Seafarers Log: Vol. 87 No. 5 (2025-05-01)

SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO

Strong SIU Turnout for Sail-InStrong SIU Turnout for Sail-In

MAY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 5

This year’s Maritime
Congressional Sail-In saw 140

individuals from throughout
the industry – including 25

SIU members and officials –
converge on Capitol Hill. They

met with members of Congress
and key staff during what is

widely regarded as a vital event
to promote the U.S. Merchant

Marine. Pictured below are
SIU participants, including

one spouse of a Seafarer. SIU
President David Heindel is in
front, sixth from right (brown

jacket). Pages 3-6.

SIU Members, Officials Meet With
Congress to Promote Seafaring Jobs

P R O - W O R K E R L E G I S L AT I O N I N T R O D U C E D • PA G E 7 / / M A R I T I M E E X E C U T I V E O R D E R A I M E D AT G R O W T H • PA G E 2 4



The SIU Constitution specifies that, once a year, a
seven-person group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected
by fellow members) examines the organization’s
financial records for the previous calendar year.

That requirement was met this year in early April
when seven SIU members reviewed and approved the
union’s monetary records for 2024. The Seafarers were
elected by their peers during the union’s April meeting
in Piney Point, Maryland. Beginning the next day, they
convened at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Mary-
land, to conduct the audit.

That same week, the committee found that the
SIU’s financial records for 2024 are in good order. Their
report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will
be read in all ports and presented for approval at the
union’s May membership meetings.

Serving on the committee were Bosun Johnny Doz-
ier III (chairman), OS Ryan Heimberger, Chief Cook
Tommy Cyrus, Bosun Joe Bowen, QMED Mike Joel,
Chief Cook Gerard Cox, and AB James Osborne.

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 commit-
tee along with rules and procedures for electing the
group.

The members reported that they met with repre-
sentatives from the certified public accounting firm
that periodically audits the union’s books and records.
Those representatives explained their procedures for
checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of
the union’s records, and they also further discussed
the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secre-
tary-Treasurer Tom 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 coun-
sel also convened with committee members in the
event any of them had questions.

President’s Report

These are genuinely exciting and promising
times for the American maritime industry, due
in large part to the impending re-introduction of
the SHIPS for America Act, along with a recently
issued executive order aimed at boosting domestic
shipbuilding while addressing shipboard manpower
concerns.

We got word right around press time that the
bipartisan SHIPS Act is expected to drop in late
April. At worst, I think we can expect it to happen no
later than National Maritime Day (May 22), based on
everything we’ve been told.

We’ve reported on the SHIPS Act fairly
extensively, going back to when it first was

introduced in the last Congress. It is both comprehensive and ambitious, and
the SIU fully supports it.

The White House’s pro-maritime executive order, issued last month, has
some overlap with components of the SHIPS Act, which can be helpful in
moving things along. Anyone who’s spent time working in the nation’s capital
undoubtedly knows that advancing new legislation and directives often feels
glacial in pace, but I’m hopeful that this will be an exception. There’s no fully
accurate way to gauge it, but maritime truly may be the most bipartisan issue
right now on Capitol Hill. Collectively, our industry has gotten the attention
and support we’ll need to grow the manpower pool, revitalize our shipbuilding,
and strengthen existing pro-maritime laws while adding sensible new ones.

With that said, even if things move along relatively quickly, it’ll take time. No
undertaking of such a massive scope happens overnight. The SIU will remain
fully engaged in promoting your interests, and we’ll keep you posted via our
usual channels, including our website, the LOG, and the monthly membership
meetings.

I’m very optimistic about the future of the SIU and that of the U.S. Merchant
Marine as a whole.

Not all of the news from D.C. has been uplifting, though. As you probably
know, a separate executive order has taken away collective bargaining rights
from hundreds of thousands of federal-sector workers. The extent to which
this will affect members of the SIU Government Services Division is still
being evaluated, and in the meantime, we are working with allies in the
labor movement and the military and in Congress to maintain our members’
rights. That’s in addition to supporting new, bipartisan legislation that would
overturn the order.

Finally, and also at press time, an important update was expected from the
U.S. Trade Representative concerning recommendations that follow a U.S.
investigation of China’s maritime practices. We will post and publish updates.

More Kudos
I recently read the following quote from the captain of the SIU-crewed Stena

Immaculate, and wanted to share it with anyone who hadn’t seen it. Speaking
about the heroic firefighting efforts and successful abandon-ship operation,
Capt. Thomas M. Leaf (a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime
Officers) stated, “I have never sailed with a more dedicated, professional crew
in my career. In the 35 years that I have been sailing, I cannot praise a crew with
more drive, competence, ability and unity. Every person, to a man and woman,
made sure that everything and everyone was safely accounted for and attended
to.”

I’m guessing pretty much everyone reading this column is already aware of
the Stena Immaculate incident, but if you’re not familiar with the saga, check
out last month’s LOG or go to our website. You’ll be inspired.

Be Safe Out There
While I fully realize that SIU members keep their documents and related

paperwork in order, I wanted to offer some extra encouragement to all of our
members in the deep-sea sector to triple check your portfolio before shipping
out. Given the tensions between our country and some others, we want to take
every precaution in the event of, say, a port-state control inspection.

That’s definitely not to say we expect harassment or other problems, but
things feel a bit unsettled these days. Better to have your ducks in a row and to
minimize the chances of any misunderstandings overseas.

2 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

David Heindel

Great Promise for Maritime’s Future

Financial Committee Approves 2024 Records

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-
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Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes

Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.

The SIU engaged an
environmentally
friendly printer for
the production of this
newspaper.

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
Volume 87 Number 5 May 2025Seafarers LOG

These photos were taken at the union’s headquarters building during the first full week of April, as the committee wrapped up its
work. Pictured from left in the posed photo are (seated) OS Ryan Heimberger, Chief Cook Tommy Cyrus, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom
Orzechowski, Bosun Joe Bowen, (standing) QMED Mike Joel, Chief Cook Gerard Cox, Bosun Johnny Dozier III (chairman), and AB
James Osborne.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3SEAFARERS LOG • 3MAY 2025

SIU Makes Capitol Hill Port of Call
SIU officials, members and staff eagerly

participated in this year’s record-breaking Con-
gressional Sail-In event, which took place on
April 8. Over 140 members of the maritime indus-
try met with Congressional members and their
staffers and discussed the most pressing issues
presently facing Seafarers.

Participating from the SIU: President David
Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin
Tellez; Vice Presidents George Tricker, Nick
Marrone, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi and Joe
Vincenzo; Political and Legislative Director
Brian Schoeneman; Assistant Vice Presidents
Todd Brdak, Amancio Crespo, Ray Henderson and
Michael Russo; and Port Agent Mario Torrey.

Additionally, the SIU was fully represented
this year by the following members: Chief Mate
Lindsey Austin; Recertified Bosuns Billy Hill,
Juan Ruiz-Manaiza , Redentor Borja , Ryan
Scott, Roy Madrio and Kelly Doyle; Recertified
Stewards Dylan Faile, Raul Napoles, Roberto
Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, Matthew Conyac,
and George Egbert. This marked the first time a
large number of rank-and-file members joined
the officials in the meetings, providing their
unique perspectives as working mariners during
the discussions.

“I'm grateful to represent the working sea-
farer and the union at our nation's capital,” said
Austin. “Our union works diligently on political
activities to protect our jobs now, and to secure
our jobs for the future American seafarers.
During Sail-In, we got the opportunity to speak
with state representatives on important top-
ics like the Tanker Security Program, Maritime
Security Program, Food for Peace, the SHIPS for
America Act and the Jones Act.”

The meetings concluded with a reception
for participants and guests, which this year
included Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and
Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-California),
John Garamendi (D-California) and Rick Larsen
(D-Washington). During the reception, Sen. Kelly
and Rep. Garamendi were present to accept the
USA Maritime Leadership Award, which was
awarded to the five cosponsors of the SHIPS for
America Act (Kelly, Garamendi, Senator Todd
Young (R-Indiana), Congressman Trent Kelly
(R-Mississippi) and National Security Advisor
Mike Waltz).

Annual Maritime Sail-In Promotes Industry to Lawmakers

Pictured with Congressman Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) (seated): SIU President David Heindel (second from left), Chris Johnsen, Gary
Carpentier, Macy Blakely and David Wood.

Pictured with a staffer of Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana): SIU Executive Vice-President Augustin Tellez (left), Jonathan Kaskin, Nicole
Greenway, Monica Malone and Mike Surgalski.

Additional photos on Pages 4-6

Pictured with a staffer of Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Washington): SIU Vice President Nick Marrone (third from
left), MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Brittanie Potter (left), Jason Silve, Erin Gantt and Will Walgren.

Congressman John Garamendi (D-California) (right) accepting
his USA Maritime Leadership Award, presented by SIU Political
and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Seafarers Bring Crucial Perspectives to D.C.
This year’s SIU group at the Maritime Congressional Sail-In featured a record number of rank-and-file Seafarers, including six bosuns and six stewards from the com-

bined recertification class that wrapped up April 7.
The photos on this page were taken at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The quotes were

collected subsequent to the Sail-In. Members were asked for their impressions of the event.

Roy Madrio
Recertified Bosun

We now have a better idea of how
to promote our industry. I met with
one senator; at first it was a little
scary, but it was exciting. I learned
a lot. It’s important to be active with
grassroots politics.

Billy Hill
Recertified Bosun

I had a good experience. My group
had six different meetings, and I spoke
in every one of them. It was a little
overwhelming at first, but we learned a
lot. One thing that stood out was how
we can all work together; even if the
other people (in a given group) aren’t
SIU, we’re all part of the maritime
industry.

Juan Ruiz-Manaiza
Recertified Bosun

It was a great experience. I was
proud to be part of it. I’ll remember
being able to express my thoughts
– the staffs we met with were
very helpful and were absolutely
interested in what I had to say.

Redentor Borja
Recertified Bosun

My experience at the Sail-In was really
amazing. It made me realize that we
have our own people who represent
our union in the nation’s capital and
who work hard to create more job
opportunities to keep us strong.

Ryan Scott
Recertified Bosun

I enjoyed the experience of the whole
Congressional Sail-In. I enjoyed
talking with the members and
their staffs about our industry, and
informing them on all the programs
we would like them to support: from
MSP, TSP, CSP, Cargo Preference, and
Food for Peace (PL-480). It was great
to explore the halls of Congress and
how crazy it can be there at times.

Kelly Doyle
Recertified Bosun

It was fantastic. The trip up to Capitol
Hill was phenomenal. It was beyond
my expectations. The meetings
went well. Overall, it was a fantastic
experience, learning what goes on
behind the scenes.

Matthew Conyac
Recertified Steward

I actually spoke up and talked to some
of the representatives and enjoyed
it. It was nice to bring a face to the
discussion as an actual sailor and not
just a lobbyist. I was able to talk about
the importance of funding for mariner
jobs as well as discuss how we are
America’s Fourth Arm of Defense.

Aurelio Esperanza
Recertified Steward

It was a really good experience. I got to
go along with the officials to meet with
senators and talk about the Jones Act,
the Maritime Security Program, and the
Tanker Security Program. I was also able
to hear about a lot of things that are
going on with the industry.

Roberto Coronado
Recertified Steward

It was a great learning experience for
me. Participating in the Sail-in helped
me realize how important what we
do in the maritime industry is. We
should be promoting the industry and
legislation that will ensure our job
security, because of how important
the maritime industry is to our nation’s
security. Participating in the Sail-in
also allowed me to see firsthand how
hard our union officials work and how
much they do to support us.

Dylan Faile
Recertified Steward

I enjoyed my Sail-In experience. It
was a great opportunity to see what
we learned in our recertification class
about the intricacies of the maritime
industry in action. I mainly have
experience with the MSP fleet, and I
spoke in all five of the meetings our
group attended. It gave me a chance to
share real-life experience I’ve gained
through working in maritime with
legislative members who only had
experience with think tanks, and I think
they appreciated my point of view.

