Seafarers Log: Vol. 88 No. 2 (2026-02-01)

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

FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 2

M A R I T I M E A D M I N I S T R AT O R C O N F I R M E D • PA G E 5 / / S I U H O L I D AY P H O T O S • PA G E S 9 - 1 1M A R I T I M E A D M I N I S T R AT O R C O N F I R M E D • PA G E 5 / / S I U H O L I D AY P H O T O S • PA G E S 9 - 1 1

Seafarers Seafarers
Step Up for Step Up for
Santa’s CastleSanta’s Castle

SIU members upheld their tradition of robustly supporting Santa’s Caste, a yearly philanthropic effort that benefits U.S. military personnel and their families in the Pacific Northwest. Seafarers donated
thousands of dollars’ worth of toys and other gifts for the project, which the union has supported for 17 straight years. In photo above, from left, SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp meets with Santa’s Castle VP of
Purchasing Anita Vargo and Executive Director Donna Handoe at the donation site. In the inset photo, Oiler William Cassel helps load the gifts into nearby trucks. Page 20 (back page).

New Bisso Contract Includes Major GainsNew Bisso Contract Includes Major Gains

Annual Outreach Benefits Annual Outreach Benefits
American Military FamiliesAmerican Military Families

3-Year Pact Described as ‘Win-Win’ for Union and Company3-Year Pact Described as ‘Win-Win’ for Union and Company

SIU boatmen employed by E.N. Bisso & Son have unanimously ratified a new contract
featuring significant wage increases and other gains. SIU officials VP Dean Corgey
and Asst. VP Chris Westbrook credited both the union and the company for difficult-
but-earnest negotiations that resulted in a pact benefiting both parties. Pictured from
left are members of both bargaining committees: SIU members Kevin Wells, Jacob
Toler and George Cannady, Westbrook, Bisso President Matthew Holzhalb, Corgey,
Bisso CFO Casey Willis, HR Director Ashley Sorrells, Director of Operations Michael
Killelea, and Seafarer Todd Rabalais. Page 3.



Prominent U.S. maritime unions, including the
SIU, recently called on the Trump administration
and Congress to require that any crude oil imported
from Venezuela must be transported exclusively
on U.S.-flag vessels crewed by American mariners,
asserting such policy is essential to U.S. economic
and national security interests.

“A cornerstone of an effective national maritime
policy is gaining access to private, commercial car-
goes that create steady demand for U.S.-flag vessels,
American mariners, and the shipbuilding indus-
trial base,” the unions wrote in a letter to senior
administration officials. The SIU, Marine Engineers’
Beneficial Association (MEBA), American Maritime
Officers (AMO), and the International Organization
of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P), which repre-
sent the majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners sailing
in the U.S.-flag fleet, said that aligning American
foreign policy and energy needs with “Ship Ameri-
can” principles would strengthen the U.S. maritime
workforce, reduce reliance on foreign-controlled
shipping, and counter the growth of opaque “shadow
fleet” tanker operations used to move sanctioned oil
outside U.S. oversight.

The letter was submitted in early January; it’s
available on the SIU website.

The unions warned that current restrictions
on Venezuelan oil have shifted global trade toward
foreign-controlled shipping networks, including
tankers operating outside U.S. labor and safety
standards. As a result, U.S. maritime workers and
carriers are excluded from energy cargoes that could
otherwise support American shipping capacity and
enforcement objectives.

Requiring U.S.-flag transportation for Venezu-
elan crude entering the United States, the unions
said, would provide reliable commercial cargo for
U.S. carriers, enhance sanctions compliance, and
reduce reliance on foreign vessels tied to adversarial
interests. The policy could also benefit U.S. refiners
designed to process heavy crude by increasing sup-
ply options and helping stabilize domestic energy
markets.

Maritime labor leaders emphasized that Amer-
ican mariners are prepared to support lawful,
transparent energy trade that advances U.S. strate-
gic interests.

President’s Report

There’s some question about the quote’s origin,
but former Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl
Warren famously said (more than once) that when
he’d read a newspaper, he began with the sports
section. That’s because he wanted to read about
accomplishments and uplifting stories.

While we do not have a sports page in the
LOG or on our website, I had a similar feeling
when looking at this month’s edition. A handful
of articles reflect the outstanding work of SIU
members and the effectiveness of our union.

In no particular order: The excellent new
contracts we secured at (respectively) E.N.
Bisso & Son, and Inland Lakes Management,

show the power of collective bargaining and the time-tested wisdom of
the SIU’s approach to negotiations. Our officials, rank-and-file members,
and company personnel once again demonstrated that even though we
sometimes may clash at the bargaining table, we are ultimately invested in
each other’s success.

You don’t need a degree in economics to understand that long-term
success comes from everyone pulling in the same direction. A strong,
skilled, and respected workforce is essential, and employers must also
remain successful in order to continue providing good, steady employment.
When those pieces align, the entire industry moves forward, and I
appreciate that most, if not all, of our contracted companies recognize the
importance of investing in and maintaining a top-notch workforce. Both
the SIU specifically and unions in general are essential to doing so. Union
representation gives workers a voice on the job and the security of a written
contract. Historically, union workers take a back seat to no one in terms
of productivity, and there is less turnover at union shops. Year after year,
government data shows that union members also usually earn higher
wages and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts.

When you put all of that together, you have opportunities to secure solid
contracts like the ones we’re publicizing this month.

Credit also goes to our inland members who quickly came to the rescue
of a recreational boater who’d fallen into the Sabine-Neches Waterway
(without a life jacket). Their training, quick thinking, and sharp response
led to a quick and safe outcome. This is in keeping with the finest traditions
of the Brotherhood of the Sea, which spans not only oceans but America’s
inland waterways, too.

Another happening that shouldn’t be taken for granted is the union’s
support of Santa’s Castle, a yearly philanthropic project that brightens the
holidays for U.S. military personnel and their families. Year after year, SIU
members, officials and staff in and around Tacoma – and, quite often, folks
from SIU-contracted companies, too – team up for this most-worthwhile
mission. They make us all proud. (Seafarers often are involved in similar
outreach efforts in other parts of the nation, too, including in New Jersey,
Florida, Puerto Rico and elsewhere, and we should also remember our
annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic, which benefits military veterans and
first responders.)

Less common but also of note, an event late last year credited the
service of union mariners from the SS Meredith Victory who helped saved
more than 14,000 lives during a single mission back in 1950. The one-day
conference marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of a wider evacuation of
around 100,000 Korean refugees who otherwise may have perished at the
hands of Chinese and North Korean military forces during the Korean War.

The Meredith Victory, sometimes called the “ship of miracles” because
of that particular voyage, symbolizes the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role
as America’s fourth arm of defense. We have supported our troops and
mobilized for humanitarian missions since our nation’s first days, and we
will always answer the call.

Again, I got a boost from reading these articles, and I hope they give you a
lift, too. No organization is perfect, but we’ve got a lot to be proud of.

We also have much to look forward to this year, including an eventual
revamp of the engine-department training at our affiliated school in
southern Maryland (details to come), ongoing grassroots action to promote
and protect your jobs, upgrades at some hiring halls, and more.

I’m excited about our opportunities and I’m confident we will meet every
challenge, together.

2 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

David Heindel

SIU Accomplishments Accumulate

Maritime Unions Call for American-Flag Requirement on Venezuelan Oil Imports

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-
CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone
(301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-
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5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes

Copyright © 2026 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 88 Number 2 February 2026Seafarers LOG

After several months of bargaining, the SIU
in mid-December finalized a new contract with
Inland Lakes Management, covering the company’s
licensed officers and other shipboard supervisory
employees.

SIU Great Lakes Vice President Bryan Powell said
that the nine-year pact (effective through October
2034) features “a robust increase to wages and over-
time rates in the first year, along with significant
annual increases thereafter, tied to the Consumer
Price Index to keep pace with inflation.”

Additionally, effective Feb. 1 of this year, all bar-
gaining unit employees are enrolled in the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan at the Core-Plus level, the
top one available. This marks a substantial improve-
ment from past coverage.

Other highlights include vacation benefits (which
are new for this group), premium pay for work in
confined spaces, and reimbursement for uniforms,
required personal protective equipment, and other
necessary gear, among other improvements.

Heralding the contract as a win for the member-
ship, Powell remarked, “This long-term agreement
provides stability and predictability for the members
sailing aboard these vessels. It is a landmark agree-
ment delivering very substantial gains in wages,
health coverage, paid time off, and overall working
conditions.”

SIU Secures New
Agreement With Inland
Lakes Management



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3SEAFARERS LOG • 3FEBRUARY 2026

‘Historic’ Contract Unanimously Ratified by Bisso Crews‘Historic’ Contract Unanimously Ratified by Bisso Crews
Following a difficult but productive series of nego-

tiations, SIU members late last year unanimously
approved a new three-year contract at E.N. Bisso &
Son featuring substantial wage increases and other
gains.

The union represents approximately 70 boatmen
at Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans.
They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers
aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and
offshore towing services.

