending MarAd's memorial (top photo) as well as the MSC cere­
mony (below).

Mineta also served as keynote
speaker during the Maritime Day
Memorial Luncheon at the Port
of Washington Propeller Club.

Reflecting on the nation's his­
tory of water transportation, the
secretary focused on how much
we continue to depend on marine
transportation today. He said he
could spend hours talking about
the national defense role of water
transportation, but he did not
want to minimize its contribu­
tions to peace and prosperity.

"Let us all remember that in
order for us to continue to rely on
our civilian mariners in a crisis,
we must ensure that they have
good jobs in peacetime," he said.

"We have been a maritime
nation for more than 200 years,"
he added. "Still today, 95 percent
of our overseas trade moves on
the water. In this increasingly
global economy, the vast majori­
ty of what we sell abroad and
what we import moves in ships."

MSC Ceremony
MSC sponsored a National

Maritime Day memorial service
in the Sail Loft at the Washington
Navy Yard.

Retired Navy Capt. Thomas J.
Hudner, a Korean War Medal of
Honor recipient, was the guest
speaker for the event

He, too, spoke of the U.S.
Merchant Marine's contributions
to national security. Capt. Hudner
detailed the merchant marine's
involvement in the Korean War­
specifically the evacuation of
Hungnam, Korea, in late 1950.
China intervened in the Korean
War in 1950 and pushed South
Korean troops, United Nations
(UN) forces and refugees out of
the north to the ports ofHungnam
and Wonsan. Saving the troops
and refugees from encirclement
by the enemy, 193 merchant ships
evacuated 105,000 UN troops,
91,000 refugees, 350,000 metric
tons of cargo and 17,500 vehicles
to the port of Pusan.

The commander of MSC, Vice
Adm. Gordon S. Holder, added,
"As this nation began more than
225 years ago, it was her mer­
chant mariners who led the way,
capturing the first British vessel
in our War of Independence.
Merchant mariners have been
part of this nation's security and
prosperity ever since."

Seafarers L06 5



Union Labels Surface in Los Angeles

The skills and ser­
vices of union mem­
bers from throughout

the United States and
its territories took cen­

ter stage April 27-30
in Los Angeles during

the 2001 AFL-CIO
Union Industries

Show. The SIU-affiliat­
ed United Industrial

Workers (UIW) oper­
ated a booth featuring
numerous product dis­

plays (right) which
attracted thousands of

visitors (below right).
Ray Crowell/Page One

UIW National Director Steve Edney (left) and recently retired UIW
VP Great Lakes Bill Dobbins (right) discuss the top quality of union­
made products with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka.

Busily working the UIW booth are (from left) UIW VP Atlantic Region John Spadaro, UIW Asst. VP
West Coast Nick Rios and UIW National Director Steve Edney.

ITF Secures Back Pay
For Runaway-Flag Crew

Mariners on the Joywave endured a shortage of stores and slave-like
living conditions, according to ITF inspectors.

Continued from page 2

als of Cuban, Filipino,
Indonesian, Romanian, Lithu­
anian, Polish and Yugoslavian
descent-<;ontacted the ITF via
email.

Brady and Given successfully
demanded the back wages and
repatriation, for which the crew
understandably and predictably
was grateful.

However, when more crew
members came forward to seek
assistance, "the company had the
Romanian manning agency call
the seamen's wives at home and
threaten them and their children,"
charged Brady. "It just reinforces
the pathetic nature of runaway­
flag shipping."

The SIU is affiliated with the
ITF, a London-based federation
of 570 unions.

Members of the housekeeping department, having received their back
pay, are ready for repatriation.

6 Seafarers LOS

Flag Day in St. Louis

The SS Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and the Navy Armed Guard Veterans
recently donated a U.S. Merchant Marine flag (center) to the SIU's St. Louis hall, which hosts the group's
monthly meetings. The flag stand was a gift from the chapter's late founder, Frank Kodelja, by his broth­
er Walter. Chapter members said the flag is intended to thank the SIU for providing them with a safe,
hospitable meeting place. Pictured at the hall are (from left) Samuel Parker Chapter members Walter
Kodelja, Ed Dierkes and Jack Groth, SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper, chapter member John
Ludwig and SIU Bosun Tom Casey.

U.S. Army Reverses Call on Chinese-Made Berets
The U.S. Army has reversed its earlier decision

that had allowed soldiers to wear Chinese-manufac­
tured black berets. The Pentagon last month
announced the change amid a mounting wave of
criticism and intense pressure from Congress.

"The Army Chief of Staff has determined that
U.S. troops shall not wear berets made in China or
berets made with Chinese content," Deputy Defense
Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said May 1. "Therefore, I
direct the Army and the Defense Logistics Agency
to take appropriate action to recall previously dis­
tributed berets and dispose of the stock."

At issue were some 600,000 Chinese-made
berets for which the Pentagon had contracted. About
half had been delivered and many issued to soldiers.
The recall is the latest in a series of snags the Army
has faced as a result of its contentious plan to outfit
all of it members with black berets by June 14, the
U.S. Army's 226th birthday.

As detailed earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the
Pentagon reportedly evaded a long-standing "buy
American" law when it ordered more than one mil­
lion of the berets from China and other Third World

countries. The berets were being obtained under a
contract with a British firm that was manufacturing
them in China.

The House Committee on Small Business on
April 5 ordered. the Defense Logistics Agency
(DLA) to suspend the contracts, pending comple­
tion of congressional investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has canceled contracts
with three other companies for more than 1.5 mil­
lion foreign-made black berets. News reports say
the DLA attributes the cancelations to late deliveries
and substandard workmanship. These berets were
being manufactured in Romania, South Africa and
India.

In another related development, Sen. Christopher
S. Bond (R-Mo.) · announced he had secured a
promise from the Pentagon that all future beret
replacements will be made in the U.S. The agree­
ment reportedly was reached during a meeting
between staffers on the Senate Small Business
Committee, which Sen. Bonds heads, and two
senior officials.

June2D01



12 Bosuns Earn Recertification
The SIU's newest recertified

bosuns, speaking at the May
membership meeting in Piney
Point, Md., offered insightful
comments about the union and
the Paul Hal] Center for Maritime
Training and Education.

Graduating · at the school May
7 were Mathew Bevak, Kenneth
Boone, Jose Caballero, Wayne
Casey, Gary Dates, Randal
Evans Jr., Charles Foley,
Stephen Herring, Michael
Moore, John O'Connell, Her­
man Reynolds and Daniel
Seagle. They completed the four­
week class considered the top
curriculum available for deck
department Seafarers.

In addition to their remarks on
various aspects of the training
center and the SIU, most of the
bosuns also encouraged the unli­
censed apprentices in the audi­
ence.

Bevak, who sails from the port
of Wilmington, Calif., said the
apprentices "have an opportunity
to be part of a union that not only
will help you work, but also edu­
cate you. Don't pass up this gold­
en opportunity."

Boone, from the port of
Norfolk, Va., thanked SIU offi­
cials "for your leadership and for
keeping us working, and keeping
the U.S. flag flying on ships."

Himself a graduate of the
entry program at Piney Point,
Boone urged the apprentices to
"take pride in your work, because
every job on a ship is important.
Be willing to learn and willing to
listen."

Caballero, whose home port is
New York, recalled joining the
SIU in 1979 and first sailing as a
saloon messman. "Since then,
I've been around the world three
times," he said. ''To the unli-

The union's newest recertified bosuns are congratulated by SIU officials following last month's membership
meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right are SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Charles Foley,
Wayne Casey, Stephen Herring, John O'Connell, Herman Reynolds, Gary Dates, Michael Moore, SIU \(P
Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU President Michael Sacco, Randy Evans, Jose Caballero, Kenneth Boone, Darnel
Seagle, Mathew Bevak, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, and SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker.

censed apprentices, work hard
and keep coming back to the
school. It pays off."

Casey, from the port of
Tacoma, Wash., noted that he
joined the union in 1969 and
sailed for six years before leaving
the industry. He came back 10
years ago, and his experience at
sea and ashore prompted him to
tell the apprentices, "You have a
beautiful opportunity here and a
lot of money to make."

Dates, who sails from the port
of Houston, said he is encouraged
by the progress he sees within the
SIU and at the school. "We're
constantly moving forward, and
our officials always look beyond
the horizon," he stated. "This is
my fourth time at Piney Point,
and every time I return, there's a
new and major improvement.

"Joining the SIU is the best
move I ever made," he added.
"We are a family and we're on the

right course. Let's continue and
grow together."

Evans, also from the port of
Houston, said he benefited from
the bosuns' trips to SIU head­
quarters in Camp Springs, Md.
and to the AFL-CIO Maritime
Trades Department in Washing­
ton, D.C., in addition to their
interaction with school personnel.
"This visit has helped me see the
big picture," he observed.
"Speaking with the heads of the
different parts of the school and
officials in Camp Springs has
helped me answer many, many
questions about where we as a
union are going in the
future-and the future is bright."

He also described the Paul
Hall Center as "the Harvard of
U.S. Merchant Marine training
facilities."

Foley, the third and final class
member who sails from Houston,
stated that during his 25-year
maritime career, "I've seen the
good times and bad times in the
industry, and the one constant has
been the support of the SIU to its
membership. Our union always
seems one step ahead of its com­
petition."

Herring, whose home port is
Jacksonville, Fla., encouraged his
fellow Seafarers to upgrade "at
every opportunity, to maintain the

high standards that are required
today. The school is vital!"

Moore, from the port of
Philadelphia, said he enjoyed
conferring with his classmates
"because it's helpful to learn how
they've handled similar situations
(aboard ship)." He said he also
gained confidence by learning
about the union's wide-ranging

cealed in a short-sleeve shirt," he
laughs.

Members of the recertification class join unlicensed apprentices for a
lesson aboard the training vessel Osprey.

SIU Gets Under
Bosun's Skin,
In a Good Way

Randy Evans picked an inter­
esting way to celebrate becoming
a recertified bosun.

Evans said the tattoos don't
hurt, "but they're more costly all
the time .... They're my own per­
sonal picture album."

Turning serious, he said the
SIU helped him find direction. "I
joined the union at a very tragic
and confusing part of my life. I
was given the opportunity to tum
my life around. Through hard
work, I learned my job and the
skills it takes to do it well. If you
take pride in your job, you'll feel
pride in yourself, and the rest will
follow."

June 2IJIJ1

A 13-year member of the SIU,
Evans commemorated the class
with a tattoo on his left arm­
crossed anchors with "SIU 2001"
between them.

"When I first sailed in the
Navy, all the bosuns' mates had
[crossed-anchor tattoos]," Evans
noted. "To me, each tattoo tells a
story."

Evans said that participating in
the recertification program some­
how made his SIU career "feel
official," and that's what inspired
him to get the tattoo.

Not that he hasn't answered
similar urges-he has 11 other
tattoos. "But they can all be con-

activities to promote Seafarers
and the U.S.-flag fleet.

A seven-time upgrader, Moore
added, "I've gotten everything I
need to be the best Seafarer right
here at the school.

O'Connell, who sails from the
port of New Bedford, succinctly
advised the apprentices to "take
pride in your work, take advan­
tage of our school, and treat your
shipmates as you would your­
self."

Reynolds, from the port of
New York, thanked the union's
officials for their efforts and said
he is "proud to be an SIU mem­
ber. I've learned a lot here.

"To the apprentices," he con­
tinued, "pay attention to what
people tell you, because they're
trying to help."

Seagle, who sails from the port
of Tacoma, reminded his fellow
SIU members to utilize the Paul
Hall Center to comply with the
amended STCW convention.
"I've really learned a lot here."

The course blended hands-on
training with classroom instruc­
tion, along with meetings with
representatives from various
departments of the SIU. The
bosuns covered topics such as
wire-splicing, navigation, dam­
age control, forklift handling,
Hagglund crane operations, fire
fighting, first aid and CPR, and
many others.

Bosun Randy
Evans won't have
trouble remem­
bering the year
he completed
recertification,
thanks to the
reminder on his
left arm.

Seafarers LOB 7



Paul Hall Center Aces Coast Guard Audit
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and

Education, located in Piney Point, Md., has posted
yet another discrepancy-free inspection of it mar­
itime education program. The latest increment came
March 15, following an announced oversight audit
by a team from the U.S. Coast Guard Regional
Examination Center (REC) in Baltimore.

During the audit, REC team members conducted
a thorough examination the school's maritime train­
ing programs to ensure that all U.S. Coast Guard­
approved courses are taught in accordance with reg­
ulations set forth in Navigation & Vessel Inspection
Circular 5-95. Ultimately, their goal was to ensure
mariners attending the school are receiving training
and assessments as defined in the approved curricu­
lum.

Following methodologies described in the U.S.
Coast Guard Marine Safety Manual, members of the
three-person team examined and scrutinized the
Paul Hall Center's:

• record keeping and database management
system,

• category 1 classes in session,
• instructor credentials, presentation skills and

curriculum,
• course examinations and grade books,
• student enrollment,
• master issue certificate list,
• training record book data, and

New Commander Tours Piney Point

• applications and admission processes.
No irregularities were found. U.S. Coast Guard

Petty Officer Brian A. Grim, a well-schooled and
highly experienced inspector who served as team
leader during the audit, broke the good news in a let­
ter to William D. Eglinton, Paul Hall Center training
director.

In part, that correspondence read: "It is notewor­
thy that there were no discrepancie found during
the audit of your courses. The courses you are
instructing are within standards .... The Coast Guard
appreciates the efforts you have taken in the field of
marine training and extends its wishes for the con­
tinued succes of the training programs offered by
your school."

J.C. Wiegman, the school's assistant training
director, accompanied the inspection team during
their visit. Understandably, he was elated with the
oversight audit's outcome and gave the team high
marks on its thoroughness.

"We have a long-standing working relationship
with the REC in Baltimore," Wiegman offered.
''Their inspectors are always direct and extremely
thorough in their approach.

"They appeared to be very comfortable with our
openness during their audit; they saw and examined
everything they wanted to," he continued. "But
more importantly, they were confident that we were
doing everything properly. They were happy for us
that everything here at the school was in place."