Raul Napoles
Recertified Steward

Our team leader was really good. She
(Brenda Otterson) took the lead in the
conversations with the congress members,
representatives, and legislative staff since
she knew the political side of things, but
I did get to talk in all of the meetings
and introduce myself as a merchant
mariner who has worked in the steward
department for 25 years. I think what I
learned in my recertification class came
in handy.

George Egbert
Recertified Steward

I learned so much. It was the first
time in my life I have ever met with
those people and it was a really great
experience.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5SEAFARERS LOG • 5MAY 2025

2025 Congressional Sail-In

Pictured with a staffer of Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-California): SIU Vice President George Tricker
(center), Patrick Gillette, Matt Henning and Lars Turner.

Pictured after a meeting with staffers of Congressman Donald Norcross (D-New
Jersey): SIU Vice President Joseph Soresi (center), Steve Wines, Brody Garland,
Marilyn Levi and Trish Skoglund.

Pictured with a staffer of Congresswoman Julie Johnson (D-Texas): SIU Vice President Dean
Corgey (second from left), Recertified Bosun Billy Hill (third from left), Matt Woodruff, Leo Bonser,
Tyler Heffernan and Allan Post.

Pictured with staffers of Congressman Daniel Webster (R-Florida): SIU Trustee Tony Naccarato (third
from right), Brenda Otterson and SIU Recertified Stewards Raul Napoles (second from right) and
Roberto Coronado (right).

Pictured with Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-New York) (third from right): SIU Vice President
Joe Vincenzo (third from left), Brian Foy, Sean Murphy, Andrew Rabuse and Joel Whitehead.

Pictured after a meeting with staffers of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma): SIU Asst. Vice
President Todd Brdak (second from right), Jim Weakley, Former Seafarer Chris Edyvean, Brendan
O'Connor and Mary Sabuda.

Pictured with Congressman John Garamendi (D-California) (center): SIU Asst. Vice President
Ray Henderson (right), Recertified Bosun Kelly Doyle (left), Charlie Papavizas, Alex Butler, Sean
Moroney and Melaney Velleca.

Pictured after a meeting with staffers of Congressman Eli Crane (R-Arizona): SIU Asst. Vice President
Michael Russo (center), Jeff Vogel, Gary Gilbert, Patrick McCaffery and Jeff Richards.



6 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

2025 Congressional Sail-In

Pictured before a meeting with Congressman Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina): SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio
Crespo (left), Recertified Bosun Redentor Borja (second from right), Caitlyn Tierney, Capt. Aaron Arabski and
Jonathan Doucot.

Pictured after a meeting with a staffer of Congressman Vince Fong (R-California):
SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from right), Andy Mueller, Jared Henry, JP
Marcantonio and James Tobin.

Pictured with a staffer of Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan): Chief Mate Lindsey Austin (second
from left), Erick Siahaan, Melissa Dorre, Anthony Poplawski and Dan Twohig.

Pictured before a meeting with Congresswoman Chelli Pingree (D-Maine): Transportation Institute VP
Sara Fuentes (center), Paul "Chip" Jaenichen, Craig Johnson, Tom Larkin and Elle Stuart.

Pictured with a staffer of Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii): Recertified Steward Aurelio Esperanza (second from
right), Roland "Rex" Rexha, Dave Carroll, Ryan Pereyda and Marissa Strawbridge.

Pictured before a meeting with a staffer of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-
McCormick (D-Florida): Recertified Bosun Ryan Scott (second from left), Mark Vlaun,
Willie Barrere and Braddock Parks.

Pictured with a staffer of Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Illinois): Recertified Bosun Juan Ruiz-
Manaiza (right), Recertified Steward Dylan Faile (second from left), Jim Sartucci, Elizabeth Mack,
Bill Hanson and William Thornton.

Pictured during a meeting with a staffer of Congressman Don Bacon (R-Nebraska): Recertified
Steward Matthew Conyac (second from right), Bryant Gardner, Chris Barber, Joseph Schwartzstein
and Christain Spain.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7SEAFARERS LOG • 7MAY 2025

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Federal Workers
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania)

and Jared Golden (D-Maine) on April 1 joined
together to introduce the Protect America’s
Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at
restoring collective bargaining rights for union-
ized federal employees.

The legislation would reverse the executive
order titled “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Man-
agement Relations Programs,” which aimed to
eliminate collective bargaining rights across
multiple federal agencies. Specifically, the
order targeted employees in the Departments
of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice,
and Energy, as well as certain employees in the
Departments of Homeland Security, Treasury,
Health and Human Services, Interior, and Agri-
culture. In total, the order impacted roughly 67%
of the federal workforce, according to indepen-
dent reports.

“Improving government efficiency is essen-
tial – but sweeping exclusions from collective
bargaining are a blunt instrument that risk
weakening the very stability and performance
we aim to strengthen,” Fitzpatrick said. “The
Protect America’s Workforce Act restores a bal-
anced, targeted approach – protecting bargaining
rights where they pose no threat to national
security and reinforcing their proven role in
supporting morale, accountability, and effective
governance. We can defend our national security

without silencing those who serve it. Efficiency
and fairness are not mutually exclusive, and this
legislation ensures we uphold both.”

Golden stated, “In his order, President Trump
said that federal workers’ rights are incompat-
ible with national security. He is wrong. Union
workers make America stronger every single
day, including more than 6,000 federal work-
ers in Maine. Throughout our history, unions
have ensured workers got their fair share of
this nation’s prosperity. Unions built our mid-
dle class, and are key to strengthening its future.
We cannot have a government that undermines
workers’ rights.”

Reacting to the executive order, AFL-CIO Pres-
ident Liz Shuler said, “Donald Trump is trying to
end collective bargaining for hundreds of thou-
sands of federal workers, silencing their voices
and ripping up their contracts. This order would
strike a blow to every American’s fundamental
right of freedom of speech and association. More
than 70 percent of Americans and nearly nine in
10 young people support unions; no one voted to
attack the freedom to organize with our co-work-
ers for a better life. We commend the leadership
of Reps. Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick for
using Congress’ power to reverse this executive
order. The labor movement is 100 percent behind
this bill and we call on every member of Con-
gress, Democrat and Republican, to take a stand

in support of our fundamental rights by backing
this critical legislation.”

In addition to the AFL-CIO, the Protect Amer-
ica’s Workforce Act has the support of numerous
unions representing federal employees, including
the American Federation of Government Employ-
ees (AFGE), the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME),
the International Federation of Professional and
Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the National Postal
Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), the National
Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)), and the
Service Employees International Union (SEIU),
according to a joint news release from Golden
and Fitzpatrick.

Federal workers already face limitations in
some of their labor rights. Unlike their counter-
parts in the private sector, they are prohibited
by law from bargaining over wages, benefits, or
job classifications, and are barred from striking.
Their collective bargaining rights are restricted
to matters related to working conditions. Nota-
bly, approximately one-third of unionized federal
employees are U.S. military veterans.

The congressmen concluded, “The Protect
America’s Workforce Act reaffirms a core prin-
ciple: a government that serves the people must
also respect the rights of those who serve within
it.”

The union’s executive board has unanimously
approved recent personnel recommendations
from SIU President David Heindel to fill a hand-
ful of positions.

These openings resulted (directly or indi-
rectly) from rank-and-file membership approval
of constitutional amendments that were part of
the most recent SIU election.

Pat Vandegrift and Hazel Galbiso are the
union’s newest vice presidents, while Ray Hen-
derson, Warren Asp, and Todd Brdak were
promoted to assistant vice president. Vandegrift
had been serving as an assistant vice president
and as acting vice president of the union-affili-
ated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Mary-
land. The others all were working as port agents.

Three other assistant vice presidents – Aman-
cio Crespo, Chris Westbrook, and Michael Russo
– will retain those primary job titles while shift-
ing to other areas of responsibility.

The constitutional amendments created the
two new vice president slots along with corre-
sponding assistant vice president positions.

In a letter to the aforementioned officials
plus the others who were elected or re-elected
(balloting concluded at the end of last year) and
to union staff members, Heindel wrote in part,

“These appointments reflect our ongoing devo-
tion to progress, unity, and the bright future of
the SIU…. Moving forward, I am confident that
under our shared leadership, and with the con-
tinued support of our great membership, the SIU
will thrive and evolve, meeting future challenges
while upholding the proud traditions that define
us. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your
vision, and your unwavering commitment to our
members and our principles.”

Vandegrift, a native of southern Maryland,
served in the U.S. Navy from 1987-1992, then
completed the PHC’s trainee program in 1993. He
sailed in the deck department, most recently as a
bosun, before becoming the trainee commandant.

Since then, he has served both the school
and the union in wide-ranging capacities. Van-
degrift’s jobs have included those of patrolman,
safety director, instructor, port agent, and assis-
tant vice president. He also has represented the
SIU on International Transport Workers’ Federa-
tion (ITF) committees, among other work.

Raised on the Northshore of Oahu, Galbiso
sailed in the steward department for 15 years
before coming ashore in 2004 to work for the
SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and
Allied Trades Union (SEATU). She soon added SIU
patrolwoman and dispatcher to her job titles. She
has been the Honolulu port agent since 2011.

Beyond her direct work with the SIU, Galbiso
is the secretary-treasurer of the Hawaii Ports
Maritime Council, part of the Maritime Trades
Department; is an executive board member of the
Hawaii State AFL-CIO; and is a committee mem-
ber of the state federation’s Labor Community
Services Committee, among other activities.

Henderson served in the U.S. Coast Guard from
1989-1995, then completed the PHC’s apprentice
program in 1996. He joined the SIU in Brooklyn,
New York (“where I was yelled at by the great
Bobby Selzer (late SIU port agent) for the first
time”) and sailed in the deck department.

Henderson became a recertified bosun in April
2007. After eventually sailing to every continent,
he came ashore to work for the union in 2015,
most recently as the port agent in Jersey City,
New Jersey. He also serves on the New York City
Central Labor Council and on a New York-based
maritime security committee.

Brdak has worked for the SIU for a quar-
ter-century, starting in 1996 as a representative
based in Algonac, Michigan. He became safety
director in 2000, then began serving as port agent
in 2006. His duties have included negotiating and
enforcing SIU contracts, handling grievances,
and representing the union with various orga-
nizations including the Michigan AFL-CIO, the
Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, the Great Lakes Mari-
time Task Force, the Southeast Michigan Area
Maritime Security Committee, and the Michigan
Maritime Trades Port Council.

Brdak graduated with a bachelor’s degree from
Michigan State University. Prior to commencing
his SIU career, he served as a staff representative
for U.S. Rep. David Bonior (D-Michigan).

Asp joined the SIU in Honolulu in 2002. He
sailed for nine years, both as an AB and as a
bosun. In early 2004, he was part of the inaugural
crew that reflagged the Pride of Aloha in Puerto
Rico and brought it to the Hawaiian Islands.
After three years with NCL America, he was
among the first Seafarers to sail abord the Hawaii
Superferry.

He later sailed on oil tankers and eventually
came ashore as a safety director in Honolulu
in 2011. Asp in 2014 relocated to Tacoma, Wash-
ington, to work as a patrolman. He became port
agent in 2019. Since early 2023, he has been a
trustee on the South Puget Sound Port Council.

Vandegrift, Galbiso are SIU’s Newest VPs

SIU VP Hazel Galbiso SIU VP Pat Vandegrift



8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023

As a show of solidarity and support for the SIU’s
own population of our sister Seafarers as well
as those across the globe, union representatives
attended a group Zoom call hosted by the Inter-
national Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on
March 7, preceding International Women’s Day
(March 8). They discussed the state of affairs for
seafaring women, the invisible barriers and chal-
lenges they face, and what steps companies, unions
and the greater shipping industry can take to make
maritime careers more attractive to other women
who may have an interest in sailing.

