Media
Issue Date
2022-11-21
Volume
84
Issue Number
11
Plaintext
NOVEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 11
Unions, Coalition Back Jones Act
Page 2
El Faro Memorial Dedication
Page 7
SIU Crews Up Seabulk PrideSIU Crews Up Seabulk Pride
The double-hulled tanker Seabulk Pride once again carries an SIU crew, following the vessel’s Sept. 23 delivery to Seafarers-contracted Seabulk (a SEACOR subsidiary) in Pascagoula,
Mississippi. The vessel is expected to operate coastwise between Houston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It had been operated by Chevron under a bareboat charter. SIU Port Agent Jimmy
White (left in photo directly above) met with the crew shortly after they signed on. The initial crew included Bosun Brian Gauntt, ABs Jerald Welcome, Joshua Welcome, Victor Nunez,
David Chance and Richard Oliver, QEP Derrick Sullivan, Wiper Austin Smith, GUDE Jaden Radcliff, OMU John Cacella, Steward/Baker Jasmine Garrett, Chief Cook Robert Hunter and
GVA Saleh Almurisi. Built in 1998 in Newport News, Virginia, the Seabulk Pride previously carried an SIU crew for many years before the aforementioned charter.
Members of the union’s newest class
of recertified bosuns shared riveting
individual stories when they graduated
Oct. 3. They credited the SIU and its
affiliated Paul Hall Center for Mari-
time Training and Education with of-
fering excellent career and upgrading
opportunities. Following the monthly
membership meeting in Piney Point,
Maryland, they gathered with SIU of-
ficials for this photo. Pictured from left
(front row) are VP Contracts George
Tricker, VP Tom Orzechowski, Recerti-
fied Bosuns Neftali Erausquin and Ron-
ald Poole Sr., Exec. VP Augie Tellez
and Recertified Bosuns James Hall,
Nasser Hafid and Larry Dizon. Pictured
from left in the back row are Patrol-
man Josh Rawls, Port Agents James
Bast and Ray Henderson, Recertified
Bosuns Carlos Gibbons and Richard
Molina Blackman, Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift
and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Page 5.
Bosuns Credit Union, School For Life-Changing OpportunitiesBosuns Credit Union, School For Life-Changing Opportunities
The SIU wasted no time springing into action to
help victims of Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian,
which caused extensive damage in Puerto Rico
and Florida, respectively, in September. The wide-
ranging relief efforts included gathering supplies in
San Juan, Puerto Rico (among several other loca-
tions), and then distributing them to some of the
hardest-hit areas. A few of the SIU volunteers are
pictured at right, at the San Juan hiring hall, with
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left). Donations also
were taken at the halls in Houston; Jacksonville,
Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Philadelphia;
and Tacoma, Washington. Numerous labor orga-
nizations, including the AFL-CIO, plus Seafarers-
contracted vessel operators have helped with the
outreach. Page 3.
Union Answers CallUnion Answers Call
For Hurricane ReliefFor Hurricane Relief
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
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2 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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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Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
Volume 84 Number 11 November 2022
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
Reversed to White
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
‘See the Whole Wide World’
President’s ReportPresident’s Report
Around the world, the maritime industry battled a manpower short-
age even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That challenge has only
become more pronounced in the last couple of years, and it certainly
extends into many other occupations across the globe.
Nevertheless, our union, along with our
affiliated school and many of our contracted
vessel operators have invested substantial
resources to attract people either specifically
to the SIU or at least to the broader U.S.
Merchant Marine. I’m confident that, once
they’re here, newcomers will find lots of rea-
sons to either stick around with us or move
on to licensed positions elsewhere in the
industry.
American maritime – and the SIU in
particular – has much to offer. As one of our
newest recertified bosuns recently put it,
“While my friends back home were discov-
ering the world wide web, I got to see the
whole wide world: all seven continents, both
while employed aboard ships and during my
vacation time. I’ve earned good wages and benefits for me and my
family, while funding my retirement plan.”
I’d call that a powerful endorsement from someone with firsthand
experience. And, there are so many additional stories and viewpoints
just like that one. There’s a reason why we’ve been around since 1938.
If you know any prospective Seafarers, by all means send them our
way. Encourage them to visit a hiring hall and/or check out our web-
site. This is still a profession in which you can go as far as you want to
go, and our union offers excellent contracts with top-of-the-line ben-
efits, not to mention flexibility and opportunities to see the world.
Importance of Political Action
While we’ve probably exhausted the topic of the Jones Act in this
space in recent years, the most recent attacks against our country’s
freight cabotage law once again underscore why the SIU remains po-
litically active. By having well-informed backers both in Congress and
in the administration, we are able to help turn back these misguided
attempts to weaken or eliminate a policy that has served the United
States and its citizens for more than a century.
Sitting around and hoping someone else will deliver our message
on Capitol Hill (and at every level of government, for that matter)
never has been our approach and never will be. There’s turnover in
literally every election cycle, and that means we’re constantly making
introductions and explaining our value to legislators and to others who
regulate American maritime.
These types of actions are vital to protecting your jobs, and that’s
why we don’t take shortcuts. It’s also why we support candidates who
support maritime along with workers’ rights, regardless of political
party. Heck, it’s why we relocated headquarters from New York to
suburban D.C. 40 years ago. Our industry’s fate is mainly decided in
Washington, and we’ll continue wearing a path between Camp Springs
and the nation’s capital for as long as that’s the case.
Thank You
I’ll close this month’s message with heartfelt thanks to everyone
who has stepped up for hurricane relief efforts in the aftermath of
Fiona and Ian. It’s difficult to even watch news footage of the destruc-
tion to people’s homes, not to mention thinking about the loss of life.
But I’m proud of our union, our members and our labor movement for
immediately pulling together and helping however we can, wherever
we can.
This is also nothing new for the SIU, and while it’s a classic case
of hoping we’ll never need to do it again, we know better. There will
be other storms. And the SIU will be there for our brothers and sisters,
like always.
Michael Sacco
The winds from Hurricane Fiona had barely
moved past Puerto Rico before misguided critics
of America’s freight cabotage law began asking for
unnecessary waivers.
At one point a Category 4 storm, Fiona made
landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 18, knocking out elec-
trical power across the entire territory. Parts of the
island were hit with nearly three feet of rain.
Nevertheless, U.S.-flag vessels continued deliv-
ering supplies to Puerto Rico almost uninterrupted.
As was the case five years ago, in the aftermath of
Hurricane Maria, distribution on the island itself
was challenging (due to infrastructure damage), but
those issues had nothing to do with the Jones Act.
Reality didn’t stop several members of Congress
from seeking a blanket, year-long waiver, nor did
it prevent a single foreign-flag ship from showing
up unannounced and securing a single waiver after
initially being denied.
Responding to the waiver, the SIU, AMO,
MEBA and MM&P sent a joint statement to the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security that read
in part, “Our unions represent American Merchant
Mariners who sail aboard Jones Act vessels, in-
cluding those that serve Puerto Rico. Every day,
our mariners go to work to ensure that Puerto Rico
and the rest of the United States have safe and de-
pendable domestic shipping, helping to move all
the goods they need to live, work, and raise their
families….
“The Jones Act is critical to our continued ability
to maintain a domestic U.S.-flag merchant marine.
As such, we take protecting it seriously. That’s why
we are shocked and outraged at the U.S. Depart-
ment of Homeland Security’s decision to issue an il-
legal, unjustified and unnecessary Jones Act waiver
for a British Petroleum tanker that took active steps
to ignore and then circumvent fundamental Ameri-
can law.”
The statement continued, “This waiver is a be-
trayal of the principles of federal maritime law dat-
ing back centuries, made worse by the facts of the
case. A foreign ship with a foreign crew loaded fuel
in an American port and diverted to Puerto Rico
to take advantage of increased fuel prices after the
island was hit by Hurricane Fiona. There was no
national security crisis. There were American ships
available – indeed, the ship was at sea four days be-
fore a waiver was even applied for. This cargo was
not humanitarian aid. It was a blatant cash grab and
a bald-faced political stunt. The companies behind
this vessel gambled that they could pressure the
U.S. government into ignoring our laws and policy
because of the hurricane and they were correct.
“Let us repeat – this waiver was unnecessary,”
the unions added. “U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign
flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, ei-
ther from American ports or from foreign ports, had
safely discharged their cargoes in Puerto Rico after
the storm. American ships were available. Ameri-
can crews were available. But none of that mat-
tered, because the political optics of a ship waiting
to bring fuel to the island apparently matters more
than a century of bedrock American law.”
The statement concluded, “This waiver is an un-
deserved slap in the face to American mariners and
U.S.-flag vessel operators. It potentially opens the
door for future incursions by foreign-flag interests
by giving them a roadmap of what they need to do
in order to bully our government into giving them
what they want – just show up on our doorstep and
call the press. It sets a dangerous precedent, and
it threatens the domestic industry at a time when
we – like many other sectors of the economy – are
challenged with worker shortages. In the strongest
possible terms, we condemn the issuance of this
waiver, and we urge the Department of Homeland
Security to never approve a waiver like this again.”
The coalition American Maritime Partnership
(AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, also ob-
jected to the waiver. In a letter to DHS Secretary
Alejandro Mayorkas, AMP President Ku’uhaku
Park stated, “The waiver is unlawful…. DHS has
rewarded a foreign operator who has been widely
criticized, both in Washington, D.C. and in Puerto
Rico, for its behavior.”
Similarly, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner
Jenniffer González Colón noted, ““At each and
every meeting, I have been assured by federal agen-
cies, including the Department of Energy, FEMA,
and the Corps of Engineers that there is an adequate
supply of fuel on the island that is available to con-
sumers and that subsequent delivery is planned of
more fuel in the short, medium and long term….
The vast majority of the fuel that Puerto Rico con-
sumes comes from outside the United States, which
is why it is transported on foreign-flagged ships
from foreign ports. Therefore, the Jones Act does
not apply and a waiver would not change the way
fuel is transported at all.”
The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, eco-
nomic and homeland security for more than a cen-
tury. It requires that goods transported from one
domestic port to another be carried aboard vessels
that are crewed, built, flagged and owned U.S. Up-
wards of 90 countries across the globe maintain
some form of cabotage law.
Earlier this year, a new study by Ernst & Young
examined the Jones Act’s effects on Puerto Rico
and concluded, “Across multiple metrics, shippers
overwhelmingly associated better carrier perfor-
mance with Jones Act carriers than non-Jones Act
ones. In addition to providing stability and security
in the region, the Jones Act shipping industry con-
tinues to provide substantial economic benefits to
Puerto Rico.”
The study also found that the law has created and
helps maintain more than 2,000 jobs in the territory;
contributes $96 million in wages; and is responsible
for $221 million in economic output.
Maritime Labor Blasts
Unnecessary Waiver
Industry Calls Out Absurd Criticism of Jones Act
Proposed Labor Rule
‘Victory for Workers’
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Oct.
13 published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) aimed at helping employers and work-
ers determine whether a worker is an employee
or an independent contractor under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
In announcing the proposed rule, the DOL
noted it “would provide guidance on classify-
ing workers and seeks to combat employee
misclassification. Misclassification is a serious
issue that denies workers’ rights and protections
under federal labor standards, promotes wage
theft, allows certain employers to gain an un-
fair advantage over law-abiding businesses, and
hurts the economy at-large.”
The department further pointed out, “The
NPRM proposes a framework more consistent
with longstanding judicial precedent on which
employers have relied to classify workers as
employees or independent contractors under the
FLSA. The department believes the new rule
would preserve essential worker rights and pro-
vide consistency for regulated entities.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded the
announcement.
“The Biden administration once again delivered
Continued on Page 7
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 3
Seafarers Assist Hurricane Victims
The SIU is teaming up with national and local labor
organizations, Seafarers-contracted vessel operators and
other supporters to collect and deliver storm-relief sup-
plies following Hurricanes Fiona and Ian – primarily to
Puerto Rico and Florida, but also to the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Alaska.
Collection points include the hiring halls in Houston;
Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale,
Florida; Tacoma, Washington; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While donations are welcome at those locations, Seafar-
ers are encouraged to check with their local halls and also
keep an eye on the SIU website for related updates.
Fiona, at one point a Category 4 storm, hit southwestern
Puerto Rico with 85 mph winds on Sept. 18. Parts of the
island were flooded, and all of Puerto Rico’s estimated
1.47 million power customers initially were left without
electricity. Perhaps of greater immediate concern, around
a quarter-million water customers initially had no service.
By early October, power and water services had been
restored to the vast majority of residents.
Ten days after Fiona struck Puerto Rico, Ian devasted
Florida on Sept. 28 and then made landfall again two days
later in South Carolina. Official estimates are ongoing, but
at press time in mid-October, Ian reportedly had caused
more than 130 deaths in Florida along with billions of dol-
lars in damages.
The labor movement stepped up in support within hours
of Fiona striking Puerto Rico and again after Ian. Among
the organizations pitching in are the SIU, Maritime Trades
Department (MTD), IBEW, AMO, MEBA, MM&P, Long-
shoremen, Teachers, Machinists, AFGE, AFSCME, Car-
penters, AFL-CIO and others.
According to the American Maritime Partnership in a
Sept. 23 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro
Mayorkas, 2,000 containers were positioned in the port
of San Juan prior to the storm to provide supplies. When
all the island’s ports reopened following the hurricane,
U.S.-flag vessels resumed operations on their dedicated
U.S.-Puerto Rico terminals, with six Jones Act ships either
already offloaded or preparing to dock by the end of that
day.
Meanwhile, a large-scale relief effort led by the SIU
took place Oct. 8 in Puerto Rico. Seafarers and others from
the labor movement had prepared supplies for a few days
earlier. They then delivered more than 1,000 individual
grocery bags, bottled water and other supplies to residents
in Hormigueros and Penuelas.
During preparations at the hiring hall on Oct. 6, Chief
Steward Ingrid Ortiz noted, “We’re going to the south of
the island, where everybody was very affected by the hur-
ricane, and we’re planning to help with food and anything
else they might need.”
Recertified Steward Bam Bam Aguilera added, “We’re
working to help everybody who needs it.”
“We’re putting everything together for our brothers and
sisters in Puerto Rico,” said Michael Jacob, who sails in
the steward department.
SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, based
in San Juan, stated, “While it’s nothing new for SIU mem-
bers to step up and help their fellow citizens, I’m grateful
for their generous response to Hurricane Fiona. They’ve
put in a lot of work and have always done so with a great
attitude and a can-do spirit. It’s what the SIU is all about.”
President Biden visited Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Oct.
3. He touched on the financial support the federal gov-
ernment is providing to residents, and saluted them for
their “resilience and determination. Quite frankly, it’s
pretty extraordinary, when you look at it from afar. And
you deserve every bit of help your country can give you.
That’s what I’m determined to do, and that’s what I prom-
ise you…. We’re going to make sure you get every single
dollar promised. And I’m determined to help Puerto Rico
build faster than in the past and stronger and (be) better
prepared for the future.”
Two days later, the president spoke in Fort Myers, Flor-
ida. He said, “I’ve instructed my administration to bring
every element of the federal government together to help
with the immediate needs and long-term rebuilding. You
have my commitment and America’s commitment that
we’re not going to leave. We’re going to see you through
this entire process.”
Union Helps With Donations, Distribution after Fiona, Ian
SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (standing) is pictured outside the Houston hall. On Sept.
30, the union teamed up with personnel from the Port of Houston, National Shipping of
America, LLC and the office of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for a donation drive gath-
ering relief supplies for those affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida.
A container of relief supplies is hauled from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall on Oct. 1 to
Fort Myers, Florida.
SIU members and other volunteers sort and stack supplies at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico (photo at right), then briefly
pause for a snapshot while holding some of the assembled bags that were delivered in the following days (above).
Chief Cook Wilson Peniston and QEP Yuri Oliveros help
load pallets of water outside the hiring hall in Fort Lauder-
dale, Florida.
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4 Seafarers LOG November 2022
No injuries and no damage were reported
following a small fire aboard the Seafarers-
crewed Midnight Sun (TOTE Services).
SIU members including Recertified Bosun
Thomas MacGregor quickly extinguished the
fire on the front deck of the ship, which was
docked in Tacoma, Washington. Local fire de-
partment personnel arrived on scene, but the
fire already had been put out.
According to the vessel operator, no cargo
was aboard the vessel. A published report in-
dicated the incident “was likely caused by an
electrical fire in a piece of (a vendor’s) mainte-
nance equipment on the upper deck, the Tacoma
Fire Department told the local News Tribune.”
MacGregor had just arrived to the ship, on
Sept. 23.
“I was still in my leathers from rid-
ing my bike,” he said. “But I was part of
the quick response team, me and the chief
mate. It took three minutes, if that, for our
two teams to get suited up, and about 20
minutes to knock down the fire.”
The bosun added that prior safety training
definitely paid off, prominently including the
related courses that are staples at the SIU-af-
filiated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education.
“This (effective response) is all because
of the basic training that we get at Piney
Point and the drills we do on board,” Mac-
Gregor stated. “It went smoothly and every-
body did what they were supposed to do.”
Other SIU members aboard the ship in-
clude ABG Gamal Muflahi, ABB Artemio
Galaura, ABM Saleh Alsinai, ABG Samed
Kassem, ABM Raymond Green, ABM
Scott Ryan, AB Daniel Mensah, QEE Ga-
jatri Normatova, OMU Rohmy Butler,
OMU Mohamed Alghazali, OMU Majed
Alsharif, GUDE Mohamed Kassem, Re-
certified Steward Dennis Skretta, Chief
Cook Robert Haggerty and SA Khaled
Yahia.
Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor (far left) and other crew members are pictured with local fire department personnel.
All Hands Safe Following Midnight Sun Fire
A key agency recently announced
it is taking steps aimed at enforcing
regulations that benefit the country
as a whole, including the maritime
industry.
On Sept. 16, during testimony be-
fore the U.S. House Subcommittee
on Coast Guard and Maritime Trans-
portation, Maritime Administrator
Ann Phillips (Rear Admiral, USN,
Ret.) announced two efforts intended
to support federal compliance with
cargo preference requirements.
“Cargoes paid for by American
taxpayers belong on American ships,”
she said. “Cargo preference require-
ments are not just ‘Buy America’
requirements, they are requirements
that also help to strengthen America.”
The hearing was titled, “Cargo
Preference: Compliance with and En-
forcement of Maritime’s Buy Ameri-
can Laws.”
Phillips announced that the Mari-
time Administration (MARAD) will
issue a formal “Request for Infor-
mation” to solicit input from all
stakeholders on cargo preference
requirements. Under the nation’s
federal cargo preference laws, the
Department of Defense must move
100 percent of its cargoes on U.S.-
crewed, U.S.-flagged vessels. Out-
side of the Department of Defense, at
least 50 percent of other government-
impelled cargoes must ship on U.S.-
flagged vessels.
Additionally, Phillips announced
that MARAD will resume publish-
ing comprehensive federal cargo
preference data. Ensuring that such
information is publicly accessible
is intended to increase interagency
efficiency and to provide transpar-
ency regarding the movement of
government-impelled cargo on both
U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged
vessels.
