Seafarers Log: Vol. 86 No. 5 (2024-05-01)

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

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P R E - B A L L O T I N G R E P O R T • PA G E 6 / / W I L M I N G T O N H A L L H O S T S C O N F E R E N C E • PA G E 1 0

MAY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 5

New Ship Joins Waterman Fleet

The SIU recently helped welcome the M/V Green Ocean (background in photo above) into the Seafarers-crewed fleet. The roll-on/roll-off newbuild, operated by Waterman, is part of the U.S. Maritime
Security Program. Pictured in Baltimore following a late-March ceremony commemorating the ship are SIU members and officials including President David Heindel (far right), Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far
left) and Port Agent John Hoskins (second from right). Page 24 (back page).

SIU Delivers Pro-Maritime Message

Widely regarded as a vital day of grassroots action for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In for 2024 took place April 10 – and it featured a solid SIU contingent, as usual.
Union personnel (members and officials) took part in dozens of meetings with senators, congressional representatives and staff members, always with the aim of promoting Seafarers, domestic shipbuild-
ing and other crucial parts of the industry. Gathering for a snapshot before the all-day outreach are (from left) Chief Mate Lindsey Austin, President David Heindel, VP Bryan Powell, AB Jimmy Hargrove,
Asst. VP Mike Russo, VP Nicholas Celona, Exec. VP Augie Tellez and Port Agent Todd Brdak. Coverage begins on page 3; President Heindel also touches on the event in his monthly column on page 2.

Annual ‘Sail-In’ Promotes Seafarers in Nation’s Capital

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President’s Report

I recently read a joke about two crows who figured
out they were looking at a scarecrow rather than
a real person, based on one single condition: The

dummy didn’t have a cell phone in his hand.
Connectivity, of course, is an important part of

everyday life. Whether it’s being used for work, for
research on a personal project, for other forms of
productivity or even just following along with a
sports scoreboard, web and email access often feel
essential. That’s why our union successfully
bargained for widespread internet
connectivity during our most recent standard-
contract negotiations.

As many of you know, I have spent almost my
entire life with the SIU, going back to my teenage

years. I sometimes marvel at how much our industry and our union have
changed in order to keep up with the times. And while I have no interest in
trying to turn back the clock, I’m hopeful that the aforementioned
connectivity, combined with dwindling port time and smaller crews, won’t
take too much of a toll on the uniqueness of the shipboard work environment
any more than it already has.

As a rank-and-file member, I enjoyed the camaraderie that existed both
aboard ship and at the hiring halls. Quite often, friendships would develop. At
other times, the relationships were all business, and it also certainly wasn’t
unheard-of for members to butt heads.

But there was always a feeling that we had each other’s backs. We looked
out for each other, both at sea and ashore. There was a very strong, if informal,
mentoring system on many if not most vessels. A lot of the old salts – even if
they sometimes seemed gruff on the outside – made a point of showing the
ropes to the next generation.

We still have those opportunities, and while it goes without saying that the
focus in any workplace should start with safety and productivity, I encourage

our members to continue picking each other up. We’re a unique organization
in a distinctive industry. From the nature of the work to the freedom in
scheduling, and from the worldwide destinations to the regular opportunities
for vocational upgrading, I’d say we’ve got a good thing going.

Please continue treating your fellow Seafarers with respect, and if you have
a chance to lend a helping hand, please do so. Both in the short and long runs,
looking out for each other will only boost our strength while also making the
jobs themselves more enjoyable.

Promoting Maritime
As reported elsewhere in this edition, the SIU was out in force last month at

our annual Congressional Maritime Sail-In on Capitol Hill. Whatever else may
change in our industry, one constant is that we absolutely must promote the
U.S. Merchant Marine in Congress (which is the focus of the Sail-In). Your jobs
depend on it.

The most recent Sail-In was fairly typical but very successful. Those
are long, worthwhile days of outreach, and I’m especially glad to note that
rank-and-file Seafarers participated this year. We plan to continue that new
tradition, hopefully with even larger numbers of SIU members. We’ve long said
that our best promoters are Seafarers themselves, and that belief was
reinforced last month.

At press time, we were also gearing up for two other important happenings
in our nation’s capital. First is the Maritime Trades Department Executive
Board meeting (scheduled for late April), followed a few weeks later by the
National Maritime Day ceremony at Department of Transportation
headquarters. Both of those gatherings signify additional chances to promote
SIU members and continue building support for the U.S. Merchant Marine,
domestic shipbuilding, and workers’ rights.

Keep an eye on our website for coverage of both events, and of course we’ll
include them in upcoming editions of the LOG.

In the meantime, sisters and brothers, keep up the great work, and let’s
continue to watch each other’s backs.

2 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

David Heindel

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-
CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone
(301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-
9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

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

Copyright © 2024 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 86 Number 5 May 2024Seafarers LOG

Thanking President Biden

SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) meets with President
Biden at a March 21 gathering in Houston. Biden, the most
pro-union president in U.S. history, also is an ardent supporter
of the Jones Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole.
Corgey conveyed the union’s thanks for the president’s
unwavering support.

Let’s Look Out for Each Other

Financial Committee Okays 2023 Records
The SIU Constitution specifies that, once a year, a seven-person group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by

fellow members) examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year.
That requirement was met this year in early April when seven SIU members reviewed and approved the

union’s monetary records for 2023. The Seafarers were elected by fellow members during the union’s April
meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Beginning the next day, they convened at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs,
Maryland, to conduct the audit.

That same week, the committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2023 are in good order. Their
report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the
union’s May membership meetings.

Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello (chairman), Steward-Baker Lamont
Faulks, Chief Cook Raymond Alexander, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly,
Electrician Donald Christian, and Chief Steward Emanuel Spain.

The members conducted their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution,
which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group.

The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that
periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for
checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the
SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski also worked with the committee
“and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report.

In addition to Orzechowski, the union’s legal counsel also convened with committee members in the event
any of them had questions.

Pictured from left are (seated) Raymond Alexander, Emanuel Spain, Gerard Costello, (standing) Donald Christian, Lamont Faulks,
Orzechowski, Exxl Ronquillo, and Kenneth Kelly.

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SEAFARERS LOG • 3MAY 2024

SIU to Congress: America Needs A Strong U.S. Merchant Marine

SIU members and officials on April 10 helped pro-
mote the U.S. Merchant Marine during a day-long
series of meetings on Capitol Hill.

Those gatherings were part of the yearly Maritime
Congressional Sail-In, a grassroots bipartisan effort
that has become an industry staple (during non-pan-
demic times).

Representing the SIU were Chief Mate Lind-
sey Austin, AB Jimmy Hargrove, President David
Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice
Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Nicholas
Celona and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President
Mike Russo, Port Agents Ray Henderson and Todd
Brdak, and Political Director Brian Schoeneman.

While it’s hardly unique for any industry’s repre-
sentatives to spend time advocating their respective
causes in the nation’s capital, the Sail-In has been
described as distinctive. That’s because it features
small teams, each with representatives from dif-
ferent segments of the industry and from labor and
management. The unified approach has made favor-
able impressions throughout the event’s dozen years.

This year’s Sail-In included 122 individuals who
work in the U.S. maritime industry. They were split
into 29 groups; collectively, they had 126 meetings
with members of Congress and their staffs.

The experience proved worthwhile for the rank-
and-file Seafarers who participated, each for the first
time.

“It was an eye-opening and educational expe-
rience,” Hargrove stated. “To see this side of our
industry was an honor. So much goes into the fight
to defend the Jones Act and other crucial maritime
laws and programs in Washington, and to be able
to be a part of it and see a day in the life of the U.S.
maritime industry in D.C. firsthand was an amazing
experience.”

Austin noted, “What I find most worthwhile about
the Congressional Sail-In is the opportunity for the
maritime industry to educate or remind our nation’s
leaders of the importance of a well-supported U.S.
merchant fleet. The strength of our merchant fleet is
directly proportional to our national security.”

She described the SIU’s year-round outreach as
“such a positive investment that directly impacts our
job security.”

Austin added, “My main takeaway from this event
is that it’s imperative for our union body, our sailors,
to be involved and well-informed on the issues that
impact our livelihood. We can all contribute, from
recruiting new mariners to donating to SPAD (the
union’s voluntary political action fund) to getting out
to vote. We need to continue to advocate for what we
have.”

In addition to representatives from several mar-
itime unions, the Sail-In included employees from
U.S.-flag shipping companies, maritime academies,
the Maritime Trades Department, Transportation
Trades Department, and other advocacy groups. They
explained the importance of U.S. mariners, the Jones
Act, the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker
Security Program, cargo preference laws, domestic
shipbuilding and more. In some cases, they asked for
backing on specific current or upcoming legislation.

Similarly, depending on the individual meeting
host’s familiarity with the industry, the Sail-In groups
tailored their messages accordingly.

During a reception after the meetings, the coali-
tion USA Maritime (the SIU is an affiliate) presented
its inaugural Maritime Leadership Award to U.S. Rep.
Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) for his longtime backing
of U.S.-flag vessels operating in international trades.

Chris Johnsen, chair of USA Maritime, stated,
“The U.S.-flag deep sea fleet and its cadre of Amer-
ican mariners have no better friend and stronger
supporter than Congressman Rob Wittman.”

Additional photos on pages 4-5.

From left: MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha, SIU President David Heindel, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), Maersk’s Aram
Dosdourian, James Tobin of the USMMA.

