Seafarers Log: Vol. 83 No. 7 (2021-07-01)

JULY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 7

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

National Maritime Day
Pages 5, 6

SHBP Awards Scholarships
Page 7

Houston Hall Hosts Vaccination ClinicsHouston Hall Hosts Vaccination Clinics
Paul Hall Center Eases Some Restrictions for Vaccinated Students
Progress continues in
the effort to vaccinate
individuals against
COVID-19. In photo
at right, Seafarers
and family members
gather at the Hous-
ton hiring hall for a
late-May vaccination
clinic conducted by a
local health agency
(the hall also hosted
one a few weeks ear-
lier). Meanwhile, the
SIU-affiliated school
in Piney Point, Mary-
land, has modified
some protocols for
fully vaccinated stu-
dents. Page 3.

In another sign of steps towards normalcy, eight Seafarers in early June
completed the steward recertification course at the union-affiliated school
in Piney Point, Maryland. They comprised the first pandemic-era recertifi-
cation class. Pictured in the school’s auditorium immediately following the
June membership meeting (photo at left) are (from left) SIU Assist. VP Pat
Vandegrift, SREC Edwin Bonefont, SREC Francisco Madsea, SREC Jatniel
“Bam Bam” Aguilera, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, SREC Mario Firme Jr.,
SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker,
SREC Dante Cruz, SREC Albert Sison, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SREC
Marlon Battad, SREC Kenneth Greenidge and SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel. Pages 12-13.

Stewards Complete Stewards Complete
Recertification ClassRecertification Class

An exceptionally busy year on the contract front continued recently as several new
agreements were ratified. Boatmen at Seabulk Towing are among the Seafarers who
approved their respective collective bargaining agreement. In the photo above are SIU
Patrolman J.B. Niday (left), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (right) and Seabulk SIU mem-
bers Engineer Richard Johnson, Deck Delegate Christopher McCalip, Captain Delegate
Joshua Rodrigues and Mate Delegate William Soileau. Page 4.

Sunshine State Provides
Key Assist During Rescue

Boatmen Approve More ContractsBoatmen Approve More Contracts

Mariners from the Sunshine State on April 12 helped save two boaters who had been
stranded off the Florida coast. Some of the SIU crew and American Maritime Officers
members are pictured aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Page 3.

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2 Seafarers LOG July 2021

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
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5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements.

Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 83 Number 7 July 2021

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
mentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.

Reversed to White
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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

Jones Act Remains Vital

President’s ReportPresident’s Report

The recent ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline brought
the Jones Act back into the news, relatively briefly. The worst of the
fuel supply problems in parts of the eastern and southern United States
lasted for a week or so. Only a single Jones Act waiver was utilized, and
it is very questionable whether it made any difference.

While the specific circumstances always
change, the general approach of Jones Act critics
during a crisis often is to take advantage for the
sake of profit – and sometimes with the concurrent
aim of weakening American maritime. Look no
further than the Colonial situation, when two waiv-
ers were granted – and one of them wasn’t used,
presumably because when the foreign-flag operator
found out they could make more money elsewhere,
they took the cargo and left.

That’s a good illustration of why it would
be crazy for our nation to solely rely on foreign
ships, and why we simply must maintain the
Jones Act. Our predecessors learned that lesson

during World War I, when we didn’t have ships and we discovered
we couldn’t depend on foreign-flag vessels. That’s basically how the
Jones Act became law in the first place. It’s now the bedrock of U.S.-
flag shipping, American shipyards and U.S. crews. For more than a
century, it has helped safeguard America’s national, economic and
homeland security.

Giving credit where it’s due, I applaud the Biden administration for
keeping maritime labor, prominently including the SIU, in the loop as
the Colonial situation unfolded. We didn’t necessarily agree with every
decision, but we were part of the discussions and we were treated re-
spectfully. That’s not a surprise but it’s a great sign for the future.

Further, administration officials were very deliberate in evaluating
the availability of American-flag ships, and they rejected many more
waiver requests than they granted.

I also should mention that an erroneous interpretation of an online
news article stated that our union supported the waivers. That is not the
case, and while the popular outlet that made the mistake quickly cor-
rected it, other sites copied and repeated the uncorrected blunder.

What we said at the time is the same thing we’ve always said. The
SIU never has and never will stand in the way of a legitimate need for
a waiver. Experience has taught us, however, that those who apply for
such exceptions don’t always have our country’s best interests at heart.

On that note, I look forward to the strong possibility of congressional
hearings about this latest chapter – specifically focusing on whether for-
eign companies tried to gouge the United States.

Protect Yourselves
All right, I steered clear of this topic last month, but I’m circling

back to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, un-
less you’ve got a medical preclusion or religious objection. I realize that
people have mostly made up their minds by now, but for anyone still
thinking about it, I fully believe that the vaccines are the absolute best
way to protect you, your families and your shipmates.

From everything I’ve read and heard, the biggest consideration that
makes some people hesitant is the relative speed with which the vac-
cines were developed. The key word, though, is “relative,” because
while the scientific community indeed moved quickly to combat this
pandemic, they already had lots of experience working on vaccines
against other forms of coronavirus. Think back to the early cover-
age of COVID-19, when articles and broadcasts often used the term
“novel coronavirus.” The “novel” means exactly what the word’s
definition states: new. But human coronaviruses first were identified
in the mid-1960s. So, doctors and scientists were not starting from
scratch.

As always, get the facts and go from there. I believe that an honest
reading of those facts will lead you to the same conclusion I reached:
Vaccines are safe and effective.

Michael Sacco

Working families scored an important win June 3
when the New Hampshire House of Representatives
first rejected and then voted to indefinitely postpone
S.B. 61, a bill that aimed to make the Granite State
the first so-called “right to work” state in the North-
east. The final vote on the bill itself was 199-175. All
Democrats voted against the bill, and they were joined
by 20 members of the Republican majority who did
not support the position of their leadership.

Immediately afterward, the chamber voted by 197-
178 for indefinite postponement, effectively tabling
the legislation until at least 2023.

AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka congratulated
New Hampshire union members on the win.

“While today’s victory is a testament to the strength
and will of working people, the reality is we should not
have to fear that big corporations and anti-worker politi-
cians are going to pass this legislation in New Hampshire
– or anywhere else,” Trumka said. “That’s why we need
the PRO Act because it would eliminate right to work,
putting it in the ash heap of history where it belongs.”

According to the AFL-CIO, for more than six
months, “labor leaders and union members across the
state have been speaking out, rallying and contacting
their representatives about the dangers of this bill,
which would have deprived workers of our freedom to
join together and form strong unions if we choose to.
Dozens of New Hampshire union leaders and members
gathered outside of the New Hampshire Sportsplex in
Bedford, where the House was hosting its final ses-
sion, to protest right to work (for less). New Hamp-
shire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett (IBEW),
New Hampshire AFL-CIO Executive Vice President
Dave Pelletier (UA) and New Hampshire Building and
Construction Trades Council President Mike Smith
(Ironworkers) were all present at the rally.”

“The New Hampshire AFL-CIO applauds the New
Hampshire House of Representatives for voting to
indefinitely postpone S.B. 61,” said Brackett. “For
more than 40 years, New Hampshire’s labor move-
ment has been sounding the alarm on ‘right-to-work’
laws. These bills are nothing more than out-of-state

corporate interests looking to take advantage of our
lawmakers, our businesses and our workers. They de-
prive workers of their freedom to join together and
form strong unions if they choose to. And they have
no business being a part of how we do things here in
New Hampshire.”

The fight garnered national attention from corpo-
rate interests and the Virginia-based National Right to
Work Committee after Democrats lost control of the
New Hampshire House and Senate last November.
Gov. Chris Sununu had supported right-to-work (for
less) in the past and indicated he would sign it if it
reached his desk.

A state senate version narrowly passed (13-11).
Prior to the House vote, it was announced that

around 200 people from New Hampshire had signed
on in support of the bill on the NH General Court web-
site while more than 1,700 had signed on in opposition
to it.

“The only purpose of this bill is to increase corpo-
rate power at the expense of working people,” IBEW
Local 1837 Business Manager Tony Sapienza testi-
fied during the hearing. “Obviously, wages and ben-
efits will erode faster or grow slower if corporations
are empowered and collective bargaining rights are
eroded.”

In addition to workers and their unions, other op-
ponents of the bill testifying included faith leaders,
economists, small business owners and larger compa-
nies that rely on union apprenticeship programs for a
reliable source of skilled workers.

One of the last people to testify against the bill at
the House hearing was Pat Moran, a troubleshooter for
Eversource NH and a chief shop steward for IBEW
Local 1837.

“I feel strongly that Senate Bill 61, the so-called
right-to-work bill does not belong in New Hampshire.
I believe this is a means to break unions,” Moran said.
“The name itself is a lie. Right to work doesn’t give
anyone any rights or any work. It is meant to hurt
unions financially in the hope that they will wither
and die.”

New Hampshire House of Representatives
Gives Thumbs Down to Anti-Worker Bill

America’s freight cabotage law made headlines in
early May, following a cyberattack that disrupted fuel
movement in parts of the United States for about a
week.

A maritime expert posted an editorial explaining
how the Colonial Pipeline saga reinforced the impor-
tance of the Jones Act to U.S. national, economic and
homeland security. The 101-year-old law helps main-
tain approximately 653,000 U.S. jobs, including ship-
board and shipyard positions. It contributes billions of
dollars to the economy each year.

Colonial Pipeline, a privately held business, pro-
vides nearly half of the East Coast’s fuel, including
gasoline, diesel, home heating oil and more. The com-
pany fell victim to a ransomware attack May 7; it re-
sumed service May 12.

While not central to most of the incident’s cov-
erage, the Jones Act received attention because of
waiver requests ostensibly submitted to help alleviate
the crisis. Ultimately, the White House granted only
two such waivers – and only one of those was used.

The SIU posted a statement that reads in part, “The
SIU continues to fully support the Jones Act, as we’ve
done without exception since our founding in 1938.
At the same time, we have never objected to waiving
the Jones Act if doing so is a truly necessary response
to national emergencies. Any waiver must not come at
the expense of American jobs.

“One point that shouldn’t be overlooked as the
Jones Act appears in current headlines is that this law
has successfully supported America’s national, eco-
nomic and homeland security for more than a century.
It’s an indispensable foundation that helps maintain a
pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners, as
well as a viable shipbuilding capability along with the
vessels themselves.

“Finally, the SIU supports a close examination by
Congress regarding whether there has been any gam-
ing of the system for crisis arbitrage that enriches
foreign-flag interests.”

Others also weighed in, including Navy League
of the United States CEO Mike Stevens. He wrote,
“The disruption of the Colonial Pipeline was a dev-
astating reminder of America’s vulnerabilities in
an age of rapidly evolving threats. But while this
should have been a moment for unification around
national security priorities, some saw this crisis as
an opportunity to propagate misguided and inaccu-

rate attacks on the Jones Act.
“The Jones Act serves as the bedrock of American

maritime law, ensuring that goods transported between
U.S. ports are carried via U.S.-flag ships,” Stevens
continued. “The national security implications of this
law are impossible to overstate. Ever wonder why
you don’t see near peer competitor foreign-flagged
ships sailing up the Mississippi or Hudson rivers? It is
thanks to the Jones Act.”

Stevens further pointed out that the law “ensures
a strong maritime fleet manned by the U.S. Merchant
Marine is ready and willing to answer the call in times
of emergency. When the world is at peace, it is often
forgotten that the U.S.-flag fleet and U.S. Merchant
Marine are essential to American war efforts as they
are the ones that transport the equipment, fuel, food,
troops and ammunition to active conflict zones around
the world. During peacetime, it is easy to forget how
vital these vessels are to our military readiness. Let’s
not make that mistake again by weakening the Jones
Act and depleting our flag fleet.”

Additionally, he reminded readers that the U.S. is
far from alone in maintaining regulations that help
support a domestic fleet and crews.

“Our competitors around the world see the value
in such cabotage laws, which is why they have their
own,” Stevens said. “According to a report published
by Seafarers Rights International, 80% of the world’s
coastlines of United Nations Maritime States are gov-
erned by national cabotage laws.”

The coalition American Maritime Partnership
(AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, issued a state-
ment that read in part, “Any waiver of U.S. law,
including the Jones Act, should be done with pre-
cision and demand transparency and accountability
of those who seek to benefit from such waiver. The
Jones Act strengthens our industrial base and readi-
ness, supports U.S. jobs and infrastructure, and pro-
tects homeland and national security. It should not be
waived unless, and only to the extent that, a waiver
would respond to an urgent national security need
that cannot reasonably be met with American ships.
The American Maritime Partnership does not object
to the targeted approach of the Administration, but
strenuously encourages all policymakers to hold ac-
countable those who seek to benefit from any waiver
to avoid undermining American jobs and consum-
ers.”

Colonial Pipeline Episode Reinforces
Importance of Jones Act to Security

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 3

Timely assistance from the SIU-
crewed Sunshine State off the Florida
coast helped bring two stranded boaters
to safety on April 12.

Mariners aboard the Intrepid Person-
nel and Provisioning vessel located the
boaters – and what was left of their dis-
abled craft – and stayed with them until
the Coast Guard arrived. The Sunshine
State shielded the boaters from wind and
waves.

“They had been adrift for several
days after their 42-foot Grand Banks-
style cabin cruiser had her super
structure ripped from the main deck
during the height a violent storm off
the coast of Fort Pierce,” reported
Sunshine State vessel master Capt.
A.J. Weis.

AB Robert Gross was on the wheel
when the mate on watch “noticed this
boat that looked kind of funny, because
it had no top, almost like the bottom of a
sailboat. He noticed there was a guy wav-
ing a red garment, so he called the captain.
We circled around them and called the
Coast Guard for them, because they had
no means of electronic communication.”
Gross said this was his first time assisting
in any sort of rescue.

“It was pretty neat and exciting,” he
said. “We stayed around them until the
Coast Guard got there. This kind of thing
actually happens quite a lot around the
Florida Keys and Miami, where boaters
end up in distress.”

Weis, a member of the Seafarers-
affiliated American Maritime Officers,

noted that the Sunshine State was “in
the ballast leg of a routine voyage from
Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus
Christi, Texas” when Third Officer Jo-
seph Mainella saw the boater signaling
with a red jacket.