SIU participants included Jersey City Represen-
tative Jordan Esopa, Media Coordinator Lauren
Liles, and Oakland Patrolwoman Kathy Chester.

The ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated, launched
their Women at Sea network back in February, but
the federation and its affiliates heavily promoted
their outreach in March to coincide with Women’s
History Month. This effort, which includes the
creation of a new section of their website as well
as newly minted groups and programming made
to connect women seafarers from various back-
grounds, is meant to honor women working in the
maritime industry, and to make sure their rights are
protected.

“I know personally, to further my involvement,
I joined several national organizations for women
and am truly impressed with network and support
[the ITF has] offered,” said Liles. “Seeing this expand
to a global network with the launch of the ITF's
Women at Sea website, with not only the resources
it offers, but the issues they seek to highlight, is a
wonderful and exciting thing to be a part of and bear
witness as it develops.”

Additionally, the federation hopes to encourage
other women to join the fold with the assurance that
they can have successful careers in what has his-
torically been a male-dominated industry. Careers
at sea are still skew heavily male, with only 2% of
seafarers worldwide being women, according to sta-
tistics shared by the ITF.

“As a member of our recruiting team, I’ve always
been appreciative that the SIU’s numbers surround-
ing women are higher than global industry standard
and our ever-present goal to increase, not only this,

but the overall diversity of our candidates, drives
our efforts,” said Liles. Indeed, the percentage of
new female seafarers attending apprenticeship
classes through the SIU’s affiliated school in south-
ern Maryland has trended upward, to about 15% over
the past year.

ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith
chaired the Zoom call, which consisted of speak-
ers from various organizations within the shipping
industry. Among those addressing the meeting
were Lydia Ferrad (International Maritime Orga-
nization representative to the ITF), Elisza Chomi
(who sails as a chief engineer), Lena Dyring (Nor-
wegian Seafarers Union, Chair of the ITF Cruise
Ship Task Force), Amalie Grevsen (Marine Culture
Lead, Maersk), Lorena de Silva (ITF Seafarers’ Sec-
tion Committee Women’s representative), Arsenio
Dominguez (International Maritime Organization
Secretary General), and Sarah Lovell (Technical Con-
tent Development Manager, International Chamber
of Shipping).

Some of the call focused on promoting new
endeavors meant to encourage the existing pop-
ulation of female seafarers to get connected and
discuss retention and recruitment efforts, while
another portion focused on discussing current
issues that affect women at sea.

“I think Women at Sea is an incredible resource
for women working in maritime,” said the SIU’s
Esopa. “The ‘network’ page is a great way to connect
women in the industry and build a sense of commu-
nity for our sisters feeling isolated while they are
away at work.”

The female mariners on the panel shared a com-
bination of their own personal experiences sailing
along with resources and advice for other women
who work in maritime roles.

Esopa found the personal stories from female
seafarers most impactful. “There is certainly a
unique set of challenges female seafarers face not
only working in a male-dominated industry but also
working in an industry that by its nature is quite
isolating,” she said.

Chomi mentioned that some of the challenges
discussed during the meeting mirror those faced by
women in other professions.

Ferrad shared that she would prefer that her
shipmates see her for her role and competence
rather than be treated differently or held to differ-
ent standards simply for being a woman.

Other speakers throughout the duration of the
call echoed Ferrad’s sentiment that further regu-
lations and training are needed to ensure a safer
workplace for her fellow female seafarers, along
with more enforcement.

“More colleagues and superiors need training to
help people go through filing report processes for
bullying, harassment etc.,” said Grevsen.

In the foreign-flag fleet, current practices aimed
at combatting harassment, according to people on
the call, commonly consist of companies ignoring
complaints or simply signing off on reports made
about improper behavior, without taking any fur-
ther action.

Other suggestions made during the call included
ships carrying personal protective equipment spe-
cifically tailored to women (such as masks and
boots), and more shipboard accommodations such
as women’s restrooms and the provision of sanitary
materials.

IMO Secretary Dominguez agreed that “outdated
attitudes” toward women who sail need to change,
and that companies should encourage individuals
to speak up and take appropriate action when con-
cerns arise.

Participants also mentioned the difficulties
involved in enforcing a standard of inclusion for
women in an industry that spans many countries
and cultural differences. “Empowerment of women
needs to come from the country first,” said Chomi.

Chomi spoke about addressing the fear of report-
ing instances of bullying/harassment, saying that
women who might be apprehensive to make a
report should instead see it as an act of courage.
She expressed that many women are deterred from
reporting harassment for fear of judgment or mis-
treatment after the fact.

She recognized it’ll take patience and persistence
to boost the shipboard culture worldwide, but that
the industry should push for “small wins over time”
until the maritime sector becomes more equitable.
Chomi emphasized that companies with inclusive
workplaces attract better talent, too.

8 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Editor’s note: This article by SIU member Diane
MacDonald is the first in an occasional series spot-
lighting female mariners. Our aim is to increase
awareness about maritime career opportunities,
and in particular to underscore the fact that the
U.S. Merchant Marine is a viable path for women
and men alike. The questions that are included in
the article were asked by LOG staff. MacDonald
started sailing with the SIU in 2018. She has sailed
as an SA, third cook, and chief cook.

For most of my career, I’ve worked in the food and
beverage industry, including a position with a campus
dining company managing union staff for 20 years.
I always admired the union’s benefit package and
compensation and, in many cases, the protection the
members received.

After my parents passed away, I wanted to do
something different. I was now free to explore options
without any worries of leaving them behind. I took a
job with NCL America and was sent for the week-long
training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Mary-
land. It was there I became aware of the possibility of
working as a union member on merchant ships, but
didn’t know much else about it.

As luck would have it, I sprained my ankle just prior
to joining the Pride of America. While it was healing, I
applied and was accepted to a 12-week program exclu-
sively for the steward department being offered in
Piney Point at the time.

For the past six years, I have upgraded multiple
times, have traveled all over the world, enjoyed mon-
etary success, a flexible work schedule, multiple
benefits through insurance, built a retirement portfo-
lio, and received various discounts (the latter through
Union Plus). Instead of working 12 months a year with
three weeks off, I now work seven months a year with
five months off while being compensated the same as
I was prior to joining the SIU. Not only that, I’ve also
accumulated a significant amount of money in retire-
ment fund investments over the past six years, and
that’s in addition to becoming vested in both the Sea-
farers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Money Purchase
Pension Plan.

The maritime industry has afforded me the experi-
ence to get a taste of different cultures, engaging with
people from different walks of life, see the world, expe-
rience the awesome nature of the sea and be part of a
brother/sisterhood while making an honest wage.

‘Something Different’ Becomes Worthwhile Second Career for MacDonald
In Their Own Words: SIU Women at Sea

SIU member Diane MacDonald enjoys some time ashore in
Japan.

SIU Supports ITF Efforts Promoting Women at Sea

Question: Globally, this is an overwhelmingly
male industry. Only about two percent of
the world’s mariners are female, although
upwards of 15 percent of the applicants to the
Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program are
women. Did this discourage you at all from
entering the industry?

It did not deter me. I already had vast
experience in an industry where at times it was
male-dominated. It didn’t matter who was at
the helm so to speak. I would take my orders
from my boss, whether it was male or female.

Question: In your experience, are female
SIU members treated properly by their
colleagues aboard ship? Are they treated as
equals?

I have never had an issue with SASH. At times, I
think female mariners may be held to a higher
standard than some of their male shipmates,
and that’s possibly attributable to the fact that
there are fewer of us on the vessels.

Question: What advice would you give to
a female who’s considering entering the
industry?

I would highly recommend anyone become
a merchant mariner and enjoy a safe, fun,
fascinating and unique adventure of a
seafaring lifestyle. If you join the SIU, take
advantage of the Seafarers 401(k) and Roth
plans with Empower (the fund manager).



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9SEAFARERS LOG • 9MAY 2025

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

BOOKS GALORE IN MICHIGAN ‒ Pictured at the hiring hall, from left to right, starting with photo at far left: OS Nassim Alkassemi receives his B book from Safety Director Jason Brown; AB Ali
Ghalib gets his A book from Port Representative Rachel Tuttle; AB Amar Algahmee recieves his B book from Brown; SA Khaled Ali obtains his B book; and Chief Cook Dee Anne Merriman receives her
A-seniority book.

MOMENTOUS OCCASION ‒ Chief Cook
Bernard Nieves (right) receives his A-seniority
book. He’s pictured at the March membership
meeting in Oakland, California, with SIU VP West
Coast Nick Marrone.

ABOARD ATB PRIDE ‒ Pictured from left
aboard the Fairwater vessel are Capt. Patrick
Ciulla and Chief Engineer Eric Vieira.

ABOARD BRITTIN ‒ Pictured aboard the Pasha vessel are (front) Chief Cook Jolanta
Jankowski, (from left) Recertified Steward Erwin Renon, Bosun Francis Miller, GUDE Jacek
Biela, ABM Xavier Brown, and QEDW Karl Morrow.

ABOARD AMERICAN ENERGY ‒ SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and Safety Director Ricky Rivera meet with Seafarers aboard the
Crowley LNG carrier upon the vessel’s first call at Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. Crespo is second from left, between two officers. Also
pictured (from left, starting fourth from left) are Chief Cook Carlos Colon, Rivera, Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont, (in front) SA
Nadia Forester, Bosun Raul Colon, AB Victor Cortes, and QEE Edwin Velez.

WELCOME ABOARD ‒ Seafarer Eric Valdez (left)
receives his full book from SIU Assistant VP Ray
Henderson in New York.

WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII ‒ Chief Cook Henry
Wright (left) picks up his first pension check at the Honolulu
hall. He sailed with the SIU for 35 years, most recently
aboard the George III (Sunrise Operations). Congratulating
him is SIU VP Hazel Galbiso.

WELCOME ASHORE IN TEXAS ‒ Bosun George Godiciu (center) is pictured at the
Houston hall as he wraps up an SIU career that spanned almost 30 years. Joining him are
(from left) Patrolmen J.B. Niday and Kirk Pegan, Port Agent Joe Zavala, and Patrolman
Kelly Krick.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1010 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

BOOKS OBTAINED IN HOUSTON ‒ Pictured at the hiring hall, starting with photo at far left: ABM Henry Bermudez (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly
Krick. The remaining members pictured received their respective full B books. Standing from left in the three-person photo are Krick, GUDE Arvin Ampit, and SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan. The
remaining photos include AB Sotero Ruel Cabahug (white shirt, with Pegan), and OMU Khamsin Alkhag (jacket, with Krick).

ABOARD MV JOHN STEVENS ‒ The Easter spirit is evident aboard the SIU-crewed NY Waterway vessel. Pictured from left are
Senior Deckhands Nestor Martinez, Modesto Penton and Geraldo Torres, Capt. Tim Bryan, and Deckhand David Reeves.

CONFERRING IN DC ‒ Safety Director Kevin Sykes
(right) represented the SIU during a recent, well-
attended American Association of Port Authorities
gathering in the nation’s capital. He’s pictured with
(from left) James Dumont, director of grants for
Crowley, and Capt. Jeff Flumingan, director of the
Office of Maritime and Intermodal Outreach for the
Maritime Administration.

ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Many thanks to C/M Doug Voss for
this snapshot of (from left) GUDE Raenell Brewster and Electrician Chris
Bryant aboard the TOTE vessel, which usually sails between Jacksonville
and Puerto Rico. Voss commended the Seafarers for their hard work.

AS SEEN IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST ‒ AB Chris Linsley snapped this photo of the TOTE-operated North Star.

ABOARD MAUNAWILI ‒ Pictured from left
aboard the Matson ship are Steward/Baker
Roberto Coronado, Chief Cook Reno Duque, and
ACU Roberto Firme.

