Seafarers Log: Vol. 84 No. 7 (2022-07-01)

JULY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 7

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

MTD Convention Coverage
Pages 11-14

Shuler, Redmond Shuler, Redmond
Elected To Top Elected To Top
Posts at AFL-CIOPosts at AFL-CIO
Delegates to the AFL-CIO convention on June 12 elected
Liz Shuler (left) as president and Fred Redmond (right) as
secretary-treasurer. SIU President Michael Sacco (cen-
ter), the longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Execu-
tive Council, oversaw the election. Later, President Biden
(photo directly below) addressed the delegates. The con-
vention took place in Philadelphia. Page 2. (Photos by
Jay Mallin)

SIU officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took part in the National Maritime Day ceremony at DOT headquarters
on May 24. Pictured in the front row, from left: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, SIU VP George Tricker, SIU Exec. VP
Augie Tellez, Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan. Apprentices from the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are on stage. Pages 4-5.

SIU Helps Observe National Maritime DaySIU Helps Observe National Maritime Day

SHBP Scholarship Winners
Page 6

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2 Seafarers LOG July 2022

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
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2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 84 Number 7 July 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

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

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

Cargo Preference Laws Help USA

President’s ReportPresident’s Report

Recent attacks against our nation’s cargo preference laws seem fa-
miliar in that they’re apparently designed to capitalize on a crisis.

In this case, a pair of Senate resolutions targeting the “ship Ameri-
can” components of cargo preference sprung up in response to Russia’s

invasion of Ukraine.
Cargo preference is sometimes overlooked

or misunderstood, but these laws are crucial
for U.S. national, economic and homeland
security. According to the U.S. Department
of Transportation, cargo preference “is the
general term used to describe U.S. laws,
regulations and policies that require the use
of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of
cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or
financed by the U.S. Government. It also
includes cargo that is being shipped under an
agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part
of a Government program.”

If you remember nothing else about cargo
preference, please let it be the following: The
premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts
for less than one percent of program costs, ac-

cording to our government’s own data.
Nevertheless, the completely unnecessary resolutions call for waiv-

ing “ship American” rules and diverting cargo to foreign carriers for
three years. This would apply not only to cargoes destined for Ukraine,
and that’s despite the fact that the law already permits the use of for-
eign-flag ships if U.S.-flag vessels aren’t available at “fair and reason-
able” rates.

Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and
shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There are corre-
sponding percentage requirements that specify how much of the cargo
must be moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to
100 percent.

Cargo amounts themselves vary from year to year. For example, ac-
cording to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. international food-
assistance outlays fluctuated from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in
part on demands that changed due to conflicts in Syria, South Sudan,
Somalia, and Ethiopia. In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020 and
ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag ships delivered approximately
650,000 metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the globe.

One thing that doesn’t change is the rock-solid rationale for main-
taining these laws. Again, we turn to the DOT for the following excerpt
about why cargo preference is necessary: “Just as many other seafar-
ing nations have learned, history has taught us that Cargo Preference
… is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of domestic
and foreign commerce. This requires a U.S.-flag commercial merchant
marine that can be called upon in times of war or national emergen-
cies. Therefore, Congress has determined that the United States have a
merchant marine sufficient to carry the waterborne domestic commerce
and a substantial part of the waterborne export and import foreign com-
merce of the United States; capable of serving as a naval and military
auxiliary in time of war or national emergency; owned and operated as
vessels of the United States by citizens of the United States; composed
of the best-equipped, safest, and most suitable types of vessels con-
structed in the United States and manned with a trained and efficient
citizen personnel; and supplemented by efficient facilities for building
and repairing vessels.”

While we’ve got a long way to go to meet the goal of having Ameri-
can-flag ships carry “a substantial part” of our exports and imports, the
SIU wholeheartedly agrees with the above-stated rationale and goals.
Moreover, cargo preference laws have helped us answer the bell during
all the recent activations – a response that is endangered by efforts to
weaken those statutes.

Cargo-preference laws are good for America, good for the U.S.
maritime industry – and good for the foreign citizens who benefit from
many of the cargoes themselves. I thank the Biden administration for
supporting these laws, which should be maintained and strengthened.

Michael Sacco

AFL-CIO Convention del-
egates on June 12 elected Liz
Shuler to serve as president of
the federation of 57 unions and
12.5 million members. Shuler
is the first woman to hold the
office in the history of the
labor federation. Delegates
also elected Fred Redmond to
serve as secretary-treasurer;
he is the first African Ameri-
can to hold the office.

SIU President Michael
Sacco, the longest-serving
member of the AFL-CIO
Executive Council, oversaw
the election and later was
re-elected to the board. The
SIU delegation to the conven-
tion also included Executive
Vice President Augie Tellez,
Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel and Vice Presidents
Dean Corgey, George Tricker,
Nicholas Celona, Joseph
Soresi, Nick Marrone and
Tom Orzechowski.

Other convention happen-
ings included an in-person ad-
dress by President Joe Biden,
and passage of a pro-Jones
Act resolution that was read
by Heindel.

Immediately after her elec-
tion, Shuler stated, “We are
going to amplify the voices of
working people – their hopes,
struggles, and demands. This
is more than a comeback story.
This is a new story, yet to be
told. A story we will write, on
our terms, to be written by
every one of us. A new era for
all working people across this
country. And generations from
now, they’ll tell the story of
how we succeeded, together,

in solidarity.”
In her acceptance speech,

Shuler delivered a call to ac-
tion to organize, innovate and
reshape the labor movement
to meet the moment that the
country is in as it continues
to emerge from the COVID-
19 pandemic. Shuler also an-
nounced the AFL-CIO’s plan
to activate one million work-
ers throughout all 50 states
to participate in the electoral
process.

Redmond said, “We will
keep fighting until every
worker in this country has the

chance to have a good, union
job. Everybody in, nobody
out. And we’re going to fix
our labor laws and make that a
reality. I know what the labor
movement does. It brings the
marginalized in from the mar-
gins. It brings respect to the
disrespected. It lets people
come together and collectively
bargain for their own future.”

From 2009 until 2021,
Shuler served as the AFL-
CIO’s secretary-treasurer. She
assumed the role of president
following the passing of Rich-
ard Trumka in 2021.

Delegates Elect Shuler, Redmond
To Lead AFL-CIO into the Future

President Biden tells convention delegates that he remains an ardent
supporter of unions. (Photo by Jay Mallin)

SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU Exec. VP Augie
Tellez participate in the AFL-CIO convention in Philadelphia.

SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Hein-
del reads a resolution supporting the
Jones Act. Delegates approved the
statement. (Photo by Jay Mallin)

Some of the SIU delegation is pictured on the convention floor. From left in front are SIU VPs Nicholas
Celona, Joseph Soresi and Tom Orzechowski. SIU VP George Tricker is at far left in the second row while
SIU VP Nick Marrone is third from left in that row.

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 3

Editor’s note: Additional photos from the
various National Maritime Day ceremonies
are available on the SIU Facebook page.

SIU officials and apprentices from the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Mari-
time Training and Education contributed to
the respectful, appreciative atmosphere May
24 at Department of Transportation (DOT)
headquarters as the agency hosted an in-per-
son observance of National Maritime Day.

The event (which also was available as
a livestream) marked the first in-person
National Maritime Day ceremony in the na-
tion’s capital since 2019.

SIU officials in attendance included
Executive Vice President Augie Tellez,
Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice
President George Tricker, Assistant Vice
President Pat Vandegrift and Port Agent
Mario Torrey. Paul Hall Center Appren-
tices Faith Wood and Alexander Boothby
played key roles in the ceremony, which
featured remarks from Secretary of Trans-
portation Pete Buttigieg, Maritime Adminis-
trator Ann Phillips (Rear Adm., USN, (Ret.),
U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl

Schultz, Federal Maritime Commission
Chairman Daniel Maffei and Rear Adm.
Michael Wettlaufer, commanding officer of
the Military Sealift Command. Deputy Mar-
itime Administrator Lucinda Lessley served
as the emcee.

Seafarers and SIU officials also took part
in National Maritime Day observances in
Texas, California and Virginia (all of them
in person).

At the DOT gathering, Buttigieg noted,
“It is nice to have human voices reverberat-
ing in this atrium again.”

He stated, “We are a maritime nation.
From the three ships that changed the fate of
the American continent, to the naval base in
Hawaii whose bombing catalyzed America’s
entry into World War II, to the ships carry-
ing most of the things we all count on every
day to our nation’s ports, we have always
been and will always be a nation whose des-
tiny is connected to the sea.”

Buttigieg added, “In peace and in war,
our mariners are the reason food reaches
families’ tables around the country, the

SIU Turns Out for Maritime Day Observances
In Washington, DC, Elsewhere Across Country

Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of Transportation

Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer
Commanding Officer

Military Sealift Command

Daniel Maffei
Chairman

Federal Maritime Commission

Adm. Karl Schultz
Commandant

U.S. Coast Guard
Ann Phillips, Rear Adm. USN, (Ret.)

Maritime Administrator

Lucinda Lessley
Deputy Maritime Administrator Continued on next page

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4 Seafarers LOG July 2022

reason supplies reach our service mem-
bers deployed around the world…. Facing
a once-in-a-century pandemic, you have
adapted. You have kept sailing. You have
kept America afloat.”

“It’s my distinct honor to be here as
MARAD’s 20th administrator,” said Phil-
lips. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity
to serve our nation, and to work with so
many stakeholders, many of whom are here
in person today…. To foster, promote and
develop the maritime industry to meet our
nation’s current and future economic and
security needs.”

She continued, “Maritime Day is our an-
nual opportunity to celebrate and commem-
orate, to honor our maritime history and
to make sure our fellow Americans under-
stand how critical the maritime industry has

been – and continues to be – to our nation’s
success. Most importantly, today we are
thankful for the women and men of the U.S.
Merchant Marine, and we celebrate their es-
sential role in safeguarding and strengthen-
ing our nation.”

Schultz said, “From the Coast Guard per-
spective, the marine transportation system
is critical to our nation’s economy and our
national security. About 24 percent of our
gross domestic product ties to that. And all
of us here today, we know the importance
of seaborne cargo. We know the importance
of a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. But over
the past few years, I think Americans are
becoming increasingly aware of the ties to
their day to day lives.”

He added, “In our world, it’s easy to
focus on the ships, the ports and the other
infrastructure that enable us to execute the
mission. But you heard the secretary say it:

It’s really about the mariners. It’s not the
steel, it’s not the concrete. It’s the people
that make this important industry the great
industry it is.”

Maffei elaborated on the importance
of the merchant mariners of WWII, who
recently received a Congressional Gold
Medal for their service. He said, “Now,
more than three-quarters of a century later,
we remember their sacrifice and heroism,
and that of all U.S. Merchant Mariners who
have – right up to the present COVID crisis
– put their lives and health on the line in
order to ensure the success of U.S. forces
and humanitarian efforts abroad. U.S.-flag
ships continue to deliver important cargoes,
across waterways, to all parts of our coun-
try…. On this Maritime Day, we owe them
once again our heartfelt gratitude.”

Wettlaufer used his speech to look to
the future, saying, “To the people in the

front row here, turn around and look at the
[apprentices] from the [Paul Hall Center].
That’s the future.