Beyond these announcements,
MARAD is also working with the
White House’s “Made in America
Office” to help agencies understand
cargo preference requirements, the
administrator explained. In con-
junction, MARAD is in the process
of communicating with all related
federal departments and agencies to
remind them of their obligations and
to request that they each identify a
single point of contact, with whom
MARAD can work to implement and
ensure cargo preference requirements
are being met.
As defined by MARAD, “Cargo
Preference is the general term used
to describe the U.S. laws, regulations
and policies that require the use of
U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of
cargo that is owned, procured, fur-
nished, or financed by the U.S. Gov-
ernment. It also includes cargo that is
being shipped under an agreement of
the U.S. Government, or as part of a
Government program.”
MARAD Announces Two New Initiatives
Backing Cargo Preference Compliance
Ann Phillips
U.S. Maritime Administrator
A longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant
Marine isn’t letting up in his efforts to promote
the industry.
On Oct. 3, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-
California) introduced the bipartisan “Rebuild-
ing the United States-Flag International Fleet
Act” (H.R.9102), along with cosponsors U.S.
Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and U.S. Rep. Alan
S. Lowenthal (D-California). Among other ad-
vancements, the legislation would strengthen
federal cargo preference laws to increase the
number of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels
delivering cargo to foreign ports.
The bill is backed by the SIU, as well as the
Maritime Trades Department, Transportation
Trades Department, Liberty Maritime, Marine
Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA),
International Organization of Masters, Mates
& Pilots (MM&P), and the Maritime Institute
for Research and Industrial Development (MI-
RAID), among other organizations.
Garamendi, who chairs the House Armed
Services Subcommittee on Readiness and
serves as a senior member of the Transporta-
tion and Infrastructure Committee, said, “For
too long, Congress and both Democratic and
Republican presidents have allowed the com-
mercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going
vessels to dwindle. The global supply chain
crunch during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade
of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of Chi-
na’s island building in the South China Sea and
saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown
that the United States cannot remain reliant on
foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
“My comprehensive, bipartisan legislation
would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet
of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guar-
anteeing government cargo during peacetime
so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during
wartime or emergencies,” he continued. “The
United States has the world’s most capable
Navy, and we need an equally impressive fleet
of commercial cargo vessels crewed by Ameri-
can mariners,” concluded Garamendi.
According to Garamendi’s office, the bill
would:
n Restore the requirement in place from
1985 to 2012 that at least 75% of gross ton-
nage of seaborne cargo for international food
aid programs be carried on U.S.-flagged ves-
sels. Current law only requires 50% minimum
gross tonnage, following a sneaky cut to the
program.
n Restore the requirement in place from
1985 to 2012 that the U.S. Department of
Transportation reimburse international food
aid programs for any cost premium under the
U.S.-flagged vessel cargo preference, to pro-
tect the overall budget for food aid exports
from increased shipping costs.
n Reaffirm the Maritime Administration
(MARAD) as the only federal agency able to
waive the U.S.-flag requirement for govern-
ment cargo, in the rare instances when such
commercial vessels are unavailable at fair and
reasonable rates.
n Strengthen transparency and oversight
by requiring public notice online of all waivers
of the U.S.-flag requirement and timely notifi-
cation to Congress. Current law holds similar
requirements for waiving the Jones Act.
n Allow vessels seeking federal cargo con-
tracts to be re-flagged into the United States
registry for less than three years, provided they
satisfy similar requirements as vessels enrolled
in the existing Maritime Security Program.
n Clarify that the current U.S.-flag vessel
requirement for international food aid applies
to all agricultural products, not just commod-
ity crops.
n Implement the reforms to cargo prefer-
ence laws recommended by the Government
Accountability Office’s report on “Actions
Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Over-
sight,” published on Sept. 12, 2022.
The full text of the “Rebuilding the United
States-Flag International Fleet Act” is avail-
able online.
U.S. Rep. Garamendi Introduces
New Pro-Maritime Legislation
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 5
The seven Seafarers who recently com-
pleted bosun recertification training at the
SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Mary-
land, had no shortage of interesting insights
when they delivered graduation speeches Oct.
3.
Completing the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC)
top curriculum for deck department mariners
were Neftali Erausquin, Richard Molina
Blackman, Ronald Poole Sr., Carlos Gib-
bons, Larry Dizon, James Hall and Nasser
Hafid. The two-week course covered numer-
ous topics including leadership, teamwork,
social responsibilities and safe workplaces,
contracts, benefits plans, politics as it pertains
to the maritime industry, simulator training,
vessel operations and more. Most of it took
place on the PHC’s southern Maryland cam-
pus, though the class also included a day at
the union’s headquarters building, located in
Camp Springs, Maryland.
Following are some highlights of the re-
spective graduation remarks, given during the
monthly membership meeting at the PHC.
Neftali Erausquin
A Seafarer since 2003, Erausquin said
his overall experience during the class was
“amazing. All of the content was useful, and
my eyes were opened to things I’d never
known about. The school itself also looks
great. I’m proud to be an SIU member.”
He thanked SIU officials, PHC personnel,
and everyone who works at the Jersey City,
New Jersey, hall for their guidance and efforts,
and also credited his family for being sup-
portive.
After encouraging fellow Seafarers to
support the union’s voluntary political action
fund (SPAD), Erausquin urged the apprentices
to “upgrade and stay focused. The sky is the
limit for you.”
Richard Molina Blackman
Previously a member of the National
Maritime Union (NMU), Blackman became a
Seafarer when the NMU merged into the SIU
in 2001.
“It has been a great experience,” he said.
“I came to the school in 2004 to upgrade for
my AB ticket, and have sailed as a bosun since
2012. Finally, after 21 years as an SIU mem-
ber, through hard work and dedication I am a
recertified bosun. It means a lot to me.”
He thanked all of the personnel at the
Houston hiring hall along with the staff and
instructors at the PHC.
Blackman continued, “I thank all the union
officials for your good leadership and hard
work, fighting every day for all of us. Without
you, we wouldn’t be here.”
He said the SIU remains “a fundamental
part of my life. It has given me many opportu-
nities to provide a great living for me and my
family.”
Addressing the apprentices, he concluded,
“You are the future of this great union. Learn
and listen to your instructors; work hard and
upgrade.”
Ronald Poole Sr.
Poole joined the SIU in Mobile, Alabama,
in 1999. He said his most recent experience at
the PHC was “outstanding,” and that he par-
ticularly appreciated learning about the vari-
ous components of the Seafarers Plans.
He described becoming a recertified bosun
as the culmination of a career-long dream.
“With hard work and dedication, each and
every one of you out there (in the auditorium)
can be on this stage, too,” he said to his fel-
low members and apprentices. “The sky is the
limit for you – all you have to do is want it.”
Poole, who still sails from Mobile,
wrapped up his speech by saying, “Life in the
union has been good for me and my family. I
have two daughters in college and one more
to go.”
Carlos Gibbons
Like has classmates, Gibbons, an SIU
member since 2001, said that completing re-
certification carried great significance.
“I feel overwhelmed with pride, and I am
very thankful and blessed for this wonderful
achievement,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been
possible without the help and support from the
officials in New Jersey, and I thank them.”
He said that the combination of union
membership and clear chances for career ad-
vancement have served him well “in many as-
pects of my life – too many to mention in this
short speech. But the most important one is
the opportunities to continually upgrade. I’m
grateful for that. It has helped me improve my
skills and also helped me financially, there’s
no doubt about it.”
After thanking the union’s officials for
their work in protecting members’ job secu-
rity, Gibbons told the apprentices, “When you
are at sea, listen to your superiors. Follow
orders and always do your best. Always show
up with a positive attitude, and don’t hesitate
to ask questions.”
Larry Dizon
With his wife and two daughters in the
audience, Dizon said the recertification class
helped him “gain more knowledge about lead-
ership and the operations and benefits the SIU
offers us.”
He said that when he joined the union in
2005 in Norfolk, Virginia, “it changed my life.
Opportunities came my way. I developed and
enhanced my skills and was able to travel to
many places. I experienced different cultures
and met people from all walks of life.”
He continued, “The SIU gave my family a
better life…. I’m so grateful to be part of the
Brotherhood of the Sea.”
He thanked the instructors, encouraged
support of SPAD, and said the school made
him feel at home.
James Hall
Shortly after finishing his enlistment in
the Navy in 2000, Hall “realized how much
I missed going to sea,” he said. Before the
year ended, he’d enrolled in the apprentice
program.
Since then, he stated, “While my friends
back home were discovering the world wide
web, I got to see the whole wide world: all
seven continents, both while employed aboard
ships and during my vacation time. I’ve
earned good wages and benefits for me and
my family, while funding my retirement plan.”
Hall thanked his family, PHC personnel,
and SIU officials and staff at headquarters,
in New Orleans and in Houston for their
efforts and supportiveness. He said of the
union’s top officials: “They are uniquely
well-versed in the intricacies of all facets
governing our livelihood. Their combined
experience, knowledge and established
relationships are not easily replicated. It is
incumbent on us to donate to SPAD so that
they can continue this vital work on our
behalf.”
Lastly, he said to the apprentices, “When
you get to sea, make yourselves part of the
team. Ask questions and don’t become com-
placent. This is your best shot at a bright
future.”
Nasser Hafid
A frequent upgrader and a Seafarer since
1994, Hafid said he would “go a different
route” with his graduation speech – and
he delivered with a captivating, firsthand
account that illustrated why he holds the
union in high regard.
“Only a few people know what hap-
pened,” said Hafid (who is readily ame-
nable to the details being published).
“There’s always a day in your life that you
never forget, and that day is Feb. 23, 2013
for me. I was overseas, visiting my family
(in Yemen) after a long trip. I was driving
along, and had my mother and cousin (in
the vehicle). A bullet came through the car
door, into the side of my chest, went all
the way through and lodged into my right
bicep…. It hurt, but I did not cry. I’m a
bosun.”
All indications are that he hadn’t been
specifically targeted, but survival wasn’t
certain. Nevertheless, he recovered enough
to return to the U.S., where he visited the
hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington.
“I got to the counter and started telling
the patrolman what had happened,” Hafid
said. “He stopped me and we went to talk
in the back. He got the port agent, the other
patrolman and the secretary…. I was re-
questing to see a doctor. When I was telling
them what happened to me, you could see
the empathy in their eyes. They dropped
everything they were doing and focused on
me. They treated me like their family mem-
ber, and not just a member of a union.”
He then noted that when “headquarters
found out, you know what they said? ‘Get
that man whatever he needs.’ Like a bosun
would say to his deck department, just get
it done. The SIU was there when I needed
them the most.”
Bosuns Reflect on Successful Careers, Opportunities
‘SIU Gave My Family a Better Life’
Neftali Erausquin
Recertified Bosun
Richard Molina Blackman
Recertified Bosun
Ronald Poole Sr.
Recertified Bosun
Carlos Gibbons
Recertified Bosun
Larry Dizon
Recertified Bosun
James Hall
Recertified Bosun
Nasser Hafid
Recertified Bosun
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 573687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 5 10/21/22 12:31 PM10/21/22 12:31 PM
6 Seafarers LOG November 2022
Seafarers recently ratified two more
contracts featuring assorted gains and
appeared well on their way to approving
a third pact as well. Those agreements
cover members sailing with Pasha Ha-
waii, APL Marine Services, and Subcom,
respectively.
According to SIU Vice President
Contracts George Tricker, “These agree-
ments essentially wrap up what has been
a very busy and successful year for the
contracts department and the member-
ship. The new contracts raise wages,
either maintain or increase benefits, and
include other gains. This wouldn’t have
been possible without the excellent work
of rank-and-file Seafarers and the out-
standing efforts of our negotiating com-
mittees.”
The agreement with Pasha Hawaii,
which largely mirrors the standard
freightship contract, was negotiated by
Tricker and SIU West Coast Vice Presi-
dent Nick Marrone, while Pasha was rep-
resented by Ed Washburn. It was ratified
by an overwhelming majority. The five-
year pact includes annual wage increases
and maintains benefits.
Meanwhile, the new two-year agree-
ment with Subcom includes wage in-
creases above and beyond the standard
contract, while maintaining the current
Core-Plus level of benefits. The contract
was negotiated by Tricker, with Scott
Winfield representing Subcom. Voting
continued at press time, but the initial
feedback was very positive.
Finally, the new two-year agree-
ment with APL includes wage increases
in both years, and adds the Juneteenth
holiday. It also includes a clothing reim-
bursement, an increase to pension ben-
efits, and maintains the current benefits
plan at the Core-Plus level.
This contract was negotiated by Mar-
rone and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, and
was ratified by the membership upon the
successful completion of bargaining.
“This new contract is an outright win
for the members and certainly a good
agreement for the company as well,” said
Marrone.
Seafarers Ratify Additional Work Accords
Prior to negotiations, members aboard the President Cleveland fill out contract suggestion
forms. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Reynaldo Ricarte, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera,
Steward/Baker James Watson and ACU Ali Suwaileh.
Pictured aboard the President Kennedy in Oakland, California, are (from left) ACU Moosa
Mohamed, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, Steward/Baker Aurelio Esperanza, Chief Cook
Jonathan Yates and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. The members had just reviewed and voted
on a new contract.
Recertified Steward Sergio Castellanos (photo above) checks
contract suggestions aboard the President Roosevelt in south-
ern California. Pictured aboard the President Wilson in the photo
at right are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman, ACU Kevin Robinson,
Chief Cook Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Recertified Steward
Frank Malahi. The members reviewed the proposed new con-
tract and voted to ratify it.
Members, Guests Must Make
Arrangements Prior to Showing Up
For Stay at Paul Hall Center Hotel
Seafarers are welcome to stay at the Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Maryland, even if they’re not enrolled in a class
there – if space is available and a reservation has been
made.
Members are encouraged to work with their respective port
agents or email Jay Wiegman at jaywiegman@seafarers.org
regarding reservations for themselves and any family members
who want to stay with them at the school. The cost for room
and board for members is $40 per night (plus tax), and $10
apiece for each guest. Again, this applies to individuals who
are not enrolled in a course. Anyone showing up to the base
unannounced will not be allowed on campus.
In addition to verifying arrival and departure dates, mem-
bers will be required to submit proof of vaccination (or ex-
emption from the requirement) from COVID-19 both for
themselves and any guests.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 673687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 6 10/21/22 12:34 PM10/21/22 12:34 PM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 7
El Faro Memorial Dedicated in Maine
A newly dedicated statue in Rockland,
Maine, will help preserve the memories
of the El Faro’s final crew.
The creative work – formally dubbed
“El Faro Salute!” – was unveiled Sept. 24
before hundreds of attendees. SIU Port
Agents Ray Henderson and James Bast
represented the union at the gathering;
the SIU also co-sponsored the event.
“Both the ceremony itself and the
sculpture were really well done,” said
Henderson, who regularly sailed aboard
the El Faro before coming ashore to
work for the union. “It was an honor to
be there.”
All 33 individuals aboard the El Faro
perished when the vessel sank in a hur-
ricane near the Bahamas on Oct. 1, 2015.
The crew included 17 SIU members.
Two of the ship’s officers hailed from
Maine, as does Jay Sawyer, who de-
signed the new memorial and graduated
from Maine Maritime Academy.
The ceremony, which lasted approxi-
mately one hour, featured remarks by
Sawyer, Rockland Mayor Ed Glaser, of-
ficials from two local museums, and oth-
ers.
As described in the ceremony’s
printed program, “This memorial fea-
tures two maritime officer uniforms in
salute position to signify the honor that
the maritime family in this region, and
around the world, desire to express to
the El Faro crew, and the respect and
compassion offered to the families and
loved ones of the crew that continue to
endure this tragedy.” The names of all
33 individuals from the ship are etched
on the front of the statue, which is made
of steel.
“I was brought to tears. Pictures don’t
do it justice,” said Rochelle Hamm,
widow of SIU member Frank Hamm,
who was part of the last crew.
“We are handing this over to the local
community to be the host,” said Sawyer.
“You’ve been selected. This community,
because there are two crew members on
this ship that lived in this community. Be-
cause this is Rockland, the art capital of
Maine…. It’s because of the lighthouse
that’s out there at the end of the Breakwa-
ter, and El Faro is Spanish for lighthouse.
It’s for the sunrise; it’s one of the most
beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.”
Upwards of 600 people attended the ceremony; a few of them are pictured above, while the statue is shown in the image below. (Photos by Jack Routhier)
on its promise to put working people first,”
Shuler stated. “By restoring commonsense
rules to determine who is an employee,
and making it harder for employers to
intentionally misclassify their employees
as independent contractors, the DOL’s
announcement will increase protections
and expand benefits to so many working
people who have been subjected to corpo-
rate work-arounds. Too many companies
put profits over people, intentionally mis-
classifying their workers as contractors to
avoid providing the pay, overtime, work-
place rights and benefits that employees
are due under labor and employment laws.
This proposed rule will ensure DOL has
the tools to protect employees against the
current and escalating problem of misclas-
sification.”
Shuler added, “While today’s an-
nouncement is a major step forward, we
know there is still so much more to do
to make our economy more fair and eq-
uitable. The AFL-CIO and its allies will
continue to push for legislation and reg-
ulations to give workers the rights they
deserve.”
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said,
“While independent contractors have an
important role in our economy, we have
seen in many cases that employers mis-
classify their employees as independent
contractors, particularly among our na-
tion’s most vulnerable workers. Misclas-
sification deprives workers of their federal
labor protections, including their right to
be paid their full, legally earned wages.
The Department of Labor remains com-
mitted to addressing the issue of misclas-
sification.”
Specifically, the proposed rule would
do the following, the DOL reported:
n Align the department’s approach with
courts’ FLSA interpretation and the eco-
nomic reality test.
n Restore the multifactor, totality-of-
the-circumstances analysis to determine
whether a worker is an employee or an in-
dependent contractor under the FLSA.
n Ensure that all factors are analyzed
without assigning a predetermined weight
to a particular factor or set of factors.
n Revert to the longstanding interpre-
tation of the economic reality factors. These
factors include the investment, control and
opportunity for profit or loss factors. The
integral factor, which considers whether the
work is integral to the employer’s business,
is also included.
n Assist with the proper classification
of employees and independent contractors
under the FLSA.
n Rescind the 2021 Independent Contrac-
tor Rule.
When announcing the NPRM, the
DOL further noted that it is “responsible
for ensuring that employers do not mis-
classify FLSA-covered workers as inde-
pendent contractors and deprive them of
their legal wage and hour protections.
Misclassification denies basic worker
protections such as minimum wage and
overtime pay and affects a wide range
of workers in the home care, janitorial
services, trucking, delivery, construc-
tion, personal services, and hospitality
and restaurant industries, among others.