Union Members, Officials
Team Up for ‘Sail-In’

SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from right) is pictured with staff members from the office off Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) along with
fellow group members Erick Siahaan of MEBA, Chip Jaenichen of Liberty Maritime, and David Zimmerman of Hapag Lloyd USA.

From right: SIU VP George Tricker, Legislative Assistant Kei Fujisawa from the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Washington), John Kaskin
of the Navy League, Gary Carpentier of PWN Environmental, Rich Berkowitz of the Transportation Institute.

SIU VP Dean Corgey (right) and his group are pictured with a staff member from the office of U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas).

2024 Maritime
Congressional Sail-In

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 54 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 20234 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

2024 Maritime
Congressional Sail-In

SIU VP Bryan Powell (right) and his group meet with a representative from the office of Sen. Marsha
Blackburn (R-Tennessee).

SIU member Lindsey Austin (second from left) and her team meet with representatives from U.S.
Sen. Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawaii) office.

SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right) and his group meet with Legislative Assistant Emilio
Contrares (second from left), from the office of U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Virginia).

From right: SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Greg Doyle of
APL, MM&P President Don Marcus, Ryan Pereyda of Patriot.

From right: SIU VP Nicholas Celona, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois), Art Mead of Crowley, Mark
Vlaun of ARC.

SIU member Jimmy Hargrove (second from left) and his group meet with a staff member from the
office of U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Michigan).

SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from right) and his group meet with Deputy Chief of Staff/Legisla-
tive Director Janet Rossi (far left) from the office of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas).

From left: APL VP Adam Peterson, Mark Ruge of K&L Gates, Louis Carrillo (staff member from the
office of U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada), Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent Adm.
Jerry Achenbach, SIU hawsepiper and Western Great Lakes Pilot Association President Capt. Chris
Edyvean, Maritime Trades Department Executive Sec.-Treas. Mark Clements.

From left: SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, Gary Gilbert of the USMMA, U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kan-
sas), ASC President Kevin McMonagle, Transportation Institute VP Sara Fuentes

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 54 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 5MAY 2024

2024 Maritime
Congressional Sail-In

SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington)

From left: Maersk’s Aram Dosdourian, SIU President David Heindel, USMMA’s James Tobin, Jimmy
Ballard of the office of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri), MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha.

From right: SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman, Deputy Chief of Staff Reed Craddock of U.S.
Rep. Trent Kelly’s (R-Missippi) office, Greg Doyle of APL, MM&P President Don Marcus, Ryan Pereyda
of Patriot.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida), SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (left) (R-Virginia) accepts an award from USA Maritime Chairman Chris
Johnsen. The congressman is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

SIU President David Heindel (second from right) makes a point during a meeting with U.S. Rep. Marc
Molinaro (R-New York) (left).

From left: SIU President David Heindel, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-New York), MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland
Rexha.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 76 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 20236 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

Federation Honors President Sacco
Editor’s note: The AFL-CIO Executive Council

(SIU President David Heindel is a member) recently
adopted the following statement during its first
meeting since SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco
passed away late last year.

On the Passing of Michael Sacco
The entire AFL-CIO family mourns the passing

of Michael Sacco, our brother and friend, who was
the longest-serving president in the history of the
Seafarers International Union (SIU).

During his more than three decades as
international president and over six decades of
membership with the SIU, Sacco was a staunch
champion for generations of merchant mariners
and America’s working families.

A native of the Brooklyn borough of New York City,
Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the
Seafarers in 1958 and then working aboard U.S.-flag
merchant vessels. In 1960, he came ashore to serve
the SIU in a succession of union posts, including

those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters
representative. He served as vice president of the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
from 1968 to 1979, and helped prepare the next
generation of merchant mariners.

From 1980 to 1988, Sacco directed the SIU’s
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters division
as vice president, and in June 1988, the Seafarers
International Union of North America Executive
Board appointed him president, a post he would hold
for nearly 35 years.

In November 1991, Sacco was elected to the AFL-
CIO Executive Council, beginning his tenure as its
longest-serving member.

His leadership, including serving as president of
the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, brought
security and stability to the Seafarers, a successful
merger with the National Maritime Union, and
solidarity with the numerous maritime trade
unions.

The AFL-CIO Executive Council salutes Mike

Sacco for a lifetime of distinguished service to
working people and furthering the values of trade
unionism.

Michael Sacco

SIU President Issues Pre-Balloting Report
Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our

Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May
membership meeting of this election year, my Pre-
Balloting Report.

The balloting for our General Election of Officers
for the term 2025-2028 will commence on November
1, 2024 and continue through December 31, 2024. The
election will be conducted under the provisions of
our Constitution, as amended and effective March
15, 2013, and such other voting procedures as our
Secretary-Treasurer may direct.

I have, in consultation with our Executive Board
and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal
of the needs of this union, its membership and
its currently existing constitutional ports. We
have carefully considered the changes that have
taken place in the maritime industry over the last
few years, with a view toward meeting the ever-
changing demands.

It is my recommendation, in accordance with our
Constitution, that the following offices be placed on
the ballot in the 2024 General Election of Officers for
the term 2024–2027:
• 1 President
• 1 Executive Vice President
• 1 Secretary-Treasurer
• 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and

Contract Enforcement

• 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast
• 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast
• 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast
• 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern

Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters
• 1 Vice President in Charge of Government

Services and Fishing Industries
• 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of

Contracts and Contract Enforcement
• 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the

Atlantic Coast
• 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf

Coast
• 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West

Coast
• 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the

Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland
Waters

• 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of
Government Services and Fishing Industries

• 10 Port Agents
There shall be one (1) Port Agent in the following

ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New Jersey,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans,
Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney
Point.*

In accordance with the above-mentioned Article
X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to

recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, a regular
office thereof, or any similar depository, to which
the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first
regular meeting in October of this year. I will make
such a recommendation to the membership before
such deadline.

As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1,
nominations open July 15, 2024 and close August 15,
2024.

The foregoing constitutes your President's
Pre-Balloting Report and, subject to my further
recommendation as to the depository to be made
hereafter, I recommend its adoption.

Fraternally submitted,
David Heindel
President

*Editor’s note: Seafarers in 2023 approved the
President’s and subsequent Executive Board
recommendation to add four constitutional ports:
Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma.
Notwithstanding that approval, the union is legally
bound to offer constitutional amendments in order
to formalize everything. When and if approval takes
place in this year’s voting, the port agent positions for
those respective ports will be added to future ballots
(starting in 2028).

Latest on Key Bridge Collapse and Recovery
On March 26, the Key Bridge outside the Port

of Baltimore was struck by a Singapore-flagged
vessel Dali, causing the bridge to collapse into the
channel and killing six construction workers. Until
the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
completes their investigation into the allision, the
cause of the vessel’s change of course is unknown.
NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy told a Senate panel
in April that the board was looking at the electrical
systems of the Dali, and specifically mentioned the
circuit breakers as a potential point of failure.

As of April 15, the FBI has also begun their
criminal investigation into the crash, stating their
agents were, “presently aboard the cargo ship Dali
conducting court-authorized law enforcement
activity.”

It is estimated that repairing the bridge could
take years, though the operation to clear debris
from the waterway is already underway. Early last
month, some relatively small, temporary channels
reopened in the harbor, but those are only large

enough for tugs and barges. In addition, federal
and state resources are being devoted to also
establishing a temporary alternate channel on the
northeast side of the main channel, for commercial
vessels.

While the SIU certainly has been affected by the
accident, the union does not necessarily anticipate
any loss of work as a result. Other than most of the
Baltimore-based RRF ships, the rest of the SIU-
crewed vessels that call on Baltimore were away
from the port when the accident occurred. These
include the TOTE-operated ARC car carriers and
SubCom’s cable ships.

At press time, the union was still working with
their contracted operators regarding the new
logistics involving those vessels. As usual, we will
transmit any timely updates via our online outlets
and possibly through our text-alert service.

One possible exception to the foregoing
information is that the union represents workers
employed by the Association of Maryland Pilots. It

is unknown at this time whether some of them may
eventually face layoffs. The union already has taken
steps to ensure that in the event of any layoffs, those
members will be considered for any applicable state
and federal relief programs.

Meanwhile, the SIU offers a heartfelt thank
you to Maryland Governor Wes Moore and his
administration for being very inclusive of the labor
movement as Baltimore recovers. The Governor
himself quickly reached out to SIU President David
Heindel to ascertain how the accident might affect
our union, and Moore’s staff members regularly
followed up with all of the unions that have a
presence in the city, again including the SIU. These
were anything but cursory communications,
and the SIU appreciates their mindfulness and
eagerness to help.

The Dali is not a flag-of-convenience vessel. Its
owners are based in Singapore. The vessel itself
is a containership and was being chartered by
Denmark-based Maersk.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 76 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 7MAY 2024

SIU members helped extinguish a shipboard fire March 28 near Mobile, Ala-
bama, on the USNS Sgt. William R. Button (Crowley). No injuries were reported and,
while the formal investigation hasn’t been finalized, indications are that the mis-
hap involved equipment failure rather than human error.

The 673-foot-long ship was successfully towed back into port from about 24
miles off the coast of Dauphin Island.

SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White regularly met with the SIU crew following
the incident.

Bosun Samuel Thatcher noted, “I would like to take the time to thank and pub-
licly state how proud I am of the crew on the Button. After a fire broke out in the
engine room while underway, the alarms sounded and the entire crew sprang
quickly into action. Within minutes, people were on station, boundary cooling …
before dumping the C02 system was performed. Due to everyone’s training and per-
formance of their duties, the fire in the main engine space was quickly contained
and extinguished, preventing further damage to the ship.”