“In 2022, as in 1945, American mari-
ners remain essential to our economy and
our defense,” he continued. “The close col-
laboration between and integration across
our commercial and labor partners, the U.S.
Coast Guard and the Maritime Administra-
tion, the shipbuilding and repair industry,
certainly the Department of Defense and the
merchant marine allow our nation to main-
tain and retain a vital strategic advantage.
An advantage that allows the joint force to
maneuver across the globe at the time and to
the place of our choosing, in both peacetime
and in conflict.”

To close out the ceremony, students from
the Paul Hall Center served as wreath ten-
ders and performed the sounding of Eight
Bells, as is tradition.

Paul Hall Center Apprentice Alexander Boothby (photo at left)
sounds “eight bells” as part of the Transportation Department
ceremony in D.C. while Apprentice Faith Wood (above) carries a
wreath towards the stage.

From sea to shining sea, whether in still or raging waters,
America has always been a Nation of maritime travel. Across
our 25,000 miles of waterways and over 360 commercial ports,
the United States Merchant Marine is integral to our Nation’s
prosperity. From helping move goods throughout the supply
chain to supporting our troops wherever they are deployed, the
Merchant Marine plays a vital role in the economic security
and defense of our country. On National Maritime Day and
every day, we honor the Merchant Marines for their service
and sacrifice and acknowledge their crucial role in protecting
our Nation’s security and commerce.

Today, our Merchant Marine remains inextricably linked
to our national and economic security and competitiveness.
Merchant mariners’ legacy of perseverance and dedication is
carried on by today’s civilian mariners. As tyranny and vio-
lence again cause the tragic loss of innocent lives and senseless
destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have answered
the call of duty by crewing vessels of our United States Ready
Reserve, moving vital military cargo to help the Ukrainian

people in their defense of freedom.
We also salute the remarkable efforts of our entire maritime

industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They put the
well-being of the American people first, risking their lives to
ensure that essential cargoes of medical supplies and personal
protective equipment were delivered to those in need across
our Nation.

As we continue to build a better America, our Merchant
Marine plays a pivotal role in securing our coastal and inland
waterways so that they are open to trade. No matter the hard-
ship, mariners provide a smooth passage for America’s critical
domestic goods and serve as stewards of our Nation’s trading
gateways with the rest of the world. My Administration con-
tinues its unwavering support of the United States Merchant
Marine, as well as the Jones Act, which protects the integrity
of our domestic maritime industry, supports hundreds of thou-
sands of jobs, and contributes over $150 billion in economic
benefits.

We also know that the future success of the vital maritime
industry depends on its ability to attract the talent of all Ameri-
cans and reflect the diversity of the Nation it serves. That is
why we are resolved to continue the urgent work of advancing
diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant
Marine and to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bul-
lying in the workplace.

Our Nation’s merchant mariners serve with honor and in-
tegrity each and every day. Today, we recognize their service
and sacrifice and recommit ourselves to fulfilling the promises
and uplifting the values that they continue to protect.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20,
1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Mari-
time Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a
steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the
Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue
annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag
dress ship on that day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., Presi-
dent of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022, as National Mari-
time Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to
celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime in-
dustry with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

President Issues Proclamation
For National Maritime Day 2022

Union Participates in Events Highlighting Contributions of Merchant Marine

Pictured at the National Maritime Day ceremony May 19 in Norfolk, Virginia, are
(from left) SIU Safety Director Anthony Houston, SIU Government Services Division
Representative Sam Spain, Maersk Line, Limited President/CEO Bill Woodhour and
SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris. Woodhour gave the keynote speech.

Among those pictured at the National Maritime Day event in San Pedro, California, on May 22
are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (third from left), SIU Pensioner Mary Lou Lopez (second from
left) and representatives from the SIUNA-affiliated SUP and MFOW.

Continued from Page 3

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 5

Seafarers recently rescued an individual boater from a
disabled, leaky craft approximately 170 miles off the coast
of Charleston, South Carolina.

SIU and AMO members from the Endurance (oper-
ated by TOTE Services for vessel owner American Roll-
On Roll-Off Carrier) (ARC) performed the operation June
15, shortly after loading more than 1,900 pieces of high-
priority military cargo destined for Europe to support on-
going NATO exercises.

SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue in-
cluded Bosun Moussa Hamdy, ABs Michael Otwell,
Hussein M. Hussein, Dennis Stevens, Charles Frisella
and Joshua Cutchin, Oilers Jorge Valencia Bon, Star-
ling Priester and Denard Williams, Chief Steward Wil-
fredo Ramos Silva, Chief Cook Michael Page and SA
Lynford Robles.

The Endurance received a distress call from the Black
Pearl, a 30-foot sailboat that was sinking 12 nautical miles
from their position.

According to a report from ARC, “Once the Black
Pearl was in visual range, Endurance Captain Glenn Ko-
shak deftly maneuvered the Endurance into position to
lower a rescue ladder and recover the exhausted sailor
who was the sole occupant of the boat. Ultimately, he was
transferred at sea to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC
Yellowfin and returned to shore. The swift and professional
actions of the M/V Endurance Captain and Crew reflect
the best values of the American Merchant Mariner and
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier.”

“Helping a sailor in distress on the open seas is a moral
imperative regardless of the priority of our cargo. I’m just
happy we could help,” said Koshak.

The sailboat reportedly had been taking on water for
24 hours and the occupant’s bilge pump stopped working.

Koshak reported, “The distressed sailboat was spotted
through the binoculars by the AB on watch at about nine

nautical miles distance. Meanwhile the chief mate, bosun,
and deck crew were readying the starboard pilot ladder
and marshalling emergency equipment at the starboard
pilot door. The engine crew were readying the ship’s gen-
erators to use the bow thruster and getting prepared for
maneuvering….

“The mate on watch informed the captain of the Black
Pearl of Endurance’s intentions and he stated that the
water was above the settee and that he didn’t know how
long he would have comms as the water level was nearing
the radio equipment. The master of the 868-foot Endur-
ance circled around to the east and cautiously approached
the Black Pearl, keeping her at about 20m distance from
the starboard side. Once the Endurance had come to a stop
and the Black Pearl was positioned near the starboard pilot
ladder, the captain of the Black Pearl abandoned his sink-
ing craft and boarded his dinghy. Exhausted, he paddled
the small inflatable the 20m to the pilot ladder and boarded
the Endurance.

“The crew greeted the shipwrecked sailor with urgency,
removing his soaked shoes, and giving him blankets and
dry clothes. He was checked by the ship’s medical officer,
and vitals were relayed to the USCG. All in all, the cap-
tain of the Black Pearl was in ok condition with a swollen
elbow and a bruise on his side. The steward department
made sure he had plenty of Gatorade and food to eat after
his exhausting ordeal.”

The Endurance then headed back toward Charleston
and met the Coast Guard cutter four hours later.

“The crew of the Endurance acted with urgency and
professionalism to ensure the safe rescue of the captain of
the sailboat,” Koshak said. “They put their merchant ma-
rine training to the test and because of that a man is alive
today. Merchant mariners rely on our brothers and sisters
of the sea in times of crisis and always keep a weathered
eye on the horizon.”

Jack Sparrow? No, but Endurance
Crew Rescues Capt. of Black Pearl

From left, Bosun Moussa Hamdy and Third Mate Lucan Shanahan welcome the rescued boater aboard the Endurance.

The boat (above) had been leaking for 24 hours off the
coast of South Carolina. In photo below, the sailboat’s oc-
cupant climbs aboard the SIU-crewed Endurance.

At their annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the
Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) recently pre-
sented U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) with the
SCA Maritime Leadership Award.

According to the SCA, “The award is given each
year to national leaders or elected officials who dem-
onstrate exemplary dedication and support for the
nearly 400,000 men and women who serve in Ameri-
ca’s shipyards and throughout the domestic industrial
base.”

“Throughout her time in public office, Sen.
Murkowski has been a staunch advocate for the en-
tire American maritime industry and especially for
the hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and
women who design, build and maintain our domestic
fleet,” said SCA President Matthew Paxton. “Hail-
ing from the Last Frontier, Sen. Murkowski knows
firsthand the value of a strong maritime sector to our
national defense and transport of commerce, and this
award recognizes her unparalleled leadership and sig-
nificant contributions to our industry in Alaska and
across America.”

Murkowski stated, “Since our nation’s founding,
in times of conflict and peace, U.S. shipyards have
built and maintained the vessels that protect Ameri-
ca’s coastlines and waterways, carry the brave men
and women of the U.S. military, and secure the move-
ment of domestic and international commerce. The
current geopolitical situation in Ukraine and persis-
tent security threats from China demonstrate the need
for Congress to prioritize investments into expanding
the fleet of the future, particularly building out a ro-
bust fleet of polar security cutters. We must ensure
our military is positioned to respond to the increased
demand for their services as the maritime theater gets
increasingly complex. It’s an honor to be recognized
with this year’s Maritime Leadership Award and we
will continue to be a vocal advocate for these essential
national defense programs.”

Murkowski currently serves on the U.S. Senate Ap-
propriations Committee, where she has advocated for
the U.S.-flag maritime industry, as well as advancing
policies to strengthen investments in Navy force struc-
ture and Coast Guard shipbuilding programs.

Sen. Murkowski Receives SCA Maritime Leadership Award

Senator Lisa Murkowski (right) receives the Maritime Leadership
Award from Shipbuilders Council of America president Matthew
Paxton (center) and Chairman Ben Bordelon. (Photo courtesy
SCA)

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6 Seafarers LOG July 2022

$136,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Members, Dependents
Three Seafarers and five SIU depen-

dents were awarded scholarships from
the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP) this year, totaling $136,000.

The following Seafarers were selected
to receive Charlie Logan Scholarships, as
selected by the SHBP Scholarship Com-
mittee (consisting of active and retired
educators from various colleges and uni-
versities from across the country): QMED
Kabir Garcia Santiago, Chief Steward
Sheneisha Thompson and QMED Justin
Nicholson. In addition, the following de-
pendents will also receive awards: Althea
Rose Calixto, Fiona Forbes, Gabrielle
Newgen, Hala Saleh and Kaylyn Zwerne-
mann.

Santiago’s grant was for $20,000,
while Thompson and Nicholson each
received an award worth $6,000. Each
of the dependent scholarships is worth
$20,000.

Brief profiles of the winners follow.

Kabir Garcia Santiago
SIU Connection: QMED who joined

the union in 2008.
Notable: Puerto Rico native who lives

in Carolina. Began working at age 10,
and began sailing after college. Plans to
become a Third Assistant Engineer in the
near future.

Academic
Items: Gradu-
ated from
Universidad
Del Sagrado
Corazon in
2005. Applied
to multiple
maritime acad-
emies.

Quotable:
“It’s difficult
to condense 13
years of sail-
ing…. I’m not

only an asset because I have what could
be considered a spotless professional
record, but I have also never been fired
from a job, have excellent social skills, an
energetic drive, and am hungry for knowl-
edge and always looking to go to the next
level.”

Sheneisha Thompson
SIU Connection: Chief steward who

began sailing in 2014.
Notable: Currently raising her daugh-

ter while
managing her
Seafaring ca-
reer and finish-
ing her degree.