“The officers and crew … took imme-
diate action to assist the stranded vessel,”
Weis wrote. “The master commenced
emergency maneuvers, which included
slowing the engines and performing mul-
tiple round turns to calm the wind waves
and seas around the stranded vessel. In
the meantime, the vessel’s bridge team
commenced emergency communications
with USCG Sector Miami, alerting them
to the vessel’s position and the condition

of the two souls on board. The Sunshine
State stayed on location directing units
of the USCG, local sheriff’s department
from St. Lucie County, as well as coor-
dinating search-and-rescue operations
with U.S. Navy Airborne unit 898.”
He continued, “Once the large Coast
Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo arrived on

scene, the Sunshine State remained wind-
ward of the stricken vessel to provide a
lee for small boat boarding operations.
Once aboard, the USCG found two peo-
ple, both in need of medical attention….
The Isaac Mayo took the two survivors
aboard and expedited their return to port
for further medical attention. The drift-
ing hull of the yacht La Sabia was then
taken under tow to the nearest Florida
port. USCG Lt. Cmdr. Nick Zieser, com-
manding officer of the CGC Isaac Mayo,
then released the Sunshine State with
many thanks, stating: ‘Thank you for
discovering and reporting this case - fair
winds and a safe rest of your voyage.’

“After returning to our original track line,
the Sunshine State encountered the main
cabin and pilot house of La Sabia float-
ing upside down with a capsized alumi-
num rowboat lashed to the superstructure
amongst other wreckage. The Sunshine
State investigated the wreckage to ensure
there were no other persons involved in
the incident who were unaccounted for.
The hazard to marine navigation was
reported to USCG Sector Miami, which
then transmitted a continuous marine
navigation warning to all the vessels in
the immediate area.”

In addition to Gross, SIU mem-
bers aboard the Sunshine State dur-
ing the rescue included Bosun Tavell
Love, ABs Husein Alrayyashi, Marco
Brown, Hussein Howe and Julious
Mizell, QEP Michael Williams, QE3
Rodriques Carson, Steward/Baker
Kenneth McHellen, Chief Cook Lizzie
Robinson, SA Anthony Grant and GVA
Breon Boyd.

Sunshine State Crew
Aids Stranded Boaters

The SIU-crewed Sunshine State (background) is pictured near the rescue site.

Progress Continues with COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 cases and deaths in the

United States continue to plummet. Ac-
cording to the Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention, both have dropped to
their lowest levels in nearly a year, and the
number of people vaccinated continues to
grow.

As of May 27, 2021, almost 133 mil-
lion people in the U.S. had been fully vac-
cinated and some 63 percent of all adults
had received at least one vaccination.
Nearly 28 million who contracted the dis-
ease have recovered. These encouraging
trends come as many people are making
plans to travel, gather with friends and
family, and resume other activities they
had avoided since the start of the pan-
demic. On the negative side of the led-
ger, active COVID-19 cases remain high
at just over 34 million; nearly 611,000
Americans so far have perished from the
disease.

In an effort to protect themselves
and their shipmates, Seafarers across
the country continue lining up to get the
vaccinations against the disease. As re-
ported in the previous edition of the Sea-
farers LOG, the hiring hall in Houston
in early May hosted a free COVID-19
vaccination drive. Working in concert
with a local health care provider and a
Harris County Commissioner from the
second precinct, union officials helped
get dozens of Seafarers vaccinated. A
second free vaccination drive took place
at the hall May 27 with some 60 people
(active members and dependents) taking
advantage of the offering and receiving
the vaccine.

At press time, the U.S. Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Prevention (CDC) an-
nounced that, until it can amend an order
from earlier this year, it will “exercise

its enforcement discretion to not require
wearing a mask in outdoor areas of trans-
portation conveyances or while outdoors
at transportation hubs. The Coast Guard
will no longer enforce mask requirements
in outdoor areas of maritime transporta-
tion conveyances and hubs.”

Meanwhile, officials at the SIU-af-
filiated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point,
Maryland have revised and updated the
school’s rules and procedures regarding
COVID-19. These rules, as currently con-
stituted, include allowing fully vaccinated
individuals to leave the base. According
to the updated guidance from the school,
“Fully vaccinated persons are those who
have received the second dose (Pfizer,
Moderna) at least two weeks prior or the
single dose Johnson & Johnson at least
two weeks prior. Fully vaccinated persons
must bring a copy (paper or digital) of their
vaccination card to admissions to receive a
badge. The badge will allow those who are
fully vaccinated to leave campus and be
allowed to return. All student badges will
be checked by security prior to entering or
leaving the campus.”

The guidance continues, “When inside
of any buildings and in common areas on
campus, you must wear a protective face
covering/mask which is secured behind
both ears or head. You will not be required
to wear face masks when in your hotel
room/personal space or outside. Face cov-
erings that are NOT acceptable include
bandanas, T-shirts and any covering with
inappropriate art, words and references. In
the event you do not have a proper face
covering/mask, they will be available for
sale in the sea chest.”

Campus-wide social distancing re-
mains in place. For now, no spouses, other

family members or guests are allowed on
campus. Assigned meal times also remain
in place.

Elsewhere, Bloomberg’s daily news-
letter Supply Lines has reported that ports
around the U.S. are extending a lifeline
to thousands of seafarers (mostly for-
eign workers) by rolling out vaccines for
them. These workers have spent the pan-
demic isolated aboard ships, helping en-
sure goods kept moving across a battered
global economy.

From Boston to Houston and Los An-
geles, and even in smaller trade gateways
like Gulfport, Mississippi, local health
officials and nonprofits are boarding con-
tainer ships, tankers and other cargo car-
riers to administer COVID-19 shots or,
when possible, shuttling crews to nearby
pharmacies and clinics.

The preferred vaccine for maritime
workers: the one-dose Johnson & Johnson
shot because they’re often docked for just
a day or two.

In Los Angeles and nearby Long

Beach, California, home of the nation’s
largest port complex, a vaccination pro-
gram that began in mid-May has reached
about 500 visiting sailors on 11 container
ships as of late June.

Similar efforts are getting under way at
nearly 50 U.S. seaports, according to the
North American Maritime Ministry As-
sociation.

Moreover, as of June 10, at least two-
dozen countries have opened to U.S. trav-
elers who are fully vaccinated against
COVID-19. The travel website AFAR is
maintaining a one-page list of such nations
at the following link:

https://tinyurl.com/ttm3sxf8
That post includes at least two other

links, both for U.S. State Department
pages, that Seafarers may want to book-
mark. This web address includes the latest
travel guidance for U.S. citizens:

https://tinyurl.com/n9zrs2y3
This one features country-specific in-

formation:
https://tinyurl.com/9cp4meep

Many Countries Open to U.S. Travelers Who are Fully Vaccinated

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4 Seafarers LOG July 2021

A longtime advocate of U.S. mariners
recently made a splash on the interna-
tional scene.

Mayte Medina of the U.S. Coast
Guard was unanimously elected as the
committee chair during the first day the
103rd session of the International Mari-
time Organization’s (IMO) Maritime
Safety Committee (MSC) on May 5. She
is the first woman to chair what is con-
sidered the IMO’s highest technical body.

According to the Coast Guard, “As the
senior technical body within the IMO, the
MSC is responsible for all issues related
to the protection of life and property at
sea. Under Ms. Medina’s leadership and
guidance, a number of significant issues
were considered and positively advanced
during this session, including impacts
of COVID-19 on shipping, autonomous
ships, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and
fuel oil safety.”

Medina, a graduate of the U.S. Mer-
chant Marine Academy, has worked for
the Coast Guard since 1997. She is the
agency’s chief of the Office of Merchant

Mariner Credentialing at Coast Guard
headquarters in the nation’s capital.

The agency described her as “an
internationally recognized expert on
mariner training and certification” who
previously served as chair of the IMO’s
Human Training and Watchkeeping Sub-
committee. “In addition, she has been in-
volved in the development of many other
domestic and international maritime
safety, security, and environmental pro-
tection standards. Well known and highly
respected worldwide, her election is
well-deserved and highly commended.”

SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Hein-
del, who also serves as chair of the Inter-
national Transport Workers’ Federation’s
Seafarers’ Section, applauded the elec-
tion.

“Working with Mayte both domesti-
cally and internationally over the last 15
years has demonstrated that her dedica-
tion and sincere concern for the health
and safety of all seafarers is genuine and
steadfast,” Heindel stated. “While rep-
resenting United States interests at the

International Maritime Organization and
International Labor Organization, she
has always been keen to find solutions
to the problems confronting mariners. I
wish her well in her new role at the IMO,
and knowing Mayte will be in the chair
of the Maritime Safety Committee gives
me confidence that seafarers will receive
a fair shake with the issues confronting
us today and in the future.”

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim,
wrapping up the recent IMO meeting,
stated, “In congratulating you all for
your contributions to the success of this
session, I would like to thank in particu-
lar your newly elected Chair, Ms. Mayte
Medina of the United States. This has
been a very demanding first session for
you, Madam Chair, but you have man-
aged very efficiently, diligently and
confidently, to achieve consensus in all
decisions. It is clear that the Commit-
tee took a wise decision in electing such
an experienced and determined Chair.
Under your able leadership, MSC 103
has concluded successfully.”

Medina Makes History with IMO Election
U.S. Representative Chairs Maritime Safety Committee

Mayte Medina

The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent, crewed
by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued 15 people from
a sinking commercial vessel off the coast of Somalia on June 8. Mariners from
the distressed runaway-flag cargo ship Falcon Line (some are pictured above)
boarded life rafts before their vessel sank in the Gulf of Aden. Crew members
from the Patuxent provided the rescued mariners with food, water and medical
screenings. (U.S. Navy photo)

CIVMARS to the Rescue

Continuing with an unofficial theme of
2021, SIU officials and delegates negotiated
multiple contracts recently, all of which fea-
tured gains across the board. At press time,
more contracts were in the final stages of
possible ratification, and will be featured in
upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG.

Seabulk Towing
Delegates and officials recently finalized

a new three-year agreement with Seabulk
Towing, which was ratified with unanimous
member approval.

“The delegates did an outstanding job,”
said SIU Assistant Vice President Michael
Russo. “We were able to sit down with the
company and hammer out a good contract
that works for everyone else in the fleet.”

The SIU’s negotiating committee included
Russo, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, SIU Pa-
trolman Kelly Krick, Engineer Delegate
Richard Johnson, Deck Delegate Chris Mc-
Calip, Captain Delegate Joshua Rodrigues
and Mate Delegate William Soileau.

The agreement included pay increases
in all three years plus hurricane pay. It
maintains medical and pension benefits

with no losses anywhere.

OSG Inland
An SIU committee also recently negoti-

ated a new three-year agreement with OSG’s
inland operation. The negotiating team in-
cluded SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast
Joseph Soresi, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice
and AB Tankerman Ed Putro.

The contract features wage gaines, in-
creases to holiday and overtime pay, and
boosts to the Seafarers Money Purchase
Pension Plan. It also includes increases to
lightering pay and pay for additional meals,
while maintaining the current Core-Plus
medical benefits and top pension plan con-
tributions.

Penn Terminal
The SIU has also ratified a new contract

with Crowley at Penn Terminal, a three-
year agreement that features annual wage
increases. The new pact also adds a holi-
day and personal day, as well as an increase
to the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan, all
while maintaining the current Core-Plus
level of benefits and pension contributions

Pictured from left at Penn Terminal are Seafarers Jeff Pope, George Vazquez, Vernell Cor-
nell, Mike Fay and John Wozunk, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice, Seafarers John Harvey, Scott
Musick and Gregorio Batista, and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray

Additional Contracts Approved

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 5

Although the COVID-19 pandemic precluded an in-per-
son gathering for the May 20 National Maritime Day Obser-
vance, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its
Maritime Administration (MARAD) put together an upbeat
video to mark the occasion.

Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education appear in the 39-minute
video (they sing “Heave Ho!” near the conclusion), which
is linked on the SIU website and available on MARAD’s
YouTube channel. Featured speakers include DOT Secretary
Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANS-
COM) commanding officer Gen. Stephen Lyons, U.S. Coast
Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, Federal Maritime
Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei, and Acting Maritime
Administrator Lucinda Lessley.

Numerous maritime students also were included, as was
World War II mariner Billie Pennings.

Buttigieg said the pandemic’s challenges “didn’t stop our
merchant mariners and (other) maritime industry workers
from helping to steer the entire country through the challeng-
ing waters that we’ve been in.”

He also stated, “This administration is firmly committed
to the Jones Act, which President Biden has called the cor-
nerstone of our domestic industry.”

Lyons noted, “Programs like the Maritime Security Pro-
gram, the Jones Act and the new Tanker Security Program are
important to ensure access to industry capabilities for defense
needs.”

These strong words of support came a week after foreign-
flag interests attempted to gain Jones Act waivers during the
Colonial Pipeline shutdown, which affected the delivery of
petroleum products across the South and Mid-Atlantic for a
little longer than one week. The U.S.-flag maritime industry
closely worked with the White House to make sure cargo
would be delivered and the Jones Act would remain secure.

In his first Maritime Day remarks as the head of the
Transportation Department, Buttigieg, a Navy veteran, ac-
knowledged the hardship incurred by those at sea during the
pandemic. He said the way to thank them is “to make sure
these jobs are safe and secure. It’s why the president’s plan so
strongly supports measures to make sure that the goods and
materials, infrastructure investments are made in America,

shipped on U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessels.”
While also saluting the efforts of those who worked at sea,

on the docks and elsewhere within the industry to keep the
country moving during the coronavirus fight, he praised their
efforts to keep the nation secure.

“As the TRANSCOM commander, I recognize the impor-
tant role the U.S.-flag maritime industry plays in our nation’s
defense: a Naval auxiliary in peace and in war, contribut-
ing qualified mariners, military useful vessels and access to
global trade networks,” Lyons stated. “This is why TRANS-
COM and [the Defense Department] remain strong advocates
for a healthy U.S.-flag maritime industry.”

The Coast Guard’s Schultz pointed out that the agency
recognizes “all of our credentialed U.S. merchant mariners
who form the backbone of the marine transportation system.
Throughout this pandemic, America’s highly professional
merchant mariners kept products moving to ensure our stores
were stocked with medical and critical supplies. Last year,
the Coast Guard made sure these marine operators were cat-
egorized as ‘essential workers’ because annually they enable
$5.4 trillion of economic activity that Americans depend on.”

Opening the ceremony was Lessley, who said the ceremo-
ny’s theme of America’s Maritime Workforce – Connecting
the Nation and the World “reminds us how vital waterborne
commerce remains and how essential the men and the women
who daily face the challenges of this industry are to keeping
our economy strong and to supporting national defense. The
success of our economy is inextricably linked to the success
of our maritime industry.”