WELCOME ASHORE IN ALABAMA ‒
Longtime Seafarer Kevin Samuels (right),
pictured at the Mobile hall with SIU Port Agent
Jimmy White, recently called it a career after
sailing with the SIU for 38 years, most recently
as a chief engineer aboard the Rocketship



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11SEAFARERS LOG • 11MAY 2025

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

RETIREE OUTREACH ‒ Sailors Snug Harbor Executive Director Jay
Brooks (standing third from left) recently stopped by the Norfolk hall
to explain his organization’s services. Pictured at the gathering are
(standing, from left) retirees Clay Brown and Michael Pooler, Brooks,
SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, retirees John Cooper, Jose Guzman,
(front, also from left) James Corprew, and Frank Washington.

FULL BOOK IN NORFOLK ‒ AB Terrill Tyler (right)
receives his book at the hall in Virginia. He’s pictured with
SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls.

ABOARD SUNSHINE STATE ‒ These photos are from a recent servicing of
the Intrepid ship in the Pacific Northwest. Pictured from left in the galley are SA
Tonesha Adams, Chief Cook Shawnda Hall, and Steward/Baker David Johnson.
Bosun Augusto Barbareno is in the solo pic.

ABOARD PRESIDENT GRANT ‒ Pictured from left aboard the
APL vessel are Steward/Baker Rommel Reston, Chief Cook Algie
Mayfield, and ACU David Simon.

MILESTONE IN FLORIDA‒Chief Cook
Simone Smith (left) receives her A-seniority book
in Jacksonville. Congratulating her is SIU Port
Agent Ashley Nelson.

ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured from left in the larger group photo from the Intrepid vessel are Relief Steward Esperanza Crespo, ABW Garrett Williams, SA Kajuan Gamble, Recertified Bosun Donley
Johnson, ABM Reisa Martinez, Chief Cook Derick Morales, and Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas. Pictured in the remaining photo (also from left) are SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, Electrician
Carlos Parrilla, SREC Cardenas, and Esperanza Crespo.

AT THE SAN JUAN HALL ‒ Chief Cook Reinaldo Rivera
(left) receives his full B book. He’s pictured with Safety
Director Ricky Rivera.

ABOARD SEABULK PRIDE ‒ Photo was taken
on Ash Wednesday aboard the Eco Tankers vessel.
Pictured from left are QMED Dennis Malaran, Fr.
Sinclair Oubre (Stella Maris Chaplain, Diocese
of Beaumont, and also a Seafarer), Pumpman
Manolito Garcia, and AB Rommel Dela Vega.

ABOARD USNS CURTISS ‒. This
photo was taken during a mid-March
servicing of the Intrepid vessel in
the Pacific Northwest. Pictured from
left are GVA Mosa Kassem, Safety
Director Danielle Woodward, and
GUDE Jeavis Harris.

ABOARD USNS WATKINS ‒ Pictured from left aboard
the Patriot ship are Chief Storekeeper Lloyd Walton, Chief
Cook Shafreda Thigpen, Steward/Baker William Moran, SA
Salvatore Gotti, and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon.



12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202312 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Recertified Seafarers Credit Union, SchoolRecertified Seafarers Credit Union, School

Twelve SIU members recently completed
a combined recertification class at the
union-affiliated school in Piney Point,

Maryland – and they had plenty of good things to
say about their career choice.

Six bosuns and six stewards graduated April
7, following two weeks of blended and depart-
ment-specific training. They met with a number
of instructors, union officials and staff, and
with other personnel from the Paul Hall Center
throughout the course.

Earning status as recertified members were
Bosuns Billy Hill, Juan Ruiz-Manaiza, Redentor
Borja, Ryan Scott, Roy Madrio and Kelly Doyle,
along with Stewards Dylan Faile, Raul Napoles,
Roberto Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, Matthew
Conyac, and George Egbert.

As reported elsewhere in this edition, all 12
Seafarers stuck around for the annual Maritime
Congressional Sail-In the following day in Wash-
ington, D.C.

Following are highlights from the graduation
speeches, in the order they occurred at the April
membership meeting in Piney Point.

Billy Hill
Hill noted he began his maritime journey as

a member of Class 681 in Piney Point in March
2006. A fifth-generation Seafarer, he sailed with
his father for a couple of years – a period he
described as “the best time in my career so far.”

“The SIU has been great to me and my family,”
Hill stated. “What other job can you work when
you want to, have great benefits and make six
figures?”

With nearly 4,000 days of sea time under his
belt, Hill spoke from experience when he told the
apprentices at the meeting, “I would say go out,
show up early, leave your phones in your room,
learn as much as you can. You’re not going to
know everything on one ship; it’s going to take
some time. Start (participating in) the Seafarers
401K, and your older self will thank your younger
self ! Stay on top of your documents. Don’t rely on
social media for input – always ask your bosun
or, when you’re home, call the port and speak
to your port agent. They will have the correct
answers for you.”

He concluded by thanking SIU President David
Heindel and the union’s executive board “for all
they have done for the SIU.”

George Egbert
Egbert said he has stuck with the SIU because

of job security and the union’s role in supporting
national security.

“The fundamental concept here is about safe-
guarding our nation’s interests, including its
citizens, economy and institutions from all inter-
nal and external threats,” he said. “We cannot

afford to let foreign-flag ships [compromise] our
safety.”

Egbert noted that his SIU career has enabled
him “to provide for the financial needs of my
family. Additionally, I was able to see the world
for free.”

He encouraged his fellow members to upgrade
and to support SPAD, the union’s voluntary polit-
ical action fund.

He concluded, “When you are out there on a
ship, you will experience all types of attitudes.

All of us fail somewhere in our life, but for me,
my definition of failure is when you quit.

There is an old saying that every cloud has a
silver lining. Just keep moving forward, despite
having temporary setbacks in life.”

Redentor Borja
In his brief graduation speech, Borja recalled

shipping out for the first time in 1993, aboard
a cruise ship. “It was a big challenge for me
because, at that time, I wasn’t sure where I was
heading,” he said. “But the more ships I worked
on, as the days and years went by, it made me
realize that you are who you work for. I am a Sea-
farer for the SIU.”

He added, “I just want to thank our Lord Jesus
Christ for keeping me safe out there; and the SIU
board and staff for creating more jobs and for
your dedication to the union.”

Borja also thanked his wife and family for
their support, and he encouraged fellow mem-
bers to support SPAD, “which helps keep our jobs
secure.”

Kelly Doyle
After opening with a prayer, Doyle thanked

SIU Assistant Vice Presidents Chris Westbrook
and Michael Russo for their support.

“I hope that everyone will have a long and
profitable career such as the one I have had so
far,” he stated. “I also would like to mention
everyone I’ve met along the way who passed on
and are with us here only in spirit.”

Doyle also thanked the school instructors
and staff for making the recertification class
worthwhile.

Raul Napoles
Upon joining the union in 1999, Napoles first

sailed on a cruise ship. He subsequently worked
aboard a wide variety of vessels.

“I would like thank the president of our, union,
Dave Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin
Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski;
and Vice President Contracts George Tricker,” he
said. “I also want to thank all staff at the school
and the union staff for working so hard for all
of us. I really appreciate it and I’m so grateful
and thankful to all here in the school and at

headquarters. They have given us an opportunity
to succeed. These benefits will help us for years
to come.

He concluded with an appeal to fellow Seafar-
ers to support SPAD and to stand up for the Jones
Act, a vital maritime law.

Roberto Coronado
“This recertification is more than just a title,”

Coronado said. “It’s a reminder of the responsi-
bilities I hold, and the trust placed in me to serve
my crew and my ship with excellence, leadership,
and accountability. It reflects not only my hard
work but also the collective support and guid-
ance I’ve received from my union, my mentors,
and my fellow mariners along the way.”

He said that on the job, he takes “pride in
contributing to the wellbeing of the crew and
ensuring that every voyage is a successful one.
This recertification inspires me to continue
striving for improvement, to uphold the highest
standards, and to serve with integrity, both on
and off the ship.”

Coronado wrapped up his remarks by thank-
ing the SIU for its “continued commitment to
supporting us as merchant mariners. I am proud
to be part of this community and look forward to
carrying this honor with me as I continue to grow
in this role.”

Ryan Scott
Although more than 20 years have passed

since Scott first arrived in Piney Point for the
apprentice program, “I remember the day like it
was yesterday,” he said.

He thanked Tacoma, Washington-based
officials SIU Vice President Joe Vincenzo and
Assistant Vice President Warren Asp along with
the patrolmen and office staff for their efforts.

Scott said he has sailed on many different
kinds of vessels, but one thing they have in com-
mon is most if not all of the related jobs wouldn’t
exist without the Jones Act. “I would like to give
a big thanks to the executive board and other
union leadership for working so hard to maintain
the Jones Act and all the other laws that we have
in place that keep our jobs safe,” he said.

Scott emphasized the importance of mentor-
ing the next generation of Seafarers before telling
the apprentices, “Put your head down and listen
to your supervisors on the ships. Work hard and
you will make it.”

He concluded, “The SIU has afforded my wife
and myself the life we have today, and I wouldn’t
change it for anything in the world.”

Aurelio Esperanza
Recalling his arrival to the U.S. as an immi-

grant almost 15 years ago, Esperanza said, “I was
full of hopes and dreams for a brighter future for

Pictured at the Paul Hall Center shortly after graduation are (from left) Seafarers George Egbert, Raul Napoles, Roy Madrio, Redentor Borja, (front) Ryan Scott, Juan Ruiz-Manaiza, Billy Hill, Dylan Faile,
Matthew Conyac, (back) Roberto Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, and Kelly Doyle.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13SEAFARERS LOG • 13MAY 2025

me and my family. I promised myself that I would
never give up, no matter how bumpy the road
would be to fulfill those dreams…. When I joined
the SIU, I knew I was on the right track. I am so
grateful that the SIU gave me an opportunity.”

Esperanza said that he found great value in
each of his upgrading experiences. “Education
is the best investment,” he stated. “The SIU
provides us not only a free education and job
opportunities to better our lives as mariners,
but also protection to keep our industry going. I
am encouraging you, my brothers and sisters, to
support SPAD.”

Esperanza also thanked his family and ship-
mates before concluding, “Always treat each
other with respect, no matter what position a
person is in. Embrace ‘heart work’ – if we put our
hearts in what we do, everything will be easy.”

Juan Ruiz-Manaiza
A second-generation Seafarer, Ruiz-Manaiza

said he was “raised on SIU wages. I joined the
union in 2002 as an OS and I worked my way for-
ward to where I am now.

“I would like to share with you the grateful-
ness that I feel for being an SIU member,” he
continued. “Being an SIU member is the best
thing that has happened to me in my life, not

only because I have made a successful career out
of it but also because I have had the chance to see
and explore the world, all the while making good
wages. For this, I am very grateful and thankful
to our union leaders.”

Like his classmates, Ruiz-Manaiza stressed
the importance of SPAD and the Jones Act.

Addressing the apprentices, he said, “I encour-
age you to take this opportunity that you have
before you to advance in the world and to give
your very best to this career – not only for your
own gain, but also for the success of our great
union.”

Matthew Conyac
“My SIU journey started after several attempts

to find a secure career,” Conyac said. “I had sev-
eral jobs, from bartending to casino supervision,
and even completed a college degree after hear-
ing that it would open doors. It didn’t.”

After what he described as “a series of ran-
dom encounters and events,” he enrolled in the
apprentice program (Class 768) and age 43.

“The training I have received over the years
has been paramount to achieving the success I
have had in the galley,” he said. “You get out of
it what you put into it. When starting a sea job
at entry level, accept direction from your supe-
riors. As you progress in your career be a mentor
and a leader, not just a boss. Take advantage of
the classes offered at the school. These classes
increase your knowledge and earning potential.”

Conyac also encouraged fellow members to
support SPAD, attend union meetings, and if
called “to fill a job in case of an unexpected event,
take that job. It builds your credibility as some-
one they can count on.”