Capt. Roger Peebles, second from right in left photo, the new U.S. Coast Guard area commander for
the port of Baltimore, visited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education May 10 for a brief­
ing and tour. Accompanying the captain during his first ever visit to the school was John Cassidy, direc­
tor, U.S. Coast Guard Regional Evaluation Center, Baltimore, right. Both listen to a briefing being given
in the school's simulator building by Bill Eglinton, director of training (left) and Eric Malzkuhn, vocation­
al instructor. In right photo, Captain Peebles and Cassidy witness a simulator demonstration.

Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation

B Seafarers LOG

Basic and advanced fire fighting are two of the dozens of U.S. Coast
Guard-approved courses available at the Paul Hall Center.

Congressman Visits Paul Hall Center

Congressman Robert Underwood (D-Guam) recently visited the
Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. While at the school,
Congressman Underwood, fourth from right in back row, met with
students from Guam who are undergoing training. Students
shown with the congressman, in no particular order, are Johathan
Babauta, Christopher Borja, Vicente Magbanua Jr., Mack Pedro,
Alfred Wooten IV, Duane Wusstig, Herbert Pohl, Dominque
Tarantino, Samuel Lloyd, Jesse Toves, Chris Marquez, Uverna
Johnson, Denny Manns and Melissa Leon Guerrero. Also pic­
tured, back row left, are George Gibson, the center's assistant
training commandant, and Legislative Assistant Mark Smith. Paul
Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan, back row right, also joined
in for the photo.

Over Our Heads

Improvements continue at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. New roofs are
being installed on nearly every structure throughout the 65-acre
campus, including the Paul Hall Memorial Library, pictured here.

June2001



SHIP Scholarship Program
Awards $132,000 to Eight
College-Bound Students

W hen the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship program was introduced
in 1953, it was considered one of the most flprogressive and forward~Iooking'1 '
measures to be adopted by any trade union. At that time, four full college

scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each were awarded to children of Seafarers or
to Seafarers not over 35 years of age who qualified in competitive examinations.

Today-48 years later-a panel of educators making up the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan's scholarship committee has selected eight recipients for the annual
awards. The monetary amounts given this year to three Seafarers and five dependents
of SIU members total $ 13 2,000.

On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the
eight colfege-bound students.

Seafarers
Jeffrey Allan Lagana, 23, was

awarded a four-year scholar­
ship in the amount of $20,000.
The deep sea member looks for­
ward to earning a degree in envi­
ronmental science and policy at
the University of Maryland, with
the aim of helping to "preserve
and improve the condition of our
environment so that future gener­
ations may experience living in
cleaner, safer surroundings."

Jeffrey Allan Lagana

Following his 1995 graduation
from St. Mary's Ryken High
School in Leonardtown, Md.,
Lagana, who was a successful
stu ent, had his sights set on col­
lege. He was accepted into the
schools of his choice, but out-of­
state tuitions were too high, and
he decided to enroll at the
University of Maryland as an
engineering major. After three
semesters, he realized he did not
wish to pursue engineering but
wasn't sure exactly what he want­
ed except to get away on his own
and experience life as an adult.

So it was that in January 1997,
at age 19, Lagana found himself
at the Paul Hall Center in the first
class in the new unlicensed
apprentice program. His leader­
ship qualities were evident, as he
was selected to be the chief bosun
for Class 561. His first voyage
during his training was aboard the
Sea-Land Hawaii, and he has
been an active union member
ever since, enjoying the chance to
"see and experience a vast num­
ber of places and people that
many never have the opportunity
to do in a lifetime." He most
recently sailed aboard the Maersk
Tennessee.

Lagana has returned to the
school a number of times to
upgrade his skills. As one of the
first students from the unlicensed
apprentice program to complete
the Able Seaman course, he also
received three college credits for
successfully completing all the
requirements for English 102:
Composition and Literature, and
later became the first Seafarer to
earn his Nautical Science Tech­
nology Certificate at the school.

Lagana has, on a number of
occasions, volunteered to speak
to the unlicensed apprentices'
social responsibilities classes
about his experiences since
becoming an SIU member and is
truly a model of what a student

June2001

can achieve through the resources
offered by the union.

Now back at the University of
Maryland (with a 4.0 GPA) and
majoring in environmental sci­
ence, Lagana hopes, with the help
of this scholarship award, to com­
plete his bachelor's degree and
continue toward graduate studies
while still fulfilling his responsi­
bilities at sea. He is, he noted in
his scholarship application, "one
step closer to achieving my goal
of making the world a better
place to live."

types of vessels, eventually
reaching his goal of becoming a
chief steward in 1992.

Following a series of events,
including the death of his father
and moving to Phoenix, Ariz.,
Burchette retired his book and
pursued a career in the fitness
field as a personal trainer and
health foods store owner.
Eventually, the store closed, but
he became interested in the com­
puter field and started taking
classes for certification.

application form.
Burchette, 32, has since

moved to Columbia, S.C. and real­
izes how much the union has
helped him and allowed him to
experience. "There is no other
way that I would have ever

Army Joe Leake

Brian Burchette and Army
Joe Leake are the two

Seafarers selected to received the
$6,000 scholarships to attend a
two-year course of study. Both
sail deep sea.

But after a move back to
Hawaii and then to Bremerton,
Wash., Burchette retrieved his
union book out of retirement and
set his goals once more. His first
job back was as a steward assis­
tant on the Overseas Boston in
1998. "I was back sailing. I loved
it," he wrote on his scholarship

·become the individual I am today
without the union. I love to sail. I
love to travel. But I also know there
comes a time when new avenues
must be approached." And with
that, Burchette, who most recent­
ly sailed aboard the !TB Groton,
hopes to continue his computer
studies at Midland Technical In­
stitute or the University of South
Carolina, both in Columbia, or at
Tacoma Community College in
Tacoma, Wash.

"I've had the opportunity to visit
every continent in the world, with
the exception of South America,
and I will get there soon."

Leake, 29, began his pursuit to
work in the maritime industry in
1994 when he joined the National
Maritime Union. But after a lack
of job opportunities, he enrolled
in a seamanship program cospon­
sored by the NMU and the Inland
Boatman's Union of the Pacific,
graduating with the endorsements
of AB and QMED. Still unable to
find work, he joined the sru in
July 1997 and "one week later I
was finally working in the indus­
try that I had wanted to be a part
of for three years."

Being a member of the SIU
has allowed him to become finan­
cially independent and support a
family. And "the education that I
receive each and every time I sail
is priceless." He most recently
worked aboard Natco's Dodge
Island.

Leake, who wasn't the best stu­
dent in high school, has since
learned the importance of an edu­
cation and now dreams of attend­
ing college and receiving a degree.

After graduating from high
school in Spokane, Wash. in
1985, Burchette moved back to
Hawaii to live with his father.
While working at a hotel banquet
facility there, he found out about
the American Hawaii cruise ships
and fulfilled the necessary steps
to join the Sill. After two years
aboard the cruise ships- starting
out as an assistant waiter and
working his way up to captain's
waiter- he sought new chal­
lenges and opportunities within
the union. He attended upgrading
classes at the Paul Hall Center
and began sailing on different

Brian Burchette

The past four years as a
Seafarer have been "the best four
years of my life," he noted on his
scholarship application form.

With his award, he hopes to
major in business management at
Tidewater Community College,
Old Dominion University, or
Hampton University, all in south­
ern Virginia.

Dependents

B om in a small village in
Yemen in 1981, Hail

Said Abdullah came to the
United States at the age of
14 with a dream of getting a
good education. He worked
hard and graduated from
F ordson High in Dearborn,
Mich. in 2000 with many
academic honors. He has
begun his studies at Henry
Ford Community College in
Dearborn and plans to
transfer to Wayne State
University in Detroit, with
the hopes of becoming a
pharmacist.

In addition to keeping
up his high grades in col­
lege, Abdullah continues
to work at a retirement
home.

He notes that the
$20,000 scholarship will
help him achieve his educa­
tional goals and also contin­
ue to serve his community.

Abdullah's father is
Great Lakes member Said
Ahmed Abdullah, who
joined the union in 1990.

K yla Robb DonLevy
graduated last month

from East Bay High School
in Gibsonton, Fla. She was
fourth in her class of 320
students.

The 17-year-old would
like to pursue a bachelor's
degree in secondary educa­
tion, specializing in physi­
cal education and health.
She already has been ac­
cepted to both the Uni­
versity of South Florida and
the University of Central
Florida.

Ever since she was a lit­
tle girl, DonLevy has had a
dream to become a teacher
and, possibly, a girls' bas­
ketball coach. She wants to
have a positive influence on
her students' lives and
encourage them to achieve
their highest goals. She also
would like to give back to
the "wonderful community"
in which she has grown up.

Her father, Richard
William Don Levy, has
been an SIU member for
nearly 30 years in the
inland division.

Kyla Robb DonLevy

Alan Sun

Graduating this month
from Greenfield High

School in Greenfield, Calif.
with a 4.109 GPA, Alan
Sun believes his "reason to
be on this planet is to do
well in everything that I
commit myself to."

Determination, respon­
sibility and devotion are the
three qualities he feels will .
help him be successful in
the future, especially as he
aspires to study biology and
eventually become a veteri­
narian.

Sun, 17, has participated
in track and field events
during his high school
career, been the editor of
the school newspaper and
belonged to the art club and
the physics club, among
other school activities. He
also interns in a veterinari­
an's clinic.

He has applied to the
University of California.

Sun's father, Steven
Sun, has been a member of
the union since 1967. He
presently works as a chief
cook aboard the President
Polk.

Alexander L. Talarico
completed his course

of study at Catalina High
Magnet School in Tucson,
Ariz. last month, graduat­
ing in the top I 0 percent
of his class.

He was on the honor
roll and took honors and
advanced placement cours­
es to better prepare himself
for his future career in
business and computer sci­
ence. He already has been
accepted to the University
of Arizona in Tucson.

Born and raised in
Buenos Aires, Argentina,
Talarico, now 18, moved
to the United States in
1995. His bilingual skills
have been very useful dur­
ing his internship at a
company that develops
computer software, and he
hopes to continue using
them.

His father, Louis
James Talarico, sailed in
the deep sea division since
1961. He retired in 1997.

Alexander L. Talarico

Demi Lynn Vorise

Demi Lynn Vorise, 19,
graduated last year

from North Iberville High
School in Rosedale, La.,
and is currently attending
Jacksonville University,
where she is majoring in
English. Her dream is to
become a lawyer.

Vorise's vision for the
future is one in which she
can protect those who
have been treated unfairly
- "to make opportunities
available to the unfortu­
nate people living in this
world" and "to make this
world a better place for
all."

While an honor student
in high school, Vorise was
an active member of the
tutoring program in addi­
tion to other extracurricu­
lar activities. She graduat­
ed second in her class and
was elected salutatorian.

Her father, George
Vorise Jr., has been a
deep sea member since
1969. He sails in the stew­
ard department.

Seafarers LOG 9



pq,e May Light Begins Coastal Cruises
Following the ceremonial dedication of

the Cape May Light in April, the SIU­
crewed coastal vessel embarked on its
inaugural cruise along the U.S. eastern
seaboard. Other voyages will showcase the
beauty, heritage and character of the Great
Lakes and the Canadian Maritime
provinces. And during the winter months,

the itinerary will include cruising the coast­
lines of Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras,

Mexico and Panama.
The 224-passenger Cape May Light and its

sister ship, the Cape Cod Light (expected to enter
service in August) were inspired by the historic Fall

River Line vessels, which served overnight passengers
on northeastern U.S. coastal routes for nearly a century

beginning in the mid- l 800s. They are named after historic lighthouses and are the first
two ships in the new Delta Queen Coastal Voyages fleet. The company, a subsidiary of
SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages, plans three more additions to its coastal fleet
during the next few years.

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao christened the vessel April 25 in Alexandria, Va. at a
pier within sight of the nation's capital. Also in attendance, SIU President Michael Sacco stated that
the union will continue to do everything possible to support companies like American Classic
Voyages and to make sure that such ceremonies become the rule rather than the exception.

Briefly pausing from the intense last-minute preparations for the first cruise, galley personnel on
the Cape May Light include (in alphabetical order) 1st Cook Tyrone Bailey, 1st Cook Charles Blue,
2nd Cook/OS Kellie Clark, Exec. Sous Chef Giles Kingsley, 1st Cook/OS Johnny Scott, Director
of Food Operations Paul Smith, 1st Cook/OS Olive Stewart, Exec. Chef Mark Vannasdell and Food
and Beverage Controller Mark Wertanen. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao (left) talks with SIU President Michael Sacco

(right) and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay before christen­
ing the new SIU-crewed coastal vessel Cape May Light.

10 Seafarers LOS

,\.J ... JI-! e, '\

~- !1::i, " ·

CAPE MAY LIGHT
~

Mississippi Queen Celebrates 25th Birthday
Back in 197 6, when the

United States was celebrating its
200th birthday, the SIU-crewed
Mississippi Queen was just being
launched. It was the biggest
steamboat ever built.

Today, while no longer the
largest steam-powered paddle­
wheeler, The Delta Queen
Steamboat Co. 's Mississippi
Queen may be the most famous,
having carried nearly half-a-mil­
lion passengers on river cruise
vacations through the nation's
Heartland and South.

Birthday celebrations took
place April 11 as calliope music
filled the air, steamboat whistles
sounded and hundreds of colorful
balloons were released from the
vessel's deck.

The paddlewheeler was de­
signed by James Gardner (who
also designed Cunard's Queen
Elizabeth 2). Built at a cost of
$27 million at one of America's
most famous shipyards, Jeflboat,
Inc., the vessel continues to
appear as it did back then but
with all the amenities of today's

Now 25 years old, the SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen continues its
leisurely cruises along the Mississippi River, using a 70-ton paddle­
wheel for propulsion.

traveler, including a bathing pool,
exercise room, beauty salon,
movie theater and elevators

Despite the fact that the
Mississippi Queen is 382 feet
long, 68 feet wide and weighs
3,364 tons, it floats in only 9 feet
of water. It can accommodate 416
passengers in 208 suites and state­
rooms (most of which feature a
view of the river from a private
veranda, large window or port­
hole). And the custom-built cal-

liope (or steam-powered piano) is
the world's largest, featuring 44
gold-plated, solid brass pipes.