Before publication of today’s proposed
rulemaking, the department’s Wage and
Hour Division considered feedback
shared by stakeholders in forums dur-
ing the summer of 2022 and will now
solicit comments on the proposed rule
from interested parties. The division en-
courages all stakeholders to participate
in the regulatory process. Comments,
which must be submitted from Oct. 13
to Nov. 28, 2022, should be submitted
online or in writing to the Division of
Regulations, Legislation and Interpreta-
tion, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. De-
partment of Labor, Room S-3502, 200
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20210.”
Liz Shuler
President, AFL-CIO
Marty Walsh
Secretary of Labor
(Photo courtesy AFL-CIO) (Photo courtesy AFL-CIO)
Worker Categories Based on Legal Precedent
Continued from Page 2
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 773687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 7 10/21/22 11:54 AM10/21/22 11:54 AM
8 Seafarers LOG November 2022
dreds of dollars, but can reach well into
the thousands.
“When you go back to, say, the 1950s,
someone who had tattoos was kind of a
rebel,” Musick says. “It seemed like in the
1990s, it became a little more socially ac-
cepted. A lot of the skateboard kids were
getting into tattoos, and TV shows like
Ink Masters brought it into everyday life.
People saw that tattoos could be some-
thing beautiful, and weren’t just for mili-
tary members and motorcycle riders.”
Nevertheless, learning the trade wasn’t
straightforward or quick for Musick.
“When I got into it, there weren’t a lot
of shops around,” he recalls. “Back in the
day, you really had to prove your worth.
The old-timers weren’t giving up any
tricks of the trade, so you had to hope one
of them would take you under their wing.
Working as a mechanic was sort of the
same thing. Eventually, if the old-timers
felt you were really interested, they’d
show you.”
As his interest in tattooing grew, Mu-
sick “said to myself, this can’t be that
hard. There was one company you could
buy equipment from. I bought it and ba-
sically taught myself” during a span of
several years.
Decades later, after applying more
tattoos than he can count, Musick still
appreciates the ongoing experience as an
avocation. He’s a part-timer in a regional
chain (Body Graphics) where he has
worked for the last 22 years. Previously,
he’d run a business from his home.
“My union job obviously comes first,
and accounts for my benefits and (even-
tual) pension,” Musick says. “My tattoo
job is fun money and just enjoying the
art.”
‘Team Player’
Those familiar with Musick’s work –
as a Seafarer and as an artist – say plenty
of good things about both areas.
Musick graduated from high school
in 1985 and immediately followed in the
footsteps of his father, Jim, also a long-
time SIU member (who passed away in
2018).
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Hein-
del, then working as the union’s port
agent in Philadelphia, met Scott when
he signed on at Crowley’s terminal in
Pennsauken, New Jersey.
“Scott has always been a team player
and a hard worker,” Heindel notes. “I
eventually became familiar with Scott’s
artwork through his Facebook postings.
His art is nothing short of extraordinary
and unique. I’ve used his talents several
times to create T-shirts for [motorcycle]
charity runs, and he’s never disap-
pointed.”
Musick also created the art for shirts
that were highlighted at an El Faro me-
morial dedication in 2016 at the hiring
hall in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Knowing how good Scott’s work
is, I wanted to use his talents to create
something for that ceremony,” Heindel
recalls. “His ability to capture the essence
of the moment and use it to remember our
brother and sister Seafarers in a memorial
T-shirt for those attending, was nothing
short of brilliant.”
Retired Seafarer Mike Fay worked with
both Jim and Scott Musick for many years.
“Scott and I shared the same passion
for motorcycles and did a lot of rides
together,” Fay says. “As far as being a
co-worker, I wish we had more like him.
He’s very skilled, and always rolled up
his sleeves and tackled assignments while
staying clear of the nonsense.
“I remember when he decided to learn
tattooing and would practice on raw
turkeys,” Fay continues. “Scott’s tattoos
speak for themselves. I have quite a few
from him myself.”
Early Start
Tattoos grabbed Musick’s attention
from early childhood. His father had sev-
eral tattoos; Musick regularly drew copies
and other images.
Musick got his first ink at age 14, at a
now-defunct shop in Camden, New Jersey.
“My dad took me and lied about my
age,” Musick recalls. “I just got a name
on my arm, but from that day on, it was
pretty much off to the races. I stopped
counting my own tattoos when I got to 30
of them.”
Nowadays, Musick is pleased by the
industry’s growth, though he is puzzled
by some of the seemingly random images
that people select.
“A tattoo is supposed to be something
personal that tells a story about your life,”
he says. “The ones that I really get the
most joy from (applying) is when some-
one comes in for a memorial tattoo for
someone who’s passed away. When I get
done and they look in the mirror and tears
of joy come to their eyes, I know I’ve
done my job.”
Fortunately, those are usually the only
types of tears he sees as an artist. Asked
in general how much it hurts to receive
a tattoo, Musick replies, “I won’t say it’s
painless, but nine times out of 10, people
say it’s not bad at all. If someone doesn’t
know what to expect, I’ll dip my needle
into some water (for a trial run). The
outline seems to be a little more painful,
only because of the configuration of the
needles” (more than a half-dozen different
ones typically are used on a tattoo).
Musick can finish a basic tattoo (such
as a name) in a few minutes, whereas, for
complex designs such as full sleeves, “I’ll
work until they tap out. Most people last
four or five hours.”
He plans to stick with both of his
professions for the foreseeable future,
and says he remains grateful for his cir-
cumstances: “I’m very blessed to be a
member of the SIU and to have a job with
Crowley.”
Seafarer by Day, Tattoo Artist by Night
Continued from Page 20
Musick reports for work at the power shop in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
International
Solidarity
SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel (at po-
dium and also visible
on monitor) on Sept. 29
was a featured speaker
at the Norwegian Sea-
farers Union Congress
(convention), which took
place in Tromsø. He
updated attendees on
various work done by
the SIU and the Interna-
tional Transport Workers’
Federation, for whom
he serves as Seafarers’
Section chair. He also
congratulated Johnny
Hansen, who’s retiring,
on his years of service
as president of the host
organization.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 873687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 8 10/21/22 11:54 AM10/21/22 11:54 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 9
Deck Department
Algonac 20 6 1 12 1 0 3 27 8 2
Anchorage 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
Baltimore 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 12 10 3 12 7 2 8 24 15 4
Guam 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0
Harvey 8 3 3 9 4 2 1 14 6 5
Honolulu 5 3 0 5 2 0 1 9 4 0
Houston 16 7 3 22 16 1 18 43 22 6
Jacksonville 19 25 2 20 17 3 15 40 34 4
Jersey City 16 7 1 11 4 1 8 41 16 3
Joliet 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0
Mobile 4 4 0 3 3 0 0 11 6 2
Norfolk 12 8 3 9 4 3 3 24 13 3
Oakland 7 3 0 4 2 0 0 14 5 1
Philadelphia 1 1 0 2 3 0 2 3 1 1
Piney Point 4 4 1 2 3 1 3 7 4 0
Puerto Rico 4 4 1 4 0 0 3 4 6 1
Tacoma 18 6 3 13 4 0 7 32 6 4
St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0
Wilmington 18 4 0 14 9 0 5 47 9 1
TOTALS 168 98 21 146 82 14 78 351 162 37
Engine Department
Algonac 2 0 2 4 0 1 2 6 1 2
Anchorage 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0
Baltimore 0 3 1 1 4 0 2 1 2 1
Fort Lauderdale 8 3 1 11 2 1 5 12 5 1
Guam 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0
Harvey 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0
Honolulu 5 9 2 3 0 1 2 11 9 1
Houston 7 5 2 5 2 1 6 15 6 4
Jacksonville 13 11 2 11 6 1 4 23 25 3
Jersey City 8 3 0 6 3 0 1 14 8 1
Joliet 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Mobile 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 7 1
Norfolk 9 6 0 5 2 0 2 13 12 4
Oakland 2 2 1 3 1 0 0 7 4 1
Philadelphia 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 0 0
Piney Point 0 2 0 1 2 0 2 0 4 0
Puerto Rico 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 1 0
Tacoma 13 5 3 7 10 3 11 16 4 1
St. Louis 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 3 1 1
Wilmington 14 6 2 4 3 1 2 26 12 2
TOTALS 97 62 19 72 38 10 43 165 109 23
Steward Department
Algonac 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 1 0 1 3 0 1 2 2 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 7 0 6 0 0 1 12 11 0
Guam 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Harvey 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 7 3 0
Honolulu 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 8 3 0
Houston 10 2 2 10 1 0 2 21 7 2
Jacksonville 16 12 4 19 8 1 11 24 21 5
Jersey City 5 2 1 5 2 0 2 9 4 2
Joliet 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Mobile 1 4 0 1 1 0 1 3 6 0
Norfolk 9 9 2 12 4 1 3 11 17 5
Oakland 6 4 2 6 3 2 2 16 6 2
Philadelphia 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Piney Point 2 4 2 0 5 1 1 8 3 1
Puerto Rico 3 4 2 0 3 0 0 7 3 2
Tacoma 5 0 0 5 2 1 2 12 0 0
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Wilmington 14 10 3 10 5 0 7 28 17 3
TOTALS 88 65 19 82 37 7 37 174 105 22
Entry Department
Algonac 1 9 8 0 6 6 2 1 13 10
Anchorage 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2
Baltimore 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1
Fort Lauderdale 0 2 3 0 1 1 1 0 4 5
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Harvey 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 2 3 4
Honolulu 0 3 2 0 3 4 0 0 3 5
Houston 2 6 12 3 7 5 2 3 15 21
Jacksonville 2 14 49 0 17 36 10 3 27 85
Jersey City 1 5 10 1 5 9 3 2 14 20
Joliet 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 1 2
Mobile 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Norfolk 0 10 12 0 2 12 1 0 13 31
Oakland 2 5 3 0 6 3 0 4 11 5
Philadelphia 0 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 4
Piney Point 0 2 8 0 10 5 6 0 2 7
Puerto Rico 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
Tacoma 2 8 3 0 5 1 0 4 17 12
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Wilmington 1 12 2 2 6 3 3 3 25 9
TOTALS 12 80 126 6 70 91 31 22 153 226
GRAND TOTAL: 365 305 185 306 227 122 189 712 529 308
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 16 - October 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 16.
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..........................Monday: November 7, December 5
Algonac.............*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Baltimore....................Thursday:November10, December 9
Guam...............*Friday: November 25, Thursday: December 22
Honolulu.............................Friday: November 18, December16
Houston...........................Monday: November 14, December12
Jacksonville.......................Thursday: November 10, December 8
Joliet..............................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Mobile.........................Wednesday: November 16, December 14
New Orleans...................Tuesday: November 15, December 13
Jersey City............................Tuesday: November 8, December 6
Norfolk..................*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Oakland.........................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: November 9, December 7
Port Everglades.............Thursday: November 17, December 15
San Juan........................Thursday: November 10, December 8
St. Louis.............................Friday: November 18, December 16
Tacoma.............................Friday: November 25, December 23
Wilmington..................Monday: November 21, December 19
* Algonac and Norfolk changes in November due to Vet-
eran’s Day observance
* Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day obser-
vance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
November & DecemberNovember & December
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings
Editor ’s note: The
U.S. Coast Guard’s Na-
t ional Marit ime Cen-
ter issued the following
news item on Oct. 6. It’s
available on the SIU
website.
In accordance with
F e d e r a l r e g u l a t i o n s ,
d u p l i c a t e M e r c h a n t
M a r i n e r C r e d e n t i a l s
(MMCs) may be issued
free of charge to mari-
ners whose credentials
were lost or destroyed
as a result of Hurricane
Fiona in Puerto Rico
and Hurr icane Ian in
Florida. Affected mari-
ners should follow the
steps below to obtain an
expedited replacement
credential:
Provide a statement of
loss to the National Mari-
time Center (NMC) via
fax at (304) 433-3412 or
via e-mail at IASKNMC@
uscg.mil. The statement
should contain the fol-
lowing:
n Mariner’s full name
n Mariner’s date of birth
n Mariner’s reference
number (MRN) (if you
don’t know the MRN, in-
clude the mariner’s Social
Security number)
n The mailing address
that the replacement cre-
dential should be sent to
n Current phone num-
ber and/or e-mail address
that the NMC can use to
contact the mariner with
questions, if necessary
n Description of the cir-
cumstances surrounding the
loss/destruction of the cre-
dential.
Unless otherwise re-
quested, any duplicate
MMCs issued per the re-
quest process above will
include a correspond-
ing Medical Certificate,
i f previously issued.
We will make every ef-
fort to have duplicate
credentials mailed out
the next business day.
Alternatively, mariners
may submit form CG-
719B, Application for
Merchant Mariner Cre-
dential, to one of the
Regional Exam Centers
wi th the informat ion
above. If your credential
is unserviceable due to
damage or your lost cre-
dential is subsequently
found, that credential
should be mailed to the
NMC.
If you have questions
or feedback regarding
dupl icate credent ia ls ,
please contact the NMC
via our Online Chat or
Ticketing System, by e-
mai l ing IASKNMC@
uscg.mil, or by calling
(888) IASKNMC (427-
5662).
Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain
U.S. Coast Guard Com-
manding Officer
Notice:
Credentials Lost Due to
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 973687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 9 10/24/22 8:52 AM10/24/22 8:52 AM
10 Seafarers LOG November 2022
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
UNIONS ON PARADE – Maritime labor had a strong turnout for the 43rd Annual Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition Labor Day Parade, as evidenced by this photo.
PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – The union and its affiliated school in Maryland shared a booth at the St. Mary’s
County Fair in late September. Pictured from left are Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Tyrell Mitchell, Kalycia Banks
from the PHC Student Services office, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey and PHC Apprentice Stephanie Vidrio.
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Derek Chestnut (left) receives
his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ray
Henderson is at right.
WITH SEAFARERS IN HOUSTON – Bosun Hernando Bansuelo (left in photo at left), who started sailing with the union in 1990, picks up his first pension check, while GUDE Wuelner
Arzu (left in photo at right) receives his full B-book before heading to Piney Point to upgrade. They’re both pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1073687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 10 10/21/22 11:54 AM10/21/22 11:54 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 11
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC – OS Jamal Saleh (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak) displays his
newly acquired B-book, while ABs Taha Al Amri (center) and Ahmed Al-Arashi (photo at right) hold their respective A-books
at the hiring hall
FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – OMU Julian Misla (right) receives
his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo.
FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Michael Robinson (left) picks
up his full B-book at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. SIU
Port Agent Jimmy White is at right.
ABOARD CHABRIA SEA – SIU member Nathaniel
Fair Jr. (left) and SIU Jersey City Patrolman Jose
Argueta are pictured aboard the Centerline Logis-
tics vessel in Bayonne, New Jersey.
SUPPORT FROM LABOR – Several Houston-area Seafarers volunteered for block walking earlier
this year in support of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who’s up for re-election. Pictured from left
are Steward/Baker Rene Gil, AB Washington Williams, AB Reynaldo Bernardez and SIU Houston
Safety Director Kevin Sykes.
ABOARD USNS ALGOL – This Seafaring Selfie is courtesy of Recertified Bosun
Ritche Acuman (right), pictured with GUDEs Ruel Decrepito and Rodolfo Ludov-
ice while working aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated vessel on the West Coast.
AT WILMINGTON HALL
– GVA Shayef Shayef
(left in photo at immediate
right, with SIU Port Agent
Gerret Jarman) picks up
his A-seniority book in
southern California, while
AB Patrick Wheat (left in
photo in center, also with
Jarman) receives his full
B-book. The remaining
photo at the far right in-
cludes SA Benny Feria
(left) and SIU Patrolman
Jesse Sunga. Feria is
displaying his newly ac-
quired full B-book.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1173687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 11 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
12 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Traiming and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are you most excited for on your first ship?
Deshon Hagans
Apprentice
I’m really just looking forward to
a career I can get comfortable in. I’m
in it for the long haul, so the job sta-
bility offered in the SIU is really key
for me. I’m ready for a long career
as a mariner.
Christian Marty
Apprentice
Seeing the world. I’m pretty
excited to go to many European
countries, but in general I’m ex-
cited to travel to foreign lands and
experience new cultures.
Jevon David
Apprentice
I’m excited to start a new ca-
reer, and see where my path leads.
I’m looking forward to a job
where I’m not stationary, and this
career is certainly not your typical
9 to 5.
Masaddiq Walton
Apprentice
Travelling the world, and ex-
periencing different cultures. I’ve
never been outside the country.
I’m also looking forward to expe-
riencing the sense of community
aboard a ship.
Raheem Harris
Apprentice
The money, to be honest. But
I’m also looking forward to gaining
job experience, and experience new
foods. The food is a big one for me.
Justin Manley
Apprentice
I’ve always been into engines,
and I figure it can’t be too different
to work on a ship’s engine. Bigger
turbos, bigger injectors, it’s just a big
diesel engine. The money doesn’t
hurt, either.
Pic From Pic From
The Past The Past
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
The SIU launched
its headquarters
operations in Camp
Springs, Maryland,
40 years ago – of-
ficially on Oct. 18,
1982, following a
relocation from New
York. This snapshot
from the union’s ar-
chives shows the
building as it neared
the final stages of
construction.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1273687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 12 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 13
DEEP SEA
MOHAMED AHMED
Brother Mohamed Ahmed, 53,
signed on with
the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 1990, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
He worked in the
deck department,
most recently
aboard the Mid-
night Sun. Brother
Ahmed settled in Melvindale,
Michigan.
HERNANDO BANSUELO
Brother Hernando Bansuelo, 67,
donned the SIU
colors in 1990
when he shipped
on the Sealift Ca-
ribbean. He sailed
in the deck depart-
ment and upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Bansuelo’s final
vessel was the National Glory. He
calls Spring, Texas, home.
GEORGE BIESELIN
Brother George Bieselin, 72, started
his career with the SIU in 2001. He
first sailed aboard the Liberator and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of member-
ship. Brother
Bieselin worked
in the engine de-
partment. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Kensing-
ton and is a resi-
dent of Boynton Beach, Florida.
SUSANO CORTEZ
Brother Susano Cortez, 67, joined
the union in 1987.
A steward depart-
ment member,
he initially sailed
aboard the Inde-
pendence. Brother
Cortez upgraded
often at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school. He
most recently
sailed on the Horizon Pacific and
makes his home in Wahiawa, Ha-
waii.
JOSE DE SOUZA
Brother Jose de Souza, 67, began
sailing with the union in 2001, ini-
tially on the USNS
Mount Washing-
ton. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occa-
sions. Brother de
Souza concluded
his career on
the SBX. He lives in Miami Beach,
Florida.
BRENDA GRAYS
Sister Brenda Grays, 72, joined the
Seafarers in 1988.
She was a mem-
ber of the stew-
ard department
and first sailed
aboard the USNS
Harkness. Sister
Grays upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. She
last sailed aboard
the President Jackson and resides in
Houston.
LEONEL GUTIERREZ
Brother Leonel Gutierrez, 65, em-
barked on his
career with the
union in 2002,
first sailing on
the Gemini. A
deck depart-
ment member,
he concluded his
career aboard the
Prentiss Brown.
Brother Gutier-
rez makes his home in Riverview,
Michigan.