Academic
Items: Is
enrolled in
Tidewater
Community
College, aim-
ing to complete
her Associates
Degree in radi-
ography.

Quotable: “I have a success plan
which will help me to achieve and man-
age my degree. I am determined to prove
that I am more than capable of what’s
required to succeed. I stay focused on
studying and turning in assignments ahead
of time. I also love to make weekly plans
for my studies and decide in advance my
goal for the week, which helps me man-
age my time better.”

Justin Nicholson
SIU Connection: QMED who has

been sailing since 2015.
Notable: Worked as a manager in a

ski resort, before learning of the Paul Hall
Center apprentice program from an old
friend from high school. Joined Class 790
at age 33.

Academic Items: Graduated from
University of Hawaii in 2010, with a

BA in com-
munications.
Plans to earn
an engineer’s
license.

Quotable:
“As soon as
I heard about
the apprentice
program, it
became crys-
tal clear to me
how to get out
of the 9-to-5

deathtrap I was in, because I saw I could
change the rules. I no longer had to spend
all of my time trying to please a company,
when I could join a union.”

Althea Rose Calixto
SIU Connection: Daughter of QMED

Larry Calixto.
Notable: Played tennis and partici-

pated in theater
in high school.
Worked at a
tea house after
high school,
while enrolled
in community
college.

Academic
Items: Cur-
rently enrolled
in Cosumnes
River College,
a community
college in Sac-
ramento. She has applied to California
State University Long Beach and Sacra-
mento. Pursuing a degree in psychology.

Quotable: “I have always admired my
dad’s dedication to his career, therefore
inspiring me to pursue higher education. I
plan to maintain good grades while being
an undergraduate, allowing me to apply to
graduate schools to advance my school-
ing and future job opportunities, with the
intention of eventually giving back to my
family.”

Fiona Forbes
SIU Connection: Daughter of Tugboat

Master Vincent Forbes.

Notable: Fluent in Japanese and Eng-
lish, written and illustrated two published
books, National Honor Society member.

Academic
Items: Current
high school
student, dual
enrolled in col-
lege courses,
applied to mul-
tiple four-year
colleges. Plans
to earn a fine
arts degree.

Quotable: “I
can remember
sitting on my

father’s lap, begging for ‘just one more
story’ as I stare at the painting of him
that hangs on the living room wall, trying
desperately to see his face, hear his voice,
feel his warmth for ‘just a little longer’
before he has to set out for another length
out at sea.”

Gabrielle Newgen
SIU Connection: Daughter of QMED

Allen Newgen.
Notable: Played volleyball, softball,

and swam in high school. Multiple volun-
teer positions.

Academic
Items: Current
honor roll high
school student,
applied to sev-
eral colleges in
California. Pur-
suing a degree
in business ad-
ministration or
graphic design.

Quotable: “I
want to create
an enterprise that encourages all influen-
tial artists to produce a work of art that
gives true meaning and has power within
their own voice.”

Hala Saleh
SIU Connection: Daughter of SA

Younis Hizam Faid Saleh.
Notable: Currently working as a

medical assistant while enrolled in a

nursing pro-
gram.

Academic
Items: Cur-
rently enrolled
at Henry Ford
College. Has
applied to mul-
tiple four-year
schools, with a
plan to obtain a
nursing degree.

Quotable:
“I want to con-

tribute to the betterment of society as
a whole. In the end, it’s not about me
as much as it is about others. What can
I do to make the world a better place?
How can I, on my own, improve the
lives of others?”

Kaylyn Zwernemann
SIU Connection: Daughter of Tug-

boat Captain Michael Zwernemann.
Notable: Volunteered by planting

trees and working in an animal shelter.
Active member in five National Honor
Societies.

Academic
Items: Current
high school
student who
has applied to
multiple four-
year colleges
in Texas. Plans
to get a degree
in finance.

Quotable:
“My dad is
probably the
most sac-
rificial and
hardworking man I know. When I was
younger, I always hated the fact that
my dad was away for what seemed
like every big event working on a
tugboat. But as I have grown older, I
have gained an understanding that he
did this so I could have every dream
I have ever dreamed of, and I know
now that it probably hurt him just as
much as me to be away for some of
those big moments.”

The SHBP Scholarship Committee met virtually in May to finalize the scholarship awards. The committee consisted of Dr. Trevor Car-
penter, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Michael Glaser, Dr. Marla Kohlman, Dr. Gayle Olson and Dr. Keith Schlender. Each are current and/or
retired educators.

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 7

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

UNION HONORED IN TEXAS – The SIU recently received an award from the
Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, for “leadership in time of crisis.” The
recognition stems from various sealift efforts and humanitarian aid. SIU Safety
Director Kevin Sykes accepted the honor on behalf of the union. Pictured from
left in photo above (taken at the Texas Gulf Coast Working Families Awards
Celebration) are Sykes with U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) and SIU Patrolman
Clay Casteel; and (remaining photo) Sykes with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
(D-Texas) and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.

MEETING WITH PRO-MARITIME CON-
GRESSWOMAN – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vin-
cenzo (right) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Marilyn
Strickland (D-Washington) at a kickoff event
for Washington State’s 10th District.

ABOARD ATB ACHIEVEMENT – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (second from right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Intrepid Personnel
and Provisioning vessel. Pictured from left are AB Joseph Andre Gouveia, AE Zach Lindsey, Capt. Ryan Emmons, Hopkins and CM
Jon Hendrickson.

WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE –
OMU Donell Criswell (right in photo above) re-
ceives his A-book at the hiring hall, while Chief
Cook Arielle Collier (right in photo below)
picks up her B-book. Both members are pic-
tured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.

ABOARD GENERAL RUDDER – SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the training vessel, operated by Crowley during a
recent voyage. Pictured in the first row (from left) are CM Rick Caudle, QMED Nasser Aljahmi, 3M Kevin Zeller, 1st AE Sean Holmes,
3M Jack Keating, 2AE Gregory Potemken, AB Andres Martinez, SA Ricardo Escorcia, AB Edwin Zschocher, (back row, from left)
Chief Cook Greg Watts, Training CM Ricardo Giannone, 3AE Zachary Weaver, 3AE Cherokee Johnson, Bosun Shaib Juma, Training
1AE Dan Picciolo, Chief Steward Rene Gil, MDR Jack Ford and Capt. Philip Whitney. Thanks to Caudle for the photo, taken in Miami.

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8 Seafarers LOG July 2022

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Seafarers from the Algol and Capella (Ocean Duchess) are pictured during a recent servicing on the West
Coast. From left are Recertified Steward Dante Cruz, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, Recertified Bosun Artis Wil-
liams, Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman.

FULL BOOKS IN ALGONAC – AB Trevor
Allgeyer (above) and OMU Timothy Mc-
Donald (right in the photo immediately
below, with SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert)
recently received their respective full B-
books at the hiring hall.

HELPING FELLOW SEAFARERS – The SIU recently gathered donations (mostly entertainment items) for crew members on the Presi-
dent Wilson, who’ve had a longer-than-expected shipyard stay in Shanghai. Above are snapshots of bags being packed at the Oakland
hall and then delivered to the President Roosevelt for transport. Pictured from left aboard the Roosevelt in the photo at left are SIU Port
Agent J.B. Niday and Third Mate Samuel Synstelien.

ABOARD GEM STATE – Seafarers are pictured aboard the
PGM-operated vessel (photo at right) after returning to Alam-
eda, California, following a turbo activation ordered by the U.S.
Maritime Administration.

ABOARD USNS JOHN LEWIS – Vessel master Capt. Doug Voss submitted the three photos directly above – along with kudos for SIU members – from the recently completed sea
trials. “We had a great crew on board,” the captain noted. “They were a very fun, hard-working crew. We had a one-week sea trial and it was a success.” While members of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters handled the sea trials, CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division have since begun sailing aboard the vessel, which was built
at General Dynamics NASSCO (a union yard).

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 9

ABOARD SLNC YORK – Pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in the Pacific Northwest are (far left) AB Clifford Carroll, (second from left) AB Mykel Potter, (second from right)
Bosun Derek Minnix and (far right, from left) SIU Patrolman George Owen and Oiler Dennison Forsman.

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD AMERICAN PRIDE – Pictured
aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning
tanker in Port Arthur, Texas, are (photo above,
from left) Chief Cook Adolfo Bermudez, SIU
Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and Recertified
Steward Richard Jones. Below is Oiler Mario
Cruz Levy, also with Zavala.

A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Ahmed Hussain (fourth from left) recently picked up his A-book at the hiring hall. A number of
fellow Seafarers congratulated him, including SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right).

WELCOME ASHORE – Longtime Seafarer Capt. Randy Isenhart
(center) is wrapping up his career aboard Intrepid Personnel and
Provisioning’s Resolve. He’s pictured with Chief Mate Chris Mullin
(left) and Chief Engineer Kevin Hale.

ABOARD OVERSEAS CHINOOK – Pictured from left aboard
the OSG vessel are Chief Cook Gladiz David, SIU Houston
Patrolman Clay Casteel and ACU Vidal Vallesteros.

GIVING BACK IN ALOHA STATE – Volunteers from the SIU, including Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (above, left), re-
cently helped spruce up a local school. The outreach was part of the “Labor of Love” community services program
and included representatives from the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council. A few of the other volunteers are pictured in
the photo at right.

WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – MDR Duane Akers (left)
picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He’s pictured
with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. (Akers hasn’t completely left
the fold. He’s working as a safety director for the union.)

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10 Seafarers LOG July 2022

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
RECRUITING IN PHILLY – SIU Philadelphia Safety Director
Andre MacCray (right) promotes the union and its affiliated
school during a recent career fair.

RALLYING FOR LIVING WAGE – The SIU participated in a dem-
onstration at the Hawaii state capitol calling for a minimum-wage
increase with no tip penalty. Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent
Hazel Galbiso, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii Building and
Construction Trades Council Executive Director Gino Soquena, and
AFGE National Organizer Lisa Akau.

WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY
– AB Lucas Mejia (left), who started sail-
ing with the union in 1991, picks up his first
pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port
Agent Ray Henderson is at right.

WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Chief Cook
Thomas Smith (left) receives his first pension check at
the hiring hall. Smith began sailing with the SIU in 1981.
He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.

FAMILY TRADITION – The Seafaring lineage is alive and well
for Bosun Adiener Alfaro (right) and his son, AB Lexter Alfaro.
The father-son team is pictured during a recent voyage aboard
the USNS Maury (Ocean Shipholdings). Both members ship
from the San Juan hall.

SAFETY TRAINING ABOARD TUG – Longtime Sea-
farer Capt. John Cox submitted this photo of fellow SIU
boatmen Chief Engineer Roberto Rubio (left) and Mate
Kent Hayward aboard the G&H Towing boat Frances E.
Haden in the Gulf.

WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – QMED Daniel
Daligcon (right) picks up his first pension check at the
hiring hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1995. Diana
Marrone, executive administrative assistant, is at left.

SEAFARING SELFIE – SIU Houston Safety
Director Kevin Sykes (left) is pictured with AB
Adam Simon, who works for G&H Towing.

WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Recertified Steward Eddie
Taylor (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Chris West-
brook, started shipping with the NMU in 1978, and wrapped up his
career with Keystone aboard the Cape Kennedy. He’s shown receiving
his first pension check.

