Media
Issue Date
2023-05-01
Volume
85
Issue Number
5
Plaintext
MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5
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
Michigan Stands Up for Workers
Page 5
Following a pandemic-induced pause, the Maritime Congressional Sail-In returned to the nation’s capital March 30 – and the SIU turned out in force. Throughout the day,
small groups of maritime labor and industry representatives met with members of Congress and their respective staffs. The maritime personnel explained or reiterated the
importance of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured just before the meetings began are (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, SIU VP
Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski and SIU Executive VP
Augie Tellez. Pages 2, 10, 11.
‘Sail-In’ Returns to D.C.
Event Delivers Pro-Maritime Messages
Seafarers to the Rescue (3 Times)
It has been a busy stretch for SIU crews when it comes to rescues at sea. The SIU-crewed National Glory (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants (photo at left) and
the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals, while the Seafarers-crewed Overseas Long Beach saved
12 migrants on March 30. Standing in the photo below are Bosun German Nunez (right) and GUDE Allan Castillo
aboard the OSG ship. Page 7. (National Glory photo courtesy AMO)
Paul Hall Center Earns Award
Page 4
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2 Seafarers LOG May 2023
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
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Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
Volume 85 Number 5 May 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
Promoting Our Union and Our Industry
President’s Report
The SIU had an outstanding turnout March 30 as our industry resumed
a crucial event known as the Maritime Congressional Sail-In. Prior to the
pandemic, the Sail-In took place annually for a decade before being forced
into a three-year break.
The Sail-In involves meetings with members
of Congress and their staffs throughout a very
full day on Capitol Hill. We send small groups
that include representatives from various sectors
of the industry, including maritime unions, ves-
sel operators, shipbuilders and more.
I’m glad it’s back. My overriding thought
during the meetings was that we could stand to
do more of that kind of outreach. It is that im-
portant. And it’s an eye-opener that reinforces
the need for us to regularly educate Congress
about who we are, what we do and why it mat-
ters to the nation. The individual meetings are
longer than an elevator pitch, but in the same
vein. We conducted more than 100 this time
around.
Seafarers know that our industry is heav-
ily regulated. The U.S. Merchant Marine depends on federal statutes
including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference
laws and more. In part, that’s because we play a critical role in national,
economic and homeland security. But even if that’s common knowledge
among some members of Congress, we cannot assume that all senators
and congressmen and their staffs automatically know about the industry.
Between the regular, election-generated turnover in D.C. and the constant
attacks on U.S.-flag shipping, we have a mandate to remain politically ac-
tive (not just at the federal level, either). We must speak up for ourselves
in order to preserve your jobs and to keep the U.S. flag flying on the high
seas, on the coasts and on our inland waterways.
This is a never-ending part of the job and I’m proud of the SIU’s very
active participation year-round, not just during special events like the
Sail-In. Nevertheless, the Sail-In is a big deal for us, and we’re all better
off with its resumption. Next year we hope to have some rank-and-file
members join us on Capitol Hill to meet with your representatives and
share your experiences as Seafarers and what they mean to you and your
community.
Recruiting the Next Generation
Along those same lines, recruiting is a constant undertaking. We all
know about manpower challenges in our industry and others, and the
SIU is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to meet the moment. Most
recently, this has involved outreach in Texas, California, New York, Wash-
ington State, Alaska and elsewhere.
Recruiting has always been part of our operation, but it has taken on
added importance since the pandemic. With that in mind, we’ve invested
additional resources and worked even more closely with our affiliated
school and with our contracted operators to attract people.
Obviously, there’s not an overnight fix, but I believe we’re making
progress. We will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Also, as men-
tioned in last month’s column, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of
word-of-mouth, informal recruiting. That’s also been part of our identity
for as long as we’ve been in business, and I encourage our SIU sisters and
brothers to be on the lookout for prospective members and send them our
way.
Progress Continues
Last but not least, I’m happy to report that our Norfolk hiring hall ren-
ovation is moving along nicely. We remain on track for a reopening this
summer, and I’m confident that our collective patience will be rewarded.
Anyone who has been to that hall knows that the location is tough to
beat. Renovating, rather than relocating, was the right call, and we’ll re-
christen the building in style.
David Heindel
Finance committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work.
After wrapping up their work, finance committee members joined SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy
Orzechowski for this photo. Seated (from left) are Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Orzechowski, QMED
Timothy Pillsworth and Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr. Standing are Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm
Zahid Reza, Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer, AB Mark Stabler and Chief
Cook Kenneth Kelly.
The SIU Constitution stipulates
that a seven-person contingent of
rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fel-
low members) annually examines the
organization’s financial records for the
previous calendar year.
That requirement was achieved
this year in early April when seven
SIU members successfully scruti-
nized and approved the union’s fis-
cal archives. After being duly elected
by their brother and sisters during the
union’s April membership meeting in
Piney Point, Maryland, members of
the seven-person team converged on
SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs,
Maryland, April 4 to conduct the audit.
Over the next several days, committee
members met and reviewed the union’s
financial records.
The committee found that the
SIU’s financial records for 2022 are
in good order. Their report, filed with
the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be
read in all ports and presented for ap-
proval at the union’s May membership
meetings.
Serving on the committee were
Recertified Bosun Timothy Pills-
worth (chairman), Bosun Carl Ped-
ersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, AB
Mark Stabler, Chief Cook Kenneth
Kelly, Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus
Jr., and Recertified Bosun Gerard
Costello.
The members conducted their tasks
in accordance with Article X, Section
14-c of the SIU Constitution, which
lists the duties of the annual financial
committee along with rules and proce-
dures for electing the group.
In part, their final report reads, “We
find that the Headquarters of the Union
is taking all steps possible to safeguard
Union funds and to see that the dis-
bursements of the Union are in accor-
dance with the authority delegated to
them and that, at the same time, there is
a striving effort to increase day-to-day
efficiency of our operation.”
The members reported that they
met with representatives from the
certified public accounting firm that
periodically audits the union’s books
and records. Those representatives
explained their procedures for check-
ing the secretary-treasurer’s financial
report of the union’s records, and they
also further discussed the SIU’s over-
all financial operation. SIU Secretary-
Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski also
worked with the committee “and made
himself and the records of his office
available” to the group, according to
the report.
In addition to Orzechowski, the
union’s legal counsel also convened
with committee members in the event
any of them had questions.
SIU Financial Committee
Signs Off on 2022 Records
A longtime champion of the United States maritime
industry has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the
American-flag fleet.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) issued the
following statement, which was published in the Congres-
sional Record on March 29, 2023, upon his introduction of
the Rebuilding the U.S.-Flag International Fleet Act:
I introduce the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United States-
Flag International Fleet Act.” This comprehensive legisla-
tion would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag international
fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing
government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag ves-
sels are available during wartime or emergencies.
The United States has the world’s most capable navy able
to operate in all five oceans, and we need an equally impres-
sive fleet of commercial cargo vessels crewed by American
mariners. For too long, Congress and both Democratic and
Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of
U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of ocean-
going U.S.-flagged vessels has declined more than 75
percent since 1985, following the 1982 treaty called the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The global supply chain crunch during the height of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade
of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island
building in the South China Sea and saber-rattling in the
Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States cannot re-
main reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
The “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International
Fleet Act” offers Congress the chance to enact the first
comprehensive reform of cargo preference laws in decades.
Our legislation incorporates recommendations for the Mar-
itime Administration from the Government Accountability
Office’s report published on September 14, 2022, entitled
“Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight.”
Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of the House to join me
in cosponsoring this critical legislation to address this crisis
facing the U.S.-flag international fleet.
Garamendi Offers Bill to Boost American-Flag Fleet
Legislation Would Guarantee Cargo for Vessels During Peacetime
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May 2023 Seafarers LOG 3
A recent hearing in the U.S. House of
Representatives focused on national de-
fense capabilities, prominently including
the crucial need for a strong U.S. Mer-
chant Marine.
Jointly hosted by two subcommittees
of the House Armed Services Committee
(Readiness, and Seapower and Projection
Forces), the hearing took place March 28.
It featured testimony from Gen. Jacque-
line Van Ovost, commanding officer of
the U.S. Transportation Command (US-
TRANSCOM), and from Maritime Ad-
ministrator Ann Phillips.
Also weighing in with their support for
American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet
were (among others) U.S. Rep. Michael
Waltz (R-Florida), chairman of the Sub-
committee on Readiness; and U.S. Rep.
Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), chairman of
the Seapower and Projection Forces Sub-
committee.
The hearing featured candid dialogue
about the challenges facing not only the
maritime industry but other components
of the nation’s readiness systems.
Waltz stated, “Recapitalization of our
sealift fleet that we will rely on to carry
ground platforms and materiel into theater
is a pressing issue. Crewing these vessels
is also of great concern. We have a sig-
nificant shortage of credentialed mariners
that, combined with poor vessel state,
have resulted in less than impressive read-
iness rates during recent exercises.
“We will also rely on this same pool
of credentialed mariners to crew commer-
cial vessels in the Maritime Security Pro-
gram and the Tanker Security Program,”
he continued. “We have a tough road
ahead and I look forward to hearing how
MARAD plans to administer these impor-
tant programs and bolster the number of
credentialed mariners.”
Kelly noted, “I remain concerned with
our aging sealift and air refueling fleet.
This year’s budget includes money to
purchase two additional sealift assets, but
the fleet remains on average too old….
MARAD is also an organization punching
above its weight. We are happy with the
success of the Tanker Security Program
and would like to hear your thoughts on
increasing capacity…. Finally, I’m con-
cerned with merchant mariner readiness
and how we can increase the pool of cre-
dentialed mariners.”
Van Ovost offered a comprehensive
review of USTRANSCOM’s responsi-
bilities and explained some of the threats
facing the United States. She said that
President Biden’s official National Se-
curity Strategy “makes clear that the
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and
Russia are working aggressively to un-
dermine democracy and export a model
of governance marked by repression at
home and coercion abroad. In their own
ways, both seek to erode the legitimacy of
established international norms and laws
that have persisted for almost a century.
Geopolitically, the PRC remains our most
consequential pacing challenge; followed
closely by Russia, an acute threat. Other
persistent threats including North Korea,
Iran, and violent extremist organizations
are developing or acquiring new capa-
bilities and pursuing strategies that could
challenge our ability to deploy and sus-
tain the Joint Force.
“The Department of Defense’s abil-
ity to project military forces is inextrica-
bly linked to commercial industry,” she
added. “Our industry partners provide
critical transportation capacity and global
networks to meet day-to-day and wartime
requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering
the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent
of military cargo will be transported via
sealift.”
She then explained that there are con-
cerns about the ages of many vessels in
the Ready Reserve Force (RRF).
“Therefore, USTRANSCOM supports
the Navy’s strategy to recapitalize the
government- owned fleet by acquiring
foreign-built used sealift ships from the
commercial market and further requests to
provide the Secretary of Defense discre-
tionary authority to purchase foreign-built
ships to expeditiously replace the aging
ships under more favorable market con-
ditions,” Van Ovost said. “This includes
removing the overall limit on the number
of used sealift vessels DOD can procure,
currently authorized at nine ships. We are
already a generation late in recapitalizing
a ready sealift fleet to meet our national
objectives.”
The general spelled out various steps
her agency and MARAD have taken to
bolster U.S. sealift capability, includ-
ing vessel purchases, implementing the
Tanker Security Program and more.
She said that maintaining a sufficient
pool of mariners “requires continued as-
sessment to ensure an adequately trained
supply to crew our surge fleet while mini-
mizing impacts to commercial industry.
The supply of contract mariners is suffi-
cient to meet the initial sealift surge when
government reserve ships are activated
but will be challenged with the ability
to sustain crewing requirements over an
extended period. The post-COVID recov-
ery has highlighted significant workforce
concerns to maritime stakeholders to in-
clude recruiting and retention.”
Phillips touched on components of
President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 bud-
get request that pertain to upgrading the
RRF, and why doing so is vital to national
security. She noted a plan to grow the fleet
from its current number of 45 vessels to
51.
The maritime administrator also un-
derscored the importance of the Maritime
Security Program, Cable Ship Security
Program, and Tanker Security Program.
Turning to shipboard manpower, she
said her agency “is partnering with our
stakeholders, both federal and non-fed-
eral, to work to identify strategies to help
address the mariner shortage and ensure
their readiness. Last fall, I hosted a sum-
mit with industry and federal stakeholders
to discuss the mariner shortfall. Partici-
pants identified the need to address barri-
ers to entry in the merchant marine as well
as the need to ensure quality of life aboard
ships such as ensuring internet connectiv-
ity for crew members.
“We also note that the existing Coast
Guard licensing system relies on labor-
intensive paper copies and manual entries
and is not set up to provide critical data
regarding the number of and availabil-
ity mariners with various credentials,”
she added. “We fully support the Coast
Guard’s ongoing efforts to modernize
the system to enable efficient issuance of
mariner credentials and provide enhanced
querying capabilities.”
Phillips stressed the agency’s focus
on “supporting our U.S.-flagged fleet
through opportunities to carry cargo. As
I said last year in testimony before the
Coast Guard and Maritime Transporta-
tion Subcommittee, put simply, without
cargoes, ships will leave the U.S. flag,
and our modest fleet will continue to
dwindle…. We are working with the
Biden-Harris Administration’s Made In
America Office to help agencies under-
stand cargo preference requirements. In
addition, I have written to all federal de-
partments and agencies explaining how
MARAD can help them ensure they meet
their obligations under cargo preference
laws and regulations.”
Military, Government Leaders Emphasize
U.S. Reliance on Strong Sealift Capacity
The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced
two contract awards that signal job security for SIU
members.
In both instances, SIU-contracted companies were
chosen to continue operating ships that they already
had been managing.
In early April, Ocean Shipholdings was selected
to operate seven government-owned oceanographic
survey (T-AGS) vessels. Those ships are the USNS
Waters, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS
Henson, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Mary Sears
and USNS Marie Tharp (formerly named the Maury).
The agreement is expected to expire at the end of
September 2024.
Previously, in late March, U.S. Marine Manage-
ment received a contract for the operation of three
government-owned large, medium-speed, roll-on/
roll-off (LMSR) vessels. Those ships are the USNS
Seay, USNS Pililaau and USNS Brittin. As with the
other award, this one is expected to last through Sep-
tember 2024.
SIU Jobs Secure Aboard
T-AGS Vessels, LMSRs
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly
(R-Mississippi)
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer
Ann Phillips
Maritime Administrator
U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz
(R-Florida)
“The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces
is inextricably linked to commercial industry. Our industry part-
ners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks
to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to
delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military
cargo will be transported via sealift.”
- Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 3 4/21/23 10:02 AM
4 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Officials from the Department of Defense
(DOD) and Department of Transportation
(DOT), along with executives from the Ameri-
can maritime industry met in New Orleans in
mid-March to discuss wartime readiness and
strengthen their strategic relationships.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
is the labor representative on the committee
known as the executive working group, which
is overseen by the U.S. Transportation Com-
mand (USTRANSCOM). He took part in the
recent sessions.
“When our nation goes to war, so too does
the maritime industry,” said U.S. Army Lt.
Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander of US-
TRANSCOM. “Maintaining an adequate fleet
of seaworthy ships is critical to TRANSCOM’s
ability to deploy forces in a major conflict, as
nearly 90% of U.S. military equipment would
move by ship.”
Sullivan led the group and also was joined
by senior leaders from the Maritime Adminis-
tration, the Military Sealift Command, and ex-
ecutives from U.S. commercial sealift carriers.
The group is a subcommittee under the
National Defense Transportation Association,
where its members weigh how the DOD can
improve its global transportation enterprise –
specifically sealift and the Voluntary Intermodal
Sealift Agreement (VISA). Tellez has been part
of the group for more than two decades.
VISA is a partnership program between the
U.S. government and maritime industry. The
agreement was established in 1997 to provide
the DOD with assured access to commercial
sealift and intermodal capacity to support emer-
gency deployment and sustainment of U.S. mil-
itary forces. Intermodal capacity includes dry
cargo ships, equipment, terminal facilities, and
intermodal management services.
Sullivan expressed appreciation for the his-
toric contributions delivered by civilian seafarers.
“U.S. Merchant Mariners are the backbone of
our maritime capability,” he stated. “The quali-
fied mariners you employ are the lifeblood we
rely on to power our strategic sealift portfolio.”
USTRANSCOM, in coordination with
MARAD, manages a strategic sealift portfolio that
includes privately owned ships plus government-
owned vessels. The privately owned ships enrolled
in VISA are one element of the broader collection.
The Maritime Security Program, a government
retainer program for internationally trading ships,
is another element of the commercial fleet, as the
ships included in that program commit 100% of
their capacity and support to VISA.
According to USTRANSCOM, on any
given day, approximately 30 commercial and
military ships are providing support to the
DOD, moving strategic resources and materiel
worldwide. With that in mind, Sullivan said,
“Sealift is essential not only in crisis, but in ev-
eryday operations.”
He added, “Eighty percent of the 62 voyages
supporting the delivery of aid and supplies to
Ukraine were conducted by our commercial part-
ners. While the air numbers (sorties flown) are
larger, the largest volume has travelled by sea.”
Members of the executive working group meet in New Orleans. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, the labor representative, is second from right, in front. (Photo courtesy USTRANSCOM)
Industry Group Examines U.S. Wartime Readiness
Mariners Hailed as ‘Backbone of Our Maritime Capability’
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education (PHC) re-
cently received accolades from the St. Mary’s
County, Maryland, Health Department.
School personnel were on hand April 3 for
a local ceremony honoring the PHC and other
recipients of the county’s Gold Star Awards.
Those honors are given annually “to food ser-
vice facilities that achieve superior food safety
standards,” according to the county.
PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski,
who attended the ceremony in Leonardtown,
stated, “It’s always a team effort with the
upgraders, trainees and crew (staff), coordi-
nating a daily sanitation checklist along with
observations that are addressed immediately.”
He added that the school, located in Piney
Point, sees no shortage of meals or diners.
“The level of activity that we have here
is amazing,” Hetmanski noted. “We do three
meals a day and we have hundreds of people
we feed for each meal. With the continuous
rotation of upgraders and apprentices, for us
to always get that job done is a tribute to the
staff and students.”
The award recipients make up approxi-
mately 20% of St. Mary’s County’s licensed
food service facilities.
According to the county, “The Gold Star
Program has recognized food establishments
for superior food safety practices since the
program’s inception in 2007. Environmental
health specialists at the health department
regularly inspect more than 500 food service
facilities in St. Mary’s County to ensure food
safety is being adequately addressed. During
2022, more than 1,400 inspections were con-
ducted.”
“These food establishments deserve rec-
ognition for achieving such high standards
for their attention to food safety and sanita-
tion,” stated Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s
County health officer. “We appreciate their
extra dedication to ensure our community
members can not only enjoy their food, but
also have confidence in its safe prepara-
tion.”
The food establishments that achieve this
high level of compliance receive a certificate
and a window sticker designating them as
Gold Star establishments. The requirements
to earn a Gold Star include: no critical viola-
tions (based on the Code of Maryland Regula-
tions), no temperature violations cited during
a monitoring inspection; all violations noted
by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day
follow-up inspection, no confirmed unsafe
food handling complaints, at least one food
service worker completed a recognized and
approved Food Service Sanitation and Safety
Class within the last two years.
Paul Hall Center
Receives County
Food Safety Award
Pictured at the awards ceremony are (from left) St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr.
Meena Brewster and Paul Hall Center personnel Executive Chef John Hetmanski, Chef
Robert Johnson, upgrader Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, and apprentices Cameron McNeil
and Gregg Lamar Gethers.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 4 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 5
Washington State Senate: Jones Act
‘Critical’ to Prosperity and Security
The Washington State Senate in early Feb-
ruary passed a resolution that recognizes the
vital role of the Jones Act in the state’s econ-
omy and national security. The Jones Act,
which was authored by then-U.S. Senator for
Washington State Wesley Jones, requires that
vessels transporting cargo between U.S. loca-
tions be American-built, American-owned and
American-crewed – a boon for U.S. national
and economic security.
The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by
Senator Karen Keiser (D) and co-sponsored
by Senator Mark Schoesler (R), emphasizes
the critical role of the Jones Act in cultivating
a robust American maritime industry that is
essential to the state and country. The resolu-
tion also notes that Washington is home to an
estimated 22,500 jobs supported by the Jones
Act, and the American maritime fleet supports
approximately 650,000 family-wage jobs na-
tionwide.