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maf-
fei recalled how the “people working throughout the sup-
ply chain made sure that food, medicine, personal protective
equipment, ventilators and eventually vaccines got to where
they needed to be.”

President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the initial Na-
tional Maritime Day on May 22, 1933, to commemorate the
first successful crossing of a steam-powered vessel – the
U.S.-flag SS Savannah – across the Atlantic on that date in
1819.

(See President Joe Biden’s National Maritime Day 2021
Proclamation on next page)

DOT’s Virtual Maritime Day Observance
Honors U.S. Mariners Past and Present

Daniel Maffei, Chairman
Federal Maritime Commission

Gen. Stephen Lyons
Commanding Officer, U.S. Transportation Command

Adm. Karl Schultz
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

Lucinda Lessley
Acting Administrator

U.S. Maritime Administration

Pete Buttigieg
U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, close the DOT video by singing the old U.S. Maritime Service’s official song, “Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!”

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6 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Maritime Gets Strong Support in House Hearing

Members of Congress, the administra-
tion and the armed forces recently empha-
sized the importance of the U.S. Merchant
Marine and American-flag sealift capability.

They spoke during a May 18 joint
hearing of the U.S. House Armed Ser-
vices Subcommittees on Seapower and
Projection Forces and Readiness.

The hearing in part focused on the
need to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet.
Speakers also underscored the importance
of the U.S. mariners, the Jones Act, cargo
preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Se-
curity Program, and the new U.S. Tanker
Security Program.

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Califor-
nia), chairman of the Readiness Subcom-
mittee, stated, “I remain concerned that
we are not doing enough now to recapi-
talize our sealift fleet to meet capacity
requirements. We need a national sealift
fleet of smaller, affordable, more numer-
ous ships and we have to start this effort
now. Failure to do so will place the Ma-
rines, the Army, the Navy, and anybody
else that wants to fight anywhere in the
world in an unacceptable risk and force
projection capability beginning in 2024.
Actually, today.”

Ranking member U.S. Rep. Doug

Lamborn (R-Colorado) said, “Given
the current state of our sealift capability
it would appear that we are in trouble.
Almost all of our forward combat unit
equipment moves by sea. But our ships
are old and some near obsolete. The Army
has stated that planned fleet reductions
could result in, quote, ‘Unacceptable risk
in force projection capability beginning
in 2024,’ unquote. I know that TRANS-
COM can influence but not direct service
budget decisions. But I look forward to
hearing concrete solutions and long-term
plans, not simply relying on service-life
extensions to rebuild the fleet.”

U.S. Gen. Stephen Lyons, command-
ing officer of the U.S. Transportation
Command, said that he and Garamendi
and Lamborn “are in complete agreement
on the essence of having a strong U.S.-
flag mariner fleet, both organic and com-
mercial, and then the mariners that sail
both of them are a critical component of
our national defense and our national se-
curity. The work this committee has done
on the Tanker Security Program is great
work. We fully support that. We fully sup-
port the Jones Act and the Maritime Secu-
rity Program.”

Later in the hearing, Lyons added that

the new tanker program “is critical in my
view when I look at the liquid energy
value chain and what that represents – the
way it operates today and the way we will
need to warfit to operate under all domain
persistent attack. It’s clear that we need
to have a U.S.-flag capability to meet our
national defense and national security
needs. Today, that’s not the case (with
tankers). We have a large dependency
not just on commercial tankering but for-
eign-flag commercial tankering. I think
this program will be an important step to
move us to a U.S.-flag dependency which
I think is critical to the national defense.”

Additionally, he said that any waiver of
the Jones Act “should be a rare exception.”

Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator
Lucinda Lessley weighed in on recent re-
quests for Jones Act waivers. She stated,
“I personally and I think a lot of my col-
leagues continue to believe that waivers
such as these should be thoroughly vet-
ted, rare, short, and only granted in excep-
tional emergency circumstances…. The
administration has made clear its support
for the Jones Act.”

She also commended the pandemic-
era work of American mariners. Lessley
said, “The members of the U.S. Merchant

Marine have gone above and beyond to
ensure the continued operation of our
maritime transportation system during the
COVID-19 pandemic.”

Moreover, Lessley reiterated the ad-
ministration’s backing of the Tanker
Security Program and cargo preference
laws.

“The newly authorized Tanker Security
Program has the potential to address the
need for more U.S.-flag product tankers in
support of both national economic needs
and DOD contingency requirements,”
she said. “Cargo preference requirements
keep vessels operating under the U.S. flag
and create U.S. mariner jobs. MARAD is
committed to ensuring compliance with
cargo preference requirements and we
continue outreach to federal agencies and
industry to assist them in understanding
and meeting these requirements.”

She added, “Access to a pool of quali-
fied mariners from a robust commercial
maritime fleet is essential to maintain sea-
lift readiness. And due to the small num-
ber of ships in the U.S.-flag oceangoing
fleet, MARAD is concerned about our
ability to quickly assemble an adequate
number of qualified mariners should an
extended mobilization occur.”

Speakers Stress Need for New American-Flag Tonnage

Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard
issued the following Marine Safety In-
formation Bulletin on May 19. It is
posted on the SIU website (look in the
News section or search for “Spotlight
on the Mental Health of Mariners”),
including the links referenced in the
notice. Those URLs are unwieldy in
print, so they’re replaced with the
word HERE in this version of the no-
tice. Also, the original notice includes
information about an online survey
that ended May 31, so that segment is
omitted here.

The COVID-19 pandemic contin-
ues to have significant impacts on the
U.S. Marine Transportation System,
the Global shipping industry and on
mariners themselves. The risk of severe
illness and death from COVID- 19 in-
fection and the prolonged nature of the
pandemic have compounded existing
stressors and created new stressors on
maritime personnel, including feelings
of isolation, and physical and mental
fatigue caused by pandemic-related re-
strictions on crew changes, shore leave,
and repatriation of seafarers. These is-
sues have led to humanitarian concerns
as well as concerns for the physical and
mental health of mariners.

Mariner mental health concerns
are of significant importance to the
USCG as they may adversely affect
vessel operations and life at sea. Mari-
ner mental health concerns, including
those stemming from the COVID-19
pandemic, may include, but are not
limited to, depression, anxiety, post-
traumatic stress disorder, and suicide.
While some of these concerns arise in
individuals with diagnosed mental ill-
ness, many occur in people who do not
have a known mental health condition.
The USCG is committed to working

closely with industry partners and the
National Merchant Mariner Medical
Advisory Committee to identify suc-
cessful strategies to promote mariner
mental health. However, the USCG
and its partners recognize that strate-
gies will only be successful if mariners
feel safe accessing and utilizing avail-
able mental health resources.

To that end, the USCG seeks to as-
sure mariners that seeking mental
health care will not jeopardize a mari-
ner’s medical certification. In fact, the
National Maritime Center (NMC) rou-
tinely approves medical certification for
individuals who have stable, well con-
trolled mental health conditions. On the
infrequent occasions that the NMC has
denied medical certification to a mariner
with mental health concerns, it was for
mental health conditions that were not
sufficiently controlled so as to pose a
risk to public and maritime safety.

If you are a mariner who is in need
of mental health care, please:

do so without fear of reprisal or pun-
ishment from the USCG; and

remember that it is generally better
to seek help and treatment rather than
putting yourself and fellow crew mem-
bers at risk because of an untreated
condition.

Information on the medical review
process for mariners with diagnosed
mental health conditions is available in
the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual,
COMDTINST M16721.48, which can
be found HERE.

Information on mariner health and
wellness topics, including mental
health, can be found in the Proceedings
Magazine Fall 2020 Edition on Mari-
ner Health & Wellness online HERE.

R. V. Timme, RDML, U.S. Coast
Guard, Assistant Commandant for Pre-
vention Policy sends.

Notice

COVID-19: Spotlight on the
Mental Health of Mariners

May 21, 2021

Since the first days of our Republic, America has been a proud maritime Nation. To this
day, the United States Merchant Marine is a pillar of our country’s prosperity, playing a vital
role in the maintenance of our economic and national security. Through every period of peace
and war, our merchant mariners have been dedicated to protecting our freedom and promoting
commerce. On National Maritime Day, we honor the steadfast commitment and sacrifices of
the men and women who serve in the United States Merchant Marine, and recognize their
essential role in safeguarding and strengthening our Nation.

Called the “fourth arm of defense” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World
War II, the Merchant Marine established itself as a cornerstone of sealift support for our
Armed Forces, sailing through theaters of war to deliver troops and supplies while keeping
vital ocean supply lines operating. The perseverance and dedication of the Merchant Marine
contributed to the Allied victory even as they suffered one of the highest casualty rates of any
of our military services.

Our merchant mariners also play a critical role in times of peace. They ensure our eco-
nomic security by keeping our coastal and inland waterways open to trade, while United
States-flagged ships operated by American merchant mariners transport goods across our
country and all over the world. United States maritime freight operations helped support
$5.4 trillion of economic activity among the many non-maritime industries that depend on
the Merchant Marine for access to world markets. This movement of goods domestically
and internationally continues to ensure America’s economic competitiveness throughout the
world – growing jobs and supporting businesses of all sizes here at home.

Our merchant mariners are also critical to extending United States support and assistance
to foreign nations and local communities hit hard by natural disasters and devastating crises.
Even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, these brave men and women have overcome
seemingly insurmountable obstacles to fulfill their mission while keeping our Nation’s sup-
ply chains running.

The operation of the United States-flagged fleet is essential in contributing to the reduc-
tion of greenhouse gas emissions and landside congestion, helping provide current and future
generations with a more sustainable means of freight transportation. The industry is also
working to develop and implement new technologies to continue reducing emissions – an
effort my Administration is supporting through new international partnerships.

The maritime industry has long provided opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds
– and the Merchant Marine continues to advance a more equitable industry in which barriers
to entry and advancement are eliminated.

On this National Maritime Day, we honor the brave merchant mariners who provide
critical support to our troops stationed in warzones, and who are essential to our Nation’s
economic success. Recognizing the contributions of our merchant mariners, my Administra-
tion strongly supports protecting the Jones Act – the cornerstone of our domestic maritime
industry. We must protect those who protect our country.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of
each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a
steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and
requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate obser-
vance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of Amer-
ica, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2021, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans
to observe this day and to celebrate with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in
the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

President Joe Biden Issues
Maritime Day 2021 Proclamation

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 7

Two Seafarers and five SIU dependents recently
received good news in the form of scholarship awards
from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP).

The SHBP Scholarship Committee (consisting of
active and retired educators from various colleges and
universities from across the country) in late May selected
the following individuals for Charlie Logan Scholar-
ships: Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz-Rosario, QMED
Edward Williams, and dependents Brianna Alvarado,
Michael Eaton Jr., Sarah Elazzouzi, Matthew McKenna
and Nana Osei-Sarfo. Ortiz-Rosario and Williams each
received two-year grants totaling $6,000 apiece, while
the dependents each got four year, $20,000 awards.

Brief profiles of the scholarship winners follow.

Ingrid Ortiz-Rosario

SIU Connection:
Chief steward who
joined the union in
2013.

Notable: Already
a college graduate,
owned her own busi-
ness for many years
before getting the
urge to go to sea….
Puerto Rico native
who still lives in San
Juan.

Academic Items:
Plans to major in ac-
counting/finance and
has applied to several
schools.

Quotable: “I have been fortunate to travel the world
because of the SIU, supporting our government aboard
U.S. military-contracted ships and, most importantly, I
have supported the island where I grew up by working on
Jones Act ships carrying much-needed supplies to Puerto
Rico.”

Edward Williams

SIU Connection:
QMED

Notable: Has
sailed as pumpman
and electrician. Lives
in Lithonia, Georgia.

Academic Items:
Graduated from Jop-
patowne High School
in Maryland, attended
ITT Technical Insti-
tute. Applying to San
Jacinto College, Mid
Atlantic Maritime

Quotable: “Prior
to joining the SIU,
I was employed by
a manufacturing
company for nearly five years. It became apparent that
layoffs were imminent. When we were laid off, a co-
worker suggested that I apply for the apprentice program
at Piney Point. I invested all my time and effort into the
training that was offered…. I would like to continue my
education and sail as a third engineer.”

Brianna Alvarado

SIU Connec-
tion: Stepdaughter
of inland member
Fernando Pacheco,
a mate with G&H
Towing.

Notable: Gradu-
ated from Deer Park
High School in Texas
with a 4.19 GPA.
Work experience
includes being a pri-
vate-lesson instructor
for violin students,
and providing child-
care at Parkgate
Community Church.

Academic Items:
Already accepted at Stephen F. Austin State University,
her first choice. Plans to major in music. Taking classes

ahead of time at a community college.
Quotable: “I’ve ultimately learned to be a better

leader for myself and others. I’ve become passionate
about inspiring others in the same way I’ve been inspired
by music. My future as a music educator is bright for my
future students, colleagues, and those who wish to be in-
spired. To teach is to touch a life forever.”

Michael Eaton Jr.

SIU Connection:
Son of Tankerman
Michael Eaton.

Notable: Family
is from Peru. Has
worked as a math
tutor. Played football,
chess club, cooking
club, political debate
team, NHS.

Academic Items:
Already accepted at
Central Florida. Plans
to be a software engi-
neer. Graduated from
Merritt Island (Flor-
ida) Christian School
with a 3.82 GPA.

Quotable: “My most valuable experience is when I
volunteered many hours at the Veteran Memorial Park
and Saint Vincent de Paul. The times I spent there as-
sisting others helped me understand how much I like to
help people. I plan to develop software that can assist
people.”

Sarah Elazzouzi

SIU Connection:
Married to QMED
Mohammed Elaz-
zouzi.

Notable: Works
as a patient care
technician at Memo-
rial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center in
New York.

Academic Items:
Applied to Touro
College for nursing
science. Has already
earned a number of
college credits else-
where.

Quotable: “I
love helping people
and I’m proud to be
part of the first responders during the pandemic. My goal
is to become a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist.
I plan to start my career as a registered nurse in the ICU,
as it will allow me to learn about critical care and to

work with the most advanced technology.”

Matthew McKenna

SIU Connection:
Son of inland AB
Timothy McKenna

Notable: Cleve-
land resident who
plans to be a lawyer.
Active in community
service.

Academic Items:
Graduated from St.
Ignatius High with
a 4.33 GPA. Has ap-
plied to Notre Dame,
Loyola College, and
College of the Holy
Cross.

Quotable: “The
thing at St. Ignatius
that really made all of

my passions fit together was community service…. I want
to use my talents to fight for judicial representation for
those who took a wrong turn. I will always remember that
man-made systems are not perfect.”