The Delta Queen Steamboat
Co., a subsidiary of American
Classic Voyages Co., traces its
roots back to 1890. The company
also operates other SIU-crewed
riverboats: the Delta Queen, a
National Historic Landmark, and
the American Queen, which now
holds the record as the world's
largest steamboat.

June2D01



SS Iberville'• Pre-War Voyage
Recalled by Retiree Stevenson

Editors Note: Much of
humanity was on the verge of
armed conflict in 1941. Germany
and England already were at
war, and the masters of Nazi
Germany reigned over a great
deal of the European continent.
U.S.-flag shipping was in the
doldrums because the 1939
Neutrality Act prohibited
American ships from entering
war zones.

Given these and other consid­
erations-especially the prowess
with which German U-boats
sank their targets-this didn t
seem the best time for young
adventurers to travel the world
on the high seas. Many, however,
did. One was James Stevenson,
who sailed with the SIU during
World War II and later earned
his license. Following is his per­
sonal account of his six-month,
around-the-world voyage aboard
the SS Iberville.

I paid off the Kenmar May
14. After two days on the beach,

my poke was getting mighty
small. I had been on ships
engaged in the coastwise and
intercoastal trade. I wanted to
ship foreign to those far-off
places in China and the Dutch
East Indies.

In April, President Roosevelt
revised some of the restrictions
of the Neutrality Act. He opened
the Red Sea to U.S.-flag ship­
ping because the British 8th Army
fighting the Germans in Libya
was short of supplies and needed
help.

After being present at the
union hall every day for the
shipping call, my luck changed.
On June 6, I got a job as a mess­
man on the SS Iberville bound
for Suez, Egypt and ports
beyond.

When I reported aboard the
Iberville, she was loaded down
to her marks with supplies for
the British 8th Army. She had a
deckload of planes, Ford trucks
and drums of gasoline. We sailed
the following day to Port Tewfik

Crew members from the Iberville are pictured in Singapore on Sept. 24,
1941. From left to right are Frank Medeiros, James Stevenson, Frank
Frye and Jim Deidrick.

(Suez) south across the Atlantic
to Capetown and north over the
Indian Ocean to Aden, Arabia.

On June 22, the radio officer
posted a notice that Germany
had invaded Russia. Russia was
now our ally. On July 26, after a
13,588-mile voyage, we arrived
at Aden. We were met by a
British naval vessel which
escorted us north up the Red Sea
blacked-out to Port Tewfik. We
arrived July 31 and were
assigned to an anchorage. About
50 ships were in the harbor,
among them my first ship, the SS
Kenmar. Also there, off our star­
board bow, lay the burned hulk
of the British troop ship MV
Georgie. It had been bombed in
May by the German Luftwaffe.
Masts of other sunken ships pro­
jected above the waters, the vic­
tims of war.

We were greeted by German
bombers our first night in port. I
heard the planes droning over­
head, then suddenly bombs
screaming down from the sky.
Flashes of fire from anti-aircraft
guns lit up the dark. The great
search lights were probing the
sky to catch a plane in their
beams so the shore batteries
could shoot them down. The fol­
lowing day the deck crew paint­
ed the ship gray, the color of
war.

On Aug. 11 , the Iberville was
struck at the stern by a magnetic
mine that had been dropped from
a plane. She was towed to the
shipyard and repaired and the
remainder of our cargo dis­
charged.

After 19 days in Port Tewfik
and 10 air raids, we were off to
Bombay, India Aug. 19. We
arrived there during the morning
of Aug. 31 to load manganese ore.
Four days later, we sailed to
Belawan Deli, Sumatra for a
cargo of rubber. Our next stop