“It was an honor to have so many members
of the maritime community join us in Olympia
as we celebrated the legacy of the Jones Act
and recognized the importance and history of
the maritime industries to our state’s economy
and culture,” said Senator Keiser of Washing-
ton’s 33rd Legislative District, during her floor
speech celebrating the bill’s passage.
The Jones Act fleet contributes more than
$154 billion in economic output nationally
and $6.1 billion to Washington’s economy, ac-
cording to the latest statistics by the American
Maritime Partnership. The impact goes beyond
the men and women who work aboard vessels
in the area, as it also includes shipbuilding
and ship repair industries as well as America’s
equipment manufacturers and vendors, dredg-
ers and marine construction contractors.
The resolution also noted that the pandemic
has raised the “critical importance of maintain-
ing resilient domestic industries and transporta-
tion services to the citizens and workforce of
Washington state.”
Peter Schrappen, vice president – Pacific
Region of the American Waterways Operators,
commented, “The Jones Act is the founda-
tional law that makes it possible for American
maritime to make these and many other con-
tributions to Washington’s economy, security,
environment and quality of life.” He added
that U.S.-flag industry, including the tugboat,
towboat and barge components, is a “critical
economic engine and a committed leader in
environmental sustainability” in Washington
State and across the United States.
In addition, the Jones Act helps to ensure
the nation’s security by maintaining a domestic
maritime industry capable of providing support
to the military in times of conflict or national
emergency. This is particularly important for a
state like Washington, which is home to major
naval bases, including Naval Base Kitsap,
Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station
Whidbey Island, to name a few, all of which
provide important support to the Pacific Fleet
and the services both in peace and war.
As one industry group put it, “Given the
current tensions with China after the U.S. mili-
tary took down a Chinese spy balloon, main-
taining a strong Pacific Northwest keeps the
United States ready in the event of a conflict.”
The Washington State resolution is the latest
of several state resolutions that have passed in
recent months recognizing the Jones Act for its
role as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economic
and national security. Supporters say the reso-
lution is also a testament to its enduring impor-
tance to Washington State and an affirmation of
Sen. Jones’ legacy.The Washington State Capitol, located in Olympia
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
(D) on March 24 delivered a huge win for
labor unions – and for all working families
– across the United States when she signed
legislation (Senate Bill 34 Restoring
Workers Rights) that repealed the state’s
so-called “right to work” law (RTW).
In addition to this main bill, Whitmer
also signed a pair of companion pieces
of legislation. The first, House Bill 4004,
erased the state’s RTW law for public-sec-
tor workers as well. That bill’s sponsors
acknowledged public-sector unions will
still be blocked from requiring govern-
ment employees to join or pay dues under
the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in
Janus v. AFSCME.
Finally, the governor signed a third bill
(House Bill 4007) as part of Democrats’
pro-labor package, restoring Michigan’s
prevailing wage law to set minimum pay
requirements for workers involved in state-
funded construction and infrastructure
projects.
“Michigan workers are the most tal-
ented and hard-working in the world and
deserve to be treated with dignity and
respect,” Whitmer said in a statement
released by her office. “These bills will
protect health and safety, ensuring health-
care workers can put patient care ahead of
profit, construction workers can speak up
when there’s a safety issue, and employees
can call attention to food safety threats and
other problems.
“Today, we are coming together to
restore workers’ rights, protect Michi-
ganders on the job and grow Michi-
gan’s middle class,” the governor
concluded after she signed the legis-
lation.
Reaction to the Michigan RTW law’s
demise was swift, especially from those
who supported the governor’s action.
“Unions made Michigan a hub of Ameri-
can business, and an engine of America’s
middle class,” tweeted President Joe
Biden. “A strong middle class benefits
everybody. Michigan is leading as a great
place to be a worker and a great place to
do business.”
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO,
the largest federation of unions in the U.S.,
also chimed in. “This is what happens
when we elect union members to halls of
power,” she said. “We fight and we WIN
for working people. Right to work, hit the
curb!”
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron
Bieber issued a statement outlining his
stance shortly after the RTW law met
its demise. In part, that statement read:
“After decades of anti-worker attacks,
Michigan has restored the balance of
power for working people by passing
laws to protect their freedom to bargain
for the good wages, good benefits, and
safe workplaces they deserve. Ten years
ago, Governor Whitmer was standing
side by side with well over 10,000 work-
ing people who showed up in Lansing
to protest the devastating attack on their
rights. Today, she has demonstrated yet
again her unwavering commitment to
putting working families first. After de-
cades of attacks on working people, it’s
a new day in Michigan, and the future is
bright.”
Passed more than decade ago, the
Michigan RTW statute allowed people in
unionized workplaces to opt out of pay-
ing union dues and fees as a condition of
employment, even if the union represented
them in negotiations. According to several
sources, Michigan State Democrats had
long viewed the law as contentious, argu-
ing that it allowed for “free riders,” or peo-
ple receiving union representation without
having to pay fees or dues for it. With the
law now abolished, unions can require all
workers in all unionized workplaces to pay
fees for the cost of representation in bar-
gaining.
Michigan, when the RTW law was
enacted in 2012, enjoyed the nation’s
seventh-highest percentage of unionized
workers, but that plummeted to 11th in
2022. Union membership over the last
decade in Michigan has decreased by 2.6
percentage points; U.S. union member-
ship overall has been falling steadily for
decades, reaching an all-time low last year
of 10.1%.
Michigan became the first state in 58
years to repeal a RTW law, with Indiana
repealing its in 1965 before Republicans
there restored it in 2012. In 2017, Mis-
souri’s Republican Legislature approved a
RTW law, but it was blocked from going
into effect before voters overwhelmingly
rejected it the next year.
In total, 26 states now have so-called
RTW laws in place.
“Today, we are coming to-
gether to restore workers’
rights, protect Michiganders
on the job and grow Michi-
gan’s middle class,”
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Lawmakers Deliver Legislative
Victories for U.S. Unions, Working Families
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D)
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 5 4/21/23 1:41 PM
6 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Editor’s note: The following news release
was issued by the National Maritime Center
on March 20. It’s available on the SIU web-
site.
Credentials Lost in the Mail
The National Maritime Center (NMC)
mails completed credentials via standard
USPS mail, which does not include a means
of tracking, and delivery can take up to 21
days. In some cases, the credential may be
returned or irreparably lost in the mail for
a variety of reasons. Following are some
important things you can do to reduce the
chances of this happening:
• Validate your address. When apply-
ing for a credential, make sure the address on
your application form is accurate and legible.
If you change your address after the applica-
tion has been submitted, notify us as soon as
possible before your credential is processed
and mailed by contacting our Customer Ser-
vice Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Note, after the credential has been processed
and mailed, we cannot change the method
used for mailing.
• Consider using an expedited mail-
ing option. We strongly recommend you
use an expedited mailing option. Please
note, the cost incurred for expedited
mailing is the responsibility of the mari-
ner.
Think your credential is lost in the mail?
A replacement credential will be issued,
free of charge, to mariners whose credentials
were lost in the mail prior to receipt through
no fault of their own. Affected mariners
should follow the steps below to obtain an
expedited replacement credential:
1. Confirm that we mailed out your cre-
dential. You can use the Credential Applica-
tion Status tool.
2. If you have not received your creden-
tial by 21 days after it was mailed, provide a
CG-719B application for a Merchant Mariner
Credential and affidavit of loss to the NMC
within 60 days of mailing of the original
credential in person or via e-mail to your ser-
vicing Regional Examination Center. The af-
fidavit should contain the following:
a. Mariner’s full name
b. Mariner’s date of birth
c. Mariner’s reference number
d. The mailing address the replacement
credential should be sent to
e. Current phone number and/or e-mail
address that the NMC can use to contact the
mariner with questions, if necessary
f. Description of the circumstances sur-
rounding the loss, i.e., never received the ini-
tial credential.
We will make every effort to have replace-
ment credentials mailed out as soon as possi-
ble. If your original credential is subsequently
received, you must immediately return the
credential to the NMC.
PLEASE NOTE: E-mailing your appli-
cation is the preferred method. While the
Coast Guard can accommodate e-mails
with attachments up to 35 MB in size,
verify any size restrictions your e-mail
provider may have prior to sending. Miss-
ing information will cause applications to
be delayed or rejected.
If you have questions regarding du-
plicate or replacement credentials, please
contact the NMC Customer Service Cen-
ter via our online chat system (scan the QR
code below to open the chat website) or by
calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
NMC Issues Notice
About Credentials
Lost in the Mail
ITF Pushes Governments to Heed
Pandemic Supply-Chain Lessons
The International Transport Workers’
Federation (ITF) is urging governments
to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pan-
demic and its aftermath to secure reliable
maritime supply chains for their citizens
and the climate.
In a new report from the federation –
titled “Opportunities for Seafarers and
National Maritime Policies: Navigating
Beyond the Chaos of the Pandemic” – in-
dustry experts identify specific examples
and propose practical solutions for bolster-
ing supply chains.
The SIU is an affiliate of the London-
based ITF.
“During the pandemic, in many coun-
tries, consumers and businesses expe-
rienced shortages, including of critical
goods like medicines and fuel supplies,”
said Chris Given, secretary-treasurer of the
Seafarers International Union of Canada
and one of the report’s authors. “But what
we see is that in other countries, specifi-
cally those with robust national maritime
policies, governments were able to harness
well-laid policy levers to get their people
fed, fueled and on a quicker path back to
economic and health recovery.”
Throughout the pandemic, many of the
world’s shipping containers had been scat-
tered – found in locations far from their
intended destinations, the federation re-
ported. The disarray resulted in record-high
shipping prices and persistent port conges-
tion, which quickly led to mass shortages
of finished goods and left consumers at the
mercy of overstretched supply chains, ac-
cording to the ITF.
At the same time, upwards of 400,000
mariners were essentially trapped aboard
vessels due to pandemic restrictions, un-
able to return home and be relieved by a
fresh crew. Tired and weary, some seafar-
ers were stuck on board for more than a
year at the crew change crisis’ peak, the
report stated.
“Amidst the chaos, some countries were
able to use national flag fleets to shift criti-
cal cargo and get supply chains moving
again. We have to remember that these are
supply chains that remained logjammed
elsewhere,” Given said. “In writing this
report, we asked ‘Why?’ What was dif-
ferent about some countries that saw them
come through faster and stronger, while
others were very negatively exposed by
these crises?”
The report also identifies governments
whom the federation describes as “strug-
gling to navigate the turbulent waters of
the crises due to poor planning and policy.”
For instance, according to the ITF, Aus-
tralia’s federal government “could only
look on as its lack of a strategic fleet caused
the country’s businesses and consumers to
become hostage to an incredibly volatile
global market for shipping services. Firms,
households and the public sector were at
the mercy of the markets and their record-
high prices, even for cargo critical to the
nation’s economic or physical health.”
“COVID-19 and the supply chain
shocks which followed laid bare just how
fragile our global supply chains are,” said
SIU President David Heindel, who also
heads the ITF Seafarers’ Section. “Sen-
sible national maritime policies are an im-
portant insurance to safeguard a country’s
economic, health, security, and environ-
mental interests. After what the world has
been through, what kind of government
wouldn’t want that insurance for their
people?”
He added, “In the absence of sensible
national maritime policies, governments
put their economies and their communities
at extreme – and unnecessary – risk. There
is another way.”
Heindel said some countries have al-
ready shown they had taken note of the
pitfalls of an unprepared national maritime
sector. The ITF’s report highlights recent
moves by Brazil, Canada, New Zealand,
Norway, Panama, South Africa, the UK
and the United States to strengthen support
for cabotage and other sensible national
maritime policies in their domestic legisla-
tion and planning.
“The standout performance of our do-
mestic shipping sectors, not only in the
U.S. but elsewhere too, throughout these
cr ises shows that when you invest in your
people … and your industry, you are better
prepared to provide for your citizens come
what may in the global headwinds,” Hein-
del concluded.
Given added, “Ours is a success story.
But there is more we can do, with more
governments supporting our critical sector
all over the world.”
ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline
Smith agreed. “If the world is to step up
to the collective challenge of cutting car-
bon emissions to a safe level, then shipping
needs to do our part,” she said. “We can’t
do that, however, if there aren’t seafarers
coming through with the right skills to
handle the fuels and ships of the future.”
Smith said that up to 800,000 seafarers
would require some form of retraining or
familiarization by 2030 as the industry rap-
idly decarbonizes.
“Now is the time for governments to in-
vest in a secure future by putting in place
sensible national maritime policies. They
should do this not only for people but also
for the planet,” Smith said.
The ITF has more than 700 affiliated
trade unions from 153 countries. Collec-
tively, they represent millions of workers.
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education
in late March hosted guests from
the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade
Union of Ukraine, the International
Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),
and Nautilus International. Pictured
during a tour of the school in Piney
Point, Maryland, are (from left in photo
above) SIU President David Heindel
and Oleg Grigoryuk, president of the
Ukrainian maritime union; and, from
left in photo below, Maya Schwieg-
ershausen-Güth and Anne Lindsay of
the ITF along with Danny McGowan
of Nautilus. Tomas Abrahamsson of
the ITF Seafarers’ Trust also visited
as part of the same group.
International Maritime
Officials Tour PHC
Campus, Facilities
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 6 4/21/23 1:41 PM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 7
The M/V National Glory, operated by
SIU-contracted Intrepid Personnel and
Provisioning, was called upon to res-
cue two vessels full of migrants within a
month.
On March 4, the National Glory saved
15 Cuban migrants, adrift aboard a pow-
erless raft near the Straits of Florida; and,
just a month prior, the Seafarers-crewed
vessel rescued 21 people from a doomed
makeshift sailboat in the same region.
SIU members sailing aboard the Na-
tional Glory during the rescues included:
Recertified Bosun Joseph White, ABs
Kerry Bodden, Delroy Jose Fernandez
Fernandez and Carlos Lasso, STOSs
Dexter Arriola Arzu, Jet Delfin and
Carlos Jones, QMED Linarys Castillo
Ortiz, Oilers Reinaldo Timbal Fostanes,
Mohammed Alam Gir and Benjamin
Scott, Steward/Baker Cole Briggs and
Chief Cook Yoaquin Antonio Gonzalez
Dejesus.
In the early hours of March 4, watch-
standers noticed a flickering light among
the waves. Once it was determined to be
a signal for help, the crew was alerted and
rushed into action as the National Glory
created a lee to shield the raft from the
waves. The stranded boaters were then
brought aboard to safety, as the crew
provided medical aid to one of the res-
cued migrants, who was having difficulty
breathing.
According to White, the bosun, “Our
training is just what we do. We’re profes-
sional seamen, and I’ve been involved in
maybe 20 rescues in my life. We just au-
tomatically kick into gear, and my crews
have a system down at this point. It’s sec-
ond nature.”
The third mate, who was fluent in Span-
ish, served as a translator between the crew
and the rescued migrants. He was told by
the migrants that their craft’s engine had
died and they had been drifting powerless
for five days, and had run out of food and
water.
“They always say they’re sinking, and so
we treat every rescue as if it’s life and death,”
White explained. “One group was pretty far
away from shore, and I don’t know if they
would have made it without us.”
He added that the Cuban Coast Guard
personnel (to whom the migrants were trans-
ferred) were friendly and helpful, as usual.
In both recent instances, the migrants
were provided with food and dry clothing
as the crew awaited the arrival of a Coast
Guard vessel to transport the rescued boat-
ers into Cuban custody.
“You look at their boats, just plywood
stuck together with no fiberglass on the
outside, and it’s pretty clear that boat
wasn’t going to make it,” White added.
“But an American seaman is never going
to leave anyone stranded in the water, not
in a million years.”
One of the doomed craft, filling with water after the migrants had
been safely brought aboard the National Glory Some of the migrants are pictured aboard the SIU-crewed National Glory following their rescue on March 4.
National Glory Crew Saves Lives – Twice
On March 30, the crew of the OSG-operated Over-
seas Long Beach diverted course to rescue 12 individuals
stranded on an adrift vessel approximately 185 nautical
miles south of Louisiana.
The SIU crew aboard the Overseas Long Beach in-
cluded: Bosun German Nunez; ABs Kar Lee Arrington
Jr., Kevin Chan and Elben Sandoval; OSs Samuel Lam-
bert and LaMario McGhee; QMED Gilbert Johnson;
GUDE Ahmed Ali and Allan Castillo; Chief Steward
Jose Norales; Chief Cook Edgardo Padagdag; SA Tony
Washington; and Apprentices Coleman Brewer and An-
thony Harrell.
According to OSG: “The Overseas Long Beach was on
a voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksonville, Flor-
ida, when at 1645 LT, the 4x8 lookout watch on the bridge
spotted a small craft approximately 1.5 miles away with
occupants waving their arms. The officer on watch took
immediate action notifying the Master and diverted from
course to render assistance as necessary while the Mas-
ter mustered the crew. The Master of the Overseas Long
Beach maneuvered the ship close to the distressed craft to
establish communications. U.S. Coast Guard Sector New
Orleans was immediately notified, and the craft with 12
persons aboard was brought alongside to assess the situa-
tion and to transfer food, water, first-aid supplies, blankets,
flashlights, emergency signals and life jackets while await-
ing further guidance from Sector New Orleans.”
After consulting with the Coast Guard, the crew worked
to bring all 12 migrants aboard. Then, following a security
and medical evaluation, the rescued boaters were provided
food, water, blankets and mattresses in the crew lounge.
The rescued individuals relayed through a bilingual crew
member that the doomed craft had been at sea for 12 days,
and that they had run out of food a week prior to being
saved. After 36 hours on board, the migrants were trans-
ferred to a Coast Guard Cutter off Key West, at which time
the vessel returned to its original route.
OSG CEO Sam Norton congratulated the crew, stating:
“Universal human rights are protected in international law,
but their effective enforcement is not universal. In similar
circumstances, some may have chosen the easy way out of
a potentially complex situation by turning a blind eye to the
existence of a vessel in distress. The Overseas Long Beach
did not choose this path. Rather, all on board chose to act
with honest concern and empathy for those in need in a
manner which affirms, in the most visible way possible, the
standards of ethics and transparency that lie at the core of
OSG’s culture. Thanks to the individuals involved for a job
well done, for the care and attention that were offered those
in distress, and for the level of professionalism exhibited
by all in handling this matter effectively.”
Overseas Long Beach Crew Rescues 12
These snapshots, submitted by Bosun German Nunez, show the rescue operation involving the Overseas
Long Beach.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 7 4/21/23 10:02 AM
8 Seafarers LOG May 2023
SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE – Houston-based members of Team SIU are on the recruiting trail, as reflected
in these recent photos. Pictured at the conference table in photo above are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Houston City
Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Port Agent Joe
Zavala. They discussed recruiting opportunities in District F. The snapshot at right includes SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (standing)
along with Bob Silva of AMO and Evangeline Broome of OSI.
RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent
Warren Asp (left) welcomes a prospective member to a career
fair in Anchorage, Alaska.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Dave “Hoss”
Henson (right) is pictured at the hiring hall as he picks up
his first pension check. He retired from Crescent Towing as
a licensed engineer after 44 years of service. SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook is at left.
ABOARD USNS CAPELLA
– Pictured in late March
aboard the Ocean Duchess
vessel in San Francisco are
(from left) SIU Port Agent
J.B. Niday, GUDE Rolando
Dinong, SIU Safety Direc-
tor Dylan Rivera, Recertified
Bosun Artis Williams, GUDE
Rodolfo Ludovice, Electri-
cian Salah Saleh, Recerti-
fied Steward Dante Cruz and
Electrician Alex Canada.
ABOARD GEM STATE – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (seated at center) meets with SIU members March 20
aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessel. Marrone thanked the Seafarers for their dedication in answering the call when
MARAD activated the ship.
REPRESENTING SIU – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson recently served on a NY/NJ Port Authority
Workforce panel. He’s at the front table, far right (nearest the podium), with Capt. Jeffrey Spillane of SUNY Maritime
and Sean Kerwick of Hudson County College. Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY and NJ
served as moderator. Panelists and other attendees discussed various aspects of local transportation jobs, including
retention and how different sectors can more effectively work together.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 8 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 9
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
FULL BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers received their respective
B-books at the March membership meeting. They are (from left in photo at left) AB
Jamison Pierce, Chief Cook Maurice Henry and (left in photo above) AB Kenneth
Townsend. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right in both photos.