Nana Osei-Sarfo

SIU Connection: Stepdaughter of Bosun Michael
Kanga.

Notable: Born in
Ghana and later be-
came a naturalized U.S.
citizen. Lives in Silver
Spring, Maryland.

Academic Items:
Graduated from
James Hubert Blake
High School in Mary-
land with a 4.0 GPA.
Has applied to High
Point University,
Morgan State, and
Robert Morris. Plans
to major in actuarial
science.

Quotable: “In
2015, my mother
married and joined my stepfather here in the United
States, and I relocated two years later. I quickly ad-
justed and acclimatized myself to the more compli-
cated education system in the U.S. while maintaining
straight-A grades…. I am an active member of the Mi-
nority Scholars Program, the Leo Club (which under-
takes volunteer opportunities to inspire positive change
in our local community), and the Black Student Union.
I am honored to be a mentor, serving on the Briggs
Chaney Middle School committee as well.”

SHBP Awards $112,000 in Scholarships
Seafarers, Dependents Receive Aid for Ongoing Education

For the second straight year, the SHBP Scholarship Committee met online, due to COVID-19 safety measures. The
committee consisted of Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Michael Glaser, Dr. Marla Kohlman, Dr. Gayle Olson
and Dr. Keith Schlender

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8 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Thomas Peter Tobin only sailed with the SIU for a
few years, but the union made a big impression on him.

That much was obvious following his unexpected
death on April 28, at age 46. In lieu of flowers, the
family asked that donations be made to the Seafar-
ers Disaster Aid Fund (SDRF). In response, Tobin’s
friends and colleagues made 35 separate donations to
the fund, totaling more than $11,000.

All money collected by the SDRF is used to assist
SIU members and retirees living in areas affected by
hurricanes and other natural disasters. (The fund is
prominently linked on the home page of the SIU web-
site.)

Tobin, who went by his middle name, trained at the
SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, off
and on beginning in late 1997 until early 2000, and he
sailed with the union from 1998-2000, most recently
as an AB. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused
by an undiagnosed cardiomyopathy while exercising in
his house in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York.

A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, who grew up
in Pelham Manor, New York, Tobin packed many
adventures into his life. He attended the Univer-
sity of Colorado before joining the SIU; his time
with the union included the maiden voyage aboard

the USNS Bob Hope in late 1998.
According to his obituary, “Peter spent time in

some of the world’s most vibrant cities, including
San Francisco, New Orleans, Buenos Aires, Tokyo,
and New York. On his travels, he cooked and sailed,
taught English, acquired tattoos, and amassed ad-
ventures that he recorded in masterfully descriptive
language on the pages of his many journals. Peter’s
magnetic personality and fluid adaptability made it
easy for him to move among strangers, quickly turn-
ing many into friends. His curiosity, sharp wit, and

intellect propelled him through the world, in any
direction that inspired him.”

He lived in Argentina while teaching English, then
returned to New York, where he was a founding mem-
ber of both Mission Capital Advisors and (more re-
cently) a founder and partner at Three Line Capital, an
“active distressed debt principal investor.”

Tobin married Dr. Nora Lansen in 2006; they would
actively raise their three children together.

He is survived by his parents, siblings, wife and
children Ella, Penny and Ryder.

Late Mariner Inspires
Donations to Seafarers

Disaster Aid Fund

At left, Tobin is pictured in the late 1990s in Piney Point. The photo of him at right is recent.

With Seafarers at San Juan Hall

AB Carlos Diaz (left) and his wife, Katyria Calderon,
are pictured at the San Juan hall following Carlos’
recently completed tour of duty aboard Crowley’s
Taino. One could say Carlos found a home with the
SIU. Since he started sailing in December 2018,
“our lives have taken a 180-degree turn for the bet-
ter,” he said. “Our kids are now in the best schools,
and we take quality time off. A vote of thanks to our
headquarters personnel and all SIU officials for a job
well done on behalf of the membership.”

SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (center) happily welcomes
his friends, who are SIU pensioners, Radmaes Cosme (left)
and Jose Colls (right).

Chief Steward Juan Guanil (right) shows his A-seniority book.
“I came to the SIU with high hopes and have had eight years
of awesome work experience and great pay,” he said. “A vote
of thanks to our headquarters personnel and contracts depart-
ment.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo is at left.

Pictured from left are QMED Edwin Morales, Storekeeper Steven
Lopez, Chief Steward Carmelo Calderon, SIU Port Agent Aman-
cio Crespo and Chief Steward Jorge Roman.

Chief Cook Kenneth Cabrera Roman
(right) holds his performance evalua-
tion (top marks all the way) following a
voyage aboard the Pacific Tracker. He’s
pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio
Crespo. The chief cook noted, “After
working on a dead-end job at a local
mall in San Juan, joining the SIU has
been a life-changing experience and a
huge career opportunity for me.”

Ricardo Valenzuela in April finished upgrading to
AB. He’s displaying a certificate from the U.S. De-
partment of Labor certifying his progress.

Pensioners Paulino Flores (left) and Jose Velez visit the hall in late May.

Recertified Bosun
Victor Nunez

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 9

Spotlight on Mariner HealthSpotlight on Mariner Health

Editor’s note: This article was
provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan Medical Depart-
ment.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most
common form of dementia.

It is known to have two types
of proteins that form in the brain
(tangles and plaques).

A progressive illness, Alzheim-
er’s destroys memory and other
important mental functions. Brain
cell connections and the cells them-
selves degenerate and die, eventu-
ally destroying memory and other
important cerebral utilities.

Presently, there is not one
known cause for Alzheimer’s dis-
ease. In one percent of all cases,
there are genes that can determine
whether or not an individual will
have the disease. They’re related to
amyloid-beta production, which is
likely to cause Alzheimer’s. Other
cases may result from an individ-
ual’s lifestyle, diet, alcohol intake,
stress level, etc.

Healthy habits may help ward
off Alzheimer’s or at least slow
down its progression. These habits
include:

Regular Exercise - Exercise is
number one in helping to prevent
or slow the progression in people

who have symptoms. It is recom-
mended that people try to exercise
for 30 minutes per day, three to
four times a week.

Proper Diet - Eating a Medi-
terranean diet will also help to
slow the progression in individu-
als who have this disease. This diet
is rich in fresh vegetables, fruits,
whole grains, olive oil, nuts, fish,
poultry, eggs, limited dairy and
moderate amounts of red wine
and red meats.

Proper Rest - There is grow-
ing evidence that proper rest also
can help prevent Alzheimer’s and
is linked to greater amyloid clear-
ance from the brain. At least six
to eight hours of sleep per night is
recommended.

Participate in New Activities
- Learn new things to help stimu-
late the brain’s activity. Reading,
playing games, going out and
meeting new people all can be
beneficial.

Moderation - Limit alcohol
intake. It is thought, however, that
small amounts of wine may be
helpful in the prevention and the
slowing of Alzheimer’s disease.

See Your Doctor Regularly
- Keep appointments with your
doctor and take medications as
prescribed.

Alzheimer’s Disease Destroys
Individual’s Mental Functions

Achiote Paste
Achiote paste is made with annatto seeds, cumin,
pepper, coriander, oregano, cloves, and garlic. It
can be used as a sauce, marinade, or rub in many
delicious traditional Mexican dishes including
Cochinita Pibil and Tacos Al Pastor. This condi-
ment is not easily found in most grocery stores,
but should be available in Latin grocery stores or
online (preferred choice).
Guajillo Chile Powder
Guajillo peppers have a sweet flavor and mild-
medium heat. They are the second most com-
monly used dried chili in Mexican cuisine after
poblanos. 1 Guajillo Chile is equal to 1 teaspoon
of Guajillo Chile powder. Like Achiote Paste,
this condiment is also not easily found in most
grocery stores, but should be available in Latin
grocery stores or online (preferred choice).
For the Pork:
3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced small
1 1/2 cups red onion, diced small
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
12 flour tortillas (6 inch)
For Al Pastor Sauce
1 1/2 cups Pineapple juice
1 1/2 ounces Achiote paste
3 teaspoons Guajillo chile powder (ground gua-
jillo chile pepper)
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dried oregano (ground)
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin (ground)
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic clove (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon cloves (ground)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (ground)
Make Al Pastor Sauce
In a blender or food processor, place all the sauce
ingredients and blend until well combined and
smooth. Set aside.
Make Al Pastor Pork
Marinate the pork with the sauce recipe over-
night. Remove from marinate and discard left-
over liquid. Sear the pork on a grill over high
heat 2 minutes per side.
Roast the seared pork in a 350-degree oven;
uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Rest the meat for
about 15 minutes, covered.
Slice the pork thin at an angle.
Place in serving pans and keep warm.
Make the Sides Ready
Warm the tortillas on a low heat grill for 30 seconds
on each side. Place in serving pan and keep warm.
Grill the chopped pineapple on a well-oiled
griddle or sauté pan; for about 3-5 minutes until
caramelized, but not mushy.
Make the Tacos Al Pastor
Place about 3oz. of meat on a warm tortilla.
Add about 1 tablespoon of the caramelized
pineapple. Add about 1 tablespoon of the
chopped red onions.
Add about 1/2 teaspoon of the chopped cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 400
Calories; 13g Fat (28.0% calories from fat); 21g
Protein; 52g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber;
36mg Cholesterol; 682mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3
Grain (Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2
Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

(Recipe courtesy of the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)

Healthy Recipe
Tacos Al Pastor (12 Servings)

Union, Paul Hall Center Mourn J.C. Wiegman
When J.C. Wiegman committed to something, he went

all in.
That proved true in his devotion to family, his career in

the U.S. Navy, and his second career as a mainstay at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education (PHC), where Wiegman worked from 1989 until
his retirement in early 2015. And, as anyone who knew him
could attest, it definitely applied to his longtime loyalty to
the NFL’s Washington Redskins (since renamed).

Wiegman unexpectedly passed away May 5 at his
home in Piney Point, Maryland, close to the PHC. He
was 72.

“J.C. was always doing his very best to make sure that
our membership was equipped with the proper tools to meet
the ever-changing needs of our industry,” said SIU Execu-
tive Vice President Augie Tellez. “Although their name has
changed, I’m sure he’s wearing his Washington Redskins

jacket, arguing with the angels over their proud history. Our
sympathies and condolences go out to his wife and family.”

Paul Hall Center Assistant Vice President Bart Rogers
worked with Wiegman throughout his career at the school,
both when Wiegman was an instructor and during his tenure
as director of training.

“J.C. was a tireless advocate for our mariners,” Rogers
said. “He was well-respected throughout the industry for his
knowledge of maritime regulations, and he was at the fore-
front of U.S. implementation of STCW requirements. He
was my friend and I will miss our Giants-Redskins battles.”

Born John Clarence Wiegman, J.C. served in the Navy
from 1966 until 1987, most recently as a gas turbine me-
chanical maintenance senior chief. He earned numerous
awards and decorations, including the National Defense Ser-
vice Medal, Navy Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit
Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Good
Conduct Awards and Navy Commendation Medals.

Wiegman’s connection to Piney Point began long before
the school opened there in 1967. He grew up in the small
town (its population today is still fewer than 1,000), and his
father worked at the facility when it was a torpedo testing
center.

If no mention of Wiegman away from work would be
complete without including both the Redskins and his acu-
men as a Little League baseball coach (he coached each of
his three kids), no recap of his time at the PHC would be
proper without crediting his encyclopedic knowledge of the
maritime industry’s myriad training requirements.

When Wiegman retired, Don Nolan, then the PHC’s
vice president, described him as “instrumental in all
phases of training throughout the school, both vocational
and academic. His communications with the Coast Guard,
the Military Sealift Command and other agencies was
vital for us, and he also did a great job with our veterans
program.

Rogers added that Wiegman “kept us way ahead of
schedule with new requirements all of the time, long before
you were required to be compliant. He kept us abreast of
all the changes, going back to the training record book and
most recently the (STCW) final rule.”

When he retired, Wiegman noted, “I could write a book
on the changes in training that began in the 1990s. In the
early 90s, oil and pollution prevention were impacting the
industry. A program for tanker safety operations was put
in place. This course became the industry standard before
the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 came out in regulation. It was
also a key event in my career because my boss, the late

Bill Eglinton, tasked me with going to the Coast Guard and
getting a grandfathering provision for (the) tanker assistant-
dangerous liquids class. Going to the National Maritime
Center, I met and learned to work with them, opening lines
of communication.”

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Carole; three
sons; a sister; and nine grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Lee Res-
cue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Wiegman (right) visits a ship to gather information for use
in classes at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Mary-
land.

J.C. Wiegman speaks at the Paul Hall Center in 2014.

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10 Seafarers LOG July 2021

TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESS-
WOMAN – SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (right)
and SIU Patrolman James Bast (left) are pictured
with U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York)
following a U.S.-flag maritime roundtable gather-
ing in New York in early May.

MARITIME DAY IN ALOHA STATE – Hono-
lulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (center) recently
presented the Hawaii Port Maritime Council
(part of the Maritime Trades Department)
with a proclamation recognizing National
Maritime Day. Pictured at right is SIU Port
Agent Hazel Galbiso, who also serves as
the port council’s secretary-treasurer. At left
is Randy Swindell, port council president.

KEY APPOINTMENT FOR SIU OFFICIAL – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (second
from right) recently was appointed to the newly formed Broward County (Florida)
Labor Board. He’s pictured in mid-May with county commissioners and other board
members. Speaking to Mayor Steve Geller and commissioners, Hopkins gave a brief
talk about the SIU and its affiliated school in Maryland, plus the MTD and the U.S.
Merchant Marine in general.

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

SOLIDARITY IN THE SOUTH – Seafarers in New Orleans recently took part in an
informational picket supporting the Southeast Louisiana Building & Construction
Trades Council. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (back
row, center, wearing white hat).

WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW OR-
LEANS – AB Willie Allen (right) receives
his first pension check from SIU Port
Agent Chris Westbrook at the hiring hall.
Allen started his SIU career in 1990 on
the Delta Queen. He later transitioned to
the Crowley ATB fleet.

CLASS PREP – OMU Kevin Brown (left) takes a pre-
course test for entry into a storekeeper class at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brown
was a member of apprentice class 818 in 2017 and re-
cently signed off the Horizon Pacific. He’s pictured at
the Oakland hall, with SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli.

BOOKS IN PINEY – Chief Cook Christopher Richardson (right
in photo above) and AB Christopher Hart (right in photo below)
receive their respective full B-books in Piney Point, Maryland.
Each is pictured with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left in both
photos).

ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Vessel master Capt. T. Pham submitted this snapshot of SIU members aboard
the ship in the Far East. It includes Bosun Rudy Harjanto, ABM Fernando Haber, ABW Debbie Garcia, ABW Car-
los Zapata, ABM Roy Enriquez, QMED Joshua Bonita, ABW Mark Bolin, Chief Cook Hyeyoung Forrer, GVA Gene
Ajoste, QMED Theodore Gonzales, Pumpman Walden Galacgac and Chief Steward Gerard Cox.

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 11

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

SEAFARING SELFIE – Pictured from left at
the Oakland hall are Recertified Bosun Antjuan
Webb, SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II and Re-
certified Bosun Ritche Acuman.

FULL BOOK IN JERSEY – Seafarer Tommy Napoli
(left) receives his full B-book from Bosun Scott Smith.
They’re pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station
in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – During the May membership meeting, SA Nala Johnson (second from
right) receives her full B-book, while Chief Cook Lordiem Garcia (right) gets his A-book. SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson is administering the oath. Partly visible at far left is TOTE Director of Fleet Services Lisa
Gee, a guest at the meeting.

BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Gathering for a photo earlier this year at the hir-
ing hall are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, ACU Cathleen Dell, SIU
VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and AB Eleuterio Lino. The two Seafarers
received their respective full B-books earlier the same day.

CHECKING IN AT TACOMA HALL – Longtime Seafarer MDR Brandon
Maeda (left) stops by the hiring hall to take care of some paperwork and catch
up on union news. At right is SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.

CARTER RETURNS TO SERVICE – After a brief layup period early this year, the SIU-crewed Edward
Carter Jr. is once again sailing as part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet. The vessel is operated
by Sealift, Inc.

AT THE SAN JUAN Hall – In photo above, Chief Cook Fernando Marques (right)
receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo
at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico. In the photo at right, Seafarer Steven Lopez (right)
displays certificates of completion for three classes he recently finished at the
SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland (MSC Storekeeper, MSC Supply
Configuration Management, and MSC Ship Clip). He is believed to be the first
storekeeper registered at the San Juan hall. We’ve got a good source for that info:
Crespo, left in the photo.

PRIDE IN PORTLAND – Thanks to Recertified Steward Michael Gramer
(aboard the Pacific Tracker) for this photo of the SIU-crewed Pride of Amer-
ica, which is getting spruced up in Portland, Oregon.

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12 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Stewards get together for their graduation dinner, with officials including SIU Exec VP Augie Tellez (center) and Paul Hall Center Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (third from right).

Mario Firme Jr.
Recertified Steward

Kenneth Greenidge
Recertified Steward

Eight Recertified Stewards Thankful for Opportunities for Advancement
The first pandemic-era class of stewards successfully

completed the highest-level curriculum available at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for their department,
reaching what several of them described as the peak of
their culinary careers.

Eight culinary professionals on June 7 graduated from
the two-week Steward Recertification Course, which was
modified due to pandemic concerns: Jatniel “Bam Bam”
Aguilera, Marlon Battad, Edwin Bonefont, Dante Cruz,
Mario Firme Jr., Kenneth Greenidge, Francisco Mad-
sen and Albert Sison. During their studies, they learned
and furthered their knowledge of nutrition, healthy eating,
baking and sanitation, and improved other skills such as
computer literacy, social responsibilities and leadership.
In addition, the newly recertified stewards gained insight
into how the union and school operates, with courses and
workshops that detail the functions of various departments,
the union’s affiliated labor partners and the inner workings
of collective bargaining agreements.

To place a capstone on the program, each steward ad-
dressed the assembled crowd of upgrading members, ap-
prentices and SIU officials and staff at the June membership
meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. In their speeches, each
member expressed gratitude and humility upon completing
the program, and thanked the staff and instructors of the
school for their help in achieving this goal. Without excep-
tion, each member thanked the union officials for their lead-
ership and knowledge, as well as imparted words of wisdom
to the future generations of mariners in attendance.

The following are excerpts from each recertified stew-
ard’s speech, presented in the order in which they spoke.
These excerpts were bolstered by written comments and
notes provided to the Seafarers LOG.

Kenneth Greenidge
Greenidge opened with a quote from author David J.

Schwartz: “Success is determined not so much by the size
of one’s brain as it is by the size of one’s thinking.” He
then discussed his SIU journey, saying, “The SIU has been
a life-changing experience for me, and it has been a heavy
journey.”

A frequent upgrader, Greenidge was born in New Or-
leans, and began sailing in 1989 out of Piney Point. He
now primarily sails out of Oakland, California.

He continued: “The union has always stood by me.
They have my back, and I’ve utilized all the facilities they
have to offer. And I do mean all the facilities. The SIU re-
ally gave me the opportunity to be a productive citizen of
the United States.”

To the apprentices, he offered the following advice:
“You can apply your experience in life anywhere you go.
You can have they lifestyle you enjoy, and love your life.
But you must stay humble, and look out for your brothers
and sisters. Treat people with respect and have respect for
yourself.

“Go out there and work to the best of your ability, re-
gardless of people’s attitudes. Sometimes a good attitude
and energy can rub off on someone who does not have
such a good attitude. Be yourself, be honest and good for-
tune will always come,” he concluded.

Marlon Battad
Next at the podium was Marlon Battad. Battad joined

the union in Norfolk in 2004 and currently sails from
Houston. He has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center seven
times.

“Our union has been a very important part of my life,”
he began. “The union has given me the means of provid-
ing for my family and loved ones. I am thankful for this
opportunity, to be one of the chosen members to become
a recertified steward. This accomplishment is one of the
great achievements that I will always remember.”

He then praised the SIU officials, saying, “During my
few weeks of staying here at the campus, I have learned
how hard our union officials work to make sure that we all
have a job. I am forever grateful for their hard work and
dedication to our union, to ensure that every single mem-
ber has the means to provide for our families.”

He added, “To our upcoming members, my advice is to
take pride. Take pride in what we do, so that we can pro-
tect our jobs for the next generations to come.”

After urging fellow members to support SPAD (the
union’s voluntary political action fund) and also partici-
pate in grassroots political activities, he thanked SIU
President Michael Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President
Augustin Tellez specifically, as well as the staff of the port
of Houston.

Albert Sison
Albert Sison, who joined the union at the Port of

Wilmington, California in 1991, was the next to speak.
He brought specific attention to the recent and ongoing
upgrades to the school, praising the renovations as well as
the all-new media center (which will open later this year).

“I’m finally here, after a 14-and-a-half-month COVID
delay,” he continued. “I am standing on stage, in front of
an audience of my brothers and sisters, alongside my col-
leagues, and I can now proudly say that I am a SIU recerti-
fied chief steward. I’m honored, I’m grateful, I’m blessed
to have been given this opportunity, and I’m proud to be a
part of this organization.”

He then praised the instructors, saying: “The knowl-
edge that you give us is priceless. The classes here have
provided me with solid information, and I can now take
that knowledge and pass it along to my union brothers and
sisters.”

Sison also credited all of the staff at the Paul Hall Cen-
ter.

Dante Cruz
Dante Cruz spoke next. He’s a California resident

who joined the union in San Francisco in 1993 and now
sails out of Oakland. Cruz spoke about all he learned in
the course, and touched on the importance of getting a
COVID-19 vaccine, saying, “Brothers and sisters, your
safety is their safety.”

He continued, “I was surprised when I met all of the
union officials. They’re very friendly and approachable
people.... I learned all about politics and how important it
is to our union. I also learned how hard the union officials
work to make sure members have a job in the future.

“The school’s accommodations were very neat, and
the food was both delicious and healthy,” he added. “The
facility was also very advanced, in terms of their level of
technology.”

He concluded by encouraging the other students to
study hard and stay safe.

Jatniel ‘Bam Bam’ Aguilera
Jatniel Aguilera, who goes by the nickname Bam Bam,

is a Puerto Rican mariner who joined in Piney Point in
2009 and currently ships out of the San Juan hall. He is
also the proud father of another Seafarer, as his son has
joined the union.

Aguilera described the course, saying: “In the steward
recertified class, I learned how and where to turn when
you have any doubts or questions. I also learned how to
be a better leader, and how to help others become better
leaders. In addition, I learned the importance of supporting
the Jones Act, SPAD, and the role of the Maritime Trades
Department.

“That knowledge is what helps us be able to guide oth-
ers, both on the vessel and outside the union, on the im-
portance of what makes the union strong,” he continued. “I
would describe my experience in Piney Point as, ‘This is a
factory that makes leaders, skilled merchant mariners and
future officers of the SIU.’ This school gives you a first-
class education, and if you know how to take advantage of
it, you will make the best of your career.”

He concluded by saying to the trainees, “Be the archi-
tect of your destiny. Follow orders; it’s not so hard. And
support this union. Fight for this union. This is a machine,
always going forward, and what lies ahead is great success
for you and your brothers and sisters.”

Mario Firme Jr.
Mario Firme Jr., who joined the union in 1990 and sails

out of Wilmington, spoke next. Firme Jr. expressed his
gratitude for the opportunity, and specifically thanked sev-
eral key figures.

He said, “It’s an honor and a privilege that I have fi-
nally reached the goal I’ve been dreaming of becoming
a recertified chief steward. The union has given me the
opportunity to have a better quality of life, and hope for
the future. I promise to be a good leader.... I specifically
want to thank Chef Jesse Sunga, Wilmington Port Agent
Jeff Turkus, and SIU Vice President Tom Orzechowski, for
their help and encouragement.”

He also addressed the apprentices, saying, “Listen and learn
from your shipmates, and never be afraid to ask questions.”

Francisco Madsen
Francisco Madsen, who joined the SIU in Fort Lauder-

dale, Florida, in 2004 and still ships from there, empha-
sized how much the union has impacted his life.

After quipping that his fellow stewards had already
said what he planned to say in his speech, he relayed his
experiences, stating, “I said when I started, ‘I can do this
job for maybe one or two years.’ Well, here I am, all these
years later. The SIU changed my life, and with the help of
the school’s instructors, I have been able to have the nec-
essary tools to get where I am today.”

He then offered a stark reminder to those in attendance:
“Two very important words to remember: Jones Act. With-
out the Jones Act, we are nothing. Don’t forget, you are a
union worker. That’s who we are.”

After praising the school’s numerous improvements, he
concluded by recognizing the future of the union, saying, “I see
a lot of young people in here, and some upgraders as well. I en-
courage you to take every opportunity the school gives you.”

Edwin Bonefont
Before Edwin Bonefont took the stage, Tellez intro-

duced him as coming from a legacy SIU family. Histori-
cally, many mariners with the last name Bonefont have
shipped out of East Coast ports ever since the inception
of the union in 1938, making the name synonymous with
Seafarers, according to Tellez. Edwin, who joined the SIU
in Piney Point in 1992, ships out of San Juan today.

“I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me live
my dream,” he began. “The SIU has been a part of my
family since it started. In all the years I have been coming
to the school, I have always had a great experience, from
the time I was an apprentice until today. I can say that the
instructors and the officials help elevate the SIU to the sta-
tus that it holds today.”

He talked about all he learned throughout the program,
saying, “I met with the officials, who explained to me how
the SIU operates, and what the union does for the mem-
bers. And from all angles, I have a better understanding of
how the different departments work together. My experi-
ences will help me explain how it all works to the other
members aboard the ship.”

He concluded by saying, “I’m excited to see what the
future holds, for the future mariners and for the SIU.”

Dante Cruz
Recertified Steward

Jatniel Aguilera
Recertified Steward

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 13

Stewards get together for their graduation dinner, with officials including SIU Exec VP Augie Tellez (center) and Paul Hall Center Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (third from right).

Mario Firme Jr.
Recertified Steward

Francisco Madsen
Recertified Steward

Edwin Bonefont
Recertified Steward

Albert Sison
Recertified Steward

Marlon Battad
Recertified Steward

Kenneth Greenidge
Recertified Steward

Eight Recertified Stewards Thankful for Opportunities for Advancement
Mario Firme Jr.

Mario Firme Jr., who joined the union in 1990 and sails
out of Wilmington, spoke next. Firme Jr. expressed his
gratitude for the opportunity, and specifically thanked sev-
eral key figures.

He said, “It’s an honor and a privilege that I have fi-
nally reached the goal I’ve been dreaming of becoming
a recertified chief steward. The union has given me the
opportunity to have a better quality of life, and hope for
the future. I promise to be a good leader.... I specifically
want to thank Chef Jesse Sunga, Wilmington Port Agent
Jeff Turkus, and SIU Vice President Tom Orzechowski, for
their help and encouragement.”

He also addressed the apprentices, saying, “Listen and learn
from your shipmates, and never be afraid to ask questions.”

Francisco Madsen
Francisco Madsen, who joined the SIU in Fort Lauder-

dale, Florida, in 2004 and still ships from there, empha-
sized how much the union has impacted his life.

After quipping that his fellow stewards had already
said what he planned to say in his speech, he relayed his
experiences, stating, “I said when I started, ‘I can do this
job for maybe one or two years.’ Well, here I am, all these
years later. The SIU changed my life, and with the help of
the school’s instructors, I have been able to have the nec-
essary tools to get where I am today.”

He then offered a stark reminder to those in attendance:
“Two very important words to remember: Jones Act. With-
out the Jones Act, we are nothing. Don’t forget, you are a
union worker. That’s who we are.”

After praising the school’s numerous improvements, he
concluded by recognizing the future of the union, saying, “I see
a lot of young people in here, and some upgraders as well. I en-
courage you to take every opportunity the school gives you.”

Edwin Bonefont
Before Edwin Bonefont took the stage, Tellez intro-

duced him as coming from a legacy SIU family. Histori-
cally, many mariners with the last name Bonefont have
shipped out of East Coast ports ever since the inception
of the union in 1938, making the name synonymous with
Seafarers, according to Tellez. Edwin, who joined the SIU
in Piney Point in 1992, ships out of San Juan today.

“I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me live
my dream,” he began. “The SIU has been a part of my
family since it started. In all the years I have been coming
to the school, I have always had a great experience, from
the time I was an apprentice until today. I can say that the
instructors and the officials help elevate the SIU to the sta-
tus that it holds today.”

He talked about all he learned throughout the program,
saying, “I met with the officials, who explained to me how
the SIU operates, and what the union does for the mem-
bers. And from all angles, I have a better understanding of
how the different departments work together. My experi-
ences will help me explain how it all works to the other
members aboard the ship.”

He concluded by saying, “I’m excited to see what the
future holds, for the future mariners and for the SIU.”