Negotiating on behalf of the union were Vice
President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice
President Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate Kevin
Wells, Wheelman Delegate George Cannady, Deck-
hand Delegate Jacob Toler, and alternate Delegate
Todd Rabalais.

Representing the company were President Mat-
thew Holzhalb, Chief Financial Officer Casey Willis,
Director of Operations Michael Killelea, Human
Resources Director Ashley Sorrells, and Consultant
Michael Vitt.

Corgey stated, “I commend Chris and the rank-
and-file delegates for their solidarity, tenacity and
leadership in making sure this got done. The com-
pany bargained in good faith; we had some tough
issues to address, but we got through them.

“We now have wage parity among all the compa-
nies from the Rio Grande to the Mississippi,” Corgey
continued. “Our members at Bisso have job secu-
rity, good wages and good benefits. I thank them for
sticking with the union and I thank the company for
bargaining in good faith.”

Westbrook, who has been involved in every nego-
tiation between the SIU and Bisso (he sailed with the
company in the 1990s), called the new pact “historic.
We fought for wage parity with the other SIU-con-
tracted harbor tug companies, and this contract
brings them up to where they should be.”

He added, “We also secured improved retirement
benefits, new hurricane-related protections for

mariners, a higher maintenance-and-cure rate, and
enhanced reimbursement for personal protective
equipment while adding four hours of travel pay to
each payroll period. We maintained Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan benefits at the Core-Plus level,
which is the top one available. The agreement also
affirms union access provisions and commits the par-
ties to continue discussions regarding participation
in training programs offered at (the union-affiliated
school in) Piney Point, Maryland.”

Westbrook concluded, “These were extremely dif-
ficult negotiations; we had to get a 30-day extension
of the old contract at one point. Ultimately, through
the leadership of the SIU and our area vice presi-
dent being present, and with the amount of respect
commanded by our delegates, that’s what led us to
success. This is a win-win for the company and the
union; the contract will help Bisso retain their qual-
ified personnel and attract qualified personnel. This
is an agreement we can all be proud of.”

The contract is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2025, and runs
through November 2028.

Cannady said, “I feel good about the contract; I love
it. Negotiations were tough, and we had to stand up a
few times and put our big-boy shoes on, but we got
what we wanted. It was a tough road, but as a union
and a brotherhood, we all stuck together.”

Cannady credited Corgey and Westbrook for
their leadership, and added that the major wage
increases are “amazing. This is a changing point in
our industry.”

Wells said the finished product “turned out really
great in the end. The Bisso team was willing to work
with us. Dean and Chris did an outstanding job. After
speaking with some of the crew members, it was
clear they were all on board. All in all, everybody was
pretty pleased.”

He added, “We didn’t have to give up anything. I
think the (company) president knew it was time to
step up, and that was a plus.”

Mate Kaleb Bogan (right) receives a letter of commendation
from Bay Towing Operations Manager Joshua LeDoux aboard
the tug on Dec. 23.

SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (fourth from left) and SIU boatmen show their support for the new contract. Pictured from left are
Justin Williams, Wayne White, Todd Rabalais, Westbrook, Matt Palmer, Jacob Toler, George Cannady, James Fink, and Kevin Wells.

SIU Members Rescue BoaterSIU Members Rescue Boater
Thanks to SIU boatmen from Bay Towing’s tug Rio

Gulf, a local man in Texas had an opportunity to enjoy
the winter holidays.

Four Seafarers aboard the Rio Gulf teamed up to
rescue a recreational fisherman who had fallen from
his boat into the Sabine-Neches Waterway on Nov.
29, near Texas Island. The fisherman wasn’t far from
shore – but he inarguably was at great risk due to the
typically high traffic in the area.

It took the SIU members – Capt. Donald Nutt, Mate
Kaleb Bogan, Chief Engineer Bernard Youngblood,
and Apprentice Mate Nicholas Gustafson – less than
10 minutes to safely bring him aboard their tug, after
being contacted by a nearby vessel. Their efforts
earned accolades from the union and the company.
Bay Towing presented the Seafarers with letters of
commendation as well as gift cards.

“Our guys really rose to the occasion,” said SIU
Assistant Vice President Joe Zavala. “Their profes-
sionalism certainly is not surprising, but it also is
sincerely appreciated. They were prompt and effi-
cient. Great job!”

In a letter to the crew, Bay Towing President/Chief
Executive Officer Philip Kuebler cited the members’
“exceptional performance during a recovery of a
person in the water…. After visually locating the
person in the water, your team expertly positioned
the Rio Gulf down-river, accounting for the slight
ebb current, and disengaged the engines to facilitate
the rescue…. Within approximately eight minutes,
the person was safely brought on board the Rio Gulf
through the skilled use of a life buoy and the DACON
Rescue Frame” (a type of safety net).

Kuebler added, “Your quick, coordinated and
professional actions ensured the rapid and safe
recovery of the individual, preventing any harm or
further complications. You are commended for your

outstanding performance of duty during the critical
incident.”

Nutt pointed out that the fisherman wasn’t
wearing a lifejacket – and his boat’s engine was still
running.

“My mate was on watch when he received a call
from the pilot up on the ship,” Nutt recalled. “I came
up and took over (navigation), and the other guys all
went out and used the rescue net. The guy we rescued
was a little shaken up but in good shape overall. He
was very thankful, but it went about as textbook as
you could want.”

Nutt said the incident could have been much
worse for the fisherman because of the traffic on the
waterway. He also stated that the crew did an admi-
rable job, and their safety drills paid off.

“We drill for this regularly and it absolutely made
a difference,” Nutt said. “It’s not a complicated piece
of equipment, but being able to deploy it and use it
properly…. I praise my crew for the job they did. They
were fantastic, and I couldn’t speak more highly of
them. Credit to Bay Towing as well, for making sure
we have top-of-the-line equipment.”

A crew member from another tugboat took this photo of the
rescue. The fisherman is visible to the right of the netting, in the
water.

SIU members (from left) Bernard Youngblood, Donald Nutt, and
Nicholas Gustafson are congratulated by Bay Towing COO Steve
Huttman (right) Dec. 23 aboard the Rio Gulf.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

Union-Crewed ‘Miracle Ship,’ Brother Marinus
Honored During 75th Anniversary Conference

To commemorate the seventy-
fifth anniversary of the historic and
renowned Hungnam evacuation, the
Apostleship of the Sea of the United
States of America (AOS-USA), in
collaboration with other maritime
organizations, conducted a full-day
event at a maritime conference center
in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, on
Dec. 15. Several speakers, including
some who took part in the evacuation
themselves, shared their expertise
with conference attendees through a
series of interviews and presentations.

More than 100,000 refugees were
saved during the evacuation, and
the union-crewed Meredith Victory
transported more than 14,000 of
those individuals. The ship included
crew members from the old National
Maritime Union, which later merged
into the SIU.

Sponsors for the December event
included the SIU, as well as Mr.
Burley Smith (who participated in the
actual evacuation), the International
Organization of Masters, Mates &
Pilots (MM&P), Pasha, the American
Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV),
West Gulf Maritime Association
(WGMA), Maritime Expert Group, Inc.,
Bradley Digital, Liberty Ship John
W. Brown Foundation, the Marine
Engineers’ Beneficial Association
(MEBA), and longtime SIU member Fr.
Sinclair Oubre.

The conference began with a
presentation of the colors and an
opening prayer by Fr. Oubre. Dr.
Joshua Smith, director of the American
Merchant Marine Museum and
professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy, offered a presentation titled
“Gallant Ship: Strategic History &
Christian Memory at Hungnam, 1950”.
Susan Kee, Korean-American writer
and Korean War historian followed
with an overview of that war, which
included details about the evacuation
at Hungnam.

The evacuation took place from Dec.
15-24 of 1950. As skirmishes from the
Korean War began encircling seaside
cities, a host of refugees, both young
and old, crowded the harbor in search
of safety. The U.S.-flagged merchant
ship SS Meredith Victory was one of
150 vessels that enabled the rescue
of American and Republic of Korea
troops and North Korean refugees.
The Meredith Victory facilitated safe
passage for more than 14,000 refugees
in one single voyage without any
casualties. In fact, quite the opposite:
Five babies were born aboard the
crowded ship during the journey,
affectionately dubbed the “kimchi
babies” by the Meredith Victory crew,
as it was one of the few Korean terms
they knew.

To get all the passengers aboard,
the crew spent 26 hours loading the
450-foot-long, 50-foot-wide vessel,
which had five cargo holds, each with
three decks. Sixteen Koreans stood
shoulder to shoulder on wooden
pallets which were lowered into the
bottom holds of the ship. As each
compartment filled with people,
the crew placed the hatch boards

and began filling the next level with
more people who sought escape from
Hungnam. Eventually, after all the
holds were full, the remaining refugees
occupied the main deck, enduring
wintery ocean spray and freezing
temperatures.

After Kee’s presentation, Jonathan
Corrado, Director of Policy for the Korea
Society, shared his findings concerning
how the Hungnam evacuation story
can spur understanding with the North
Korean people. After that, Dr. Smith
held a Q&A session with Third Mate
Burley Smith about his experiences
aboard the Meredith Victory.