~~;

~~~·

James R. Stevenson, former SIU member who retired as a merchant
marine officer in 1983, sailed aboard the SS Iberville during its historic
six-month around-the-world voyage in 1941. Stevenson is now a mar­
itime historian with the American Merchant Marine Veterans. He is pic­
tured above with some of his decorations for maritime service in World
War II, Korea and Vietnam.

was Penang, where we loaded
tin. On Sept. 17, we sailed to
Singapore.

There we heard that the U.S.­
flag ship SS Steel Seafarer had
been sunk Sept. 5 by a German
plane in the Red Sea. America
was being drawn into the war.

I saw hundreds of armed
Australian and British troops in
Singapore. Sandbags were
stacked around the pubic build­
ings. A few hundred miles to the
northeast, Japanese troops occu­
pied the French colony of Indo­
China. They had been there since
1940 when the colony came
under the control of the Vichy
government of France.

More rubber was loaded in
Singapore. The Iberville was get­
ting war weary. Her boilers had
suffered damage during the air
raids in Port Tewfik. We depart­
ed for Cebu, P.I., sailing
blacked-out over the South
China Sea. We kept a sharp
lookout for Japanese submarines
which were based in Saigon.
This sea was now their domain.

We arrived in Cebu Oct. 2 to
load chrome ore. Our ship was
now loaded down to her marks
with rubber, tin, chrome and

manganese ore-products not
found in the USA.

We began our long voyage to
New York, about 12,000 miles
away, sailing blacked-out at
night until we reached the
International Date Line. We con­
tinued to Honolulu after 25 days
at sea and several breakdowns
due to boiler trouble.

Everyone was happy to see
land. Lee Van Atta, a reporter
from the Honolulu Advertiser,
came aboard to interview the
crew about their experiences in
Port Tewfik. The next day head­
lines read, "Freighter Here After
Aerial Assault In Suez."

Our fuel tanks were refilled
and food supplies replenished.
On Nov. 1, we sailed for New
York, 6,700 miles away. Our
transit through the Panama Canal
was a marvelous sight, a wonder
of the world, even more so than
the pyramids of Egypt.

The Iberville arrived in New
York Dec. 3, 1941 after a six­
month voyage around the world
with her valuable cargo intact.
Four days later, the Japanese
bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
thrusting our nation into the
greatest sea war in history.

Newest NAFTA Assessment Shows Staggering Job Losses
Stagnant worker incomes, lost job

opportunities, increased insecurity and
rising inequality exist continent-wide in
epidemic proportions thanks to the so­
called North American Free Trade
Agreement.

This is the assessment of NAFTA at
Seven, a new report from the Economic
Policy Institute (EPI) which evaluated the
trade accord on its seventh anniversary
(NAFTA took effect Jan. 1, 1994). The
report represents the combined assess­
ment of a trio of economic analysts who
hail from the United States, Mexico and
Canada.

As advocates push for extending free
trade to the remainder of the hemisphere
through a so-called Free Trade Area of the
Americas agreement, the report warns that
other countries are susceptible to the ill
effects already experienced by NAFTA
countries.

In the United States, NAFTA eliminat­
ed more than 766,000 job opportunities
between 1994 and 2000, as the trade
deficit between the U.S. and its northern
and southern neighbors ballooned,
according to U.S. author Robert Scott.
Scott is an economist with the EPI.

All 50 states and the District of
Columbia have experienced a net loss of
jobs under NAFTA. Exports from every
state have been offset by faster-rising
imports. Net job loss figures range from a

June2001

low of 395 in Alaska to a high of 82,354
in California. Other hard-hit states include
Michigan, New York, Texas, Ohio,
Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina,
Indiana, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia,
each with more than 20,000 jobs lost.

These states all have high concentra­
tions of industries (such as motor vehi­
cles, textiles and apparel, computers, and
electrical appliances) where a large num­
ber of plants have moved to Mexico.

While job losses in most states are
modest relative to the size of the econo­
my, it is important to remember that the
promise of new jobs was the principal jus­
tification for NAFTA, Scott says.
According to its promoters, the new jobs
would compensate for the increased envi­
ronmental degradation, economic insta­
bility, and public health dangers that
NAFTA brings. If NAFTA does not deliv­
er net new jobs, it can't provide enough
benefits to offset the costs it imposes on
the American public.

The loss of these real and potential jobs
is just the most visible tip of NAFTA's
impact on the U.S. economy, Scott says.
NAFTA, in his estimation, also has con­
tributed to rising income inequality, sup­
pressed real wages for production work­
ers, weakened collective bargaining pow­
ers and ability to organize unions, and
reduced fringe benefits.

Mexican author Carlos Salas says large

NAFTA-related. lob •GUU since 19$3

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,' I

U niled Statfls
~ numLm ~I iM lc:.i&t

• 27.8CI) II> 8~ .~ (I~>

788-,030 U.S. Joba Ion
• f3.2CO 10 27 .6t'i0 ~1 :1;
• 3,100 w tS,2tn i")
Ill .2,Q(() lu $!, ! ~ (1 C.)
LJ $00 Iv · 2.JIOO (1 '?

trade surpluses with the United States
have not been enough to overcome even
larger trade deficits with the rest of the
world in his country. Wages and incomes
in Mexico, according to Salas, fell
between 1994 and 1998. And with
NAFTA, inequality has grown and job
quality has deteriorated for most workers.
Salas is an economist at the Colegio de
Mexico.

In Canada, exports to the U.S. now
account for 40 percent of gross domestic
product, reports Canadian author Bruce
Campbell. Still, he says, overall growth
during the 1990s was worse than in any
other decade since the 1930s. Further, he
notes that productivity growth has not led
to growth in wages. Campbell is director
of the Canadian Center for Policy
Alternatives.

Seafarers LOii 11



The fast sealift ship USNS Altair is operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA).

Chinook helicopters
are kept under wraps.
A loader is at lower
right.

12 Seafarers LOS

eac
Altair's Sealift Ex
Merchant Marine
The SIU-crewed USNS Altair recently demonstrated the proficiencies requ

that the U.S. Merchant Marine remains ready, will- operations.
ing and able to deliver the goods for America's "Breakout" drills ha

armed forces. testing the machinery
As part of a larger exercise known as Lightning Force, which typically are

the Altair transported 3,800 tons of U.S. Army equipment (ROS). The ROS ship
(belonging to the 25th Infantry Division) from Pearl from a few days to a.fe
Harbor to Beaumont, Texas. The load amounted to 948 4 - ~ D~ing the ,Alt.am~::r
pieces of cargo, including four Chinook helicopters, 16 New Orleans on Marc
Kiowa Warrior Reconnaissance helicopters, 24 Black- April 9. For the next
hawk helicopters, 100 "Humvees," plus troop transports, loaded non-stop onto t
fuel trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, trailers, ammu- The Altair then dep
nition carriers and more. carrying not only milit

Just as soldiers hone their skills via training and repeti- Seafarers reported exce
tion, so it is with civilian crew members aboard ships and their guests.
operated for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). "The soldiers stated
Through exercises like Lightning Force (scheduled to con- a great experience and
elude late last month), merchant mariners brush up on all noted AB Arthur Mac



cise Demonstrates
Key Defense Role

f crews involved in sealift

e added benefit of vigorously
d vessels such as the Altair,
in reduced operating status
e activation periods ranging
eks.

_ lhe hi 'led from
d arrived in Pearl Harbor on

ays and nights, materiel was
8-foot ship.
Pearl Harbor for Beaumont,

ear but also Army personnel.
cooperation between the crew

eing on board the Altair was
ed us a safe journey home,"

''The whole exercise went really well," added SA Steve
Johnson (who, with Machado, provided the photos on this
page). ''The soldiers got a taste of life at sea. Many friend­
ships were made and many fond memories remain."

The Altair arrived in Beaumont on April 27 and com­
menced off-loading. To complete this portion of the drill,
the Army was scheduled to transport the equipment by air,
r ail and road to Fort Polk, La.

Formerly a containership, the Altair was modified dur­
ing the 1980s to provide roll-on/roll-off capabilities, along
with helicopter handling and storage facilities. The ship
can travel at up to 30 knots. It has a 106-foot beam, a light
displacement of 29,692 tons, a full displacement of 61 ,987
tons and a dead weight tonnage of 32,295. Its maximum
navigational draft is 37 feet.

Since World War II, 95 percent of all U.S. military
equipment and materiel sent to crisis and combat theaters
has been carried by sea. Helicopters are off-loaded in Beaumont, Texas.

The Altair's deck is packed
with loaders, trailers and
other gear. Visible in the
background is a memorial

• for the USS Utah, including
· . , the ship's wreckage.

¥

.-.,.,· - .· t.



STCW: B Months Remain for Feb. 1, 2002 Compliance
Between now and Feb. 1,

2002-the deadline for meeting
all requirements of the amended
STCW convention-SIU mem­
bers sailing aboard deep sea or
near-coastal vessels should con­
cern themselves with two things.
Those items are, taking a U.S.
Coast Guard-approved STCW
Basic Safety Training course or
being trained and assessed aboard
ship with entries made into your
training record book (TRB), and,
if you are a watchstanding deck
or engine department person,
obtaining a 1995 STCW certifi­
cate.

If a mariner doesn't complete
STCW Basic Safety Training
(BST) or acquire the 1995 STCW

certificate, if required, by Feb. 1,
2002, then that mariner cannot
sail aboard deep sea or near­
coastal ships.

STCW certificates are avail­
able through Coast Guard region­
al exam centers (RECs). Mem­
bers should bring the following
things when applying for the cer­
tificate: your merchant mariner's
document (MMD), TRB, BST
course certificate and one pass­
port photo. You also can get your
certificate through the mail by
sending notarized copies of your
MMD and BST certificate and
the photo to your nearest Coast
Guard REC.

Please call the REC in
advance with your request.

Members should not expect
same-day service for STCW cer­
tificates or document renewals.

There is no charge for the
STCW certificate.

Origins
STCW stands for International

Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for mariners. It is a
treaty under the auspices of the
International Maritime Organiza­
tion (IMO).

The original STCW Con­
vention was ratified in 1978. It
set minimum standards for certi­
fication, training and skills need­
ed by deep-sea mariners world­
wide.

The U.S. didn't sign onto the
1978 convention until 1991,
although our nation easily met the
requirements. However, by then
the pact was under revision.

The STCW amendments were
finalized in 1995, with more than
100 signatory nations (again
including the U.S.).

The five-year transition period
for the amended convention
began Feb. 1, 1997. Some of the
new requirements were instituted
at that time, while others have
been phased in.

As of Feb. 1, 2002, the 1978
convention completely is super-

PLAN A PINEY POINT VACATION Now!
Schools soon will be out for

the kids-and that means only
one thing: a summer vacation is
around the corner.

SIU members and their families
who want to do something differ­
ent this year without blowing the
family budget might consider tak-

UNION MEMBER
VACATION RATES

A vacation stay at the Paul
Hall Center is limited to two
weeks per family.

Member

Spouse

$40.00/day

$10.00/day

Child $10.00/day
Note: There is no charge for
children 11 years of age or
younger. The prices listed
above include all meals but
do not include tax.

ing advantage of a benefit unique
to Seafarers: vacationing at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md.

Everything you could ask for in
a summer vacation can be found
at Piney Point. Besides comfort­
able accommodations for the
whole family, as well as three deli­
cious meals a day, the Paul Hall
Center affords plenty of opportu­
nities to fish, go boating, play ten­
nis and swim. Also available for
use are a sauna and exercise facil­
ities.

Piney Point, in St. Mary's
County, is ideally situated to allow
for day trips throughout the his­
toric southern Maryland and
Washington, D.C. metropolitan
areas. The location provides a
great chance to visit such land­
marks as the home of George
Washington at Mt. Vernon,
Arlington Cemetery and the U.S.
Capitol. Children will love to tour

the FBI building or see where U.S.
money is made at the Bureau of
Printing and Engraving. And
watching the sharks at the
Baltimore acquarium is a real
treat.

But if sightseeing is not your
idea of a vacation, there is always
something going on in St. Mary's
County, itself Seafood festivals,
art exhibitions, antique and craft
shows, concerts and theater pro­
ductions are but a few of the
offerings.

A vacation stay at the Paul
Hall Center is limited to two
weeks per family, and the rates
are very reasonable (see box at
left).

Give yourself and your family
an unforgettable vacation at
Piney Point. Send the completed
application form to the Seafarers
& Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75,
Piney Point, MD 20674.

You won't regret it.

PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER
Vacation Reservation Information

Name:

Social Security number: _________ _ Book number:

Address:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-

Telephone number:

Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: ___________ _

Date of arrival: 1st choice: __ _ 2nd choice: __ _ 3rd choice: __ _

(Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks)

Date of departure: ___________ _

Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center,

P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674--0075. 6101

14 Seafarers LOG

seded by the amended pact. It
becomes null and void.

In the interim time between
1997 and 2002, confusion occa­
sionally has arisen because some
of the dates for compliance with
the 197 8 convention and the
amended convention overlapped.
For instance, that's how the U.S.
ended up with two different
STCW certificates (1978 and
1995).

Paul Hall Center's
Basic Safety Classes

Two STCW Basic Safety
Training courses are offered, each
of which is U.S. Coast Guard­
approved. One is a five-day class
for all personnel who began sail­
ing after Aug. 1, 1998. The other
is a four-day class for all person­
nel who began sailing before Aug.
1, 1998. Each class meets the
five-year STCW Chapter VI basic
safety requirements. Subjects

include personal survival, fire
prevention and fire fighting, first
aid/CPR, and social responsibility
and personal safety. Classroom
training in combination with
assessment of proficiency as per
STCW tables will be conducted
and entries made in the training
record book. These classes are
limited to 25 students maximum.

Basic fire fighting is one of the
Chapter VI requirements, and
therefore is offered as a lead-in to
the STCW classes.

Check the Paul Hall Center
upgrading course schedule on
page 21.

Addltlenal ResourGel:
' Contact the Paul Hall Center for
-Maritime Training and Education
toll~free at 800-732-2739
• Visit the U.S. Coast Guard's
STCW web site at
http:/luscg.mif/stcw/

Please Note:
• STCW Basic Safety Training must be renewed every five years.
•Licensed mariners (including engineers) must complete lifeboat­
man/proficiency in water survival by the 2002 deadline.
• Watchstanding deck and engine department members need a
1995 STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002.

Renew Every 5 Years
You may have taken the four elements of BST (basic fire fight­

ing, basic first aid, personal survival and personal safety/social
responsibility) by having taken the individual courses, such as basic
fue fighting at the Paul Hall Center in, for example, May 1999. But
be advised that BST must be renewed every five years and there­
fore if you piecemeal the four elements, then each one has a differ­
ent "clock" running on it for the five-year period.

Also, personal safety/social responsibility is not acquired by just
taking several classes dealing with the course content-it has to be
an approved course. In other words, go to the Paul Hall Center and
take the five-day Basic Safety Training course and you will be qual­
ified for the next five years.

Moreover, an often-asked question is " courses
must be renewed?" The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that of
the various STCW required courses, i.e., ARPA, BRM, advanced
fire fighting, GMDSS, BST, etc., only Basic Safety Training must
be renewed every five years.

Contacting Members of
Congress on Capitol Hill

Crew members often ask
the Seafarers LOG to publish
mailing addresses for U.S.
Senators and Congressmen.
Here they are:

The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable (Name)
United States House of

Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Additionally, most members
of Congress may be contacted
by email. To locate an address,
go to www.senate.gov or
www.house.gov. The SIU's
web site (www.seafarers.org)
provides links to those sites
and to the White House under
our "legislation" section.

When writing to members
of Congress, whether via letter
or email, remember to be con­
cise. State your purpose, be
factual and explain how legis­
lation probably will impact you
and others. If writing about a
specific bill, include its name
and number (House bills begin
with H.R., Senate bills with S.).

Also be sure to include your
name and return address.

The telephone number for
the Capitol switchboard is
(202) 224-3121.

June2001



Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea

*TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

Port
Algonac 1
Baltimore 6
Guam 1
Honolulu 4
Houston 17
Jacksonville 34
Mobile 6
New Orleans 15
New York 21
Norfolk 8
Philadelphia 2
Piney Point 3
Puerto Rico 11
San Francisco 18
St. Louis 2
Tacoma 22
Wilmington 23
Totals 194

Port
Algonac 0
Baltimore 4
Guam 0
Honolulu 7
Houston 12
Jacksonville 13
Mobile 6
New Orleans 5
New York 8
Norfolk 6
Philadelphia
Piney Point 1
Puerto Rico 6
San Francisco 8
St. Louis 2
Tacoma 13
Wilmington 8
o~ 100

Port
Algonac 1

Baltimore 0
Guam 0
Honolulu 4
Houston 14
Jacksonville 11
Mobile 3
New Orleans 7
New York IO
Norfolk 7
Philadelphia 6
Piney Point 0
Puerto Rico 0
.San· Francisco 12
St. Louis 2
Tacoma 14
Wilmington 12
Totals 103

Port
Algonac 0
Baltimore 0
Guam 0
Honolulu 8
Houston 1
Jacksonville 2
Mobile l
New Orleans 3
New York 4
Norfolk 0
Philadelphia 0
Piney Point 0
Puerro Rico 1
San Francisco 4
St. Louis O
Tacoma 3
Wilmington 5
Totals 32

Totals All
Departments 429

0
6
0
3

10
22
2

12
7

11
4
3
3
8
2

1
3
2
4
6

12
5
8
5
4
3
0
2
3
6

9 7
11 5

113 76

0 1
2 2
1 0
7 4
4 5

14 9
4 0
8 4

11 1
11 2
2 2
4 0
2 0
6 2
2 0
6 6

11 5
95 43

0 0
0 0
0 0
3 19
2 0
5 4
3 0
6 3
4 2
9 3
1 1
3 0
0 0
2 . 1

1
4
4 3

47 38

0 4
3 1
l 2

21 91
IO 3
13 14
5 2
5 6

21 20
10 9

18 21
2 10
7 6
2 0
9 18

14 12
142 220

397 377

APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 2001

TOTAL SlllPPED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

0
3

22
15
9
7

13
6
6
2
3

20
1

DECK DEPARTMENT

2
0
5

11
12
4
5
4
4
5
3
4
3
3

1
0
5
3
6
2
5
6
2
2
3
2
3
4

Trip
Reliefs

0
0
0
1
5
9
3
7
6

1
0
2
4

19 9 5 13
17 9 2 9

145 84 52 62

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0 0 0 0
0 0 3 0
0 0 0 0
2

17
7
4
5
5
3
2
2
2
5
3
8
2

7
1
6
2
2
5
9
1
2
1
3
0
4
8

2
2
4
0

0
3
0
1
l
4
0
6
3

2
2
4
2
3
8

0
0
1
1
7

67 51 30 33

STEWARD DEPARTMENT
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
3 0 0 3
8 0 3
6
2
3
7
5
4
2
2

12
0

13

3
0
1
2
3
0
1
0
4
1

0
0

0
0
3
0
0
l
0
0
0

5
0
5

2
0

2
9
0
6

8 2 9
75 19 5 46

ENTRY DEPARTMENT
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 9 45 0
0 11 3 0
4 5 8 0
1 0 1 0
0 6 4 0
3
1
0
0
0
4
0

3
17

304

13
10
0

14
0
7
1
5
3

84

238

10
7
1

19
6
5
0

11
2

122

209

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

141

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

1
7
1

12
31
52
13
23
36
21
6
3

14
28

2
32
32

314

0
8
0
9

16
29
13
9

19
7
2
2
8

10
0

15
12

159

I
1
0

12
25
26

8
12
19
9
5
2
0

22
2

29
20

193

0
0
0

12
2
6
1
5
6
1
0
0
6
5
0
6
5

55

721

0
6

5
13
23

8
24
15
19

3
3
1

10
3

0
2
2
2
6

13
7
9
5
5
2
0
2
1
5

11 12
12 11

157 84

0 1
4 1

0
8 3
4 5

20 7
5 0

14 7
16 2
11 2
4 3
3 0
3 1
7 2
3 0

11 7
9 9

123 50

1
0 0
0 0
9 30
3 2
8 5
6 0

11 4
8 2
8 2

3 1
2 0
2
2
3 2
6 5

73 57

2 4
6 l
1 2

30 127
14 7
16 17
10 6
9 7

33 29
14 22
3 2

23 22
4 7

17 6
2 0

22 27
18 19

224 305

577 496

*"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.
**"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

June2001

July & August 2001
Membership Meetings

Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters

Piney Point ............. Monday: July 2, August 6

Algonac .................. Friday: July 6, August 10

Baltimore ................ Thursday: July 5, August 9

Duluth ..................... Wednesday: July 11, August 15

Honolulu ................. Friday: July 13, August 17

Houston .................. Monday: July 9, August 13

Jacksonville ............ Thursday: July 5, August 9

Jersey City .............. Wednesday: July l8, August 22

Mobile .................... Wednesday: July 11, August 15

New Bedford .......... Tuesday: July 17. August 21

New Orleans ........... Tuesday: July 10, August 14

New York .... : ........... Tuesday: July 3, August 7

Norfolk .................. :Thursday: July 5, August 9

Philadelphia ............ Thursday: July 5*
Wedn~sday: August 8
f(llichange created by Independence Day holiday)

Port Everglades ....... Tbursday: July 12, August 16

San Francisco ... ;'.:.Jfhursday: July 12, Avg\lst 16

San Juan .................. Thursday: July 5,August 9

St. Louis .... ; ............ Friday: July 13, August 17

Tacoma ................... Friday: July 20, August 24

Wilmington ............. ,.Monday: July 16
day: u t2I*

(*clumge created by Paul Hall birthday holiday)

Each port's meeting smrts at 10:30 a.m.

Personals

PAUL BELLIA (of Florida)
Please contact Donald Cole or Jack McCoy at (619)

895-1241.

LUCIEN LAVALLAIS
Please contact Linda Ellis and Anthony Byrd at any

of these phone numbers: (903) 938-8851, (903) 927-
1958, (903) 935-9986, or write them at 713 Navajo
Trail, Marshall, Texas 75672.

PATRICK PARKER
Frances Trader would like to hear from you. You

sailed with her husband, Ernest Trader, in 1957. Please
call her at (252) 444-6730.

REQUESTFROMJAMESD.HOLLAND
It has been many years since James Holland worked

on ships or tugs. He is in prison and would appreciate
hearing from anyone who would care to write him. His
address is James D. Holland, #391218, Yfynne Unit
C.C., Huntsville, TX 77349.

INFORMATION ABOUT
ANTONIO LUIS RAMOS

Antonio Luis Ramos, approximately 84 years old, was
born in Corosal, P.R. and lived with his wife, Maria
Luisa Rosa, in New York. Anyone with information about
him is asked to contact his son, Luis Antonio Ramos, at
4401 Plaza Drive, Apt. B-102, Holiday, FL 34691.

ALLEN EDWARD RICE JR.
Please contact Sally (Rice) Doherty at (301) 812-

0264, or write her at 4005 Band Shell Court,
Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732.

Seafarers LOB 15



Seafarers International Union
Diredory
Michael Sacco

President

John Fay
Executive Vice President

David Heindel
Secretary-Treasurer

Augustin Tellez
Vice President Contracts

Jack Caffey
Vice President Atlantic Coast

Tom Orzechowski
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Dean Corgey
Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone
Vice President West Coast

Kermett Mangram
Vice President Government Services .. ..

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

(301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

ALTON
325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002

(618) 462-3456

ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #IC, Anchorage, AK 99503

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

DULUTH
705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 722-4110

GUAM
125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E

Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911
(671) 647-1350

HONOLULU
606 Kalihl St., Honolulu, HJ 96819

(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
3315 Libeny St., Jacksonville, FL 32206

(904) 353-0987

JERSEY' CITY
99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302

(201) 435-9424

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(334) 478-0916

NEW BEDFORD
48 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740

(508) 997-5404

NEW ORLEANS
39U Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NEW YORK
635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY I 1232

(718) 499-6600

8. .· .. NORFOLK
"''. HSThirdSt.,Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

PJlll,ADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994-0010

PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316

(954) 522-7984

SAN FRANCISCO
350 Fremont St, San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 543-5855
Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400

SANTURCE
1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16'6

Santurce, PR 00907
(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma. WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

· ··.~ WILMINGTON
SfON. BroadAve., Wilmington. CA 90744

. (310) 549-4000

16 Seafarers LOS

Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes
APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 2001

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

*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL smPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups All Groups All Groups

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

Port DECK DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 10 10 0 5 4 0 5 6
Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 7 4 0 4 2 0 3 2
Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 5 5 0 4 0 0 1 5
Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 16 41 0 9 9 0 7 32

Totals All Depts 0 38 60 0 22 15 0 16 45
-

*"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.
**"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters
APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 2001

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

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

Region DECK DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gulf Coast 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 I
Lakes, Inland Waters 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Coast 6 1 0 0 1 2
Totals 1 1 10 1 0 1 1 3
Region ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gulf Coast 0 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
Lakes, Inland Waters 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wet Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 0 0 1 0 0 0
Region STEWARD DEPARTME T
Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gulf Coast 0 0 0 I l 0 0 0
Lakes, Inland Waters 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Totals All Depts 1 1 11 2 1 1 1 3
*"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.
**"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

PIC-FROM-THE-PAST
This somewhat faded photo

was sent to the Seafarers LOG by
Louis E. Wagner of Sandusky,
Ohio. It was taken aboard the
Liberty ship James Lick in October
1945 at Buckner Bay in Okinawa,
Japan.

In a note accompanying the
photo, Wagner also enclosed a
copy of the log book from that voy­
age, which included entries on the
damage done by a typhoon
through which the vessel sailed.

Wagner, who was an AB at the
time, is directly behind the "L.'.' in the
life ring.

He states: "The ship was
named for James Lick, business­
man-philanthropist in San Fran­
cisco. A highway and observatory
also are named in his honor. He
was born Aug. 21, 1796 and died
Oct. 1, 1876. He's buried at the
Lock Observatory.

Class C

0
4
0

17
21

0
1
0
0

0
0
0
1
1

23

"The skipper of this ship was Capt. William S. Dodge, and he was well known on the West Coast and to the personnel of the
Jeremiah O'Brien."

Wagner, now 72, is a former member of the Sailors Union of the Pacific. He served on a number of other Liberty ships, including
the Jason Lee, George W Goletha/s, Cornelius Gilliam and Ed P Costigan as well as on a Victory ship, the Roswell Victory.

Wagner was aboard the James Lick at Eniwetok in August 1945 when the war ended in the Pacific. "What a great feeling!" he
writes.

June2001



Two recertified stewards are
among the 10 Seafarers
announcing their retire­

ments this month. Jose Coils and
Fernando Urias graduated from
the highest level of training avail­
able to members of the steward
department at the SIU's training
school in Piney Point, Md.

Including Coils and Urias, nine
of the retirees sailed in the deep
sea division and one navigated the
inland waterways.

Five of the retirees worked in
the deck department, two shipped
in the engine department and three
sailed in the steward department.

On this page, the Seafarers
LOG presents brief biographical
accounts of the retiring Seafarers.

DEEP SEA

SOFRONI­
COD.
ADENIC, 70,
started his SIU
career in 1988,
joining in
Venezuela.
Brother
Adenic first

shipped aboard American Hawaii
Cruises' SS Independence. The
deck department member upgrad­
ed his skills at the SIU's training

school in Piney Point, Md. in
1990. He last worked aboard the
USNS Invincible, operated by
Maersk Line Ltd. Born in the
Philippines, he now resides in
Kansas City, Mo.

PETRONILO
E.AMOR,
71, joined the
SIU in 1990 in
Venezuela.
Brother Amor
first sailed
aboard the SS
Independence,
operated by American Hawaii
Cruises. The engine department
member upgraded his skills in
2000 and again this year at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md. A native of Hawaii,
Brother Amor last sailed aboard
the cable ship Long Lines, operat­
ed by Tyco. He resides in
Honolulu.

JERRY BARNETT, 57, was
born in Revere, Mass. Brother
Barnett started his SIU career in
1966, joining in the port of New
Orleans. Before becoming a
Seafarer, he served in the U.S.
Navy from 1961to1964. Brother

'All I Wanted to Be'
Simms Satisfied With Seafaring Career

For some people, choo -
ing a vocation is agonizing.
Whatever their priorities,
they may sweat certain
details to the point of inac­
tion.

Others are unfazed by
switching among unrelated
professions-perhaps sev­
eral times.

And then there's Jimmy
Simms, who not only knew
since childhood that he
wanted to be a merchant
mariner, but also lived that
dream during his 42-year
career with the SIU.

Simms, 62, retired last
month, right after serving

Jimmy Simms, completing his retirement
paperwork, says of his career, "I wouldn't
change one day of it."

on the 2001 rank-and-file
financial committee.

"My father was a mariner,
and that's all I wanted to be, my
whole life," Simms recalled. "I
wouldn't change one day of it. It
was mostly good times. I saw
everything, did everything."

He joined the union in 1959
and then climbed the gangway to
his first vessel-the Edith, a Bull
Lines ship. "From that point on,
I was in every major beef,"
Simms noted. "Pickets, organiz­
ing, and I also was active on
rank-and-file committees.

"It's in my blood," he contin­
ued. "I can't say enough good
things about the SIU, and I still
plan to attend membership meet­
ings and help wherever needed."

Simms mostly sailed in the
deck department, although he
switched to the steward depart­
ment a few years ago.

Reflecting on the union's
progress, Simms points to the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime

June2001

Training and Education as a
major boon to the membership.
The facility, located in Piney
Point, Md., opened in 1967.

"Without the school, we
wouldn't be nearly as strong.
Paul Hall (the late SIU president
and the school's namesake)
deserves credit for founding it,"
Simms stated.

He also expressed confidence
in SIU President Michael Sacco,
Vice President Contracts Augie
Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel "and all of our
other officials. Mike is one of
the best labor leaders in the
country, and the way it looks,
we' re going to be here for a long
time."

A veteran of the U.S. Army,
Simms has retired to Baltimore.
He said he felt mixed emotions
about retiring-but arthritis
helped firm up the decision.

"It's time. I've been in every
major port in the world. But that
doesn't mean I won't miss it."

Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their

working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or

Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently

retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job

well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead.

Barnett first
sailed aboard
the Pecos,
operated by
Pecos Trans­
port, Inc. The
deck depart­
ment member
last worked

aboard the Sea-Land Developer.
Brother Barnett lives in Fresh
Meadows, N. Y.

JOSER.
COLLS, 60,
started his SIU
career in 1962,
joining in San
Juan, P.R.
Brother Colls
served in the
U.S. Army
from 1958 to 1960. Born in
Lares, P.R., he sailed in the stew­
ard department. Brother Calls
first shipped aboard the Sea-Land
Arizpa. He upgraded his skills at
the SIU's training school in Piney
Point, Md. and graduated from
the steward recertification pro­
gram there. The recertified stew­
ard last shipped aboard the Sea­
Land Expedition. Brother Colls
lives in his native common­
wealth.

HECTOR
FELIX, 81,
joined the SIU
in 1968 in the
port of New

rleans. he
steward
department
member hails

from Cuba. Brother Felix first
shipped aboard Delta Steamship
Lines' Santa Maria. He upgraded
his skills at the SIU's training
school in Piney Point, Md. in
1986 and 1987. Brother Felix last

Reprinted from past issues of the

1951

worked aboard Matson
Navigation's Lurline. He calls
Miami home.

ROSSA.
HARDY, 62,
hails from
Texas. He
joined the SIU
in 1965 in
Port Arthur,
Texas. Prior to
becoming a

Seafarer, he served in the U.S.