Thatcher continued, “These actions were performed with the highest degree
of professionalism, and with no injuries. In the aftermath, the crew worked long,
irregular hours with zero complaints for two days. The crew truly embodied the
saying, Brotherhood of the Sea.”

All Hands Safe After USNS Button Incident

SIU members from the USNS Button are pictured with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (left). The remaining photo (below) includes Bosun Samuel Thatcher (right) and White.

Task Force Honors Sen. Stabenow
The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF, to

which the SIU is affiliated) recently saluted the work
of a pro-maritime legislator.

The group on April 10 recognized “the significant
contributions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michi-
gan) has made throughout her Congressional career
protecting the Great Navigation System and support-
ing American jobs with investment in U.S.-flagged
Great Lakes shipping.

Sen. Stabenow, who co-chairs the bipartisan Sen-
ate Great Lakes Task Force, has been the driving
force behind the protection of our largest freshwater
resource and the maritime highway that supports U.S.
jobs through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
(GLRI) which was first authored in 2010 and has since
received $3.8 billion in funding,” the task force said in
a news release.

According to the GLMTF, “The GLRI has been a
major success with funds provided for over 6,800
projects throughout the region protecting the Great
Lakes and its waterways against its greatest threats,
and addressing problems that impact public health
and safety.”

“Our U.S. sailors, port, shipyard, and manufacturing
employees depend on the Great Lakes and its connect-
ing waterways for the raw material supply chain to
support good-paying jobs and their families live here
too. Senator Stabenow’s work for over a decade has
proved to be a game changer ensuring our fresh waters
are restored and protected for generations to come,”

stated Jim Weakley, vice president of the GLMTF and
President of the Lake Carriers Association.

Stabenow “has been a critical champion for
arguably the most important North American

infrastructure project in several years with the con-
struction of a large new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan,” the
task force added. “Nearly all domestically produced
high strength steel is made with iron ore that transits
the current large lock, the Poe, built in 1969. A study
conducted by the Department of Homeland Security
concluded that a six-month unscheduled outage of
the Poe Lock would result in 11 million jobs lost and
a $1.1 trillion economic impact. Recognizing the vital
national economic importance and the reality that it
is an aging single point of failure for North American
manufacturing, Sen. Stabenow tirelessly advocated
for funding authorization and continued efficient
funding of the estimated $3.2 billion mega project
securing large annual appropriations to keep the proj-
ect on track.”

The award presentation took place at the senator’s
office in the nation’s capital.

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly
80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for
the Great Lakes Navigation System. Advocating for
domestic and international shipping, its members
represent labor and management from U.S.-flag ves-
sel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port
authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, ship-
yards, and other Great Lakes interests.

The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry
supports more than 147,000 American jobs in eight
Great Lakes states and generates more than $36 billion
in economic activity.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow
(D-Michigan)

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9

Beasley Family Finds a Home with SIU

8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 20238 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

The well-known saying goes “blood is thicker
than water,” but what if being on the water
happens to be in your blood? The Beasley fam-

ily’s enduring seafaring legacy fits both descriptions
— their long tradition of sailing with the SIU began
with their patriarch Felsher Sr. Initially, he started
his career with the Navy. After 15 years, he exited and
sailed with the NMU (which later merged into the
SIU) until he retired.

Although Felsher Sr. was not a Seafarer himself
during his career, he had heard of the union and
viewed it very favorably. When he encouraged his
children to follow in his footsteps and sail, he urged
his sons to join the SIU, in hopes that it would avail
them to more jobs and opportunities. In the words
of Recertified Steward Jeff Beasley Sr. (he’s the
younger of Felsher Sr.'s two seafaring sons), he was
told, “Don’t join my union, join Seafarers. They’re a
newer union, and they’re better and stronger.”

Jeff Sr. took his father’s advice to heart. He joined
the SIU in 1981 and has recently become a member
of the SIU's community of pensioners along with his
older brother Recertified Bosun Felsher A. Beasley
Sr., a.k.a. Tony.

Overall, seven members of the family sailed with
the SIU (or NMU); some are still active with the
union.
The Starting Seafarer

Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley (Felsher A. Sr.)
was the first of the Beasleys to join the SIU in 1979,
inspired by his father’s recommendation. His SIU
origin story began that year in Lifeboat class 282 and
recently culminated in him becoming a pensioner
in June 2023. After completing his training, Tony
began his seafaring journey with the inland
program, later making the switch to deep sea.

He grew up hearing stories his father would tell
him about his voyages, cherishing the postcards and
trinkets he'd send him from around the world. It
created a spark within him which inspired Tony to
continue his father's seafaring tradition; he’d later
encourage his own children to do the same.

Two of Tony's sons, Aaron Beasley and Felsher
A. Beasley Jr., are also SIU members. Tony and
Felsher Jr. once sailed together on a coastwise
voyage covering parts of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida
and Texas. It proved to be an educational experience
for Felsher Jr., who got some pro-tips from his
father about the seafaring life, including various
best practices for safety procedures and how to be
prepared for anything that could happen aboard a
vessel. Although he wasn't sure which department
he wanted to sail in at first, Felsher Jr. hopes to one
day become a bosun like his father.
Carving Out a New Path

Like a certain Fresh Prince, Jeff Sr. was born
in west Philadelphia. While he was growing up in
the 1970s, job prospects were grim. Still, because

of the stories his father and uncle would tell his
siblings (four brothers and one sister) about their
time sailing with NMU, he had ideas about starting
his sailing career. In fact, Jeff Sr. knew before he
even graduated high school that a life at sea would
be his destiny; he noted aspirations of becoming
a merchant mariner in his high school yearbook
when asked what he’d like to do after he graduated.

But, Jeff Sr. and his brother Tony, the recent
adolescents-turned-young-adults, found themselves
in a bit of legal trouble in their home state. Jeff Sr.,
only 18 years old and still determined to follow his
dreams of being a merchant mariner, made his
way down to Piney Point, Maryland, to start taking
classes at the Paul Hall Center anyway.

He arrived at the picturesque but isolated
campus and enrolled for courses. One day, he was
pulled out of class by Trainee Commandant Ken
Conklin, a former Marine known for his supportive
but no-nonsense, direct approach. Conklin talked to
Jeff Sr. and learned about the legal considerations.
He eventually sent him back to finish his class.

According to Jeff Sr., he finished his schooling
and embarked on his first journey at sea with SIU.
Aboard the vessel, there was a familiar steward who
kept in contact with Conklin for the duration of the
journey in order to help maximize his chances for
success.

Once the ship reached port in Jacksonville,
Florida, Jeff Sr. flew home. Shortly after, the time
arrived for his and his brother’s appearance in court.
Much to his surprise, their cases ended up being
thrown out and the pair left the courtroom as fast as
they could.

“Even the police present in the courtroom were
confused,” Jeff Sr. recalled. Though he isn’t exactly
sure why the judge arrived at that particular verdict,
he surmises that Conklin and his membership with
the SIU had something to do with his favorable
outcome.

“No union is perfect, but the SIU gives people
an outlet and a chance to turn their lives around
and become something more. There are tons of
members with stories like mine,” Jeff Sr. said. “I am
eternally indebted to this union.”

Becoming a member of the SIU quite literally
changed Jeff Sr.’s life. So much so that he
encouraged his younger relatives to change their
lives and join up as well, much like his father did
with him and his brother.

His youngest son is now enrolled in SUNY
Maritime, and his son ABB Jeff Jr. also sailed with
the SIU for 10 years. For the last three years, Jeff Jr.
has sailed with the Seafarers-affiliated American
Maritime Officers (AMO). AB Julian Beasley has
been with SIU for 15 years. Four of Jeff Sr.’s younger
relatives (ABM Felsher A. Jr., ABB Jeffrey Jr., AB

Julian, and AB/GUDE Aaron Beasley) all sail or have
sailed with the SIU. Chris Beasley also started with
the SIU and got his seaman’s papers. He sailed for
five years and has gone on to own his own truck
and flatbed business that is well known around the
Philadelphia area.
Gaining Work Experience with SIU

AB/GUDE Aaron Beasley also joined the union in
2015, galvanized to pursue a life at sea by postcards
his father Tony sent home from his travels. He
sailed as a GUDE/engineer, and as an AB previously.
Aaron’s specialty is fiberoptic work, which he
learned about while working aboard a TOTE
ship. “Shipping was the fastest way to become an
engineer and get hands-on experience,” he said.

He paused his shipping career with SIU in 2019
and began advancing his new skillset on land at
Buckley Cable, where he is currently employed as a
coax splicer. His initial plan to continue sailing was
delayed due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aaron has since made his return to sea, and has
shipped on two barges through a crewing service as
recently as 2022.

He joined the union in high school, a story which
mirrors his uncle’s. Inspired by Jeff Beasley Sr.’s tale
of turning his life around after joining the SIU, he
joined the SIU under a contingency agreement.

To get back into the swing of things at the SIU,
Aaron plans to renew his credentials and take
classes at Piney Point.
SIU Now and Then

All of the Beasleys had great things to say about
how SIU has grown and changed over the years they

ABM Felsher Beasley Jr. (left) and his dad BREC Tony Beasley
(right) on their father-son shipping voyage.