WELCOME ABOARD – Chief Cook Elizebeth Chavez (second
from left) receives her full book at the hall in Oakland, Califor-
nia. A graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s CCAP program, she’s
pictured with (from left) SIU Patrolman Kathy Chester, SIU Port
Agent J.B. Niday and SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera.
MILESTONE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Gervacio Antonio
Simon (left) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Port
Agent Warren Asp.
AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE HALL – AB Rossitza
Zahariev (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s
pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins.
BOOKS RECEIVED IN GARDEN STATE – AB Yoland Legaspi (left in photo at left) picks up his A-seniority book at
the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, while Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (left in photo directly above) receives
his B-book. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos.
AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Newly certified Chief Cook Ramon
Hilerio (left) receives his B-book in late March. He’s pictured with
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
BOOKS GALORE IN WILMINGTON – Three Seafarers recently secured their respective full B-seniority books at
the hiring hall. They are: AB Carlomagno Surigao (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman), QMED
Jorge Valencia Bon (center photo) and Chief Cook Shadonna Jones (right in photo at right, also with Jarman).
SEAFARERS TEAM
UP – The SIU-crewed,
Pasha-operated Jean
Anne (above) gets an
assist from the SIU-
crewed Crowley tug
Scout in San Diego.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 9 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 1110 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Sail-In Sets
Participation Record
In Return to Nation’s Capital
Event Carries Pro-Maritime Message to Capitol Hill
The SIU strongly contributed to a record turnout as
maritime industry leaders met with members of
Congress and their respective staffs on March 30,
in a return to the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In
event which had been on hiatus since the onset of the pan-
demic. In total, 138 members of the maritime community
– including 28 SIU executives and representatives – sat
down with 139 senators, congressional representatives or
their staffs, making this iteration of the event the largest
in its 11-year history.
Representing the SIU at the day-long outreach: Presi-
dent David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin
Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski; Vice
Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey,
Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell; Politi-
cal and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant
Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Michael Russo and Joe
Vincenzo; Political Consultants Terry Turner and Lanier
Avant; Port Agents Joe Baselice, James Bast, Todd Brdak,
DeCarlo Harris, Ray Henderson, John Hoskins, Gerret
Jarman, Ashley Nelson, J.B. Niday, Mario Torrey, Chris
Westbrook and Jimmy White; and Representative Shane
Sterry.
The Sail-In allows the maritime community to come
together and speak to lawmakers on the issues that matter
most to the industry. Each group typically features at least
one member from a different component of the maritime
industry, including labor, management, retired Naval of-
ficers, and educators.
This year, participants discussed (among other top-
ics) the Maritime Security Program, and that it should be
fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of
$318 million; the Tanker Security Program being fully
funded at the congressionally authorized level of $120
million; and increasing funding for international food
aid programs, such as PL-480. They also touched on the
numerous benefits of the Jones Act, America’s freight
cabotage law, which protects U.S. national, economic and
homeland security.
Among those pictured: SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left), International Propeller Club Executive VP Adm.
Joel Whitehead, Maersk General Counsel Pat McCaffery, USMMA Alumni Senior VP Marilyn Livi, Seacor’s Chris Johnsen,
and a member of Rep. Andrew Clyde’s (R-Georgia) legislative staff.
Pictured left to right: SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, U.S.
Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and SIU Executive VP Augustin
Tellez.
Gathering for a photo in between meetings, from
left to right: USMMA Alumni Brian Foy, Hapag Lloyd
USA Senior Sales Manager Gina Rivera and SIU
VP Contracts George Tricker.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left), Rep. David Valadao (R-Califor-
nia) (middle), K&L Gates Government Affairs Counselor Jim Sartucci, Great Lakes Pilot Captain
Jon Olney and Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Captain Michael Surgalski.
In the photo above: SIU Vice President Atlantic Region Joe Soresi (second from right),
SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (third from left), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania)
(third from right), Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Senior Vice President Bill Hanson,
MM&P Rep Keith Poissant and USMMA Alumni Mark Remijan.
From left to right: SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, SIU Port Agent James Bast, SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins.
In the photo above: SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (third from right), SIU Political
and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right), U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois),
Schuyler Lines CEO Dion Nicely, APL President Tony Padilla and MEBA President Adam
Vokac.
Pictured above: SIU Representative Shane Sterry (second from right), U.S.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) (middle), AMO’s Captain Kevin Stith,
Winston & Strawn’s Bryant Gardner and Cottrell Contracting VP Government
Relations Devon Carlock.
Above: SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (third from right), MEBA VP Gulf Adam Smith, MM&P
VP Jeremy Hope, Texas A&M Maritime’s RADM Mike Fossum and two legislative assistants
from Rep. Lizzie Fletcher’s (D-Texas) staff.
Pictured above: SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio Crespo (second from left),
Crowley VP Caribbean Logistics Sal Menoyo, TOTE Maritime VP Caribbean
Services Eduardo Pagan, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department’s Dale Troll and a
member of Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon’s (R-Puerto Rico) staff.
Pictured are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (second from right), Crowley VP
Maritime Solutions Gavin Hughes, USMMA Alumni Braddock Parks, DC Propel-
ler Club President Jeff Vogel, and a member of Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North
Carolina) staff.
Above: SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right), MM&P Pilot Capt. Nate
Lammers, International Ship Masters’ Association Chairman of Legislative
Communications Scott Skrzypczak, USMMA’s Jeff Surrell, Lake Carriers’ As-
sociation President James Weakley and a member of Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s
(R-Minnesota) staff.
In the photo above: SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left),
Euro-America Shipping President Obaid Ahmad, Transportation Institute’s John Flynn and
APL Trade Support Specialist Hannah Hass.
In the photo above: SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (second from left),
U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) (middle), ARC’s Charles Diorio,
USMMA Alumni Walter Egee IV and Federal Pilots’ Hank Webster.
From left to right: MEBA Secretary-Treasurer
Roland Rexha, SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff
Mark Wooley, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (D-
New Jersey) and SIU Executive VP Augustin
Tellez.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent James Bast (left), U.S. Rep. Jeff Jack-
son (D-North Carolina) (third from right), OSG VP and General Coun-
sel Susan Allen, K&L Gates’ Brody Garland, Liberty Global Logistics
Executive VP Paul “Chip” Jaenichen and Patriot Contract Services
CEO Ryan Pereyda.
From left to right: Transportation Institute VP Pacific Coast Operations
Sarah Scherer, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, U.S. Rep. Marie Perez (D-
Washington), MM&P’s Dan Twohig and SIU Assistant VP Joe Vincenzo.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (second from right), American Maritime
Congress President Fair Kim, Schuyler Lines Counsel Emily Jones, Liberty Maritime
Corporation VP Operations William Campbell and a member of Rep. Rick Crawford’s
(R-Arkansas) staff.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 10-11 4/21/23 10:03 AM
12 Seafarers LOG May 2023
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
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
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Seafarers International
Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: Why did you apply for the apprentice program, and how’s the training going so far?
Randall Cox
Apprentice
The apprenticeship is going really
good. I signed up to further my edu-
cation in a mechanical trade. I was an
electrician before coming here, and
just want to work my way up in the
union.
Robert O’Neal
Apprentice
I have family in the industry.
The program is going great. At
times, it feels tough, but it’s a
good career and the SIU takes
care of their people. It’s a good
opportunity making amazing
money.
Frances Mendez
Apprentice
I have family that works in
the industry, and they told me it’s
worthwhile. I think I’ll like the
lifestyle. The training is really
good. They prepare you for every-
thing you’ll do on the ship.
Darlenzo Hines
Apprentice
I really have a passion for
the sea. I grew up fishing in the
panhandle, and it’s second-nature
to me. It’s more like a home than
a job. I love the training – I’m
learning a lot and doing a lot. The
SIU is definitely delivering.
Jesus Fernandez
Apprentice
I signed up because I knew I
needed a change in my life. It’s going
great so far. We take our tests Friday
and some people have ships (lined
up) as soon as they head out. It’s been
life-changing.
Wade Henry
Apprentice
I was in banking for five years
before this. I signed up because that
wasn’t my passion. So far, it’s better
than I expected. I’m getting a lot of
value and I feel more knowledgeable.
It’s paying off for me.
Pic From The Past
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
(May 2023 Pic Past, page 12)
In this 1954 snapshot, SIU members on the Western Trader listen as the delegate (with envelope) presents a U.S. Army chaplain
in Korea with donations from the crew for a new chapel.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 12 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 13
Deck Department
Algonac 14 4 4 8 2 2 1 34 9 3
Anchorage 2 2 0 3 2 0 1 3 2 0
Baltimore 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 11 14 3 7 6 3 2 24 23 3
Guam 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 4 0 1
Harvey 7 6 1 9 4 2 4 12 7 2
Honolulu 5 2 0 6 2 0 3 9 4 0
Houston 23 16 6 17 7 2 12 43 22 8
Jacksonville 22 22 5 28 16 2 15 36 30 7
Jersey City 18 7 1 17 4 1 8 38 12 1
Joliet 4 2 0 2 2 0 0 4 0 0
Mobile 6 2 2 6 4 1 4 10 2 3
Norfolk 20 8 9 13 5 4 6 27 9 6
Oakland 5 1 0 5 2 0 1 14 2 0
Philadelphia 5 0 0 1 2 0 1 7 1 0
Piney Point 3 5 1 1 4 1 2 3 1 1
Puerto Rico 4 1 2 3 1 0 1 13 5 1
Tacoma 19 8 6 19 7 2 6 28 11 6
St. Louis 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0
Wilmington 20 9 1 11 6 0 10 52 16 6
TOTALS 194 110 43 161 77 21 79 364 160 48
Engine Department
Algonac 4 1 1 2 1 0 2 7 3 1
Anchorage 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0
Baltimore 3 1 2 1 1 0 0 1 2 2
Fort Lauderdale 6 2 1 9 3 0 4 10 10 1
Guam 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Harvey 2 3 0 2 4 1 2 2 5 0
Honolulu 2 2 1 4 0 0 1 6 5 1
Houston 15 7 1 8 3 1 5 15 16 0
Jacksonville 17 12 2 12 10 0 8 20 13 3
Jersey City 8 2 3 9 1 1 6 13 4 4
Joliet 1 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 2 0
Mobile 0 1 1 5 1 0 1 3 2 2
Norfolk 12 10 6 6 4 7 2 13 16 7
Oakland 11 3 2 4 1 1 1 11 3 2
Philadelphia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0
Piney Point 2 3 1 2 1 0 1 2 4 1
Puerto Rico 5 0 0 2 1 0 0 5 2 0
Tacoma 12 7 2 4 4 0 2 16 12 3
St. Louis 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 3 3 0
Wilmington 11 3 2 6 3 4 2 18 2 3
TOTALS 115 62 25 79 39 16 40 156 105 30
Steward Department
Algonac 3 3 0 2 2 0 0 5 2 0
Anchorage 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0
Baltimore 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
Fort Lauderdale 7 5 2 7 4 2 6 10 7 2
Guam 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0
Harvey 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 3 1 0
Honolulu 3 2 1 3 0 1 1 7 3 0
Houston 11 4 2 8 5 1 3 20 4 1
Jacksonville 16 13 1 10 14 1 7 29 23 1
Jersey City 10 5 0 7 4 1 5 14 5 1
Joliet 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0
Mobile 1 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 2 0
Norfolk 13 9 4 11 11 0 3 20 15 5
Oakland 13 7 1 9 2 1 1 18 9 3
Philadelphia 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Piney Point 2 8 1 4 3 1 1 3 5 3
Puerto Rico 4 7 1 1 3 1 1 6 8 1
Tacoma 6 5 1 6 3 2 4 14 6 1
St. Louis 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
Wilmington 15 5 1 6 6 0 4 29 7 4
TOTALS 110 78 19 83 60 14 41 186 102 23
Entry Department
Algonac 3 5 6 0 3 3 0 2 15 15
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1
Baltimore 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 2
Fort Lauderdale 0 3 8 0 5 2 1 0 3 10
Guam 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
Harvey 0 2 2 0 1 3 0 3 2 2
Honolulu 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 6 1
Houston 1 8 13 1 7 7 6 3 18 26
Jacksonville 3 22 64 0 10 39 10 4 47 110
Jersey City 2 6 14 1 5 12 1 1 13 20
Joliet 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 3
Mobile 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1
Norfolk 0 10 22 0 8 13 0 0 17 31
Oakland 1 4 5 0 1 0 0 1 8 10
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2
Piney Point 0 4 17 1 7 10 2 0 2 11
Puerto Rico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3
Tacoma 4 9 6 2 4 1 0 5 15 10
St. Louis 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
Wilmington 1 10 4 0 5 3 0 2 20 10
TOTALS 16 90 169 5 62 99 24 25 171 272
GRAND TOTAL: 435 340 256 328 238 150 184 731 538 373
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 16, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023.
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 Sea
May & June
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................................Monday: May 8, June 5
Algonac..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9
Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
Guam.............................................Thursday: May 25, June 22
Honolulu..............................................Friday: May 19, June 16
Houston...............................................Monday: May 15, June 12
Jacksonville......................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
Joliet...............................................Thursday: May 18, June 15
Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 17, June 14
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 16, June 13
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 9, June 6
Norfolk..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9
Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 18, June 15
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 10, June 7
Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 18, June 15
San Juan.........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
St. Louis............................................Friday: May 19, June 16
Tacoma.............................................Friday: May 26, June 23
Wilmington.......................Monday: May 22, *Tuesday: June 20
*Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
Important Notice to Seafarers:
Make Sure Your Flu Vaccines
Are Approved by the U.S. FDA
The U.S. Military Sea-
lift Command (MSC)
requires an annual flu
vaccine for all mariners
who sail aboard MSC-
contracted ships. Spe-
cifically, the flu vaccine
must be approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Ad-
ministration (FDA). This
is due to other countries
using different flu strains
in their respective vac-
cines which may not be as
effective against the types
of flu seen in the U.S.
If you are getting a flu
shot in order to sail on
MSC-contracted vessels,
it is best to receive it in
the U.S. (states or terri-
tories). That is the only
way to be certain that the
vaccine is U.S. FDA-ap-
proved.
Veterans who can ac-
cess care on overseas U.S.
military medical facilities
may be able to obtain an
FDA-approved vaccine,
but in that case, be sure to
verify its status.
Flu vaccines adminis-
tered in other countries
are unlikely to be U.S.
FDA-approved.
Questions may be di-
rected to the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department at
(301) 994-0010 or shbp-
medical@seafarers.org
Supporting Our Troops
These photos of the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pomeroy
(Patriot) were taken March 22 at Joint Base Charles-
ton, South Carolina (vessel is in the background in
photo at right). The
ship was preparing
to load materiel as
part of the U.S.
Army’s Preposi-
tioned Stocks Pro-
grams. (Photos by
Airman 1st Class
Caleb Parker)
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 13 4/21/23 10:02 AM
14 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), February 8 –
Chairman Adel Ahmed, Educational
Director Imran Khan, Engine
Delegate Saddam Yahia, Stew-
ard Delegate Roberto Coronado.
Crew requested upgraded Wi-Fi
to better maintain internet connec-
tion. Members applauded the new
changes to medical benefits. Chair-
man reminded crew to be mindful
of rules at the halls and on vessels.
Educational director advised crew
to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland, and reviewed the
requirements to sign up for courses.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew displeased with delays in
medical reports from CHS. Mem-
bers are reportedly having a hard
time receiving communications and
have not been receiving their “FFD”
status on time to join vessels. Crew
also discussed penalty pay.
MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk
Line, Limited), February 11 – Chair-
man Hanapiah Ismail, Secretary
Ali Matari, Educational Direc-
tor Kelly Percy, Engine Delegate
Troy Hubbard, Steward Delegate
Christopher Coston. Chairman
thanked crew for working safely and
reminded everyone to leave clean
rooms for members who will be
signing on. Secretary thanked every-
one for separating garbage. Educa-
tional director encouraged crew to
upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
increases in vacation time and a 10G
data plan.
USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean
Shipholdings, Inc.), February 18
– Chairman Robert Natividad,
Educational Director Terry Taylor,
Deck Delegate Richard Flores,
Steward Delegate Charles Craw-
ford. Educational director urged
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, which is affiliated with
the SIU. Beef reported between
bosun and OSI about bonus check
requirements. No OT disputes
reported. Members wished SIU
President Emeritus Mike Sacco a
wonderful retirement and gave a
warm welcome to the SIU’s new
president, David Heindel. Crew
reviewed repairs needed for galley.
Vote of thanks given to chief cook
for a job well done. If members take
flights to ship that exceed twelve
hours, rest is needed before signing
on.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management) February 26 –
Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary
Gamal Asaad, Educational Direc-
tor Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate
Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate
Michael Garcia. Crew discussed
various concerns pertaining to get-
ting timely reliefs. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
very pleased with food provided by
steward department. Crew requested
faster internet service.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), March 1 – Chair-
man Adel Ahmed, Secretary Erwin
Renon, Educational Director Imran
Khan, Deck Delegate Nathaniel
Rivera, Engine Delegate Saddam
Yahia, Steward Delegate Nasr
Almusab. TVs have been installed
in crew state rooms. Bosun talked
about new contract. He went over
the course schedule at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education and advised crew
to upgrade. Chairman discussed
procedures available to mariners for
expedited passport renewals, and
thanked the steward department for
good meals. Steward department
thanked crew for maintaining
good housekeeping. Steward del-
egate reviewed shipping rules with
members. If a mariner receives a
job assignment and rejects it after
48 hours, their shipping registra-
tion card shall be forfeited for the
next 60 days. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew still waiting
for improved Wi-Fi service aboard
ship. Members requested 30 for 30
vacation days, better dental and eye
care coverage and for all entry level
positions to be at an equal pay scale.
Next port: Long Beach, California.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Per-
sonnel & Provisioning), March 6
– Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Sec-
retary Dapiriye Oruamabo, Educa-
tional Director George Velez, Deck
Delegate Melvin Smalls, Engine
Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward
Delegate Milton Sivells. Chairman
extended thanks to all departments
and especially thanked the steward
department. Crew discussed vari-
ous shipboard conduct including
interactions between officers and
unlicensed personnel. Educational
director recommended members
upgrade at the Piney Point school as
soon as possible. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Crew requested
TVs in each room, a washer and
dryer and coffee machines.
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific pro-
vision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitu-
tion requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance com-
mittee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines the
finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members
of this committee may make dissenting re-
ports, specific recommendations and sepa-
rate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland 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 represen-
tatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trust-
ees. All trust fund financial records are avail-
able 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 con-
tained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquar-
ters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize them-
selves with its contents. Any time a mem-
ber feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are 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 Ameri-
can merchant marine with improved employ-
ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD sup-
ports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are vol-
untary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers In-
ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for inves-
tigation 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 David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Know Your Rights
Aboard Perla Del Caribe
Many thanks to Chief Mate Doug Voss for these snapshots from the
SIU-crewed TOTE vessel. The individual photo (bottom left) shows Re-
certified Bosun Victor Nunez running mooring winches. Pictured in the
fire fighting drill (top left) are
SA Edna Bakhos, Oiler Eric
Jackson, AB Julio Perez and
AB Mark Smith. The remain-
ing photo (above) includes
QMED Ronaldo Quinones, AB
Pedro De Jesus, SA Bakhos
and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz
prepping for lifeboat drills.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 14 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 15
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 Ashore
DEEP SEA
TAWRENCE ABRAMS
Brother Tawrence Abrams, 57,
started his career
with the union
in 2001. He first
shipped on the
Global Link and
sailed in the en-
gine department.
Brother Abrams
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently sailed on the Cape May and
makes his home in Baltimore.
STEPHEN ACKLEY
Brother Stephen Ackley, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1978 and initially sailed aboard
the Delta Venezu-
ela. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Ackley
shipped in the
deck department
and also worked
on shore gangs.
He last worked
as the lead bosun on Matson’s
shore gang in Tacoma, Washing-
ton, and is a resident of Olympia,
Washington.
ROBERT BOOMER
Brother Robert Boomer, 71, joined
the union in
2006, initially
sailing aboard the
Coastal Reliance.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Boomer
most recently sailed on the Resolve.
He calls Mariposa, California,
home.
CHARLES BROOKS
Brother Charles Brooks, 58, signed
on with the SIU in 1986 when he
sailed on the
USNS Desteiguer.
He shipped in the
steward depart-
ment and up-
graded at the Paul
Hall Center on nu-
merous occasions.