Navy from 1957 to 1959. Brother
Hardy first sailed aboard the Del
Valle, operated by Delta
Steamship Lines, Inc. A member
of the engine department, he
upgraded his skills in 197 4 and
1994 at the SIU's training school
in Piney Point, Md. Brother
Hardy last sailed aboard West­
chester Marine's Cape Texas. He
resides in Hitchcock, Texas.

SANT PER­
SAUD, 72
started his SIU
career in 1991,
joining in the
port of Piney
Point, Md.
Brother
Persaud first
shipped aboard the Cape Charles,
operated by OMI Ship
Management, Inc. Born in
Guyana, he sailed as a member of
the deck department. Brother
Persaud upgraded his skills at the
SIU' s training school in Piney
Point, Md. in 1991 and again ear­
lier this year. He last sailed
aboard the Major Steven W.
Pless, operated by Waterman
Steamship Corp. Stouff ville,
Ontario is his home.

JAMES McHUGH, 66, was
born in Tamaqua, Pa. Brother

McHugh start­
ed his SIU
career in 1959,
joining in the
port of New
York. He
served in the
U.S. Navy

m~&ZJ•.J from 1950 to
1954. The deck department mem­
ber first shipped aboard ORE
Navigation's Santore. He last
worked aboard NPR, Inc.' s
Carolina. Brother McHugh lives
in Philadelphia.

FERNANDO
URIAS, 65,
joined the SIU
in 1959 in the
port of
Houston. The
Texas native
first shipped
aboard Water­
man Steamship Corp. 's Madaket.
A member of the steward depart­
ment, he upgraded his skills,
including completion of the stew­
ard recertification course, in 1986
at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship in Piney
Point, Md. Brother Urias lives in
Galveston, Texas.

INLAND

-:: FELIX
AGUILAR,
62, hails from
Puerto Rico.
Boatman
Aguilar joined
the SIU in
1978 in San

... Juan, P.R. He
sailed primarily aboard Crowley
Towing & Transportation vessels.
A member of the deck depart­
ment, Boatman Aguilar makes his
home in Fajardo, P.R.

ried in runaway-flag .tankers.

The SIU Welfare Plari boosteo payments
to hospitalized SIU men by 43 percent.
The increased benefits go to $ 1 0 weekly
from the present $ 7 and become effective
as of June 4.

Jhey would rip the heart out of the Jones
Act so they could transport Alaskan oil
from one U.S. port to another in foreign­
built, foreign-manned tankers - paying
slave wages and at the same time escaping
the taxes that must be paid by American·

flag operators. . . .
The SIU is leading a Welfare Plan

trustees adopted the
recommendation
made by SIU repre­
sentatives on the
benefit. This
increased hospital

THIS MOi'ITH campaign to muster
Congressional sup­
port to strengthen
the Jones Act. 11'1 SIU HISTORY

payment is the sec-
ond {increase) to be made by the Welfare
Plan within a period of six weeks. This
past April 16, the amount of the death
benefit was doubled from $ 500 to
$1,000.

1971
The jobs of Seafarers are on the Jine in
the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a
body of laws that demands that all domes­
tic shipping be moved on American-flag
vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones
Act is being led by the oil industry, which
wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields car-

1993
The SIU-contracted

Delta Queen Steamboat Company plans
to have its newest and most elaborate
paddlewheel steamboat -the American
Queen-in operation by April 199 5. Last
month, at a steel-cutting ceremony in
New Orleans, the company celebrated the
start of construction of the 4 20-foot, six­
deck vessel which is being built at the
McDermott, Inc. shipyard in Amelia, La.
at an estimated cost of $60 million.
Like its sister ships, the Delta Queen and
the Mississippi Queen, the American Queen
will cruise the Mississippi and Ohio rivers
as well as several of their tributaries.

Seafarers LOG 17



final Departures
DEEP SEA

SOFRONIO AMPER
.------:==-----. Pensioner

Sofronio Amper,
75, died Jan. 11.
Brother Amper
started his SIU
career in 1967
in the port of
San Francisco.
He first sailed
aboard the Cape

San Diego. Born in the Philippines,
Brother Amper shipped as a member
of the steward department. He last
worked aboard the Sea-Land Pacific.
Brother Amper served in the U.S.
Navy from 1946 to 1951. He started
receiving his pension in 1991.
Brother Amper lived in Daly City,
Calif.

ROY AYERS
Pensioner Roy
Ayers, 81,
passed away
Feb. 9. He
joined the SIU
in 1947 in the
port of
Baltimore.
Brother Ayers
shipped in the

steward department, first sailing
aboard Emerson Stearn Co. 's
Cathrine. The Georgia native last
worked aboard the Del Mexico, a
Delta Steamship Lines vessel.
Brother Ayers served in the U.S.
Army from 1941 to 1944. He
resided in Cullman, Ala. and began
receiving his pension in 1979.

HAROLD BAGLIEN
Pensioner
Harold Baglien,
77, died Dec.
10, 2000.
Brother Baglien
started his
career with the
Marine Cooks
& Stewards
(MC&S). The

steward department member sailed
aboard American President Lines
vessels, including the President
Pierce. A native of North Dakota,
Brother Baglien served in the U.S.
Navy from 1943 to 1945. He started
receiving his pension in 1988.
Brother Baglien called Seattle home.

JAMES BERGBOWER
Pensioner
James Berg­
bower, 73,
passed away

' Feb. 23. He
joined the union
in 1952 in the
port of
Wilmington,

.___...,._...._....,_~__..,.___, Calif. Born in
Illinois, Brother Bergbower first
sailed aboard the Oremar, operated
by ORE Navigation Corp. The deck
department member last shipped
aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. ves­
sel. Brother Bergbower served in the
U.S. Anny from 1953 to 1955. He
began receiving his pension in 1980.
Preston, Md. was bis home.

ROBERT BESSETTE
Pensioner
Robert Bessette,
82, died Dec.
27, 2000.
Brother
Bessette started
his career with
the MC&S in
1952 in Seattle.
The steward

department member shipped aboard
vessels operated by Alaska
Steamship Co. and Weyheuser. He
started receiving his pension in
1978. A native of Seattle, Brother
Bessette lived in Rocklin, Ga.

18 Seafarers LOii

EDDY BROWN
Brother Eddy Brown, 57, passed
away Dec. 18, 2000. Brother Brown
started his SIU career in 1987 in the
port of New Orleans. A member of
the engine department, he first
shipped aboard the USNS Bowditch,
operated by Lavino Steamship Co.
Brother Brown last sailed aboard
Bay Ship Management, Inc. 's USNS
Capella. He served in the U.S. Army
from 1968 to 1972. Metairie, La.
was bis home.

CLYDE CAHILL
Pensioner Clyde
Cahill, 79, died
Dec. 20, 2000.
He started his
SIU career in
1945, joining in
the port of New
York. Born in
Ohio, Brother
Cahill first

sailed aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co
vessel. He shipped as a member of
the engine department. Brother
Cahill last worked aboard the Sea­
Land Adventurer. He started receiv­
ing his pension in 1983. Brother
Cahill resided in Caliente, Nev.

FAUSTINO CALVO
Brother
Faustino Calvo,
68 passed away
Jan 12. He
joined the union
in 1968 in the
port of
Wilmington,
Calif. A native
of California,

he first sailed aboard the Meridian
Victory, operated by Waterman
Steamship Corp. Brother Calvo
shipped in the deck department, last
working aboard T.M. McQuilling &
Co. 's Coastal California. Brother
Calvo called Fresno, Calif. home.

JOSE DESTACAMENTO
Pensioner Jose Destacamento, 78,
died Jan 7. Brother Destacamento
started his SIU career in 1957, join­
ing in the port of New York. A mem­
ber of the engine department, he first
shipped aboard Seatrain Lines, Inc.
vessels. Brother Destacamento last
worked aboard the San Juan, a
Puerto Rico Marine Management
Inc. vessel. He served in the U.S. Air
Force from 1942 to 1945. Brother
Destacamento lived in Jacksonville,
Fla. and started receiving his pen­
sion in 1987.

FREDERICK ENGEL
Pensioner
Frederick
Engel, 72,
passed away
Nov. 24, 2000.
He began his
SIU career in
1951 in the port
of New
Orleans. A

member of the steward department,
he sailed primarily aboard Waterman
Steamship Corp. vessels, last work­
ing aboard the Stonewall Jackson.
The New Orleans native began
receiving his pension in 1996. He
called Metairie, La. home.

GEORGE FILOMIO
Pensioner
George
Filomio, 76,
died Dec. 31,
2000. Brother
Filornio joined
the union in
1957 in the port
of San Fran­
cisco. He first

sailed aboard a Pan Shipping Corp.
vessel. Born in New York, Brother
Filomio shipped as a member of the
engine department. He last worked
aboard the Sea-Land Developer.

Brother Filomio served in the U.S.
Navy from 1942 to 1946. He started
receiving his pension in 1990.
Seattle was his home .

RAYMOND HOLDER
Pensioner
Raymond
Holder, 85,
passed away
Jan 13. Brother
Holder started
his SIU career
in 1942 in
Tampa, Fla.

'-----"""'-""'---"llL"'"'-1.__J Born in Ala­
bama, he shipped as a member of the
engine department. Brother Holder
began receiving his pension in 1981.
He resided in Hawthorne, Fla.

NICOLAOS HRYSAGIDS
Pensioner
Nicolaos
Hrysaghis, 84,
died Dec. 26,
2000. He start­
ed his SIU
career in 1951
in the port of
New York.
Born in Greece,

Brother Hrysaghis first sailed aboard
the Atlantic Water, operated by
Metro Steamship Corp. A member of
the deck department, he last worked
aboard the Sea-Land Independence.
Brother Hrysaghis started receiving
his pension in 1982. He lived in
Athens, Greece.

RICHARD T. JACKSON
Brother Richard
T. Jackson, 59,
passed away
Jan 25. Brother
Jackson joined
the union in
1970 in the port
of Wilmington,
Calif. A native
of California,

he first sailed aboard an Anchorage
Tankship Corp. vessel. Brother
Jackson shipped in the engine
department, last sailing aboard
Hudson Waterways Corp. 's Trans­
champlain. He lived in California.

BARNEY KELLY
Pensioner
Barney Kelly,
78, died Nov.
12, 2000.
Brother Kelly
started his SIU
career in 1949
in the port of
New York. He
first sailed

aboard a Pan Shipping Corp. vessel.
The Alabama native worked in the
steward department, last sailing
aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. ves­
sel. Brother Kelly served in the U.S.
Air Force from 1941 to 1943. He
lived in Richmond, Texas and began
receiving his pension in 1974.

DAVID KETCHUM
Pensioner
David Ketchum,
66, passed away
Feb. 7. He start­
ed his SIU
career in 1955,
joining in the

I port of Phila-
• delphia. The

=----------"Maryland native
first sailed aboard the Marore, oper­
ated by ORE Navigation Corp.
Brother Ketchum shipped as a mem­
ber of the deck department, last
working aboard the Cape Farewell.
He started receiving his pension in
1991. Brother Ketchum called
Dundalk, Md. home.

LAWRENCE LYNCH
Pensioner Lawrence Lynch, 77,
passed away Nov. 11, 2000. He
started bis SIU career in 1969 in the

port of San
Francisco. A
member of the
steward depart­
ment, Brother
Lynch first
shipped aboard
the Joplin
Victory, operat­
ed by Marine

Carriers Corp. The Tennessee native
last worked aboard Titan Naviga­
tion's Golden Phoenix. Brother
Lynch served in the U.S. Army from
1944 to 1946. He started receiving
his pension in 1988. Brother Lynch
lived in San Francisco.

JAMES T. MANN
Pensioner
James T. Mann,
73, died Feb. 1.
Brother Mann
joined the SIU
in 1951 in
Savannah, Ga.
He first sailed
aboard a

.....___,u....:.,___-.::...-.....__, Sprogue Steam-
ship Co. vessel. A native of Savannah,
he shipped as a member of the deck
department. Brother Mann last sailed
aboard the Sea-Land Performance.
He served in the U.S. Army from
1954 to 1955. Brother Mann started
receiving his pension in 1992. He
lived in Harris, Texas.

JUAN NIEVES
Brother Juan
Nieves, 91, died
Dec. 1, 2000.
Brother Nieves
was a charter
member of the
SIU, having
joined the union
in 1938 in the

1~-__._~___,_--=___, port of New
York. Born in Puerto Rico, he first
ail d aboard the Michael, operated

by Mayflower Steamship Corp. The
deck department member last
worked aboard Sea-Land"'----·--,­
Inc. 's Arizpa. Brother Nieves lived
in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

ARNOLD PERRY
Pensioner Arnold Perry, 72, passed
away Dec. 3, 2000. Brother Perry
joined the SIU in 1956 in Buffalo.
The Massachusetts native sailed
both deep sea and on the Great
Lakes. He last worked aboard the
Charles E. Wilson, an American
Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Perry
served in the U.S. Army from 1946
to 1953. He began receiving his pen­
sion in 1993. Brother Perry resided
in New Bedford, Mass.

HOWARD SANDERS
Pensioner
Howard
Sanders, 82,
died Jan. 10.
Brother Sanders
started his
career with the
MC&S in 1968,
joining in

1i__=-..1-::..........l.....;::.._~ Seattle. He first

shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers
Inc. vessel. The steward department
member last worked aboard the
Ewa, operated by Matson
Navigation Co. Brother Sanders,
who retired in 1983, called
Carpinteria, Calif. home.

SALBATO SERIO
.....,..,.,.,,..--____, Pensioner

Salbato Serio,
75, passed away
Dec. 25, 2000.
He joined the
SIU in 1943 in
the port of New
Orleans. A
native of
Louisiana, he

shipped as a member of the engine
department. Brother Serio last
worked aboard the Jacksonville,
operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc.
He lived in Violet, La.

LEONARD STRONG
Brother
Leonard Strong,
56, died Jan 20.
Brother Strong
started his SIU
career in 1991,
joining in
Seattle. The
Illinois native
first sailed

aboard the Sgt. Edward A. Carter Jr.,
operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc.
Brother Strong shipped as a member
of the engine department. He last
worked aboard Maersk Line's
Constellation. Brother Strong served
in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1970.
He resided in Greybull, Wyo.

RALPH TODD
Pensioner
Ralph Todd, 75,
died Dec. 21,
2000. Brother
Todd joined the
SIU. .

e port of New
Orleans. He
first sailed
aboard an

Interocean Management Corp. ves­
sel. The Jasper County, Miss. native
shipped as a member of the steward
department. Brother Todd last
sailed aboard the Sea-Land
Producer. He began receiving his
pension in 1997. Brother Todd lived
in Ovett. Miss.

ALEX VASQUEZ
Pensioner Alex
Vasquez, 76,
passed away
Dec. 31, 2000.
He started his
SIU career in
1951 in the port
of New York.
The Texas
native shipped

as a member of the steward depart­
ment. He last worked aboard Penn
Tanker's Ogden Challenger. Brother

Continued on page 20

FAMILY MEMBERS

Felix Tate and his son-in-law are both included in this month's final departures.

FELIX TATE
~-~ Pensioner

Felix Tate, 92,
passed away
Dec. 25, 2000.
Brother Tate
started his
SIU career in
1945, joining
in the port of

__ _, Mobile, Ala.
The Little River, Ala. native
shipped as a member of the stew­
ard department. He last sailed
aboard the Erna Elizabeth, operat­
ed by Albatross Tanker Co. Brother
Tate began receiving his pension in
1977. He resided in Detroit.

JOHNNY YOUNG
Pensioner
Johnny Young,
71, died Jan 6.
Brother Young
started his SIU
career in 1958,
joining in the
port of
Mobile, Ala.

~-------~ The Camden,
Ala. native first sailed aboard an
American Trading Prod vessel. A
member of the steward department,
Brother Young last sailed aboard
the Liberty Spirit. He started receiv­
ing his pension in 1991. Brother
Young lived in New Orleans.

June2001



,Digest of Shipboar
· Union Meetings

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard
minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space

limitations~ some will be omitted.

Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department.
Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union

upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded
to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

ANCHORAGE (CSX Lines),
March 25-Chainnan Dan P.
Fleehearty, Secretary Jam es A.
Wright, Educational Director
Michael W. Phillips, Deck
DeJegate Tom Schroeder, Engine
Delegate Ken Stratton, Steward
Delegate Amanda Suncin.
Chainnan announced payoff
March 27 on arrival in Tacoma,
Wash. He thanked everyone for
great job and for helping keep ship
clean. Educational director
reminded crew members to check
expiration dates on z-cards and
STCW certificates in order to
renew in time. He also suggested
attending Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Md. for any needed
upgrading courses. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Suggestions
for new contract sent to contracts
department for consideration. Vote
of thanks given to steward depart­
ment for job well done.

CAPE /SABEL (Crowley Liner
Services), March 11-Secretary
Dorothy S. Carter. Chairman
reminded everyone about Feb. 1,
2002 deadline for STCW compli­
ance and urged Seafarers to try
and recruit new SIU members. He
asked that trash be separated from
garbage and plastics and stored in
proper containers and that care be
taken when unloading vessel. Any
items deemed un afe should be

re thanked every-
on_e for help in organizing ship,
bnngmg Sl01c<:> vn boo.rrt ~nd keep­
ing things clean. Educational
director said to apply as soon as
possible for upgrading classes at
Piney Point and also suggested
addition of classes for QMEDs to
advance in their departments. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Everyone reminded to have TRBs
signed before getting off.

CAPT. STEPHEN L. BENNETT
(Sealift), March 25-Chairman
Samuel R. Bunch, Secretary
Kathy A. Devane, EducationaJ
Director Alfonza Davis, Deck
Delegate Spencer Brooks, Engine
Delegate Francisco A. Diego,
Steward Delegate John Padilla.
Chairman advised those members
who still need to meet STCW
requirements to attend classes at
Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted
that due to concerns about "mad
cow disease," no European beef is
being accepted on ship; request
made to company to stor~ only
American items. Question raised
about reimbursement for medical/
pharmaceutical services for depen­
dents. Steward thanked for good
job.

CRUSADER (CSX Lines), March
22-Chairman Roberto G. Diaz,
Secretary Joseph P. Emidy,
Educational Director Kevin
Cooper, Deck Delegate Kenneth
Baker, Steward Delegate William
Blees Jr. Chairman stated vessel
visited by union officials for dis­
cussion on ways to better industry
and quality of living aboard ship.
Ideas for upcoming contract also
discussed. Educational director
noted two unlicensed apprentices
aboard ship. Shawn Waring and
Robert Stellon have done a great
job and have learned a lot about
what is required to be a good ship­
mate and union brother. "We wish
them much success in this indus-

June2001

try." No money in ship's fund;
looking for donations to purchase
sound system for satellite TV. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Suggestions made for contracts
department to reduce seatime
requirements for pension, increase
pension amount and include
dependents on prescription plan.
Steward department given vote of
thanks for job well done.

DISCOVERY (CSX Lines),
March 22-Chairman Roger J.
Reinke, Secretary Donald
Spangler, Educational Director
Greg Brandani, Deck Delegate
Richard Grubbs, Engine
Delegate Eddy Newman, Steward
Delegate Dominico Dacau. Ship
en route from Hawaii to payoff
March 24 in Tacoma, Wash.
Chairman announced vessel will
then change from Hawaii run to
Jacksonville-to-Puerto Rico run,
sailing to Jacksonville via Panama
Canal. Educational director
reminded all members of new
STCW requirements outlined in
March LOG. Those not in compli­
ance should sign up for courses at
Piney Point as soon as possible.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Recommendations made to reduce
time needed to get vacation checks
and shorten shipping rotations.
New garbage bin placed in crew
laundry for "laundry trash" only.
Pia tics should be disposed of in
"plastic receptacle" outside laun­
dry door. Crew members asked to
rewind tapes used in crew lounge
and return them to video locker
when through. Smooth voyage
reported with good crew. Everyone
asked to keep up good work.
Thanks given to steward depart­
ment for great food. Next ports:
Tacoma; Long Beach, Calif.;
Honolulu; Jacksonville.

EL YUNQUE (IUM), March 27-
Chairman Luis Ramirez,
Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp
Jr., Educational Director James E.
Williams, Engine Delegate Edgar
Young. Chairman noted satellite
dish is operational. He stressed
importance of keeping updated on
union activities by reading LOG.
Educational director emphasized
need to upgrade skills at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Next ports: San Juan,
P.R.; Jacksonville, Fla.

ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines),
March 25-Chairman Robert S.
Wilson, Secretary Franchesca D.
Rose, Educational Director Dann
G. Manthei, Deck Delegate Paul
E. Matsos, Engine Delegate John
E. Coleman, Steward Delegate
William E. Smith. Chairman read
administrator's report and led dis­
cussion focusing on health benefits
and payments to doctors. Secretary
noted new mattresses ordered for
crew should arrive soon. She also
reminded crew members of dead­
line date of Feb. 1, 2002 for
STCW compliance. Educational
director advised everyone to take
advantage of upgrading courses
available at Paul Hall Center, espe­
cially those who still need STCW
basic safety. Bosun collected $150
this voyage for movie fund. Forty
doJlars remain after purchase of
DVDs and player. Report from
headquarters read and discussed,
particularly importance of STCW

compliance by deadline date.
Suggestion made for directory of
available medical/dental/optical
providers in each port and an 800
number to call 24-hours-a-day for
services. Clarification requested as
to who provides payment of trans­
portation to and from medical
offices while on ship in U.S. and
foreign ports.

HM/ DEFENDER (Hvide
Marine), March 30--Chairman
Norman Armstrong, Secretary
Steven R. Wagner, Educational
Director George Bixby, Deck
Delegate Jim Hazelip, Engine
Delegate Ed Krebs, Steward
Delegate Lolita Sanchez. Chair­
man announced payoff on arrival
in Tampa, Fla. He reminded every­
one to check expiration dates on
shipping documents (z-cards, ben­
zene, STCW, etc.). He thanked
deck department for job well done
and asked that crew members keep
safety in mind at all times (includ­
ing wearing of steel-toed shoes
and hard hats on deck). Secretary
requested those leaving ship get
clean linen for replacement. Edu­
cational director led discussion
about STCW compliance deadline
and availability of classes at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Steward department
given vote of thanks. Next ports:
Tampa; Lake Charles, La.

HM/ DYNA CHEM (Hvide
Marine), March 28-Chairman
Robert J. Coleman, Secretary
Gerald B. Kirtsey, Educational
Director Eron G. Hall Jr., Deck
Delegate Tan A. Joon, Engine
Delegate Victor Quioto, Steward
Delegate James E. Harris.
Chairman noted payoff March 31
in Lake Charles, La. Ship may
have to anchor on arrival due to
weather. Educational director
urged everyone to check shipping
documents for expiration dates and
informed them of STCW regula­
tions. Donations accepted by cap­
tain for hip' fund. Money o be
used for new movies, bicycles,
weight room equipment and satel­
lite system upgrade. Some disput­
ed OT reported in deck department
regarding butterworthing and tank
cleaning off watch. No beefs
reported in all three departments.
New washer installed in crew
laundry. Suggestions made to
include dependents on medical
plan card and give one year sea­
time for every eight months com­
pleted in calendar year.

HUMACAO (NPR-Navieras),
March 18-Chairman David I.
Murray, Secretary Marvin T. St.
George, Educational Director
Angel S. Hernandez, Deck
Delegate Dwayne Gordon,
Engine Delegate Kenneth Adam­
czak, Steward Delegate David
Camacho. Chairman reminded
crew members of need to complete
STCW requirements by Feb. 1,
2002. Educational director stated
those who are not in compliance
should make arrangements to
attend necessary courses at Paul
Hall Center. Treasurer announced
$200 in ship's fund. Some disput­
ed OT reported in deck and engine
departments. Everyone asked to
help keep laundry room clean and
lint-free (lint in dryer filter can
cause fue) . Suggestion made to
ask for satellite dish for all SIU
ships in next SIU contract. Vote of
thanks given to all three depart­
ments for jobs well done. Next
ports: San Juan, P.R.; Philadelphia,
Pa.; Jacksonville, Fla.

INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.),
March 26--Chairman Samuel H.
Lampshire, Secretary Jose M.
Bayani, Educational Director
Christopher L. Earhart, Deck
Delegate Gary P. Walker, Engine
Delegate Melvin W. Layner,
Steward Delegate Mostafa
Loumrhari. Chairman announced
payoff March 28 on arrival in

Long Beach, Calif. Secretary
thanked chairman and ABs for
great job in helping keep ship
clean-in and out. He also thanked
electrician, QMED and wiper for
jobs well done and again men­
tioned Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for
compliance with STCW require­
ments. Educational director stated
that classes are available at Piney
Point to upgrade skills and get
endorsements for STCW-required

censed apprentices, Justin
Armstrong and Bryan Wells, for
doing great job in emergency situ­
ation involving small engine room
fire. Secretary reminded crew of
Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for STCW
compliance. Educational director
stressed importance of upgrading
skills at Piney Point. Treasurer
reported $553 in ship's fund. No
beefs or disputed OT noted. Bosun
thanked Steward Casuga for good

Crab Feast on the ITB Groton

Assistant Cook Linda Barber (left) and Steward Charles Roldan
watch their fingers as they prepare to cook these large crabs
aboard the Sheridan Transportation Co. vessel.

courses. Some disputed OT report­
ed by steward delegate pertaining
to cleaning of radio shacks.
Request made for new freezer box
in galley. Steward department
thanked for good food.

KODIAK(CSX Lines), March
4-Chainnan Garry D. Walker,
Secretary Melvin E. Morgan,
Educational Director Alfonso D.
Bombita Jr., Engine Delegate
Gebar Ogbe, Steward Department
Patrick C. Conlon. Chairman
announced payoff March 14 in
Tacoma, Wash. Blanket relief to be
given to crew that day. Educa­
tional director stated electrician
fixed TV antenna; TV reception
now available. No beefs or disput­
ed OT reported. Crew discussed
importance of providing input to
contract negotiations. Vote of con­
fidence given to SIU President
Mike Sacco from crew of Kodiak.
Steward department thanked for
good job. Next ports: Tacoma;
Anchorage and Dutch Harbor,
Alaska.

MAERSK TENNESSEE
(Maersk Line, Ltd.), March 25-
Chainnan James J. Keevan,
Secretary Joseph C. Birke,
Educational Director David W.
King, Deck Delegate Johnathan
C. Wagner. Chairman noted
potable water problem aboard ship
and requested bottled water be
issued to crew. He reminded
watchstanders to be on Jookout for
stowaways when in port.
Educational director urged crew
members to take advantage of
upgrading opportunities at Paul
Hall Center. Some disputed OT
reported in engine department.
Requests made to check into slow
mail delivery, need for more work
gloves for crew and a new
microwave oven. Members would
like to purchase 25- and 35-pound
weights and a 220-volt tape
rewinder from money in ship's
fund.

PRODUCER (CSX Lines),
March 18-Chairrnan Joel A.
Lechel, Secretary Richard E.
Casuga, Educational Director
Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate
Joe Salcido, Engine Delegate
Gregory Howard, Steward
Delegate George Lee. Chairman
announced payoff March 20 in
Oakland, Calif. That's the time to
ask union officials any questions.
Chairman also praised two unli-

menus and Chief Cook Lee for
extra time and effort in food
preparation and presentation, espe­
cially at cookout in Honolulu.
Engine Delegate Howard, Captain
Cocozza and the bosun and his
gang also added to success of that
event. Many suggestions made for
contracts department, among them
to lower age and amount of sea­
time needed to retire, raise pension
level and improve dental and opti­
cal benefits. Next ports: Oakland
and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu.

SPIRIT(CSX Lines), March 4=­
Chairman Edward J. Stoelzel,
Secretary Michael J. Gramer,
Educational Director Mohamed
N. Alsinai, Steward Delegate
Blaine Amundson. Chairman
announced payoff March 9 on
arrival in Tacoma, Wash.
Discussion held about time off for
deck department in Tacoma and in
Oakland, Calif. and that watchbill
needs to be posted prior to arrival
in those ports. Educational director
urged everyone to upgrade at Paul
Hall Center and further their edu­
cation. Crew waiting for new mat­
tresses. Eight new movies pur­
chased in Taiwan from ship's
fund; $200 remain. Some disputed
OT reported in deck department.
Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland;
Honolulu.

PERSEVERANCE (IUM), April
I-Chairman James E. Bishop,
Secretary Catherine M. Hays,
Educational Director Ahn Sooil,
Deck Delegate Walter Wilde,
Engine Delegate Milton Israel,
Steward Delegate Chancie
Ransom. Chairman announced
April 2 payoff in Yabucoa, P.R. He
advised crew members to have all
shipping documents up to date.
Without STCW and other required
certification, you can't sail. Educa­
tional director reminded everyone
that school at Piney Point offers all
necessary courses to complete
STCW requirements. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Will check
ship's fund to see if there's enough
to purchase new movies. Crew
hopes for pay raise when contract
expires in May. Requests made for
vacation payable after 90 days,
less time required for full pension
benefits and better prescription
plan for dependents. Thanks given
to steward department for good
food. Next ports: Yabucoa; Marcus
Hook, Pa.; Savannah, Ga.

Seafarers LOS 19



Letters to the Editor final Departures
receiving his pension in 1984. He
lived in Abington, Ill.

GREAT LAKES
Continued from page 18

RAUL BARRERA
(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG
reserves the right to edit letters
for grammar as well as space
provisions without changing the
writer's intent. The LOG wel­
comes letters from members, pen­
sioners, their families and ship­
mates and will publish them on a
timely basis.)

aboard Isthmian, Bull Line,
Waterman and Alcoa vessels.

Vasquez served in the U.S. Army
from 1943 to 1944. He began receiv­
ing his pension in 1979. Brother
Vasquez called Houston home.

Pensioner Raul
Barrera, 44,
passed away
Nov. 27, 2000.

When I came out of maritime
school and before joining the
SIU, I sailed on the Esso and
Cities Service tankers.

PETE VASQUEZ
Pensioner Pete Vasquez, 74, died Jan
22. Brother Vasquez joined the SIU
in 1960 in the port of Houston. He
first sailed aboard a Chesapeake &
Ohio Railway vessel. The engine
department member last sailed
aboard the Overseas Marilyn.
Brother Vasquez served in the U.S.
Navy from 1944 to 1946. He began
receiving his pension in 1991.
Brother Vasquez lived in Houston.

~ The Michigan
native started
his SIU career
in 1977 in
Detroit. He first
sailed in the

The last ship I sailed on was
the Steel Rover in the Hawaiian
Islands (see photo at right).

From Organizing
To Remembering

I sailed with the SIU from
1946 to 1954. I helped organize
Isthmian Steamship Co. in 1946
and worked with Bull Shepard,
Louie Goffin, Freddie Stewart,
Paul Hall and Blackie Colcucci. I
sailed in the deck department

Not too long ago, the Arthur
Finnigan American Legion Post
1443 of Greenwood Lake, N.Y.
erected a monument in honor of
the merchant marine veterans of
World War II. Attending the cere­
mony were color guards from
Kings Point and Fort Schuyler.
Ernest D. Mabee

Ernest D. Mabee poses in the
lifeboat of the Steel Rover, which
was at a pier in Hawaii many
years ago.

In Pral- of
Chief Cook Mollnos

VERNON WARREN
Pensioner
Vernon Warren,
78, passed away
Nov. 23, 2000.
Brother Weaver
started his SIU
career in 1950,
joining in the
port of New
York. The

deck department aboard Erie
Steamship's Schoellkoff His last
ship was the Buffalo, operated by
American Steamship Co. Brother
Barrera served in the U.S. Army
from 1973 to 1975. He lived in Port
Huron, Mich. and began receiving
his pension last year.

HOWARD V. JOHNSON
Pensioner
Howard V.
Johnson, 70,
passed away
Dec. 13, 2000.
Brother John­
son started his
SIU career in
1966 in Detroit.
A pilot, he

Greenwood Lake, N.Y.
Mr. Joel Molinos has truly

done an outstanding job during
his assignment to this ship as
chief cook. He is an extremely
capable and highly motivated
individual and puts extra effort
into his work. Mr. Molinas first
came to this ship six months ago.
Since then, he has set a very high
standard in food preparation and
has also assisted in ordering voy­
age stores and making the daily
menus ... .

In photo below, Ernest D.
Mabee (left) helps Al

Antaki, president of the
Hudson Valley Merchant
Marine Eugene Delong
Chapter, unveil a monu-

ment dedicated to the
honor of the merchant

mariners who served in
World War II. At right is a

close-up view of the
memorial.

I believe that every officer and
crew member feels that the food
Joel Molinos serves is well pre­
pared. He takes great pride in his
work. In addition, Joel Molinos is
a good shipmate, always ready
with a smile and a pleasant greet­
ing or comment.

The SIU should be very happy
to have members of such high
character and ability. I would be
very plea ed to have Mr. Molino
back on the Performance as stew­
ard/baker or as chief cook, and
believe the entire crew feels the
same way.
Captain Lawrence R. Swick
Master, Sea-Land Performance
(also signed by officers and crew
members)

Boston native shipped as a member
of the deck department. He last
worked aboard the Sea-Land
Producer. Brother Warren served in
the U.S. Marines Corps from 1941
to 1945. He started receiving his
pension in 1984.

INLAND

JAMESLABIT
Boatman James Labit, 42, died Nov.
13, 2000. Born in Louisiana, he
joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of
Houston. The deck department mem­
ber first shipped aboard a G&H
Towing Co. vessel. He last worked
aboard a Crowley Towing &
Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman
Labit lived in Spring, Texas.

PATRICK O'BRIEN
Pensioner Patrick O'B · ,
passed away Dec. 21, 2000. He start­
ed his SIU career in 1962 in the port
of Houston. The Kansas native
sailed in the deck department pri­
marily aboard G&H Towing Co.
vessels. Boatman O'Brien began

worked primarily aboard Luedtke
Engineering Co. vessels. Born in
Des Arc, Art., Brother Johnson
served in the U.S. Marine Corps
from 1951to1953. He started
receiving his pension in 1989.

' Brother Johnson called Benzonia,
Mich. home.

ROBERT KUTZNER
Pensioner
Robert Kutzner,
75, died Aug.
18, 2000.
Brother Kutzner
started his SIU
career in 1961
in the port of
New York. The
Bu

mmerhirt and
other Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