He concluded, “The SIU has given me a solid
career with health benefits, a pension, and being
able to travel the world. I thank the SIU for every-
thing it has given me.”

Roy Madrio
Having previously sailed on foreign-flag ships,

Madrio said he deeply appreciates the wages,
benefits and working conditions aboard SIU-con-
tracted vessels.

“The difference between my time as a seafarer
in the Philippines and the time I’ve spent with

the SIU here was dramatic,” he stated. “The SIU
offers flexible times, short contracts, better pay,
and much more upward mobility. As a result of
that, so many doors in my life opened. Through
the SIU, I was able to breathe easy and lift a
pressure off me. Thanks to the reliability and
dependability I found in the SIU, my family and
I bought our first house, our first car, and built a
strong foundation for the rest of our lives here
in America. Without the SIU, none of this would
have been possible.”

Madrio secured his third mate’s license
through the program at the Paul Hall Center, and
he extolled the benefits of upgrading: “The secu-
rity and stability you’ll find in the SIU now will
continue to stay and grow with you as long as you
have your drive and dedication.”

He said that his SIU career enabled him to put
his daughter through college and that his son is
enrolled as a freshman.

“The security, stability, adaptability, and ben-
efits provided by the SIU have been key reasons
for what have kept me sailing with them for so
long,” he said.

Dylan Faile
Last to the podium, Faile said that during his

decade with the SIU, he has become “proof that
the ability to grow and move up in the industry
quickly is readily accessible. All it takes is a little
tenacity and a few sea days.”

He said that upgrading is vital, and that his
career “has afforded me the opportunity to see
the world, and experience different cultures that
otherwise I may have not been able to do; at this
point I’ve been to more countries than states.

“None of this would have been possible with-
out all of the sailors that have come before me
that fought to make this union possible, as well
as the board that continues to fight for us every
day,” he continued. “The last few weeks have
been eye-opening, seeing all the different parts
that go into making it possible for us to go to sea
and continue to provide for our families.”

Faile thanked the executive board, port-level
officials, instructors, and “all the people in the
background with thankless jobs that we don’t
even know about that make our union run as
efficiently as it does.”

In the top photo, SIU President David Heindel (second from left) and SIU VP Pat Vandegrift (left) meet with members of the combined recertification class and Paul Hall Center apprentices during a town-
hall-style gathering on campus in Piney Point, Maryland. Directly above, the upgraders take turns answering questions.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1414 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Ashton Luuloa – Apprentice Seafarer
Sea Stories

Editor’s note: Rafael
Alvarez recently
crossed the North
Atlantic on the Maersk
Ohio as a correspon-
dent for the Seafarers
LOG, and filed this
story. The son of a life-
time SIU member who
sailed as chief engi-
neer, Alvarez has been
a working reporter
for nearly 50 years. In
his younger days he

sailed as a wiper and ordinary seaman. He can be
reached via orlo.leini@gmail.com

Ashton Luuloa – Paul Hall Center Class No.
914 – didn’t think they were playing it straight
when he applied to a forestry program in search
of a career a few years ago. He was raised in
Temecula and the curriculum took place in Cali-
fornia. Promises were made.

“They offered training, certifications and
experience while getting paid,” said Luuloa ear-
lier this year, sailing as an apprentice ordinary
seaman on the Maersk Ohio from Norfolk, Vir-
ginia, to Northern Europe. He hoped the Golden
State program would pave the way for a career
as an electrician.

“I felt it was somewhat deceitful,” he said,
“because the main priority was to increase
manpower for natural disasters like fires and
floods.”

After six months – sensing that a primary
objective of the program was to “get kids off
the street” – he quit. The experience made him
somewhat wary of the training and benefits the
SIU told him he could expect as a United States
merchant mariner.

The Luuloa family enjoys gambling, holding
reunions in Las Vegas. Always interested in a
life at sea, Ashton thought he might find work
on a cruise ship dealing blackjack, “wondering
what it would be like to be behind the table
instead of in front of it.”

After thinking it over, he rolled the dice with
the SIU and found the odds in his favor.

“They stuck to their word,” said Luuloa,
single and 27, the average age of apprentices
entering the Paul Hall Center last year. “Online,
there were so many people who [posted] a posi-
tive experience validating the legitimacy of the
program.”

He chose the deck department, sensing a
greater opportunity to get jobs. On the Maersk
Ohio, his first trip in January to Antwerp, Rot-
terdam and Bremerhaven and back, he learned
the ropes from the bosun, a veteran of several
decades, and shipmate Blake Braye, an AB with
a dozen years at sea.

“I work with Blake every day,” said Luuloa.
“I’m able to ask him for advice or confirmation
that I’m doing my job correctly. Teamwork has
been a consistent factor in whatever task I’m
given. It not only helps the actual ship but the
crew I live with. It reminds me of playing sports
when I was growing up.”

His advice to others just starting out in the
deck department: If you’re crossing the Atlantic
in winter, bring the proper clothes.

“Handling lines on the bow early in the morn-
ing is a fast way to find out,” he said. “I should
have brought a better jacket and insulated work
gloves, maybe even a better pair of work pants.”

At first a bit nervous that a line might snap,
he was assured by the second mate that it
was a very rare occurrence and almost cer-
tainly wouldn’t happen “unless everyone was

negligent checking the integrity of the lines”
before shoving off.

Now back at Piney Point before his next trip
and graduation later this year, Luuloa remem-
bered “getting right into the work” aboard
the Ohio. “Everything I learned in school was
applied the first day,” he said. “I realized I had
a lot of knowledge but lacked some wisdom. It
took about two weeks to get adjusted and settle
in.”

Some things he learned on the job, like how
to tie a variety of knots more secure than the
standard “clove hitch,” depending on what was
being secured. “I watched how the bosun tied
knots in specific scenarios so I knew what to
do when it was my turn to do a similar task,” he
stated.

He also learned when to hold his horses:
“There were times where I jumped the gun and
tried to do things one step ahead. It’s better to
swallow your pride and ask for help than possi-
bly do it incorrectly. I learned if the bosun didn’t
tell me to do it, don’t do it.”

Rafael Alvarez

Apprentice/OS Ashton Luuloa
(Photo courtesy Macon Street Books)

Got a good sea story for The LOG? E-mail Alvarez via orlo.leini@gmail.com

The pancreas is a 6-inch-long gland in the upper part of the abdomen
near the liver and gall bladder. It controls many hormones and is involved
in enzyme secretions. It helps to regulate blood sugar with insulin and glu-
cagon. It secretes enzymes that regulate the digestion of food.

Insulin is secreted to lower blood glucose and glucagon is released in
order to increase the glucose levels if the blood sugar drops too low.

The enzymes that are released from the pancreas are Lipase to digest
fats, Amylase to digest carbohydrates and Chymotrypsin/trypsin for
the digestion of proteins.

There are many conditions that can affect the function of the
pancreas. One is diabetes and the other is something that can
aggravate the tissues of the pancreas-causing Pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreatic tissues.
This is caused by the early release of pancreatic enzymes for
causes that may not be known and those enzymes start to work
inside the pancreas instead of being released into the gastro-
intestinal tract where they should be working on the food for
digestion.

Acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by gallstones or anything
that can block the main pancreatic duct. It can also be cause by excessive
alcohol intake, a tumor or a cancer, or a possible stricture itself in the bile
duct.

This can last for a few days and appear very suddenly. It can also turn
into a chronic condition if it happens continuously!

Pancreatitis symptoms will include severe abdominal pain, fever, nau-
sea with vomiting, change in lab values, weakness, skin color changes to a

yellow hue, confusion, and many others.
Treatment is important and should be done quickly. Intra-

venous fluids, medications, clear liquid diet that will slowly
advance to a low-fat diet are among the options.

Pain meds are very important to help the patient regain
his/her stamina.

Keep your pancreas healthy by maintaining a diet low in
fat, keeping your weight down, exercising, taking all meds

as directed by your doctor, drinking plenty of water/fluids,
limiting alcohol consumption, stop smoking any tobacco

products, and schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.

NMC:
HOMEPORT
NO LONGER
AVAILABLE

On April 12, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s online public access
portal, Homeport, was taken offline permanently. Listed below
are the primary mariner credentialing services affected by this
change and the alternate methods for service currently available:

• Merchant Mariner Application Status: To check on the status
of an application for a merchant mariner credential or medical
certificate, contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) at 1-888-
427-5662, IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or via Live Chat. NMC customer
service agents are available M-F, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. eastern time
zone. The NMC experiences its busiest times around midday. If
e-mailing for application status, include ‘Status’ in the subject
line of your e-mail along with the mariner name(s) and mariner
reference number(s) in the body of the e-mail. Note, processing
times at the NMC will vary based on e-mail volume.

• Merchant Mariner Credential Verification: To verify the
authenticity of a merchant mariner credential, e-mail IASKNMC@

uscg.mil. To aid in providing a faster response, include ‘Creden-
tial Verification’ in the subject line of your e-mail along with
mariner name(s) and mariner reference number(s) in the body of
the e-mail. Note, processing times at the NMC will vary based on
e-mail volume.

• Mariner Training and Assessment Data (MTAD): Course cur-
ricula and course certificate modification requests should be
sent to NMCCourses@uscg.mil. Note, to prevent delays in mar-
iner applications, course and program completions should be
documented through the issuance of completion certificates.
Completion certificate format and content should match that
approved by the NMC during the approval process. For questions
related to Mariner Training and Assessment, contact the NMC at
206-815-6893.

We will provide updates to the status of these services as they
are established. Thank you for your patience.

Preventing, Treating Pancreatitis



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15SEAFARERS LOG • 15MAY 2025

Notice

Seafarers and SIU pensioners are strongly
encouraged to make sure that their beneficiary
designations are up to date and accurate. If outdated
beneficiary information remains on file, it may result
in benefits being paid to one or more individuals
no longer intended by the member or pensioner to
receive those benefits. Unintended consequences
may arise if, for example, a designated beneficiary
has passed away, or if a member’s or pensioner’s
marital status has changed.

Seafarers and pensioners can update their
designated beneficiaries by contacting the SIU
Member Assistance Program (MAP) by phone: 1-(800)
252-4674 Option 2, or by email: map@seafarers.org in
order to obtain beneficiary forms.