Jatniel Aguilera
Recertified Steward

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14 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Car Rental Discounts
for Union Families

With Union Plus car rental discounts,
your next trip just got a lot cheaper.
Union members can save up to 25% with
exclusive deals at six nationwide car
rental companies.

SIU-CR-6-2-21

Learn more at unionplus.org/carrental

Savings from loyalty programs

7/21

68800_JULY_2021_LOG.indd 1468800_JULY_2021_LOG.indd 14 6/18/21 7:03 PM6/18/21 7:03 PM



July 2021 Seafarers LOG 15

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 10-June 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 13.

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

Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep SeaDispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Piney Point.......................*Tuesday: July 6, Monday: August 2
Algonac.....................................................Friday: July 9, August 6
Baltimore...................................Thursday: July 8, August 5
Guam.......................................Thursday: July 22, August 19
Honolulu...............................Friday: July 16, August 13

Houston...................................Monday: July 12, August 9

Jacksonville.........................Thursday: July 8, August 5

Joliet..............................................Thursday: July 15, August 12

Mobile......................................Wednesday: July 14, August 11

New Orleans............................Tuesday: July 13, August 10

Jersey City.....................................Tuesday: July 6, August 3

Norfolk..........................................Friday: July 9, August 6

Oakland................................Thursday: July 15, August 12

Philadelphia..............................Wednesday: July 7, August 4

Port Everglades........................Thursday: July 15, August 12

San Juan.......................................Thursday: July 8, August 5

St. Louis......................................Friday: July 16, August 13

Tacoma........................................Friday: July 23, August 20

Wilmington......................................Monday: July 19, August 16

* Piney Point change due to Independence Day observance.

Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m

July & AugustJuly & August
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings

Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing
onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often includ-
ing testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and
verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason,
not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In ad-
dition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only
long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the im-
portance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the
protection of those around you.

Note to Our Readers

In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also
helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its
requirements for steward-department coursework.

Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the
Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook con-
sists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at
least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation
(one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and
graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course.

Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in
Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program.

For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective steward-
department upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The
letter is linked in a March 18 post.

Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at
(301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org.

Paul Hall Center Modifies Some
Requirements for Galley Training

Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug test-
ing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your
home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates
the maritime industry).

A recent report by an industry trade association representing
hundreds of employers pointed out that many people trying to enter
the industry hit a roadblock by testing positive for marijuana. Con-
versely, the percentage of active mariners who test positive for drug
use is extremely low.

The same article noted that maritime employers are required to
report their respective yearly drug and alcohol testing data to the U.S.
Coast Guard. This includes pre-employment drug tests.

The bottom line for mariners – active and prospective alike – is
that marijuana is still banned under federal law, and pre-employment
screenings are reported to the Coast Guard.

DOT Forbids Marijuana Use;
Pre-Employment Drug Tests
Are Reported to Coast Guard

Notice/Reminders

Deck Department
Algonac 34 7 0 12 3 0 3 39 7 0
Anchorage 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 2
Baltimore 5 2 0 2 3 0 2 5 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 19 18 5 12 13 2 11 30 17 5
Guam 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0
Harvey 16 7 3 8 7 4 7 16 7 2
Honolulu 11 2 0 9 0 1 2 12 3 0
Houston 42 23 12 33 17 11 19 67 29 7
Jacksonville 35 32 9 28 25 4 19 60 37 12
Jersey City 29 8 5 25 7 6 17 61 14 5
Joliet 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0
Mobile 11 6 3 2 1 4 3 15 4 0
Norfolk 22 11 3 16 10 1 8 45 14 4
Oakland 18 3 3 7 4 0 5 26 4 5
Philadelphia 7 2 0 6 3 0 6 5 2 1
Piney Point 2 1 1 2 2 0 1 1 0 1
Puerto Rico 6 5 1 5 4 1 7 11 5 0
Tacoma 31 12 5 18 6 2 12 48 12 9
St. Louis 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0
Wilmington 26 13 2 14 7 2 10 51 27 2
TOTALS 324 156 52 202 113 38 134 505 187 55

Engine Department
Algonac 2 2 1 2 0 0 1 6 3 2
Anchorage 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Baltimore 3 3 2 0 4 1 1 4 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 9 8 0 6 3 0 3 17 8 3
Guam 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0
Harvey 7 4 0 3 1 0 2 7 4 1
Honolulu 7 2 0 3 4 0 1 8 1 0
Houston 16 16 6 8 11 4 10 27 16 2
Jacksonville 21 12 2 9 14 0 12 33 17 4
Jersey City 10 1 3 5 6 1 7 12 4 2
Joliet 2 1 0 1 1 0 2 3 0 2
Mobile 1 4 1 2 4 0 2 1 4 1
Norfolk 12 19 6 15 12 1 10 12 24 4
Oakland 7 7 2 3 6 1 5 9 8 5
Philadelphia 2 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 1 0
Piney Point 2 4 0 0 2 0 2 3 3 0
Puerto Rico 3 5 0 2 3 0 1 6 7 0
Tacoma 18 7 0 6 4 1 3 23 10 2
St. Louis 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0
Wilmington 14 6 0 10 5 0 3 23 9 0
TOTALS 141 107 23 77 83 10 67 201 125 28

Steward Department
Algonac 3 5 0 1 0 0 1 7 5 0
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 6 2 0 6 2 0 5 18 5 0
Guam 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
Harvey 5 0 0 3 0 0 2 7 1 0
Honolulu 8 1 0 2 1 0 2 15 5 0
Houston 18 6 1 10 4 1 7 27 11 0
Jacksonville 25 12 2 10 4 1 9 34 22 3
Jersey City 11 6 1 9 2 1 3 14 5 1
Joliet 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0
Mobile 6 0 0 2 1 0 1 7 1 0
Norfolk 16 14 7 4 10 2 7 23 19 6
Oakland 17 6 0 11 4 1 5 18 8 1
Philadelphia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1
Piney Point 6 2 0 5 5 0 3 6 1 0
Puerto Rico 4 5 0 2 3 1 2 5 5 0
Seattle 7 5 0 7 3 0 7 16 2 1
St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
Wilmington 18 7 2 11 4 2 5 32 12 1
TOTALS 155 73 13 84 43 9 59 241 105 14

Entry Department
Algonac 1 12 16 0 4 2 3 4 21 15
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2
Baltimore 0 2 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 0 5 3 0 0 3 0 0 6 3
Guam 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
Harvey 0 2 3 0 2 1 1 1 4 3
Honolulu 0 5 1 0 1 2 0 1 11 4
Houston 2 16 6 1 7 8 3 6 20 7
Jacksonville 6 32 48 1 12 20 6 5 42 97
Jersey City 4 13 7 2 7 5 1 5 18 13
Joliet 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 3
Mobile 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2
Norfolk 1 17 22 1 9 10 3 0 27 29
Oakland 0 14 7 0 2 1 0 0 21 10
Philadelphia 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 2
Piney Point 0 1 24 0 0 12 2 0 1 17
Puerto Rico 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2
Tacoma 5 13 9 3 4 2 1 10 19 16
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Wilmington 1 14 12 0 9 4 5 4 30 14
TOTALS 20 149 165 8 61 75 28 36 231 243

GRAND TOTAL: 640 485 253 371 300 132 288 983 648 340

68800_JULY_2021_LOG_X.indd 1568800_JULY_2021_LOG_X.indd 15 6/21/21 6:04 PM6/21/21 6:04 PM



16 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Michael Sacco, President

Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer

George Tricker, Vice President Contracts

Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast

Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast

Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive

Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B

422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD

20674
(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744

(310) 549-4001/4002

Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by members of the union’s annual finance committee.

Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org

Laura Hollar
QEE

I wanted a career that would be long-
lasting and I wanted to travel around the
world. I came in through the apprentice
program in 2009. One reason I’ve stayed
with this career is the opportunity for ad-
vancement.

Earl Castain
Recertified Bosun

I heard about the SIU from a friend.
I started doing my own research and
thought it would be a great opportunity
for me to explore and take advantage
of the travel. I’ve enjoyed meeting dif-
ferent people from all walks of life and
nationalities. My long-term goal was
to stay with the SIU until retirement
and I’m just about there.

Riley Donahue III
QMED

I joined in 1984, after working at
a steel mill the prior three years. I had
relatives who lived near Lexington
Park (Maryland), and they told me
about the SIU. They knew I was look-
ing for work. The traveling is a big
plus. I like seeing new places.

Thomas L. Cyrus Jr.
Chief Cook

I wanted to travel and see the
world, and get paid doing it. I’ve
stayed with it because of the good pay
and benefits. It’s a great way to make
a living.

Donald Lumpkins
QMED

I was living paycheck to paycheck and
had a lot of local friends that sailed. They
helped me join. I love the travel and seeing
places I wouldn’t otherwise see. Thank you,
SIU!

James Osborne
AB

I was driving a dump truck, and someone
told me about the school. That was 16 or 17
years ago. Knowing that the schedule was
four months on and four months off actually
meant I’d spend more time with my family.
The money is also good.

Pic From The Past Pic From The Past

The SIU-crewed SS Jacksonville (Sea-Land) is pictured at a new dock in Puerto Rico in November 1972. The vessel typically
sailed between the island territory and the East Coast.

Lionel Packnett
Recertified Steward

I joined the union to have a career
opportunity. I remained because it is
still a good way to provide for my
family, and I love the traveling that I
experienced early on during my career.

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 17

DEEP SEA

ATO AIKINS
Brother Ato Aikins, 68, began sail-
ing with the
SIU in 2001.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he first shipped
on the Stonewall
Jackson. Brother
Aikins upgraded
his skills at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. He last
sailed on the USNS Pollux and lives
in Seattle.

FRANCISCO ANACTA
Brother Francisco Anacta, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union

in 2005, initially
sailing aboard
the Manulani.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2013
and shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Anacta’s
final vessel was
the Washington.

He is a resident of Panorama City,
California.

RICKY ARROYO
Brother Ricky Arroyo, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1989 when he
shipped aboard
the Independence.
He primarily
sailed in the en-
gine department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center for Mari-
time Training and
Education on nu-
merous occasions.
Brother Arroyo
most recently shipped on the Hori-
zon Enterprise. He makes his home
in Honolulu.

AUGUST AWONG
Brother August Awong, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1982, initially

shipping aboard
the Constitution.
Brother Awong
was a deck de-
partment member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He
last sailed on the
Global Sentinel

and resides in Honolulu.

ANTHONY CARVALHO
Brother Anthony Carvalho, 65,
started his career with the Seafarers
in 1990 when he
shipped aboard
the Sealift Arctic.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
on multiple oc-
casions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Carv-
alho’s final vessel
was the Endurance. He lives in Bon-
ner, Montana.

CHRISTINE CASSIE
Sister Christine Cassie, 70, signed
on with the SIU in 1998, initially
sailing aboard the
USNS Watson. A
steward depart-
ment member,
she upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Sister Cassie last
shipped on the
USNS Red Cloud.
She is a resident
of Spokane, Washington.

RAMADAN EDRES
Brother Ramadan Edres, 65, joined
the SIU in 2007 when he sailed on
the Green Ridge. He sailed in the
deck department and last shipped
on the Maersk Pittsburgh. Brother
Edres makes his home in Staten Is-
land, New York.

RONNIE HERIAN
Brother Ronnie Herian, 67, signed
on with the union in 1980, initially
shipping on the Venture. He sailed in
the engine department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center in 1983.
Brother Herian last shipped aboard
the Cape Farewell. He calls Dunnel-
lon, Florida, home.

JAMES ILLSON
Brother James Illson, 67, began his
career with the SIU in 1973 when he

sailed aboard the
USNS Maumee.
He upgraded
at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school in
1982 and was a
member of the en-
gine department.
Brother Illson’s
final vessel was

the Westward Venture. He resides in
Seattle.

YURIY KHITRENKO
Brother Yuriy Khitrenko, 65, em-
barked on his career with the SIU
in 2003. He was
an engine depart-
ment member; his
first vessel was
the Cape Race.
Brother Khit-
renko upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. He
concluded his
career on the
Maersk Kinloss and lives in Rego
Park, New York.

JULIAN LACUESTA
Brother Julian Lacuesta, 65, joined

the Seafarers in
2001, initially
shipping on the
Libra. He sailed
in both the deck
and engine de-
partments an
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Lacuesta’s final

vessel was the USNS Petersburg. He
resides in El Monte, California.

RONALD LADD
Brother Ronald Ladd, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1991. He first
sailed aboard the
William R. But-
ton and was a
member of the en-
gine department.
Brother Ladd last
shipped aboard
the Baldomero
Lopez. He makes
his home in Al-
bion, Maine.

EFREN MATIAS
Brother Efren Matias, 68, joined
the Seafarers International Union

in 2001, initially
sailing on the
USNS Sisler. He
sailed in the stew-
ard department
and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Matias last
shipped aboard

the USNS Watson. He is a resident of
Virginia Beach, Virginia.

KEVIN MCCAGH
Brother Kevin McCagh, 65, joined
the Seafarers in
1990 and first
sailed on the
Cape Nome.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions and
sailed in the en-
gine department.
Brother McCagh
last shipped on
the Horizon Kodiak. He resides in
Copalis Beach, Washington.

DAVID MOSES
Brother David Moses, 68, became
a member of the SIU in 2006 when

he shipped aboard
the Franklin J.
Phillips. A stew-
ard department
member, he up-
graded his skills
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Moses
most recently

shipped on the Maersk Kinloss. He
calls Jersey City, New Jersey, home.

JURI NOVOZILOV
Brother Juri Novozilov, 70, started
sailing with the
union in 1999,
on the Sea Fox.
He sailed in the
engine department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school in
2000. Brother
Novozilov last
shipped on the
Samuel L. Cobb. He resides in Elk-
ton, Maryland.

EDGARDO ONG
Brother Edgardo Ong, 66, signed
on with the SIU in 1998, first sail-
ing aboard the USNS Bowditch. He

sailed in the stew-
ard department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Ong
concluded his ca-
reer on the USNS
Bruce Heezen and
settled in Bonita,
California.

DEOCADIO ROMNEY
Brother Deocadio Romney, 72,
embarked on his career with the

union in 1998
when he sailed
on the Overseas
Boston. A deck
department mem-
ber, he upgraded
at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school on
several occasions.
Brother Rom-

ney’s final vessel was the Overseas
Tampa. He lives in Anchorage,
Alaska.