Smith hails from Islip, New York,
but spent most of his school years in
Atlantic City, New Jersey. His father
was an OS, and Smith followed in his
footsteps by taking the written exam
to become a merchant mariner and
attending King’s Point, which had a U.S.
Merchant Marine Cadet Basic School
campus in San Mateo, California, at the
time. Smith applied for work, hoping to
be assigned to a ship travelling to Latin
America, but instead he was sent to the
Meredith Victory, which was docked
down in Jamestown, Virginia.

Aboard that ship, he sailed to a U.S.
Army base on the West Coast, then
sailed to Tokyo. The ship would end up
being part of a convoy; but, because the
armed forces needed the element of
surprise, mariners didn’t know exactly
where they were going next.

As Smith and his crewmates were
unloading fuel in Busan, Korea,
they were told to sail to a harbor in
Hungnam ASAP and help evacuate
refugees. Smith recalls that naval
ships swept for mines along the way.
The Meredith Victory would be the
next-to-last ship to leave Hungnam,
and there was no time to transport
the materials they initially were set
to deliver. From midday Dec. 21 until
around the same time on Dec. 22 the
Meredith Victory crew loaded a steady
stream of people aboard. They took up
anchor on Dec. 23 at noon and sailed to
Geoje Port in South Korea, where they
released the refugees on Christmas
Day in 1950.

Smith had complete confidence in
the crew of the SS Meredith Victory.
The overcrowded ship maneuvered
through a narrow channel of cleared
mines, no more than 100 yards wide,
and continued down the Korean coast

and reached Geoje Island without
casualty, incidents, or unrest. He
recalled how he felt after reaching the
port and seeing the refugees smile,
holding their babies and boarding the
landing crafts. “That sight is something
I will never forget. After enduring
months of fear and hardship, the
moment they finally felt freedom was
deeply moving. Though we couldn’t
speak the same language, every crew
member shared in the joy of bringing
them to safety,” he said.

After the Q&A and a rousing speech
by World War II mariner Dave Yoho,
attendees paused for lunch. When they
reconvened, Fr. Oubre and Capt. Brian
Hope, the founder of Project Liberty
Ship, presented information about
other U.S. merchant vessels that were
present at the evacuation. Dr. Philip
Lacovara, the author of the book “The

Mariner and the Monk,” then gave an
account of Capt. Leonard La Rue’s life
(the subject of the book) in the context
of the ships he sailed and the battles he
survived.

La Rue, also known as Brother
Marinus, was an officer in the
merchant marine who sailed on 25
ships during his 20 years at sea. When
the Korean War broke out in June
1950, La Rue took command of the
SS Meredith Victory and led her to
Japan and then Korea to participate
in the historic landing at Inchon. Two
months later, La Rue and his crew
made history with the evacuation. At
the height of his sailing career, he left
the merchant marine and became a
benedictine monk. Currently, Brother
Marinus is a candidate for sainthood,
and the AOS-USA is helping to further
his cause.

Burley Smith (left), who sailed as third mate on the Meredith Victory during the evacuation, receives
an award from Fr. Sinclair Oubre.

Professor Joshua M. Smith notes the historic reliability of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

Some of the conference attendees are pictured at the event in Maryland.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5SEAFARERS LOG • 5FEBRUARY 2026

Senate Confirms Senate Confirms
Maritime AdministratorMaritime Administrator

The United States Senate on Dec. 18 confirmed the nomination of Stephen
Carmel as U.S. Maritime Administrator.

As previously reported, his nomination had been widely supported through-
out the U.S. maritime industry, including by the SIU.

A U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate, Carmel sailed as a vessel mas-
ter and then worked as an executive with Maersk Line, Limited, and with U.S.
Marine Management. During his Senate hearing Oct. 22, he voiced strong back-
ing for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, and cargo preference
laws.

Shortly after Carmel’s confirmation, SIU President David Heindel congrat-
ulated him and noted that the union looks forward to working with him in his
new role.

SIU personnel are pictured in early November 2025 with then-USMMI President Steve Carmel
(second from left) in Norfolk, Virginia. From left are Patrolman Josh Rawls, Steve Carmel,
Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, Asst. VP Michael Russo, and Port Agent Mario Torrey.

NMC Notice: Temporary Reduction of Service at Regional NMC Notice: Temporary Reduction of Service at Regional
Examination Center New OrleansExamination Center New Orleans

Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Mari-
time Center issued the following notification on Dec. 30,
2025. It’s available on the agency’s website and on the
SIU website.

Due to staffing shortages at Regional Examination
Center (REC) New Orleans, the National Maritime Cen-
ter (NMC) has implemented the following temporary
measures:

Mariner Examinations: REC New Orleans will
continue to provide mariner testing via scheduled
examination appointments only. Examination
appointments are available Monday through Thurs-
day 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT.

Examination appointments are not available on Fri-
days or federal holidays.

Counter Service: REC New Orleans has temporarily
discontinued all counter service including by appoint-
ments and is unable to accommodate walk-in visits.
Only applicants with scheduled examination appoint-
ments will be permitted to enter the REC at this time.

Application Submission: Effective January 5,
2026, REC New Orleans will no longer accept applica-
tions in-person. The NMC anticipates transition to an
online application submission portal in January (see
December 2, 2025, announcement for further details).
Until the portal is available, mariners should submit
merchant mariner credential applications via e-mail
directly to MMCApplications@uscg.mil and medical

certificate applications via e-mail to MEDAIP@uscg.
mil. Only applicants seeking first class pilot routes
within the REC New Orleans area of responsibility
should mail or e-mail their application to the REC.

We anticipate that the temporary measures at REC
New Orleans may last for several months while the
NMC seeks to fill current vacancies.

For more information regarding the current sta-
tus of REC New Orleans or how and where to submit
credential applications, visit the NMC website. If you
have questions or require assistance, contact the NMC
Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using Live Chat, by e-mailing
iasknmc@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC
(427-5662).

Notice
Pre-Employment and Periodic Drug Tests are Reported to Coast Guard; Marijuana

Still Banned by Department of Transportation

Editor’s note: Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation
forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regula-
tions. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal
law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). This has not changed, as explained
in the following announcement issued by the DOT late last year.

DOT OFFICE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICE

On December 18, 2025, the President of the United States issued an Executive

Order directing the Department of Justice to complete the rescheduling process of
marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug of the Controlled Substances Act
(CSA).

We have had inquiries about what impact this Executive Order will have on the
Department of Transportation’s longstanding regulation about the use of marijuana
by safety-sensitive transportation employees – pilots, school bus drivers, truck
drivers, train engineers, subway operators, aircraft maintenance personnel, transit
fire-armed security personnel, ship captains, and pipeline emergency response per-
sonnel, among others.

First – marijuana is still a Schedule I drug under the CSA until any rescheduling
is complete. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to
drug testing under the Department of Transportation’s drug testing regulations to
use marijuana.

Second – until the rescheduling process is complete, the Department of Trans-
portation’s drug testing process and regulations will not change. Transportation
employees in safety-sensitive positions will still be subject to testing for marijuana.
Furthermore, the Department’s guidance on medical and recreational marijuana
and CBD are still in effect.

Laboratories, Medical Review Officers and Substance Abuse Professionals must
continue to follow 49 CFR Part 40. There are no changes to your roles and responsi-
bilities as they relate to marijuana.

We will continue to monitor the rescheduling process and update the transporta-
tion industry as appropriate.

We want to assure the traveling public that our transportation system is the safest
it can possibly be.

Navigating Relationships at Sea: Solutions for Merchant MarinersNavigating Relationships at Sea: Solutions for Merchant Mariners
Editor’s note: This article was written by Seafarers

Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director Chris
Leeman, LCMFT, LAC, SAP. He may be reached at 45705
Locust Grove Drive, Valley Lee, MD 20692; cleeman@
seafarers.org; and (301) 710-9070.

Life at sea offers adventure and financial stabil-
ity, but it often takes a toll on personal relationships.
Long periods away from loved ones, unpredictable
schedules, and limited communication can lead to
feelings of isolation; strain trust; and cause emotional
distance. However, with the right strategies, merchant
mariners can maintain healthy, fulfilling relation-
ships despite the challenges.
1. Prioritize Communication

Inconsistent communication is one of the biggest
hurdles. To address this, establish a communication
plan before deployment. Agree on preferred methods
– email, messaging apps, satellite calls – and set real-
istic expectations. Even brief, consistent updates can
provide emotional reassurance. Technology such as

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and specialized mar-
itime communication apps can help bridge the gap.
2. Build Trust and Transparency

Trust is crucial when time apart is the norm. Be
open about schedules, social activities, and feelings.
Share daily experiences, even mundane ones, to main-
tain emotional intimacy. By encouraging your partner
to do the same, you can foster mutual understanding
and reduce the chances of miscommunication or
suspicion.
3. Plan Quality Time on Shore

Time together on shore should be intentional. Plan
short getaways, enjoy shared hobbies, or simply relax
without distractions. These moments create lasting
memories and reinforce the bond. Discuss future
plans, both professional and personal, to ensure align-
ment and shared goals.
4. Involve Your Partner in the Maritime Lifestyle

Help your partner understand your work and its
challenges. Share stories, photos, or even bring them
aboard for visits when possible. When partners feel

included and informed, it reduces emotional distance
and builds empathy.
5. Seek Support When Needed

Sometimes, talking to a neutral third party like a
counselor familiar with maritime life can be helpful.
Many maritime unions and organizations offer mental
health and relationship support services. Encouraging
open dialogue about emotions and seeking help when
needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Conclusion

Being a merchant mariner doesn't mean sacrificing
personal relationships. With intentional communica-
tion, trust, quality time, and support, mariners and
their partners can thrive together. The key is treating
the relationship like another voyage requiring naviga-
tion, patience, and teamwork. Also, workshops may
be worth attending on communication and self-care
in a relationship. Check out your home area for skills
training for relationships, and self-educate. Your rela-
tionships are by far your most valuable investments
in life.