Brother Brooks’
final vessel was
the Maersk Sen-
tosa. He resides in
Bluefield, West Virginia.
WILLIAM DOWZICKY
Brother William Dowzicky, 65,
joined the union in 1978, initially
sailing on an
Alton Steam-
ship vessel. He
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Brother
Dowzicky most
recently shipped
on the Cape Wrath and makes his
home in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania.
MICHAEL FUNK
Brother Michael Funk, 65, started
sailing with the SIU in 1987 and
first worked on the Charles L.
Brown. He shipped in the deck de-
partment and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center in 1990. Brother Funk’s
final vessel was the Gus W. Darnell.
He resides in Merrick, New York.
KENNETH MARICH
Brother Kenneth Marich, 65, be-
came a member
of the union in
1988. A deck de-
partment member,
he first sailed
aboard the USNS
Assertive. Brother
Marich upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions. He
last sailed on the
USNS Able and lives in Wamsutter,
Wyoming.
ALVIN MARTIN
Brother Alvin Martin, 68, joined the
Seafarers in 2001.
He initially sailed
on the Kenai and
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Martin upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
He most recently
shipped on the Alaskan Legend and
lives in Prairieville, Louisiana.
DOMINGO MARTINEZ REYES
Brother Domingo Martinez Reyes,
66, donned the
SIU colors in
1990 when he
sailed aboard the
Sealift Atlantic.
He sailed in all
three departments
and last shipped
on the Overseas
Santorini. Brother
Martinez Reyes is
a resident of Naples, Florida.
DIONICIO MEJIA
Brother Dionicio
Mejia, 65, joined
the union in 2001.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
initially shipped
on the Mormac-
sun. Brother
Mejia concluded
his career aboard
the Overseas
Houston. He resides in Cypress,
Texas.
ANTHONY OBESEM
Brother Anthony Obesem, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 2004. He
first sailed aboard the USNS Heezen
and worked in the deck department.
Brother Obesem upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center the same year he
joined the union. He most recently
shipped on the Liberty Peace and is
a New Orleans resident.
FLOYD PATTERSON
Brother Floyd Patterson, 66,
joined the Seafarers in 1991
and first sailed
aboard the Cape
Clear. He up-
graded at the
Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Patter-
son’s final vessel was the Golden
State. He makes his home in Lib-
erty, Mississippi.
CONRADO QUILAO
Brother Con-
rado Quilao, 65,
started his career
with the union
in 2004, initially
sailing aboard the
USNS Bowditch.
A steward depart-
ment member, he
last shipped on
the USNS Dahl.
Brother Quilao lives in Murrieta,
California.
RANDY SNAY
Brother Randy Snay, 65, became
an SIU member
in 1982 when
he worked with
Michigan Inter-
state Railway.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2002
and worked in the
engine depart-
ment. Brother
Snay’s final vessel was the Over-
seas Philadelphia. He resides in
Miami.
STANLEY WILLIAMS
Brother Stanley Williams, 65, began
his career with
the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 1979, initially
sailing on the El
Paso Southern.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Williams last shipped
on the Seabulk Trader and calls
Pearland, Texas, home.
GREAT LAKES
KEVIN HOLLENBECK
Brother Kevin Hollenbeck, 60,
signed on with
the SIU in 1984.
He was employed
by Luedtke En-
gineering for the
duration of his
career and sailed
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Hollenbeck up-
graded on numer-
ous occasions at the Piney Point
school. He settled in Frankfort,
Michigan.
DAVE JARVIS
Brother Dave Jarvis, 65, started his
career with the Seafarers in 1976
when he shipped on the J.A.W. Igle-
hart. He sailed in all three depart-
ments and last shipped aboard the
American Mariner. Brother Jarvis
makes his home in Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
CURTIS CARRABY
Brother Curtis Carraby, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1981. He sailed in
the steward department and worked
with Delta Queen Steamboat Com-
pany for the duration of his career.
Brother Carraby is a resident of La
Place, Louisiana.
DAVID HENSON
Brother David Henson, 64, signed on
with the union in 1979. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments.
Brother Henson was employed with
Crescent Towing & Salvage for his
entire career. He makes his home in
Covington, Louisiana.
GEORGE HOFMANN
Brother George Hofmann, 62, began
sailing with the Seafarers Interna-
tional Union in
1981. He initially
sailed aboard the
Long Lines and
was a deck de-
partment member.
Brother Hofmann
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He last
shipped on the Dodge Island and
resides in Callahan, Florida.
DAVID JANKOWIAK
Brother David Jankowiak, 69,
started his career
with the SIU in
1971. He was em-
ployed by Moran
Towing of Mary-
land for most of
his career and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident.
DAVID LYTLE
Brother David Lytle, 67, joined
the Seafarers
in 2002 when
he sailed with
Crowley Towing
& Transporta-
tion. He primarily
sailed in the deck
department and
remained with the
same company for
the duration of his
career. Brother Lytle resides in Gray,
Louisiana.
BRET MATTEI
Brother Bret Mattei, 62, became a
member of the union in 1981. He
sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother Mat-
tei worked for Crescent Towing &
Salvage for his entire career. He
calls Metairie, Louisiana, home.
RICKY MCCLENTON
Brother Ricky McClenton, 68,
began sailing with
the SIU in 1971.
He first shipped on
the Rob Trent and
primarily worked
in the deck depart-
ment. Brother Mc-
Clenton upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple
occasions. He concluded his career
aboard the Liberty Island and settled
in Jacksonville, Florida.
CHRIS MCKAY
Brother Chris McKay, 62, signed
on with the union in 1989. He first
sailed with Stc Little Curtis Com-
pany. Brother McKay shipped in the
deck department. He last sailed with
Penn Maritime and makes his home
in Scotland, Maryland.
JAMES MCNEIL
Brother James McNeil, 58, started
his career with
the SIU in 1984,
initially work-
ing with Higman
Barge Lines. He
shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1995.
Brother McNeil’s
final vessel was the Athena. He lives
in Orange, Texas.
ROBERT SADLER
Brother Robert Sadler, 59, joined
the Seafarers International Union in
1991 when he worked for Virginia
Pilot Corporation. He sailed in the
deck department and continued to
work for the same company for his
entire career. Brother Sadler resides
in Norfolk, Virginia.
LEE WALLACE
Brother Lee Wallace, 69, donned the
SIU colors in 1979. A deck depart-
ment member, he was employed
with Crowley Towing and Transpor-
tation for the duration of his career.
Brother Wallace is a resident of Sul-
phur, Louisiana.
NMU
PATRICK MCGAUGHEY
Brother Patrick McGaughey, 67,
embarked on his SIU career in 1980.
He shipped in the engine department
and was last employed by Woods
Hole Shipping. Brother McGaughey
lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
TIMOTHY WATKINS
Brother Timothy Watkins, 65, began
sailing in 1978. He was a member of
the deck department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center in 1981.
Brother Watkins last worked with
Boston Towing and Transportation.
He resides in North Smithfield,
Rhode Island.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 15 4/21/23 10:02 AM
16 Seafarers LOG May 2023
DEEP SEA
DANA BROOKS
Pensioner Dana Brooks, 64, passed
away February 8. She signed on with
the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 2001. A deck
department mem-
ber, Sister Brooks
first sailed aboard
the Lykes Explorer.
She last shipped on
the Ocean Glory
in 2016. Sister
Brooks began col-
lecting her pension the following
year and settled in New Orleans, her
birthplace.
MICHAEL CLAPSHAW
Pensioner Michael Clapshaw, 80,
died January 9. He started sailing
with the union
in 1978, initially
working for An-
chorage Tankship.
Brother Clapshaw
primarily sailed in
the engine depart-
ment. He con-
cluded his career
with American
Service Technol-
ogy and went on
pension in 2007. Brother Clapshaw
was a resident of Port Angeles,
Washington.
ALPHONSO DIXON
Pensioner Alphonso Dixon, 66,
passed away
March 14. He
joined the SIU
in 1986 when
he sailed on the
USNS Dutton.
Brother Dixon
was a member
of the steward
department and
last shipped on
the Maui. He became a pensioner
in 2016 and made his home in Al-
pharetta, Georgia.
MITCHELL FRENCH
Pensioner Mitch-
ell French, 66,
died March 2.
He began his
career with the
Seafarers in 1990.
Brother French
first shipped on
the Sealift Arctic
and was a member
of the deck de-
partment. He last sailed aboard the
Horizon Kodiak and retired in 2021.
Brother French resided in Belling-
ham, Washington.
SALIM IBRAHIM
Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed
away March 31. A
deck department
member, he started
sailing with the
union in 1976.
Brother Ibrahim’s
first vessel was
the Overseas
Joyce; his last, the
Maersk Ohio. He
went on pension in 2012 and made
his home in Kissimmee, Florida.
ABUBAKAR IDRIS
Pensioner Abubakar Idris, 71,
died March 24. He signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1997,
initially sailing
on the Overseas
Philadelphia.
Brother Idris was
a deck depart-
ment member
and last shipped
on the Overseas
Key West in 2019. He began collect-
ing his pension in 2022 and lived in
Beaumont, Texas.
KONSTANTINOS KOSTOUROS
Pensioner Konstantinos Kostou-
ros, 88, passed away February 16.
Born in Athens,
Greece, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1968.
Brother Kostou-
ros first shipped
on the Western
Hunter and
worked in the en-
gine department.
He concluded his
career aboard the
Frances Hammer in 1999. Brother
Kostouros became a pensioner the
same year and settled in Fort Myers,
Florida.
JOHN MARTH
Pensioner John Marth, 73, died
March 8. He be-
came a member
of the union in
1968 and worked
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Marth’s first ves-
sel was the Volu-
sia; his last, the
Value. He began
collecting his
pension in 2014 and lived in New-
foundland, Pennsylvania.
CARLOS PEREZ
Brother Carlos Perez, 57, passed
away Febru-
ary 20. Born in
Camden, New
Jersey, he signed
on with the SIU
in 1990. Brother
Perez was an en-
gine department
member and first
sailed aboard the
Overseas Valdez.
He concluded his
career aboard the Steven L. Bennet
and was a resident of Crestview,
Florida.
MARK RUHL
Pensioner Mark Ruhl, 68, died
February 24. He was born in Wash-
ington, D.C., and joined the Sea-
farers International Union in 1974.
Brother Ruhl first shipped on the
Yukon and sailed in the engine de-
partment. He concluded his career
on the Cape Washington in 1997.
Brother Ruhl became a pensioner
in 2020 and made his home in
Chevy Chase, Maryland.
MANUEL TAN
Pensioner Manuel Tan, 84, passed
away March 17. Sailing first aboard
the Mobile, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1980.
Brother Tan sailed
in the engine de-
partment and also
worked on shore
gangs. He most
recently was em-
ployed by World
Crane Services
before going on pension in 2002.
Brother Tan resided in Lancaster,
California.
FERDINAND VINIEGRA
Brother Ferdinand Viniegra, 68, died
November 18. He
joined the union
in 1997 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Gilliand.
Brother Viniegra
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. He last
shipped on the
Mercury and
lived in Chester, Virginia.
JOHN WILLIAMSON
Pensioner John Williamson, 68,
passed away March 17. Born in Bos-
ton, he signed on
with the Seafarers
in 1971. Brother
Williamson sailed
in the deck depart-
ment. One of his
first vessels was
the Sealand New-
ark. He last sailed
on the Pearl and
became a pen-
sioner in 2017. Brother Williamson
resided in Passadumkeag, Maine.
INLAND
CONNIE PETERS
Pensioner Connie Peters 82, died
March 4. He
joined the union
in 1963 and ini-
tially sailed with
Dravo Basic Ma-
terials. A deck de-
partment member,
Brother Peters
concluded his ca-
reer with Higman
Barge Lines. He
went on pension in 1997 and called
Iota, Louisiana, home.
WELDON POTTS
Pensioner Weldon Potts, 84, passed
away March 19. He started his ca-
reer with the SIU
in 1966. Brother
Potts worked in
the deck depart-
ment and was first
employed by Hig-
man Barge Lines.
He last worked
with Seabulk and
became a pen-
sioner in 2000. Brother Potts lived in
Orange, Texas.
WILLARD RANSOM
Pensioner Willard Ransom, 79, died
March 21. He
embarked on his
career with the
union in 1966 and
shipped in the en-
gine department.
Brother Ransom
worked with G&H
Towing for most
of his career. He
retired in 2021 and
resided in Pearland, Texas.
NMU
ROMULO DIAZ
Pensioner Romulo Diaz, 103, passed
away February 8.
Brother Diaz was
born in Venezu-
ela and started
sailing in 1942.
His first vessel
was the Spidole-
ine; his last, the
Texaco Montana.
Brother Diaz be-
came a pensioner
in 1985 and settled in Garland,
Texas.
WILLIAM DENNY
Pensioner William Denny, 92, died
March 3. Brother Denny was born in
Louisville, Ken-
tucky. He joined
the union in 1963
and first sailed
aboard the Pio-
neer Tide. Brother
Denny was a deck
department mem-
ber and concluded
his career aboard
the American
Hawaii. He went on pension in 1987
and lived in Cheriton, Virginia.
WILLIAM HEILIG
Pensioner William Heilig, 79, died
January 10. Brother Heilig sailed
in the deck department, and last
shipped aboard the Greenpoint. He
retired in 2008 and made his home
in Boston.
LARRY MANN
Pensioner Larry Mann, 83, passed
away March 6. Brother Mann
shipped in the steward department.
He concluded his career aboard the
Cape Kennedy before going on pen-
sion in 1997. Brother Mann lived in
Kissimmee, Florida.
GEORGE MARTIN
Pensioner George Martin, 94, died
March 13. A deck department mem-
ber, Brother Martin last shipped on
the American Resolute in 1986. He
became a pensioner the following
year and called Norfolk, Virginia,
home.
WILLIAM MOODY
Pensioner William Moody, 78,
passed away February 10. Brother
Moody last sailed on the Thompson
Lykes. He went on pension in 1998
and resided in Emporia, Virginia.
CHARLES POLK
Pensioner Charles
Polk, 88, died
January 11. Sailing
in the deck depart-
ment, he concluded
his career aboard
the Adabelle Lykes
in 1988. Brother
Polk made his
home in New Or-
leans.
JOHN SLOAN
Pensioner John Sloan, 82, passed
away February 14. He was a mem-
ber of the steward department and
concluded his career aboard the
Kittanning. Brother Sloan became a
pensioner in 1996. He was a Phila-
delphia resident.
ALEXANDRU TOLNACI
Pensioner Alexandru Tolnaci, 81,
died February 7. He last shipped
on the Lykes Liberator and worked
in the engine department. Brother
Tolnaci retired in 2006 and lived in
Romania.
FREDERICK WOLFMAN
Pensioner Frederick Wolfman,
97, passed away February 21. He
worked in the
deck department
and shipped on
his final ves-
sel, the Almeria
Lykes, in 1989.
Brother Wolfman
went on pension
the following
year and settled in
Houston.
GRAHAM WRIGHT
Pensioner Graham Wright, 92, died
February 16. He shipped in the deck
department and concluded his career
aboard the Cape Diamond. Brother
Wright retired in 1994 and lived in
Perry, Florida.
WILLIAM WYLIE
Pensioner William Wylie,
75, passed away February 1.
He concluded his career with
Woods Hole Shipping and went
on pension in 2012. Brother
Wylie called Fairhaven, Mas-
sachusetts, home.
In addition to the foregoing individ-
uals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to de-
velop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Cormier, Joseph 86 02/07/2023
Davis, Van 95 03/16/2023
Figueroa, Hermene 87 01/17/2023
Kenney, John 78 05/02/2021
Sanchez, Rafael 96 02/28/2023
Final
Departures
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 16 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 17
Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any 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.
5/23
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 June 5 June 23
July 17 August 4
August 28 September 15
October 23 November 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival June 5 June 16
July 3 July 14
July 31 August 11
RFPNW May 15 June 2
June 26 July 14
August 14 September 1
Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21
August 28 September 1
Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23
Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6
Advanced Stability October 9 October 13
Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20
Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW May 15 June 9
August 14 September 8
FOWT June 12 July 7
October 2 October 27
Junior Engineer Program June 5 July 28
August 21 October 13
Marine Electrician September 18 October 20
Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15
Advanced Refer Containers July 31 August 11
October 23 November 3
Pumpman September 18 September 22
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Welding June 5 June 23
Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 7
July 10 August 11
August 21 September 22
September 25 October 27
October 30 December 1
December 4 January 5
ServSafe Management May 29 June 2
July 3 July 7
August 7 August 11
September 18 September 22
October 23 October 27
November 27 December 1
Advanced Galley Operations May 22 June 16
July 31 August 25
October 16 November 10
Chief Steward June 26 July 21
September 11 October 6
November 13 December 8
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9
Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16
Basic Training Revalidation May 22 May 22
June 2 June 2
June 19 June 19
July 14 July 14
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19
Government Vessels May 22 May 26
June 5 June 9
June 12 June 16
June 19 June 23
July 17 July 21
July 31 August 4
Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 May 26
June 12 June 16
September 18 September 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 May 19
June 19 June 23
September 25 September 29
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 17 4/21/23 1:41 PM
18 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Paul Hall Center Classes
Able Seaman Deck – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Laura Bess, William Borders, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallagher,
Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren, Justin McClellan, Alexander Reay and Jaime Rios. Course instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right.
Apprentice Water Survival Class #892 – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Abubakar Bockarie, Dayshaun Brown, Marc Joseph Dadich, Ricky Gamble Jr., Gregg
Gethers, Dajah Gosha, Jon Kavanagh, Harry McKever II, Cameron McNeil, Sara Mesa, Tyrone Simms and Danielle Vidal-Garrido.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 18 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 19
Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel Brown-Faulkner, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christo-
pher Marsh Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Michael Marrero, Julio Cesar Martinez, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren and Samuel Tilles.
Small Arms – 9MM – Graduated March 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Merel,
Deja Lashay Taylor and Robert Lee White III.
Certified Chief Cook Mod-
ule 5 – Graduated March 24
(photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Cris Arsenio, Kevin
Bozis, Ervin Flynn, Ramon
Hilerio Rosa, Austin Leamer,
Raymond Murphy, Abraham
Pena, Lenford Royes, Wilma
Lunzaga Smith, Tyler Willette
and Arkala Williams.
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical
order): Patrick Dean, Lamonte McKinnon, Patrick Schoenberger and Edwin Velez. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 19 4/21/23 10:02 AM
20 Seafarers LOG May 2023
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
MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 18-19
U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-
Mississippi) entered the following remarks
into the U.S. Congressional Record on
March 22, 2023.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in
the Record the following proclamation
honoring the career of Michael Sacco,
who recently retired after serving for
nearly 35 years as president of the Seafar-
ers International Union.
Whereas, Michael Sacco recently re-
tired following nearly 35 years as presi-
dent of the Seafarers International Union;
and
Whereas, Sacco is universally recog-
nized throughout the American maritime
industry as one of its most effective lead-
ers; and
Whereas, his long list of noteworthy
achievements includes helping secure
enactment of the U.S. Maritime Security
Program, leading the historic merger of
the SIU and the National Maritime Union,
powerfully defending the Jones Act, and
protecting mariners’ rights not only in the
United States but also around the globe;
and
Whereas, Sacco also had been the
longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO
Executive Council, where his guidance
proved beneficial to numerous other labor
leaders; and
Whereas, Sacco also played a crucial
role in helping develop the SIU’s affili-
ated school – the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education – into
one of the world’s finest, most modern
facilities for new and experienced seafar-
ers alike; and
Whereas, Sacco proficiently promoted
the success of his union’s contracted com-
panies, though never at the expense of his
own rank-and-file members; and
Whereas, Sacco’s immense popularity
both within the union and throughout the
labor movement and the maritime industry
reflected a healthy respect and admiration
for his lifetime of service; now, therefore
be it
Resolved, That the United States Con-
gress salutes Michael Sacco for his work,
his dedication, and his achievements. I ap-
preciate everything he has done on behalf
of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I wish
him the best in retirement.
Congressman Thompson Honors Retired SIU President Sacco
President Joe Biden
Congratulates President
Emeritus Sacco on Retirement
President Sacco is pictured (below) at the union’s headquarters building
shortly after taking office in 1988, and (above) at a Maritime Trades Depart-
ment meeting in mid-February in Florida, which took place the week he
retired.