AB Julian Beasley (left) and SREC Jeffrey Beasley Sr. (right)
show off some large red snappers.

BREC Tony Beasley standing in front of Bungalow Three during
his time at Piney Point. Chris Beasley (left) in a photo with his ship’s Chief Steward

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9SEAFARERS LOG • 9MAY 20248 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023

had been sailing. Working with SIU and receiving
training in various specialties have given the
Beasleys who have not yet retired an invaluable
skillset that enables them to provide for their
growing families, whether they accept jobs on land
or at sea.

When asked what he thinks of how the union
has grown and developed over the years, Jeff Sr. said
he noticed that wages have continuously improved
during his career and that he has never had a
problem finding work.

“SIU is a union that has your back in any
situation. I’ve always felt taken care of, like I was
a part of a family,” Jeff Sr. said. "The Philadelphia
hall staff is the best – (Port Agent) Joe Basilice, Vice
President Joe Soresi, and (now-President) Dave
Heindel, who was originally from the Philadelphia
hall. When I was coming up and I needed to call the
hall for something, they always called back.”

One of his critiques of newer merchant
mariners who join is that they would do well to
learn the history of the union and that it should be
emphasized to newer members. He also suggests
that they learn from older mariners who have been
sailing longer than they have.

Tony has seen the SIU evolve in many ways
since he first became a member. “The companies
are improving, and wellbeing regulations have

improved, as well as safety measures. More things
are automated these days and wages remain
competitive,” he said.

Tony also noted the vast technological
advancements that have changed the merchant
mariner experience, too: “Back in the day, an agent
used to go on the ship to take and deliver the mail to
people. Nowadays on coastwise ships, cell service is
in range and the ships also have Wi-Fi.”

He recalls gathering with his shipmates to watch
movies projected on bulkheads, and other ways that
people used to entertain themselves while at sea.
People used to spend more of their time working,
using the gym, listening to music or reading books,
he recalled.

“Ships are faster now than they were then. It used
to take an average of three weeks to be in a port; now
it only takes a few days,” he said. “We used to rely
on phonebooths. When ships would dock, the crew
would go out and get in line to use them so they
could reach out to their families from wherever they
were. Radio officers sent messages with the telex
machine in an emergency.”

Aaron has met a lot of good friends aboard ship.
He also has seen many examples of individuals
making a career at sea or using those skills as a
springboard to run their own businesses at home.

“The SIU definitely listens to sailors and what

they want,” Aaron said of the union’s efforts to meet
the ever-evolving needs of its members, especially
in regards to improving accommodations aboard
vessels. “Modernization is coming together, and the
availability of internet is getting better.”

Although he hasn't sailed quite as long as his
father and uncle, Felsher Jr. has noticed some
positive changes at the SIU since he first began
sailing: "More jobs and opportunities have opened
up as far as classes are concerned. Piney Point is
really good for that. The training program helps you
learn more in detail and prepare for all of the things
you might encounter when you are on a ship. As
long as you go up there and get your time, you can
upgrade.”
The Legacy Endures

Will this legacy which spans three generations
continue? If it’s up to the younger Beasleys, they
plan to pass the torch.

Aaron hopes to eventually pass on the SIU legacy
to his young son. “I wonder if my son will ever find
interest in sailing when he's older. I guess time will
tell,” he said.

Inspired by his father, who was encouraged by
his father, Felsher A. Jr. also hopes to bequeath the
Beasley family's longstanding love of sailing to his
own children. Recently, he went on a trip to see a
RO/RO ship in Philadelphia with his 10-year-old son.
After a day of discovery and learning about life at
sea, he asked his son what he thought. The young
man responded by saying that one day, he'd like to
become a captain.

ABB Jeff Beasley Jr. aboard a vessel.

A polaroid of BREC Tony Beasley posing alongside the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil. Although he and his son GUDE/AB Aaron
Beasley have never sailed on a ship together, they do each have a photo from their separate sailing journeys near the same location,
which Aaron visited in 2016 during the Brazil Olympics while sailing aboard the Tyco Decisive.

Felsher Beasley Sr. (left), the Beasley family patriarch whose seafaring life inspired a continuing family legacy, pictured with his
wife, Shirley.

Jordan Beasley (left), Jeff Jr.’s youngest son, pictured with his
school’s harbor commander.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1110 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1010 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

Third Time’s the Charm for Wilmington
Two previously scheduled benefits conferences

in Wilmington, California, had been postponed due
to inclement weather, but the gathering finally took
place April 3 at the hiring hall.

The well-attended conference, conducted by
Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen with
assistance from SIU officials including Secretary-
Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Vice President
West Coast Nick Marrone, formally marked the
end of a series that began last summer. The coast-
to-coast meetings – 14 in all – offered information
about various benefits for staff and for rank-and-file
Seafarers, pensioners and dependents.

Bowen said the Wilmington conference went
as smoothly as the others and featured a typical
assortment of excellent questions from various
participants. She added that although no exact

future dates have been identified, her intent is for
another series of benefits conferences to happen at
the halls.

In addition to the Wilmington conference, others
took place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California;
Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto
Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida;
Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; Jersey
City, New Jersey; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and
Algonac, Michigan.

While the subject matter was wide-ranging
within the scope of the various Plans, the overall
aim was straightforward, Bowen said. She and the
other Plans representatives and union officials were
on hand to help ensure that people understand, and
get the most from, their respective benefits.

GUDE Anpeng Sun (second from left) not only attended the con-
ference but also obtained his B-book. He’s pictured with (from
left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Port Agent Gerret
Jarman and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. (Sun is
the son of Chief Steward Maili Wang.)

SIU members and officials along with Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (third from left, in front) converge at the Wilmington hall.

U.S. Trade Representative Backs Investigation
The government on April 17 announced that

after review of a petition filed with the Office of the
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by five national
labor organizations – including the SIU-affiliated
Maritime Trades Department – the USTR is initiating
an investigation of acts, policies, and practices of
the People’s Republic of China (PRC) targeting the
maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for
dominance.

“The petition presents serious and concerning
allegations of the PRC’s longstanding efforts to
dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding
sectors, cataloguing the PRC’s use of unfair, non-
market policies and practices to achieve those goals,”
said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The allegations
reflect what we have already seen across other
sectors, where the PRC utilizes a wide range of
non-market policies and practices to undermine
fair competition and dominate the market, both in
China and globally. I pledge to undertake a full and
thorough investigation into the unions’ concerns.”

As explained in a formal notice, the USTR is
seeking public comments and will conduct a public
hearing in connection with this investigation.

Days before the announcement, AFL-CIO
President Liz Shuler submitted a letter supporting
the petition. In part, the communication reads, “On
behalf of the 60 affiliates of the AFL-CIO, representing
12.5 million working people across our economy, I am
writing today in support of the Section 301 petition
filed on March 12, 2024, regarding the Chinese
government’s policies in the maritime, logistics and
shipbuilding sector. This petition was filed by the
United Steelworkers (USW), Machinists (IAM), the
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB),
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW) and Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

“For decades, the People’s Republic of China has
had a comprehensive strategy to dominate global
transportation and logistics networks – threatening
both U.S. economic and national security,” Shuler
continued. “The PRC provided more than $130 billion
in funding to support its shipbuilding between 2010
and 2018. China’s shipbuilding orders have grown to

more than 50% of world production. In just the first
half of 2023, Chinese shipyards received more than
72% of the world’s newly received orders for ships.”

A longtime friend of the SIU, Shuler added, “The
PRC’s predatory trade and economic practices tilt
the playing field against our shipbuilding industry,
hurting workers not only at our shipyards but also
throughout the domestic supply chains vital to this
sector. In 1975, U.S. shipyards employed more than
180,000 workers and had orders for more than 70
commercial ships. Over the past several decades, the
United States lost more than 70,000 shipyard jobs,
and key upstream supply chains deteriorated. In
2022, the United States had only five large oceangoing
vessels under construction, while the PRC had more
than 1,700. The PRC has more than 5,500 flagged
merchant vessels in oceangoing service; the United
States has fewer than 80 United States–flagged

vessels in international service.”
She also underscored the U.S. Merchant Marine’s

crucial role as America’s fourth arm of defense:
“The vast majority of military supplies transit on
commercial shipping vessels. In times of crisis
and conflict, commercial ships are critical to the
movement of military personnel, supplies, food and
fuel. A healthy commercial shipbuilding industry
is also key to supporting the national network
of upstream industries, their workers and the
communities they support. Large oceangoing ships
require an immense amount of steel, paint, glass,
rubber, aluminum, electronics and countless other
manufactured inputs. These vessels are an important
driver for our economy and provide capacity critical
to ensuring our emergency preparedness and
national security.”

SIU Celebrates George II
SIU officials took part in
an April 2 ceremony in
Long Beach, California,
where the container-
ship George II (formerly
Horizon Reliance) was
christened by Seafar-
ers-contracted Pasha
Hawaii. Named after the
company’s founder, the
ship has been retrofitted
to run on liquefied natu-
ral gas. According to the
company, this was the
first-ever steam-to-LNG
combustion conversion.
Pictured from left in the
group photo are Pasha
Hawaii President/CEO
George Pasha IV, Senior
VP of Fleet Operations
Ed Washburn, SIU VP
West Coast Nick Mar-
rone, and SIU Port Agent
Gerret Jarman.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1110 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 11MAY 2024

CATCHING UP – Following the benefits conference
earlier this year in Algonac, Michigan, members and
officials gather for a snapshot. From left are ACU Abdulwali
Mugalli, Recertified Bosun Foaad Saleh, SIU President
David Heindel, QEE Ahmed Sharif, and SIU VP Great Lakes
and Inland Waters Bryan Powell.