Important Reminder for
Seafarers and Pensioners

Deck Department
Algonac 21 7 4 18 4 3 2 38 11 4
Anchorage 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 4 1 0
Baltimore 4 5 0 2 4 0 4 5 3 0
Fort Lauderdale 24 9 7 12 9 6 11 31 5 6
Guam 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 0
Harvey 8 5 3 4 2 1 3 14 9 7
Honolulu 6 2 0 1 1 0 0 11 4 0
Houston 30 19 14 23 13 7 17 53 30 20
Jacksonville 25 28 10 23 18 7 14 48 31 8
Jersey City 19 11 4 18 9 1 14 28 11 5
Joliet 3 5 2 1 2 3 0 6 4 1
Mobile 5 3 5 5 2 6 5 12 4 6
Norfolk 11 11 9 8 8 6 4 23 17 13
Oakland 6 6 1 11 2 2 3 8 5 2
Philadelphia 1 1 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 0
Piney Point 2 4 0 2 3 0 1 3 4 0
Puerto Rico 6 5 1 3 3 0 3 10 2 1
St. Louis 3 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 1 2
Tacoma 16 3 3 17 7 2 11 25 5 2
Wilmington 24 7 5 20 10 2 17 51 10 7

TOTAL 218 134 71 176 98 49 110 376 159 84

Engine Department
Algonac 6 4 0 9 0 0 0 5 7 2
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Baltimore 5 4 0 2 1 0 3 5 3 0
Fort Lauderdale 4 7 4 6 7 3 5 8 6 2
Guam 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0
Harvey 1 2 1 2 2 0 3 2 3 2
Honolulu 9 0 0 2 2 0 2 10 0 3
Houston 10 5 6 7 3 2 4 9 10 7
Jacksonville 14 11 4 12 7 3 6 24 22 4
Jersey City 6 8 2 4 5 0 4 10 8 2
Joliet 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0
Mobile 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 1 0
Norfolk 14 12 7 10 6 3 8 16 14 9
Oakland 3 4 4 1 1 1 2 7 5 2
Philadelphia 3 2 0 2 0 0 1 2 1 0
Piney Point 2 1 2 1 2 1 0 2 0 1
Puerto Rico 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 1
St. Louis 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0
Tacoma 5 4 1 6 3 1 3 8 5 0
Wilmington 9 5 3 7 5 0 3 21 5 9
TOTAL 96 70 35 76 47 15 46 138 95 45

Steward Department
Algonac 6 0 1 3 1 0 0 9 1 1
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Baltimore 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 7 5 0 1 2 0 2 9 5 1
Guam 0 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 1 0
Harvey 2 7 1 3 2 0 1 3 11 1
Honolulu 4 4 1 8 1 1 3 5 4 0
Houston 18 7 3 10 4 1 4 20 11 5
Jacksonville 22 7 4 25 13 2 8 28 17 8
Jersey City 4 2 2 6 3 1 4 10 2 0
Joliet 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0
Mobile 5 2 0 3 2 0 3 5 1 0
Norfolk 11 7 6 9 8 0 5 21 15 9
Oakland 10 2 2 9 1 0 2 15 2 3
Philadelphia 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 1
Piney Point 1 5 2 3 2 2 1 3 3 0
Puerto Rico 4 8 0 1 2 1 2 6 12 1
St. Louis 1 3 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0
Tacoma 7 1 1 6 1 1 2 13 5 1
Wilmington 20 5 3 21 7 2 11 38 5 8
TOTAL 125 70 26 114 54 11 52 190 99 40

Entry Department
Algonac 1 5 16 1 4 6 1 2 12 23
Anchorage 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 2 2
Baltimore 0 2 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 3
Fort Lauderdale 1 6 11 1 3 6 1 0 6 9
Guam 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
Harvey 0 2 5 1 0 1 0 0 2 5
Honolulu 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 6
Houston 2 15 18 1 4 6 2 4 27 26
Jacksonville 1 31 59 0 16 34 4 2 54 104
Jersey City 1 14 13 0 12 5 2 3 20 33
Joliet 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 2
Mobile 0 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 3
Norfolk 0 5 23 0 10 16 0 0 9 41
Oakland 0 3 11 0 2 7 2 0 9 17
Philadelphia 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 1
Piney Point 0 1 3 0 0 2 3 0 4 3
Puerto Rico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tacoma 1 5 5 0 3 5 2 5 13 12
Wilmington 1 10 22 1 4 15 4 1 12 30

TOTAL 8 105 198 5 67 110 22 18 177 322

GRAND TOTAL 447 379 330 371 266 185 230 722 530 491

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 14 - April 15, 2025.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 16, 2025.

Schedule change due to holiday observance.

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

Total Registered
All Groups

A B C

Trip
Reliefs

Total Shipped
All Groups

A B C

Registered on Beach
All Groups

A B CPort

Piney Point Monday: May 5, June 2
Algonac Thursday: May 15, June 12
Baltimore Thursday: May 8, June 5
Guam Thursday: May 22, Friday: June 20
Honolulu Friday: May 16, June 13
Houston Monday: May 12, June 9
Jacksonville Thursday: May 8, June 5
Joliet Thursday: May 15, June 12
Mobile Wednesday: May 14, June 11
New Orleans Tuesday: May 13, June 10
Jersey City Tuesday: May 6, June 3
Norfolk Friday: May 9, June 6
Oakland Thursday: May 15, June 12
Philadelphia Wednesday: May 7, June 4
Port Everglades Thursday: May 15, June 12
San Juan Thursday: May 8, June 5
St. Louis Friday: May 16, June 13
Tacoma Friday: May 23, June 20
Wilmington Monday: May 19, June 16

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

May & June
Membership Meetings



16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202316 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Pic from the Past

This 1984 snapshot taken aboard the Cove Liberty (Cove Shipping Company) includes SIU members Floyd Acord, Patrick Amo, Jerry Westphal, Sal
Lagare, and Errol Nicholson.

Inquiring SeafarerDavid 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

Joe Vincenzo, Vice President
Government Services

Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Pat Vandegrift, Vice President
Hazel Galbiso, Vice President

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive

Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

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

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

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

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

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

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

(215) 336-3818

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

20674
(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

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

(310) 549-4000

SIU DirectorySIU Directory

This month’s question was answered by members at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Some of the re-
sponses incorporate answers to a follow-up question or two.

Question: What are some things you like about your career?

Navonte Pritchard
SA

Traveling. Seeing different
things, getting out of your
state that you’ve been in for
years. It’s just seeing things
that most people won’t see in
their lifetime. Rota, Spain, was
one of my favorite stops. The
beach was nice.

Jalen Jones
OS

Traveling, making money, tak-
ing care of my family, seeing
different things, and working
with different people. I also
enjoy learning new things. I’ve
been sailing for two years.

Larry Mann
Bosun/AB

It’s not about the money with
me, it’s just the shipping life,
period. All I know is sailing,
and my passion is to move
forward and advance. The
career is a blessing from God,
to be honest.

Nadiyah Jackson
QMED

I like the fact that I get to
work for a period of time, and
then when I’m home, I’m with
family and don’t have to worry
about a nine-to-five. I like
learning new things about how
the ship works.

Aaron Moore
Oiler

Traveling, seeing the world,
learning different things
about the vessels. Those are
the biggest things. I’ve been
sailing for three years. The
ongoing learning experience
keeps me coming back.

Rasha Warthem
SA

I enjoy getting to meet new
people from different walks of
life, and just the brotherhood
of the union. I enjoy traveling
to different places and
experiencing different cultures.
The flexibility, too.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17SEAFARERS LOG • 17MAY 2025

DEEP SEA
LAURA DEEBACH
Sister Laura Deebach, 69, started
sailing with the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1982 when she
shipped on the Independence. Sis-
ter Deebach worked in the steward
department and upgraded on
several occasions at the union-af-
filiated Piney Point school. She
most recently shipped aboard the Vision and settled
in Blaine, Washington.

REGINA EWING
Sister Regina Ewing, 64, joined
the union in 1986, initially sailing
aboard an OMI vessel. She worked
in the deck department and
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. Sister
Ewing concluded her career on the
Washington Express and resides in
Hialeah, Florida.

ORLANDO GUZMAN
Brother Orlando Guzman, 66,
donned the SIU colors in 2001. He
shipped in the engine department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school multiple occasions. Brother
Guzman’s first vessel was the
Denali; his last, the Mohegan. He
makes his home in Long Beach,
California.

ANDREW PEPRAH
Brother Andrew Peprah, 65, joined
the union in 2000, initially sail-
ing aboard the USNS Watson. He
upgraded often at the Paul Hall
Center and shipped as an engine
department member. Brother
Peprah most recently sailed
aboard the USNS Fred W Stockham.
He resides in the Bronx, New York.

JUBERTO PEREZ
Brother Juberto Perez, 65, became
a member of the union in 2009
when he sailed aboard the Maersk
Michigan. A deck department
member, he upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Perez concluded his
career aboard the West Virginia. He
lives in Elmhurst, New York.

JOHN RIZZO
Brother John Rizzo, 67, signed on with the SIU in
1977. He first sailed aboard the Bayamon, and worked
in the engine department. Brother Rizzo upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last
shipped on the John Paul Bobo and makes his home
in Staten Island, New York.

DORRAY SABERON
Sister Dorray Saberon, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1984, initially working on the
Charger. A steward department
member, she upgraded on numer-
ous occasions at the Piney Point
school. Sister Saberon last sailed
aboard the Pacific Reliance. She
resides in Port Monmouth, New Jersey.

SACARIAS SUAZO
Brother Sacarias Suazo, 65,
embarked on his SIU career in
1999 when he shipped on the USNS
Antares. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Suazo’s final vessel
was the Maersk Denver. He makes
his home in the Bronx, New York.

HENRY WRIGHT
Brother Henry Wright, 66, joined
the union in 1989. He sailed in the
steward department and upgraded
at the Piney Point school on sev-
eral occasions. Brother Wright
first sailed on the Independence.
He most recently shipped on the
George III and settled in Honolulu.

GREAT LAKES
ARCHIE LAHTI
Brother Archie Lahti, 65, joined the union in 1978,
initially sailing aboard the Frank Denton. He sailed
in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center in 1981. Brother Lahti last sailed on
the Indiana Harbor. He makes his home in Maple,
Wisconsin.

INLAND
JASON BRYAN
Brother Jason Bryan, 56, began
sailing with the Seafarers Interna-
tional Union in 1995. He worked in
the deck department and shipped
with Crescent Towing and Salvage
for the majority of his career.
Brother Bryan is a resident of
Metairie, Louisiana.

GARY BURKE
Brother Gary Burke, 62, joined the
SIU in 1987. A deck department
member, he upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Burke was employed
with Crowley Towing and Trans-
portation for the duration of his
career. He resides in Long Beach,
California.

BARRY CROFFITT
Brother Barry Croffitt, 62, embarked on his career
with the Seafarers in 1998 when he sailed on the
Delta Queen. He worked in the deck department.
Brother Croffitt concluded his career with American
West Steamboat Company. He lives in Lawrenceville,
Georgia.

STEPHEN GRAY
Brother Stephen Gray, 68, started
sailing with the SIU in 2005. He
was an engine department mem-
ber and upgraded his skills at the
Piney Point school in 2011. Brother
Gray was employed with Allied
Transportation for his entire
career. He makes his home in
Smithfield, Virginia.

KENNETH HUDGINS
Brother Kenneth Hudgins, 64, started sailing with
the Seafarers in 1979. He shipped in both the deck
and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hudgins
was first employed by Virginia Pilot Corporation. He
last worked with Moran Towing of Maryland and set-
tled in Gates, North Carolina.

TOBY JONES
Brother Toby Jones, 62, joined the union in 1980. He
shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother
Jones was employed by Crescent Towing and Sal-
vage for the duration of his career. He lives in Abita
Springs, Louisiana.

PHILLIP MAY
Brother Phillip May, 65, began sailing with the SIU
in 2008. A deck department member, he sailed with
G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother
May lives in Canyon Lake, Texas.

JOSEPH MESYNA
Brother Joseph Mesyna, 64,
donned the union colors in 2009
when he sailed aboard the Pride.
He sailed in the deck department
and upgraded on multiple occa-
sions at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother Mesyna’s final vessel was
the Innovation. He resides in Dan-
ielson, Connecticut.

KEVIN SAMUELS
Brother Kevin Samuels, 58, joined
the Seafarers in 1986. He worked
in the engine department and
initially sailed aboard an OMI ves-
sel. Brother Samuels upgraded at
the Piney Point school on several
occasions. He most recently sailed
on the Rocketship and resides in
Mobile, Alabama.

ALBERT SHELTON
Brother Albert Shelton, 62, donned
the SIU colors in 1993 when he
worked with Higman Barge Lines.
He sailed in the deck department
and remained with the same com-
pany for the duration of his career.
Brother Shelton calls Leesville,
Louisiana, home.

ONEIL THERIOT
Brother Oneil Theriot, 62, joined
the union in 1994. He was an
engine department member and
worked for Westboat Riverboat
Services for the duration of his
career. Brother Theriot makes his
home in Chauvin, Louisiana.

We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.Welcome Ashore!



18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202318 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Final Departures In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.

DEEP SEA
DAVID DINGMAN
Brother David Dingman, 53, died
January 24. He joined the Seafar-
ers International Union in 1992,
initially sailing aboard the Inde-
pendence. Brother Dingman was a
steward department member. He
most recently sailed on the Ohio
and called Sparks, Nevada, home.