MICHAEL KOZAK
Brother Michael Kozak, 52, signed
on with the SIU
in 1992 when he
sailed aboard the
Franklin J. Phil-
lips. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous oc-
casions. Brother
Kozak last shipped on the Alaskan
Explorer. He resides in Cape Coral,
Florida.
KRISTIN KRAUSE
Sister Kristin Krause, 56, became
a member of the Seafarers Inter-
national Union
in 1991. A
steward depart-
ment member,
she first shipped
on the Ameri-
can Eagle.
Sister Krause
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multi-
ple occasions. She concluded her
career on the Overseas New York
and settled in Atlantic Beach,
Florida.
THOMAS MOORE
Brother Thomas Moore, 55, em-
barked on his
career with the
Seafarers in
1989, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Hark-
ness. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Moore most
recently shipped on the USNS
Denebola and lives in Queen Anne,
Maryland.
WALTER OTT
Brother Walter Ott, 69, began sail-
ing with the union in 1976 when he
shipped on the
Maryland. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Ott last
sailed on the
Maersk Seletar. He
lives in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
JIMMIE ROBLES
Brother Jimmie Robles, 65, joined
the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on
the Flickertail
State. He worked
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occa-
sions. Brother
Robles concluded
his career on the
Maersk Califor-
nia and makes his home in Golden
Valley, Arizona.
PHYLLIS JUSTINE SORESI
Sister Phyllis Justine Soresi, 56,
signed on with the union in 1990,
initially sailing
aboard the Inde-
pendence. She
shipped in both
the steward and
deck departments
and also worked
on shore gangs.
Sister Soresi was
last employed with
American Service
Technology and resides in Pocono
Lake, Pennsylvania.
GREAT LAKES
HAROLD GOETZ
Brother Harold Goetz, 63, started
sailing with the
union in 1977. He
first worked with
Peter Kiewit Sons
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1996.
Brother Goetz
concluded his
career with Great
Lakes Towing.
He makes his home in Sault Sainte
Marie, Michigan.
MICHAEL KRUSE
Brother Michael Kruse, 65, signed
on with the union in 1988. He
initially sailed
aboard the Steel
T. Crapo, and
worked in all
three departments.
Brother Kruse
upgraded on mul-
tiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently shipped
on the Walter J.
McCarthy and is a resident of Al-
pena, Michigan.
INLAND
JOHN COX
Brother John Cox, 61, joined the
SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard
the Champion. A
deck department
member, he up-
graded at the Paul
Hall Center on nu-
merous occasions
and also came
ashore to serve as
a port official be-
fore returning to
sea. Brother Cox
last worked with G&H Towing. He
lives in Kingwood, Texas.
MITCHELL FOWLER
Brother Mitchell Fowler, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1983. He was a
deck department
member and first
worked for Allied
Transportation.
Brother Fowler
upgraded his
skills at the Piney
Point school in
2020. He was
last employed by
Penn Maritime
and is a resident of Wilmington,
North Carolina.
MICHAEL HARVEY
Brother Michael Harvey, 55, em-
barked on his career with the Seafar-
ers in 1999 when he shipped with
Penn Maritime. He was a member of
the deck department and continued
working for the same company for
the duration of his career. Brother
Harvey makes his home in Concord,
North Carolina.
ISOLINE MAJOR
Sister Isoline Major, 66, signed on
with the union in
1998. She sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Sister Ma-
jor’s first vessel
was the Sumner;
her last, the Leg-
end. She is a resi-
dent of Lauderhill, Florida.
ROBERT MORGAN
Brother Robert Morgan, 73, started
sailing with the SIU in 1994 when
he worked for McAllister Towing of
Virginia. He was an engine depart-
ment member and remained with the
same company for the duration of
his career. Brother Morgan resides in
Port Haywood, Virginia.
RONALD POOLE
Brother Ronald Poole, 62, signed
on with the union in 2005, initially
sailing on the
MahiMahi. He
upgraded on
multiple occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center and
shipped in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother
Poole’s final ves-
sel was the Delta Mariner. He is a
resident of Pensacola, Florida.
BRUCE ROBRECHT
Brother Bruce Robrecht, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979 when he
sailed with Hig-
man Barge Lines.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Ro-
brecht last worked
for OSG Ship Management. He
resides in Great Mills, Maryland.
ROBERT STEARNS
Brother Robert Stearns, 62, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1978. A
deck department member, he up-
graded at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school on multiple occasions.
Brother Stearns worked for Crowley
Towing and Transportation for the-
duration of his career. He makes his
home in Neptune Beach, Florida.
DENIS SWANSON
Brother Denis Swanson, 62, donned
the SIU colors
in 1994. He up-
graded at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occa-
sions and sailed
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Swanson worked
for Penn Mari-
time for the dura-
tion of his career. He settled in Mt.
Dora, Florida.
TIMOTHY TRAYNOR
Brother Timothy Traynor, 62, started
his career with the union in 1979
when he worked
with Crowley.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the union-affili-
ated Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Traynor
last worked with
Ameristar Casino. He is a resident
of Munster, Indiana.
JOSEPH VIOLANTE
Brother Joseph Violante, 63, joined
the SIU in 1976, initially shipping
with G&H Tow-
ing. He sailed in
both the deck and
steward depart-
ments and also
worked on shore
gangs. Brother
Violante upgraded
on several occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
was last employed with American
Service Technology and resides in
Bacliff, Texas.
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
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1373687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 13 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
14 Seafarers LOG November 2022
DEEP SEA
YAHYA ALHAJ
Pensioner Yahya
Alhaj, 85, died
August 17. He
joined the SIU
in 1972 and first
sailed aboard the
Saginaw Bay.
Brother Alhaj
worked in both
the deck and en-
gine departments and concluded
his career aboard the El Faro in
2001. He began collecting his
pension in 2003 and called Dear-
born, Michigan, home.
RAMON ALI
Pensioner Ramon Ali, 74, passed
away August 31. He embarked
on his career
with the union
in 1967 when
he sailed on the
Steel Design. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Ali last
shipped on the
Virgo. He retired
in 2016 and lived in Scarsdale,
New York.
ANGEL CAMACHO
Pensioner Angel Camacho, 72,
died September 16. He began
his career with the SIU in 1968
when he shipped with Interocean
American Ship-
ping Corpora-
tion. Brother
Camacho pri-
marily sailed in
the deck depart-
ment. He last
sailed aboard
the Horizon Dis-
covery before
becoming a pensioner in 2005.
Brother Camacho resided in
Carolina, Puerto Rico.
SIGRID CONNARD
Sister Sigrid Connard, 92, died
September 8. Born in Germany,
she began sailing with the SIU in
1978. Sister Connard was a stew-
ard department member and first
shipped on the Santa Magdelena.
She last sailed on the President
Jackson and made her home in
Medford, Oregon.
ROBERT DIAZ
Pensioner Robert Diaz, 77,
passed away September 22. He
signed on with the Seafarers
International Union in 1969,
initially sailing aboard the Saga-
more Hill. Brother Diaz was an
engine department member and
last shipped aboard the Eugene
A. Obregon in 1988. He went on
pension in 2010 and settled in
Brandon, Florida.
JAMES OTANI
Pensioner James Otani, 83, has
passed away.
After signing on
with the union
in 1982, he first
sailed on the
Constitution.
Brother Otani
was a steward
department
member and last
shipped on the Independence
in 1993. He went on pension in
2009 and called Hilo, Hawaii,
home.
ANDRE SMITH
Pensioner Andre Smith, 71,
died September 8. He joined the
union in 1975
and first sailed
on the G Walton.
Brother Smith
primarily sailed
in the engine
department. He
concluded his
career aboard
the Sea Fox in
1998. Brother Smith became a
pensioner in 2016 and was a resi-
dent of Portsmouth, Virginia.
GREAT LAKES
WILLIAM LEHTO
Pensioner William Lehto, 80,
passed away September 28. He
joined the SIU in 1966 and was
an engine department mem-
ber. Brother Lehto was first
employed by
Buckeye Steam-
ship Company.
He last sailed
aboard the
Kinsman Inde-
pendent before
retiring in 1995.
Brother Lehto
lived in Iron-
wood, Michigan.
WILLIAM MULCAHY
Pensioner William Mulcahy,
62, died October 1. He donned
the SIU colors in 1977 when he
shipped aboard
the Adam E.
Cornelius. He
worked in the
deck depart-
ment and most
recently sailed
on the Walter
J. McCar-
thy. Brother
Mulcahy began collecting his
pension in 2019 and lived in Or-
ange Park, Florida.
GERALD RIFENBARK
Pensioner Gerald Rifenbark,
80, passed away September 13.
He signed on with the Seafar-
ers International Union in 1988
when he shipped on the Paul H.
Townsend. Brother Rifenbark
sailed in the steward department.
He last shipped on the Susan
Hannah in 2007 before retiring
the same year. Brother Rifenbark
resided in Interlochen, Michigan.
INLAND
RICHARD GORDON
Pensioner Richard Gordon, 90,
died September 26. He joined
the SIU in 1963, initially sail-
ing with American Steamship
Company. An engine department
member, Brother Gordon was
last employed by Bob-Lo Island.
He became a pensioner in 2003
and lived in Northville, Michi-
gan.
NMU
In addition to the foregoing individuals,
the following union members have also
passed away. Insufficient information
was available to develop summaries of
their respective careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Johnson, Leonard 85 09/03/2022
Kenoyer, Frederick 96 09/14/2021
Linch, Eugene 98 10/10/2022
McCoy, Nelson 91 09/29/2022
Olivo, Ignacio 98 09/06/2022
Powers, Auriel 78 09/28/2022
Powery, Barricks 90 10/07/2022
Scott, Elbert 89 08/20/2022
Simpson, Robert 76 09/19/2022
Stigler, Joseph 80 09/27/2022
Final Final
DeparturesDepartures
As previously reported, extensive renovations are tak-
ing place at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Some of
the early stages of the months-long project are shown in
these photos from the commonwealth.
Norfolk Renovations Continue
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1473687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 14 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 15
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In-
land Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommenda-
tions. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representa-
tives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters 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 seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals 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 contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or ob-
ligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are 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
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no mem-
ber 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 ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In con-
nection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No con-
tribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribu-
tion for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Mi-
chael 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.
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited) July 31 – Chair-
man John O’Shaughnessy,
Secretary Joshua Heath, Educa-
tional Director Mark Campbell.
Good trip reported by chairman.
He stressed the importance of
safety and urged members to
keep documents up to date. Crew
requested increases to dental,
vacation, and retirement ben-
efits. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 13
– Chairman Gerald Alford,
Secretary Thomas Johnson, Ed-
ucational Director David Wat-
kins, Steward Delegate Kacey
Hare. Educational director
encouraged crew to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members reviewed lat-
est communications, including a
letter from the SIU VP Contracts
George Tricker. Crew requested
to increase vacation accrual to 25
for 30. Next port: New York.
AMERICAN FREEDOM (In-
trepid Personnel & Provision-
ing), August 16 – Chairman
Joshua Mensah, Secretary Se-
dell Mitchell-Reynolds, Engine
Delegate Oscar Lacayo Ruiz.
Educational director reminded
members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
still waiting for Wi-Fi and re-
frigerators in rooms. Members
voiced concerns about laundry
room and need more coffee and
coffee cups.
WASHINGTON (Intrepid Per-
sonnel & Provisioning), Sep-
tember 1 – Chairman Modesto
Rabena, Secretary Samuel
Harris, Educational Director
Lonny Scott, Engine Delegate
Tyesha Boyd. Chairman re-
viewed details of new contract.
Secretary read the President’s
Report from the latest edition of
the Seafarers LOG. Educational
director discussed latest union
meeting at Piney Point, new jobs
and ways to help recruit new
members. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members asked for
clarity regarding overtime issues
and more information about ship
fund. Crew requested refrigera-
tors in rooms and asked about
cashing in vacation.
JEAN ANNE (Pasha), Septem-
ber 3 – Chairman Thomas John-
son, Secretary Samuel Sinclair.
Chairman gave suggestions for
modifying the job hiring process,
including online registration and
job bidding. Members weighed
in on latest contract negotiations.
Treasurer discussed plans for un-
used money from ship’s fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew would like retirement age
to be lowered, additional supple-
ments to insurance benefits, and
physicals to be required annu-
ally for those with no health is-
sues. Vote of thanks given to the
steward department for helping
with new hire and for the nutri-
tious and varied menus. Crew
especially enjoyed the outdoor
barbecues.
MAERSK KENSINGTON
(Maersk Line, Limited), Sep-
tember 4 – Chairman Hussein
Mohamed, Secretary Daniel
Culhane, Educational Direc-
tor Florentino Arriola. Crew
still waiting on TVs, linens and
for repairs to washing machine.
Members discussed details of
new contract. Educational direc-
tor advised crew to upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested better internet and an
extra day off every 30 days.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), September 10 –
Chairman Val Custis, Secre-
tary Cole Briggs. Crew still
in need of refrigerators. New
grill purchased via ship’s fund.
Members are owed unpaid
wages for performing trash
handling and separation tasks,
per engine delegate report.
Crew proposed using union
time towards pension, rather
than sea time. Two mattresses
have been received and more
are on the way.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning),
September 11 – Chairman
James Gregory, Secretary
Frank Starling, Educational
Director Francois Doucet,
Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz,
Engine Delegate Damien Law.
Educational director advised
crew to read the Seafarers
LOG for updates and encour-
aged everyone to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Treasurer noted the
value of ship fund and slop
chest purchases. Both help
improve the quality of life
aboard ship. Deck delegate
recommended getting new and
improved equipment to fight
any fires that may occur. En-
gine delegate discussed penalty
pay and clothing allowance. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Ice machine in need of repair.
Members requested better
Wi-Fi and TVs in rooms.
On Sept. 24, WWII Merchant Mariner Dave Yoho (left) presents
the crew of the SS John W. Brown with a replica of the Congres-
sional Gold Medal first awarded to the
merchant mariners of WWII earlier this
year. Accepting the award on behalf of
the crew, past and present, are Project
Liberty Ship member Brian Hope (middle)
and Hugh Cadzow, chairman of Project
Liberty Ship.
Honoring WWII Mariners
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16 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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 ques-
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reim-
bursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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.
11/22
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
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck November 28 December 16
Lifeboat/Water Survival November 21 December 2
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW November 14 December 9
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook December 5 January 5
Chief Steward November 14 December 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training Revalidation November 14 November 14
December 2 December 2
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation December 12 December 16
Government Vessels December 5 December 9
Paul Hall Center Paul Hall Center
Upgrading Course DatesUpgrading Course Dates
Important Notice To All Students
Students who have regis-
tered for classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Marit ime
Training and Education, but
later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions
department immediately so
arrangements can be made to
have other students take their
places
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 17
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #886 – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Emile Alphonse, Cedrick Burton Jr., Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Jack Collier IV, Manuel Delgado,
Ayman Nashid Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Mari Enid Huggins, Micheal King, Adam Mason, Tyrell Mitchell, Dominick Nesbitt, Jovanny Otero Negron, Felicia Roberts and Zachary Wilkinson.
UA to AS (D) – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Green, John
Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Javier Rosa
Aguirre and Ethan P.B. Stacy.
FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Zakarya Ahmed Al-
Malhani, Adrian Bartholomew, Sean Carter and Joseph Smith. Instructor John Wiegman
III is at center.
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions de-
partment immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places
Important
Notice to
All Students
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18 Seafarers LOG November 2022
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Medical Care Provider – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Jarion Andrews, Louise Digman, Jessina A.K. Fernandez, Dominique Glover, Jason Hintz, Gilbert
Johnson, Steven Miller, Mario Standberry, Tyree Watkins Jr., and Jonathan White.
Welding – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez,
Devon David, Damon Johnson, Anson Johny, Ryan Kaleolani Manlapit and Nicholas Simoneaux. Class
instructor Chris Raley is at the far right.
UA to FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order):
William Aebi, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera and Julian Rubbo.
Water Survival (Upgrader) – OS Amos
Porter (above) recently completed his re-
quirements in this course. The Jacksonville,
Florida upgrader graduated September 9.
Government Vessels – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Tony Bassali, Charlene Briggs, Joshua Irvine, Jan
Mamadou Jalloh, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Terrell Knott, Melody Mitchell, Abdelhak Moutmir, Robert Neff, Angel L. Pagan Sanchez and
Kyle Williamson.
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 19
Students who have
r e g i s t e r e d f o r
classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Mar-
itime Training and
Education, but later
discover - for what-
ever reason - that
they can’t at tend,
should inform the
admissions depart-
ment immediately so
arrangements can be
made to have other
students take their
places
Government Vessels – Grad-
uated September 23 (photo at
left, in alphabetical order): Ed-
ward Mills, Setphen Nowell,
Yuriy Prytchak, Victor Janell
Valentin-Delgado and Yahia
Obadi Yahia.
Advanced Meteorology – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order):
Joseph Baird, David Fitzgibbons, Matthew O’Donnell, Scott Salo and Andrew Torti.
Small Arms – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Natalio Rey Malinao
Almosa, Joseph Hendricks and Craig Joseph.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Ashley Fabor, William Fortner, Ashley Grahm, Kevin Hubble Jr., Randy Madrid, Jamaal McKenzie,
Rolando Antipuesto Odon, Reinaldo Rivera, Jason Simmons and Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Important
Notice To
All Students
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20 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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
NOVEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 11
Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 17-19Pages 17-19
The photo at left, those above and the two at bottom left and center show some of Scott Musick’s handiwork – all original designs.
Longtime Seafarer Scott Musick may have
inadvertently discovered an ultimate test of friend-
ship.
While becoming a self-taught tattoo artist 30
years ago, he practiced on various inanimate ob-
jects – and also gave free tattoos to several friends.
“I’m happy to say they’re all still my friends
today,” says Musick, who works as a refrigeration
mechanic for Crowley at Penn Terminal in Chester,
Pennsylvania.
Though hardly an old-timer at age 56, Musick
has a tattooing background that is becoming far
less common as the industry burgeons into a bil-
lion-dollar, mainstream enterprise. Today, it’s easy
to locate licensed body-art schools, and official
apprenticeships are available. Published reports
indicate that more than 145 million Americans
have tattoos, including more than half of all U.S.
citizens younger than 40. Costs of tattoos widely
vary; they’re typically somewhere in the low hun-
Seafarer’s Passion for InkSeafarer’s Passion for Ink
Runs More than Skin-DeepRuns More than Skin-Deep
Self-Taught Tattoo Artist Musick ‘Very Blessed’
Scott Musick (left) is pictured with his father, Jim, at Petty’s Island.
Musick (above, right) works on a tattoo for fellow SIU member Dave Mendez.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel asked Mu-
sick to design artwork for a T-shirt commemorating
the El Faro’s final crew. This is the finished product.