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

CONGRESSIONAL BACKING – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez
(left) meets with U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) at
a maritime gathering in the nation’s capital. Carbajal is a
strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

WITH MEMBERS IN NYC ‒ SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson submitted these photos from a recent servicing at Seafarers-contracted Covanta in Manhattan. He’s at right in the posed
photo, presenting Timothy Winn with his full book. Winn is the lead crane maintenance electrician. The remaining photos include (second from left) Crane Operators Nicholas Hamosfakidis, (left)
Emmanuel Essien, and (remaining photo) Trevor Patterson.

MILESTONE IN PUERTO RICO – AB Christian Perez (right)
receives his A-seniority book at the San Juan hall. He’s pictured
with Safety Director Ricky Rivera.

AT OAKLAND HALL ‒ STOS Abdelrahim Salih
(right) receives his B-seniority book. He’s pictured
with SIU Port Agent Duane Akers.

WELCOME ASHORE IN SUNSHINE STATE –
Recertified Steward Andy Hagan (left) picks up his
first pension check at the hall in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. He began sailing with the SIU in 1980, and
is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins.

ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo
(left) volunteers at a recent career fair in Naranjito, Puerto Rico,
where she helped spread the word about the U.S. Merchant
Marine.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1312 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202312 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux recently thanked longtime Seafarer Joel Saul (individual photo) for his
decades of service aboard the cable ships by presenting a personalized plaque. “He has always been a skilled seaman,” Durieux noted. “I
wanted to commend him for his 37 years of good work with the company.” Saul, currently sailing as an AB/Splicer-Joiner on the SubCom
ship, started his SIU career in 1982 and began sailing on cable ships in 1987. Pictured in the group photo with Saul and Yann are Bosun
Harge Semilla, AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio, AB/SJ Alejandro Cusi, OSs Jorge Garcia-Gutierrez, Stephan Beckford, Recardo Harris, Ammr Ali, Timothy
Gallion and Kahliek Gould, and Paul Hall Center Apprentices Nature Torrey and Syncere Swinson.

ABOARD ISLA BELLA ‒ Safety Director Ricky Rivera
(left) meets with Seafarers aboard the TOTE vessel
in Puerto Rico. Starting second from left: Recertified
Bosun Junior Augustin, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SA
Juan Santiago, AB Angel Pagan.

WEST COAST HIGHLIGHT – AB Paul
Nelson (right) obtains his A-seniority book.
He’s pictured at the Wilmington, California,
hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman.

PROMOTING MARITIME – Union officials helped advocate for the industry during two recent gatherings in New Jersey. Pictured from left in the group photo above, right, are SIU Patrolman James
Bast, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey), and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. Henderson is also at right the snapshot above, left, with New Jersey Gov. Phil
Murphy, at the same event. In the remaining photo, whether one calls it an informal spot or a brilliant selection (or both), the Ercolano Deli in Jersey City served as the gathering place for (from left)
Henderson, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-New Jersey), deli owner Natale Rescigno, and Soresi. The SIU personnel thanked the congressman for his solid support of the Jones Act.

ABOARD MAERSK IOWA – Pictured from left are
Recertified Bosun Egidio Ferreira, SIU Norfolk Patrolman
Josh Rawls and ABM Allan Green.

WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII – QMED Mark Canada
(left), pictured at the Honolulu hall with Safey Director
Amber Akana, picks up his first pension check. He joined
the union in 1992.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1312 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS • 13MAY 2024

ABOARD PATRIOT – Pictured from left in the crew mess of the TOTE ship are Paul Hall Center Apprentices Brenda Gonzales Potash and Marshall Whitcraft, OS Jordon Degraffenreidt, and SIU
Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson. The solo pic in the galley is of Chief Cook Chad Sikorski. At the security station are ABG Sammuel Yazzie (left) and Nelson. Pictured from left in the remaining
photo are Steward/Baker Souleymane Tamla and Safety Director Adam Bucalo.

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

B-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – STOS Toriano Lawson (right) and GUDE Jose Perez Davila (center)
take the oath at the hiring hall in Jacksonville. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left.

FULL BOOK IN ALGONAC ‒ OS Ryan Heimberger (left) receives his full book from
SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski at the hiring hall.

WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST – These photos are from a recent servicing aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessels Keystone
State and Gem State. ROS crew members pictured are Bosun John Young, QEE Milan Dzurek, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu, AB Ali Naser, GUDE
Dakura Smith, and GUDE Norrell Casey.

WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – OMU
Rolando Bundang (left), pictured at the hiring hall
with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, receives his first
pension check. He started sailing with the SIU in
1993.

UNIONS, MSC MEET– The SIU on March 28 hosted a quarterly labor-management
meeting at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring representatives from the SIU
Government Services Division, MEBA, MM&P and MSC. Among those pictured are SIU
VP Nicholas Celona (fifth from right, front), SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (far left), SIU
Representative Sam Spain (second from right, in back) and SIU Counsel Jon Madden.

LONE STAR STATE OUTREACH ‒ SIU Patrolmen Kelly Krick (left) and J.B. Niday (right) team up
with Carol Berry from SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings for a recruiting event in Harris County,
Texas.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1514 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023

Introduction
This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multi-

employer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the bene-
fit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal
insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”)
must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not
mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not
required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the
plan year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 (“Plan Year”).

How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded,

using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities
on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the
percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and
each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the
value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period.

Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are

“actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate
daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those
fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the
fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given
point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on
the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s
assets for each of the two preceding plan years.

The December 31, 2023 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited
basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of
the audit which is currently in progress.

Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded per-

centage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less
than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status
if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay ben-
efits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters
endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement
plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the
trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and
rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their
funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and
declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future
payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.

The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan
Year.

If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year
ending December 31, 2024, separate notification of the status has or will be provided.

Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valua-

tion date was 18,342. Of this number, 7,101 were current employees, 6,838 were retired and
receiving benefits, and 4,403 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have
a right to future benefits.

Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objec-

tives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The
funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers
under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International
Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The
Plan may receive the portion of the employers' contributions made to the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension bene-
fits based on the recommendation of the Plan's Actuary.

Investment objectives:
Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the

risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not
to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards
of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of
the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall
be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other
Plan expenses.

Investment Guidelines:
With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Invest-

ment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment ad-
visor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines,
is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and
the timing of any transactions.

Asset Allocation:
The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the

corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the
limits are breeched.

Asset Class Target Range
Domestic Equities 50% 40% - 60%
Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents 40% 30% - 50%
Real Estate 10% 0% - 20%

Standards of Investment Performance:
Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel,

strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative
factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration
will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and
objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an
Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well
as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and

industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment
managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the In-
ternal Revenue Code.

The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic
changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so.

Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following
categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages
of total assets

For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments
as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, mas-
ter trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan
Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway
Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746

Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is

called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may
obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and
using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor,
Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may
obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan admin-
istrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your
accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about
your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get
More Information.”

Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiem-

ployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass
withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules
in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial
resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan
must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available
resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law
(see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC
for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits
at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition
improves.

A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants
and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and
PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding
whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum
option.

Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you

have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guar-
anteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other
provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PB-
GC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment
equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent
of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum
guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service.

Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly
benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be
determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10),
which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the
sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly ben-
efit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).

Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the
accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guar-
anteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9),
or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).

The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some
early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survi-
vor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a
participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s
monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a
plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits
that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Simi-
larly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability
benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance,
death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.

For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guar-
antees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer.
Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your
pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get
More Information About Your Plan,” below.

Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at:
Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp

Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675
For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s em-

ployer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329.

SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1414 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1514 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 15MAY 2024

Deck Department
Algonac 11 3 1 14 5 0 4 38 12 2
Anchorage 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 3 2 0
Baltimore 5 1 0 4 1 0 2 5 4 1
Fort Lauderdale 12 4 5 9 3 3 5 24 9 6
Guam 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 0
Harvey 7 3 2 5 3 2 2 9 7 7
Honolulu 3 0 0 3 1 0 1 9 3 0
Houston 19 25 9 21 16 1 11 42 26 11
Jacksonville 28 24 11 16 23 7 8 38 24 5
Jersey City 12 6 1 15 8 1 9 34 10 3
Joliet 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 7 3 2
Mobile 3 2 5 4 5 3 4 4 2 1
Norfolk 16 13 8 10 9 6 7 20 14 10
Oakland 9 3 1 4 2 0 1 13 7 2
Philadelphia 3 3 0 1 0 0 1 5 5 0
Piney Point 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0
Puerto Rico 3 1 0 2 1 0 0 8 1 0
Tacoma 19 3 3 13 7 0 7 27 5 7
St. Louis 2 1 2 1 0 1 1 2 2 1
Wilmington 18 9 5 14 5 0 7 44 15 7