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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
Michigan Stands Up for Workers
Page 5
Following a pandemic-induced pause, the Maritime Congressional Sail-In returned to the nation’s capital March 30 – and the SIU turned out in force. Throughout the day,
small groups of maritime labor and industry representatives met with members of Congress and their respective staffs. The maritime personnel explained or reiterated the
importance of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured just before the meetings began are (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, SIU VP
Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski and SIU Executive VP
Augie Tellez. Pages 2, 10, 11.
‘Sail-In’ Returns to D.C.
Event Delivers Pro-Maritime Messages
Seafarers to the Rescue (3 Times)
It has been a busy stretch for SIU crews when it comes to rescues at sea. The SIU-crewed National Glory (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants (photo at left) and
the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals, while the Seafarers-crewed Overseas Long Beach saved
12 migrants on March 30. Standing in the photo below are Bosun German Nunez (right) and GUDE Allan Castillo
aboard the OSG ship. Page 7. (National Glory photo courtesy AMO)
Paul Hall Center Earns Award
Page 4
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 1 4/21/23 10:02 AM
2 Seafarers LOG May 2023
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
Volume 85 Number 5 May 2023
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
Promoting Our Union and Our Industry
President’s Report
The SIU had an outstanding turnout March 30 as our industry resumed
a crucial event known as the Maritime Congressional Sail-In. Prior to the
pandemic, the Sail-In took place annually for a decade before being forced
into a three-year break.
The Sail-In involves meetings with members
of Congress and their staffs throughout a very
full day on Capitol Hill. We send small groups
that include representatives from various sectors
of the industry, including maritime unions, ves-
sel operators, shipbuilders and more.
I’m glad it’s back. My overriding thought
during the meetings was that we could stand to
do more of that kind of outreach. It is that im-
portant. And it’s an eye-opener that reinforces
the need for us to regularly educate Congress
about who we are, what we do and why it mat-
ters to the nation. The individual meetings are
longer than an elevator pitch, but in the same
vein. We conducted more than 100 this time
around.
Seafarers know that our industry is heav-
ily regulated. The U.S. Merchant Marine depends on federal statutes
including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference
laws and more. In part, that’s because we play a critical role in national,
economic and homeland security. But even if that’s common knowledge
among some members of Congress, we cannot assume that all senators
and congressmen and their staffs automatically know about the industry.
Between the regular, election-generated turnover in D.C. and the constant
attacks on U.S.-flag shipping, we have a mandate to remain politically ac-
tive (not just at the federal level, either). We must speak up for ourselves
in order to preserve your jobs and to keep the U.S. flag flying on the high
seas, on the coasts and on our inland waterways.
This is a never-ending part of the job and I’m proud of the SIU’s very
active participation year-round, not just during special events like the
Sail-In. Nevertheless, the Sail-In is a big deal for us, and we’re all better
off with its resumption. Next year we hope to have some rank-and-file
members join us on Capitol Hill to meet with your representatives and
share your experiences as Seafarers and what they mean to you and your
community.
Recruiting the Next Generation
Along those same lines, recruiting is a constant undertaking. We all
know about manpower challenges in our industry and others, and the
SIU is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to meet the moment. Most
recently, this has involved outreach in Texas, California, New York, Wash-
ington State, Alaska and elsewhere.
Recruiting has always been part of our operation, but it has taken on
added importance since the pandemic. With that in mind, we’ve invested
additional resources and worked even more closely with our affiliated
school and with our contracted operators to attract people.
Obviously, there’s not an overnight fix, but I believe we’re making
progress. We will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Also, as men-
tioned in last month’s column, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of
word-of-mouth, informal recruiting. That’s also been part of our identity
for as long as we’ve been in business, and I encourage our SIU sisters and
brothers to be on the lookout for prospective members and send them our
way.
Progress Continues
Last but not least, I’m happy to report that our Norfolk hiring hall ren-
ovation is moving along nicely. We remain on track for a reopening this
summer, and I’m confident that our collective patience will be rewarded.
Anyone who has been to that hall knows that the location is tough to
beat. Renovating, rather than relocating, was the right call, and we’ll re-
christen the building in style.
David Heindel
Finance committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work.
After wrapping up their work, finance committee members joined SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy
Orzechowski for this photo. Seated (from left) are Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Orzechowski, QMED
Timothy Pillsworth and Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr. Standing are Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm
Zahid Reza, Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer, AB Mark Stabler and Chief
Cook Kenneth Kelly.
The SIU Constitution stipulates
that a seven-person contingent of
rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fel-
low members) annually examines the
organization’s financial records for the
previous calendar year.
That requirement was achieved
this year in early April when seven
SIU members successfully scruti-
nized and approved the union’s fis-
cal archives. After being duly elected
by their brother and sisters during the
union’s April membership meeting in
Piney Point, Maryland, members of
the seven-person team converged on
SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs,
Maryland, April 4 to conduct the audit.
Over the next several days, committee
members met and reviewed the union’s
financial records.
The committee found that the
SIU’s financial records for 2022 are
in good order. Their report, filed with
the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be
read in all ports and presented for ap-
proval at the union’s May membership
meetings.
Serving on the committee were
Recertified Bosun Timothy Pills-
worth (chairman), Bosun Carl Ped-
ersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, AB
Mark Stabler, Chief Cook Kenneth
Kelly, Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus
Jr., and Recertified Bosun Gerard
Costello.
The members conducted their tasks
in accordance with Article X, Section
14-c of the SIU Constitution, which
lists the duties of the annual financial
committee along with rules and proce-
dures for electing the group.
In part, their final report reads, “We
find that the Headquarters of the Union
is taking all steps possible to safeguard
Union funds and to see that the dis-
bursements of the Union are in accor-
dance with the authority delegated to
them and that, at the same time, there is
a striving effort to increase day-to-day
efficiency of our operation.”
The members reported that they
met with representatives from the
certified public accounting firm that
periodically audits the union’s books
and records. Those representatives
explained their procedures for check-
ing the secretary-treasurer’s financial
report of the union’s records, and they
also further discussed the SIU’s over-
all financial operation. SIU Secretary-
Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski also
worked with the committee “and made
himself and the records of his office
available” to the group, according to
the report.
In addition to Orzechowski, the
union’s legal counsel also convened
with committee members in the event
any of them had questions.
SIU Financial Committee
Signs Off on 2022 Records
A longtime champion of the United States maritime
industry has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the
American-flag fleet.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) issued the
following statement, which was published in the Congres-
sional Record on March 29, 2023, upon his introduction of
the Rebuilding the U.S.-Flag International Fleet Act:
I introduce the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United States-
Flag International Fleet Act.” This comprehensive legisla-
tion would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag international
fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing
government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag ves-
sels are available during wartime or emergencies.
The United States has the world’s most capable navy able
to operate in all five oceans, and we need an equally impres-
sive fleet of commercial cargo vessels crewed by American
mariners. For too long, Congress and both Democratic and
Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of
U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of ocean-
going U.S.-flagged vessels has declined more than 75
percent since 1985, following the 1982 treaty called the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The global supply chain crunch during the height of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade
of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island
building in the South China Sea and saber-rattling in the
Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States cannot re-
main reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
The “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International
Fleet Act” offers Congress the chance to enact the first
comprehensive reform of cargo preference laws in decades.
Our legislation incorporates recommendations for the Mar-
itime Administration from the Government Accountability
Office’s report published on September 14, 2022, entitled
“Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight.”
Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of the House to join me
in cosponsoring this critical legislation to address this crisis
facing the U.S.-flag international fleet.
Garamendi Offers Bill to Boost American-Flag Fleet
Legislation Would Guarantee Cargo for Vessels During Peacetime
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 2 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 3
A recent hearing in the U.S. House of
Representatives focused on national de-
fense capabilities, prominently including
the crucial need for a strong U.S. Mer-
chant Marine.
Jointly hosted by two subcommittees
of the House Armed Services Committee
(Readiness, and Seapower and Projection
Forces), the hearing took place March 28.
It featured testimony from Gen. Jacque-
line Van Ovost, commanding officer of
the U.S. Transportation Command (US-
TRANSCOM), and from Maritime Ad-
ministrator Ann Phillips.
Also weighing in with their support for
American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet
were (among others) U.S. Rep. Michael
Waltz (R-Florida), chairman of the Sub-
committee on Readiness; and U.S. Rep.
Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), chairman of
the Seapower and Projection Forces Sub-
committee.
The hearing featured candid dialogue
about the challenges facing not only the
maritime industry but other components
of the nation’s readiness systems.
Waltz stated, “Recapitalization of our
sealift fleet that we will rely on to carry
ground platforms and materiel into theater
is a pressing issue. Crewing these vessels
is also of great concern. We have a sig-
nificant shortage of credentialed mariners
that, combined with poor vessel state,
have resulted in less than impressive read-
iness rates during recent exercises.
“We will also rely on this same pool
of credentialed mariners to crew commer-
cial vessels in the Maritime Security Pro-
gram and the Tanker Security Program,”
he continued. “We have a tough road
ahead and I look forward to hearing how
MARAD plans to administer these impor-
tant programs and bolster the number of
credentialed mariners.”
Kelly noted, “I remain concerned with
our aging sealift and air refueling fleet.
This year’s budget includes money to
purchase two additional sealift assets, but
the fleet remains on average too old….
MARAD is also an organization punching
above its weight. We are happy with the
success of the Tanker Security Program
and would like to hear your thoughts on
increasing capacity…. Finally, I’m con-
cerned with merchant mariner readiness
and how we can increase the pool of cre-
dentialed mariners.”
Van Ovost offered a comprehensive
review of USTRANSCOM’s responsi-
bilities and explained some of the threats
facing the United States. She said that
President Biden’s official National Se-
curity Strategy “makes clear that the
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and
Russia are working aggressively to un-
dermine democracy and export a model
of governance marked by repression at
home and coercion abroad. In their own
ways, both seek to erode the legitimacy of
established international norms and laws
that have persisted for almost a century.
Geopolitically, the PRC remains our most
consequential pacing challenge; followed
closely by Russia, an acute threat. Other
persistent threats including North Korea,
Iran, and violent extremist organizations
are developing or acquiring new capa-
bilities and pursuing strategies that could
challenge our ability to deploy and sus-
tain the Joint Force.
“The Department of Defense’s abil-
ity to project military forces is inextrica-
bly linked to commercial industry,” she
added. “Our industry partners provide
critical transportation capacity and global
networks to meet day-to-day and wartime
requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering
the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent
of military cargo will be transported via
sealift.”
She then explained that there are con-
cerns about the ages of many vessels in
the Ready Reserve Force (RRF).
“Therefore, USTRANSCOM supports
the Navy’s strategy to recapitalize the
government- owned fleet by acquiring
foreign-built used sealift ships from the
commercial market and further requests to
provide the Secretary of Defense discre-
tionary authority to purchase foreign-built
ships to expeditiously replace the aging
ships under more favorable market con-
ditions,” Van Ovost said. “This includes
removing the overall limit on the number
of used sealift vessels DOD can procure,
currently authorized at nine ships. We are
already a generation late in recapitalizing
a ready sealift fleet to meet our national
objectives.”
The general spelled out various steps
her agency and MARAD have taken to
bolster U.S. sealift capability, includ-
ing vessel purchases, implementing the
Tanker Security Program and more.
She said that maintaining a sufficient
pool of mariners “requires continued as-
sessment to ensure an adequately trained
supply to crew our surge fleet while mini-
mizing impacts to commercial industry.
The supply of contract mariners is suffi-
cient to meet the initial sealift surge when
government reserve ships are activated
but will be challenged with the ability
to sustain crewing requirements over an
extended period. The post-COVID recov-
ery has highlighted significant workforce
concerns to maritime stakeholders to in-
clude recruiting and retention.”
Phillips touched on components of
President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 bud-
get request that pertain to upgrading the
RRF, and why doing so is vital to national
security. She noted a plan to grow the fleet
from its current number of 45 vessels to
51.
The maritime administrator also un-
derscored the importance of the Maritime
Security Program, Cable Ship Security
Program, and Tanker Security Program.
Turning to shipboard manpower, she
said her agency “is partnering with our
stakeholders, both federal and non-fed-
eral, to work to identify strategies to help
address the mariner shortage and ensure
their readiness. Last fall, I hosted a sum-
mit with industry and federal stakeholders
to discuss the mariner shortfall. Partici-
pants identified the need to address barri-
ers to entry in the merchant marine as well
as the need to ensure quality of life aboard
ships such as ensuring internet connectiv-
ity for crew members.
“We also note that the existing Coast
Guard licensing system relies on labor-
intensive paper copies and manual entries
and is not set up to provide critical data
regarding the number of and availabil-
ity mariners with various credentials,”
she added. “We fully support the Coast
Guard’s ongoing efforts to modernize
the system to enable efficient issuance of
mariner credentials and provide enhanced
querying capabilities.”
Phillips stressed the agency’s focus
on “supporting our U.S.-flagged fleet
through opportunities to carry cargo. As
I said last year in testimony before the
Coast Guard and Maritime Transporta-
tion Subcommittee, put simply, without
cargoes, ships will leave the U.S. flag,
and our modest fleet will continue to
dwindle…. We are working with the
Biden-Harris Administration’s Made In
America Office to help agencies under-
stand cargo preference requirements. In
addition, I have written to all federal de-
partments and agencies explaining how
MARAD can help them ensure they meet
their obligations under cargo preference
laws and regulations.”
Military, Government Leaders Emphasize
U.S. Reliance on Strong Sealift Capacity
The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced
two contract awards that signal job security for SIU
members.
In both instances, SIU-contracted companies were
chosen to continue operating ships that they already
had been managing.
In early April, Ocean Shipholdings was selected
to operate seven government-owned oceanographic
survey (T-AGS) vessels. Those ships are the USNS
Waters, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS
Henson, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Mary Sears
and USNS Marie Tharp (formerly named the Maury).
The agreement is expected to expire at the end of
September 2024.
Previously, in late March, U.S. Marine Manage-
ment received a contract for the operation of three
government-owned large, medium-speed, roll-on/
roll-off (LMSR) vessels. Those ships are the USNS
Seay, USNS Pililaau and USNS Brittin. As with the
other award, this one is expected to last through Sep-
tember 2024.
SIU Jobs Secure Aboard
T-AGS Vessels, LMSRs
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly
(R-Mississippi)
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer
Ann Phillips
Maritime Administrator
U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz
(R-Florida)
“The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces
is inextricably linked to commercial industry. Our industry part-
ners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks
to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to
delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military
cargo will be transported via sealift.”
- Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 3 4/21/23 10:02 AM
4 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Officials from the Department of Defense
(DOD) and Department of Transportation
(DOT), along with executives from the Ameri-
can maritime industry met in New Orleans in
mid-March to discuss wartime readiness and
strengthen their strategic relationships.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
is the labor representative on the committee
known as the executive working group, which
is overseen by the U.S. Transportation Com-
mand (USTRANSCOM). He took part in the
recent sessions.
“When our nation goes to war, so too does
the maritime industry,” said U.S. Army Lt.
Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander of US-
TRANSCOM. “Maintaining an adequate fleet
of seaworthy ships is critical to TRANSCOM’s
ability to deploy forces in a major conflict, as
nearly 90% of U.S. military equipment would
move by ship.”
Sullivan led the group and also was joined
by senior leaders from the Maritime Adminis-
tration, the Military Sealift Command, and ex-
ecutives from U.S. commercial sealift carriers.
The group is a subcommittee under the
National Defense Transportation Association,
where its members weigh how the DOD can
improve its global transportation enterprise –
specifically sealift and the Voluntary Intermodal
Sealift Agreement (VISA). Tellez has been part
of the group for more than two decades.
VISA is a partnership program between the
U.S. government and maritime industry. The
agreement was established in 1997 to provide
the DOD with assured access to commercial
sealift and intermodal capacity to support emer-
gency deployment and sustainment of U.S. mil-
itary forces. Intermodal capacity includes dry
cargo ships, equipment, terminal facilities, and
intermodal management services.
Sullivan expressed appreciation for the his-
toric contributions delivered by civilian seafarers.
“U.S. Merchant Mariners are the backbone of
our maritime capability,” he stated. “The quali-
fied mariners you employ are the lifeblood we
rely on to power our strategic sealift portfolio.”
USTRANSCOM, in coordination with
MARAD, manages a strategic sealift portfolio that
includes privately owned ships plus government-
owned vessels. The privately owned ships enrolled
in VISA are one element of the broader collection.
The Maritime Security Program, a government
retainer program for internationally trading ships,
is another element of the commercial fleet, as the
ships included in that program commit 100% of
their capacity and support to VISA.
According to USTRANSCOM, on any
given day, approximately 30 commercial and
military ships are providing support to the
DOD, moving strategic resources and materiel
worldwide. With that in mind, Sullivan said,
“Sealift is essential not only in crisis, but in ev-
eryday operations.”
He added, “Eighty percent of the 62 voyages
supporting the delivery of aid and supplies to
Ukraine were conducted by our commercial part-
ners. While the air numbers (sorties flown) are
larger, the largest volume has travelled by sea.”
Members of the executive working group meet in New Orleans. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, the labor representative, is second from right, in front. (Photo courtesy USTRANSCOM)
Industry Group Examines U.S. Wartime Readiness
Mariners Hailed as ‘Backbone of Our Maritime Capability’
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education (PHC) re-
cently received accolades from the St. Mary’s
County, Maryland, Health Department.
School personnel were on hand April 3 for
a local ceremony honoring the PHC and other
recipients of the county’s Gold Star Awards.
Those honors are given annually “to food ser-
vice facilities that achieve superior food safety
standards,” according to the county.
PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski,
who attended the ceremony in Leonardtown,
stated, “It’s always a team effort with the
upgraders, trainees and crew (staff), coordi-
nating a daily sanitation checklist along with
observations that are addressed immediately.”
He added that the school, located in Piney
Point, sees no shortage of meals or diners.
“The level of activity that we have here
is amazing,” Hetmanski noted. “We do three
meals a day and we have hundreds of people
we feed for each meal. With the continuous
rotation of upgraders and apprentices, for us
to always get that job done is a tribute to the
staff and students.”
The award recipients make up approxi-
mately 20% of St. Mary’s County’s licensed
food service facilities.
According to the county, “The Gold Star
Program has recognized food establishments
for superior food safety practices since the
program’s inception in 2007. Environmental
health specialists at the health department
regularly inspect more than 500 food service
facilities in St. Mary’s County to ensure food
safety is being adequately addressed. During
2022, more than 1,400 inspections were con-
ducted.”
“These food establishments deserve rec-
ognition for achieving such high standards
for their attention to food safety and sanita-
tion,” stated Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s
County health officer. “We appreciate their
extra dedication to ensure our community
members can not only enjoy their food, but
also have confidence in its safe prepara-
tion.”
The food establishments that achieve this
high level of compliance receive a certificate
and a window sticker designating them as
Gold Star establishments. The requirements
to earn a Gold Star include: no critical viola-
tions (based on the Code of Maryland Regula-
tions), no temperature violations cited during
a monitoring inspection; all violations noted
by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day
follow-up inspection, no confirmed unsafe
food handling complaints, at least one food
service worker completed a recognized and
approved Food Service Sanitation and Safety
Class within the last two years.
Paul Hall Center
Receives County
Food Safety Award
Pictured at the awards ceremony are (from left) St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr.
Meena Brewster and Paul Hall Center personnel Executive Chef John Hetmanski, Chef
Robert Johnson, upgrader Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, and apprentices Cameron McNeil
and Gregg Lamar Gethers.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 4 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 5
Washington State Senate: Jones Act
‘Critical’ to Prosperity and Security
The Washington State Senate in early Feb-
ruary passed a resolution that recognizes the
vital role of the Jones Act in the state’s econ-
omy and national security. The Jones Act,
which was authored by then-U.S. Senator for
Washington State Wesley Jones, requires that
vessels transporting cargo between U.S. loca-
tions be American-built, American-owned and
American-crewed – a boon for U.S. national
and economic security.
The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by
Senator Karen Keiser (D) and co-sponsored
by Senator Mark Schoesler (R), emphasizes
the critical role of the Jones Act in cultivating
a robust American maritime industry that is
essential to the state and country. The resolu-
tion also notes that Washington is home to an
estimated 22,500 jobs supported by the Jones
Act, and the American maritime fleet supports
approximately 650,000 family-wage jobs na-
tionwide.
“It was an honor to have so many members
of the maritime community join us in Olympia
as we celebrated the legacy of the Jones Act
and recognized the importance and history of
the maritime industries to our state’s economy
and culture,” said Senator Keiser of Washing-
ton’s 33rd Legislative District, during her floor
speech celebrating the bill’s passage.