Professor Joshua M. Smith notes the historic reliability of the U.S. Merchant Marine.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD COASTAL RELIANCE ‒ Longtime Seafarer Fr. Sinclair
Oubre (third from left) visits Seafarers aboard the Fairwater vessel in
Port Arthur, Texas, to brighten their holidays.

ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ From left, Chief Steward Reynaldo Agapay and Chief Cook Reshawn Solomon keep their shipmates well-fed.

ELECTED TO SERVE ‒ SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo has been elected to the executive board of the Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO. These
photos were taken after the elections, which occurred at the “Live! Casino & Hotel” (formerly Maryland LIVE!) on Dec. 18, 2025. From left
in the group photo are SIU Representative Shane Sterry, Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, SIU Asst. VP Michael
Russo, and SIU Representative James Bast.

BOOK SECURED IN JERSEY CITY ‒ GUDE Milton Buelto
Fernandez (left) obtains his full book at the hiring hall. He’s
pictured with SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson.

ABOARD USNS BOWDITCH ‒ These snapshots are from a recent servicing of the Ocean Ships vessel in Guam. In the group photo are Chief Cook Larry Bachelor, MDR Leonard Gordon, Bosun
Dean Trott, AB Armando Contreras, STOS Charles Jones, and SA Dominique Johnson. The individual photos show Chief Cook Bachelor serving lunch, and SIU Port Agent Duane Akers meeting with
the crew.

ABOARD GREEN DELTA ‒ These mariners,
pictured aboard the Waterman vessel, have
nearly 90 years of combined sea time. From
left are Recertified Bosun Joe French, Second
Mate Robert Smith, and Recertified Bosun
Gregory Jackson.

WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS
‒ Capt. Joseph Carson (left) picks up his first
pension check at the hall following a 48-year
career with Crescent Towing. Congratulating
him is SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7SEAFARERS LOG • 7FEBRUARY 2026

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD MANUKAI ‒ Pictured from left
aboard the Matson ship in Long Beach,
California, are SIU Patrolman Gordon Godel,
Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova, and Steward/
Baker Marcelo Param.

ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL ‒ These photos were taken at different junctures in late 2025. In the snapshot above, left, Seafarers get into the Christmas spirit on the Subcom vessel in Baltimore,
while Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman (individual pic) displays a tuna caught during off time around Thanksgiving, when the ship was at sea. The remaining photos include a working shot and (from left)
SIU Representative James Bast, Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, and Asst. VP Michael Russo servicing the ship.

ABOARD LIBERTY EAGLE ‒ Working aboard
the Liberty Maritime ship are (left to right, front
to back) AB Emilio Abreu, AB Hermilo Sawali,
AB Vincent Williams, and Bosun Larry Mann.

ABOARD OCEAN GRAND ‒ These photos from the Patriot ship in Guam include (in the galley) Chief Steward Rene Gil and (on deck) AB Jason Bentz and Bosun Angel Nunez.

WELCOME ABOARD IN HOUSTON ‒ AB William Zambula (left) picks up his full B
book at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with Piney Point Port Agent Kelly Krick, who
briefly revisited the area.

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS ‒ The Seafarers-crewed Allied Pacific (Patriot) (left in photo above) maneuvers near the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) for an underway
replenishment in the Pacific Ocean late last year. In the remaining photo, an MH-60S Seahawk, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, lands on the Washington’s flight deck. (U.S. Navy
photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada)



8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

BADLANDS TRADER (U.S. Marine
Management), September 5 – Chair-
man Fernando Haber, Secretary Jo-
seph Arigo, Educational Director
Theodore Gonzales, Deck Delegate
Roy Enriquez, Engine Delegate Arvin
Heras, Steward Delegate Joseph Huls.
Upcoming drydock period in Singapore
and more crew to be added, per chair-
man. Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at the union-affil-
iated Piney Point school. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members noted
the upcoming tenth anniversary of
the El Faro tragedy. Crew would like
an increased budget and for medical
certificate to be required annually.
Members expressed interest in paying
dues online. (Editor’s note: The online
option had been in the works and sub-
sequently became available.)

BRENTON REEF (Eco Tankers Crew
Management, LLC), September 14 –
Chairman Phillip Nichols, Educational
Director Eron Hall, Deck Delegate En-
riqueto Estipona, Engine Delegate
Jorge Lawrence. Crew discussed going
ashore procedures for Eagle Point, New
Jersey, and for Philadelphia. Seaman’s
Church Institute assistance is the only
way to get to and from front gate. Chair-
man thanked crew for previous stores
event and discussed the upcoming
shipyard period. Educational director
urged members to upgrade their skills
at the Paul Hall Center. New TV and mi-
crowave purchased for crew mess. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew

changes happening in near future.
Next port: Eagle Point, New Jersey.

TEXAS (Fairwater Crew Management,
LLC), October 6 – Chairman Tomas
Calderon Robinson, Secretary Ron-
ald Davis, Educational Director Fur-
man Watson. Entire crew doing well,
per chairman. Educational director
reiterated the importance of keeping
paperwork current and upgrading at
the Piney Point school. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Vote of thanks was
given to steward department for a job
well done.

BRENTON REEF (Eco Tankers Crew
Management, LLC), October 19 – Chair-
man Phillip Nichols, Secretary Na-
than Brailsford, Educational Director
Eron Hall. Members reviewed boot
allowance reimbursements. Chairman
estimated upcoming shipyard period
to last approximately 30-40 days and
noted potential issues with submit-
ting paperwork to NMC due to current
government shutdown. Educational di-
rector reminded members to continue
upgrading their skills at the SIU-affil-
iated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew read latest
communications and discussed new
online dues payment option. A round
of applause was given to entire steward
department for a job well done. Mem-
bers would like pay procedure to follow
standard tanker agreement to include

penalty pay for trash, work boot allow-
ances, and a day in lieu of pay. Next
port: Houston.

LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime
Corp.), November 16 – Chairman Duane
Frosburg, Educational Director Dereon
Ivory. Members discussed require-
ments for retirement. Educational di-
rector advised crew to upgrade at the
Piney Point school. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. New pillows, new
mattresses and new chairs needed in
staterooms. New knives, new can open-
ers and new oven mitts also needed per
steward delegate. Members expressed
dissatisfaction with Anderson-Kelly
physicals. Next port: Jacksonville, Flor-
ida.

LIBERTY POWER (Liberty Maritime
Corp.), November 30 – Chairman
Anwar Martinez Norales, Secretary
Robert Bostick, Deck Delegate Usman
Ibrahim, Engine Delegate Gilberto
Baltazar. Members reported difficul-
ties getting OT approval after writing
in for vessel restriction in Bahrain and
in Morocco. Several people reported
problems receiving OT pay for hours
worked. Captain reportedly denied
launch service for crew. Bosun re-
quested transportation for departures
at Beaumont, Texas. More refrigerators
are needed as not all rooms have one.
Fresh produce requested on multiple
occasions by former bosun but never
received. Multiple supplies need re-
plenishment, including cups, paper

towels, spoons, mops, etc.

ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE Services,
LLC), December 8 – Chairman David
Brady Norales, Secretary Dustin
Haney, Deck Delegate Ahmed Haridy,
Engine Delegate Raymond Barnhart.
Crew requested better internet service
and new blankets. Thanksgiving holi-
day went well and ship is well stocked,
per secretary’s report. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Members would
like payrates to equal those in standard
freightship agreement, specifically
weekend overtime rates and would
like vacation to be modified to 26 for
30. Bosun suggested European watch
schedule at sea. Next port: Beaumont,
Texas.

MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 20 – Chairman
Ben Skuban, Secretary Bernardo Celi,
Educational Director Tijani Rashid,
Engine Delegate Jarvis Carter, Stew-
ard Delegate Hans Winkler. Chairman
announced next payoff at sea, talked
about distribution of overtime and
reiterated the importance of reading
contracts. Educational director en-
couraged crew to upgrade and stay on
top of documents. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested new
linens, new mattresses, new PPE, and
an increase to food budget. Crew would
like 30 for 30 vacation, increases to
base wages, improved health care and
better Wi-Fi.