Continued on Page 8
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Unions, Coalition Back Jones Act
Page 2
El Faro Memorial Dedication
Page 7
SIU Crews Up Seabulk PrideSIU Crews Up Seabulk Pride
The double-hulled tanker Seabulk Pride once again carries an SIU crew, following the vessel’s Sept. 23 delivery to Seafarers-contracted Seabulk (a SEACOR subsidiary) in Pascagoula,
Mississippi. The vessel is expected to operate coastwise between Houston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It had been operated by Chevron under a bareboat charter. SIU Port Agent Jimmy
White (left in photo directly above) met with the crew shortly after they signed on. The initial crew included Bosun Brian Gauntt, ABs Jerald Welcome, Joshua Welcome, Victor Nunez,
David Chance and Richard Oliver, QEP Derrick Sullivan, Wiper Austin Smith, GUDE Jaden Radcliff, OMU John Cacella, Steward/Baker Jasmine Garrett, Chief Cook Robert Hunter and
GVA Saleh Almurisi. Built in 1998 in Newport News, Virginia, the Seabulk Pride previously carried an SIU crew for many years before the aforementioned charter.
Members of the union’s newest class
of recertified bosuns shared riveting
individual stories when they graduated
Oct. 3. They credited the SIU and its
affiliated Paul Hall Center for Mari-
time Training and Education with of-
fering excellent career and upgrading
opportunities. Following the monthly
membership meeting in Piney Point,
Maryland, they gathered with SIU of-
ficials for this photo. Pictured from left
(front row) are VP Contracts George
Tricker, VP Tom Orzechowski, Recerti-
fied Bosuns Neftali Erausquin and Ron-
ald Poole Sr., Exec. VP Augie Tellez
and Recertified Bosuns James Hall,
Nasser Hafid and Larry Dizon. Pictured
from left in the back row are Patrol-
man Josh Rawls, Port Agents James
Bast and Ray Henderson, Recertified
Bosuns Carlos Gibbons and Richard
Molina Blackman, Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift
and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Page 5.
Bosuns Credit Union, School For Life-Changing OpportunitiesBosuns Credit Union, School For Life-Changing Opportunities
The SIU wasted no time springing into action to
help victims of Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian,
which caused extensive damage in Puerto Rico
and Florida, respectively, in September. The wide-
ranging relief efforts included gathering supplies in
San Juan, Puerto Rico (among several other loca-
tions), and then distributing them to some of the
hardest-hit areas. A few of the SIU volunteers are
pictured at right, at the San Juan hiring hall, with
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left). Donations also
were taken at the halls in Houston; Jacksonville,
Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Philadelphia;
and Tacoma, Washington. Numerous labor orga-
nizations, including the AFL-CIO, plus Seafarers-
contracted vessel operators have helped with the
outreach. Page 3.
Union Answers CallUnion Answers Call
For Hurricane ReliefFor Hurricane Relief
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
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2 Seafarers LOG November 2022
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
Volume 84 Number 11 November 2022
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
Reversed to White
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
‘See the Whole Wide World’
President’s ReportPresident’s Report
Around the world, the maritime industry battled a manpower short-
age even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That challenge has only
become more pronounced in the last couple of years, and it certainly
extends into many other occupations across the globe.
Nevertheless, our union, along with our
affiliated school and many of our contracted
vessel operators have invested substantial
resources to attract people either specifically
to the SIU or at least to the broader U.S.
Merchant Marine. I’m confident that, once
they’re here, newcomers will find lots of rea-
sons to either stick around with us or move
on to licensed positions elsewhere in the
industry.
American maritime – and the SIU in
particular – has much to offer. As one of our
newest recertified bosuns recently put it,
“While my friends back home were discov-
ering the world wide web, I got to see the
whole wide world: all seven continents, both
while employed aboard ships and during my
vacation time. I’ve earned good wages and benefits for me and my
family, while funding my retirement plan.”
I’d call that a powerful endorsement from someone with firsthand
experience. And, there are so many additional stories and viewpoints
just like that one. There’s a reason why we’ve been around since 1938.
If you know any prospective Seafarers, by all means send them our
way. Encourage them to visit a hiring hall and/or check out our web-
site. This is still a profession in which you can go as far as you want to
go, and our union offers excellent contracts with top-of-the-line ben-
efits, not to mention flexibility and opportunities to see the world.
Importance of Political Action
While we’ve probably exhausted the topic of the Jones Act in this
space in recent years, the most recent attacks against our country’s
freight cabotage law once again underscore why the SIU remains po-
litically active. By having well-informed backers both in Congress and
in the administration, we are able to help turn back these misguided
attempts to weaken or eliminate a policy that has served the United
States and its citizens for more than a century.
Sitting around and hoping someone else will deliver our message
on Capitol Hill (and at every level of government, for that matter)
never has been our approach and never will be. There’s turnover in
literally every election cycle, and that means we’re constantly making
introductions and explaining our value to legislators and to others who
regulate American maritime.
These types of actions are vital to protecting your jobs, and that’s
why we don’t take shortcuts. It’s also why we support candidates who
support maritime along with workers’ rights, regardless of political
party. Heck, it’s why we relocated headquarters from New York to
suburban D.C. 40 years ago. Our industry’s fate is mainly decided in
Washington, and we’ll continue wearing a path between Camp Springs
and the nation’s capital for as long as that’s the case.
Thank You
I’ll close this month’s message with heartfelt thanks to everyone
who has stepped up for hurricane relief efforts in the aftermath of
Fiona and Ian. It’s difficult to even watch news footage of the destruc-
tion to people’s homes, not to mention thinking about the loss of life.
But I’m proud of our union, our members and our labor movement for
immediately pulling together and helping however we can, wherever
we can.
This is also nothing new for the SIU, and while it’s a classic case
of hoping we’ll never need to do it again, we know better. There will
be other storms. And the SIU will be there for our brothers and sisters,
like always.
Michael Sacco
The winds from Hurricane Fiona had barely
moved past Puerto Rico before misguided critics
of America’s freight cabotage law began asking for
unnecessary waivers.
At one point a Category 4 storm, Fiona made
landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 18, knocking out elec-
trical power across the entire territory. Parts of the
island were hit with nearly three feet of rain.
Nevertheless, U.S.-flag vessels continued deliv-
ering supplies to Puerto Rico almost uninterrupted.
As was the case five years ago, in the aftermath of
Hurricane Maria, distribution on the island itself
was challenging (due to infrastructure damage), but
those issues had nothing to do with the Jones Act.
Reality didn’t stop several members of Congress
from seeking a blanket, year-long waiver, nor did
it prevent a single foreign-flag ship from showing
up unannounced and securing a single waiver after
initially being denied.
Responding to the waiver, the SIU, AMO,
MEBA and MM&P sent a joint statement to the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security that read
in part, “Our unions represent American Merchant
Mariners who sail aboard Jones Act vessels, in-
cluding those that serve Puerto Rico. Every day,
our mariners go to work to ensure that Puerto Rico
and the rest of the United States have safe and de-
pendable domestic shipping, helping to move all
the goods they need to live, work, and raise their
families….
“The Jones Act is critical to our continued ability
to maintain a domestic U.S.-flag merchant marine.
As such, we take protecting it seriously. That’s why
we are shocked and outraged at the U.S. Depart-
ment of Homeland Security’s decision to issue an il-
legal, unjustified and unnecessary Jones Act waiver
for a British Petroleum tanker that took active steps
to ignore and then circumvent fundamental Ameri-
can law.”
The statement continued, “This waiver is a be-
trayal of the principles of federal maritime law dat-
ing back centuries, made worse by the facts of the
case. A foreign ship with a foreign crew loaded fuel
in an American port and diverted to Puerto Rico
to take advantage of increased fuel prices after the
island was hit by Hurricane Fiona. There was no
national security crisis. There were American ships
available – indeed, the ship was at sea four days be-
fore a waiver was even applied for. This cargo was
not humanitarian aid. It was a blatant cash grab and
a bald-faced political stunt. The companies behind
this vessel gambled that they could pressure the
U.S. government into ignoring our laws and policy
because of the hurricane and they were correct.
“Let us repeat – this waiver was unnecessary,”
the unions added. “U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign
flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, ei-
ther from American ports or from foreign ports, had
safely discharged their cargoes in Puerto Rico after
the storm. American ships were available. Ameri-
can crews were available. But none of that mat-
tered, because the political optics of a ship waiting
to bring fuel to the island apparently matters more
than a century of bedrock American law.”
The statement concluded, “This waiver is an un-
deserved slap in the face to American mariners and
U.S.-flag vessel operators. It potentially opens the
door for future incursions by foreign-flag interests
by giving them a roadmap of what they need to do
in order to bully our government into giving them
what they want – just show up on our doorstep and
call the press. It sets a dangerous precedent, and
it threatens the domestic industry at a time when
we – like many other sectors of the economy – are
challenged with worker shortages. In the strongest
possible terms, we condemn the issuance of this
waiver, and we urge the Department of Homeland
Security to never approve a waiver like this again.”
The coalition American Maritime Partnership
(AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, also ob-
jected to the waiver. In a letter to DHS Secretary
Alejandro Mayorkas, AMP President Ku’uhaku
Park stated, “The waiver is unlawful…. DHS has
rewarded a foreign operator who has been widely
criticized, both in Washington, D.C. and in Puerto
Rico, for its behavior.”
Similarly, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner
Jenniffer González Colón noted, ““At each and
every meeting, I have been assured by federal agen-
cies, including the Department of Energy, FEMA,
and the Corps of Engineers that there is an adequate
supply of fuel on the island that is available to con-
sumers and that subsequent delivery is planned of
more fuel in the short, medium and long term….
The vast majority of the fuel that Puerto Rico con-
sumes comes from outside the United States, which
is why it is transported on foreign-flagged ships
from foreign ports. Therefore, the Jones Act does
not apply and a waiver would not change the way
fuel is transported at all.”
The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, eco-
nomic and homeland security for more than a cen-
tury. It requires that goods transported from one
domestic port to another be carried aboard vessels
that are crewed, built, flagged and owned U.S. Up-
wards of 90 countries across the globe maintain
some form of cabotage law.
Earlier this year, a new study by Ernst & Young
examined the Jones Act’s effects on Puerto Rico
and concluded, “Across multiple metrics, shippers
overwhelmingly associated better carrier perfor-
mance with Jones Act carriers than non-Jones Act
ones. In addition to providing stability and security
in the region, the Jones Act shipping industry con-
tinues to provide substantial economic benefits to
Puerto Rico.”
The study also found that the law has created and
helps maintain more than 2,000 jobs in the territory;
contributes $96 million in wages; and is responsible
for $221 million in economic output.
Maritime Labor Blasts
Unnecessary Waiver
Industry Calls Out Absurd Criticism of Jones Act
Proposed Labor Rule
‘Victory for Workers’
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Oct.
13 published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) aimed at helping employers and work-
ers determine whether a worker is an employee
or an independent contractor under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
In announcing the proposed rule, the DOL
noted it “would provide guidance on classify-
ing workers and seeks to combat employee
misclassification. Misclassification is a serious
issue that denies workers’ rights and protections
under federal labor standards, promotes wage
theft, allows certain employers to gain an un-
fair advantage over law-abiding businesses, and
hurts the economy at-large.”
The department further pointed out, “The
NPRM proposes a framework more consistent
with longstanding judicial precedent on which
employers have relied to classify workers as
employees or independent contractors under the
FLSA. The department believes the new rule
would preserve essential worker rights and pro-
vide consistency for regulated entities.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded the
announcement.
“The Biden administration once again delivered
Continued on Page 7
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 3
Seafarers Assist Hurricane Victims
The SIU is teaming up with national and local labor
organizations, Seafarers-contracted vessel operators and
other supporters to collect and deliver storm-relief sup-
plies following Hurricanes Fiona and Ian – primarily to
Puerto Rico and Florida, but also to the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Alaska.
Collection points include the hiring halls in Houston;
Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale,
Florida; Tacoma, Washington; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While donations are welcome at those locations, Seafar-
ers are encouraged to check with their local halls and also
keep an eye on the SIU website for related updates.
Fiona, at one point a Category 4 storm, hit southwestern
Puerto Rico with 85 mph winds on Sept. 18. Parts of the
island were flooded, and all of Puerto Rico’s estimated
1.47 million power customers initially were left without
electricity. Perhaps of greater immediate concern, around
a quarter-million water customers initially had no service.
By early October, power and water services had been
restored to the vast majority of residents.
Ten days after Fiona struck Puerto Rico, Ian devasted
Florida on Sept. 28 and then made landfall again two days
later in South Carolina. Official estimates are ongoing, but
at press time in mid-October, Ian reportedly had caused
more than 130 deaths in Florida along with billions of dol-
lars in damages.
The labor movement stepped up in support within hours
of Fiona striking Puerto Rico and again after Ian. Among
the organizations pitching in are the SIU, Maritime Trades
Department (MTD), IBEW, AMO, MEBA, MM&P, Long-
shoremen, Teachers, Machinists, AFGE, AFSCME, Car-
penters, AFL-CIO and others.
According to the American Maritime Partnership in a
Sept. 23 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro
Mayorkas, 2,000 containers were positioned in the port
of San Juan prior to the storm to provide supplies. When
all the island’s ports reopened following the hurricane,
U.S.-flag vessels resumed operations on their dedicated
U.S.-Puerto Rico terminals, with six Jones Act ships either
already offloaded or preparing to dock by the end of that
day.
Meanwhile, a large-scale relief effort led by the SIU
took place Oct. 8 in Puerto Rico. Seafarers and others from
the labor movement had prepared supplies for a few days
earlier. They then delivered more than 1,000 individual
grocery bags, bottled water and other supplies to residents
in Hormigueros and Penuelas.
During preparations at the hiring hall on Oct. 6, Chief
Steward Ingrid Ortiz noted, “We’re going to the south of
the island, where everybody was very affected by the hur-
ricane, and we’re planning to help with food and anything
else they might need.”
Recertified Steward Bam Bam Aguilera added, “We’re
working to help everybody who needs it.”
“We’re putting everything together for our brothers and
sisters in Puerto Rico,” said Michael Jacob, who sails in
the steward department.
SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, based
in San Juan, stated, “While it’s nothing new for SIU mem-
bers to step up and help their fellow citizens, I’m grateful
for their generous response to Hurricane Fiona. They’ve
put in a lot of work and have always done so with a great
attitude and a can-do spirit. It’s what the SIU is all about.”
President Biden visited Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Oct.
3. He touched on the financial support the federal gov-
ernment is providing to residents, and saluted them for
their “resilience and determination. Quite frankly, it’s
pretty extraordinary, when you look at it from afar. And
you deserve every bit of help your country can give you.
That’s what I’m determined to do, and that’s what I prom-
ise you…. We’re going to make sure you get every single
dollar promised. And I’m determined to help Puerto Rico
build faster than in the past and stronger and (be) better
prepared for the future.”
Two days later, the president spoke in Fort Myers, Flor-
ida. He said, “I’ve instructed my administration to bring
every element of the federal government together to help
with the immediate needs and long-term rebuilding. You
have my commitment and America’s commitment that
we’re not going to leave. We’re going to see you through
this entire process.”
Union Helps With Donations, Distribution after Fiona, Ian
SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (standing) is pictured outside the Houston hall. On Sept.
30, the union teamed up with personnel from the Port of Houston, National Shipping of
America, LLC and the office of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for a donation drive gath-
ering relief supplies for those affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida.
A container of relief supplies is hauled from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall on Oct. 1 to
Fort Myers, Florida.
SIU members and other volunteers sort and stack supplies at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico (photo at right), then briefly
pause for a snapshot while holding some of the assembled bags that were delivered in the following days (above).
Chief Cook Wilson Peniston and QEP Yuri Oliveros help
load pallets of water outside the hiring hall in Fort Lauder-
dale, Florida.
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4 Seafarers LOG November 2022
No injuries and no damage were reported
following a small fire aboard the Seafarers-
crewed Midnight Sun (TOTE Services).
SIU members including Recertified Bosun
Thomas MacGregor quickly extinguished the
fire on the front deck of the ship, which was
docked in Tacoma, Washington. Local fire de-
partment personnel arrived on scene, but the
fire already had been put out.
According to the vessel operator, no cargo
was aboard the vessel. A published report in-
dicated the incident “was likely caused by an
electrical fire in a piece of (a vendor’s) mainte-
nance equipment on the upper deck, the Tacoma
Fire Department told the local News Tribune.”
MacGregor had just arrived to the ship, on
Sept. 23.
“I was still in my leathers from rid-
ing my bike,” he said. “But I was part of
the quick response team, me and the chief
mate. It took three minutes, if that, for our
two teams to get suited up, and about 20
minutes to knock down the fire.”
The bosun added that prior safety training
definitely paid off, prominently including the
related courses that are staples at the SIU-af-
filiated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education.
“This (effective response) is all because
of the basic training that we get at Piney
Point and the drills we do on board,” Mac-
Gregor stated. “It went smoothly and every-
body did what they were supposed to do.”
Other SIU members aboard the ship in-
clude ABG Gamal Muflahi, ABB Artemio
Galaura, ABM Saleh Alsinai, ABG Samed
Kassem, ABM Raymond Green, ABM
Scott Ryan, AB Daniel Mensah, QEE Ga-
jatri Normatova, OMU Rohmy Butler,
OMU Mohamed Alghazali, OMU Majed
Alsharif, GUDE Mohamed Kassem, Re-
certified Steward Dennis Skretta, Chief
Cook Robert Haggerty and SA Khaled
Yahia.
Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor (far left) and other crew members are pictured with local fire department personnel.
All Hands Safe Following Midnight Sun Fire
A key agency recently announced
it is taking steps aimed at enforcing
regulations that benefit the country
as a whole, including the maritime
industry.
On Sept. 16, during testimony be-
fore the U.S. House Subcommittee
on Coast Guard and Maritime Trans-
portation, Maritime Administrator
Ann Phillips (Rear Admiral, USN,
Ret.) announced two efforts intended
to support federal compliance with
cargo preference requirements.
“Cargoes paid for by American
taxpayers belong on American ships,”
she said. “Cargo preference require-
ments are not just ‘Buy America’
requirements, they are requirements
that also help to strengthen America.”
The hearing was titled, “Cargo
Preference: Compliance with and En-
forcement of Maritime’s Buy Ameri-
can Laws.”
Phillips announced that the Mari-
time Administration (MARAD) will
issue a formal “Request for Infor-
mation” to solicit input from all
stakeholders on cargo preference
requirements. Under the nation’s
federal cargo preference laws, the
Department of Defense must move
100 percent of its cargoes on U.S.-
crewed, U.S.-flagged vessels. Out-
side of the Department of Defense, at
least 50 percent of other government-
impelled cargoes must ship on U.S.-
flagged vessels.
Additionally, Phillips announced
that MARAD will resume publish-
ing comprehensive federal cargo
preference data. Ensuring that such
information is publicly accessible
is intended to increase interagency
efficiency and to provide transpar-
ency regarding the movement of
government-impelled cargo on both
U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged
vessels.