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 11

Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, PhiladelphiaMaritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia

Despite facing unprecedented challenges
caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic,
the labor movement not only answered the
call but also made significant strides, said
the leader of the Maritime Trades Depart-
ment (MTD).

MTD President Michael Sacco, who also
serves as SIU president, credited rank-and-
file members and their unions with living up
to their designation as part of the country’s
“essential workforce.” Sacco expressed that
sentiment in his opening remarks June 9 in
Philadelphia, site of the MTD’s quadrennial
convention.

“Some of you may remember that we
were just a week or so away from our
2020 executive board meetings when the
pandemic basically overwhelmed North
America,” Sacco said. “It’s no exaggeration
to say that life hasn’t been the same since
then. But we survived, we adapted and we
learned.

“Do you know what else we did?” he
continued. “We delivered! Our members
delivered. Our unions delivered. Obviously,
there is nothing good about the COVID
pandemic itself – but a lot of important
things have happened since we had to can-
cel those meetings in 2020.”

Sacco, who was reelected to his position
later during the convention, reminded the
audience of a period when “you couldn’t
find toilet paper or hand sanitizer on the
store shelves” and when a runaway-flag
ship became stuck in the Suez Canal in
2021.

“That’s when people outside our indus-
try began to understand the importance of
maritime,” he said. “That’s when the term
‘supply chain’ started to become part of ev-
eryday news coverage.”

The growing awareness of the industry’s

importance – starting with the significance
of workers themselves – can only help bol-
ster the U.S. Merchant Marine and Ameri-
can shipbuilding, Sacco stated.

“Additionally, people across the United
States are realizing the value of their work
– and they’re waking up to the fact that
the best way to get what they deserve is by

forming or joining a union,” he added. “Our
approval ratings are at historic highs. Our
publicity is almost nonstop. Workers have
won union elections at Starbucks and Ama-
zon, two of the nation’s most high-profile
employers. Workers at some Apple stores
are also mobilizing for union representa-
tion.”

He then welcomed delegations from
International Longshoremen’s Association;
the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Associa-
tion; and the American Federation of Teach-
ers. Those respective unions affiliated with
the MTD since the department’s previous
convention.

The MTD president also touched on
his pandemic-era experiences with online
connectivity, and in particular web meet-
ings.

“It’s amazing how quickly it became
part of everyday life,” he said. “What I’ve
learned about technology is that it can be
a double-edged sword. There is no doubt
it can increase efficiency and save money.
And there is no doubt that we also lose
something if our only interactions with each
other are on a computer screen. That’s not
an old-school sentiment. It’s a human senti-
ment.”

Like other speakers, Sacco also said it
will be vital for workers and their unions
“to make sure we’re using online connectiv-
ity – and technology in general – to enhance
workplaces and to boost productivity while
still preserving the relationships that are
built over time, in person…. Again, I’m not
looking to turn back the clock. But it’s up
to us to harness the technology and put it to
good use.”

Lastly, he noted, “Whatever your per-
sonal political views, I hope you recog-
nize that the Biden administration is well
on its way to being the most pro-union
administration ever. Not only that, the
president himself has been an outspoken
supporter of American maritime, starting
in his first week in office. We’ve made
great strides under his leadership, and
we’ve also got lots of opportunities for
more progress.”

MTD President Credits Union Members
For Dedication, Perseverance in Pandemic

Michael Sacco
President, MTD/SIU

The head of America’s largest labor
organization says that unions can and
must play vital roles as technology con-
stantly reshapes workplaces.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler deliv-
ered that message June 9 at the Maritime
Trades Department convention in Phila-
delphia. She also expressed the federa-
tion’s unwavering support for the U.S.
maritime industry.

Primarily, she explained her vision for
how the labor movement can protect its
hard-won gains while remaining vibrant
for many years to come.

“We cannot sit back and think it’s
just going to take care of itself,” Shuler
stated. “We want to be that labor move-
ment that’s opening its doors wider than
ever, showing workers that we are the
place to go to prepare for the future. I see
a future where unions can be the constant
– where unions can be the solid founda-
tion that people keep coming back to, to
learn that next skill, to join that next in-
dustry that’s growing and emerging.”

She said that, partly as a result of the
pandemic, “people are waking up to the
power of collective action and unions,
like never before. There is activism like
we haven’t seen in decades. This is a
whole new generation of trade unionists
that are showing us all how to be bold,
how to take risks, how to be creative and
how to be fearless. We need to do the

same.”
Shuler mentioned various businesses

where people have organized or joined
unions in recent months, and noted that
new technologies can leave people feel-
ing unsettled.

“Our workplaces are changing, espe-
cially coming out of the pandemic,” she
said. “How do we build that future? It’s
about embracing innovation and change.
But it’s also about organizing.”

Echoing the sentiments of MTD/SIU
President Michael Sacco and other speak-
ers, Shuler insisted, “Workers need to
have a seat at that table where the deci-
sions about technology are being made.
No one knows our industries better than
we do. We need to have workers’ voices
at every stage of that process. That’s on
us, and the labor movement has to priori-
tize it. We’ve got to keep evolving, and
we’ve always been the source for those
cutting-edge training programs. The
maritime unions are right in the middle
of this.”

With that in mind, she announced
that the federation recently launched the
AFL-CIO Technology Institute.

“We have to be the ones that shape that
technology and control it for workers,”
she added. “The industries that are emerg-
ing around us, especially coming out of
the pandemic – we want to make sure that
those are good, union jobs from day one.

We want to be the source for the highly
skilled, most productive workers on the
planet. That’s how we get a foothold.”

She called for a “solidarity” approach
to organizing, and pointed out that dur-
ing the Amazon campaigns in Alabama,
upwards of 15 unions participated, even
though most didn’t have a membership
stake. She sees that strategy as a model
for the future and also said the campaign
inspired other organizing drives in differ-
ent economic sectors.

Additionally, Shuler noted the impor-
tance of domestic shipbuilding, the Jones
Act and cargo preference. “Maintaining a
first-class maritime industry is all of our
fight,” she said. “Having highly skilled,
union, U.S. mariners is how we do that.”

She also described U.S. maritime
labor as “the most patriotic group of
trade unionists. The role that the mari-
time trades play in keeping our country
moving, making sure that our national
defense is operable – this is who are
movement is, and more people need to
see that.”

Shuler concluded by designating the
Biden administration as “the most pro-
union administration in history…. That
means that working people were at the
table as we were planning the country’s
recovery. We’re going to keep pushing to
get more investment in working people.”

She expressed concern about polariza-

tion among some union members and
encouraged everyone to “get back to our
roots, focus on issues, get back to face-
to-face communication, talk about our
shared values and vision. Listen before
you talk.”

Shuler Cites ‘Power of Collective Action’
Federation President Sees ‘Future Where Unions Can Be the Constant’

The Maritime Trades Department is a constitu-
tionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. It
consists of 21 port maritime councils and 24 affiliates
(including the SIU), plus executive officers and an
executive board.

Because of the pandemic, the MTD’s convention
– and its observance of the department’s 75th anni-
versary – were bumped back from 2021 to June 9-10,
2022 in Philadelphia. There, delegates re-elected
Michael Sacco as president; Anthony Gonsiewski

as vice president; and Daniel Duncan as executive
secretary-treasurer. They also adopted numerous
statements aimed at mapping out the MTD’s future.

The convention’s theme was “Anchored in the
Past – Full Ahead Toward the Future.”

MTD
Snapshot

Liz Shuler
President, AFL-CIO

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12 Seafarers LOG July 2022

Maritime Trades Department Delegates & GuestsMaritime Trades Department Delegates & Guests

Adam Vokac
President

MEBA

Richard Lanigan
President
OPEIU

Eric Bunn
Sec.-Treasurer

AFGE

John Baker
General Organizer

ILA

Tom Orzechowski
VP
SIU

Michael Russo
AVP
SIU

Anthony Poplawski
President
MFOW

Anthony Shelton
President
BCTGM

Dave Connolly
President

SUP

Edward Kelly
President

IAFF

Eric Dean
President

Ironworkers

Lonnie Stephenson
President

IBEW

Lisa Bolton
VP

CWA

Peter Clark
VP
ILA

Warren Fairley
VP

Boilermakers

Brian Bryant
VP

Machinists

Patrice Caron
Exec. VP

SIU of Canada

Bob Rice
Sec.-Treasurer

AMO

Roland Rexha
Sec.-Treasurer

MEBA

Dale Troll
Metal Trades Dept.

Harry Kaiser
BCTGM

Jeanette Bradshaw
Michigan

Port Maritime Council

Robert Howard
Chicago

Port Maritime Council

Louie Diaz
Southern California

Port Maritime Council

Patrick Dolan
UA

Dan Duncan
Sec.-Treasurer

MTD

Mark Clements
Administrator

MTD

Augie Tellez
Exec. VP

SIU

Dave Heindel
Sec. Treasurer

SIU

George Tricker
VP
SIU

Dean Corgey
VP
SIU

Nick Marrone
VP
SIU

Bryan Powell
AVP
SIU

Pat Vandegrift
AVP
SIU

Joseph Soresi
VP
SIU

Amancio Crespo
AVP
SIU

Karen Horton-Gennette
National Director

UIW

Nicholas Celona
VP

SIU Govt Svs

Kris Hopkins
AVP
SIU

Joe Vincenzo
AVP

SIU Govt Svs

Maggie Bowen
Plans Administrator

Seafarers

Bernie Hostein
Steelworkers

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 13

Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, PhiladelphiaMaritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia

The top official of a powerful interna-
tional labor group said the global pandemic
called overdue, positive attention to the
maritime industry.

Steve Cotton, general secretary of the
International Transport Workers’ Federa-
tion (ITF), addressed the Maritime Trades
Department convention June 10 in Philadel-
phia. He discussed the federation’s efforts to
help workers in Ukraine; the future of trans-
portation jobs; and the maritime industry’s
response to COVID-19.

The ITF is a federation of 665 trade
unions – including the SIU – represent-
ing 20 million workers in 147 countries in
the seafaring, port, road, rail and aviation
sectors. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel chairs the federation’s Seafarers’
Section.

Cotton described the situation in
Ukraine as “very challenging for the global
labor movement.” He also mentioned the
Seafarers Union of Russia, and noted,
“Those friends of a long time are still our
friends, and they’re not responsible for
the behavior of Putin. We’ve had to very
delicately make sure our brothers and sis-

ters in Ukraine, who are suffering terribly,
are supported by the ITF and all the global
union movement, and also deal with the
fact that some Russian transport workers
are not the devil.”

He then described how the pandemic,
along with the unrelated grounding of a
runaway-flag ship in 2021 in the Suez
Canal, “highlighted to the world’s media
how much they depend on the world’s
seafarers. I frankly feel that we’ve been
invisible. COVID has given us a unique op-
portunity to get into the governing bodies of
the United Nations and other policymakers
to remind them how critical seafarers and
other transport workers are.”

Cotton said that throughout the pan-
demic, “we saw collaboration at the port
council level to get seafarers on and off
ships. Also, the world saw that seafarers
are committed and professional, wherever
they’re working…. In some of the worst
cases, we had seafarers on ships for 18
months, with no shore leave.