JOHN ELLIOTT
Pensioner John Elliott, 98, passed
away January 27. He became a
member of the SIU in 1945 when
he worked with Brooklyn Eastern
District Terminal Railroad. Brother
Elliott sailed in the deck depart-
ment. He last shipped aboard
the Transindiana and became a
pensioner in 1994. Brother Elliott made his home in
Neponsit, New York.

ANGEL FIGUEROA
Pensioner Angel Figueroa, 80,
died January 29. He began his
career with the Seafarers in 1994,
initially sailing aboard the Nedl-
loyd Holland. Brother Figueroa
sailed in both the deck and engine
departments. He last sailed on the
Horizon Challenger before retiring in 2011. Brother
Figueroa lived in Long Beach, California.

RUTLAND GALE
Pensioner Rutland Gale, 80, has
passed away. He signed on with
the Seafarers International Union
in 2004 when he sailed aboard the
Green Dale. Brother Gale worked in
the engine department and most
recently sailed aboard the Endur-
ance. He went on pension in 2015
and resided in Miami.

KENNETH GILSON
Pensioner Kenneth Gilson, 70, died January 27. He
joined the SIU in 1978 and first shipped on the Aleu-
tian Developer. Brother Gilson sailed in the deck
department and last shipped on the Liberty Sun. He
became a pensioner in 2019 and made his home in
Jackson, Mississippi.

CARSON JORDAN
Pensioner Carson Jordan, 74,
passed away February 6. He began
his career with the Seafarers in
1972, initially working on the Brad-
ford Island. Brother Jordan was
a deck department member and
concluded his career aboard the
Green Bay. He began collecting his
pension in 2010 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida.

RENATO MIGUEL
Pensioner Renato Miguel, 80,
died January 28. He donned the
SIU colors in 1979. A deck depart-
ment member, Brother Miguel
first shipped on the Charleston.
He last sailed aboard the Atlantic
and became a pensioner in 2009.
Brother Miguel lived in Jersey City, New Jersey.

ROBERT O’CONNELL
Brother Robert O’Connell, 56,
passed away December 16. He
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed
aboard the Cape Mendocino.
Brother O’Connell was a deck
department member. He most
recently shipped on the State of
Maine and resided in Cookeville, Tennessee.

MIKHAIL PINCHEVSKIY
Pensioner Mikhail Pinchevskiy,
73, died November 7. He became a
member of the SIU in 2000. Brother
Pinchevskiy initially sailed aboard
the Global Mariner. He worked
in the deck department and
concluded his career aboard the
Resolve. Brother Pinchevskiy went
on pension in 2020 and settled in Hallandale Beach,
Florida.

TREVOR ROBERTSON
Brother Trevor Robertson, 85, has
passed away. He signed on with the
Seafarers International Union in
1961 when he worked with Texas
City Refining. Brother Robertson
sailed in the deck department and
concluded his career working with
the union as a patrolman. He made
his home in Berkley, California.

ANTJUAN WEBB JR.
Brother Antjuan Webb Jr., 20, has
passed away. He joined the union
in 2023 and initially shipped on the
Stena Immaculate. Brother Webb
sailed in the deck department and
most recently sailed aboard the
American Freedom. He was a resi-
dent of Rodeo, California.

GREAT LAKES
DAVID BECK
Brother David Beck, 71, passed
away December 6. He began his
career with the SIU in 1971 when he
sailed on the Kinsman Independent.
Brother Beck worked in the deck
department and last sailed aboard
the Walter J. McCarthy. He called
Fort McCoy, Florida, home.

SALEH NAGI
Pensioner Saleh Nagi, 86, died
January 7. He joined the SIU in
1966 when he sailed on the Bob-Lo
Island. Brother Nagi primarily
sailed in the deck department and
concluded his career aboard the
Charles E. Wilson. He began collect-
ing his pension in 2003 and resided
in Dearborn, Michigan.

DEMETRIOS PITSAS
Pensioner Demetrios Pitsas, 91, passed away January
28. He embarked on his career with the union in 1967.
A deck department member, Brother Pitsas worked
with Great Lakes Towing for most of his career. He
retired in 1995 and lived in Munster, Indiana.

INLAND
MARK BUTLER
Brother Mark Butler, 66, died Octo-
ber 30. He started sailing with the
SIU in 1991 when he worked on the
Dynachem. Brother Butler was a
member of the deck department.
He was most recently employed
with Crowley Towing and Trans-
portation and resided in Beaumont,
Texas.

JOSEPH RIGGS
Pensioner Joseph Riggs, 72, passed
away February 1. He signed on with
the Seafarers in 1989. Brother Riggs
was a deck department member. He
was employed with Crescent Tow-
ing and Salvage for the duration of
his career. Brother Riggs became
a pensioner in 2017 and made his
home in Statesboro, Georgia.

NMU
SILAS JEFFERSON
Pensioner Silas Jefferson, 78, has passed away.
Brother Jefferson was a steward department mem-
ber. He last sailed aboard the Mormacsun before
going on pension in 2001. Brother Jefferson was a
resident of Lake Jackson, Texas.

DAISY JOSEPH
Sister Daisy Joseph, 99, passed
away January 27. Sister Joseph
worked in the steward department.
She last sailed aboard the Green
Cove and became a pensioner in
1996. Sister Joseph called Mineral,
Virginia, home.

JUAN PADILLA
Pensioner Juan Padilla, 94, died
January 23. Brother Padilla started
sailing in 1964. He sailed in all
three departments. Brother Padilla
became a pensioner in 1992 after
concluding his career aboard the
Marjorie Lykes. He was a New Orle-
ans resident.

CHESTER STOVALL
Pensioner Chester Stovall, 86, passed away January
16. Brother Stovall worked in both the deck and
engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Santa
Adela and retired in 1993. Brother Stovall made his
home in Philadelphia.

GEORGE WRET
Pensioner George Wret, 95, died February 5. Brother
Wret sailed in the deck department and last worked
on the Marine Chemist. He became a pensioner in
1999 and settled in Los Angeles.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1919 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 19MAY 2025

MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk
Line, Limited), January 24 – Chair-
man Godocel Pascua, Secretary Wil-
liam Fortner, Deck Delegate Harold
Borden, Steward Delegate Aaron
Searcy. Chairman reviewed sign-
off procedures. Members discussed
the importance of holding union
shipboard meetings to not only ad-
dress any beefs but also for general
union education. Steward delegate
suggested increasing contractual
rate for extra meals to reflect in-
crease in inflation. Members asked
about overtime policies. According
to contract, no overtime work shall
be done without the approval of de-
partment head. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested addi-
tional Wi-Fi routers to be installed
on each deck for stronger internet
signal. Next port: Newark, New Jer-
sey.

GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations,
LLC), January 27 – Chairman
Gerardo Arroyo , Secretary Na-
jeeb Ginah, Educational Director
Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Ju-
nior Augustin, Steward Delegate
Rachael Zavala. Chairman thanked
crew for their hard work. Secretary
reminded members to renew mer-
chant mariner credentials at least
six weeks ahead of expiration. Edu-
cational director encouraged mem-
bers to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested 20 for 30
vacation days.

BRENTON REEF (Eco-Tankers
Crew Management, LLC), February
2 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary
Francisco Madsen, Educational Di-
rector Daryl Morris, Deck Delegate
Alton Glapion , Engine Delegate
Jorge Lawrence, Steward Delegate
Lamarai Jones. Chairman thanked
steward department for a job well
done. Educational director urged
crew to take advantage of the up-
grading opportunities at the SIU-af-
filiated Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. For future
contract negotiations, members
discussed potential requests for
boot allowances, missing-man pay,
penalty pay for handling and burn-
ing trash, and compensation for
working through meal hours.

EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Person-
nel & Provisioning), February 2 –
Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed,
Secretary Jose Outeiral Rodriguez,
Educational Director Oscar Garcia,
Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine
Delegate Mark Richardson, Steward
Delegate Mohamed Noman. Mem-
bers reported difficulties getting
reliefs, especially ABs. Crew would
like the union to consider the up-
coming contract as an opportunity
to address unresolved issues, in-
cluding paid holidays and additional
vacation days. Any items needed
that are not already on board can be
requested through ship secretary.
Educational director reminded crew
to check documents and to upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members re-
viewed the president’s column in
the LOG and noted how good con-

tracts help retain and recruit mem-
bers. Bosun asked crew to unplug
electrical items when not in use
including TVs, laptops, etc. Crew
morale has been very high since the
installation of Starlink Wi-Fi.

MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line,
Limited), February 9 – Chairman
Mario Ordonez, Secretary James
McLeod , Deck Delegate Eddie
Thomas , Steward Delegate Carl
Royster. Chairman announced pay-
off schedule. Educational director
advised crew to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members would like
increases in vacation time and to
lower sea time requirements for re-
tirement. Crew requested new TVs
for rooms.

MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk
Line, Limited), February 16 – Chair-
man Koksal Demir, Secretary Ali
Matari, Educational Director Jing
Hui Huang, Deck Delegate Waleed
Mohsin. Bosun thanked crew for a
safe voyage and commended stew-
ard department for providing good
food and keeping ship clean. Sec-
retary reminded members to leave
clean rooms for onboarding crew.
Educational director recommended
that members upgrade their skills
at the Piney Point school and gave
instructions for inquiring about
sea time and using the SIU website.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Vote of thanks was given to deck
and engine departments. Members
requested increases in pension and
vacation benefits and for physicals

to be required only once per year.
Washing machine in need of repair.
Next port: Charleston, South Caro-
lina.

HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines,
LLC), February 22 – Chairman Dar-
ryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette
Amato, Educational Director Jason
Powell. Crew reviewed old business
including $250 shoe allowance, sea
time limits for retirees and union
dues increase. Medical certificates
and TWIC can be renewed through
email. Chairman announced payoff
schedule and encouraged crew to
donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political
Activities Donation), the union’s
voluntary political action fund.
Educational director talked about
serving on the SIU tallying com-
mittee and reported that it was a
very secure process. He mentioned
the option for Piney Point to sub-
mit discharges for members. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
asked for new toasters in mess hall
and crew lounge. Coffee maker in
crew lounge in need of repair and
new faucet handle needed on ADM.
Members would like increases in
pension compensation, 20 for 30
vacation and for vacation checks to
be collected at 45 days or make all
relief jobs 60 days. Crew asked for
clarification on time-off procedures
and requested upgraded Wi-Fi. Vote
of thanks was given to steward de-
partment for a job well done. Next
port: Tacoma, Washington.

Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space
limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring
attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the
Seafarers LOG for publication.

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Consti-
tution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific pro-
vision for safeguarding the member-
ship’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the member-
ship by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. Members of
this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and
separate findings.

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

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

The proper address for this is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Spr ings, MD 20746

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

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU con-
tracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and condi-
tions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for over-
time (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 con-
tractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFAR-
ERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any indi-
vidual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collec-
tive membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership ac-
tion at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may del-
egate, 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 pay-
ment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union
halls. All members should obtain cop-
ies of this constitution so as to famil-
iarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to de-
prive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immedi-
ately notify headquarters.

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

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

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to

further its objects and purposes includ-
ing, but not limited to, furthering the po-
litical, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment op-
portunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contri-
butions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial re-
prisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social inter-
ests, 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 headquar-
ters by certified mail, return receipt re-
quested. The address is:

David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746



20 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202320 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 21

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_ _________________________________________________________________________
Address_ _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________
Date of Birth_ ___________________________________________________________________
 Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member 

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?  Yes   No 
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   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 qual-
ifying 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 application, 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 origi-
nal receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent
before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to:
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafar-
ers.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 students, 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.

Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org

Latest Course Dates

SEAFARERS LOG • 21MAY 2025

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 30 July 11
Sept. 29 Oct. 10

Able Seafarer - Deck June 9 June 27
Sept. 1 Sept. 19
Oct. 13 Oct. 31
Dec. 1 Dec. 19

ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Welding June 2 June 20
July 14 Aug. 1
Aug. 25 Sept. 12
Oct. 6 Oct. 24

STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Certified Chief Cook July 7 Sept. 12
Sept. 15 Nov. 21

ServSafe Management June 30 July 4
Sept. 8 Sept. 12
Nov. 17 Nov. 21

Advanced Galley Operations July 21 Aug. 15
Aug. 18 Sept. 12
Sept. 15 Oct. 10
Nov. 10 Dec. 5

Chief Steward June 23 July 18
Oct. 13 Nov. 7
Dec. 8 Jan. 2, 2026

OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES

Basic Training June 23 June 27
Sept. 22 Sept. 26

Basic Training Revalidation June 30 June 30
July 25 July 25
Aug. 15 Aug. 15
Nov. 3 Nov. 3
Nov. 7 Nov. 7

Government Vessels June 2 June 6

Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18

OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES

Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Aug. 15
Sept. 29 Oct. 3
Oct. 20 Oct. 24

Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Aug. 8
Sept. 22 Sept. 26
Oct. 27 Oct. 31

Engineers Needed
Chief Engineer/Engine Instructor (full- or part-time)

The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education has opportunities for qualified individuals to come ashore
and use their seagoing experience to help prepare the next generation
of mariners. Our instructors’ professionalism helps sustain a unique

and dynamic environment throughout our campus in Piney Point,
Maryland.

If you’re potentially interested in applying to be an instructor, please
email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential.



22 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202322 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #918 – Recently graduating: Redhwon Abdullah, Micah Acosta, Raheem Ali, Sean Baldwin, Curt Burgoyne, Shauni Franklin, Emmanuel Grant, William Harrison,
David Henneken, Darren Joseph, Jesse Kireyev, Robert Kitchen III, Michael Klingelhoets, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Stephen Pagan Laureano. Alejandro Rivera Martinez,
Hayden Scott, Monique Smith and Jacob Watson.

MARINE REFRIGERATION – Graduated March 14: Micah Champion, Danielle Gore, Eric
Hondel, Damon Johnson, Justin Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Zion Lyons, Tracy Mitchell Jr.,
Tyson Richardson and Sean Wilson.

WELDING – Graduated March 14: Jacob Devers, Peter Espinosa, Jose Gari, Alexis Martinez,
Wilson Montero Centeno, Matthew Quinones and Emma Wang. Instructor Chris Raley is at left.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 14: Fuad Ali, Sincere Davenport, Dominick
Davis, Ralpheal Evans, Travis Flippin, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Harry
Hurley, Reon James, Tomeria Kendrick, Karen Lira, Eric Nieves Jr., Lamillian Phillips, James
Regan Jr., Demetrius Soto, Ishay Thomas, Trey Traughber, Noah Welch and Timothy Wheeler.

RFPNW – Graduated March 14: Anneliza Brown, Kyra Buggs, Brian Downey, Arthur Kinsman
and Trevon McCauley. Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at the far right.

RFPEW – Graduated March 7: Jevon Hill, Dereon Ivory, Nicholas Livingston, Adarius
Simpson, Escrovan Tisdale-Anderson and Ronnie Ward Jr.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 21: Karen Allen, Alexander
Bennett, Eddy Chevalier Cesar, Michael Collins, Juan David, Elhadji Diop, Brian Downey, Nykelle
Gisbert, Raequan Grier, Kimonta Hall, Marcos Rochez Mena, Delanoe Trent, Chadon Williams
and Jessica Williams.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 23SEAFARERS LOG • 23MAY 2025

GALLEY OPS (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 7: Simone Cid, Nykelle Gisbert,
Marquis Hill and Yolanda Oliver.

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

SERVE SAFE MANAGEMENT – Graduated March 21, from left to right: Eric
Nieves Jr. and Karen Lira.

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated March 28: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel
Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris, Joseph Prather and Ayinde Richards.

RFPNW – Graduated March 28: Redhwon Abdullah, Raheem Ali, David Henneken, Darren Joseph,
Robert Kitchen III, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Stephen Pagan Laureano,
Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott and Jacob Watson.

RFPNW (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 28, left to right: Jacob Kemper and
Ian Trefry.

ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated March 28: Julian Abreu, Jonte Crenshaw, Deon Greenidge, Destany
Howard, Myles White and Joel Williams.

RFPEW (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 7, left to right: Nasir Harrell and Aaron Quainoo.



OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO

SEAFARERS LOG
MAY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 5

Editor’s note: The White House
on April 9 issued an executive order
titled “Restoring America’s Maritime
Dominance.” Excerpts from the order
follow; the QR code is linked to the full
directive.

Several key components of the
order are consistent with the SHIPS
for America Act, which is expected
to be reintroduced in Congress this
month. The order largely focuses
on shipbuilding but also addresses
shipboard manpower and other topics.

Section 1. Purpose. The commercial
shipbuilding capacity and maritime
workforce of the United States
has been weakened by decades of
Government neglect, leading to the
decline of a once strong industrial base
while simultaneously empowering our
adversaries and eroding United States
national security. Both our allies and
our strategic competitors produce
ships for a fraction of the cost needed
in the United States. Recent data shows
that the United States constructs less
than one percent of commercial ships
globally, while the People’s Republic
of China (PRC) is responsible for
producing approximately half.

Rectifying these issues requires a
comprehensive approach that includes
securing consistent, predictable,
and durable Federal funding, making
United States-flagged and built
vessels commercially competitive in
international commerce, rebuilding
America’s maritime manufacturing
c a p ab i l i t i e s ( t h e M a r i t i m e
Industrial Base), and expanding
and strengthening the recruitment,
training, and retention of the relevant
workforce.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of
the United States to revitalize and
rebuild domestic maritime industries
and workforce to promote national
security and economic prosperity.

Sec. 3. Maritime Action Plan. (a)
Within 210 days of the date of this
order, the Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs (APNSA),
in coordination with the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of Defense,
the Secretary of Commerce, the
Secretary of Labor, the Secretary
of Transportation, the Secretary of
Homeland Security, the United States
Trade Representative (USTR), and the
heads of executive departments and
agencies (agencies) the APNSA deems
appropriate, shall submit a Maritime
Action Plan (MAP) to the President,
through the APNSA and the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB Director) to achieve the policy
set forth in this order.

Sec. 4. Ensure the Security and
Resilience of the Maritime Industrial
Base. Within 180 days of the date of
this order, the Secretary of Defense,

in coordination with the Secretary
of Commerce, the Secretary of
Transportation, and the Secretary of
Homeland Security, shall provide to
the APNSA and the OMB Director for
inclusion in the MAP an assessment
of options both for the use of available
authorities and resources, such as
Defense Production Act Title III
authorities, and for the use of private
capital to the maximum extent possible
to invest in and expand the Maritime
I n du s t r i a l B a s e
including, but not
limited to, investment
and expansion of
c o m m e rc i a l a n d
defense shipbuilding
c a p a b i l i t i e s ,
component supply
chains, ship repair and
marine transportation
capabilities, port
i n f r a s t r u c t u r e ,
and the adjacent
w o r k f o r c e . T h e
Secretary of Defense
shall pursue using the
Office of Strategic Capital loan program
to improve the shipbuilding industrial
base.

Sec. 6. Enforce Collection of Harbor
Maintenance Fee and Other Charges.
In order to prevent cargo carriers
from circumventing the Harbor
Maintenance Fee (HMF) on imported
goods through the practice of making
port in Canada or Mexico and sending
their cargo into the United States
through land borders, and to ensure
the collection of other charges as
applicable, the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall take all necessary steps,
including proposing new legislation, as
permitted by law to:

(a) require all foreign-origin cargo
arriving by vessel to clear the Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) entry
process at a United States port of
entry for security and collection of all
applicable duties, customs, taxes, fees,
interest, and other charges; and

(b) ensure any foreign-origin
cargo first arriving by vessel to North
America clearing the CBP process at
an inland location from the country
of land transit (Canada or Mexico) is
assessed applicable customs, duties,
taxes, fees (including the HMF),
interest, and other charges plus a 10
percent service fee for additional costs
to the CBP, so long as the cargo being

shipped into the United States is not
substantially transformed from its
condition at the time of arrival into
the country of land transit (with the
discretion for such decisions to be
determined by CBP).

Sec. 8. Reduce Dependence on
Adversaries through Allies and
Partners. Within 90 days of the date of
this order, the Secretary of Commerce,
in consultation with the Assistant to
the President for Economic Policy,

shall recommend to the
APNSA and the OMB
Director for inclusion
in the MAP all available
incentives to help
shipbuilders domiciled
in allied nations
partner to undertake
capital investment in
the United States to
help strengthen the
shipbuilding capacity
of the United States.

Sec. 9. Launch a
Maritime Security
Tr u s t F u n d . I n

conjunction with the formulation
of the President’s Budget, the OMB
Director shall, in coordination with
the Secretary of Transportation,
develop a legislative proposal, which
shall be described in detail in the
MAP, to establish a Maritime Security
Trust Fund that can serve as a reliable
funding source to deliver consistent
support for MAP programs. This
proposal shall consider how new or
existing tariff revenue, fines, fees, or
tax revenue could further the goal of
establishing a more reliable, dedicated
funding source for programs support
by the MAP.

Sec. 10. Shipbuilding Financial
Incentives Program. In conjunction
with the formulation of the President’s
Budget and consistent with the
findings of the report required under
section 12 of this order, the Secretary
of Transportation shall submit a
legislative proposal to the APNSA
and the OMB Director, which shall be
described in detail in the MAP, that
establishes a financial incentives
program with broad flexibility to
incentivize private investment in
the construction of commercial
components, parts, and vessels; capital
improvements to commercial vessel
shipyards; capital improvements to
commercial vessel repair facilities and

drydocks through grants; and Federal
Credit Reform Act-compliant loans and
loan guarantees. Such proposal may
augment or replace existing programs
with similar purpose including the
Small Shipyard Grant Program and
the Federal Ship Financing (Title XI)
Program.

Sec. 12. Report on Maritime
Industry Needs. Within 90 days of
the date of this order, the Secretary of
Transportation, in coordination with
the Secretary of Homeland Security
and the heads of other agencies as
appropriate, shall deliver a report
to the OMB Director and APNSA for
inclusion in the MAP that inventories
Federal programs that could be used
to sustain and grow the supply of and
demand for the United States maritime
industry.

Sec. 13. Expand Mariner Training
and Education. Within 90 days of
the date of this order, the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of Defense,
the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary
of Transportation, the Secretary
of Education, and the Secretary of
Homeland Security shall deliver a
report to the President through the
APNSA for inclusion in the MAP
with recommendations to address
workforce challenges in the maritime
sector through maritime educational
institutions and workforce transitions.

Sec. 17. Increase the Fleet of
Commercial Vessels Trading
Internationally under the flag of the
United States. Within 180 days of the
date of this order, in conjunction with
the formulation of the President’s
Budget and consistent with the
findings of the report required under
section 12 of this section, the Secretary
of Transportation shall in coordination
with the Secretary of Defense, deliver a
legislative proposal to the APNSA and
OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP
that:

(a) is designed to ensure that
adequate cubed footage and gross
tonnage of United States-flagged
commercial vessels can be called upon
in times of crisis, while limiting the
likelihood of Government waste;

(b) provides incentives that will:
(i) grow the fleet of United States

built, crewed, and flagged vessels that
serve as readily deployable assets for
national security purposes; and

(ii) increase the participation of
United States commercial vessels in
international trade; and

(c) enhances existing subsidies
to include coverage of certain
construction or modification costs
in a manner designed to enhance
incentives for the commercial shipping
industry to operate militarily useful
ships that trade internationally under
the flag of the United States.

Executive Order Aims to Boost U.S. MaritimeExecutive Order Aims to Boost U.S. Maritime

The above QR code links to the full
text of the Executive Order.