The Jones Act fleet contributes more than
$154 billion in economic output nationally
and $6.1 billion to Washington’s economy, ac-
cording to the latest statistics by the American
Maritime Partnership. The impact goes beyond
the men and women who work aboard vessels
in the area, as it also includes shipbuilding
and ship repair industries as well as America’s
equipment manufacturers and vendors, dredg-
ers and marine construction contractors.
The resolution also noted that the pandemic
has raised the “critical importance of maintain-
ing resilient domestic industries and transporta-
tion services to the citizens and workforce of
Washington state.”
Peter Schrappen, vice president – Pacific
Region of the American Waterways Operators,
commented, “The Jones Act is the founda-
tional law that makes it possible for American
maritime to make these and many other con-
tributions to Washington’s economy, security,
environment and quality of life.” He added
that U.S.-flag industry, including the tugboat,
towboat and barge components, is a “critical
economic engine and a committed leader in
environmental sustainability” in Washington
State and across the United States.
In addition, the Jones Act helps to ensure
the nation’s security by maintaining a domestic
maritime industry capable of providing support
to the military in times of conflict or national
emergency. This is particularly important for a
state like Washington, which is home to major
naval bases, including Naval Base Kitsap,
Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station
Whidbey Island, to name a few, all of which
provide important support to the Pacific Fleet
and the services both in peace and war.
As one industry group put it, “Given the
current tensions with China after the U.S. mili-
tary took down a Chinese spy balloon, main-
taining a strong Pacific Northwest keeps the
United States ready in the event of a conflict.”
The Washington State resolution is the latest
of several state resolutions that have passed in
recent months recognizing the Jones Act for its
role as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economic
and national security. Supporters say the reso-
lution is also a testament to its enduring impor-
tance to Washington State and an affirmation of
Sen. Jones’ legacy.The Washington State Capitol, located in Olympia
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
(D) on March 24 delivered a huge win for
labor unions – and for all working families
– across the United States when she signed
legislation (Senate Bill 34 Restoring
Workers Rights) that repealed the state’s
so-called “right to work” law (RTW).
In addition to this main bill, Whitmer
also signed a pair of companion pieces
of legislation. The first, House Bill 4004,
erased the state’s RTW law for public-sec-
tor workers as well. That bill’s sponsors
acknowledged public-sector unions will
still be blocked from requiring govern-
ment employees to join or pay dues under
the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in
Janus v. AFSCME.
Finally, the governor signed a third bill
(House Bill 4007) as part of Democrats’
pro-labor package, restoring Michigan’s
prevailing wage law to set minimum pay
requirements for workers involved in state-
funded construction and infrastructure
projects.
“Michigan workers are the most tal-
ented and hard-working in the world and
deserve to be treated with dignity and
respect,” Whitmer said in a statement
released by her office. “These bills will
protect health and safety, ensuring health-
care workers can put patient care ahead of
profit, construction workers can speak up
when there’s a safety issue, and employees
can call attention to food safety threats and
other problems.
“Today, we are coming together to
restore workers’ rights, protect Michi-
ganders on the job and grow Michi-
gan’s middle class,” the governor
concluded after she signed the legis-
lation.
Reaction to the Michigan RTW law’s
demise was swift, especially from those
who supported the governor’s action.
“Unions made Michigan a hub of Ameri-
can business, and an engine of America’s
middle class,” tweeted President Joe
Biden. “A strong middle class benefits
everybody. Michigan is leading as a great
place to be a worker and a great place to
do business.”
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO,
the largest federation of unions in the U.S.,
also chimed in. “This is what happens
when we elect union members to halls of
power,” she said. “We fight and we WIN
for working people. Right to work, hit the
curb!”
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron
Bieber issued a statement outlining his
stance shortly after the RTW law met
its demise. In part, that statement read:
“After decades of anti-worker attacks,
Michigan has restored the balance of
power for working people by passing
laws to protect their freedom to bargain
for the good wages, good benefits, and
safe workplaces they deserve. Ten years
ago, Governor Whitmer was standing
side by side with well over 10,000 work-
ing people who showed up in Lansing
to protest the devastating attack on their
rights. Today, she has demonstrated yet
again her unwavering commitment to
putting working families first. After de-
cades of attacks on working people, it’s
a new day in Michigan, and the future is
bright.”
Passed more than decade ago, the
Michigan RTW statute allowed people in
unionized workplaces to opt out of pay-
ing union dues and fees as a condition of
employment, even if the union represented
them in negotiations. According to several
sources, Michigan State Democrats had
long viewed the law as contentious, argu-
ing that it allowed for “free riders,” or peo-
ple receiving union representation without
having to pay fees or dues for it. With the
law now abolished, unions can require all
workers in all unionized workplaces to pay
fees for the cost of representation in bar-
gaining.
Michigan, when the RTW law was
enacted in 2012, enjoyed the nation’s
seventh-highest percentage of unionized
workers, but that plummeted to 11th in
2022. Union membership over the last
decade in Michigan has decreased by 2.6
percentage points; U.S. union member-
ship overall has been falling steadily for
decades, reaching an all-time low last year
of 10.1%.
Michigan became the first state in 58
years to repeal a RTW law, with Indiana
repealing its in 1965 before Republicans
there restored it in 2012. In 2017, Mis-
souri’s Republican Legislature approved a
RTW law, but it was blocked from going
into effect before voters overwhelmingly
rejected it the next year.
In total, 26 states now have so-called
RTW laws in place.
“Today, we are coming to-
gether to restore workers’
rights, protect Michiganders
on the job and grow Michi-
gan’s middle class,”
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Lawmakers Deliver Legislative
Victories for U.S. Unions, Working Families
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D)
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 5 4/21/23 1:41 PM
6 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Editor’s note: The following news release
was issued by the National Maritime Center
on March 20. It’s available on the SIU web-
site.
Credentials Lost in the Mail
The National Maritime Center (NMC)
mails completed credentials via standard
USPS mail, which does not include a means
of tracking, and delivery can take up to 21
days. In some cases, the credential may be
returned or irreparably lost in the mail for
a variety of reasons. Following are some
important things you can do to reduce the
chances of this happening:
• Validate your address. When apply-
ing for a credential, make sure the address on
your application form is accurate and legible.
If you change your address after the applica-
tion has been submitted, notify us as soon as
possible before your credential is processed
and mailed by contacting our Customer Ser-
vice Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Note, after the credential has been processed
and mailed, we cannot change the method
used for mailing.
• Consider using an expedited mail-
ing option. We strongly recommend you
use an expedited mailing option. Please
note, the cost incurred for expedited
mailing is the responsibility of the mari-
ner.
Think your credential is lost in the mail?
A replacement credential will be issued,
free of charge, to mariners whose credentials
were lost in the mail prior to receipt through
no fault of their own. Affected mariners
should follow the steps below to obtain an
expedited replacement credential:
1. Confirm that we mailed out your cre-
dential. You can use the Credential Applica-
tion Status tool.
2. If you have not received your creden-
tial by 21 days after it was mailed, provide a
CG-719B application for a Merchant Mariner
Credential and affidavit of loss to the NMC
within 60 days of mailing of the original
credential in person or via e-mail to your ser-
vicing Regional Examination Center. The af-
fidavit should contain the following:
a. Mariner’s full name
b. Mariner’s date of birth
c. Mariner’s reference number
d. The mailing address the replacement
credential should be sent to
e. Current phone number and/or e-mail
address that the NMC can use to contact the
mariner with questions, if necessary
f. Description of the circumstances sur-
rounding the loss, i.e., never received the ini-
tial credential.
We will make every effort to have replace-
ment credentials mailed out as soon as possi-
ble. If your original credential is subsequently
received, you must immediately return the
credential to the NMC.
PLEASE NOTE: E-mailing your appli-
cation is the preferred method. While the
Coast Guard can accommodate e-mails
with attachments up to 35 MB in size,
verify any size restrictions your e-mail
provider may have prior to sending. Miss-
ing information will cause applications to
be delayed or rejected.
If you have questions regarding du-
plicate or replacement credentials, please
contact the NMC Customer Service Cen-
ter via our online chat system (scan the QR
code below to open the chat website) or by
calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
NMC Issues Notice
About Credentials
Lost in the Mail
ITF Pushes Governments to Heed
Pandemic Supply-Chain Lessons
The International Transport Workers’
Federation (ITF) is urging governments
to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pan-
demic and its aftermath to secure reliable
maritime supply chains for their citizens
and the climate.
In a new report from the federation –
titled “Opportunities for Seafarers and
National Maritime Policies: Navigating
Beyond the Chaos of the Pandemic” – in-
dustry experts identify specific examples
and propose practical solutions for bolster-
ing supply chains.
The SIU is an affiliate of the London-
based ITF.
“During the pandemic, in many coun-
tries, consumers and businesses expe-
rienced shortages, including of critical
goods like medicines and fuel supplies,”
said Chris Given, secretary-treasurer of the
Seafarers International Union of Canada
and one of the report’s authors. “But what
we see is that in other countries, specifi-
cally those with robust national maritime
policies, governments were able to harness
well-laid policy levers to get their people
fed, fueled and on a quicker path back to
economic and health recovery.”
Throughout the pandemic, many of the
world’s shipping containers had been scat-
tered – found in locations far from their
intended destinations, the federation re-
ported. The disarray resulted in record-high
shipping prices and persistent port conges-
tion, which quickly led to mass shortages
of finished goods and left consumers at the
mercy of overstretched supply chains, ac-
cording to the ITF.
At the same time, upwards of 400,000
mariners were essentially trapped aboard
vessels due to pandemic restrictions, un-
able to return home and be relieved by a
fresh crew. Tired and weary, some seafar-
ers were stuck on board for more than a
year at the crew change crisis’ peak, the
report stated.
“Amidst the chaos, some countries were
able to use national flag fleets to shift criti-
cal cargo and get supply chains moving
again. We have to remember that these are
supply chains that remained logjammed
elsewhere,” Given said. “In writing this
report, we asked ‘Why?’ What was dif-
ferent about some countries that saw them
come through faster and stronger, while
others were very negatively exposed by
these crises?”
The report also identifies governments
whom the federation describes as “strug-
gling to navigate the turbulent waters of
the crises due to poor planning and policy.”
For instance, according to the ITF, Aus-
tralia’s federal government “could only
look on as its lack of a strategic fleet caused
the country’s businesses and consumers to
become hostage to an incredibly volatile
global market for shipping services. Firms,
households and the public sector were at
the mercy of the markets and their record-
high prices, even for cargo critical to the
nation’s economic or physical health.”
“COVID-19 and the supply chain
shocks which followed laid bare just how
fragile our global supply chains are,” said
SIU President David Heindel, who also
heads the ITF Seafarers’ Section. “Sen-
sible national maritime policies are an im-
portant insurance to safeguard a country’s
economic, health, security, and environ-
mental interests. After what the world has
been through, what kind of government
wouldn’t want that insurance for their
people?”
He added, “In the absence of sensible
national maritime policies, governments
put their economies and their communities
at extreme – and unnecessary – risk. There
is another way.”
Heindel said some countries have al-
ready shown they had taken note of the
pitfalls of an unprepared national maritime
sector. The ITF’s report highlights recent
moves by Brazil, Canada, New Zealand,
Norway, Panama, South Africa, the UK
and the United States to strengthen support
for cabotage and other sensible national
maritime policies in their domestic legisla-
tion and planning.
“The standout performance of our do-
mestic shipping sectors, not only in the
U.S. but elsewhere too, throughout these
cr ises shows that when you invest in your
people … and your industry, you are better
prepared to provide for your citizens come
what may in the global headwinds,” Hein-
del concluded.
Given added, “Ours is a success story.
But there is more we can do, with more
governments supporting our critical sector
all over the world.”
ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline
Smith agreed. “If the world is to step up
to the collective challenge of cutting car-
bon emissions to a safe level, then shipping
needs to do our part,” she said. “We can’t
do that, however, if there aren’t seafarers
coming through with the right skills to
handle the fuels and ships of the future.”
Smith said that up to 800,000 seafarers
would require some form of retraining or
familiarization by 2030 as the industry rap-
idly decarbonizes.
“Now is the time for governments to in-
vest in a secure future by putting in place
sensible national maritime policies. They
should do this not only for people but also
for the planet,” Smith said.
The ITF has more than 700 affiliated
trade unions from 153 countries. Collec-
tively, they represent millions of workers.
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education
in late March hosted guests from
the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade
Union of Ukraine, the International
Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),
and Nautilus International. Pictured
during a tour of the school in Piney
Point, Maryland, are (from left in photo
above) SIU President David Heindel
and Oleg Grigoryuk, president of the
Ukrainian maritime union; and, from
left in photo below, Maya Schwieg-
ershausen-Güth and Anne Lindsay of
the ITF along with Danny McGowan
of Nautilus. Tomas Abrahamsson of
the ITF Seafarers’ Trust also visited
as part of the same group.
International Maritime
Officials Tour PHC
Campus, Facilities
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 6 4/21/23 1:41 PM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 7
The M/V National Glory, operated by
SIU-contracted Intrepid Personnel and
Provisioning, was called upon to res-
cue two vessels full of migrants within a
month.
On March 4, the National Glory saved
15 Cuban migrants, adrift aboard a pow-
erless raft near the Straits of Florida; and,
just a month prior, the Seafarers-crewed
vessel rescued 21 people from a doomed
makeshift sailboat in the same region.
SIU members sailing aboard the Na-
tional Glory during the rescues included:
Recertified Bosun Joseph White, ABs
Kerry Bodden, Delroy Jose Fernandez
Fernandez and Carlos Lasso, STOSs
Dexter Arriola Arzu, Jet Delfin and
Carlos Jones, QMED Linarys Castillo
Ortiz, Oilers Reinaldo Timbal Fostanes,
Mohammed Alam Gir and Benjamin
Scott, Steward/Baker Cole Briggs and
Chief Cook Yoaquin Antonio Gonzalez
Dejesus.
In the early hours of March 4, watch-
standers noticed a flickering light among
the waves. Once it was determined to be
a signal for help, the crew was alerted and
rushed into action as the National Glory
created a lee to shield the raft from the
waves. The stranded boaters were then
brought aboard to safety, as the crew
provided medical aid to one of the res-
cued migrants, who was having difficulty
breathing.
According to White, the bosun, “Our
training is just what we do. We’re profes-
sional seamen, and I’ve been involved in
maybe 20 rescues in my life. We just au-
tomatically kick into gear, and my crews
have a system down at this point. It’s sec-
ond nature.”
The third mate, who was fluent in Span-
ish, served as a translator between the crew
and the rescued migrants. He was told by
the migrants that their craft’s engine had
died and they had been drifting powerless
for five days, and had run out of food and
water.
“They always say they’re sinking, and so
we treat every rescue as if it’s life and death,”
White explained. “One group was pretty far
away from shore, and I don’t know if they
would have made it without us.”
He added that the Cuban Coast Guard
personnel (to whom the migrants were trans-
ferred) were friendly and helpful, as usual.
In both recent instances, the migrants
were provided with food and dry clothing
as the crew awaited the arrival of a Coast
Guard vessel to transport the rescued boat-
ers into Cuban custody.
“You look at their boats, just plywood
stuck together with no fiberglass on the
outside, and it’s pretty clear that boat
wasn’t going to make it,” White added.
“But an American seaman is never going
to leave anyone stranded in the water, not
in a million years.”
One of the doomed craft, filling with water after the migrants had
been safely brought aboard the National Glory Some of the migrants are pictured aboard the SIU-crewed National Glory following their rescue on March 4.
National Glory Crew Saves Lives – Twice
On March 30, the crew of the OSG-operated Over-
seas Long Beach diverted course to rescue 12 individuals
stranded on an adrift vessel approximately 185 nautical
miles south of Louisiana.
The SIU crew aboard the Overseas Long Beach in-
cluded: Bosun German Nunez; ABs Kar Lee Arrington
Jr., Kevin Chan and Elben Sandoval; OSs Samuel Lam-
bert and LaMario McGhee; QMED Gilbert Johnson;
GUDE Ahmed Ali and Allan Castillo; Chief Steward
Jose Norales; Chief Cook Edgardo Padagdag; SA Tony
Washington; and Apprentices Coleman Brewer and An-
thony Harrell.
According to OSG: “The Overseas Long Beach was on
a voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksonville, Flor-
ida, when at 1645 LT, the 4x8 lookout watch on the bridge
spotted a small craft approximately 1.5 miles away with
occupants waving their arms. The officer on watch took
immediate action notifying the Master and diverted from
course to render assistance as necessary while the Mas-
ter mustered the crew. The Master of the Overseas Long
Beach maneuvered the ship close to the distressed craft to
establish communications. U.S. Coast Guard Sector New
Orleans was immediately notified, and the craft with 12
persons aboard was brought alongside to assess the situa-
tion and to transfer food, water, first-aid supplies, blankets,
flashlights, emergency signals and life jackets while await-
ing further guidance from Sector New Orleans.”
After consulting with the Coast Guard, the crew worked
to bring all 12 migrants aboard. Then, following a security
and medical evaluation, the rescued boaters were provided
food, water, blankets and mattresses in the crew lounge.
The rescued individuals relayed through a bilingual crew
member that the doomed craft had been at sea for 12 days,
and that they had run out of food a week prior to being
saved. After 36 hours on board, the migrants were trans-
ferred to a Coast Guard Cutter off Key West, at which time
the vessel returned to its original route.
OSG CEO Sam Norton congratulated the crew, stating:
“Universal human rights are protected in international law,
but their effective enforcement is not universal. In similar
circumstances, some may have chosen the easy way out of
a potentially complex situation by turning a blind eye to the
existence of a vessel in distress. The Overseas Long Beach
did not choose this path. Rather, all on board chose to act
with honest concern and empathy for those in need in a
manner which affirms, in the most visible way possible, the
standards of ethics and transparency that lie at the core of
OSG’s culture. Thanks to the individuals involved for a job
well done, for the care and attention that were offered those
in distress, and for the level of professionalism exhibited
by all in handling this matter effectively.”
Overseas Long Beach Crew Rescues 12
These snapshots, submitted by Bosun German Nunez, show the rescue operation involving the Overseas
Long Beach.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 7 4/21/23 10:02 AM
8 Seafarers LOG May 2023
SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE – Houston-based members of Team SIU are on the recruiting trail, as reflected
in these recent photos. Pictured at the conference table in photo above are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Houston City
Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Port Agent Joe
Zavala. They discussed recruiting opportunities in District F. The snapshot at right includes SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (standing)
along with Bob Silva of AMO and Evangeline Broome of OSI.
RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent
Warren Asp (left) welcomes a prospective member to a career
fair in Anchorage, Alaska.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Dave “Hoss”
Henson (right) is pictured at the hiring hall as he picks up
his first pension check. He retired from Crescent Towing as
a licensed engineer after 44 years of service. SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook is at left.
ABOARD USNS CAPELLA
– Pictured in late March
aboard the Ocean Duchess
vessel in San Francisco are
(from left) SIU Port Agent
J.B. Niday, GUDE Rolando
Dinong, SIU Safety Direc-
tor Dylan Rivera, Recertified
Bosun Artis Williams, GUDE
Rodolfo Ludovice, Electri-
cian Salah Saleh, Recerti-
fied Steward Dante Cruz and
Electrician Alex Canada.
ABOARD GEM STATE – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (seated at center) meets with SIU members March 20
aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessel. Marrone thanked the Seafarers for their dedication in answering the call when
MARAD activated the ship.
REPRESENTING SIU – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson recently served on a NY/NJ Port Authority
Workforce panel. He’s at the front table, far right (nearest the podium), with Capt. Jeffrey Spillane of SUNY Maritime
and Sean Kerwick of Hudson County College. Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY and NJ
served as moderator. Panelists and other attendees discussed various aspects of local transportation jobs, including
retention and how different sectors can more effectively work together.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 8 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 9
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
FULL BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers received their respective
B-books at the March membership meeting. They are (from left in photo at left) AB
Jamison Pierce, Chief Cook Maurice Henry and (left in photo above) AB Kenneth
Townsend. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right in both photos.
WELCOME ABOARD – Chief Cook Elizebeth Chavez (second
from left) receives her full book at the hall in Oakland, Califor-
nia. A graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s CCAP program, she’s
pictured with (from left) SIU Patrolman Kathy Chester, SIU Port
Agent J.B. Niday and SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera.