Beyond these announcements,
MARAD is also working with the
White House’s “Made in America
Office” to help agencies understand
cargo preference requirements, the
administrator explained. In con-
junction, MARAD is in the process
of communicating with all related
federal departments and agencies to
remind them of their obligations and
to request that they each identify a
single point of contact, with whom
MARAD can work to implement and
ensure cargo preference requirements
are being met.
As defined by MARAD, “Cargo
Preference is the general term used
to describe the U.S. laws, regulations
and policies that require the use of
U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of
cargo that is owned, procured, fur-
nished, or financed by the U.S. Gov-
ernment. It also includes cargo that is
being shipped under an agreement of
the U.S. Government, or as part of a
Government program.”
MARAD Announces Two New Initiatives
Backing Cargo Preference Compliance
Ann Phillips
U.S. Maritime Administrator
A longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant
Marine isn’t letting up in his efforts to promote
the industry.
On Oct. 3, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-
California) introduced the bipartisan “Rebuild-
ing the United States-Flag International Fleet
Act” (H.R.9102), along with cosponsors U.S.
Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and U.S. Rep. Alan
S. Lowenthal (D-California). Among other ad-
vancements, the legislation would strengthen
federal cargo preference laws to increase the
number of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels
delivering cargo to foreign ports.
The bill is backed by the SIU, as well as the
Maritime Trades Department, Transportation
Trades Department, Liberty Maritime, Marine
Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA),
International Organization of Masters, Mates
& Pilots (MM&P), and the Maritime Institute
for Research and Industrial Development (MI-
RAID), among other organizations.
Garamendi, who chairs the House Armed
Services Subcommittee on Readiness and
serves as a senior member of the Transporta-
tion and Infrastructure Committee, said, “For
too long, Congress and both Democratic and
Republican presidents have allowed the com-
mercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going
vessels to dwindle. The global supply chain
crunch during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade
of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of Chi-
na’s island building in the South China Sea and
saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown
that the United States cannot remain reliant on
foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
“My comprehensive, bipartisan legislation
would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet
of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guar-
anteeing government cargo during peacetime
so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during
wartime or emergencies,” he continued. “The
United States has the world’s most capable
Navy, and we need an equally impressive fleet
of commercial cargo vessels crewed by Ameri-
can mariners,” concluded Garamendi.
According to Garamendi’s office, the bill
would:
n Restore the requirement in place from
1985 to 2012 that at least 75% of gross ton-
nage of seaborne cargo for international food
aid programs be carried on U.S.-flagged ves-
sels. Current law only requires 50% minimum
gross tonnage, following a sneaky cut to the
program.
n Restore the requirement in place from
1985 to 2012 that the U.S. Department of
Transportation reimburse international food
aid programs for any cost premium under the
U.S.-flagged vessel cargo preference, to pro-
tect the overall budget for food aid exports
from increased shipping costs.
n Reaffirm the Maritime Administration
(MARAD) as the only federal agency able to
waive the U.S.-flag requirement for govern-
ment cargo, in the rare instances when such
commercial vessels are unavailable at fair and
reasonable rates.
n Strengthen transparency and oversight
by requiring public notice online of all waivers
of the U.S.-flag requirement and timely notifi-
cation to Congress. Current law holds similar
requirements for waiving the Jones Act.
n Allow vessels seeking federal cargo con-
tracts to be re-flagged into the United States
registry for less than three years, provided they
satisfy similar requirements as vessels enrolled
in the existing Maritime Security Program.
n Clarify that the current U.S.-flag vessel
requirement for international food aid applies
to all agricultural products, not just commod-
ity crops.
n Implement the reforms to cargo prefer-
ence laws recommended by the Government
Accountability Office’s report on “Actions
Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Over-
sight,” published on Sept. 12, 2022.
The full text of the “Rebuilding the United
States-Flag International Fleet Act” is avail-
able online.
U.S. Rep. Garamendi Introduces
New Pro-Maritime Legislation
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 5
The seven Seafarers who recently com-
pleted bosun recertification training at the
SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Mary-
land, had no shortage of interesting insights
when they delivered graduation speeches Oct.
3.
Completing the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC)
top curriculum for deck department mariners
were Neftali Erausquin, Richard Molina
Blackman, Ronald Poole Sr., Carlos Gib-
bons, Larry Dizon, James Hall and Nasser
Hafid. The two-week course covered numer-
ous topics including leadership, teamwork,
social responsibilities and safe workplaces,
contracts, benefits plans, politics as it pertains
to the maritime industry, simulator training,
vessel operations and more. Most of it took
place on the PHC’s southern Maryland cam-
pus, though the class also included a day at
the union’s headquarters building, located in
Camp Springs, Maryland.
Following are some highlights of the re-
spective graduation remarks, given during the
monthly membership meeting at the PHC.
Neftali Erausquin
A Seafarer since 2003, Erausquin said
his overall experience during the class was
“amazing. All of the content was useful, and
my eyes were opened to things I’d never
known about. The school itself also looks
great. I’m proud to be an SIU member.”
He thanked SIU officials, PHC personnel,
and everyone who works at the Jersey City,
New Jersey, hall for their guidance and efforts,
and also credited his family for being sup-
portive.
After encouraging fellow Seafarers to
support the union’s voluntary political action
fund (SPAD), Erausquin urged the apprentices
to “upgrade and stay focused. The sky is the
limit for you.”
Richard Molina Blackman
Previously a member of the National
Maritime Union (NMU), Blackman became a
Seafarer when the NMU merged into the SIU
in 2001.
“It has been a great experience,” he said.
“I came to the school in 2004 to upgrade for
my AB ticket, and have sailed as a bosun since
2012. Finally, after 21 years as an SIU mem-
ber, through hard work and dedication I am a
recertified bosun. It means a lot to me.”
He thanked all of the personnel at the
Houston hiring hall along with the staff and
instructors at the PHC.
Blackman continued, “I thank all the union
officials for your good leadership and hard
work, fighting every day for all of us. Without
you, we wouldn’t be here.”
He said the SIU remains “a fundamental
part of my life. It has given me many opportu-
nities to provide a great living for me and my
family.”
Addressing the apprentices, he concluded,
“You are the future of this great union. Learn
and listen to your instructors; work hard and
upgrade.”
Ronald Poole Sr.
Poole joined the SIU in Mobile, Alabama,
in 1999. He said his most recent experience at
the PHC was “outstanding,” and that he par-
ticularly appreciated learning about the vari-
ous components of the Seafarers Plans.
He described becoming a recertified bosun
as the culmination of a career-long dream.
“With hard work and dedication, each and
every one of you out there (in the auditorium)
can be on this stage, too,” he said to his fel-
low members and apprentices. “The sky is the
limit for you – all you have to do is want it.”
Poole, who still sails from Mobile,
wrapped up his speech by saying, “Life in the
union has been good for me and my family. I
have two daughters in college and one more
to go.”
Carlos Gibbons
Like has classmates, Gibbons, an SIU
member since 2001, said that completing re-
certification carried great significance.
“I feel overwhelmed with pride, and I am
very thankful and blessed for this wonderful
achievement,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been
possible without the help and support from the
officials in New Jersey, and I thank them.”
He said that the combination of union
membership and clear chances for career ad-
vancement have served him well “in many as-
pects of my life – too many to mention in this
short speech. But the most important one is
the opportunities to continually upgrade. I’m
grateful for that. It has helped me improve my
skills and also helped me financially, there’s
no doubt about it.”
After thanking the union’s officials for
their work in protecting members’ job secu-
rity, Gibbons told the apprentices, “When you
are at sea, listen to your superiors. Follow
orders and always do your best. Always show
up with a positive attitude, and don’t hesitate
to ask questions.”
Larry Dizon
With his wife and two daughters in the
audience, Dizon said the recertification class
helped him “gain more knowledge about lead-
ership and the operations and benefits the SIU
offers us.”
He said that when he joined the union in
2005 in Norfolk, Virginia, “it changed my life.
Opportunities came my way. I developed and
enhanced my skills and was able to travel to
many places. I experienced different cultures
and met people from all walks of life.”
He continued, “The SIU gave my family a
better life…. I’m so grateful to be part of the
Brotherhood of the Sea.”
He thanked the instructors, encouraged
support of SPAD, and said the school made
him feel at home.
James Hall
Shortly after finishing his enlistment in
the Navy in 2000, Hall “realized how much
I missed going to sea,” he said. Before the
year ended, he’d enrolled in the apprentice
program.
Since then, he stated, “While my friends
back home were discovering the world wide
web, I got to see the whole wide world: all
seven continents, both while employed aboard
ships and during my vacation time. I’ve
earned good wages and benefits for me and
my family, while funding my retirement plan.”
Hall thanked his family, PHC personnel,
and SIU officials and staff at headquarters,
in New Orleans and in Houston for their
efforts and supportiveness. He said of the
union’s top officials: “They are uniquely
well-versed in the intricacies of all facets
governing our livelihood. Their combined
experience, knowledge and established
relationships are not easily replicated. It is
incumbent on us to donate to SPAD so that
they can continue this vital work on our
behalf.”
Lastly, he said to the apprentices, “When
you get to sea, make yourselves part of the
team. Ask questions and don’t become com-
placent. This is your best shot at a bright
future.”
Nasser Hafid
A frequent upgrader and a Seafarer since
1994, Hafid said he would “go a different
route” with his graduation speech – and
he delivered with a captivating, firsthand
account that illustrated why he holds the
union in high regard.
“Only a few people know what hap-
pened,” said Hafid (who is readily ame-
nable to the details being published).
“There’s always a day in your life that you
never forget, and that day is Feb. 23, 2013
for me. I was overseas, visiting my family
(in Yemen) after a long trip. I was driving
along, and had my mother and cousin (in
the vehicle). A bullet came through the car
door, into the side of my chest, went all
the way through and lodged into my right
bicep…. It hurt, but I did not cry. I’m a
bosun.”
All indications are that he hadn’t been
specifically targeted, but survival wasn’t
certain. Nevertheless, he recovered enough
to return to the U.S., where he visited the
hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington.
“I got to the counter and started telling
the patrolman what had happened,” Hafid
said. “He stopped me and we went to talk
in the back. He got the port agent, the other
patrolman and the secretary…. I was re-
questing to see a doctor. When I was telling
them what happened to me, you could see
the empathy in their eyes. They dropped
everything they were doing and focused on
me. They treated me like their family mem-
ber, and not just a member of a union.”
He then noted that when “headquarters
found out, you know what they said? ‘Get
that man whatever he needs.’ Like a bosun
would say to his deck department, just get
it done. The SIU was there when I needed
them the most.”
Bosuns Reflect on Successful Careers, Opportunities
‘SIU Gave My Family a Better Life’
Neftali Erausquin
Recertified Bosun
Richard Molina Blackman
Recertified Bosun
Ronald Poole Sr.
Recertified Bosun
Carlos Gibbons
Recertified Bosun
Larry Dizon
Recertified Bosun
James Hall
Recertified Bosun
Nasser Hafid
Recertified Bosun
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 573687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 5 10/21/22 12:31 PM10/21/22 12:31 PM
6 Seafarers LOG November 2022
Seafarers recently ratified two more
contracts featuring assorted gains and
appeared well on their way to approving
a third pact as well. Those agreements
cover members sailing with Pasha Ha-
waii, APL Marine Services, and Subcom,
respectively.
According to SIU Vice President
Contracts George Tricker, “These agree-
ments essentially wrap up what has been
a very busy and successful year for the
contracts department and the member-
ship. The new contracts raise wages,
either maintain or increase benefits, and
include other gains. This wouldn’t have
been possible without the excellent work
of rank-and-file Seafarers and the out-
standing efforts of our negotiating com-
mittees.”
The agreement with Pasha Hawaii,
which largely mirrors the standard
freightship contract, was negotiated by
Tricker and SIU West Coast Vice Presi-
dent Nick Marrone, while Pasha was rep-
resented by Ed Washburn. It was ratified
by an overwhelming majority. The five-
year pact includes annual wage increases
and maintains benefits.
Meanwhile, the new two-year agree-
ment with Subcom includes wage in-
creases above and beyond the standard
contract, while maintaining the current
Core-Plus level of benefits. The contract
was negotiated by Tricker, with Scott
Winfield representing Subcom. Voting
continued at press time, but the initial
feedback was very positive.
Finally, the new two-year agree-
ment with APL includes wage increases
in both years, and adds the Juneteenth
holiday. It also includes a clothing reim-
bursement, an increase to pension ben-
efits, and maintains the current benefits
plan at the Core-Plus level.
This contract was negotiated by Mar-
rone and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, and
was ratified by the membership upon the
successful completion of bargaining.
“This new contract is an outright win
for the members and certainly a good
agreement for the company as well,” said
Marrone.
Seafarers Ratify Additional Work Accords
Prior to negotiations, members aboard the President Cleveland fill out contract suggestion
forms. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Reynaldo Ricarte, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera,
Steward/Baker James Watson and ACU Ali Suwaileh.
Pictured aboard the President Kennedy in Oakland, California, are (from left) ACU Moosa
Mohamed, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, Steward/Baker Aurelio Esperanza, Chief Cook
Jonathan Yates and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. The members had just reviewed and voted
on a new contract.
Recertified Steward Sergio Castellanos (photo above) checks
contract suggestions aboard the President Roosevelt in south-
ern California. Pictured aboard the President Wilson in the photo
at right are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman, ACU Kevin Robinson,
Chief Cook Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Recertified Steward
Frank Malahi. The members reviewed the proposed new con-
tract and voted to ratify it.
Members, Guests Must Make
Arrangements Prior to Showing Up
For Stay at Paul Hall Center Hotel
Seafarers are welcome to stay at the Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Maryland, even if they’re not enrolled in a class
there – if space is available and a reservation has been
made.
Members are encouraged to work with their respective port
agents or email Jay Wiegman at jaywiegman@seafarers.org
regarding reservations for themselves and any family members
who want to stay with them at the school. The cost for room
and board for members is $40 per night (plus tax), and $10
apiece for each guest. Again, this applies to individuals who
are not enrolled in a course. Anyone showing up to the base
unannounced will not be allowed on campus.
In addition to verifying arrival and departure dates, mem-
bers will be required to submit proof of vaccination (or ex-
emption from the requirement) from COVID-19 both for
themselves and any guests.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 673687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 6 10/21/22 12:34 PM10/21/22 12:34 PM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 7
El Faro Memorial Dedicated in Maine
A newly dedicated statue in Rockland,
Maine, will help preserve the memories
of the El Faro’s final crew.
The creative work – formally dubbed
“El Faro Salute!” – was unveiled Sept. 24
before hundreds of attendees. SIU Port
Agents Ray Henderson and James Bast
represented the union at the gathering;
the SIU also co-sponsored the event.
“Both the ceremony itself and the
sculpture were really well done,” said
Henderson, who regularly sailed aboard
the El Faro before coming ashore to
work for the union. “It was an honor to
be there.”
All 33 individuals aboard the El Faro
perished when the vessel sank in a hur-
ricane near the Bahamas on Oct. 1, 2015.
The crew included 17 SIU members.
Two of the ship’s officers hailed from
Maine, as does Jay Sawyer, who de-
signed the new memorial and graduated
from Maine Maritime Academy.
The ceremony, which lasted approxi-
mately one hour, featured remarks by
Sawyer, Rockland Mayor Ed Glaser, of-
ficials from two local museums, and oth-
ers.
As described in the ceremony’s
printed program, “This memorial fea-
tures two maritime officer uniforms in
salute position to signify the honor that
the maritime family in this region, and
around the world, desire to express to
the El Faro crew, and the respect and
compassion offered to the families and
loved ones of the crew that continue to
endure this tragedy.” The names of all
33 individuals from the ship are etched
on the front of the statue, which is made
of steel.
“I was brought to tears. Pictures don’t
do it justice,” said Rochelle Hamm,
widow of SIU member Frank Hamm,
who was part of the last crew.
“We are handing this over to the local
community to be the host,” said Sawyer.
“You’ve been selected. This community,
because there are two crew members on
this ship that lived in this community. Be-
cause this is Rockland, the art capital of
Maine…. It’s because of the lighthouse
that’s out there at the end of the Breakwa-
ter, and El Faro is Spanish for lighthouse.
It’s for the sunrise; it’s one of the most
beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.”
Upwards of 600 people attended the ceremony; a few of them are pictured above, while the statue is shown in the image below. (Photos by Jack Routhier)
on its promise to put working people first,”
Shuler stated. “By restoring commonsense
rules to determine who is an employee,
and making it harder for employers to
intentionally misclassify their employees
as independent contractors, the DOL’s
announcement will increase protections
and expand benefits to so many working
people who have been subjected to corpo-
rate work-arounds. Too many companies
put profits over people, intentionally mis-
classifying their workers as contractors to
avoid providing the pay, overtime, work-
place rights and benefits that employees
are due under labor and employment laws.
This proposed rule will ensure DOL has
the tools to protect employees against the
current and escalating problem of misclas-
sification.”
Shuler added, “While today’s an-
nouncement is a major step forward, we
know there is still so much more to do
to make our economy more fair and eq-
uitable. The AFL-CIO and its allies will
continue to push for legislation and reg-
ulations to give workers the rights they
deserve.”
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said,
“While independent contractors have an
important role in our economy, we have
seen in many cases that employers mis-
classify their employees as independent
contractors, particularly among our na-
tion’s most vulnerable workers. Misclas-
sification deprives workers of their federal
labor protections, including their right to
be paid their full, legally earned wages.
The Department of Labor remains com-
mitted to addressing the issue of misclas-
sification.”
Specifically, the proposed rule would
do the following, the DOL reported:
n Align the department’s approach with
courts’ FLSA interpretation and the eco-
nomic reality test.
n Restore the multifactor, totality-of-
the-circumstances analysis to determine
whether a worker is an employee or an in-
dependent contractor under the FLSA.
n Ensure that all factors are analyzed
without assigning a predetermined weight
to a particular factor or set of factors.
n Revert to the longstanding interpre-
tation of the economic reality factors. These
factors include the investment, control and
opportunity for profit or loss factors. The
integral factor, which considers whether the
work is integral to the employer’s business,
is also included.
n Assist with the proper classification
of employees and independent contractors
under the FLSA.
n Rescind the 2021 Independent Contrac-
tor Rule.
When announcing the NPRM, the
DOL further noted that it is “responsible
for ensuring that employers do not mis-
classify FLSA-covered workers as inde-
pendent contractors and deprive them of
their legal wage and hour protections.
Misclassification denies basic worker
protections such as minimum wage and
overtime pay and affects a wide range
of workers in the home care, janitorial
services, trucking, delivery, construc-
tion, personal services, and hospitality
and restaurant industries, among others.
Before publication of today’s proposed
rulemaking, the department’s Wage and
Hour Division considered feedback
shared by stakeholders in forums dur-
ing the summer of 2022 and will now
solicit comments on the proposed rule
from interested parties. The division en-
courages all stakeholders to participate
in the regulatory process. Comments,
which must be submitted from Oct. 13
to Nov. 28, 2022, should be submitted
online or in writing to the Division of
Regulations, Legislation and Interpreta-
tion, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. De-
partment of Labor, Room S-3502, 200
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20210.”