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 Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution re-
quires a detailed audit by certified public
accountants every year, which is to be
submitted to the membership by the sec-
retary-treasurer. A yearly finance com-
mittee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines
the finances of the union and reports fully
their findings and recommendations.
Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommenda-
tions and separate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wa-
ters District are administered in accor-
dance 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
management representatives and their
alternates. All expenditures and disburse-
ments of trust funds are made only upon
approval by a majority of the trustees. All
trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.

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

receipt requested. The proper address for
this is:

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 tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any
article serving the political purposes of
any individual in the union, officer or
member. It also has refrained from pub-
lishing articles deemed harmful to the
union or its collective membership. This
established policy has been reaffirmed by
membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The
responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is
vested in an editorial board which con-
sists of the executive board of the union.
The executive board may delegate, from
among its ranks, one individual to carry
out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official ca-
pacity in the SIU unless an official union
receipt is given for same. Under no cir-
cumstances 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 mem-
ber is required to make a payment and is
given an official receipt, but feels that he
or she should not have been required to
make such payment, this should immedi-
ately be reported to union headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize them-
selves with its contents. Any time a mem-
ber feels any other member or officer is
attempting to deprive him or her of any
constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges,
trials, etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
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



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9SEAFARERS LOG • 9FEBRUARY 2026

Seafarers Celebrate Winter HolidaysSeafarers Celebrate Winter Holidays
The photos on these three pages feature SIU personnel partaking in food and fellowship

leading up to, and during the recent holiday season.

ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ From left in the three-person photo, taken aboard the ATC vessel on Christmas, are Recertified Steward Albert Sison, DEU Saleh Saleh, and Chief Cook Nasr
Almusab. In the four-person pic, those same three Seafarers are joined by SA Mario Hartford, while Chief Cook Nasr also is in the solo photo.

ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE ‒ The Christmas group photo from the Key Marine vessel includes (from left) Second Mate/SIU Hawsepiper Jimmy Hargrove, Recertified Bosun Billy Yurick, and AB/Cook
Cris Arsenio. Hargrove noted that he and Arsenio were Paul Hall Center apprentices in 2012 and subsequently landed in the same upgrading courses a couple of times. Hargove also had sailed with
Yurick in 2013. “Proud to call both of them shipmates and Cris a classmate and to still be connecting all these years later!” he said.



10 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202310 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

At the Jacksonville Hall At the Jacksonville Hall
The yearly festivities in the Sunshine State attracted a typically strong turnout on Dec. 19.

Future Seafarer Kieran Guiry (son of
Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry)

Pictured from left are GUDE Shakira Neither, SA Kierra Bradley, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Chief Cook
Keyanna Williams, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, SA Etrenda Badger, Chief Cook Tracey Manuel, and
Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry.

QEE Melody Mitchell, Recertified Bosun Junior
Augustin

Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw (right, holding plates) and his daughter survey the scene.

Showing the SIU spirit are (from left) Steward/Baker Manuel Daguio, Chief Cook Carlos Diaz, GUDE Dennis Morallo, ABM Aristotle Bone, GUDE
Braulio Ente, ABM Vicente Mansilungan, and ACU Rosalie Long.

Guests enjoy the feast (two photos directly above).

Retired Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin (left) gives the invocation. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is directly to his left.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11SEAFARERS LOG • 11FEBRUARY 2026

Holiday Season in Full SwingHoliday Season in Full Swing
Photos on this page were taken at each hall's respective holiday festivities.

Guests enjoy the feast (two photos directly above).

AT THE MOBILE HALL ‒ Members, pensioners and their families and friends convene Dec. 11. Retiree Hubert Cain is pictured at the top right, saying thanks for a birthday cake (he turned 91 two
days later). Pictured from right to left in photo at the top left are SIU Port Agent Jimmy White, Chief Cook Dorian White (Jimmy’s son), SIU Recruiting Media Coordinator Lauren Liles, and her son,
Tristan Biggerstaff. Pensioner Brenda Littlefield is second from left in the remaining four-person posed photo.

AT THE NORFOLK HALL ‒ From left are Steward/Baker Darryl Jackson, retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram, Steward/Baker Avis Hawkins, SIU VP Government Services Sam Spain, ACU Marvette
Gallop, Chief Cook Faith Gonse, SA Juditha Cuarez, and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey.

AT THE JERSEY CITY HALL ‒ Attendees at the December holiday bash in the Garden State included (far left) SIU VP Joseph Soresi and (front, fifth from left) retired SIU VP Kate Hunt, among
many others.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1212 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

Pic from the Past

This 1981 snapshot, taken aboard the Monticello Victory, includes (from left) SIU Port Agent Don Anderson and Seafarers Frank Smith, Luiz Perez, George
Arpin, and Duke Hall. (Anderson, who passed away in 2025, later became an assistant vice president.)

Inquiring SeafarerDavid Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast

Sam Spain, 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
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
2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A

Philadelphia, PA 19145
(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 SIU members at the Philadelphia hall.

Question: What are some of your goals for 2026?

David Mendez
Reefer Mechanic

“I’m part of an inland gang, so my
goals are to be as productive as I
can be, improve myself and learn
all I can about the new Starcool
modules. Personally, I’m looking to
invest in some real estate.”

Lawrence Girard
AB

“I’m aiming to study for and attain
my AB unlimited rating next year.
I’d like to try and get on a cargo
ship or a RO/RO next year, since
I’ve really only worked on tankers
so far.”

Berard Fedele
AB Unlimited

“I’m sort of at the end of my career,
so I’m always looking to stay safe
and put in another productive year.
I’m getting close to retirement, so
staying active and busy is always
a plus. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my
time with the union, it’s been a
great experience.”

Theophilus Essien
AB

“I’m looking to become a Recertified
Bosun, I just put my application in,
so that would be amazing. My uncle
got me into the union, so I want to
do it for him. Personally, I’m looking
for a house to settle down in. I love
the SIU!”

Phuoc Nguyen
Chief Steward

“I’d like to get into the Recertified
Steward program in 2026, then get
on a nice ship and stay for a while.
Personally, I’d like to get healthy and
stay that way all year.”

Julius Thomas
AB

“Want to work hard to support my
son. I’ve had a good long career, I’m
approaching 70, so I’m always look-
ing to extend my career as safely
as possible. Looking to stay happy,
healthy and working.”



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13SEAFARERS LOG • 13FEBRUARY 2026

Deck Department
Algonac 18 4 1 5 4 0 1 27 6 2
Anchorage 1 1 0 3 1 0 0 3 1 0
Baltimore 3 3 1 3 4 0 4 4 3 1
Fort Lauderdale 14 10 4 11 4 1 4 22 19 10
Guam 2 2 0 3 1 0 1 3 1 1
Harvey 14 3 1 7 1 4 5 18 6 6
Honolulu 5 3 0 6 1 0 1 13 3 1
Houston 36 24 11 32 17 5 15 60 45 17
Jacksonville 32 28 12 28 22 7 24 65 41 13
Jersey City 26 10 4 16 10 2 13 35 11 5
Joliet 1 1 2 2 0 1 1 3 3 1
Mobile 3 1 5 6 1 3 4 10 3 6
Norfolk 26 19 5 7 6 2 7 35 22 10
Oakland 13 3 3 8 1 1 4 17 5 4
Philadelphia 4 2 1 4 2 1 3 3 2 1
Piney Point 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1
Puerto Rico 6 5 1 1 1 0 0 9 4 2
St. Louis 3 4 0 0 4 0 2 4 1 0
Tacoma 15 10 2 6 7 0 8 24 8 2
Wilmington 19 19 3 16 5 1 8 50 24 4

TOTAL 241 152 56 164 93 28 105 406 209 87

Engine Department
Algonac 5 4 0 3 2 0 1 4 4 0
Anchorage 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0
Baltimore 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 3
Fort Lauderdale 9 11 2 7 3 2 3 11 16 2
Guam 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1
Harvey 2 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 2 2
Honolulu 5 3 2 4 1 0 2 7 4 2
Houston 12 8 5 8 9 3 7 14 10 6
Jacksonville 18 13 7 21 14 0 14 26 26 6
Jersey City 9 9 1 3 3 0 2 14 10 3
Joliet 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 0
Mobile 4 3 0 1 2 0 0 5 1 0
Norfolk 15 11 3 12 10 2 8 17 14 4
Oakland 1 1 0 3 3 1 3 3 0 2
Philadelphia 3 1 0 0 2 1 3 3 1 0
Piney Point 3 5 0 3 3 0 1 1 1 0
Puerto Rico 6 2 0 5 1 0 1 6 7 0
St. Louis 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 1
Tacoma 7 3 2 3 1 1 1 13 5 0
Wilmington 13 11 5 5 5 2 7 21 10 8
TOTAL 119 89 31 83 67 14 58 158 116 40