TOTAL 179 107 55 138 91 24 70 337 152 65

Engine Department
Algonac 3 1 0 3 2 0 0 7 2 2
Anchorage 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1
Baltimore 4 3 1 2 1 0 1 3 1 1
Fort Lauderdale 3 0 2 2 1 1 2 13 5 2
Guam 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
Harvey 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 1 1
Honolulu 5 2 0 4 1 0 1 9 3 1
Houston 10 6 3 7 6 3 4 17 10 4
Jacksonville 11 15 4 12 13 5 5 20 17 3
Jersey City 2 3 0 4 1 0 1 9 8 0
Joliet 0 2 0 2 1 1 0 3 1 0
Mobile 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 0
Norfolk 12 9 3 10 10 2 5 19 6 5
Oakland 3 1 2 0 1 1 0 8 2 3
Philadelphia 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
Piney Point 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0
Puerto Rico 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 1
Tacoma 2 1 2 2 4 2 2 9 4 2
St. Louis 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1
Wilmington 9 5 3 5 3 2 2 15 8 2
TOTAL 72 55 21 60 46 18 24 149 77 29

Steward Department
Algonac 5 3 0 3 0 0 0 11 3 1
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Baltimore 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 2 1 4 2 0 2 12 3 2
Guam 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0
Harvey 1 0 0 1 2 0 3 2 4 1
Honolulu 4 2 0 4 1 1 1 10 3 0
Houston 10 6 4 4 4 2 2 15 7 4
Jacksonville 15 18 6 10 12 3 6 20 25 7
Jersey City 7 3 2 3 2 0 3 16 4 2
Joliet 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Mobile 3 2 0 2 2 0 3 5 1 0
Norfolk 14 17 6 8 9 0 2 23 20 7
Oakland 10 5 1 6 2 3 1 15 4 2
Philadelphia 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Piney Point 0 2 1 0 2 1 2 4 4 1
Puerto Rico 2 3 0 2 0 0 1 5 8 0
Tacoma 5 4 0 6 4 0 1 10 7 1
St. Louis 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0
Wilmington 9 7 0 10 3 1 5 27 15 2
TOTAL 95 76 21 67 46 11 33 183 113 30

Entry Department
Algonac 1 6 10 0 2 6 1 3 12 25
Anchorage 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 1
Baltimore 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 2
Fort Lauderdale 0 3 3 0 3 1 0 0 5 10
Guam 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 3
Harvey 0 2 1 0 2 2 1 2 6 4
Honolulu 1 1 4 0 1 3 0 1 4 4
Houston 1 15 13 1 9 7 3 1 21 35
Jacksonville 1 26 52 0 20 21 4 2 38 110
Jersey City 0 9 13 0 2 10 1 1 15 21
Joliet 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
Mobile 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 5
Norfolk 0 5 20 0 3 20 4 0 10 38
Oakland 0 6 6 0 3 4 1 0 10 12
Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2
Piney Point 0 12 8 0 12 9 3 0 4 4
Puerto Rico 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
Tacoma 3 5 6 2 1 5 2 6 15 13
St. Louis 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Wilmington 1 7 8 2 4 5 2 2 26 14

TOTAL 8 107 156 5 64 103 24 19 178 308

GRAND TOTAL 354 345 253 270 247 156 151 688 520 432

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 15, 2024.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 16, 2024.

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

Total Registered
All Groups

A B C

Trip
Reliefs

Total Shipped
All Groups

A B C

Registered on Beach
All Groups

A B CPort

Piney Point Monday: May 6, June 3
Algonac Friday: May 10, June 7
Baltimore Thursday: May 9, June 6
Guam Thursday: May 23, June 20
Honolulu Friday: May 17, June 14
Houston Monday: May 13, June 10
Jacksonville Thursday: May 9, June 6
Joliet Thursday: May 16, June 13
Mobile Wednesday: May 15, June 12
New Orleans Tuesday: May 14, June 11
Jersey City Tuesday: May 7, June 4
Norfolk Friday: May 10, June 7
Oakland Thursday: May 16, June 13
Philadelphia Wednesday: May 8, June 5
Port Everglades Thursday: May 16, June 13
San Juan Thursday: May 9, June 6
St. Louis Friday: May 17, June 14
Tacoma Friday: May 24, June 21
Wilmington Monday: May 20, June 17

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

May & June
Membership Meetings

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1716 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202316 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

Pic from the Past

OS Herbert “Frenchy” Deboissiere stands near Waterman’s Andrew Jackson in 1967.

Inquiring SeafarerDavid Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

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

Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government

Services
Bryan Powell,

Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive

Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

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

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

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

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

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

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

(215) 336-3818

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

20674
(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

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

(310) 549-4001/4002

SIU Directory

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

Question: What are some things you like about this school?

Shaun Wood
AB/Storekeeper

This school gives you the
opportunity to upgrade. There
are some great classes
and they’re always adding
classes. Just the quality of
the classes and allowing
us to increase our earning
potential.

Wilson Palacios
Chief Cook

I’ve been learning from the
moment I got here. This is
my first time here as an
upgrader and it’s incredible.
Good teachers. This is a great
opportunity.

Deyni Camacho
Chief Cook

The instructors are great.
They take their time to make
sure you’re learning, and
you can tell they enjoy what
they’re doing. They teach you
the proper skills.

Rey Agapay
Chief Steward

I definitely appreciate the
curriculum and the
instructors here in Piney
Point. The school is
constantly improving and has
changed for the better over
the years.

Deshawn Montana
Chief Cook

It’s an awesome school.
Everything’s good. You
definitely get what you come
for. I’ve been here twice and
it’s obvious the school is
progressing.

Kajaun Gamble
GUDE

They provide us with
everything we need. This is
the best career I’ve ever had,
and the school is a big part of
it. I just learned a lot in the
government vessels course.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1716 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 17MAY 2024

DEEP SEA
LAWRENCE BANKS
Brother Lawrence Banks, 63,
signed on with the SIU in 1985
when he sailed on the Maine. He
shipped in the engine department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple occasions. Brother
Banks’ final vessel was the Over-
seas Mykonos. He resides in Mobile,
Alabama.

MARTIN BUCK
Brother Martin Buck, 65, joined
the union in 1979. A steward
department member, he first sailed
aboard the Aries. Brother Buck
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on numerous occasions. He last
sailed on the APL Islander and lives
in Pompano Beach, Florida.

ROLANDO BUNDANG
Brother Rolando Bundang, 63,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1993. He initially sailed
on the Independence and was a
member of the engine department.
Brother Bundang upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occa-
sions. He most recently shipped
on the American Freedom and lives in Poulsbo,
Washington.

FERDINAND CHARITE
Brother Ferdinand Charite, 77,
donned the SIU colors in 2000
when he sailed aboard the Corn-
husker State. He was a steward
department member and upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Charite con-
cluded his career aboard the Ocean
Trader. He is a resident of Lehigh Acres, Florida.

CLINTON CROWDEN
Brother Clinton Crowden, 70,
started his career with the union
in 1987, initially sailing with Dixie
Carriers. A deck department mem-
ber, he upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Crowden last shipped on
the American Liberty. He is a New
Orleans resident.

PATRICK DURNIN
Brother Patrick Durnin, 71,
became a Seafarer in 1977. A stew-
ard department member, he first
sailed aboard the Santa Maria.
Brother Durnin upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. He last shipped on the
Horizon Kodiak and is a resident of
Gig Harbor, Washington.

ISABELO FERNANDEZ
Brother Isabelo Fernandez, 67,
began his career with the Seafarers
International Union in 1991, when
he sailed on the Independence.
He was a member of the engine
department and upgraded on
numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Fernandez last
shipped on the Horizon Enterprise and lives in Pearl
City, Hawaii.

ROBERTO FLAUTA
Brother Roberto Flauta, 61, started
sailing with the SIU in 1992. He
sailed in the deck department and
first shipped on the Independence.
Brother Flauta upgraded often at
the Piney Point school. He con-
cluded his career aboard the Gem
State and settled in Livermore,
California.

CARL HERRMANN
Brother Carl Herrmann, 68, began sailing with the
Seafarers in 2001, initially working aboard the Over-
seas New York. He sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Herrmann last shipped on the USNS
Pililaau. He lives in Honolulu.

CARLOS JAMES
Brother Carlos James, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. He
first sailed aboard the Arecibo and primarily worked
in the engine department. Brother James upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He
last shipped on the USNS Altair and is a Houston
resident.

RICKY PETTAWAY
Brother Ricky Pettaway, 61, became
a member of the union in 1991. He
shipped in the engine department
and first sailed on the Sealift Indian
Ocean. Brother Pettaway upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on several
occasions. He most recently sailed
on the USNS Capella and settled in
Mobile, Alabama.

WILLIAM RACKLEY
Brother William Rackley, 65,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1982, initially sailing
aboard the Overseas Joyce. A deck
department member, he upgraded
often at the Piney Point school.
Brother Rackley’s final vessel was
the Fisher. He lives in Honolulu.

ANTHONY SABATINI
Brother Anthony Sabatini, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 1990
when he worked on the Lawrence
Gianella. He upgraded often at the
Paul Hall Center and sailed in the
deck department. Brother Sabatini
most recently shipped on the Mar-
jorie C. and settled in San Diego.

GREAT LAKES
ROBERT WOJTASZEK
Brother Robert Wojtaszek, 65, became an SIU mem-
ber in 1977. He first shipped on the Detroit Edison and
worked in the deck department. Brother Wojtaszek’s
final vessel was the Buffalo. He makes his home in
Rogers City, Michigan.

INLAND
RICHARD GUERRA
Brother Richard Guerra, 62, began
sailing with the SIU in 1980. He
sailed in both the deck and engine
departments. Brother Guerra
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. He was
employed with G&H Towing for the
duration of his career and lives in
La Marque, Texas.