Liz Shuler
President, AFL-CIO
Marty Walsh
Secretary of Labor
(Photo courtesy AFL-CIO) (Photo courtesy AFL-CIO)
Worker Categories Based on Legal Precedent
Continued from Page 2
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 773687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 7 10/21/22 11:54 AM10/21/22 11:54 AM
8 Seafarers LOG November 2022
dreds of dollars, but can reach well into
the thousands.
“When you go back to, say, the 1950s,
someone who had tattoos was kind of a
rebel,” Musick says. “It seemed like in the
1990s, it became a little more socially ac-
cepted. A lot of the skateboard kids were
getting into tattoos, and TV shows like
Ink Masters brought it into everyday life.
People saw that tattoos could be some-
thing beautiful, and weren’t just for mili-
tary members and motorcycle riders.”
Nevertheless, learning the trade wasn’t
straightforward or quick for Musick.
“When I got into it, there weren’t a lot
of shops around,” he recalls. “Back in the
day, you really had to prove your worth.
The old-timers weren’t giving up any
tricks of the trade, so you had to hope one
of them would take you under their wing.
Working as a mechanic was sort of the
same thing. Eventually, if the old-timers
felt you were really interested, they’d
show you.”
As his interest in tattooing grew, Mu-
sick “said to myself, this can’t be that
hard. There was one company you could
buy equipment from. I bought it and ba-
sically taught myself” during a span of
several years.
Decades later, after applying more
tattoos than he can count, Musick still
appreciates the ongoing experience as an
avocation. He’s a part-timer in a regional
chain (Body Graphics) where he has
worked for the last 22 years. Previously,
he’d run a business from his home.
“My union job obviously comes first,
and accounts for my benefits and (even-
tual) pension,” Musick says. “My tattoo
job is fun money and just enjoying the
art.”
‘Team Player’
Those familiar with Musick’s work –
as a Seafarer and as an artist – say plenty
of good things about both areas.
Musick graduated from high school
in 1985 and immediately followed in the
footsteps of his father, Jim, also a long-
time SIU member (who passed away in
2018).
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Hein-
del, then working as the union’s port
agent in Philadelphia, met Scott when
he signed on at Crowley’s terminal in
Pennsauken, New Jersey.
“Scott has always been a team player
and a hard worker,” Heindel notes. “I
eventually became familiar with Scott’s
artwork through his Facebook postings.
His art is nothing short of extraordinary
and unique. I’ve used his talents several
times to create T-shirts for [motorcycle]
charity runs, and he’s never disap-
pointed.”
Musick also created the art for shirts
that were highlighted at an El Faro me-
morial dedication in 2016 at the hiring
hall in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Knowing how good Scott’s work
is, I wanted to use his talents to create
something for that ceremony,” Heindel
recalls. “His ability to capture the essence
of the moment and use it to remember our
brother and sister Seafarers in a memorial
T-shirt for those attending, was nothing
short of brilliant.”
Retired Seafarer Mike Fay worked with
both Jim and Scott Musick for many years.
“Scott and I shared the same passion
for motorcycles and did a lot of rides
together,” Fay says. “As far as being a
co-worker, I wish we had more like him.
He’s very skilled, and always rolled up
his sleeves and tackled assignments while
staying clear of the nonsense.
“I remember when he decided to learn
tattooing and would practice on raw
turkeys,” Fay continues. “Scott’s tattoos
speak for themselves. I have quite a few
from him myself.”
Early Start
Tattoos grabbed Musick’s attention
from early childhood. His father had sev-
eral tattoos; Musick regularly drew copies
and other images.
Musick got his first ink at age 14, at a
now-defunct shop in Camden, New Jersey.
“My dad took me and lied about my
age,” Musick recalls. “I just got a name
on my arm, but from that day on, it was
pretty much off to the races. I stopped
counting my own tattoos when I got to 30
of them.”
Nowadays, Musick is pleased by the
industry’s growth, though he is puzzled
by some of the seemingly random images
that people select.
“A tattoo is supposed to be something
personal that tells a story about your life,”
he says. “The ones that I really get the
most joy from (applying) is when some-
one comes in for a memorial tattoo for
someone who’s passed away. When I get
done and they look in the mirror and tears
of joy come to their eyes, I know I’ve
done my job.”
Fortunately, those are usually the only
types of tears he sees as an artist. Asked
in general how much it hurts to receive
a tattoo, Musick replies, “I won’t say it’s
painless, but nine times out of 10, people
say it’s not bad at all. If someone doesn’t
know what to expect, I’ll dip my needle
into some water (for a trial run). The
outline seems to be a little more painful,
only because of the configuration of the
needles” (more than a half-dozen different
ones typically are used on a tattoo).
Musick can finish a basic tattoo (such
as a name) in a few minutes, whereas, for
complex designs such as full sleeves, “I’ll
work until they tap out. Most people last
four or five hours.”
He plans to stick with both of his
professions for the foreseeable future,
and says he remains grateful for his cir-
cumstances: “I’m very blessed to be a
member of the SIU and to have a job with
Crowley.”
Seafarer by Day, Tattoo Artist by Night
Continued from Page 20
Musick reports for work at the power shop in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
International
Solidarity
SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel (at po-
dium and also visible
on monitor) on Sept. 29
was a featured speaker
at the Norwegian Sea-
farers Union Congress
(convention), which took
place in Tromsø. He
updated attendees on
various work done by
the SIU and the Interna-
tional Transport Workers’
Federation, for whom
he serves as Seafarers’
Section chair. He also
congratulated Johnny
Hansen, who’s retiring,
on his years of service
as president of the host
organization.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 873687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 8 10/21/22 11:54 AM10/21/22 11:54 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 9
Deck Department
Algonac 20 6 1 12 1 0 3 27 8 2
Anchorage 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
Baltimore 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 12 10 3 12 7 2 8 24 15 4
Guam 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0
Harvey 8 3 3 9 4 2 1 14 6 5
Honolulu 5 3 0 5 2 0 1 9 4 0
Houston 16 7 3 22 16 1 18 43 22 6
Jacksonville 19 25 2 20 17 3 15 40 34 4
Jersey City 16 7 1 11 4 1 8 41 16 3
Joliet 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0
Mobile 4 4 0 3 3 0 0 11 6 2
Norfolk 12 8 3 9 4 3 3 24 13 3
Oakland 7 3 0 4 2 0 0 14 5 1
Philadelphia 1 1 0 2 3 0 2 3 1 1
Piney Point 4 4 1 2 3 1 3 7 4 0
Puerto Rico 4 4 1 4 0 0 3 4 6 1
Tacoma 18 6 3 13 4 0 7 32 6 4
St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0
Wilmington 18 4 0 14 9 0 5 47 9 1
TOTALS 168 98 21 146 82 14 78 351 162 37
Engine Department
Algonac 2 0 2 4 0 1 2 6 1 2
Anchorage 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0
Baltimore 0 3 1 1 4 0 2 1 2 1
Fort Lauderdale 8 3 1 11 2 1 5 12 5 1
Guam 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0
Harvey 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0
Honolulu 5 9 2 3 0 1 2 11 9 1
Houston 7 5 2 5 2 1 6 15 6 4
Jacksonville 13 11 2 11 6 1 4 23 25 3
Jersey City 8 3 0 6 3 0 1 14 8 1
Joliet 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Mobile 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 7 1
Norfolk 9 6 0 5 2 0 2 13 12 4
Oakland 2 2 1 3 1 0 0 7 4 1
Philadelphia 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 0 0
Piney Point 0 2 0 1 2 0 2 0 4 0
Puerto Rico 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 1 0
Tacoma 13 5 3 7 10 3 11 16 4 1
St. Louis 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 3 1 1
Wilmington 14 6 2 4 3 1 2 26 12 2
TOTALS 97 62 19 72 38 10 43 165 109 23
Steward Department
Algonac 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 1 0 1 3 0 1 2 2 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 7 0 6 0 0 1 12 11 0
Guam 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Harvey 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 7 3 0
Honolulu 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 8 3 0
Houston 10 2 2 10 1 0 2 21 7 2
Jacksonville 16 12 4 19 8 1 11 24 21 5
Jersey City 5 2 1 5 2 0 2 9 4 2
Joliet 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Mobile 1 4 0 1 1 0 1 3 6 0
Norfolk 9 9 2 12 4 1 3 11 17 5
Oakland 6 4 2 6 3 2 2 16 6 2
Philadelphia 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Piney Point 2 4 2 0 5 1 1 8 3 1
Puerto Rico 3 4 2 0 3 0 0 7 3 2
Tacoma 5 0 0 5 2 1 2 12 0 0
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Wilmington 14 10 3 10 5 0 7 28 17 3
TOTALS 88 65 19 82 37 7 37 174 105 22
Entry Department
Algonac 1 9 8 0 6 6 2 1 13 10
Anchorage 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2
Baltimore 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1
Fort Lauderdale 0 2 3 0 1 1 1 0 4 5
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Harvey 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 2 3 4
Honolulu 0 3 2 0 3 4 0 0 3 5
Houston 2 6 12 3 7 5 2 3 15 21
Jacksonville 2 14 49 0 17 36 10 3 27 85
Jersey City 1 5 10 1 5 9 3 2 14 20
Joliet 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 1 2
Mobile 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Norfolk 0 10 12 0 2 12 1 0 13 31
Oakland 2 5 3 0 6 3 0 4 11 5
Philadelphia 0 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 4
Piney Point 0 2 8 0 10 5 6 0 2 7
Puerto Rico 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
Tacoma 2 8 3 0 5 1 0 4 17 12
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Wilmington 1 12 2 2 6 3 3 3 25 9
TOTALS 12 80 126 6 70 91 31 22 153 226
GRAND TOTAL: 365 305 185 306 227 122 189 712 529 308
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 16 - October 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 16.
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..........................Monday: November 7, December 5
Algonac.............*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Baltimore....................Thursday:November10, December 9
Guam...............*Friday: November 25, Thursday: December 22
Honolulu.............................Friday: November 18, December16
Houston...........................Monday: November 14, December12
Jacksonville.......................Thursday: November 10, December 8
Joliet..............................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Mobile.........................Wednesday: November 16, December 14
New Orleans...................Tuesday: November 15, December 13
Jersey City............................Tuesday: November 8, December 6
Norfolk..................*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Oakland.........................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: November 9, December 7
Port Everglades.............Thursday: November 17, December 15
San Juan........................Thursday: November 10, December 8
St. Louis.............................Friday: November 18, December 16
Tacoma.............................Friday: November 25, December 23
Wilmington..................Monday: November 21, December 19
* Algonac and Norfolk changes in November due to Vet-
eran’s Day observance
* Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day obser-
vance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
November & DecemberNovember & December
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings
Editor ’s note: The
U.S. Coast Guard’s Na-
t ional Marit ime Cen-
ter issued the following
news item on Oct. 6. It’s
available on the SIU
website.
In accordance with
F e d e r a l r e g u l a t i o n s ,
d u p l i c a t e M e r c h a n t
M a r i n e r C r e d e n t i a l s
(MMCs) may be issued
free of charge to mari-
ners whose credentials
were lost or destroyed
as a result of Hurricane
Fiona in Puerto Rico
and Hurr icane Ian in
Florida. Affected mari-
ners should follow the
steps below to obtain an
expedited replacement
credential:
Provide a statement of
loss to the National Mari-
time Center (NMC) via
fax at (304) 433-3412 or
via e-mail at IASKNMC@
uscg.mil. The statement
should contain the fol-
lowing:
n Mariner’s full name
n Mariner’s date of birth
n Mariner’s reference
number (MRN) (if you
don’t know the MRN, in-
clude the mariner’s Social
Security number)
n The mailing address
that the replacement cre-
dential should be sent to
n Current phone num-
ber and/or e-mail address
that the NMC can use to
contact the mariner with
questions, if necessary
n Description of the cir-
cumstances surrounding the
loss/destruction of the cre-
dential.
Unless otherwise re-
quested, any duplicate
MMCs issued per the re-
quest process above will
include a correspond-
ing Medical Certificate,
i f previously issued.
We will make every ef-
fort to have duplicate
credentials mailed out
the next business day.
Alternatively, mariners
may submit form CG-
719B, Application for
Merchant Mariner Cre-
dential, to one of the
Regional Exam Centers
wi th the informat ion
above. If your credential
is unserviceable due to
damage or your lost cre-
dential is subsequently
found, that credential
should be mailed to the
NMC.
If you have questions
or feedback regarding
dupl icate credent ia ls ,
please contact the NMC
via our Online Chat or
Ticketing System, by e-
mai l ing IASKNMC@
uscg.mil, or by calling
(888) IASKNMC (427-
5662).
Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain
U.S. Coast Guard Com-
manding Officer
Notice:
Credentials Lost Due to
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 973687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 9 10/24/22 8:52 AM10/24/22 8:52 AM
10 Seafarers LOG November 2022
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
UNIONS ON PARADE – Maritime labor had a strong turnout for the 43rd Annual Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition Labor Day Parade, as evidenced by this photo.
PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – The union and its affiliated school in Maryland shared a booth at the St. Mary’s
County Fair in late September. Pictured from left are Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Tyrell Mitchell, Kalycia Banks
from the PHC Student Services office, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey and PHC Apprentice Stephanie Vidrio.
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Derek Chestnut (left) receives
his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ray
Henderson is at right.
WITH SEAFARERS IN HOUSTON – Bosun Hernando Bansuelo (left in photo at left), who started sailing with the union in 1990, picks up his first pension check, while GUDE Wuelner
Arzu (left in photo at right) receives his full B-book before heading to Piney Point to upgrade. They’re both pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1073687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 10 10/21/22 11:54 AM10/21/22 11:54 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 11
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC – OS Jamal Saleh (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak) displays his
newly acquired B-book, while ABs Taha Al Amri (center) and Ahmed Al-Arashi (photo at right) hold their respective A-books
at the hiring hall
FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – OMU Julian Misla (right) receives
his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo.
FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Michael Robinson (left) picks
up his full B-book at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. SIU
Port Agent Jimmy White is at right.
ABOARD CHABRIA SEA – SIU member Nathaniel
Fair Jr. (left) and SIU Jersey City Patrolman Jose
Argueta are pictured aboard the Centerline Logis-
tics vessel in Bayonne, New Jersey.
SUPPORT FROM LABOR – Several Houston-area Seafarers volunteered for block walking earlier
this year in support of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who’s up for re-election. Pictured from left
are Steward/Baker Rene Gil, AB Washington Williams, AB Reynaldo Bernardez and SIU Houston
Safety Director Kevin Sykes.
ABOARD USNS ALGOL – This Seafaring Selfie is courtesy of Recertified Bosun
Ritche Acuman (right), pictured with GUDEs Ruel Decrepito and Rodolfo Ludov-
ice while working aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated vessel on the West Coast.
AT WILMINGTON HALL
– GVA Shayef Shayef
(left in photo at immediate
right, with SIU Port Agent
Gerret Jarman) picks up
his A-seniority book in
southern California, while
AB Patrick Wheat (left in
photo in center, also with
Jarman) receives his full
B-book. The remaining
photo at the far right in-
cludes SA Benny Feria
(left) and SIU Patrolman
Jesse Sunga. Feria is
displaying his newly ac-
quired full B-book.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1173687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 11 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
12 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
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(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
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(907) 561-4988
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(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
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422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
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HONOLULU
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HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
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JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
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MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
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NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
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OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
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PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
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PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
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PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
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SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
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(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 apprentices at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Traiming and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are you most excited for on your first ship?
Deshon Hagans
Apprentice
I’m really just looking forward to
a career I can get comfortable in. I’m
in it for the long haul, so the job sta-
bility offered in the SIU is really key
for me. I’m ready for a long career
as a mariner.
Christian Marty
Apprentice
Seeing the world. I’m pretty
excited to go to many European
countries, but in general I’m ex-
cited to travel to foreign lands and
experience new cultures.
Jevon David
Apprentice
I’m excited to start a new ca-
reer, and see where my path leads.
I’m looking forward to a job
where I’m not stationary, and this
career is certainly not your typical
9 to 5.
Masaddiq Walton
Apprentice
Travelling the world, and ex-
periencing different cultures. I’ve
never been outside the country.
I’m also looking forward to expe-
riencing the sense of community
aboard a ship.
Raheem Harris
Apprentice
The money, to be honest. But
I’m also looking forward to gaining
job experience, and experience new
foods. The food is a big one for me.
Justin Manley
Apprentice
I’ve always been into engines,
and I figure it can’t be too different
to work on a ship’s engine. Bigger
turbos, bigger injectors, it’s just a big
diesel engine. The money doesn’t
hurt, either.
Pic From Pic From
The Past The Past
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
The SIU launched
its headquarters
operations in Camp
Springs, Maryland,
40 years ago – of-
ficially on Oct. 18,
1982, following a
relocation from New
York. This snapshot
from the union’s ar-
chives shows the
building as it neared
the final stages of
construction.
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 13
DEEP SEA
MOHAMED AHMED
Brother Mohamed Ahmed, 53,
signed on with
the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 1990, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
He worked in the
deck department,
most recently
aboard the Mid-
night Sun. Brother
Ahmed settled in Melvindale,
Michigan.
HERNANDO BANSUELO
Brother Hernando Bansuelo, 67,
donned the SIU
colors in 1990
when he shipped
on the Sealift Ca-
ribbean. He sailed
in the deck depart-
ment and upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Bansuelo’s final
vessel was the National Glory. He
calls Spring, Texas, home.
GEORGE BIESELIN
Brother George Bieselin, 72, started
his career with the SIU in 2001. He
first sailed aboard the Liberator and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of member-
ship. Brother
Bieselin worked
in the engine de-
partment. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Kensing-
ton and is a resi-
dent of Boynton Beach, Florida.
SUSANO CORTEZ
Brother Susano Cortez, 67, joined
the union in 1987.
A steward depart-
ment member,
he initially sailed
aboard the Inde-
pendence. Brother
Cortez upgraded
often at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school. He
most recently
sailed on the Horizon Pacific and
makes his home in Wahiawa, Ha-
waii.
JOSE DE SOUZA
Brother Jose de Souza, 67, began
sailing with the union in 2001, ini-
tially on the USNS
Mount Washing-
ton. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occa-
sions. Brother de
Souza concluded
his career on
the SBX. He lives in Miami Beach,
Florida.
BRENDA GRAYS
Sister Brenda Grays, 72, joined the
Seafarers in 1988.
She was a mem-
ber of the stew-
ard department
and first sailed
aboard the USNS
Harkness. Sister
Grays upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. She
last sailed aboard
the President Jackson and resides in
Houston.
LEONEL GUTIERREZ
Brother Leonel Gutierrez, 65, em-
barked on his
career with the
union in 2002,
first sailing on
the Gemini. A
deck depart-
ment member,
he concluded his
career aboard the
Prentiss Brown.
Brother Gutier-
rez makes his home in Riverview,
Michigan.