Steward Department
Algonac 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 2 0
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Baltimore 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 4 2 5 2 2 3 12 6 1
Guam 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Harvey 2 4 0 2 2 0 1 5 2 0
Honolulu 9 0 1 2 1 0 0 10 1 1
Houston 15 12 1 9 5 0 1 26 13 2
Jacksonville 18 17 4 17 12 5 14 39 24 3
Jersey City 13 8 1 10 5 1 3 10 9 0
Joliet 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mobile 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 3 0
Norfolk 18 14 6 11 10 3 8 26 15 6
Oakland 13 5 1 4 4 1 2 17 3 2
Philadelphia 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0
Piney Point 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 0
Puerto Rico 3 3 1 4 1 0 1 8 9 2
St. Louis 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Tacoma 10 1 0 9 1 0 0 7 2 1
Wilmington 23 7 0 17 6 1 10 32 11 0
TOTAL 137 85 20 96 54 16 51 204 107 18

Entry Department
Algonac 0 7 7 0 2 1 0 0 9 22
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
Baltimore 0 4 1 0 1 1 3 0 3 1
Fort Lauderdale 0 7 8 0 4 2 2 0 11 13
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Harvey 1 3 6 1 0 0 1 0 3 9
Honolulu 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 3 5
Houston 8 20 7 1 15 2 5 8 37 19
Jacksonville 0 31 41 1 22 21 4 0 52 75
Jersey City 0 17 14 1 11 3 2 0 21 24
Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Mobile 0 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 2
Norfolk 0 19 36 0 14 9 5 0 19 55
Oakland 0 6 7 0 2 5 0 0 7 10
Philadelphia 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Piney Point 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 1
Puerto Rico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tacoma 0 5 3 1 6 3 4 1 8 6
Wilmington 1 13 22 1 10 8 4 4 19 36

TOTAL 10 137 157 6 93 56 34 13 198 279

GRAND TOTAL 507 463 264 349 307 114 248 781 630 424

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 15, 2025 - January 16, 2026.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 16, 2026.

Meeting date changes due to holidays


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: Feb. 2, March 2
Algonac Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12
Baltimore Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5
Guam Thursday: Feb. 19, March 19
Honolulu Friday: Feb. 13, March 13
Houston Monday: Feb. 9, March 9
Jacksonville Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5
Joliet Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12
Mobile Wednesday: Feb. 11, March 11
New Orleans Tuesday: Feb. 10, March 10
Jersey City Tuesday: Feb. 3, March 3
Norfolk Friday: Feb. 6, March 6
Oakland Thursday: Feb. 12. March 12
Philadelphia Wednesday: Feb. 4, March 4
Port Everglades Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12
San Juan Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5
St. Louis Friday: Feb. 13, March 13
Tacoma Friday: Feb. 20, March 20
Wilmington Tuesday: Feb. 17, Monday: March 16

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

February & March
Membership Meetings



14 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202314 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

DEEP SEA
SALEH ALSINAI
Brother Saleh Alsinai, 66, joined
the union in 1991, initially sail-
ing aboard the Independence. He
worked in the deck department and
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on several occasions. Brother Alsi-
nai most recently shipped on the
Midnight Sun and lives in Tacoma,
Washington.

BOBBY BELCHES
Brother Bobby Belches, 66, started
sailing with the SIU in 1995 and
first worked on the Independence.
He shipped in the deck department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Belches concluded his
career aboard the George III. He
resides in Pittsburg, California.

FRANK BERNER
Brother Frank Berner, 65, became a
member of the union in 1978 when
he sailed aboard the Manhattan.
He sailed primarily in the engine
department and also worked
on shore gangs. Brother Berner
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. He con-
cluded his career working with Universal Maritime
and makes his home in Humble, Texas.

FERNANDO CASTILLO
Brother Fernando Castillo, 65, signed on with the SIU
in 2016. He first sailed aboard the Global Sentinel and
worked in the steward department. Brother Castillo
most recently shipped on the Maersk Hartford. He is
a resident of Selma, North Carolina.

THOMAS CATANIA
Brother Thomas Catania, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979 and first sailed aboard the
Gallaway. He sailed in the deck
department and also worked
on shore gangs. Brother Cata-
nia upgraded at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He
last sailed with Sealand and settled in Homosassa,
Florida.

CHARLOTTE CHASTAIN
Sister Charlotte Chastain, 72,
embarked on her career with the
SIU in 2008 when she sailed on the
Horizon Trader. She shipped in the
steward department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on several
occasions. Sister Chastain con-
cluded her career aboard the USNS
Watkins. She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

JULITO CRODUA
Brother Julito Crodua, 60, signed on
with the union in 1988. He initially
sailed aboard the Independence and
worked in the steward department.
Brother Crodua upgraded often at
the Piney Point school. He most
recently shipped on the Pacific
Tracker and is a resident of Olym-
pia, Washington.

STANLEY DARANDA
Brother Stanley Daranda, 65,
started sailing with the SIU in
1981 when he shipped on the HMI
Petrochem. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on several occa-
sions. Brother Daranda’s final
vessel was the USNS Bellatrix. He
makes his home in New Orleans.

PAUL DIESNER
Brother Paul Diesner, 63, began
his career with the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1990. A steward
department member, he first sailed
aboard the Libra. Brother Diesner
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. He most
recently shipped on the Horizon
Anchorage and is a Seattle resident.

LAWRENCE FRENCH
Brother Lawrence French, 65,
began sailing with the Seafarers
in 1990 and first worked aboard
the USNS Denebola. He shipped in
the engine department and con-
cluded his career on the Cape Jacob.
Brother French makes his home in
Fort Myers, Florida.

JOSE GARCIA
Brother Jose Garcia, 66, began sail-
ing with the Seafarers in 1994. He
was a deck department member
and first shipped on the Indepen-
dence. Brother Garcia upgraded his
skills at the Piney Point school on
several occasions. He last sailed on
the Overseas Cascade and lives in
Houston.

DONALD LAMB
Brother Donald Lamb, 65, joined
the union in 1998 and first sailed
aboard the USNS Kane. He was a
member of the deck department
and last shipped on the Liberty
Spirit. Brother Lamb resides Pen-
sacola, Florida.

LARRY LEWIS
Brother Larry Lewis, 65, donned the SIU colors in
1979 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat
Company. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the
Paul Hall Center and worked in both the deck and
engine departments. Brother Lewis concluded his
career aboard the Robert E. Lee. He resides in New
Orleans.

MAXIMO LOTO
Brother Maximo Loto, 65, became an SIU member
in 1993. He was an engine department member and
upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point
school. Brother Loto’s first vessel was the Indepen-
dence; his last, the USNS Bowditch. He makes his
home in San Leandro, California.

DEMETRIO MARCHIONE
Brother Demetrio Marchione, 65,
started sailing with the union in
1980, initially working aboard the
Cove Engineer. He sailed in the
deck department and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother Marchione
concluded his career aboard the
Maersk Chicago. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

GEORGE MCANERN
Brother George McAnern, 67, joined the union in
2001. He first shipped on the Cape Orlando and
sailed in the engine department. Brother McAnern
upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school
on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Sag-
amore. He resides in San Francisco.

CONSTANCE MULLINGS
Sister Constance Mullings, 65,
embarked on her career with the
Seafarers in 2008. She first sailed
aboard the Pride of Aloha and
worked in the steward department.
Sister Mullings upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. She last sailed aboard
the Brenton Reef and makes her home in Leighton,
Alabama.

JULIE ORTIZ
Brother Julie Ortiz, 65, signed on
with the SIU in 1990 when he sailed
on the Independence. He shipped in
the deck department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother Ortiz’s final
vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He
resides in Honolulu.

GUSTAVO OSORIO
Brother Gustavo Osorio, 71, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1990.
An engine department member,
he first sailed aboard the Indepen-
dence. Brother Osorio upgraded
often at the Piney Point school. He
most recently sailed aboard the
George II and settled in Jackson-
ville, Florida.

GLENN QUITORIO
Brother Glenn Quitorio, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1999. He worked
as an engine department member,
initially aboard the Independence.
Brother Quitorio upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul Hall
Center. He last shipped aboard
the Horizon Pacific and settled in
Spanaway, Washington.

RENE RAFER
Brother Rene Rafer, 65, started sail-
ing with the union in 1989, initially
working aboard the Independence.
He sailed in the deck department
and upgraded his skills at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions.
Brother Rafer last shipped on the
George III and makes his home in
Mililani, Hawaii.

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!



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15SEAFARERS LOG • 15FEBRUARY 2026

JUAN ROCHEZ
Brother Juan Rochez, 80, joined
the SIU in 1991 and first shipped on
the USNS Pollux. He worked in the
deck department and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother Rochez last shipped
on the Florida. He resides in Crosby,
Texas.

MIGUEL RUIZ
Brother Miguel Ruiz, 65, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers
in 1990. He first sailed aboard the
Independence and worked in both
the deck and engine departments.
Brother Ruiz upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions
and concluded his career aboard the
Potomac Express. He lives in the Bronx, New York.

EUGENE SCANDURRA
Brother Eugene Scandurra, 65,
became a member of the union in
1990. He worked in the deck depart-
ment and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother Scandurra’s first vessel was
the Cape Ann; his last, the Sulphur
Enterprise. He resides in Las Vegas.