DWIGHT ROSS
Brother Dwight Ross, 66, joined
the Seafarers in
1991. He was a
member of the
steward depart-
ment and first
shipped on the
Cape Edmont.
Brother Ross
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple
occasions. He last sailed on the
Seabulk Pride and is a Houston
resident.

GEORGE SALTZ
Brother George Saltz, 71, joined
the union in 1991 and first sailed

aboard the
Ranger. He was
a deck depart-
ment member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Saltz’s
final vessel was
the Santorini. He

makes his home in Spring Hill,
Florida.

DANIEL TEICHMAN
Brother Daniel Teichman, 71, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1990. He up-
graded on mul-
tiple occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Teich-
man’s first vessel
was the William
Baugh; his last,
the Liberty Grace. He lives in Rut-
land, Vermont.

MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Brother Michael Williams, 65, be-
came a member of the SIU in 2006,
initially shipping aboard the Bernard
F. Fisher. He worked in both the

deck and engine
departments and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Williams’ final
vessel was the
Ocean Atlas. He
calls Mobile, Ala-
bama, home.

INLAND

DAVID BRAGDON
Brother David Bragdon, 62, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1981. An

engine de-
partment
member, he
upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center
for Maritime
Training and
Education
on several
occasions.
Brother
Bragdon’s

first vessel was the Manhattan Is-
land; his last, the Dodge Island. He
lives in The Villages, Florida.

LUTHER BRUCE
Brother Luther Bruce, 62, embarked
on his career with the SIU in 1979
when he worked with National
Marine Service. He upgraded at the
Piney Point school within his first
year of membership and was a mem-
ber of the deck department. Brother
Bruce was last employed by OSG
Ship Management. He is a resident
of Warwick, Maryland.

PATRICK CAIN
Brother Patrick Cain, 64, began sail-
ing with the union in 1978. A deck
department member, he upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center in 1982.
Brother Cain was employed by
Crescent Towing and Salvage for the
duration of his career. He calls Pass
Christian, Mississippi, home.

GEORGE MALONEY
Brother George Maloney, 71, signed
on with the Seafarers in 2004. An
engine de-
partment
member, he
upgraded at
the union-af-
filiated Piney
Point school
in 2007.
Brother Ma-
loney worked
with G&H
Towing for
the duration
of his career. He is a resident of
Santa Fe, Texas.

ROBERT SOSCIA
Brother Robert Soscia, 71, began
sailing with the union in 2004. He
was a member of the deck depart-
ment and was employed by Port
Imperial Ferry for his entire career.
Brother Soscia calls Hazlet, New
Jersey, home.

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 water-
ways 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.

Welcome AshoreWelcome Ashore

68800_JULY_2021_LOG.indd 1768800_JULY_2021_LOG.indd 17 6/18/21 6:15 PM6/18/21 6:15 PM



18 Seafarers LOG July 2021

DEEP SEA

MICHAEL BOLGER
Pensioner Michael Bolger, 77,
passed away May 8. He signed
on with the
union in 1967
and was a
deck depart-
ment member.
Brother Bolger
first shipped
on the R.D.
Conrad. He last
sailed on the
USNS Potomac before going on
pension in 2009. Brother Bolger
was a resident of Gold Beach,
Oregon.

DIONCE BRIGHT
Brother Dionce Bright, 46,
died March 3. Born in Virginia,

he joined the
Seafarers in
1994. Brother
Bright’s first
vessel was the
Sealift Arctic
and he sailed in
all three depart-
ments. He most
recently sailed

aboard the Cape Ray and lived
in Chesapeake, Virginia.

LARRY COMBS
Pensioner Larry Combs, 81,
passed away May 8. He began
his career with
the SIU in 1955.
Brother Combs’
first vessel was
the Alcoa Puri-
tan. He sailed
in the deck
department and
last shipped on
the Atlantic.
Brother Combs became a pen-
sioner in 2000 and resided in
Norfolk, Virginia.

PASQUALE DIBIASE
Pensioner Pasquale Dibiase, 66,
died April 24. He started ship-

ping with the
SIU in 1982
when he sailed
on the Con-
stitution. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Dibiase
concluded his
career on the

Green Point. He retired in 2016
and lived in Portland, Maine.

MICHAEL HESTER
Pensioner Michael Hester, 71,
died March 15. Signing on
with the union in 1991, he first
sailed on the Overseas Wash-
ington. Brother Hester was a
deck department member and
last worked aboard the Pacific

Tracker. He went on pension in
2015 and resided in San Ysidro,
California.

BARBARA JOVANOVIC
Pensioner Barbara Jovanovic,
87, passed away May 15. She
began shipping
with the SIU in
1989 when she
sailed aboard
the Indepen-
dence. Sister
Jovanovic was a
steward depart-
ment member.
She continued sailing aboard the
same ship until her retirement in
1999. Sister Jovanovic lived in
Encino, California.

MARK LAMAR
Pensioner Mark Lamar, 68, died
January 2. He donned the SIU

colors in 1974
and initially
sailed aboard
the Van De-
fender. Brother
Lamar sailed
in the deck de-
partment and
concluded his
career aboard

the El Faro. He went on pension
in 2019 and was a resident of
Everett, Pennsylvania.

PATRICK LYNCH
Pensioner Patrick Lynch, 74,
passed away May 7. He em-
barked on his
career with the
Seafarers in
1970 when he
shipped with
CSX Lines.
Brother Lynch
was a member
of the engine
department. He
last shipped on the Golden State
before retiring in 2012. Brother
Lynch lived in El Sobrante, Cali-
fornia.

MOHAMED OMAR
Pensioner Mohamed Omar, 70,
died May 4. He began his ca-
reer with the SIU in 1987 and
initially sailed on the Lurline.
Brother Omar was a member of
the steward department and con-
cluded his career on the Moku
Pahu. He became a pensioner in
2016 and resided in Dearborn,
Michigan.

LEONARDO PAPA
Pensioner Leon-
ardo Papa, 75,
passed away
April 13. He
signed on with
the union in
1985 and first
worked on the
Constitution.

Brother Papa primarily sailed in
the engine department and con-
cluded his career aboard the Ex-
plorer. He began collecting his
pension in 2013 and made his
home in Shoreline, Washington.

SAL DOMENIC QUAGLIATO
Pensioner Sal Domenic Qua-
gliato, 86, died December 20. He
joined the Seafarers in 1987 and
first sailed on the USNS Capella.
Brother Quagliato was a deck
department member. He last
shipped on the Defender and re-
tired in 2005. Brother Quagliato
lived in Long Beach, California.

JUSTIN SAVAGE
Brother Justin Savage, 55,
passed away March 9. Born in

Honolulu, he
signed on with
the union in
1990. Brother
Savage initially
sailed aboard
the Sealift At-
lantic and was
a member of
the deck depart-

ment. He last shipped on the
Cape Jacob in 2005 and resided
in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

GREAT LAKES

CLARENCE DOAN
Pensioner Clarence Doan, 78,
died April 4. He signed on with
the union in
1968 when he
sailed on the
American Sea-
ocean. Brother
Doan sailed in
all three de-
partments and
concluded his
career on the
American Republic. He began
collecting his pension in 2007
and made his home in Inter-
lachen, Florida.

INLAND

EDWARD BARTHOLMEY
Pensioner Edward Bartholmey,
71, passed away May 1. A

deck depart-
ment member,
he signed on
with the SIU in
1978. Brother
Bartholmey was
employed by
G&H Towing
for his entire ca-
reer and retired

in 2011. He was a resident of La
Marque, Texas.

JERRY CHAMPION
Pensioner Jerry Champion, 84,
died April 12. He joined the Sea-

farers in 1968
when he worked
for Stone
Towing Line.
Brother Cham-
pion worked in
the deck depart-
ment and re-
mained with the
same company
for the duration of his career. He
retired in 2002 and called Wilm-
ington, North Carolina, home.

WILLIAM CHARNOCK
Pensioner William Charnock,
72, passed away April 23. Sign-

ing on with the
SIU in 1993, he
was first em-
ployed by Piney
Point Transpor-
tation. Brother
Charnock pri-
marily sailed
in the deck
department and

last worked for Allied Transpor-
tation. He became a pensioner in
2013 and resided in Hampton,
Virginia.

JAMES DOW
Pensioner James Dow, 84,
died May 11. He began sailing
with the union
in 1969, ini-
tially working
with Western
Towing. A
deck depart-
ment member,
Brother Dow
continued to
work for the
same company for the majority
of his career. He went on pen-
sion in 2002 and lived in Cleve-
land, Texas.

ORRIE ODOM
Pensioner Orrie Odom, 90,
passed away May 6. He joined
the union in 1962. Brother
Odom was employed by Dravo
Basic Materials for the duration
of his career. He retired in 1993
and settled in Range, Alabama.

CHARLES PRUITT
Pensioner Charles Pruitt, 83,
died May 12. He signed on with

the SIU in 1968,
initially work-
ing for Steuart
Transportation.
Brother Pruitt
sailed in both
the deck and
engine depart-
ments. He was
last employed

by Allied Transportation and re-
tired in 1998. Brother Pruitt was
a resident of Tangier, Virginia.

ALAN SELF
Pensioner Alan Self, 63, passed

away April
4. He joined
the Seafarers
in 1977 when
he worked for
G&H Towing.
A member of
the deck depart-
ment, Brother
Self last sailed
with Moran Towing of Texas. He
retired in 2019 and called Pasa-
dena, Texas, home.

MORRIS SUPERCZYNSKI
Pensioner Morris Superczynski,
92, died May 9. He signed on

with the union
in 1956 and was
a deck depart-
ment mem-
ber. Brother
Superczynski
was employed
by McAllister
Towing of Bal-
timore for the

duration of his career. He retired
in 1985 and resided in Bridge-
port, West Virginia.

NMU

MARCIANO DEGRACE
Pensioner Marciano DeGrace,
82, passed away March 8. He
joined the SIU
during the 2001
NMU/SIU
merger. Brother
DeGrace was a
deck department
member. His first
vessel was the
Gopher State; his
last, the Chesa-
peake Bay. Brother DeGrace
became a pensioner in 2003 and
resided in Yonkers, New York.

In addition to the foregoing in-
dividuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.

NAME AGE DOD
Alvira, Hipolito 93 05/10/2021
Brown, Joseph 96 04/26/2021
Cossette, Robert 93 03/29/2021
Durant, Ralph 81 05/10/2021
Engle, James 91 09/22/2020
Forbes, David 80 05/08/2021
Hendrick, Plummer 94 05/03/2021
Huria, Peter 88 03/24/2021
Johnson, Oscar 93 05/15/2021
Logrono, Victor 94 04/18/2021
Petrone, Joe 93 03/23/2021
Pleas, Louis 85 05/07/2021

Final Final
DeparturesDepartures

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 19

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific pro-
vision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitu-
tion requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance com-
mittee 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 re-
ports, specific recommendations and sepa-
rate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wa-
ters District are administered in accordance
with the provisions of various trust fund
agreements. All these agreements specify
that the trustees in charge of these funds
shall equally consist of union and manage-
ment representatives and their alternates.
All expenditures and disbursements of trust
funds are made only upon approval by a
majority of the trustees. All trust fund fi-
nancial records are available at the head-
quarters of the various trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected ex-
clusively 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 senior-
ity rights as contained in the contracts be-
tween the union and the employers, they
should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board

by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The proper address for this is:

Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

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

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU con-
tracts 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 obliga-
tions, 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 pro-
tect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradi-
tionally 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 collec-
tive membership. This established policy has
been reaffirmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all constitutional
ports. The responsibility for Sea farers LOG
policy is vested in an 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 ca-
pacity in the SIU unless an official union
receipt is given for same. Under no circum-
stances should any member pay any money
for any reason unless he is given such re-
ceipt. In the event anyone attempts to require
any such payment be made without supply-
ing a receipt, or if a member is required to
make a payment and is given an official
receipt, but feels that he or she should not
have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this con-
stitution so as to familiarize themselves with
its contents. Any time a member feels any
other member or officer is attempting to de-
prive 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 imme-
diately notify headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the con-
tracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Conse quently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.

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

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIV-

ITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a
separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are
used to further its objects and purposes in-
cluding, but not limited to, furthering the
political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and fur-
thering of the American merchant marine
with improved employment opportunities
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
contribution may be solicited or received
because of force, job discrimination, finan-
cial 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 re-
fund, if involuntary. A member should sup-
port SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.

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

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Know Your Rights Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard Digest of Shipboard
Union MeetingsUnion Meetings

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.

Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing 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.

ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska
Tanker Company), March 28 –
Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secre-
tary Ingra Maddox, Educational
Director Tristan Brand, Deck
Delegate Domingo Cazon, Engine
Delegate Mark Loughman, Stew-
ard Delegate Roberto Martinez.
New PE for MMC renewal is not
needed if medical certification is
good for another year. COVID-19
tests administered prior to join-
ing ship and vaccinations offered
in Alaska. Making three trips to
Cherry Point. Document extension
runs through October or one year
after the initial expiration date of
the credential (i.e., one year after
the expiration date printed on the
credential), whichever is earlier,
per USCG. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew discussed non-
union jobs lost due to pandemic.
Members would like to increase
vacation days and lower number
of days required for retirement.
Vote of thanks given to steward
department for boosting morale
by providing good food and treats.
Crew was reminded to keep up
with dental care.

LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Mari-
time), April 11 – Chairman Nieves
Guerrero Mariano, Secretary
Moses Scott. Chairman discussed
restriction pay in Sudan. No TV
in rooms or weights in gym.
Members requested portable heat-
ers. Deck and steward delegates
reported incident involving crew
and one officer. Report to be given
to bosun. Crew went over Seafar-
ers LOG and discussed new jobs,
401K and upgrading applications.
Members were reminded to up-
grade at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school.

MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), April 25 – Secre-

tary Johnny Sawyer, Educational
Director Grant Shuman, Deck
Delegate Morris Foster, Engine
Delegate Abdulnaser Saeed.
Steward department was thanked
for a job well done. One injury re-
ported aboard ship. Members were
encouraged to support President
Biden and Vice President Harris,
both of whom are pro-maritime
and pro-worker. Crew advised
to get the facts about COVID-19
vaccines. Educational director
recommended members upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Internet
and SAT phone has been unavail-
able for three months. Members
discussed retirement and vaca-
tion benefits. Crew requested a
separate line of communication
out side of Maersk for complaints
within the company.