“We also saw – not in the U.S. – the in-
ability of governments to react to crisis,” he
continued. “Bureaucracy made it very dif-

ficult for us to move seafarers around, and
we lobbied in all of the countries. We also
learned that if we want to make a significant
difference, we have to be in a conversation
with the shipowners, and we worked col-
laboratively with them. We got a message
to United Nations secretary general, who
agreed that seafarers should be defined as
essential workers and at the top of the list
when it comes to moving across borders be-
cause of the pandemic.”

Nevertheless, the crew-change crisis
proved challenging, in part because of
“inconsistent application of international
rules.”

The ITF official then discussed the al-
ways-changing nature of work and how the
United States’ freight cabotage law can play
a vital role in upholding workers’ rights.

“You have the Jones Act, and the world
is envious,” he said. “You have a power that
goes beyond just words…. What you have
in the Jones Act is something we need to
transfer globally.”

Making “green jobs” union jobs is
“critical,” Cotton said. “Why is it critical?
Because that’s where the money is going.
It’s critical that we build better jobs – better
union jobs – and we in the ITF are commit-
ted to do that.”

Cotton commended Heindel’s work in
trying to ensure a bright future for transpor-
tation workers while not impeding progress.
He described those efforts and said they’re
ongoing.

“How do we make sure that today’s sea-
farers have got the skills to be tomorrow’s
seafarers?” he added. “We have to have a
union voice in every single one of those
rooms where decisions are being made.”

As a prominent example, he stated,
“We need you – the strong American labor
unions – and the use of the Jones Act to
help us establish what is best practice when
it comes to constructing wind farms off the
coast. Many of our unions in traditional
maritime countries don’t have the Jones Act
and struggle to keep their men and women
at work in the maritime sector. We think
wind farms – the construction, the mainte-
nance – could be an opportunity for good,
well-paid unionized jobs for nationals all
around the world.

“We’re not against change,” he added.
“We understand the world will continue
to develop and change. But we want a say
about what it changes. We want to have a
conversation about, what does digitaliza-
tion look like in the ports?... If we can work
smarter, yeah, let’s work smarter. But let’s
not put people out of work, and let’s not put
people out of work without a conversation
about what unions want.”

Technology can’t replace the entire
workforce, he said, pointing to a recent
example of another foreign-flag ship that
grounded in Baltimore. The eventual free-
ing of that vessel showed the importance of
“skilled, working men and women,” Cotton
said. “Let’s not mistake that a computer is
going to come along and move that Ever-
green ship out of the mud. That takes real
people with real skills and the ability to
time-manage the challenge.”

He concluded, “Strong labor voices do
make a difference, and our commitment in
the ITF is unending to you.”

ITF Official Praises Maritime Labor
Cotton Says Jones Act Should be Global Model

In a wide-ranging address June
10 at the Maritime Trades Depart-
ment convention in Philadelphia,
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New
Jersey) often returned to one key
subject: good, union jobs.

A longtime electrician and one-
time president of the South Jersey

Building and Construction Trades
Council before his election to Con-
gress, Norcross also underscored
his support for the U.S. maritime
industry; emphasized the need for
unity across the country; promoted
workplace safety; and asked rank-
and-file union members to recog-
nize the pro-labor work of the Biden
administration.

Norcross, who’s still a union
member, pointed to his own family
as a prime example of how union
apprenticeships can be gateways
to rewarding careers. He said he
has three grown children: a doctor,
a lawyer, and an electrician. Only
the latter has paid off his house, the
congressman said.

“College isn’t the only path”
toward a good job, Norcross stated,
and the various paths “are of equal
value.”

One way to ensure availability of
good jobs in the trades is by institut-
ing project labor agreements (PLA),
he said. President Biden earlier this
year issued an executive order man-
dating that federally funded con-
struction projects worth at least $35
million must be handled by workers

covered by PLAs. Such agreements
create and maintain good-paying
jobs, promote local hiring and boost
safety standards.

“PLAs don’t happen acciden-
tally,” said Norcross, who serves on
the House Armed Services Commit-
tee. “They happen because the stage
has been set over years. But we
know how important they are. They
mean good wages, pensions, safety.
It only happens because we collec-
tively work together to put people
in positions in public office who un-
derstand where we come from.”

He said that when traveling in an
Armed Services Committee capac-
ity, “when I meet the General Dy-
namics and Boeings and Lockheeds,
I always ask to meet with the union
president at each site. I want to hear
what they have to say.”

Turning to maritime, Norcross
said the wind energy sector holds
great promise for various sectors of
the industry. He also expressed his
ongoing support for the Jones Act,
and said the pandemic opened the
public’s eyes regarding the impor-
tance of maritime.

“The supply chain does matter,

doesn’t it?” he asked. “Buy Ameri-
can means we have a supply chain
that we’re not going to (have) to
worry about whether the Chinese
are going to try to disrupt it. That’s
as real as you are sitting here. It is
unbelievable on a classified level
what we see going on throughout
our country. I think we’ve turned a
corner; now, we need to make sure
we do it. We start with Buy Ameri-
can and we make sure we have the
skillsets back here at home.”

Speaking about both the mari-
time industry specifically and the
U.S. workforce generally, Norcross
added, “You don’t build an industry
or lose it overnight…. People are
beginning to understand you don’t
just snap your fingers” and have a
well-trained, reliable workforce in
place.

Looking towards the midterms
later this year, Norcross reminded
the audience that Biden “uses the
word ‘union’ proudly. This is a big
deal.”

The congressman called for unity
and said when it comes to union in-
volvement in politics, “It’s not about
what team you’re on. It’s about what

we do: helping bring home a pay-
check so they can take care of their
family. If we get stuck in these (par-
tisan) corners, it’s not a good out-
come…. I’ve been on picket lines
and nobody likes a fight more than
me. But I was on the (Capitol) floor
on January 6. That’s not my country.
This is not a blue or red issue; this is
an American issue as fundamental
as anything we do.”

Rep. Donald Norcross Stresses ‘Buy American,’
Lasting Value of Union Jobs in USA

ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton says
the pandemic highlighted the maritime in-
dustry’s importance.

MTD President Michael Sacco, ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton and SIU Secretary-
Treasurer David Heindel are pictured before the second day of the convention.

Congressman Norcross ad-
dresses the MTD convention and
emphasizes his support of the
U.S. maritime industry.

MTD President Michael Sacco
(left), U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross
(D-New Jersey)

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14 Seafarers LOG July 2022

Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, PhiladelphiaMaritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia

The U.S. maritime industry collectively
should capitalize on the growing awareness of
its essential roles.

Carl Bentzel, a commissioner with the
U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC),
emphasized that view June 9 at the Maritime
Trades Department convention in Philadel-
phia.

The FMC is self-described as “the in-
dependent federal agency responsible for
regulating the U.S. international ocean trans-
portation system for the benefit of U.S. ex-
porters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.”

Bentzel said that the COVID-19 pandemic
spotlighted “the essential character of trans-
portation…. The U.S. Merchant Marine is an
essential component of our industrial base and
our security. We can’t rely on foreign shipping
to provide our nation’s objectives.”

He also said that while the FMC is not
involved in Jones Act issues, he strongly
supports maintaining the century-old law,
which is vital to U.S. national, economic and
homeland security. (The Jones Act requires
that cargo moving between domestic ports is
carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built,
flagged and owned American.)

“It was always something that offended
me, that we would consider ceding our terri-
tory, our navigable waters, to some foreign na-
tion,” Bentzel said regarding those who would
weaken or eliminate the law. “It would be like
giving up the state of Nebraska to another
nation. We can’t consider that. It’s stunning
when we even consider” such proposals. “If
you work in the United States, you should

be subject to our laws. We should have U.S.
health, safety and labor standards. It’s a disap-
pointment to even have to argue this.”

He noted the devastating consequences
Australia has experienced due to wiping out
their own freight cabotage laws.

Bentzel added, “During the pandemic,
Jones Act carriers are transporting cargo on a
timely basis. It’s also getting there to the off-
shore islands and Puerto Rico. Rates have not
gone up. By comparison, the shipping rates
on (foreign flag) international cargo shipping
have gone up 300 to 500 percent, and it’s tak-
ing two to three times longer to travel.”

The commissioner pointed out there aren’t
many U.S.-flag ships trading internationally,
which leaves the country potentially vulnerable.

“One-hundred percent of every single con-
tainer used in the world is built by the Chinese
government,” he said. “Forty-three percent of
all ships are built by China,” while roughly 80
percent of the world fleet sails under runaway
flags.”

Bentzel then talked about the original
debate concerning the Maritime Security Act
of 1996 (a law that created the Maritime Se-
curity Program). He read comments from the
late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) – an
honorary SIU member. The senator explained
the maritime industry’s importance and said
we cannot rely on the goodwill of foreign na-
tions to transport military cargo and other vital
supplies.

“Those comments are applicable today,
perhaps even more so,” Bentzel said.

He then focused on ways to grow the in-

dustry.
“We should look at this crisis (the pan-

demic) as an opportunity to make the case that
we have to have a (stronger) U.S. presence in
(international) shipping,” Bentzel said. “I am
a regulator, but in my capacity, I will do any-
thing I can to support and promote the pres-
ence of U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. Merchant
Mariners.”

He concluded, “It is an industrial base

that is strategically vital to the United States.
We’ve spent too little energy and too little
time and too little effort at the federal level
doing what we could. I’m going to be working
with you to do whatever I can, but it’s really
up to your folks in Washington to come up
with some plans. There is an opportunity; peo-
ple recognize that our supply chain is handled
by an industry. Before this (pandemic), goods
just magically appeared. Let’s capitalize.”

‘U.S. Merchant Marine is Essential’
FMC Commissioner Notes Growing Awareness of Maritime

Delegates and guests at the
MTD convention heard from
an array of speakers repre-
senting various segments
of the maritime industry and
the labor movement. Those
speakers included BCTGM
Secretary-Treasurer David
Woods (above, left); Maryland
Port Administration Executive
Director Bill Doyle (second
from left); Adriana O’Hagan
of the American Federation of
Teachers (second from right);
and Philadelphia Central
Labor Council President Pat
Eiding (far right). Many of the
convention’s attendees are
pictured in photo at immedi-
ate right.

Speakers Tackle Labor, Maritime Issues

FMC Commissioner Carl Bentzel

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 15

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 14 - June 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 15.
Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep SeaDispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Piney Point..........................*Tuesday : July 5, Monday: August 8
Algonac...........................................Friday: July 8, August 12
Baltimore........................................Thursday: July 7, August 11
Guam............................................Thursday: July 21, August 25
Honolulu...........................................Friday: July 15, August 19
Houston..........................................Monday: July 11, August 15
Jacksonville...................................Thursday: July 7, August 11
Joliet..............................................Thursday: July 14, August 18
Mobile.....................................Wednesday: July 13, August 17
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: July 12, August 16
Jersey City...........................................Tuesday: July 5, August 9
Norfolk..............................................Friday: July 8, August 12
Oakland.......................................Thursday: July 14, August 18
Philadelphia......................Wednesday:July 6, August 10
Port Everglades............................Thursday: July14, August 18
San Juan................................... ...Thursday: July 7, August 11
St. Louis.............................................Friday: July 15, August 19
Tacoma...........................................Friday: July 22, August 26
Wilmington..................................Monday: July 18, August 22
* Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance

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

July & AugustJuly & August
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings

Extensive renovations to
the hiring hall in Norfolk,
Virginia, are expected to
commence soon.