MILESTONE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Gervacio Antonio
Simon (left) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Port
Agent Warren Asp.
AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE HALL – AB Rossitza
Zahariev (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s
pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins.
BOOKS RECEIVED IN GARDEN STATE – AB Yoland Legaspi (left in photo at left) picks up his A-seniority book at
the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, while Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (left in photo directly above) receives
his B-book. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos.
AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Newly certified Chief Cook Ramon
Hilerio (left) receives his B-book in late March. He’s pictured with
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
BOOKS GALORE IN WILMINGTON – Three Seafarers recently secured their respective full B-seniority books at
the hiring hall. They are: AB Carlomagno Surigao (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman), QMED
Jorge Valencia Bon (center photo) and Chief Cook Shadonna Jones (right in photo at right, also with Jarman).
SEAFARERS TEAM
UP – The SIU-crewed,
Pasha-operated Jean
Anne (above) gets an
assist from the SIU-
crewed Crowley tug
Scout in San Diego.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 9 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 1110 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Sail-In Sets
Participation Record
In Return to Nation’s Capital
Event Carries Pro-Maritime Message to Capitol Hill
The SIU strongly contributed to a record turnout as
maritime industry leaders met with members of
Congress and their respective staffs on March 30,
in a return to the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In
event which had been on hiatus since the onset of the pan-
demic. In total, 138 members of the maritime community
– including 28 SIU executives and representatives – sat
down with 139 senators, congressional representatives or
their staffs, making this iteration of the event the largest
in its 11-year history.
Representing the SIU at the day-long outreach: Presi-
dent David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin
Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski; Vice
Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey,
Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell; Politi-
cal and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant
Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Michael Russo and Joe
Vincenzo; Political Consultants Terry Turner and Lanier
Avant; Port Agents Joe Baselice, James Bast, Todd Brdak,
DeCarlo Harris, Ray Henderson, John Hoskins, Gerret
Jarman, Ashley Nelson, J.B. Niday, Mario Torrey, Chris
Westbrook and Jimmy White; and Representative Shane
Sterry.
The Sail-In allows the maritime community to come
together and speak to lawmakers on the issues that matter
most to the industry. Each group typically features at least
one member from a different component of the maritime
industry, including labor, management, retired Naval of-
ficers, and educators.
This year, participants discussed (among other top-
ics) the Maritime Security Program, and that it should be
fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of
$318 million; the Tanker Security Program being fully
funded at the congressionally authorized level of $120
million; and increasing funding for international food
aid programs, such as PL-480. They also touched on the
numerous benefits of the Jones Act, America’s freight
cabotage law, which protects U.S. national, economic and
homeland security.
Among those pictured: SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left), International Propeller Club Executive VP Adm.
Joel Whitehead, Maersk General Counsel Pat McCaffery, USMMA Alumni Senior VP Marilyn Livi, Seacor’s Chris Johnsen,
and a member of Rep. Andrew Clyde’s (R-Georgia) legislative staff.
Pictured left to right: SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, U.S.
Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and SIU Executive VP Augustin
Tellez.
Gathering for a photo in between meetings, from
left to right: USMMA Alumni Brian Foy, Hapag Lloyd
USA Senior Sales Manager Gina Rivera and SIU
VP Contracts George Tricker.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left), Rep. David Valadao (R-Califor-
nia) (middle), K&L Gates Government Affairs Counselor Jim Sartucci, Great Lakes Pilot Captain
Jon Olney and Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Captain Michael Surgalski.
In the photo above: SIU Vice President Atlantic Region Joe Soresi (second from right),
SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (third from left), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania)
(third from right), Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Senior Vice President Bill Hanson,
MM&P Rep Keith Poissant and USMMA Alumni Mark Remijan.
From left to right: SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, SIU Port Agent James Bast, SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins.
In the photo above: SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (third from right), SIU Political
and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right), U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois),
Schuyler Lines CEO Dion Nicely, APL President Tony Padilla and MEBA President Adam
Vokac.
Pictured above: SIU Representative Shane Sterry (second from right), U.S.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) (middle), AMO’s Captain Kevin Stith,
Winston & Strawn’s Bryant Gardner and Cottrell Contracting VP Government
Relations Devon Carlock.
Above: SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (third from right), MEBA VP Gulf Adam Smith, MM&P
VP Jeremy Hope, Texas A&M Maritime’s RADM Mike Fossum and two legislative assistants
from Rep. Lizzie Fletcher’s (D-Texas) staff.
Pictured above: SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio Crespo (second from left),
Crowley VP Caribbean Logistics Sal Menoyo, TOTE Maritime VP Caribbean
Services Eduardo Pagan, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department’s Dale Troll and a
member of Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon’s (R-Puerto Rico) staff.
Pictured are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (second from right), Crowley VP
Maritime Solutions Gavin Hughes, USMMA Alumni Braddock Parks, DC Propel-
ler Club President Jeff Vogel, and a member of Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North
Carolina) staff.
Above: SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right), MM&P Pilot Capt. Nate
Lammers, International Ship Masters’ Association Chairman of Legislative
Communications Scott Skrzypczak, USMMA’s Jeff Surrell, Lake Carriers’ As-
sociation President James Weakley and a member of Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s
(R-Minnesota) staff.
In the photo above: SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left),
Euro-America Shipping President Obaid Ahmad, Transportation Institute’s John Flynn and
APL Trade Support Specialist Hannah Hass.
In the photo above: SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (second from left),
U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) (middle), ARC’s Charles Diorio,
USMMA Alumni Walter Egee IV and Federal Pilots’ Hank Webster.
From left to right: MEBA Secretary-Treasurer
Roland Rexha, SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff
Mark Wooley, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (D-
New Jersey) and SIU Executive VP Augustin
Tellez.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent James Bast (left), U.S. Rep. Jeff Jack-
son (D-North Carolina) (third from right), OSG VP and General Coun-
sel Susan Allen, K&L Gates’ Brody Garland, Liberty Global Logistics
Executive VP Paul “Chip” Jaenichen and Patriot Contract Services
CEO Ryan Pereyda.
From left to right: Transportation Institute VP Pacific Coast Operations
Sarah Scherer, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, U.S. Rep. Marie Perez (D-
Washington), MM&P’s Dan Twohig and SIU Assistant VP Joe Vincenzo.
Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (second from right), American Maritime
Congress President Fair Kim, Schuyler Lines Counsel Emily Jones, Liberty Maritime
Corporation VP Operations William Campbell and a member of Rep. Rick Crawford’s
(R-Arkansas) staff.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 10-11 4/21/23 10:03 AM
12 Seafarers LOG May 2023
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
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
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Seafarers International
Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: Why did you apply for the apprentice program, and how’s the training going so far?
Randall Cox
Apprentice
The apprenticeship is going really
good. I signed up to further my edu-
cation in a mechanical trade. I was an
electrician before coming here, and
just want to work my way up in the
union.
Robert O’Neal
Apprentice
I have family in the industry.
The program is going great. At
times, it feels tough, but it’s a
good career and the SIU takes
care of their people. It’s a good
opportunity making amazing
money.
Frances Mendez
Apprentice
I have family that works in
the industry, and they told me it’s
worthwhile. I think I’ll like the
lifestyle. The training is really
good. They prepare you for every-
thing you’ll do on the ship.
Darlenzo Hines
Apprentice
I really have a passion for
the sea. I grew up fishing in the
panhandle, and it’s second-nature
to me. It’s more like a home than
a job. I love the training – I’m
learning a lot and doing a lot. The
SIU is definitely delivering.
Jesus Fernandez
Apprentice
I signed up because I knew I
needed a change in my life. It’s going
great so far. We take our tests Friday
and some people have ships (lined
up) as soon as they head out. It’s been
life-changing.
Wade Henry
Apprentice
I was in banking for five years
before this. I signed up because that
wasn’t my passion. So far, it’s better
than I expected. I’m getting a lot of
value and I feel more knowledgeable.
It’s paying off for me.
Pic From The Past
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
(May 2023 Pic Past, page 12)
In this 1954 snapshot, SIU members on the Western Trader listen as the delegate (with envelope) presents a U.S. Army chaplain
in Korea with donations from the crew for a new chapel.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 12 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 13
Deck Department
Algonac 14 4 4 8 2 2 1 34 9 3
Anchorage 2 2 0 3 2 0 1 3 2 0
Baltimore 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 11 14 3 7 6 3 2 24 23 3
Guam 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 4 0 1
Harvey 7 6 1 9 4 2 4 12 7 2
Honolulu 5 2 0 6 2 0 3 9 4 0
Houston 23 16 6 17 7 2 12 43 22 8
Jacksonville 22 22 5 28 16 2 15 36 30 7
Jersey City 18 7 1 17 4 1 8 38 12 1
Joliet 4 2 0 2 2 0 0 4 0 0
Mobile 6 2 2 6 4 1 4 10 2 3
Norfolk 20 8 9 13 5 4 6 27 9 6
Oakland 5 1 0 5 2 0 1 14 2 0
Philadelphia 5 0 0 1 2 0 1 7 1 0
Piney Point 3 5 1 1 4 1 2 3 1 1
Puerto Rico 4 1 2 3 1 0 1 13 5 1
Tacoma 19 8 6 19 7 2 6 28 11 6
St. Louis 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0
Wilmington 20 9 1 11 6 0 10 52 16 6
TOTALS 194 110 43 161 77 21 79 364 160 48
Engine Department
Algonac 4 1 1 2 1 0 2 7 3 1
Anchorage 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0
Baltimore 3 1 2 1 1 0 0 1 2 2
Fort Lauderdale 6 2 1 9 3 0 4 10 10 1
Guam 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Harvey 2 3 0 2 4 1 2 2 5 0
Honolulu 2 2 1 4 0 0 1 6 5 1
Houston 15 7 1 8 3 1 5 15 16 0
Jacksonville 17 12 2 12 10 0 8 20 13 3
Jersey City 8 2 3 9 1 1 6 13 4 4
Joliet 1 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 2 0
Mobile 0 1 1 5 1 0 1 3 2 2
Norfolk 12 10 6 6 4 7 2 13 16 7
Oakland 11 3 2 4 1 1 1 11 3 2
Philadelphia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0
Piney Point 2 3 1 2 1 0 1 2 4 1
Puerto Rico 5 0 0 2 1 0 0 5 2 0
Tacoma 12 7 2 4 4 0 2 16 12 3
St. Louis 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 3 3 0
Wilmington 11 3 2 6 3 4 2 18 2 3
TOTALS 115 62 25 79 39 16 40 156 105 30
Steward Department
Algonac 3 3 0 2 2 0 0 5 2 0
Anchorage 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0
Baltimore 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
Fort Lauderdale 7 5 2 7 4 2 6 10 7 2
Guam 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0
Harvey 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 3 1 0
Honolulu 3 2 1 3 0 1 1 7 3 0
Houston 11 4 2 8 5 1 3 20 4 1
Jacksonville 16 13 1 10 14 1 7 29 23 1
Jersey City 10 5 0 7 4 1 5 14 5 1
Joliet 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0
Mobile 1 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 2 0
Norfolk 13 9 4 11 11 0 3 20 15 5
Oakland 13 7 1 9 2 1 1 18 9 3
Philadelphia 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Piney Point 2 8 1 4 3 1 1 3 5 3
Puerto Rico 4 7 1 1 3 1 1 6 8 1
Tacoma 6 5 1 6 3 2 4 14 6 1
St. Louis 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
Wilmington 15 5 1 6 6 0 4 29 7 4
TOTALS 110 78 19 83 60 14 41 186 102 23
Entry Department
Algonac 3 5 6 0 3 3 0 2 15 15
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1
Baltimore 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 2
Fort Lauderdale 0 3 8 0 5 2 1 0 3 10
Guam 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
Harvey 0 2 2 0 1 3 0 3 2 2
Honolulu 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 6 1
Houston 1 8 13 1 7 7 6 3 18 26
Jacksonville 3 22 64 0 10 39 10 4 47 110
Jersey City 2 6 14 1 5 12 1 1 13 20
Joliet 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 3
Mobile 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1
Norfolk 0 10 22 0 8 13 0 0 17 31
Oakland 1 4 5 0 1 0 0 1 8 10
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2
Piney Point 0 4 17 1 7 10 2 0 2 11
Puerto Rico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3
Tacoma 4 9 6 2 4 1 0 5 15 10
St. Louis 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
Wilmington 1 10 4 0 5 3 0 2 20 10
TOTALS 16 90 169 5 62 99 24 25 171 272
GRAND TOTAL: 435 340 256 328 238 150 184 731 538 373
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 16, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023.
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 Sea
May & June
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................................Monday: May 8, June 5
Algonac..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9
Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
Guam.............................................Thursday: May 25, June 22
Honolulu..............................................Friday: May 19, June 16
Houston...............................................Monday: May 15, June 12
Jacksonville......................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
Joliet...............................................Thursday: May 18, June 15
Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 17, June 14
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 16, June 13
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 9, June 6
Norfolk..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9
Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 18, June 15
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 10, June 7
Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 18, June 15
San Juan.........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8
St. Louis............................................Friday: May 19, June 16
Tacoma.............................................Friday: May 26, June 23
Wilmington.......................Monday: May 22, *Tuesday: June 20
*Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
Important Notice to Seafarers:
Make Sure Your Flu Vaccines
Are Approved by the U.S. FDA
The U.S. Military Sea-
lift Command (MSC)
requires an annual flu
vaccine for all mariners
who sail aboard MSC-
contracted ships. Spe-
cifically, the flu vaccine
must be approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Ad-
ministration (FDA). This
is due to other countries
using different flu strains
in their respective vac-
cines which may not be as
effective against the types
of flu seen in the U.S.
If you are getting a flu
shot in order to sail on
MSC-contracted vessels,
it is best to receive it in
the U.S. (states or terri-
tories). That is the only
way to be certain that the
vaccine is U.S. FDA-ap-
proved.
Veterans who can ac-
cess care on overseas U.S.
military medical facilities
may be able to obtain an
FDA-approved vaccine,
but in that case, be sure to
verify its status.
Flu vaccines adminis-
tered in other countries
are unlikely to be U.S.
FDA-approved.
Questions may be di-
rected to the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department at
(301) 994-0010 or shbp-
medical@seafarers.org
Supporting Our Troops
These photos of the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pomeroy
(Patriot) were taken March 22 at Joint Base Charles-
ton, South Carolina (vessel is in the background in
photo at right). The
ship was preparing
to load materiel as
part of the U.S.
Army’s Preposi-
tioned Stocks Pro-
grams. (Photos by
Airman 1st Class
Caleb Parker)
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 13 4/21/23 10:02 AM
14 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), February 8 –
Chairman Adel Ahmed, Educational
Director Imran Khan, Engine
Delegate Saddam Yahia, Stew-
ard Delegate Roberto Coronado.
Crew requested upgraded Wi-Fi
to better maintain internet connec-
tion. Members applauded the new
changes to medical benefits. Chair-
man reminded crew to be mindful
of rules at the halls and on vessels.
Educational director advised crew
to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland, and reviewed the
requirements to sign up for courses.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew displeased with delays in
medical reports from CHS. Mem-
bers are reportedly having a hard
time receiving communications and
have not been receiving their “FFD”
status on time to join vessels. Crew
also discussed penalty pay.
MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk
Line, Limited), February 11 – Chair-
man Hanapiah Ismail, Secretary
Ali Matari, Educational Direc-
tor Kelly Percy, Engine Delegate
Troy Hubbard, Steward Delegate
Christopher Coston. Chairman
thanked crew for working safely and
reminded everyone to leave clean
rooms for members who will be
signing on. Secretary thanked every-
one for separating garbage. Educa-
tional director encouraged crew to
upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
increases in vacation time and a 10G
data plan.
USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean
Shipholdings, Inc.), February 18
– Chairman Robert Natividad,
Educational Director Terry Taylor,
Deck Delegate Richard Flores,
Steward Delegate Charles Craw-
ford. Educational director urged
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, which is affiliated with
the SIU. Beef reported between
bosun and OSI about bonus check
requirements. No OT disputes
reported. Members wished SIU
President Emeritus Mike Sacco a
wonderful retirement and gave a
warm welcome to the SIU’s new
president, David Heindel. Crew
reviewed repairs needed for galley.
Vote of thanks given to chief cook
for a job well done. If members take
flights to ship that exceed twelve
hours, rest is needed before signing
on.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management) February 26 –
Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary
Gamal Asaad, Educational Direc-
tor Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate
Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate
Michael Garcia. Crew discussed
various concerns pertaining to get-
ting timely reliefs. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
very pleased with food provided by
steward department. Crew requested
faster internet service.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), March 1 – Chair-
man Adel Ahmed, Secretary Erwin
Renon, Educational Director Imran
Khan, Deck Delegate Nathaniel
Rivera, Engine Delegate Saddam
Yahia, Steward Delegate Nasr
Almusab. TVs have been installed
in crew state rooms. Bosun talked
about new contract. He went over
the course schedule at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education and advised crew
to upgrade. Chairman discussed
procedures available to mariners for
expedited passport renewals, and
thanked the steward department for
good meals. Steward department
thanked crew for maintaining
good housekeeping. Steward del-
egate reviewed shipping rules with
members. If a mariner receives a
job assignment and rejects it after
48 hours, their shipping registra-
tion card shall be forfeited for the
next 60 days. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew still waiting
for improved Wi-Fi service aboard
ship. Members requested 30 for 30
vacation days, better dental and eye
care coverage and for all entry level
positions to be at an equal pay scale.
Next port: Long Beach, California.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Per-
sonnel & Provisioning), March 6
– Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Sec-
retary Dapiriye Oruamabo, Educa-
tional Director George Velez, Deck
Delegate Melvin Smalls, Engine
Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward
Delegate Milton Sivells. Chairman
extended thanks to all departments
and especially thanked the steward
department. Crew discussed vari-
ous shipboard conduct including
interactions between officers and
unlicensed personnel. Educational
director recommended members
upgrade at the Piney Point school as
soon as possible. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Crew requested
TVs in each room, a washer and
dryer and coffee machines.
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific pro-
vision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitu-
tion requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance com-
mittee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines the
finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members
of this committee may make dissenting re-
ports, specific recommendations and sepa-
rate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland 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 represen-
tatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trust-
ees. All trust fund financial records are avail-
able 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 con-
tained in the contracts between the union and
the employers, they should notify the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In
the event anyone attempts to require any
such payment be made without supplying a
receipt, or if a member is required to make
a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this should
immediately be reported to union headquar-
ters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize them-
selves with its contents. Any time a mem-
ber feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are 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 Ameri-
can merchant marine with improved employ-
ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD sup-
ports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are vol-
untary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers In-
ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for inves-
tigation 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 David Heindel at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Know Your Rights
Aboard Perla Del Caribe
Many thanks to Chief Mate Doug Voss for these snapshots from the
SIU-crewed TOTE vessel. The individual photo (bottom left) shows Re-
certified Bosun Victor Nunez running mooring winches. Pictured in the
fire fighting drill (top left) are
SA Edna Bakhos, Oiler Eric
Jackson, AB Julio Perez and
AB Mark Smith. The remain-
ing photo (above) includes
QMED Ronaldo Quinones, AB
Pedro De Jesus, SA Bakhos
and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz
prepping for lifeboat drills.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 14 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 15
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 Ashore
DEEP SEA
TAWRENCE ABRAMS
Brother Tawrence Abrams, 57,
started his career
with the union
in 2001. He first
shipped on the
Global Link and
sailed in the en-
gine department.
Brother Abrams
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently sailed on the Cape May and
makes his home in Baltimore.
STEPHEN ACKLEY
Brother Stephen Ackley, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1978 and initially sailed aboard
the Delta Venezu-
ela. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Ackley
shipped in the
deck department
and also worked
on shore gangs.
He last worked
as the lead bosun on Matson’s
shore gang in Tacoma, Washing-
ton, and is a resident of Olympia,
Washington.
ROBERT BOOMER
Brother Robert Boomer, 71, joined
the union in
2006, initially
sailing aboard the
Coastal Reliance.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Boomer
most recently sailed on the Resolve.
He calls Mariposa, California,
home.
CHARLES BROOKS
Brother Charles Brooks, 58, signed
on with the SIU in 1986 when he
sailed on the
USNS Desteiguer.
He shipped in the
steward depart-
ment and up-
graded at the Paul
Hall Center on nu-
merous occasions.
Brother Brooks’
final vessel was
the Maersk Sen-
tosa. He resides in
Bluefield, West Virginia.