MARK SIMPSON
Brother Mark Simpson, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 2002 and first sailed aboard the
USNS Dahl. He upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions and worked in the stew-
ard department. Brother Simpson
concluded his career aboard the
Maersk Detroit. He makes his home in The Villages,
Florida.

NEIL SULLIVAN
Brother Neil Sullivan, 55, donned
the SIU colors in 1992. He first sailed
aboard the USNS Audacious and
was a deck department member.
Brother Sullivan upgraded his skills
at the Piney Point school on several
occasions and last shipped aboard
the Dewayne T. Williams. He lives in
Panama City, Florida.

EDNA TORRES
Sister Edna Torres, 69, signed on
with the union in 2001 and initially
sailed aboard the Maersk Maine.
She worked in the steward depart-
ment and upgraded on numerous
occasions at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Sister Torres
most recently shipped on the APL
Eagle and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York.

VIRGIL TUDORACHE
Brother Virgil Tudorache, 76,
started sailing with the SIU in 2001
when he shipped on the Seabulk
Mariner. He sailed in both the
deck and engine departments and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions. Brother Tudo-
rache concluded his career aboard
the Marjorie C. He makes his home in Tacoma,
Washington.

DION TURY
Brother Dion Tury, 65, joined the
SIU in 1981 and first shipped on the
Zapata Patriot. He worked in both
the deck and engine departments.
Brother Tury last shipped on the
Perla Del Caribe and settled in San
Juan, Puerto Rico.

GREAT LAKES
WAYNE MOON
Brother Wayne Moon, 70, began sailing with the
Seafarers International Union in 1977. He worked in
the deck department and was employed with Great
Lakes Dredge & Dock for almost his entire career.
Brother Moon resides in Cleveland, Ohio.

JAMES NIEHUS
Brother James Niehus, 62, embarked on his career
with the Seafarers in 1991. A deck department
member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on
multiple occasions. Brother Niehus worked with
Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career.
He lives in Highland, Indiana.

NICHOLAS VELKOFF
Brother Nicholas Velkoff, 65,
became a member of the union in
1987. He worked in the deck depart-
ment, initially aboard the Richard J.
Reiss. Brother Velkoff concluded his
career aboard the American Mar-
iner and resides in Traverse City,
Michigan.

INLAND
RICHARD BARNETT
Brother Richard Barnett, 63, signed on with the
union in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and
upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. Brother Barnett was employed
with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his
career. He resides in Hopatcong, New Jersey.

KENNETH BLACK
Brother Kenneth Black, 64, donned the SIU colors in
2018. He was a deck department member and first
worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation.
Brother Black upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall
Center in 2022. He concluded his career with Crow-
ley Puerto Rico Services and settled in Bella Vista,
California.

JOLLY COX
Brother Jolly Cox, 62, began sailing with the Seafar-
ers International Union in 1989, initially working
aboard the USNS Indomitable. Brother Cox was a
deck department member. He was last employed
with Allied Transportation and makes his home in
Kokomo, Mississippi.

SCOTTIE DUNCAN
Brother Scottie Duncan, 53, joined
the SIU in 2009. A deck department
member, he upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions.
Brother Duncan worked for Express
Marine for his entire career. He
resides in Leland, North Carolina.

GEOFFREY GAVIGAN
Brother Geoffrey Gavigan, 65,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 2007. He sailed in the
deck department and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother Gavigan worked
with Allied Transportation for the
duration of his career. He lives in
Cape May, New Jersey.

MICHAEL HALLIBURTON
Brother Michael Halliburton, 69, signed on with the
union in 1979. He initially worked with G&H Towing
and sailed in the deck department. Brother Hallibur-
ton upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. He was last employed by Sheri-
dan Transportation and makes his home in La Porte,
Texas.

JAMES MORGAN
Brother James Morgan, 63, became a member of the
union in 1987, initially shipping with Delta Queen
Steamboat Company. Brother Morgan worked in the
deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He was last employed
by OLS Transport and settled in St. Petersburg,
Florida.

ROLAND NOBLE
Brother Roland Noble, 68, signed on with the union
in 1976. He sailed in the deck department, first
working with Allied Transportation. Brother Noble
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. He con-
cluded his career with Zoella Shipholding and makes
his home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

CHARLES O’BRIEN
Brother Charles O’Brien, 69, donned the SIU colors
in 1978 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. He
was a deck department member and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother
O’Brien last shipped with McAllister Towing of Phila-
delphia. He calls Naples, Florida, home.

DANIEL PETRIE
Brother Daniel Petrie, 62, joined the SIU in 1989. He
was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the dura-
tion of his career. Brother Petrie lives in Weehawken,
New Jersey.

DAVID PRICE
Brother David Price, 66, began sailing with the Sea-
farers International Union in 1978, first working with
Interstate Oil. Brother Price was a deck department
member, and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point
school in 1978. He last sailed with OSG Ship Manage-
ment and resides in Haddon Heights, New Jersey.

RYAN RIGGINS
Brother Ryan Riggins, 62, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
1983. He sailed in the deck depart-
ment and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Riggins worked with Moran
Towing of Texas for his entire
career. He calls Lufkin, Texas,
home.

GAWAIN SCHOUEST
Brother Gawain Schouest, 55, signed on with the
SIU in 1991. He upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck
department. Brother Schouest worked with Crescent
Towing and Salvage for almost his entire career. He
makes his home in Harvey, Louisiana.



16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202316 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

DEEP SEA
OHENEBA FRANCIS ACKON
Pensioner Oheneba Francis Ackon,
67, died June 22. He joined the Sea-
farers International Union in 2005,
initially sailing aboard the Pride of
America. Brother Ackon worked in
both the deck and engine depart-
ments. He concluded his career
aboard the Seabulk Challenge and
went on pension in 2022. Brother Ackon called Fair-
field, Ohio, home.

RASHID ALI
Pensioner Rashid Ali, 79, passed
away November 11. He became
a member of the SIU in 1977
when he shipped on the Cove
Navigator. Brother Ali sailed in
the engine department. He last
shipped aboard the USNS Fisher
and became a pensioner in 2015.
Brother Ali made his home in Floral Park, New York.

JANET BAIRD
Sister Janet Baird, 54, died Novem-
ber 13. She began her career with
the Seafarers in 1991, initially
sailing aboard the Cape Clear. Sis-
ter Baird was a deck department
member and last sailed on the
Global Sentinel. She lived in Sum-
merfield, Florida.

RODERICK BRIGHT
Pensioner Roderick Bright, 67,
passed away November 13. He
signed on with the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1978 when he
sailed aboard the Overseas Alaska.
Brother Bright worked in the stew-
ard department and concluded his
career aboard the Padre Island. He
went on pension in 2013 and resided in Chesapeake,
Virginia.

GERARD COSTELLO
Brother Gerard Costello, 64, died
November 3. He joined the SIU
in 1998 and first shipped on the
USNS Gilliand. Brother Costello
sailed in the deck department and
most recently shipped on the ARC
Independence. He was a Baltimore
resident.

DANNY DAVIS
Pensioner Danny Davis, 75, passed
away November 14. He began his
career with the Seafarers in 1972,
initially working on the Overseas
Progress. Brother Davis was a deck
department member and con-
cluded his career aboard the Pride.
He began collecting his pension in
2009 and resided in Ringgold, Georgia.

ALEJO FABIA
Pensioner Alejo Fabia, 78, died
October 1. He donned the SIU
colors in 1989. A steward depart-
ment member, Brother Fabia first
shipped on the Independence. He
last sailed aboard the Horizon
Enterprise and became a pen-
sioner in 2012. Brother Fabia lived
in Hilo, Hawaii.

BRENT JOHNSON
Pensioner Brent Johnson, 85,
passed away September 28. He
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed
aboard the USNS Titan. Brother
Johnson was a deck department
member. He most recently shipped
on the Horizon Kodiak and became
a pensioner in 2017. Brother Johnson resided in Both-
ell, Washington.

ROBERT LERMA
Pensioner Robert Lerma, 73, died
September 25. He became a mem-
ber of the SIU in 2005. Brother
Lerma initially sailed aboard the
Maersk Alaska. He worked in the
deck department and concluded
his career aboard the Intrepid.
Brother Lerma went on pension in
2017 and settled in East Glacier Park, Montana.

MARK PATTERSON
Pensioner Mark Patterson, 80,
passed away October 23. He
signed on with the Seafarers
International Union in 1969 when
he sailed on the Raymond Reiss.
Brother Patterson sailed in the
deck department and concluded
his career aboard the Portland. He
became a pensioner in 2010 and made his home in
Juneau, Alaska.

ABDULLA SALEH
Pensioner Abdulla Saleh, 86, has passed away. He
joined the union in 1991 and initially sailed on the
Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Saleh shipped in the
steward department. He last sailed aboard the Louis
J. Hauge Jr. and retired in 2003. Brother Saleh was a
resident of Staten Island, New York.

INLAND
FREDERICK DUNMORE
Brother Frederick Dunmore, 47,
died October 17. He donned the
SIU colors in 2021, initially work-
ing aboard the Pride of America.
Brother Dunmore was an engine
department member. He most
recently sailed on the Dodge Island
and made his home in Houston.