At press time, the union
secured temporary office
space that will be utilized
during the renovation period.
The address of the temporary
office is 111 Mill Creek Park-
way, Suite 100, Chesapeake,
Virginia, 23323. That facility
is located 14 miles from the
Norfolk hall.

The phone and fax num-
bers for the hall will remain
unchanged.

“The planning for these
renovations has been com-
prehensive, and I’m confi-
dent that the membership
will be pleased with the re-

sults,” said SIU Assistant
Vice President Pat Vandeg-
rift, who is overseeing the
project. “It’s definitely time
to make these improvements,
and we’re still retaining the
convenience of the hall’s lo-
cation, which is near both the
waterfront and a main high-
way.”

An exact move-in date
wasn’t known at press time
but will be posted on the SIU
website, communicated via
the union’s text service, and
published in upcoming edi-
tions of the LOG. The reno-
vations are expected to last
several months and possibly
as long as a year.

Contact the hall for more
information.

Important Notice: Norfolk Hall
Renovations, Temporary Offices

Thanks to a partner-
ship between the SIU and
WellCheck, mariners can
now verify their COVID-
19 cards with state data-
bases, store them digitally
on their devices, and call
up the information in an
instant – all for free.

This service, which is
being offered to mem-
bers as an optional con-
venience, allows mariners
to digitally authenticate
their vaccine records.
This is an important step
that increases the card’s
acceptance rate in some
locations, including for-
eign ports and some large
events.

Once verified, the in-
formation is then stored
digitally thru the Well-
Check app, as well as
automatically uploaded
to the member’s online
SIU member portal. All
members are strongly en-

couraged to upload their
vaccine cards through
the WellCheck app, even
if they have previously
submitted their informa-
tion. Additionally, when
a member receives a
COVID-19 booster shot,
they are encouraged to
upload their updated vac-
cine card through Well-
Check.

Members can also save
their verified vaccine in-
formation to their Apple
Wallet or Google Wallet
on their mobile devices,
to ensure they have ready
access even if they lose
internet connectivity. This
is an added service being
provided to the member-
ship at no cost, and is not
mandatory.

To ge t s t a r t ed , s ee
the May 17 post on the
S IU webs i t e o r v i s i t :
h t t p s : / / t i n y u r l . c o m /
bdz48avh

WellCheck Provides Fast,
Convenient Vax Card Storage

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16 Seafarers LOG July 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
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

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

(215) 336-3818

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

20674
(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

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

(310) 549-4001/4002

Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point,
Maryland.

Question: What was the most memorable vacation you’ve taken since becoming a mariner?

Ernest Grant
DEU

I’ve been on some tours that felt
like vacations when we went ashore.
Belgium was great – the people were
so nice, the food was awesome, and
their chocolate really is the best.
They didn’t speak a lot of English,
but they were so nice to me.

Brandy Baker
QMED

Spain in 2009, back when I
first started in the union. I went to
Madrid, and the experience made
me want to do and see more. It
was a life-changing experience for
me, and it put clouds under my
feet, it gave me the urge to travel
more.

Timothy Paul
AB

Scotland, 2007. I went over
with my pregnant wife for our an-
niversary, and we came home with
a daughter! But I love that I have
been able to travel and see the
world, both on a ship and in my
free time.

Lance Gibson
GUDE

I went to Cancun for an anni-
versary trip with my wife. It was
a surprise I set up for her, and she
had no idea where we were going
until we got to the airport. The
smile on her face when she found
out was priceless. And we’ve
been married for 14 years.

Vanessa Brumsey-Osbourne
Chief Cook

My best vacation was during
off-time at work, when we went to
Saipan. It’s gorgeous, and a day’s sail
from Guam. The water was so blue,
and you could see your toes through
the water. It was a great time.

Michael Zabielski
DEU

While working on the OSG Hous-
ton while it was in the yard, we went
to the Bahamas. We saw the palm
trees, went snorkeling, we went fish-
ing from the deck of the ship. It was a
great time.

In 1978, the SIU-
crewed Delta Sud re-
ceived the prestigious
Jones F. Devlin award
for an outstanding
safety record. When
the award was pre-
sented, the vessel
had operated for 773
consecutive days with-
out a single lost-time
accident to any crew
member. Among those
pictured on the vessel
in New Orleans are
Steward/Cook Edward Vieira (left) and AB John Sanfferer (third from left). Vessel master Capt. W.L. Easter is fourth from left,
accepting the certificate from Capt. E.R. Seamen, marine operations manager Delta Line. In that era, the Devlin award was
sponsored by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping. It’s still presented today, by the Chamber of Shipping of America.

Pic From Pic From
The Past The Past

Ben Thuringer
OMU

I went to the Amalfi Coast in
2021. My intent was to tour the
ruins of Pompeii, but I didn’t know
I needed a reservation! So, I drove
my rental car down the coast, and
camped out on the beach for the
night. It was an amazing trip.

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

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 17

DEEP SEA

GREGORY AGREN

Brother Gregory Agren, 70, began
his career with the SIU in 1987
when he sailed
aboard the USNS
Bartlett. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occa-
sions. Brother
Agren most re-
cently shipped on the Cape Island.
He makes his home in Port Angeles,
Washington.

GERTRUDIS ARZU

Sister Gertrudis Arzu, 65, started
sailing with the Seafarers in 1999,

initially working
on the Richard G.
Matthiesen. She
was a steward de-
partment member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Sister Arzu most

recently sailed on the Maersk Kin-
loss. She lives in the Bronx, New
York.

STEVE BIGELOW

Brother Steve Bigelow, 67, donned
the SIU colors in 1973 when he
shipped on the
Portland. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions.
Brother Bigelow
was an engine de-
partment member
and concluded
his career on the Reliance. He calls
Edmonds, Washington, home.

JUSUF DJUNED

Brother Jusuf Djuned, 66, signed
on with the Seafarers International
Union in 1981, initially sailing
aboard the Innovator. He shipped
in the deck department. Brother
Djuned’s final vessel was the Over-
seas Ohio. He makes his home in
Seattle.

WALTER FEY

Brother Walter Fey, 66, joined the
Seafarers in 1981. He sailed in the
engine department and upgraded at

the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Fey’s
first vessel was
the Indepen-
dence; his last,
the Chemical
Explorer. He is
a Philadelphia
resident.

ROMAN GENETIANO

Brother Roman Genetiano, 68,
signed on with the SIU in 1990, first
sailing aboard the Independence.

He shipped in
the deck de-
partment and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Genetiano most
recently sailed
aboard the USNS
Pililaau. He resides in Honolulu.

ROMARICO HINAYON

Brother Romarico Hinayon, 67,
embarked on his career with the

SIU in 2000. A
steward depart-
ment member, he
upgraded on nu-
merous occasions
at the union-affil-
iated Piney Point
school. Brother
Hinayon first
shipped aboard

the Coast Range. He concluded his
career aboard the Manulani and
makes his home in Long Beach,
California.

VERNON HUELETT

Brother Vernon Huelett, 66, started
sailing with the union in 1980,
initially working
on the Gemini.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1986.
Brother Huelett
last shipped on the
Dodge Island and
settled in Houston.

ABUBAKAR IDRIS

Brother Abubakar Idris, 70, joined
the union in 1997. He was a deck

department
member and first
sailed aboard the
Overseas Phila-
delphia. Brother
Idris upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
He most recently

worked on the Overseas Key West
and callas Beaumont, Texas, home.

HUGO INFANTE

Brother Hugo Infante, 65, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
1994, initially
sailing on the Sea
Lion. He was a
member of the en-
gine department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Infante
last shipped on the Dewayne T. Wil-
liams and lives in St. Petersburg,
Florida.

TAHA ISMAIL

Brother Taha Ismail, 65, joined the
SIU in 1999 when he sailed on the
Anders Maersk. He was a steward
department member and upgraded

at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Ismail
concluded his ca-
reer on the Dodge
Island and makes
his home in Dear-
born, Michigan.

JOHN JASINSKI

Brother John Jasinski, 69, signed
on with the union in 2003. He first

sailed with Key-
stone Shipping
Services and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Jasin-
ski upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.

He most recently shipped on the
Burns Harbor and is a resident of
Marquette, Michigan.

JAMES KASHA

Brother James Kasha, 65, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1997,
initially shipping
on the McDon-
nell. He sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Kasha
last shipped aboard the St Louis
Express. He lives in Dunnellon,
Florida.

ELKANAH LADIA

Brother Elkanah Ladia, 70, donned
the SIU colors
in 2001. He first
shipped aboard
the Keystone
Texas and worked
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Ladia upgraded
at the Piney Point
school in 2007.
He most recently

sailed aboard the Louisiana and
resides in Charleston, South Caro-
lina.

JAMES SIEGER

Brother James Sieger, 70, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1973 when he
shipped on an In-
terseas Bulk Car-
riers vessel. He
worked in the en-
gine department
and upgraded on
several occasions
at the Piney Point
school. Brother
Sieger concluded his career on the
Maersk Seletar. He lives in West
Babylon, New York.

KENNETH SIMBLER

Brother Kenneth Simbler, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1988. He
first sailed aboard the Inger and
worked in the deck department.

Brother Simbler
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions. He
last sailed on the
New York and is a
resident of Tyler,
Texas.

THESSOLONIAN SMITH

Brother Thessolonian Smith, 73,
began his career with the SIU in

2005. He shipped
in the steward
department and
initially sailed
aboard the Lykes
Explorer. Brother
Smith upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. He
most recently

shipped aboard the Resolve and re-
sides in Alexandria, Virginia.

RANDY SORIANO

Brother Randy
Soriano, 54,
joined the SIU in
2004. A steward
department mem-
ber, he first sailed
aboard the Jack
Lummus. Brother
Soriano’s final
vessel was the
USNS Montford
Point. He lives in the Philippines.

FRANK STRONG

Brother Frank Strong, 67, joined the
union in 2001 and initially sailed

on the Cape
Ducato. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded on nu-
merous occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Strong concluded
his career aboard
the Pelican State

and settled in Houston.

EDDIE TAYLOR

Brother Eddie Taylor, 70, signed
on with the Seafarers in 2001. He
sailed in the stew-
ard department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions.
Brother Taylor
worked for Key-
stone Shipping
Services for
the duration of his career and last
sailed aboard the Cape Kennedy. He
makes his home in New Orleans.

JUAN VEGA

Brother Juan
Vega, 69, became
a member of the
Seafarers Inter-
national Union
in 1998 when he
shipped on the
Long Lines. He
sailed in all three

departments and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Vega’s final vessel
was the USNS Gilliland. He resides
in New York.

GREAT LAKES

PATRICK SMITH

Brother Patrick Smith, 65, em-
barked on his career with the Sea-

farers in 1982.
He initially sailed
with Atlantic
Diving. Brother
Smith upgraded
at the Piney Point
school in 2012.
He was last em-
ployed by Great
Lakes Towing

and resides in Lakewood, Ohio.