WILLIAM DOWZICKY
Brother William Dowzicky, 65,
joined the union in 1978, initially
sailing on an
Alton Steam-
ship vessel. He
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Brother
Dowzicky most
recently shipped
on the Cape Wrath and makes his
home in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania.
MICHAEL FUNK
Brother Michael Funk, 65, started
sailing with the SIU in 1987 and
first worked on the Charles L.
Brown. He shipped in the deck de-
partment and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center in 1990. Brother Funk’s
final vessel was the Gus W. Darnell.
He resides in Merrick, New York.
KENNETH MARICH
Brother Kenneth Marich, 65, be-
came a member
of the union in
1988. A deck de-
partment member,
he first sailed
aboard the USNS
Assertive. Brother
Marich upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions. He
last sailed on the
USNS Able and lives in Wamsutter,
Wyoming.
ALVIN MARTIN
Brother Alvin Martin, 68, joined the
Seafarers in 2001.
He initially sailed
on the Kenai and
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Martin upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
He most recently
shipped on the Alaskan Legend and
lives in Prairieville, Louisiana.
DOMINGO MARTINEZ REYES
Brother Domingo Martinez Reyes,
66, donned the
SIU colors in
1990 when he
sailed aboard the
Sealift Atlantic.
He sailed in all
three departments
and last shipped
on the Overseas
Santorini. Brother
Martinez Reyes is
a resident of Naples, Florida.
DIONICIO MEJIA
Brother Dionicio
Mejia, 65, joined
the union in 2001.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
initially shipped
on the Mormac-
sun. Brother
Mejia concluded
his career aboard
the Overseas
Houston. He resides in Cypress,
Texas.
ANTHONY OBESEM
Brother Anthony Obesem, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 2004. He
first sailed aboard the USNS Heezen
and worked in the deck department.
Brother Obesem upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center the same year he
joined the union. He most recently
shipped on the Liberty Peace and is
a New Orleans resident.
FLOYD PATTERSON
Brother Floyd Patterson, 66,
joined the Seafarers in 1991
and first sailed
aboard the Cape
Clear. He up-
graded at the
Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Patter-
son’s final vessel was the Golden
State. He makes his home in Lib-
erty, Mississippi.
CONRADO QUILAO
Brother Con-
rado Quilao, 65,
started his career
with the union
in 2004, initially
sailing aboard the
USNS Bowditch.
A steward depart-
ment member, he
last shipped on
the USNS Dahl.
Brother Quilao lives in Murrieta,
California.
RANDY SNAY
Brother Randy Snay, 65, became
an SIU member
in 1982 when
he worked with
Michigan Inter-
state Railway.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2002
and worked in the
engine depart-
ment. Brother
Snay’s final vessel was the Over-
seas Philadelphia. He resides in
Miami.
STANLEY WILLIAMS
Brother Stanley Williams, 65, began
his career with
the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 1979, initially
sailing on the El
Paso Southern.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Williams last shipped
on the Seabulk Trader and calls
Pearland, Texas, home.
GREAT LAKES
KEVIN HOLLENBECK
Brother Kevin Hollenbeck, 60,
signed on with
the SIU in 1984.
He was employed
by Luedtke En-
gineering for the
duration of his
career and sailed
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Hollenbeck up-
graded on numer-
ous occasions at the Piney Point
school. He settled in Frankfort,
Michigan.
DAVE JARVIS
Brother Dave Jarvis, 65, started his
career with the Seafarers in 1976
when he shipped on the J.A.W. Igle-
hart. He sailed in all three depart-
ments and last shipped aboard the
American Mariner. Brother Jarvis
makes his home in Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
CURTIS CARRABY
Brother Curtis Carraby, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1981. He sailed in
the steward department and worked
with Delta Queen Steamboat Com-
pany for the duration of his career.
Brother Carraby is a resident of La
Place, Louisiana.
DAVID HENSON
Brother David Henson, 64, signed on
with the union in 1979. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments.
Brother Henson was employed with
Crescent Towing & Salvage for his
entire career. He makes his home in
Covington, Louisiana.
GEORGE HOFMANN
Brother George Hofmann, 62, began
sailing with the Seafarers Interna-
tional Union in
1981. He initially
sailed aboard the
Long Lines and
was a deck de-
partment member.
Brother Hofmann
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He last
shipped on the Dodge Island and
resides in Callahan, Florida.
DAVID JANKOWIAK
Brother David Jankowiak, 69,
started his career
with the SIU in
1971. He was em-
ployed by Moran
Towing of Mary-
land for most of
his career and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident.
DAVID LYTLE
Brother David Lytle, 67, joined
the Seafarers
in 2002 when
he sailed with
Crowley Towing
& Transporta-
tion. He primarily
sailed in the deck
department and
remained with the
same company for
the duration of his
career. Brother Lytle resides in Gray,
Louisiana.
BRET MATTEI
Brother Bret Mattei, 62, became a
member of the union in 1981. He
sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother Mat-
tei worked for Crescent Towing &
Salvage for his entire career. He
calls Metairie, Louisiana, home.
RICKY MCCLENTON
Brother Ricky McClenton, 68,
began sailing with
the SIU in 1971.
He first shipped on
the Rob Trent and
primarily worked
in the deck depart-
ment. Brother Mc-
Clenton upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple
occasions. He concluded his career
aboard the Liberty Island and settled
in Jacksonville, Florida.
CHRIS MCKAY
Brother Chris McKay, 62, signed
on with the union in 1989. He first
sailed with Stc Little Curtis Com-
pany. Brother McKay shipped in the
deck department. He last sailed with
Penn Maritime and makes his home
in Scotland, Maryland.
JAMES MCNEIL
Brother James McNeil, 58, started
his career with
the SIU in 1984,
initially work-
ing with Higman
Barge Lines. He
shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1995.
Brother McNeil’s
final vessel was the Athena. He lives
in Orange, Texas.
ROBERT SADLER
Brother Robert Sadler, 59, joined
the Seafarers International Union in
1991 when he worked for Virginia
Pilot Corporation. He sailed in the
deck department and continued to
work for the same company for his
entire career. Brother Sadler resides
in Norfolk, Virginia.
LEE WALLACE
Brother Lee Wallace, 69, donned the
SIU colors in 1979. A deck depart-
ment member, he was employed
with Crowley Towing and Transpor-
tation for the duration of his career.
Brother Wallace is a resident of Sul-
phur, Louisiana.
NMU
PATRICK MCGAUGHEY
Brother Patrick McGaughey, 67,
embarked on his SIU career in 1980.
He shipped in the engine department
and was last employed by Woods
Hole Shipping. Brother McGaughey
lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
TIMOTHY WATKINS
Brother Timothy Watkins, 65, began
sailing in 1978. He was a member of
the deck department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center in 1981.
Brother Watkins last worked with
Boston Towing and Transportation.
He resides in North Smithfield,
Rhode Island.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 15 4/21/23 10:02 AM
16 Seafarers LOG May 2023
DEEP SEA
DANA BROOKS
Pensioner Dana Brooks, 64, passed
away February 8. She signed on with
the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 2001. A deck
department mem-
ber, Sister Brooks
first sailed aboard
the Lykes Explorer.
She last shipped on
the Ocean Glory
in 2016. Sister
Brooks began col-
lecting her pension the following
year and settled in New Orleans, her
birthplace.
MICHAEL CLAPSHAW
Pensioner Michael Clapshaw, 80,
died January 9. He started sailing
with the union
in 1978, initially
working for An-
chorage Tankship.
Brother Clapshaw
primarily sailed in
the engine depart-
ment. He con-
cluded his career
with American
Service Technol-
ogy and went on
pension in 2007. Brother Clapshaw
was a resident of Port Angeles,
Washington.
ALPHONSO DIXON
Pensioner Alphonso Dixon, 66,
passed away
March 14. He
joined the SIU
in 1986 when
he sailed on the
USNS Dutton.
Brother Dixon
was a member
of the steward
department and
last shipped on
the Maui. He became a pensioner
in 2016 and made his home in Al-
pharetta, Georgia.
MITCHELL FRENCH
Pensioner Mitch-
ell French, 66,
died March 2.
He began his
career with the
Seafarers in 1990.
Brother French
first shipped on
the Sealift Arctic
and was a member
of the deck de-
partment. He last sailed aboard the
Horizon Kodiak and retired in 2021.
Brother French resided in Belling-
ham, Washington.
SALIM IBRAHIM
Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed
away March 31. A
deck department
member, he started
sailing with the
union in 1976.
Brother Ibrahim’s
first vessel was
the Overseas
Joyce; his last, the
Maersk Ohio. He
went on pension in 2012 and made
his home in Kissimmee, Florida.
ABUBAKAR IDRIS
Pensioner Abubakar Idris, 71,
died March 24. He signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1997,
initially sailing
on the Overseas
Philadelphia.
Brother Idris was
a deck depart-
ment member
and last shipped
on the Overseas
Key West in 2019. He began collect-
ing his pension in 2022 and lived in
Beaumont, Texas.
KONSTANTINOS KOSTOUROS
Pensioner Konstantinos Kostou-
ros, 88, passed away February 16.
Born in Athens,
Greece, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1968.
Brother Kostou-
ros first shipped
on the Western
Hunter and
worked in the en-
gine department.
He concluded his
career aboard the
Frances Hammer in 1999. Brother
Kostouros became a pensioner the
same year and settled in Fort Myers,
Florida.
JOHN MARTH
Pensioner John Marth, 73, died
March 8. He be-
came a member
of the union in
1968 and worked
in the deck de-
partment. Brother
Marth’s first ves-
sel was the Volu-
sia; his last, the
Value. He began
collecting his
pension in 2014 and lived in New-
foundland, Pennsylvania.
CARLOS PEREZ
Brother Carlos Perez, 57, passed
away Febru-
ary 20. Born in
Camden, New
Jersey, he signed
on with the SIU
in 1990. Brother
Perez was an en-
gine department
member and first
sailed aboard the
Overseas Valdez.
He concluded his
career aboard the Steven L. Bennet
and was a resident of Crestview,
Florida.
MARK RUHL
Pensioner Mark Ruhl, 68, died
February 24. He was born in Wash-
ington, D.C., and joined the Sea-
farers International Union in 1974.
Brother Ruhl first shipped on the
Yukon and sailed in the engine de-
partment. He concluded his career
on the Cape Washington in 1997.
Brother Ruhl became a pensioner
in 2020 and made his home in
Chevy Chase, Maryland.
MANUEL TAN
Pensioner Manuel Tan, 84, passed
away March 17. Sailing first aboard
the Mobile, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1980.
Brother Tan sailed
in the engine de-
partment and also
worked on shore
gangs. He most
recently was em-
ployed by World
Crane Services
before going on pension in 2002.
Brother Tan resided in Lancaster,
California.
FERDINAND VINIEGRA
Brother Ferdinand Viniegra, 68, died
November 18. He
joined the union
in 1997 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Gilliand.
Brother Viniegra
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. He last
shipped on the
Mercury and
lived in Chester, Virginia.
JOHN WILLIAMSON
Pensioner John Williamson, 68,
passed away March 17. Born in Bos-
ton, he signed on
with the Seafarers
in 1971. Brother
Williamson sailed
in the deck depart-
ment. One of his
first vessels was
the Sealand New-
ark. He last sailed
on the Pearl and
became a pen-
sioner in 2017. Brother Williamson
resided in Passadumkeag, Maine.
INLAND
CONNIE PETERS
Pensioner Connie Peters 82, died
March 4. He
joined the union
in 1963 and ini-
tially sailed with
Dravo Basic Ma-
terials. A deck de-
partment member,
Brother Peters
concluded his ca-
reer with Higman
Barge Lines. He
went on pension in 1997 and called
Iota, Louisiana, home.
WELDON POTTS
Pensioner Weldon Potts, 84, passed
away March 19. He started his ca-
reer with the SIU
in 1966. Brother
Potts worked in
the deck depart-
ment and was first
employed by Hig-
man Barge Lines.
He last worked
with Seabulk and
became a pen-
sioner in 2000. Brother Potts lived in
Orange, Texas.
WILLARD RANSOM
Pensioner Willard Ransom, 79, died
March 21. He
embarked on his
career with the
union in 1966 and
shipped in the en-
gine department.
Brother Ransom
worked with G&H
Towing for most
of his career. He
retired in 2021 and
resided in Pearland, Texas.
NMU
ROMULO DIAZ
Pensioner Romulo Diaz, 103, passed
away February 8.
Brother Diaz was
born in Venezu-
ela and started
sailing in 1942.
His first vessel
was the Spidole-
ine; his last, the
Texaco Montana.
Brother Diaz be-
came a pensioner
in 1985 and settled in Garland,
Texas.
WILLIAM DENNY
Pensioner William Denny, 92, died
March 3. Brother Denny was born in
Louisville, Ken-
tucky. He joined
the union in 1963
and first sailed
aboard the Pio-
neer Tide. Brother
Denny was a deck
department mem-
ber and concluded
his career aboard
the American
Hawaii. He went on pension in 1987
and lived in Cheriton, Virginia.
WILLIAM HEILIG
Pensioner William Heilig, 79, died
January 10. Brother Heilig sailed
in the deck department, and last
shipped aboard the Greenpoint. He
retired in 2008 and made his home
in Boston.
LARRY MANN
Pensioner Larry Mann, 83, passed
away March 6. Brother Mann
shipped in the steward department.
He concluded his career aboard the
Cape Kennedy before going on pen-
sion in 1997. Brother Mann lived in
Kissimmee, Florida.
GEORGE MARTIN
Pensioner George Martin, 94, died
March 13. A deck department mem-
ber, Brother Martin last shipped on
the American Resolute in 1986. He
became a pensioner the following
year and called Norfolk, Virginia,
home.
WILLIAM MOODY
Pensioner William Moody, 78,
passed away February 10. Brother
Moody last sailed on the Thompson
Lykes. He went on pension in 1998
and resided in Emporia, Virginia.
CHARLES POLK
Pensioner Charles
Polk, 88, died
January 11. Sailing
in the deck depart-
ment, he concluded
his career aboard
the Adabelle Lykes
in 1988. Brother
Polk made his
home in New Or-
leans.
JOHN SLOAN
Pensioner John Sloan, 82, passed
away February 14. He was a mem-
ber of the steward department and
concluded his career aboard the
Kittanning. Brother Sloan became a
pensioner in 1996. He was a Phila-
delphia resident.
ALEXANDRU TOLNACI
Pensioner Alexandru Tolnaci, 81,
died February 7. He last shipped
on the Lykes Liberator and worked
in the engine department. Brother
Tolnaci retired in 2006 and lived in
Romania.
FREDERICK WOLFMAN
Pensioner Frederick Wolfman,
97, passed away February 21. He
worked in the
deck department
and shipped on
his final ves-
sel, the Almeria
Lykes, in 1989.
Brother Wolfman
went on pension
the following
year and settled in
Houston.
GRAHAM WRIGHT
Pensioner Graham Wright, 92, died
February 16. He shipped in the deck
department and concluded his career
aboard the Cape Diamond. Brother
Wright retired in 1994 and lived in
Perry, Florida.
WILLIAM WYLIE
Pensioner William Wylie,
75, passed away February 1.
He concluded his career with
Woods Hole Shipping and went
on pension in 2012. Brother
Wylie called Fairhaven, Mas-
sachusetts, home.
In addition to the foregoing individ-
uals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to de-
velop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Cormier, Joseph 86 02/07/2023
Davis, Van 95 03/16/2023
Figueroa, Hermene 87 01/17/2023
Kenney, John 78 05/02/2021
Sanchez, Rafael 96 02/28/2023
Final
Departures
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 16 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 17
Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any 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.
5/23
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 June 5 June 23
July 17 August 4
August 28 September 15
October 23 November 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival June 5 June 16
July 3 July 14
July 31 August 11
RFPNW May 15 June 2
June 26 July 14
August 14 September 1
Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21
August 28 September 1
Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23
Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6
Advanced Stability October 9 October 13
Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20
Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW May 15 June 9
August 14 September 8
FOWT June 12 July 7
October 2 October 27
Junior Engineer Program June 5 July 28
August 21 October 13
Marine Electrician September 18 October 20
Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15
Advanced Refer Containers July 31 August 11
October 23 November 3
Pumpman September 18 September 22
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Welding June 5 June 23
Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 7
July 10 August 11
August 21 September 22
September 25 October 27
October 30 December 1
December 4 January 5
ServSafe Management May 29 June 2
July 3 July 7
August 7 August 11
September 18 September 22
October 23 October 27
November 27 December 1
Advanced Galley Operations May 22 June 16
July 31 August 25
October 16 November 10
Chief Steward June 26 July 21
September 11 October 6
November 13 December 8
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9
Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16
Basic Training Revalidation May 22 May 22
June 2 June 2
June 19 June 19
July 14 July 14
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19
Government Vessels May 22 May 26
June 5 June 9
June 12 June 16
June 19 June 23
July 17 July 21
July 31 August 4
Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 May 26
June 12 June 16
September 18 September 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 May 19
June 19 June 23
September 25 September 29
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 17 4/21/23 1:41 PM
18 Seafarers LOG May 2023
Paul Hall Center Classes
Able Seaman Deck – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Laura Bess, William Borders, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallagher,
Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren, Justin McClellan, Alexander Reay and Jaime Rios. Course instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right.
Apprentice Water Survival Class #892 – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Abubakar Bockarie, Dayshaun Brown, Marc Joseph Dadich, Ricky Gamble Jr., Gregg
Gethers, Dajah Gosha, Jon Kavanagh, Harry McKever II, Cameron McNeil, Sara Mesa, Tyrone Simms and Danielle Vidal-Garrido.
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 18 4/21/23 10:02 AM
May 2023 Seafarers LOG 19
Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel Brown-Faulkner, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christo-
pher Marsh Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Michael Marrero, Julio Cesar Martinez, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren and Samuel Tilles.
Small Arms – 9MM – Graduated March 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Merel,
Deja Lashay Taylor and Robert Lee White III.
Certified Chief Cook Mod-
ule 5 – Graduated March 24
(photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Cris Arsenio, Kevin
Bozis, Ervin Flynn, Ramon
Hilerio Rosa, Austin Leamer,
Raymond Murphy, Abraham
Pena, Lenford Royes, Wilma
Lunzaga Smith, Tyler Willette
and Arkala Williams.
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical
order): Patrick Dean, Lamonte McKinnon, Patrick Schoenberger and Edwin Velez. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
79204_MAY_2023_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 19 4/21/23 10:02 AM
20 Seafarers LOG May 2023
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
MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 18-19
U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-
Mississippi) entered the following remarks
into the U.S. Congressional Record on
March 22, 2023.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in
the Record the following proclamation
honoring the career of Michael Sacco,
who recently retired after serving for
nearly 35 years as president of the Seafar-
ers International Union.
Whereas, Michael Sacco recently re-
tired following nearly 35 years as presi-
dent of the Seafarers International Union;
and
Whereas, Sacco is universally recog-
nized throughout the American maritime
industry as one of its most effective lead-
ers; and
Whereas, his long list of noteworthy
achievements includes helping secure
enactment of the U.S. Maritime Security
Program, leading the historic merger of
the SIU and the National Maritime Union,
powerfully defending the Jones Act, and
protecting mariners’ rights not only in the
United States but also around the globe;
and
Whereas, Sacco also had been the
longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO
Executive Council, where his guidance
proved beneficial to numerous other labor
leaders; and
Whereas, Sacco also played a crucial
role in helping develop the SIU’s affili-
ated school – the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education – into
one of the world’s finest, most modern
facilities for new and experienced seafar-
ers alike; and
Whereas, Sacco proficiently promoted
the success of his union’s contracted com-
panies, though never at the expense of his
own rank-and-file members; and
Whereas, Sacco’s immense popularity
both within the union and throughout the
labor movement and the maritime industry
reflected a healthy respect and admiration
for his lifetime of service; now, therefore
be it
Resolved, That the United States Con-
gress salutes Michael Sacco for his work,
his dedication, and his achievements. I ap-
preciate everything he has done on behalf
of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I wish
him the best in retirement.
Congressman Thompson Honors Retired SIU President Sacco
President Joe Biden
Congratulates President
Emeritus Sacco on Retirement
President Sacco is pictured (below) at the union’s headquarters building
shortly after taking office in 1988, and (above) at a Maritime Trades Depart-
ment meeting in mid-February in Florida, which took place the week he
retired.
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