MICHAEL KOZAK
Brother Michael Kozak, 52, signed
on with the SIU
in 1992 when he
sailed aboard the
Franklin J. Phil-
lips. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous oc-
casions. Brother
Kozak last shipped on the Alaskan
Explorer. He resides in Cape Coral,
Florida.
KRISTIN KRAUSE
Sister Kristin Krause, 56, became
a member of the Seafarers Inter-
national Union
in 1991. A
steward depart-
ment member,
she first shipped
on the Ameri-
can Eagle.
Sister Krause
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multi-
ple occasions. She concluded her
career on the Overseas New York
and settled in Atlantic Beach,
Florida.
THOMAS MOORE
Brother Thomas Moore, 55, em-
barked on his
career with the
Seafarers in
1989, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Hark-
ness. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Moore most
recently shipped on the USNS
Denebola and lives in Queen Anne,
Maryland.
WALTER OTT
Brother Walter Ott, 69, began sail-
ing with the union in 1976 when he
shipped on the
Maryland. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Ott last
sailed on the
Maersk Seletar. He
lives in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
JIMMIE ROBLES
Brother Jimmie Robles, 65, joined
the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on
the Flickertail
State. He worked
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occa-
sions. Brother
Robles concluded
his career on the
Maersk Califor-
nia and makes his home in Golden
Valley, Arizona.
PHYLLIS JUSTINE SORESI
Sister Phyllis Justine Soresi, 56,
signed on with the union in 1990,
initially sailing
aboard the Inde-
pendence. She
shipped in both
the steward and
deck departments
and also worked
on shore gangs.
Sister Soresi was
last employed with
American Service
Technology and resides in Pocono
Lake, Pennsylvania.
GREAT LAKES
HAROLD GOETZ
Brother Harold Goetz, 63, started
sailing with the
union in 1977. He
first worked with
Peter Kiewit Sons
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1996.
Brother Goetz
concluded his
career with Great
Lakes Towing.
He makes his home in Sault Sainte
Marie, Michigan.
MICHAEL KRUSE
Brother Michael Kruse, 65, signed
on with the union in 1988. He
initially sailed
aboard the Steel
T. Crapo, and
worked in all
three departments.
Brother Kruse
upgraded on mul-
tiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently shipped
on the Walter J.
McCarthy and is a resident of Al-
pena, Michigan.
INLAND
JOHN COX
Brother John Cox, 61, joined the
SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard
the Champion. A
deck department
member, he up-
graded at the Paul
Hall Center on nu-
merous occasions
and also came
ashore to serve as
a port official be-
fore returning to
sea. Brother Cox
last worked with G&H Towing. He
lives in Kingwood, Texas.
MITCHELL FOWLER
Brother Mitchell Fowler, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1983. He was a
deck department
member and first
worked for Allied
Transportation.
Brother Fowler
upgraded his
skills at the Piney
Point school in
2020. He was
last employed by
Penn Maritime
and is a resident of Wilmington,
North Carolina.
MICHAEL HARVEY
Brother Michael Harvey, 55, em-
barked on his career with the Seafar-
ers in 1999 when he shipped with
Penn Maritime. He was a member of
the deck department and continued
working for the same company for
the duration of his career. Brother
Harvey makes his home in Concord,
North Carolina.
ISOLINE MAJOR
Sister Isoline Major, 66, signed on
with the union in
1998. She sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Sister Ma-
jor’s first vessel
was the Sumner;
her last, the Leg-
end. She is a resi-
dent of Lauderhill, Florida.
ROBERT MORGAN
Brother Robert Morgan, 73, started
sailing with the SIU in 1994 when
he worked for McAllister Towing of
Virginia. He was an engine depart-
ment member and remained with the
same company for the duration of
his career. Brother Morgan resides in
Port Haywood, Virginia.
RONALD POOLE
Brother Ronald Poole, 62, signed
on with the union in 2005, initially
sailing on the
MahiMahi. He
upgraded on
multiple occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center and
shipped in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother
Poole’s final ves-
sel was the Delta Mariner. He is a
resident of Pensacola, Florida.
BRUCE ROBRECHT
Brother Bruce Robrecht, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979 when he
sailed with Hig-
man Barge Lines.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Ro-
brecht last worked
for OSG Ship Management. He
resides in Great Mills, Maryland.
ROBERT STEARNS
Brother Robert Stearns, 62, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1978. A
deck department member, he up-
graded at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school on multiple occasions.
Brother Stearns worked for Crowley
Towing and Transportation for the-
duration of his career. He makes his
home in Neptune Beach, Florida.
DENIS SWANSON
Brother Denis Swanson, 62, donned
the SIU colors
in 1994. He up-
graded at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occa-
sions and sailed
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Swanson worked
for Penn Mari-
time for the dura-
tion of his career. He settled in Mt.
Dora, Florida.
TIMOTHY TRAYNOR
Brother Timothy Traynor, 62, started
his career with the union in 1979
when he worked
with Crowley.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the union-affili-
ated Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Traynor
last worked with
Ameristar Casino. He is a resident
of Munster, Indiana.
JOSEPH VIOLANTE
Brother Joseph Violante, 63, joined
the SIU in 1976, initially shipping
with G&H Tow-
ing. He sailed in
both the deck and
steward depart-
ments and also
worked on shore
gangs. Brother
Violante upgraded
on several occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
was last employed with American
Service Technology and resides in
Bacliff, Texas.
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
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1373687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 13 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
14 Seafarers LOG November 2022
DEEP SEA
YAHYA ALHAJ
Pensioner Yahya
Alhaj, 85, died
August 17. He
joined the SIU
in 1972 and first
sailed aboard the
Saginaw Bay.
Brother Alhaj
worked in both
the deck and en-
gine departments and concluded
his career aboard the El Faro in
2001. He began collecting his
pension in 2003 and called Dear-
born, Michigan, home.
RAMON ALI
Pensioner Ramon Ali, 74, passed
away August 31. He embarked
on his career
with the union
in 1967 when
he sailed on the
Steel Design. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Ali last
shipped on the
Virgo. He retired
in 2016 and lived in Scarsdale,
New York.
ANGEL CAMACHO
Pensioner Angel Camacho, 72,
died September 16. He began
his career with the SIU in 1968
when he shipped with Interocean
American Ship-
ping Corpora-
tion. Brother
Camacho pri-
marily sailed in
the deck depart-
ment. He last
sailed aboard
the Horizon Dis-
covery before
becoming a pensioner in 2005.
Brother Camacho resided in
Carolina, Puerto Rico.
SIGRID CONNARD
Sister Sigrid Connard, 92, died
September 8. Born in Germany,
she began sailing with the SIU in
1978. Sister Connard was a stew-
ard department member and first
shipped on the Santa Magdelena.
She last sailed on the President
Jackson and made her home in
Medford, Oregon.
ROBERT DIAZ
Pensioner Robert Diaz, 77,
passed away September 22. He
signed on with the Seafarers
International Union in 1969,
initially sailing aboard the Saga-
more Hill. Brother Diaz was an
engine department member and
last shipped aboard the Eugene
A. Obregon in 1988. He went on
pension in 2010 and settled in
Brandon, Florida.
JAMES OTANI
Pensioner James Otani, 83, has
passed away.
After signing on
with the union
in 1982, he first
sailed on the
Constitution.
Brother Otani
was a steward
department
member and last
shipped on the Independence
in 1993. He went on pension in
2009 and called Hilo, Hawaii,
home.
ANDRE SMITH
Pensioner Andre Smith, 71,
died September 8. He joined the
union in 1975
and first sailed
on the G Walton.
Brother Smith
primarily sailed
in the engine
department. He
concluded his
career aboard
the Sea Fox in
1998. Brother Smith became a
pensioner in 2016 and was a resi-
dent of Portsmouth, Virginia.
GREAT LAKES
WILLIAM LEHTO
Pensioner William Lehto, 80,
passed away September 28. He
joined the SIU in 1966 and was
an engine department mem-
ber. Brother Lehto was first
employed by
Buckeye Steam-
ship Company.
He last sailed
aboard the
Kinsman Inde-
pendent before
retiring in 1995.
Brother Lehto
lived in Iron-
wood, Michigan.
WILLIAM MULCAHY
Pensioner William Mulcahy,
62, died October 1. He donned
the SIU colors in 1977 when he
shipped aboard
the Adam E.
Cornelius. He
worked in the
deck depart-
ment and most
recently sailed
on the Walter
J. McCar-
thy. Brother
Mulcahy began collecting his
pension in 2019 and lived in Or-
ange Park, Florida.
GERALD RIFENBARK
Pensioner Gerald Rifenbark,
80, passed away September 13.
He signed on with the Seafar-
ers International Union in 1988
when he shipped on the Paul H.
Townsend. Brother Rifenbark
sailed in the steward department.
He last shipped on the Susan
Hannah in 2007 before retiring
the same year. Brother Rifenbark
resided in Interlochen, Michigan.
INLAND
RICHARD GORDON
Pensioner Richard Gordon, 90,
died September 26. He joined
the SIU in 1963, initially sail-
ing with American Steamship
Company. An engine department
member, Brother Gordon was
last employed by Bob-Lo Island.
He became a pensioner in 2003
and lived in Northville, Michi-
gan.
NMU
In addition to the foregoing individuals,
the following union members have also
passed away. Insufficient information
was available to develop summaries of
their respective careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Johnson, Leonard 85 09/03/2022
Kenoyer, Frederick 96 09/14/2021
Linch, Eugene 98 10/10/2022
McCoy, Nelson 91 09/29/2022
Olivo, Ignacio 98 09/06/2022
Powers, Auriel 78 09/28/2022
Powery, Barricks 90 10/07/2022
Scott, Elbert 89 08/20/2022
Simpson, Robert 76 09/19/2022
Stigler, Joseph 80 09/27/2022
Final Final
DeparturesDepartures
As previously reported, extensive renovations are tak-
ing place at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Some of
the early stages of the months-long project are shown in
these photos from the commonwealth.
Norfolk Renovations Continue
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1473687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 14 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 15
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In-
land Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommenda-
tions. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representa-
tives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters 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 seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals 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 contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or ob-
ligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are 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
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no mem-
ber 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 ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In con-
nection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No con-
tribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribu-
tion for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Mi-
chael 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.
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited) July 31 – Chair-
man John O’Shaughnessy,
Secretary Joshua Heath, Educa-
tional Director Mark Campbell.
Good trip reported by chairman.
He stressed the importance of
safety and urged members to
keep documents up to date. Crew
requested increases to dental,
vacation, and retirement ben-
efits. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 13
– Chairman Gerald Alford,
Secretary Thomas Johnson, Ed-
ucational Director David Wat-
kins, Steward Delegate Kacey
Hare. Educational director
encouraged crew to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members reviewed lat-
est communications, including a
letter from the SIU VP Contracts
George Tricker. Crew requested
to increase vacation accrual to 25
for 30. Next port: New York.
AMERICAN FREEDOM (In-
trepid Personnel & Provision-
ing), August 16 – Chairman
Joshua Mensah, Secretary Se-
dell Mitchell-Reynolds, Engine
Delegate Oscar Lacayo Ruiz.
Educational director reminded
members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
still waiting for Wi-Fi and re-
frigerators in rooms. Members
voiced concerns about laundry
room and need more coffee and
coffee cups.
WASHINGTON (Intrepid Per-
sonnel & Provisioning), Sep-
tember 1 – Chairman Modesto
Rabena, Secretary Samuel
Harris, Educational Director
Lonny Scott, Engine Delegate
Tyesha Boyd. Chairman re-
viewed details of new contract.
Secretary read the President’s
Report from the latest edition of
the Seafarers LOG. Educational
director discussed latest union
meeting at Piney Point, new jobs
and ways to help recruit new
members. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members asked for
clarity regarding overtime issues
and more information about ship
fund. Crew requested refrigera-
tors in rooms and asked about
cashing in vacation.
JEAN ANNE (Pasha), Septem-
ber 3 – Chairman Thomas John-
son, Secretary Samuel Sinclair.
Chairman gave suggestions for
modifying the job hiring process,
including online registration and
job bidding. Members weighed
in on latest contract negotiations.
Treasurer discussed plans for un-
used money from ship’s fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew would like retirement age
to be lowered, additional supple-
ments to insurance benefits, and
physicals to be required annu-
ally for those with no health is-
sues. Vote of thanks given to the
steward department for helping
with new hire and for the nutri-
tious and varied menus. Crew
especially enjoyed the outdoor
barbecues.
MAERSK KENSINGTON
(Maersk Line, Limited), Sep-
tember 4 – Chairman Hussein
Mohamed, Secretary Daniel
Culhane, Educational Direc-
tor Florentino Arriola. Crew
still waiting on TVs, linens and
for repairs to washing machine.
Members discussed details of
new contract. Educational direc-
tor advised crew to upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested better internet and an
extra day off every 30 days.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), September 10 –
Chairman Val Custis, Secre-
tary Cole Briggs. Crew still
in need of refrigerators. New
grill purchased via ship’s fund.
Members are owed unpaid
wages for performing trash
handling and separation tasks,
per engine delegate report.
Crew proposed using union
time towards pension, rather
than sea time. Two mattresses
have been received and more
are on the way.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning),
September 11 – Chairman
James Gregory, Secretary
Frank Starling, Educational
Director Francois Doucet,
Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz,
Engine Delegate Damien Law.
Educational director advised
crew to read the Seafarers
LOG for updates and encour-
aged everyone to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Treasurer noted the
value of ship fund and slop
chest purchases. Both help
improve the quality of life
aboard ship. Deck delegate
recommended getting new and
improved equipment to fight
any fires that may occur. En-
gine delegate discussed penalty
pay and clothing allowance. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Ice machine in need of repair.
Members requested better
Wi-Fi and TVs in rooms.
On Sept. 24, WWII Merchant Mariner Dave Yoho (left) presents
the crew of the SS John W. Brown with a replica of the Congres-
sional Gold Medal first awarded to the
merchant mariners of WWII earlier this
year. Accepting the award on behalf of
the crew, past and present, are Project
Liberty Ship member Brian Hope (middle)
and Hugh Cadzow, chairman of Project
Liberty Ship.
Honoring WWII Mariners
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16 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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 ques-
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reim-
bursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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.
11/22
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
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck November 28 December 16
Lifeboat/Water Survival November 21 December 2
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW November 14 December 9
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook December 5 January 5
Chief Steward November 14 December 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training Revalidation November 14 November 14
December 2 December 2
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation December 12 December 16
Government Vessels December 5 December 9
Paul Hall Center Paul Hall Center
Upgrading Course DatesUpgrading Course Dates
Important Notice To All Students
Students who have regis-
tered for classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Marit ime
Training and Education, but
later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions
department immediately so
arrangements can be made to
have other students take their
places
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November 2022 Seafarers LOG 17
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #886 – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Emile Alphonse, Cedrick Burton Jr., Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Jack Collier IV, Manuel Delgado,
Ayman Nashid Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Mari Enid Huggins, Micheal King, Adam Mason, Tyrell Mitchell, Dominick Nesbitt, Jovanny Otero Negron, Felicia Roberts and Zachary Wilkinson.
UA to AS (D) – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Green, John
Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Javier Rosa
Aguirre and Ethan P.B. Stacy.
FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Zakarya Ahmed Al-
Malhani, Adrian Bartholomew, Sean Carter and Joseph Smith. Instructor John Wiegman
III is at center.
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions de-
partment immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places
Important
Notice to
All Students
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18 Seafarers LOG November 2022
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Medical Care Provider – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Jarion Andrews, Louise Digman, Jessina A.K. Fernandez, Dominique Glover, Jason Hintz, Gilbert
Johnson, Steven Miller, Mario Standberry, Tyree Watkins Jr., and Jonathan White.
Welding – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez,
Devon David, Damon Johnson, Anson Johny, Ryan Kaleolani Manlapit and Nicholas Simoneaux. Class
instructor Chris Raley is at the far right.
UA to FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order):
William Aebi, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera and Julian Rubbo.
Water Survival (Upgrader) – OS Amos
Porter (above) recently completed his re-
quirements in this course. The Jacksonville,
Florida upgrader graduated September 9.
Government Vessels – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Tony Bassali, Charlene Briggs, Joshua Irvine, Jan
Mamadou Jalloh, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Terrell Knott, Melody Mitchell, Abdelhak Moutmir, Robert Neff, Angel L. Pagan Sanchez and
Kyle Williamson.
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1873687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 18 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
November 2022 Seafarers LOG 19
Students who have
r e g i s t e r e d f o r
classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Mar-
itime Training and
Education, but later
discover - for what-
ever reason - that
they can’t at tend,
should inform the
admissions depart-
ment immediately so
arrangements can be
made to have other
students take their
places
Government Vessels – Grad-
uated September 23 (photo at
left, in alphabetical order): Ed-
ward Mills, Setphen Nowell,
Yuriy Prytchak, Victor Janell
Valentin-Delgado and Yahia
Obadi Yahia.
Advanced Meteorology – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order):
Joseph Baird, David Fitzgibbons, Matthew O’Donnell, Scott Salo and Andrew Torti.
Small Arms – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Natalio Rey Malinao
Almosa, Joseph Hendricks and Craig Joseph.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Ashley Fabor, William Fortner, Ashley Grahm, Kevin Hubble Jr., Randy Madrid, Jamaal McKenzie,
Rolando Antipuesto Odon, Reinaldo Rivera, Jason Simmons and Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Important
Notice To
All Students
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 1973687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 19 10/21/22 11:55 AM10/21/22 11:55 AM
20 Seafarers LOG November 2022
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
NOVEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 11
Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 17-19Pages 17-19
The photo at left, those above and the two at bottom left and center show some of Scott Musick’s handiwork – all original designs.
Longtime Seafarer Scott Musick may have
inadvertently discovered an ultimate test of friend-
ship.
While becoming a self-taught tattoo artist 30
years ago, he practiced on various inanimate ob-
jects – and also gave free tattoos to several friends.
“I’m happy to say they’re all still my friends
today,” says Musick, who works as a refrigeration
mechanic for Crowley at Penn Terminal in Chester,
Pennsylvania.
Though hardly an old-timer at age 56, Musick
has a tattooing background that is becoming far
less common as the industry burgeons into a bil-
lion-dollar, mainstream enterprise. Today, it’s easy
to locate licensed body-art schools, and official
apprenticeships are available. Published reports
indicate that more than 145 million Americans
have tattoos, including more than half of all U.S.
citizens younger than 40. Costs of tattoos widely
vary; they’re typically somewhere in the low hun-
Seafarer’s Passion for InkSeafarer’s Passion for Ink
Runs More than Skin-DeepRuns More than Skin-Deep
Self-Taught Tattoo Artist Musick ‘Very Blessed’
Scott Musick (left) is pictured with his father, Jim, at Petty’s Island.
Musick (above, right) works on a tattoo for fellow SIU member Dave Mendez.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel asked Mu-
sick to design artwork for a T-shirt commemorating
the El Faro’s final crew. This is the finished product.
Continued on Page 8
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