INLAND

DARRYL ATHERLEY

Brother Darryl Atherley, 62, donned
the SIU colors
in 2007 when he
shipped on the
Integrity. A deck
department mem-
ber, he upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Atherley’s
final vessel was
the Achievement. He lives in Yan-
keetown, Florida.

MICHAEL LAS DULCE

Brother Michael Las Dulce, 56,
signed on with the union in 1986

when he sailed
aboard the
Columbia. He
worked in the en-
gine department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on sev-
eral occasions.
Brother Las

Dulce most recently sailed aboard
the Liberty Island and settled in
Cudjoe Key, Florida.

NMU

LLOYD DAVID

Brother Lloyd David, 66, joined the
Seafarers International Union dur-
ing the 2001 SIU/
NMU merger.
He was first em-
ployed by Marine
Personnel and
Provisioning and
sailed in the stew-
ard department.
Brother David
upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple oc-
casions and last sailed aboard the
Argonaut. He resides in Philadel-
phia.

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

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18 Seafarers LOG July 2022

DEEP SEA

GEORGE ARPIN
Pensioner George Arpin, 94,
passed away May 9. Born in
Webster, Mas-
sachusetts,
he joined the
SIU in 1949.
Brother Arpin
was a steward
department
member and
initially sailed
with Waterman
Steamship. He concluded his
career aboard the Walter Rice
before retiring in 1985. Brother
Arpin was a resident of Boynton
Beach, Florida.

MARK CARPENTER
Brother Mark Carpenter, 60,
died April 27. A Connecticut na-

tive, he started
sailing with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1986.
Brother Carpen-
ter shipped in
the deck depart-
ment, initially
aboard the

USNS Kane. He most recently
worked on the Maersk Colum-
bus and lived in Union, South
Carolina.

MACK FLORES
Pensioner Mack Flores, 79,
passed away May 16. He became
a member of the
union in 1986,
first working
aboard the USNS
Algol. Brother
Flores sailed
in the deck de-
partment. He
became a pen-
sioner in 2011
after concluding his career on the
Liberty Grace. Brother Flores
was a Houston resident.

JOHN FORBES
Pensioner John Forbes, 91,
died May 19. He embarked on
his career with the Seafarers
in 1951. A steward department
member, he first sailed aboard
the Alcoa Runner. Brother
Forbes’ final vessel was the
Carolina. He became a pen-
sioner in 1992 and settled in
Mobile, Alabama.

WILLIAM HALE
Brother William Hale, 88,
passed away April 19. He
donned the SIU colors in 1951
when he sailed aboard the Pan
Atlantic. Brother Hale was a
deck department member and
last shipped on the Mount Wash-
ington. He resided in Slidell,
Louisiana.

GREGORY HILL
Brother Gregory Hill, 66, died
December 26. Born in Mary-
land, he joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1971.
Brother Hill
was a member
of the deck
department and
first sailed with
Interseas Bulk
Carriers. He last shipped on the
Anchorage in 1995 and called
Laurel, Delaware, home.

GREGORY JOHNSON
Pensioner Gregory Johnson, 67,
passed away May 5. He started

sailing with
the Seafarers
in 1977 when
he worked on
the Baltimore.
A deck depart-
ment member,
Brother John-
son last sailed
on the Maersk

Missouri in 2010. He became a
retiree the following year and
settled in Ronkonkoma, New
York.

MAURICE KRAMER
Pensioner Maurice Kramer, 96,
died May 8. He was born in
Providence,
Rhode Island,
and joined the
union in 1945.
Brother Kramer
was first em-
ployed by New
York Central
Railroad Com-
pany and was a
deck department member. He last
worked with Delta Steamship
Lines before becoming a pen-
sioner in 1982. Brother Kramer
lived in Metairie, Louisiana.

JOHN LEVASSEUR
Pensioner John Levasseur, 74,
passed away May 4. He signed

on with the SIU
in 1969, initially
sailing with
Hudson Water-
ways. Brother
Levasseur was a
deck department
member. He
last shipped on
the USNS Yano

and became a pensioner in 2012.
Brother Levasseur lived in Wol-
cott, Connecticut.

PATRICK MAHER
Pensioner Patrick Maher, 74,
died May 6. He donned the SIU
colors in 1991 when he shipped
on the Independence. Brother
Maher worked in the engine de-
partment. He last sailed aboard

the Horizon
Reliance and
became a pen-
sioner in 2012.
Brother Maher
called Alton,
Missouri,
home.

GEORGE MAJOR
Pensioner George Major, 86,
passed away March 12. He em-

barked on his
career with the
Seafarers in
1967, initially
sailing aboard
the Cortland.
Brother Major
shipped in the
steward depart-
ment. He last

sailed aboard the Cape Mohican
and went on pension in 1994.
Brother Major lived in Jackson-
ville, Florida.

VARNEY MILNER
Pensioner Varney Milner, 76,
died April 23. A deck depart-
ment member,
he joined
the union in
2001. Brother
Milner’s first
vessel was the
Matej Kocak;
his last, the
Comet. He
retired in 2010
and settled in Santa Rosa Beach,
Florida.

KAID MOHAMED
Pensioner Kaid Mohamed,
66, passed away March 10.
He began his career with the
Seafarers in 1989. The steward
department member’s first ves-
sel was the Anders Maersk.
Brother Mohamed last shipped
on the Keystone State in 2002.
He began collecting his pension
in 2021 and resided in Oakland,
California.

JOHN PONTI
Brother John Ponti, 67, died
April 3. He started sailing with
the union in 1977 when he
worked on the Overseas Vivian.
Brother Ponti was an engine de-
partment member and last sailed
aboard the Independence in
1985. He lived in Maui, Hawaii.

JOSE RADONA
Pensioner Jose Radona, 83,
passed away March 11. He

joined the SIU
in 1999, initially
shipping on the
Independence.
Brother Radona
was a member
of the deck
department
and last sailed

aboard the Jack Lummus. He
became a pensioner in 2010 and
settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

RUSTY STEWART
Pensioner Rusty Stewart, 67,
died April 30. Born in Los Ange-
les, he became
an SIU member
in 1972. Brother
Stewart sailed
in the steward
department, and
his first vessel
was the Mer-
rimac. He most
recently shipped
aboard the Liberty and began
collecting his pension in 2020.
Brother Stewart called Poulsbo,
Washington, home.

PETROS TRIANTAFILOS
Pensioner Petros Triantafilos,
82, passed away April 14. He

embarked on
his career with
the Seafarers in
1969 when he
shipped on the
Western Clipper.
Brother Trian-
tafilos worked
in the engine
department and

last sailed aboard the Mariner.
He became a pensioner in 2005
and lived in Athens, Greece.

RENE YANES
Pensioner Rene Yanes, 88, died
April 23. He signed on with the
Seafarers Inter-
national Union
in 1969. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Yanes
first sailed on
the Cottonwood
Creek. After
concluding his
career aboard
the Overseas Harriette, he re-
tired in 1998. Brother Yanes
made his home in Martinsburg,
West Virginia.

GREAT LAKES

CLARENCE MASON
Pensioner Clarence Mason, 92,
passed away April 1. He joined

the Seafar-
ers Interna-
tional Union
in 1966. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Mason
first worked for
Great Lakes As-
sociates. He last

sailed aboard the Presque Isle
and went on pension in 1994.
Brother Mason lived in Superior,
Wisconsin.

INLAND

CHARLES CHARNOCK
Pensioner Charles Charnock, 85,
died May 8. He signed on with
the SIU in 1970, initially work-
ing with Gulf Atlantic Transport
Company. Brother Charnock
sailed in the deck department. He
concluded his career with Piney
Point Transportation in 1997.
Brother Charnock resided in
Tangier, Virginia.

JOSEPH ZORBACH
Pensioner Joseph Zorbach, 78,
passed away April 26. A member

of the engine
department,
he joined the
union in 1971.
Brother Zorbach
was employed
by McAllister
Towing of Bal-
timore for most
of his career. He

became a pensioner in 2000 and
called Ocean City, Maryland,
home.

NMU

GEORGE BROWN
Pensioner George Brown, 78,
died March 25. He sailed with
the NMU prior
to the 2001
merger with
SIU. Brother
Brown was an
engine depart-
ment member.
He last sailed
aboard the Eric
G. Gibson be-
fore becoming a pensioner in
2008. Brother Brown made his
home in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In addition to the foregoing individu-
als, the following union members have
also passed away. Insufficient informa-
tion was available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.

NAME AGE DOD
Bristow, Ray 86 05/01/2022
Brown, Harold 71 03/19/2022
Bruff, Noel 82 01/15/2022
Clarke, Ruben 84 03/16/2022
Cormier, Paul 95 03/21/2022
Denson, Larry 73 05/03/2022
Dingas, Loucas 83 03/27/2022
Gutierrez, Luis 70 02/22/2022
Horsford, Cedric 95 05/04/2022
Hunter, Raymond 92 04/22/2022
Hunter, Theodore 96 02/19/2022
Karalekas, Nicholas 94 04/16/2022
Kirksey, James 90 04/07/2022
Morales, Oscal 96 03/24/2022
Pablo, Franklin 81 03/22/2022
Paterson, Jay 84 04/13/2022
Rivera, Alejandro 87 03/19/2022
Sutton, Troy 96 03/13/2022
Thompson, Vincent 83 05/21/2022
Williams, Emmitt 94 05/05/2022

Final Final
DeparturesDepartures

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 19

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

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG 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.

POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning), Febru-
ary 27 – Chairman Richard Hitch-
cock, Secretary Armon Bailey,
Educational Director Ricardo
Ducay, Deck Delegate Tyler Pey-
ton. Members discussed various is-
sues with vessel and contract. Bosun
to send documented issues to head-
quarters. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members asked for more
assistance with steward department
as there are two serving areas to sat-
isfy. Crew gave thanks for the two
apprentices on board from the Piney
Point school. New flatscreen TV
purchased from ship’s fund. Mem-
bers requested new mattresses, more
vacation and Wi-Fi.

MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk
Line, Limited), March 5 – Chair-
man Cleofe Castro, Secretary
Ronald Byrd, Educational Direc-
tor Jerome Culbreth, Deck Del-
egate Michael Sherman, Engine
Delegate Jason Fuller. New sound
system in crew lounge and in gym.
Captain instructed crew to come
to him with purchase requests.
Secretary advised members to
keep documents up to date and
renew them well in advance. Edu-
cational director encouraged crew
to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center
and reminded them to get booster
shots before attending. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Ship to
receive new grill, smoker and pizza
oven. Members asked for better
Wi-Fi. All rooms need 110 voltage
converters. Crew requested higher
taxi fare allowance for airport trips
and more vacation time. New mat-
tresses needed. Steward department
was thanked for their service. Next
port: Newark, New Jersey.

MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), March 13 – Chair-
man Leoncio Gadingan, Secretary
Norma West, Educational Director
Jing Hui Huang, Engine Delegate
Syed Iqbal. Members requested

more vacation pay. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
would like physicals to be required
once per year instead of every six
months. Ship is getting new blan-
kets, pillows and towels.