OHIO (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), May 1 – Chair-
man Timothy Jackson, Secretary
Louins Johnson, Educational
Director Kevin Carraby, Deck
Delegate Antionne Kelly, Engine
Delegate Joseph Vitela, Steward
Delegate Danilo Valencia. Crew
discussed getting new computer
up and running. Microwave and
Xbox game purchased. Vote of
thanks given to chairman and edu-
cational director. Chairman urged
members to allow ample time to
obtain renewals and discussed
BT requirements when renewing
MMC. Crew was reminded to
practice social distancing. Good
trip reported by chairman, includ-
ing excellent food aboard ship.
Educational director encouraged
members to register for upgrad-
ing courses at the Piney Point
school, as they fill up fast. Crew
went over blue tickets and course

of action to obtain green tickets.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Chairman read President’s Report
in Seafarers LOG and discussed
various topics including the im-
portance of receiving COVID-19
vaccines. Members requested new
pillows, mattresses and Wi-Fi
availability on ship. Crew voiced
recommendations regarding medi-
cal, dental, vacation, and pension
benefits. Next port: Portland,
Oregon.

OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Over-
seas Shipping), May 5 – Chairman
Brian Gauntt, Secretary Rene
Guity, Deck Delegate Dwuan
Reed. Educational director re-
minded members to upgrade at the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested a coffee ma-
chine and new mattresses. Federal
tax forms needed on ship. Steward
department was commended for a
job well done. Next port: Pasca-
goula, Mississippi.

OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley),
May 6 – Chairman Jovan Wil-
liams, Secretary Jason Jambeter,
Educational Director Jeffrey
Thrash, Deck Delegate Robert
O’Connell, Engine Delegate
Reinaldo Roman. Mariners dis-
cussed global crew-change crisis
and how it affects fellow seamen.
Chairman thanked steward de-
partment for making great meals
despite short supply of food stores.
Educational director advised mem-
bers to upgrade while they can,
and to keep documents current.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested increase to 401K
benefit, and satellite TV system.
Next port: Sweden.

USNS WATERS (Ocean Shiphold-
ings Inc.), May 13 – Chairman

Nathan Shuford, Secretary Alex-
ander Dominguez, Educational
Director Randy Slue, Engine
Delegate Bobbie Gibbs, Steward
Delegate Charles Sassone. Chair-
man reminded members to pay
their dues. CHS taking more time
with papers. Educational director
emphasized importance of good
communication between members.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew discussed pension benefits
and requested increase in pension
or decrease in sea time require-
ments. Ship has some internet
access but SIU members do not.
Members asked for one hour of
overtime per week for room sani-
tation. Crew was reminded to work

together and be respectful.

MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), May 16 – Chair-
man Wilfred Maurice, Secretary
Lamont Faulks, Educational
Director Darrell Goggins, Deck
Delegate Yoland Legaspi, Engine
Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward
Delegate Sandra Vann. Educa-
tional director urged members
to upgrade at the Piney Point
school. Crew requested new TVs
in rooms and improved Wi-Fi. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
New bedsheets and new dinner-
ware requested for ship. More
cleaning chemicals needed. Next
port: Charleston, South Carolina.

OMU Shawn Benosa (left) and Chief Cook Darrisha Bryant are
sworn in for their respective full B-books during the June mem-
bership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida.

With Seafarers in Jacksonville

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20 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

UPGRADING APPLICATION

Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o

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

Social Security #_______________________ Book # _________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.

COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________

Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________

SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St.
George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
7/21

The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.

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

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Gap Closing Courses

MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1

MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15

MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 August 13
September 27 October 15
November 15 December 3

Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 8
October 25 November 5
November 22 December 3

RFPNW August 23 September 10
November 15 December 3

Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6

Fast Rescue Boat August 9 August 13

GMDSS July 12 July 23

Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10

Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17

Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23

FOWT July 26 August 20
September 20 October 15
October 25 November 19

Junior Engineer September 6 October 29

Marine Electrician September 6 October 8

Marine Refer Tech July 26 September 3

Advanced Refer Containers July 12 July 23

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Machinist October 18 November 5

Pumpman November 8 November 12

Welding August 30 September 17
October 25 November 12

Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10

RFPEW August 23 September 17
November 15 December 10


Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook July 19 August 20
August 23 September 24
September 27 October 29
November 1 December 3

Advanced Galley Operations July 26 August 20
September 27 October 22
November 15 December 10

Chief Steward August 23 September 17
October 18 November 12

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 6 September 10

Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17

Basic Training July 26 July 30
August 9 August 13
August 30 September 3

Basic Training Revalidation August 30 August 30
September 3 September 3
September 10 September 10
October 22 October 22

Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29

Government Vessels July 19 July 23
August 9 August 13
August 16 August 20
August 30 September 3
September 20 September 24
November 1 November 5
November 15 November 19
December 13 December 17

Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24

Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22

Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 23 August 27
September 27 October 1
December 13 December 17

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July 2021 Seafarers LOG 21

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Apprentice Water Survival Class #869 – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bates, Turin Vatican Beamon Jr., Alexander Boothby, Martin Cox, Robert Cruz,
Kendric Payne, Jaime Rios, Edwin Ruiz Vazquez, Francis A. Solmirano, Jose Ivan Soto-Ortiz, Tevainui Weza and Emilie Whitlow.

Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order):
William Borders, Keon Romero Hatcher, Christian Ivezic, Christopher Nicolosi,
Davner M. Rivera-Melendez , Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Woodrow Williams.
Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments
of SIU-crewed vessels.

RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Johnathan Bumgarner,
Tyson Richardson, Julian M. Rubbo and Kameron Sims. Their instructor, Christopher Morgan,
is at the far left. Each plans to work in the engine departments of SIU-crewed vessels upon the
completion of their training.

Junior Engineer – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Brown Jr., Christian Cruz, Casey Frederick, Crystal Higgs, Deidra Hunter, Michael Joel, Tony King Jr.,
Joshua Mann, Gabriel Santa Ramos and Anias Stanford. Sterling Cox, their instructor, is at the far right.

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22 Seafarers LOG July 2021

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Government Vessels – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Adriano T. Agostino, Shane Beall, Angel Eugenio Centeno, Zachary Eads, Shirley Jenkins, Linda M. Kluth,
Milton Legendre, Kristian Lindenmuth, Joseph White and Reginald White.

UA to FOWT – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Liam Flanagan, David
Allen Hain-Mendez, Troy Hubbard, Thomas Koncul, Johnny Matthews III, Randy Jahid
Slue, Calvetta Taylor, Blake Washington and Kamaul Wells.

MSC Supply Configuration – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathan-
iel Balos, Dillian Cannady, Julien Kei Charlet, Jamila King, Detrell Lambey, Steven Ariel
Lopez Ferrer, Patricia Placek, Renita Walker and Nigel Williams.

Pumpman – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): David Cornelius, Patrick
Dean, Rene Gregorio Hallasgo and Nat Lamb. William Dodd, their instructor is at the far
left.

Machinist – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): David Cornelius, Patrick
Dean and Rene Gregorio Hallasgo. Their instructor, Roy Graham, is at the far right.

68800_JULY_2021_LOG.indd 2268800_JULY_2021_LOG.indd 22 6/18/21 6:15 PM6/18/21 6:15 PM



July 2021 Seafarers LOG 23

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Chief Steward – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Randall Campbell, Reno Ibanez Duque, Joseph Kudjoe, Tyrane Savage,
Jeffery Toliver Jr., and Bob Tuilaepa. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Government Vessels – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ahmed Ismail Ali, Jason Bullen, Jessica Crockett, Daniel Fields, Hamzah Ghaleb, Hamza Ghalib, Dominique
Glover, Octavio Manuel Henriques, Mohsen Muhamed Hussen, Erris Jackson, Paul Klear, Mark Nover Miranda Lata, David Quade II and Clayton Walker. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Chief Cook Assessment Program –
Jose Neil Dayal Sadaya, above, grad-
uated from this course May 14.

Tank Ship Familiarization –
Graduated May 14 (photo at right,
in alphabetical order): Hycienth
Chuks Asagwara, Lamar Doctor,
Aurora Foster, Russell Horton,
Sean Jones, Antonio Norflett,
Eugene Perez Jr., and Jason
Springer.

Small Arms – Graduated
May 20 (photo at left, in al-
phabetical order): John Jo-
seph Caraan Alcos, David
James, Tomas Merel, Ham-
danni Nurdin and Devin
Zug.

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Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 21-23Pages 21-23

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

JULY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 7

White House Boosts Jones Act ProtectionWhite House Boosts Jones Act Protection
In an effort to promote Made-in-Amer-

ica goods and services, the White House,
through its newly created Made in Amer-
ica Office, released a 15-page guidance
dealing with proposed waivers to federal
departments and agencies.

“Transparent reporting of waivers
from Made in America Laws will not only
build confidence that the laws are operat-
ing as intended, but also provide data to
inform policy development and strategic
decision making,” stated the June 11 re-
lease from the Office of Management and
Budget.

The initial implementation of this
transparency program will include U.S.-
flag shipping, specifically the Jones Act
and the Cargo Preference Acts of 1904
and 1954, respectively.

The guidance is in response to Presi-
dent Biden’s Made in America executive
order of January 25, in which the Jones
Act was specifically mentioned. It calls
for transactional reviews by federal de-
partment and agency senior accountable
officials in coordination with the Made in
America office. That office will create a
public website to allow for public trans-
parency to be running during fiscal year
2022.

In citing the need for such a waiver
review process within the U.S.-flag in-
dustry, the guidance “recognizes foreign
near-peer competitors are increasingly
creating and exploiting economic vulner-
abilities in gaining undue influence over
the global transportation system, which
provides the access to worldwide supply

chains that supports our national defense,
vital emergency services, critical infra-
structure, economy, and way of life.”

It outlines that any waiver of cargo
preference laws will include the nature
and description of transportation required,
why the department/agency cannot ac-
quire a U.S.-flag vessel, an explanation
of the national security interest needed
for a U.S.-flag waiver, and any additional
information.

If a requested waiver does not involve
cargo preference, then the transparency
process calls for stating who seeks such a
waiver, the determination by the maritime
administrator of the availability of U.S.-
flag vessels to meet the national security
requirement, actions taken by the mari-
time administrator to enable U.S.-flag

vessel capability, information from other
departments and/or agencies, any notices
from the Department of Homeland Secu-
rity prior to granting or denying such a
waiver, and any additional information to
understand why a waiver is needed and
how it would be consistent with the law.

The Made in America Office will work
with relevant agencies to review how best
to ensure agency compliance with cargo
preference requirements to maximize the
utilization of U.S.-flag vessels, in excess
of any applicable statutory minimums, to
the greatest extent possible.

While U.S.-flag shipping will be
among the first to be covered by this guid-
ance, it eventually will apply to construc-
tion and purchases of goods and materials
used throughout the federal government.

Administration Announces Transparency Program for Waiver Requests

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Maritime Administration (MARAD) on June 14
announced the release of a new report finding that
the nation’s private shipyards support $42.4 bil-
lion in gross domestic product (GDP). MARAD’s
new report – The Economic Importance of the
U.S. Private Shipbuilding and Repairing Indus-
try – measures the economic importance of the
shipbuilding and repairing industry at the national
and State levels for calendar year 2019.

“Shipyards create good jobs and support eco-
nomic growth – not just in the areas surrounding
our ports and waterways, but across the nation,”
said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

In 2019, the nation’s 154 private shipyards
directly provided more than 107,000 jobs and
contributed $9.9 billion in labor income to the na-
tional economy. On a nationwide basis – including
direct, indirect, and induced impacts – the indus-
try supported 393,390 jobs, $28.1 billion of labor
income, and $42.4 billion in GDP.

The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes
the economic importance of the maritime industry
and has proposed $17 billion in inland waterways,
coastal ports, land ports of entry, and ferries as part
of the American Jobs Plan, MARAD reported.
“These investments would make our infrastruc-
ture more resilient while improving efficiency and
creating new capacity to enhance freight move-
ment in the United States,” the agency noted.

Since 2008, the U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation has provided nearly $262.5 million in grant
funding through its small shipyard grant program
to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories
to improve infrastructure at U.S. shipyards.

“The report issued by MARAD confirms that
shipyards are vital economic engines in addition
to being essential components of our industrial
base,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lu-
cinda Lessley. “The skilled jobs created by ship-
yards are not only essential to supporting our
military and our commerce, they are contributing
to the economic success of communities all over
the United States.”

The report states the U.S. shipbuilding indus-
try has run a trade surplus in six out of the last
10 years, with a cumulative trade surplus of $7.3
billion over this period. From 2015 to 2020, U.S.
shipbuilders delivered 5,024 vessels of all types
including tugs and towboats, passenger vessels,
commercial and fishing vessels, and oceangoing
and inland barges, reaching 608 vessels in 2020.
More than 60 percent of vessels delivered during
the last six years have been inland tank and dry
cargo barges.

There are currently 154 private shipyards in
the United States, spread across 29 states and the
U.S. Virgin Islands, that are classified as active
shipbuilders. In addition, there are more than 300
shipyards engaged in ship repairs or capable of
building ships but not actively engaged in ship-
building. Although the majority of shipyards are
located in the coastal states, active shipyards are
also located on major inland waterways such as
the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the
Ohio River.

The final report, The Economic Importance of
the U.S. Private Shipbuilding and Repairing In-
dustry, is linked in a June 14 news post on the
SIU website.

U.S. Shipyards Support $42.4
Billion in Gross Domestic Product

Pete Buttigieg
U.S. Transportation Secretary

Lucinda Lessley
Acting Maritime Administrator

Charter Member Turns 101

Retired Bosun Sylvester Furtado turned 101 on June 20. A charter member
of the SIU (he joined in 1939), Furtado sailed until 1982. The Maryland
resident sailed on many different vessels, including ones operated by Sin-
clair Oil, Mayflower Steamship, Waterman, Calmar, Delta Lines and others.

According to the latest pandemic-
era guidance on merchant mariner cre-
dentials (MMC) from the U.S. Coast
Guard, those documents “may only be
extended for up to one year from their
date of expiration. Merchant Mariner
Credentials (MMC) (National En-
dorsements only) that expire between
March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are
extended until the EARLIER of Octo-
ber 31, 2021; OR one (1) year after the
initial expiration date of the credential
(i.e., one year after the expiration date

printed on the credential).”
So, for example, a mariner whose cre-

dential expired on April 15, 2021, has until
October 31 of this year to secure a renewed
document. A mariner whose MMC expired
in March 2020 should have renewed that
document by March 2021.

Keep an eye on the National Mari-
time Center website for the latest guid-
ance. Notices that may affect Seafarers
also are posted on the SIU website, both
in our news section and in our COVID-
19 Safety Updates area.

Reminder About MMC RenewalsReminder About MMC Renewals

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