LEWIS FARROW
Pensioner Lewis Farrow, 86,
passed away October 21. He
became a member of the Seafar-
ers International Union in 1972.
An engine department member,
Brother Farrow was employed
with Cape Fear Towing for the
duration of his career. He became
a pensioner in 2002 and lived in
Wilmington, North Carolina.

WILLIAM HOLCOMB
Pensioner William Holcomb, 80,
died October 22. He began his
career with the SIU in 1967 when
he shipped with Higman Barge
Lines. Brother Holcomb worked in
both the deck and engine depart-
ments. He last sailed with Seabulk
Tankers before retiring in 2010.
Brother Holcomb resided in West Monroe, Louisiana.

NMU
ARNALDO ARZU
Pensioner Arnaldo Arzu, 93, passed away November
9. A deck department member, Brother Arzu last
shipped on the Keystone Texas. He retired in 2008 and
lived in Marrero, Louisiana.

JEOFFREY DAVID
Pensioner Jeoffrey David, 86, died September 26.
Brother David shipped in the deck department. He
concluded his career aboard the Cape Horn and went
on pension in 1999. Brother David resided in Ruther
Glen, Virginia.

PRESCO NEW
Pensioner Presco New, 99, passed away November 8.
Brother New begin sailing in 1954 and worked in the
steward department. He concluded his career aboard
the Cape Ducato and retired in 1998. Brother New
lived in Jacksonville, Florida.

JAMES POPE
Pensioner James Pope, 87, passed away November
8. Brother Pope last shipped aboard the Thompson
Lykes. He went on pension in 2003 and settled in
Grand Bay, Alabama.

ANDREW POTASH
Brother Andrew Potash, 66,
died October 30. Brother Potash
shipped in the engine department
and last sailed aboard the Cape
Edmont. He was a Denver resident.

THEODORE SMITH
Pensioner Theodore Smith, 78,
passed away October 27. Brother
Smith sailed in the steward depart-
ment. He last shipped aboard the
Wilson before becoming a pen-
sioner in 2006. Brother Smith lived
in Houston.

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



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1717 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 17FEBRUARY 2026

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

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Able Seafarer - Deck Feb. 23 March 13
April 6 April 24
June 8 June 26

RFPNW Feb. 16 March 6
March 9 March 27
May 4 May 22

Water Survival Feb. 16 Feb. 27
March 16 March 27


ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

RFPEW Feb. 16 March 13
April 6 May 1

Boiler Technician (FOWT) March 16 April 10
May 4 May 29

Junior Engineer March 9 May 1
May 18 July 10

Marine Electrician April 6 May 8

Marine Refrigeration Tech. Feb. 23 April 3
June 22 July 31

Machinist Feb. 23 March 13

Pumpman March 16 March 20

Welding March 16 April 3
April 13 May 1
June 1 June 19

STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Certified Chief Cook April 13 June 19





STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Galley Operations Feb. 16 March 13
March 9 April 3
April 4 May 1
May 4 May 29

Chief Steward March 2 March 27
May 25 June 19

Adv. Galley Operations March 30 April 24
April 27 May 22


OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES

Basic Training Revalidation Feb. 13 Feb. 13
March 16 March 16
March 20 March 20
May 4 May 4
May 8 May 8
June 15 June 15

Government Vessels Feb. 23 Feb. 27
April 20 April 24
May 18 May 22

Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24

Tanker Ship Fam. - DL Feb. 16 Feb. 20
March 23 March 27

Tanker Ship Fam. - LG Feb. 23 Feb. 27
March 30 April 3



18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202318 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #928 – Recently graduated (not all are pictured): Monique Banks, Adriel Cotto, Wesley Cueto, Mark Estigoy, Alexis Fultz, Leroyal Hester III, Naija Hoy, Sean
Lavelle, Tong Lu, Alexie Pankratov, Desmond Percy, Alex Sanchez, Dakota Snow, Austin Sumner and Mikhaela Wilcox.

JUNIOR ENGINEER (PLANT MAINTENANCE) – Graduated January 16 (not all are
pictured): John Bayonne III, Jovita Carino, Nikita Featherston, Curtis Gilliard II, Admirial
Haynes, Sierjohn Jove, Kamaria LaPread, Alexis Martinez, Chelan Peterson, Emmanuel Santos
Capulong and Tavon Spence.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS (AND HELO FIREFIGHTING) – Graduated January 9 (not all are
pictured): Mohsen Almohseni, Victoria Butler, Shemekia Donald, Joaquim Ganeto, Tiburcio Garcia,
Mynisha George, Juan Guity Garcia, Talicia Jones, Norman Lucas II, Joseph Marino, Ishmael
McNeal, Haider Mohamed, Haidara Mosa, Christian Oding, Michael Papaioannou, Connor Reason,
Tracey Ward, Brandon Webb, David Williams, Gary Doggett and Ronald Evans.

RFPNW – Graduated January 16 (among those pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan,
Kainoa MacKenzie, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata and Paul Schad.

WATER SURVIVAL (UPGRADERS) – Graduated January 9 (from left to right):
Henry Brown and Daniel Gilbert.

VESSEL OPS – Graduated January 16 (among those pictured): Elias Carrier, Tariq Graham, James Griese,
Sanita Hayes, Elijah Haynes, Darin Holmes, Christopher Johnston, Tyler Murray, Yoevelyn Rodriguez, Michal
Spryszynski, Matthew Swift, Noel Vindua, Jordan Vonchampion, Michaelangelo Vonchampion, Christian
Wailehua, Tereton Washington Jr., Joseph Wilde and Zkl Williams.



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unionplus.org



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

SEAFARERS LOG
FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 2

SIU Continues Philanthropic Tradition with Santa’s Castle SIU Continues Philanthropic Tradition with Santa’s Castle

OOnce again, military families in the Tacoma,
Washington region could breathe more easily
this past holiday season knowing that SIU vol-

unteers always come through to provide Christmas
gifts and donations for service members in need.

For 17 years now, Seafarers in the Pacific North-
west have remained unwavering in their support
of Santa’s Castle, a year-long program run by local
volunteers who collect monetary donations, toys,
clothes and bikes to help active-duty military fami-
lies provide gifts for their children.

Although the SIU did not host their annual lun-
cheon this past December due to renovations taking
place at the hiring hall, the drive was still a great
success. “Even with the renovations, it did not stop
members from contributing in the form of toys or
making cash donations,” said SIU Assistant Vice
President Warren Asp. “I know I say this every year,
but even through some years when we have chal-
lenges, like a pandemic, Tacoma members still show
up and support our efforts. It really is amazing and I
truly am thankful.”

Retired Recertified Steward Dennis Skretta, who
could not volunteer in person this time, is one of
those who still makes it a point to donate every year.
“I was in the (military) service myself, and I know
that sometimes the pay isn’t always that great, so any
help you get is greatly appreciated,” he said.

The 2025 drive lasted more than three-and-a-half
months, and more than 100 SIU members made con-
tributions. According to Asp’s calculations, the SIU
raised around $7,500 in toys. “When we dropped the
toys off at the site, the volunteers who were there
were amazed at how much one organization raised
for the program. Santa’s Castle every year is so thank-
ful for the SIU and our efforts,” he stated. There are
no plans to slow down in 2026, either, Asp added.

Santa’s Castle serves children from birth to 17
years of age for all active-duty service members in
Washington: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast
Guard and active National Guard and Reserves.

According to the Santa’s Castle website, this past
holiday season the organization helped 1,913 fam-
ilies, including 4,040 children, and gave a total of
$791,928 dollars’ worth of toys, books, games, bikes
and stocking stuffers to service members in the area.

The organization was born in 1994 when military
spouses Diane Gravatt and Janet Gibson noticed that
young service members in their Army community
were quietly struggling to afford Christmas gifts for
their children. They took it upon themselves to fix
the problem. Armed with a small room filled with
previously loved, secondhand treasures, they began
working diligently to rehabilitate the items and
give them new life. They scrubbed and reassembled
bikes, erased the pencil marks in books, and washed
and styled dolls’ hair (and washed and ironed their
clothes too!). Gravatt and Gibson donated the toys
they restored to the other military families in need,
thereby boosting holiday cheer and saving Christ-
mas for many. News of their efforts spread to other
volunteers who wanted to join in their mission, and
the cause grew to become the Santa’s Castle we know
today.

Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin finds it
particularly meaningful to continue this legacy of
service and volunteer in support of people who might
have trouble making ends meet during the holidays.
“[Santa’s Castle] focuses on helping soldiers and their
families, not so much higher ups or admin. I’m thank-
ful to be a part of a union that consistently volunteers
to help an organization that prioritizes the ‘little peo-
ple’ and I consider it an honor and a privilege to help
each year,” said Suncin.

Safety Director Dennison Forsman

Seafarers stepped up for the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach, as evidenced by this collection of gifts initially staged at the hiring
hall in Tacoma, Washington.

AB Patrick Wheat does his part to help with the project.

SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp Oiler Quinton Palmer helps transport some of the donations.