DONALD HEATH
Brother Donald Heath, 72, donned
the union colors in 1983 when he
worked with Virginia Pilot Cor-
poration. He worked in the deck
department and remained with the
same company for his entire career.
Brother Heath calls Hampton, Vir-
ginia, home.

REINALDO MEDINA
Brother Reinaldo Medina, 65, joined the Seafarers in
1983. He sailed in the engine department and worked
for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration
of his career. Brother Medina resides in Carolina,
Puerto Rico.

DAVID MONTGOMERY
Brother David Montgomery, 62, joined the union
in 1990 when he worked with Higman Barge Lines.
Brother Montgomery was a deck department mem-
ber. He last worked with Moran Towing of Texas and
settled in Hayes, Virginia.

STEVEN RUSSELL
Brother Steven Russell, 62, signed on with the union
in 1981 and sailed in both the deck and engine depart-
ments. Brother Russell was employed with Crescent
Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He
makes his home in Slidell, Louisiana.

LOWELL TOPHAM
Brother Lowell Topham, 63,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 2002. He was a member of
the deck department and upgraded
at the Piney Point school on several
occasions. Brother Topham worked
for OSG Ship Management for his
entire career. He lives in Tampa,
Florida.

STEVEN WOODS
Brother Steven Woods, 69, signed on with the union
in 1973. He sailed in the deck department and worked
for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career.
Brother Woods makes his home in Amite, Louisiana.

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

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1918 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023

DEEP SEA
AWADH AHMED
Pensioner Awadh Ahmed, 61,
passed away February 14. He
signed on with the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 2005 when he
sailed aboard the Midnight Sun. A
deck department member, Brother
Ahmed last shipped with Keystone
Ocean Services. He became a pen-
sioner in 2023 and settled in Dearborn, Michigan.

LONDON CURRY
Pensioner London Curry, 89, died
February 7. He joined the union in
1977 and initially sailed aboard the
Long Lines. Brother Curry worked
in the steward department. He
concluded his career aboard the
Defender before retiring in 2000.
Brother Curry resided in Lancaster,
California.

RONALD DAILEY
Pensioner Ronald Dailey, 90, passed
away January 12. He started ship-
ping with the SIU in 1977 when he
sailed with Dixie Carriers. Brother
Dailey was a member of the deck
department and last shipped on
the Newark Bay. He became a pen-
sioner in 1999 and made his home in
Spring Hill, Florida.

KONSTANTY DUCZYMINSKI
Pensioner Konstanty Duczy-
minski, 83, died November 29. He
began his career with the Seafarers
in 1998. Brother Duczyminski first
shipped on the Steven L. Bennett
and was a member of the deck
department. He last sailed aboard
the Baldomero Lopez, before retir-
ing in 2014. Brother Duczyminski resided in Gdynia,
Poland.

ARTHUR ELLIOTT
Pensioner Arthur Elliott, 87, passed
away January 22. He donned the
SIU colors in 1958 and first shipped
with Boston Towing Boat Company.
A member of the deck department,
Brother Elliott concluded his career
aboard the Arecibo. He became a
pensioner in 2001 and settled in
Rockaway Point, New York.

CLEMENTE FIGUEROA
Pensioner Clemente Figueroa, 85,
died January 28. He signed on with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1968 when he sailed aboard the
Overseas Horace. Brother Figueroa
worked in all three departments.
He last sailed aboard the Charles-
ton and became a pensioner in
1997. Brother Figueroa resided in Lakeland, Florida.

BERNARD HUTCHING
Pensioner Bernard Hutching, 66, passed away Jan-
uary 19. He started sailing with the union in 1979,
initially working aboard the Puerto Rico. Brother
Hutching sailed in both the deck and engine depart-
ments and concluded his career aboard the John
Boland in 2004. He began collecting his pension in
2022 and made his home in Leonardtown, Maryland.

STUART INGALLS
Pensioner Stuart Ingalls, 74, died
January 29. He donned the SIU
colors in 2000. A steward depart-
ment member, Brother Ingalls first
shipped on the USNS Loyal. He last
sailed aboard the USNS Bowditch
and became a pensioner in 2021.
Brother Ingalls lived in Universal
City, Texas.

MARCOS LEGASPI
Brother Marcos Legaspi, 88, passed
away December 16. Signing on with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1968, he first shipped with Mich-
igan Tankers. Brother Legaspi was a
member of the steward department.
He last sailed aboard the Mokihana
in 1999 and settled in San Francisco.

THOMAS MOOSE
Pensioner Thomas Moose, 95,
passed away January 8. He
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1952 when he sailed on
the Thomas Stone. Brother Moose
was a member of the deck depart-
ment and last sailed aboard the
Adventurer. He became a pensioner
in 1985 and lived in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

JAMES MURPHY
Pensioner James Murphy, 66, died
January 25. He began sailing with
the SIU in 1978. A deck department
member, Brother Murphy was first
employed with States Steamship
Company. He most recently sailed
aboard the Empire State and retired
in 2021. Brother Murphy was a resi-
dent of Garberville, California.

JUAN ORTIZ
Pensioner Juan Ortiz, 88, died
January 28. He became a member
of the union in 1979. Brother Ortiz
first sailed aboard the Connecticut.
He worked in all three departments
and concluded his career aboard
the Humacao. Brother Ortiz went
on pension in 2000 and resided in
Ponce, Puerto Rico.

DANNY PARKER
Brother Danny Parker, 40, has passed away. He
signed on with the Seafarers International Union in
2019 when he sailed aboard the Endurance. Brother
Parker most recently shipped on the Texas. He lived
in Portland, Oregon.

JAINE SERRANO
Pensioner Jaine Serrano, 76, died
December 27. A steward depart-
ment member, he joined the union
in 2003 when he sailed aboard the
Cleveland. Brother Serrano’s final
vessel was the Comet. He became
a pensioner in 2014 and made his
home in Hoquiam, Washington.

DEVALENCE SMILEY
Pensioner Devalence Smiley, 66,
passed away January 1. He donned
the SIU colors in 2004, initially sail-
ing on the USNS Antares. Brother
Smiley worked in the steward
department and concluded his
career aboard the Liberty Pride. He
went on pension in 2023 and was a
Miami resident.

RICHARD STUVERUD
Pensioner Richard Stuverud, 79,
died February 18. He started sailing
with the Seafarers in 1990 when
he shipped on the Independence.
Brother Stuverud sailed in both
the deck and engine departments
and also worked on shore gangs. He
was last employed with American
Service Technology and began collecting his pen-
sion in 2009. Brother Stuverud lived in Federal Way,
Washington.

INLAND
DAVID AUD
Pensioner David Aud, 71, died Feb-
ruary 1. Signing on with the SIU
in 1971, he was initially employed
with Steuart Transportation Com-
pany. Brother Aud was a member
of the deck department. He last
worked with Piney Point Transpor-
tation in 1997. Brother Aud went
on pension in 2018 and resided in Mechanicsville,
Maryland.

TRACY REED
Pensioner Tracy Reed, 63, passed away January
9. He joined the Seafarers International Union in
1989, initially sailing aboard the Baldomero Lopez.
A deck department member, Brother Reed was last
employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation
before going on pension in 2015. He called Van Buren,
Arkansas, home.

NMU
AVELL BROWN
Pensioner Avell Brown, 77, passed
away December 21. Brother Brown
was a member of the steward
department. He last shipped
aboard the Liberator and retired in
2007. Brother Brown was a resident
of Mobile, Alabama.

18 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

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

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1918 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023

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

LONE STAR STATE (Intrepid Per-
sonnel & Provisioning), October
22 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secre-
tary Clifford Simril, Educational
Director Ahmed Sennain, Engine
Delegate Santiago Ruiz. Bosun gave
thanks to deck department for a
job well done getting deck ready
for inspection. He asked ABs to be
patient while they wait to be prop-
erly relieved. Educational director
reminded crew to upgrade at the
union-affiliated Piney Point school.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members motioned to increase re-
tirement pay and suggested reduc-
ing the length of the school’s AB
program. Crew would like vacation
pay to be 15 for 30. Members were
encouraged to recruit any family
or friends that might be interested
in shipboard work. Next port: Lake
Charles, Louisiana.

EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sea-
lift, Inc.), December 10 – Chairman
Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle
Harper, Educational Director Law-
rence Wright. Chairman reviewed
new contract, including wage in-
creases, and talked about Union
Plus programs that are available to
Seafarers and their families. Mem-
bers requested reimbursements for
safety shoes, wage increases for all
positions, new shower heads, exter-
nal deep freezer for food waste, TVs
for rooms and raises in vacation
pay.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line,
Limited), January 19 – Chairman

Mario Ordonez, Secretary Bernard
Butts, Educational Director George
Bieselin, Deck Delegate Gustavo
Arzu, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal,
Steward Delegate Richard Torres.
Crew discussed hazardous duty pay.
Educational director advised mem-
bers to upgrade at the union-affili-
ated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education. Crew re-
quested increases in vacation days
and for retirement requirements be
lowered. Members want compensa-
tion during times they are unable to
get relief. Crew asked for new vac-
uums for each deck, working TVs
in each room and new pillows and
linens.

MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk
Line, Limited), January 28 – Chair-
man Arsenio Obenza, Secretary
Noel Segovia, Deck Delegate Julio
Martinez, Steward Delegate Andrea
Hargrove. Members still asking for
new TVs in all crew rooms and for
reliable Wi-Fi signal. Chairman en-
couraged members to read the Sea-
farers LOG and thanked everyone
for getting along and working well
together. He reminded members to
clean their rooms and leave fresh
linen for onboarding crew. Secretary
thanked everyone for a safe trip. He
advised crew to upgrade their cre-
dentials before coming to hiring
halls for jobs. Educational director
recommended members upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members re-
quested new towels and reclining

chairs in rooms. Crew thanked the
steward department for a good job
preparing food and refreshments.

MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line,
Limited), January 28 – Chairman
Ali Alhamyari, Secretary Gerard
Cox, Educational Director Wordell
Prescott, Deck Delegate Harsono
Saratoga, Engine Delegate Sammy
Montana, Steward Delegate Dio-
genes Derecho. Chairman advised
crew to read the president’s report
from the Seafarers LOG. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed hazardous duty and re-
quested pay increases for hazardous
areas. Members asked to be reim-
bursed for work shoes more than
once a year. Crew requested better
chair for steward’s room. Next port:
Newark, New Jersey.

EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift,
Inc.), January 29 – Chairman Daron
Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper,
Educational Director Liam Richey.
Members talked about monthly
room inspections. They suggested
having overtime allotments either
weekly or monthly to allow crew
time to clean rooms. Members re-
ported inconsistencies with payroll
during captain changeover.

ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line,
Limited), February 7 – Chairman
Michael Stein, Secretary Darrisha
Bryant, Educational Director Kyle
Williamson, Deck Delegate Darvin
Brown , Engine Delegate Ghadir

Sarkis , Steward Delegate John
Ward. Crew went over letter of un-
derstanding from SIU regarding Red
Sea transit. Secretary requested
more official paperwork on ship.
Educational director urged crew to
upgrade at the Piney Point school
and to keep up with documents. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Next
port: Freeport, Texas.

NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Person-
nel & Provisioning), February 24 –
Chairman Anwar Martinez Norales,
Secretary Tania Ramirez-Diego, Ed-
ucational Director Akim Davis-Grif-
fin, Deck Delegate James Eastman,
Engine Delegate Nicolya Johnson.
Chairman reminded members to
follow proper chain of command to
resolve issues and reviewed details
about vacation pay. Everyone work-
ing well together per chairman’s
report. Secretary praised crew for a
job well done. Educational director
reiterated the importance of attend-
ing upgrading courses at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education. Crew received posi-
tive feedback from officers and cap-
tain. SA needed for help in galley.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members talked about bringing
aboard additional members and dis-
cussed penalty pay for certain jobs.
Water from galley will be bottled,
no longer tap. Next port: Fort Lau-
derdale, Florida.

SEAFARERS LOG • 19MAY 2024

Know Your Rights

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

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

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland 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 Springs, MD 20746

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

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

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFAR-
ERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any indi-
vidual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collec-
tive membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership ac-
tion at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Sea farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may del-
egate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under
no circumstances should any member
pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment
be made without supplying a receipt, or
if a member is required to make a pay-
ment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.

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

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

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

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

NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right
of access to union records or information,
the member should immediately notify
SIU President David Heindel at headquar-
ters by certified mail, return receipt re-
quested. The address is:

David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 21SIU-AM-04-18-24

Save big bucks on attractions

See more at
unionplus.org

Fun Savings just for you
Union Plus Entertainment Discounts offer savings to union families on
everything from theme parks and the zoo to movie tickets and sporting events.

Savings for union families on
amusements parks

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 21

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________
Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________
 Deep Sea Member �  Lakes Member �  Inland Waters Member �

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.

Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________
Home Port _____________________________________________________________________
E-mail ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes �  No �
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes �  No �
_______________________________________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qual-
ifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.

I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the
supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the
purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me.

COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ __________________ ___________________________

____________________________ __________________ ___________________________

____________________________ __________________ ___________________________

____________________________ __________________ ___________________________

____________________________ __________________ ___________________________

____________________________ __________________ ___________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________

Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________


NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original
receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent be-
fore 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@seafarers.org
Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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.

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Able Seafarer - Deck July 8 July 26
September 23 October 11
November 4 November 22

Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23

ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES


Adv. Refer Containers August 26 September 6


Junior Engineer June 10 August 2
September 9 November 1

Machinist August 26 September 13


Pumpman September 16 September 20


Welding June 3 June 21
July 15 August 2
August 19 September 6
September 23 October 11
October 28 November 15

FOWT July 8 August 2
September 23 October 18

STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Certified Chief Cook June 10 July 12
July 15 August 16
August 19 September 20
September 23 October 25
November 4 December 6

ServSafe Management June 3 June 7
July 8 July 12
August 12 August 16

Advanced Galley Ops June 3 June 28

Chief Steward July 15 August 8

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES

Basic Training Revalidation May 31 May 31
June 10 June 10
June 14 June 14


Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 4


Government Vessels June 10 June 14
June 24 June 28


MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30


MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13


MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27


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

Latest Course Dates

SEAFARERS LOG • 21MAY 2024

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2322 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202322 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #906 – Graduated March 1: Jose Abreu Jr., Raymond Barnhart II, Boaventura Barros III, Wilson Bernardez, Broderick Brown II, Monica Burney, Reyes Gonzalez
Jr., Carl Griffin III, Jalon Jones, Tariq Mamudu, Justice Marques Da Silva, Henry Middleton III, Samuel Penn, Chantanique Reid, Cristian Salazar, Collyn Swopes and Ty-rrell Washington.

CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated March 8: Reynaldo Agapay, Deyni
Camacho Fernandez, Nyasa Henry, Tamara Houston, Deshawn Montana, Wilson Palacios
Arriola and Keauni Pullett.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS– Graduated March 8 (not all are pictured): Tomas Faller, Thomas Flores Garcia, Timothy Jackson, Jayante McBryde, Tommy McGahe, Michael Mendoza, Luis Ojeda Galeana,
Keny Perez Zapata, Schehera Poole, Rudy Puerto Sr., Terrell Redmond, Arturo Reyes, Saleh Saeed, Skyler Tommila, Joseph Toth, Cruz Valentin Garcia, Noel Veloso and Clifford Williams IV.

CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated March 8 (not all are pictured): Xavier Burgos, Julian De Los
Santos, Michael Page, Marquisha Simmons and Ronald Williams.

ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION – Graduated March 22: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery
Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon
Zschoche.

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 29: Anton Lewis
Gonsalves (right) and David Pacheco.

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SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2322 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 23MAY 2024

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated March 29: Brize Agbayani, Andrew Brown, Justin Brown, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Nirel Escalante, Eliza Fitzgerald, Christopher Flood, Kenny Galeno, Nathan
Goodhart, Jonathan Graham, Nayor Griffin-Taylor, Giveric Henderson, Victor Mak, Andrew Mentzer, Arkadiusz Mochocki-Klusik, Jacob Rhoney, Tavon Spence, Juan Velasquez Jr. and Cedric Wallace Jr.

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated March 15 (left
to right): Julian De Los Santos and Kajaun Gamble.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 29 (not all are pictured): Danilo Achacoso, Jarrett Andrews Jr., John Cairns, Benjamin Ines, Kristina Jones, Chad Klingensmith, Jason Overly, Wilson
Palacios Arriola, Juan Ruiz Manaiza, Kurtz Sausman, Louis Sorito Jr., Brandon Thomas, Tara Trillo, Larry Troutman Jr., Bob Tuilaepa, Lavon White Jr. and Jonathan Yates.

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

WELDING – Graduated March 22: Alexander Boothby (middle) and Julian Rubbo (left). Instructor Chris Raley is at the
far right.

UA TO ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Above: Tahjarian Campbell, Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Manuel Delgado, Christian Felton, Tyree Harris, Stephen Hoskins, Kumasi Johnson, Juliette Mandal, Caleb Miller,
Jawuam Mixon, Malik Oxendine Jr., Jack Pier, Julian Ramirez, Nick Randall, Blake Seele, James Shoats, Betty Sirait and Alexis Walker. Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at far left.

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

SEAFARERS LOG
MAY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 5

The SIU in late March helped welcome the new
Waterman ship M/V Green Ocean into the Seafarers-
crewed fleet.

A “Maiden Voyage Celebration” ceremony took
place March 25 in Baltimore (just one day before the
tragic allision involving the foreign-flag vessel Dali
and the Key Bridge). SIU President David Heindel,
Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, and Port Agent
John Hoskins were on hand for the occasion, along
with the SIU crew.

Built in 2023, the Green Ocean replaces the Green
Ridge in Waterman’s Maritime Security Program
(MSP) fleet. At press time, the company also was
readying to add the newbuild Green Wave in place of
the Green Lake.

A roll-on/roll-off ship, the Green Ocean is 655 feet
long, has a breadth of 125 feet and features a dozen
decks.

Speakers at the Baltimore ceremony included
(in order) Maryland Port Administration Executive
Director Jonathan Daniels; Waterman Logistics
President Henry Nuzum; U.S. Transportation
Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John P.
Sullivan; and Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips.

The MSP is widely regarded as a crucial, cost-
effective component of U.S. sealift capability.

Seafarers, SIU officials and other attendees gather near the vessel. Among those pictured are SIU President David Heindel (sixth
from left) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left).

New Tonnage Enters SIU Fleet

SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Bosun Vasily
Semes are pictured near the vessel in Brunswick, Georgia, in
late March. SA Catherine Lirio, Chief Cook Brittany Harris, SB John Canson

Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips Waterman Logistics President Henry Nuzum Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan

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