OVERSEAS NIKISKI (Over-
seas Ship Management), March
27 – Chairman Paulin Augustin,
Secretary Steve Concepcion, Edu-
cational Director Fontanos Elli-
son, Deck Delegate Nelxon Diego,
Engine Delegate Ismael Manley,
Steward Delegate Nelson Bernar-
dez. Educational director reiterated
the importance of upgrading at the
union-affiliated Piney Point school.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members can find many forms on
the SIU website. Crew requested
new pillows, washcloths, water
bottles, and refrigerators in rooms.
Wi-Fi is slow on board, making on-
line communication difficult.

MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk
Line, Limited) March 27 – Chair-
man Anecito Limboy, Secretary
Stephan Osovitz, Deck Delegate
Romulo Tubon. New refrigerator
received for crew lounge. Chairman
encouraged members to contribute
to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activ-
ity Donation, the union’s voluntary
political action fund) and reminded
crew to leave clean rooms and linen
for oncoming crew. Educational
director advised crew to upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate
reported beef regarding chief mate
and assignment of weekend hours.
Members requested a decrease in
time needed for retirement and an
increase in pension payments. Crew
also desires a cost-of-living increase
in new contract.

POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning), April
3 – Chairman Richard Hitchcock,
Secretary Armon Bailey, Educa-
tional Director Darrell Goggins,
Deck Delegate Tyler Peyton,

Engine Delegate Kevin Johnson,
Steward Delegate Mark Keller.
Members reviewed old business
and discussed several items relat-
ing to OT payments. Crew wants
patrolman on board when arriving
at the coast and would like to hear
about upcoming contract. Union
reps are also wanted aboard ship
to discuss unresolved issues. Edu-
cational director reminded mem-
bers to upgrade at the Piney Point
school and to keep documents up
to date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested fans that
fasten to the wall in rooms and
safety mats outside of bathroom.
Help needed in galley. Members
would like to see 20 for 30 vacation
and wage increases.

JOHN PAGE (Sealift Inc.), April
17 – Chairman Ronmel Lopez Mi-
randa, Secretary Aaron Helton-
Cox, Educational Director Nathan
Bryant, Deck Delegate John Wahl
Engine Delegate Wayne Linnette,
Steward Delegate Cameron Azadi.
Captain discussed upcoming crew
change. Educational director under-
scored the upgrading opportunities
at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. He reminded members
to keep documents up to date. Is-
sues discussed regarding garbage
sorting and penalty pay in deck
department. Crew asked for clari-
fication on ship restriction. Mem-
bers read communications. Crew
requested DVD players in crew
lounge, TVs in every room, repair
to sauna, a treadmill in gym and
additional bumper plates. Members
would like a raise in vacation pay.

TAINO (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), April 24 – Chair-
man Donley Johnson, Secretary
Kimberly Strate, Deck Delegate
Rafael Franco, Engine Delegate
Shewanna Stephenson, Steward
Delegate Digna Castillo. No beefs

or disputed OT reported. Chairman
motioned to make changes to con-
tract wording relating to rest peri-
ods, emergency duties and drills,
and coffee time.

ALLIANCE NORFOLK
(Maersk Line, Limited), May
13 – Chairman Richard Gath-
ers, Secretary Timothy Dowd,
Educational Director Marvin

Sacaza, Deck Delegate Ramsey
Ingram, Steward Delegate
John Ward. Crew reviewed
old business, most of which has
been completed. Educational
director recommended mem-
bers upgrade at the Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested more
food supplies and raises in va-
cation time.

Aboard New Tug

AB Kenneth Bolin (right) and SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick
are pictured aboard the new Seabulk hybrid tug Spartan, believed
to be the first hybrid vessel in the company’s fleet.

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20 Seafarers LOG July 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.
7/22

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 August 29 September 16
October 17 November 4
November 28 December 16


Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21

Lifeboat/Water Survival August 1 August 12
August 29 September 9
September 26 October 7
October 24 November 4
November 21 December 2

Fast Rescue Boat August 22 August 26

RFPNW August 1 August 19
September 26 October 14
November 14 December 2

Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12

Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2

Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16

Advanced Stability September 5 September 9

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

RFPEW July 25 August 19
September 26 October 21
November 14 December 9

FOWT August 29 September 23
October 24 November 18

Junior Engineer July 11 September 2
September 19 November 11

Marine Electrician October 31 December 2

Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28

Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29

Welding July 11 July 29
September 26 October 14
October 31 November 18

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook July 11 August 12
August 15 September 16
September 19 October 21
October 31 December 2
December 5 January 5

ServSafe Management August 8 August 12
September 12 September 16
October 24 October 28
November 28 December 2

Advanced Galley Operations August 15 September 9
October 10 November 4

Chief Steward July 18 August 12
September 12 October 7
November 14 December 9

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23

Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30

Basic Training August 8 August 12
October 3 October 7

Basic Training Revalidation July 11 July 11
July 15 July 15
August 1 August 1
August 5 August 5

Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2
December 12 December 16

Government Vessels July 18 July 22
August 1 August 5
August 15 August 19
August 29 September 2
September 19 September 23
September 26 September 30
October 17 October 21
October 24 October 28
November 7 November 10
December 5 December 9

Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28

Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28

Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 August 19
October 31 November 4

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 21

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Apprentice Water Survival Class #882 – Graduated May 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Christian Alvarado, Amari Cowell, Jerwin Dela Cruz, Tahtyana Edmond, Omar Fahmie,
Tyree Harris, Clayton Laulainen, Christopher Lopez, Joshua Moore, Sherwin Murrell, Kelvin Oliver Jr., Ahmad Quarles Jr., Alexander Reay, Kristian Sims and Michael Wilt.

Tank Ship Familiarization DL (Phase III) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran,
Travis Morris and Jaime Rios.

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 department immediately so arrangements can be made to
have other students take their places.

Important Notice
To All Students

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22 Seafarers LOG July 2022

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels –
Graduated April 29 (photo at
right, in alphabetical order):
Shared Abdulaziz Ahmed,
Ronny Arzu Amaya, Andrzej
Marek Bronkowski, Latiffe
Brooks, Juan Domingo Car-
dona, Kathy Carter, Carlos
Jose Castillo Vidal, Bobby
Conner II, George Egbert,
Faith Gonse, Paula Minton,
Nelson Ilario Ordonez Buelto,
Vanessa Louise Osborne-
Brumsey, Greg Pavlich,
Jeffrey Phillips, Anthony Al-
exander Rivera Jr., Shafreda
Short Thigpen, Lisa Sottile,
Aldo Thomas, Zachary Vin-
cent, Vincent Vollaro and
Shana Zeidenberg. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)

Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven Joseph Benavides Jr., John Coleman Jr.,
Christopher Ferguson, Melvin Hill III, Arabi Nagi Muthala, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez, Juan Rafael Santiago Robles and Mukhtar
Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh.

Water Survival – Two upgraders graduated
from this course April 22: Mark Canada (not
pictured) and Ryan Chapman (above).

Medical Care Provider – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Luke Branko Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Vernon Van Humbles, Jahmal Jones, Christopher Marcani,
Michael McGlone, Justin Nicholson and Gajatri Normatova. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

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July 2022 Seafarers LOG 23

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Pumpman – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Leroy Harris, Vernon
Van Humbles, Daniel Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell Prescott and
Lonny Scott.

Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabeti-
cal order): Alondra Delgado, Kyle Jolivette and Jonathan Slattery.

Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated May 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Husain Ali Ali, Nasser Abdulla Almansoob, Ronald Burris, Rohmy Butler, Michael Clark, Eugene
Edwards, Bakr Saber Moustafa Elbana, Samed Shaif Kassem, Hubert Lawrence, Michael McGlone, Samuel Moore, Gajatri Normatova, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Timothy Paul,
Justo David Reyes, Mohsen Mohamed Said, Decontee Saypoh, Ryan Scott, Cynthia Servance, Joesef Moses Shaibi, Apollos Smalls, Benjamin Thuringer, Brandon Urich, Michael
John Estavillo Valdez and David Watkins. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated May 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Burris, Michael Clark, Lashay
Creekmore, Julius Jumangit Dagoldol, Joseph Dupre, George Nier Egbert, Brian Guiry, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana,
Michael McGlone, Gajatri Normatova, Nelson Ilario Ordonez Buelto, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Timothy Paul, Apollos
Smalls and Benjamin Thuringer. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated May 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Garry
Brandon, Graeme Simbajo Dy, Kim Holliman, William Johnson, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez and
Juan Rafael Santiago Robles.

Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated May 27 (above, in alphabetical
order): Shabrielle Knight, D’Artis Mitchell, Nikia Stripling, Branden Williams and
Jonathan Yates.

MSC Storekeeper Basic – A pair of upgraders graduated
from this course May 20. They are Christopher Marcani
(above, left) and Sherron Davita Decoteau.

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24 Seafarers LOG July 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

JULY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 7

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

Captain Praises Crew for ‘Amazing Job’Captain Praises Crew for ‘Amazing Job’
Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Lay-

cock (an SIU hawsepiper) offered strong words of
commendation following recent operations aboard
the U.S. Marine Management vessel.

“The officers and crew alike did an amazing
job and I especially want them to know this,” she
wrote. “From the middle of April to the middle
of May, our vessel conducted several UnReps/
CONSOL operations. The first operation was
with USNS Supply…. It was our first two-station
UnRep. The only way to make this work on a
commercially run vessel is to make this an ‘ALL
HANDS’ evolution. In order to run two stations
and to keep them safely manned during the evolu-
tion, we take on extra crew. Every crew member
from every department has to give a little to make
this all come together so seamlessly. From the
QMED standing by in the steering gear space to
the wiper on deck as a signalman, from the stew-
ard and chief cook who cover the SA signaling on

deck, to the entire deck gang, all have important
and integral roles that help to make this happen
safely.”

Laycock continued, “The crew of the Maersk
Peary conducted five evolutions altogether in the
covering a month-long period from April into May
with Military Sealift Command owned and oper-
ated vessels USNS Supply (two altogether), USNS
Patuxent and USNS Laramie. In addition to the
full UnReps/CONSOLS we also had the privilege
of conducting a dry hook-up with RFA Tidesurge
(from the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary).”

She concluded, “I’m so impressed and in awe
of what we’ve accomplished – not because I didn’t
think we could do it, but because the crew took
this challenge and ran with it! As a crew and as
a vessel, we have certainly learned, grown in our
flexibility and our overall capabilities. We used
every evolution as an opportunity to train and im-
prove and it was apparent in the final results.”

The USNS Patuxent (left) and Maersk Peary conduct one of several UnReps/CONSOL operations. The
photo at right shows the Peary alongside the RFA Tidesurge. AB Ed Majesky (left) works the line while
Pumpman Pat Montgomery runs the winch.

In photo above, AB Ben Wilson (left) and Recertified Bosun Ron
Paradise connect the span wire. AB Roni Castillo (photo below)
maintains manifold watch while alongside the USNS Patuxent.

Clockwise beginning from above: Pic-
tured from front to back in this Seafar-
ing selfie are Capt. Michele Laycock and
ABs Dave Kennedy and Josh Gail. AB
Berard Fedele observes operations from
the deck of the Peary while Wiper Abdel-
hak Moutmir signals for the other vessel
to continue slacking their line. Standing
by at their respective work stations are
Pumpman Pat Montgomery (left) and SA
Nisha Jones.

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