Co. vessels. Brother Kutzner shipped
in the deck department. He served in
the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946
and began receiving his pension in
1987. Brother Kutzner resided in
Derby, N.Y.

Know Your Rights 0

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution
of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland
Waters District makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership's money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants
every year, which is to be submitted to the mem­
bership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file members,
elected by the membership, each year examines
the finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members of this
committee may make dissenting reports, specif­
ic 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 provi­
sions of various trust fund agreements. All these
agreements specify that the trustees in charge of
these funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their alter­
nates. All expenditures and disbursements of
trust funds are made only upon approval by a
majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial
records are available at the headquarters of the
various trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping
rights and seniority are protected exclusively by
contracts between the union and the employers.
Members should get to know their shipping
rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and
available in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or
seniority rights as contained in the contracts
between the union and the employers, they
should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The

20 Seafarers LOG

proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Au th Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers
Appeals Board.

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or
boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing
for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in
the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFAR­
ERS 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 member­
ship action at the September 1960 meetings in
all constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board of
the union. The executive board may delegate,
from among its ranks, one individual to carry
out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to
be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the
SIU unless an official union receipt is given for
same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU
Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitu­
tion so as to familiarize themselves with its con­
tents. Any time a member feels any other mem­
ber 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 headquar­
ters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaran­
teed equal rights in employment and as members
of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the
SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the
union has · negotiated with the employers. Conse­
quently, no member may be discriminated against
because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geo­
graphic origin.

If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION ..,,.. SPAD. SPAD is a separate
segregate4fond. Its proceeds are used to further
its· objec and purposes including, but not fun­
ited to, furthering the political, social and eco­
nomic interests of maritime workers, the preser­
vation and furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment opportuni­
ties for seamen and boatmen and the advance­
ment 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 con­
tribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If a
contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution
for investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should support
SPAD to protect and further his or her econom­
ic, political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.

NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time
a member feels that any of the above rights have
been violated, or that he or she has been denied
the constitutional right of access to union
records or information, the member should
immediately notify SIU President Michael
Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The address is:

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

June2001



SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER
UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is the schedule for cJasses for the months of June through September
2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.
All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the
American maritime industry.

Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership~ the
maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the.nation's security.

Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their
course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the
start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for
Saturday.

Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul
Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.

Course

Deck Upgrading Courses
Arrival Date

Able Seaman
(including simulator ·
steering asst!!sments)

Lifeboatmao/Water Survival

Radar (simulator)

Radar (one-day renewal)

Radar (three-day renewal)

Automaije Radar Plotting Aids*
(~A) (simulator)
(*tirust h~ve_r•adar unlimited)

GMDSS ·. (simulator)

anagement

June2
June30
July 28
August25
September 22

June 16
July 14
August 11
September 8

August 11

July 6
July 27
August 24
September 21

July3
Joly 23

June 16
July7
August25
September 22

June9
July 7
August4
September 1
September 29

une
July 14
Scptc
September 29

Engine Upgrading Courses
Course

Fireman/Watertender & Oiler

Arrival Date

July 14
September 8

Date .pf Cotppletjon

June 29
ifuly 27
August24
September 21
October 19

June 30
July 28
August 25
September 22

August 24

July 5
July 26

June 22
July 13
August 31
September 28

Jone 23
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 13

une2
July 20
September 7
October 5

Date of Completion

August 24
Odober19

Welding

Course

June9
July 21
September 15

Steward Upgrading Courses
Start Date

June 29
August 10
October 5

Date of Completion

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

Recertification
Bosun Recertification

Steward Recertification

September 8

July7

Safety Specialty Courses
Course

B~sic Fire Fifhting

Advan~d Fi~e Fighting • First Aid

Government Vessels

STCW Medical Care ·Provider

Basic Fire Fighting/STCW
Basic Safety

Tanker Familiarization/
Assistant Cargo (DL)*
(*must have hasicjirejighting)

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

Arrival Date

June9

August 11

June9
June 23
July7
July 21
August4
August 18
Septemberl
September 15
&eptember 29

June9
August 11
Septe:ntber 22

Junel
June9
June 23
June 30
July7
July 21
July 28
August4
August 25
$epte1Jlbet:/~ ... ·
September 15
September 29

June 23
July 21

ugust 4
August 18
September 15

June 16
August 11

October 8

August 6

Date of Completion

June 16

August 25

June29
July 13
July 27
August 10
August 24
September 7
September 21
October 5
October 19

June 16
August 18
September 29

June8
June 16
June 29
July 6
July 14
July27 .
A.ug~st .3 ·
· l\ugll,st 11
Sept~anber 1
Sept~tnber 14
September 21
Oc~o.!Jer 6 .

July1 ·
August4
August 4
S~ptelnbet. :l . ;, .. <.
Septelnbetl9 · ·

<June:z3
Augf!St 18

Academic Department Courses
General education and coUege courses are available as needed. In addition, basic voca­
tional 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 intro-

QMED '!Any Rating August 25 NovemberJ6 duction to compute!~ .co~,~ will be self-study.

-·-~·-·-·- · -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-
UPGRADING APPLICATION

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? DYes DNo

If yes, class# - ------------------ ------­

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo

If yes, course(s) taken ---------------------­

Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement?

D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes ONo

Primary language spoken

June2001

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty
(120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date
your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book 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 of $280 with their application. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv.
payable 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, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise 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. 6101

Seafarers LOii 21



Paul Hall Center Classes

STCW Basic Safety - Completing the basic safety training course March 2 are (in alphabetical order)
Bernard Baker, Amilcar Bermudez, Guillermo Blanco, Carlos Bonilla, James Canada, Mark Canada, Jioia
Deleon, David Harvey II, Timothy Hurst, Adams Mohammed, Carlos Sanchez, Lewis Longnecker, Rosemary
Mccann, Errol Mitchell, William Moe, Vincent Moore, Rupert Perry Jr., Arthur Stewart, Mark Swisher and Marc
Tomuschat. Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. This is one of the courses required for STCW compliance.

Limited License - Graduating from the limited license course
are (in no particular order) Stella Zebrowski, Richard DeWitte,
Russell Kopecki, Brian Wynn and Patrick Duvernay. Their instructor,
Stacey Harris, is at left.

STCW Basic Safety - Upgrading Seafarers working aboard Luedtke
Engineering vessels attended STCW basic safety classes from March 5 to March 9.
They are (in alphabetical order) Aaron Adams, Lon Anderson, Richard Arnold,
Edward Carlson, Albert Cropek, Larry Hilton, Kevin Hollenbeck, Shannon Jensen,
Randall Johnson, Timothy Kibby, Don Laitinen, John Laitinen, Gregory Lamerson,
Dale Leonard, Don Mills, Lester Morr, James Niehus, Blake Nye, Michael
Schmeltzer, John Shaski, Richard Strongman, Charles Wallace, Lorry Wilcox and
Thomas Zatkovic. ·

Welding - Under
the instruction of
Buzzy Andrews (back
row, right) are
Seat are rs who suc­
cessfully completed
the welding class
May 18. They are (in
alphabetical order)
Luis Amadeo,
Stephen Bradfute,
Richard Davis, Paul
Kucan and Richard
Strongman.

ARPA - Completing the course work May 11 for their ARPA endorsements. are (in
no particular order) William Dekker, Terrence Bader, Carl D. Sanderson, James C.
Gregory and Patrick W. Murray. Their instructor was Mike Smith (far right).

22 Seafarers LOS

Train the Trainer /

Train the Trainer - To teach any STCW course at the Paul Hall Center in Piney
Point, Md. or at its other locations, the U.S. Coast Guard requires instructors to complete
this week-long course. Conducted by Beth Wroblewski (head of the curriculum develop­
ment department in Piney Point), the participants learned and discussed different aspects
of training. Completing the train the trainer course in March at the new safety school in
Hawaii are new instructors (from the left, front row) Stuart Domingo, Ken Kidani, Barry
Navares, (second row) Joe Curtis, Frank Donaldson, Rick Perry, Ming Yuen, Tony Ramos
and Robert Narmore. Missing from the photo is Bob Seneca.

June2001



Paul Hall Center Classes

Able Seaman - June 1 was the graduation date for upgrading
Seafarers in the AB class. They are (in alphabetical order) Donald
Bowe, Gregory Brunson, Deronja Clark, William Colson, Edward
Deupree, Julius Eremias, Lenard Ilagan, Michael Logotaeao, David
Martin, Raymond Martin Jr., Bennie McKnight, Kirk Pegan, Freddy
Traffin and Victor Valencia.

Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Requirements for graduation May 11 from
the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course were completed by (in alphabetical order) Kent
Arnold, Christopher Avila, John Bellinger, Robert Benson, Earl Bostrom, Ronald Burris, Larry Cokley,

Gerard Costello, Damon Elmore, Charles Ford, Alex Fyodorovykh, Mitchell Gately, Steven L.
Germac, Romeo Harriell, Rodney Jiminez, Elliott T. Johnson, Freddie L. McCreary Jr., Darrell
McDonald, Michael W. Moore Jr., Joshua C. O'Connor, David R. Provost, Lima Valoaga and
Michael A. Watkins.

·, e on .~he cannot

QMED - Upgraa111y c n 9 i n o dop~rtmcnt embers enrolled in the QMED
course, which began April 30, are (in alphabetical order) Linton Acliese, Daniel
Borden, Jeff Burkey, Carl Castagna, Louis Champa Jr., Louis Gracia , Thomas Hale,
Geoffrey James, Jose Liwag, Ibarra Mangaya, Roger Phillips, Eric Rodgers,
Charles Sadler, Christopher Sykes, Jesse Turner and Vernon White.

Unlicensed Apprentice Class 615

Members of unlicensed apprentice class 615 get both classroom
instruction and hands-on training in CPR. Enrolled in the class are
(in alphabetical order) Ivey Austin, Jonathan Babauta,
Christopher Borja, Frank Brooks, Charles Freeman, Chad Hess,
Ian Hindley, Jamevher Johnson, Terrance Jones, Rusty Kaufman,
Robert Lavelle, Vicente Magbanua Jr., Eric Mantzer, Mack Pedro,
Matthew Thompson, Gary Timmons, Alfred Wooten IV, Duane
Wusstig and Leon Racks.

June2001

STCW Basic Safety/First Aid Awareness- Completing one of the required STCW
courses are (in no specific order) Kevin Fisher, Alexander Busby, Cipriano Panganiban ,
Mostafa Fahmy, Donald McBride, Guy Leary, Neil Brown, Milton Ballard Jr., Mark Maduro,
David Flores, Harry Mays, Kevin Hartley, Rupert Mulzac, Stephen Steward , Harley Jones,
Stevie Bentley, Troy Mitchell, Edward Curran Jr., John Westfall, Steven Lombardi, Brian
Tamney, Tawnia Stucker, Angel Centeno, Davon Brown, Armando Castillo, and Lance
Barabino. Their instructor was Michael J. Daras.

STCW Basic Safety - Crew members who work aboard New York Waterway vessels attended the
Paul Hall Center recently to meet the requirements of the amended STCW convention. They are (in alpha­
betical order) Antonio Aguilar, Michael Baranok, Thomas Bogucki, John Clare, Carmen Colon, Amy Darden,
German Gonzalez, Peter Johansen, Errold Lanier, Luis Lopez, Michael Muia, Gregorio Pages, Oscar Perez,
Adam Sciaino, Jeannine Smith, Carlos Sosa, George Sullivan, Gerald Torres, Jose Torres and Eric Yordt.
Their instructor was Mitch Oakley.

Seafarers LOS 23



.............. ,.
Volume 63 Number 6 June 2001

Seafarers: There's still time to
plan a family summer vacation

at Piney Point

See page 14 for more details.

Ocean Sbiplioldings Celebi'llla 20 Y ean
SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. (OSI), based in Houston, this year is

celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The company, through subsidiary and affiliate companies, operates five T-5

product tankers for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift
Command (MSC). Throughout the years,
Ocean Shipholdings has received numer­
ous commendations from the Navy
for the excellent operating perfor­
mance of their vessels.

These five tankers-the
Richard Matthiesen, Lawrence
Gianella, Paul Buck, Samuel
Cobb and Gus Darnell-were
built in 1985 with OSI construc­
tion supervision under a contact call­
ing for several innovations in U.S.
tanker construction. In fact, they were
assembled from parts built in three states: Louisiana
(the fore bodies), Alabama (deckhouse superstructures)
and Florida (stem sections, plus assembly and outfit­
ting).

Fully double hull and OPA '90 compliant, the
ships also are ice-strengthened. Each year the Navy
uses one of them to resupply the National Science
Foundation mission at the McMurdo Station in
Antarctica.

During Operation Desert Storm, OSI was active in sup­
porting the Navy by refueling combatants using the underway
replenishment stations (UNREP) installed by OSI on the T-5
tankers. These are the Modular Fuel Delivery Systems (MFDS), which are
fully operated by the ship's crew. The vessels with MFDS installation are
the Gianella and the Matthiesen. Those two ships, along with the other
three, are named after merchant mariners who lost their lives fighting in
World War II.

The mission of the T-5 tankers is unique for U.S.-flag ships. They
operate worldwide and serve only the U.S. Navy, but they are commercial
standard tankships with all of the most modem equipment and systems. The
crews are highly trained and expert in severe-area operations, ice navigation,

ship-to-ship cargo
transfers underway, hostile
environment operations and
all of the military standards
required while meeting the
safety and environmental
regulations.

Recently, OSI received a
contract from MarAd for the
operation and maintenance of
three T-1 Ready Reserve Force
tankers located in Japan. The
ships are in a 10-day activation
status. These three tankers-the
Alatna, Nodaway and

.... -......i~ Chatahoochee-are crewed by
Seafarers when activated.

Among the SIU-crewed tankers operated
by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. are (from the
top) the Gus Darnell, Paul Buck, Samuel
Cobb and Lawrence Gianella.

Each year, the U.S. Navy uses an SIU-crewed tanker to resupply the
Tending the lifeline on the Law- National Science Foundation mission at the McMurdo Station in

Crew members prep the Richard Matthiesen for drydock. rence Gianella is AB Mike Merrill. Antarctica.


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