Seafarers Log: Vol. 86 No. 12 (2024-12-01)

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

DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12

B E C K N O T I C E • PA G E 5 / / S U M M A R Y A N N U A L R E P O R T S • PA G E 8



President’s Report

For several months leading up to Election Day, both in this space and
elsewhere, I periodically suggested that our society as a whole would do well
to remember that we are ultimately on the same side, even if we differ about
certain governmental policies and preferred political candidates.

With November 5 behind us, the SIU already has been working to promote
and protect your jobs as well as the overall American maritime industry and the
labor movement. Those efforts never end, regardless of who’s in office, and they
take place at every level of government.

Although the union-endorsed candidate did not win the presidential
election, I remain confident in the sound reasoning behind our choice,
starting with many years of having demonstrated unwavering support for the
U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. As reported elsewhere in this
edition, a number of SIU-backed candidates did win in the House and Senate,
respectively, and those outcomes should help us advance our goals.

If you have paid attention to politics for any length of time, particularly when
it comes to the White House, you know that every presidential election is billed
as “the most important one of our lifetimes.” There’s rarely a shortage of fervent
support for the main candidates. The stress is real.

Nevertheless, this one felt different, and not in a good way. I respectfully ask
all of us, myself included, to take a deep breath and give people the benefit of
the doubt. Don’t assume the worst about someone just because they don’t share
your opinion or didn’t vote the same way. Whether or not you even decide to
talk about politics is up to you, though I’ve found it more and more difficult to
completely avoid the subject in this age of 24/7 connectivity. Judging someone
because of how they voted is a different story, and that’s something each one of
us can in fact control.

Most importantly, I believe we need to move forward and focus on the work
that lies ahead. Just like our crews pull together to keep the ship moving on the

right course, our brothers and sisters throughout the SIU must work as a team
to help preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine along with the laws and regulations
that protect freedom of association, workplace safety, overtime pay, and so
much more.

I for one am glad the elections are over, and as we adjust to the incoming
administration, I’ll remain focused on protecting the jobs and job security of
all Seafarers. On the maritime side, that work will involve solidifying ongoing
support of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference
laws, the Tanker Security Program, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, domestic
shipbuilding, plus other laws and statutes that help keep Old Glory flying on the
oceans, coastlines, Great Lakes and inland waterways. Enacting the Ships for
America bill would be a fantastic start.

When it comes to workers’ rights and freedom of association, I don’t think it’s
alarmist to say we’re anticipating choppier seas. It’s no secret that public-sector
unions will be in the crosshairs, and I’ll also be pleasantly surprised if we don’t
have to fight against a proposed national “right to work” law. There will be other
challenges, too.

As mentioned, we’re not waiting around. We’re engaged in the nation’s
capital, both with fellow maritime stakeholders and with our brothers and
sisters from organized labor. We’ll continue working on your behalf and we’ll
keep you informed, as always.

Congratulations to all of the winning candidates. On behalf of the SIU
membership, we look forward to working with you.
Holiday Wishes

We are wrapping up this edition before Thanksgiving, and I flat cannot
believe that the winter holidays are already upon us once again. If you cannot
relate to the feeling that the years are flying by, then I say, enjoy your youth!

Meanwhile, I wish everyone in our SIU family a safe, happy, healthy holiday
season. For those of you who are working during the holidays, thank you for
your dedication. I know from firsthand experience that being away from home
at those times can be difficult, and I don’t take your commitment for granted.

2 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

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

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

Copyright © 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 12 December 2024Seafarers LOG

Sailing Ahead as One Crew

SIU Helps Welcome New Dredge
With SIU members and union representatives in attendance, Seafarers-con-

tracted Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) on Oct. 25 conducted a naming ceremony
for its newest trailing suction hopper dredge, the Galveston Island. Approximately
70 people attended the event, which took place in warm, sunny weather in Galves-
ton, Texas.

According to the company, “With a capacity of 6,500 cubic yards and a dredging
depth of up to 100 feet, Galveston Island is equipped to handle complex operations
while reducing its environmental impact. This state-of-the-art dredge can operate
on biofuel, making it a cleaner option for dredging work in the Great Lakes and
other coastal projects. It also meets EPA Tier 4 regulations, which minimizes its car-
bon footprint and protects marine life by reducing the risk of species entrapment.”

GLDD added, “Conrad Shipyard has designed the Galveston Island dredger to
meet today’s sustainability demands. The vessel is equipped with a high-power
pumping system to facilitate dredging, and incorporates dynamic positioning and
tracking technology, ensuring more precise and effective operations.”

The Galveston Island is 348 feet long and nearly 70 feet wide.
SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday attended the

ceremony. Zavala read a congratulatory message from SIU President David Hein-
del that stated in part, “This new ship is the most modern and advanced hopper
dredge in the U.S. fleet. The men and women of the Seafarers International Union
are excited and proud to be your partners, and we’re equally enthusiastic about
serving on board the vessels…. We also look forward to crewing the next hopper
dredge, the Amelia Island, as well as GLDD’s new offshore wind vessel, the Aca-
dia. This allows us to continue our long-standing, productive relationship as we
promote growth in the domestic fleet. The new vessels also reinforce American
innovation and capability.”

Zavala said he considers dredging operations as “the backbone of the industry.
Without it, other ships can’t do their job.”

The Galveston Island is expected to replace one of the company’s older dredges,
the Terrapin Island, while the Amelia Island is slated for delivery in 2025.

The new dredge is a state-of-the-art addition to the SIU-crewed Great Lakes Dredge & Dock fleet. (Photo by Jacob Luikart, via Marine
Traffic)

Multiple SIU crews from the dredge assemble for the ceremony.

Clara Petterson, wife of GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson, (right) does the honors during the gathering in
Galveston, Texas.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3
SEAFARERS LOG • 3DECEMBER 2024

Voting Continues in SIU’s 2024 Election
Voting started last month and will continue

through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the
SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters.

Balloting is taking place at 20 SIU halls across
the country. Full-book SIU members in good
standing are eligible to vote in the election, which
will determine union officers for the 2025-2028
term.

Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m.
to noon, Mondays through Saturdays (except legal
holidays), until Dec. 31.

The ballot includes the list of candidates
seeking the posts of president, executive vice
president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presi-
dents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port
agents (for a total of 25 positions). Only two of the
positions have more than one candidate running;
those positions are highlighted on the ballot.

Also included on this year’s ballot are 23 pro-
posed amendments to the SIU Constitution.

At the hiring halls and, when possible, on some
ships or other locations where members congre-
gate that are relatively close to a hall, a member in
good standing (upon presenting his or her book)
is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or
her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and
placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That
envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid
envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank
depository where ballots are kept until submitted
to the union tallying committee.

The rank-and-file tallying committee, con-
sisting of two members from each of the union’s
constitutional ports, will be elected in December.
They will convene in early January and will tabu-
late and announce the election results.

Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells
out the procedures by which an election will be
conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along
with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and
other related information appears on Pages 9-14 of
the October 2024 issue of the Seafarers LOG.

Additionally, a notice of the election was
mailed in October to all members at their last
known address, with a list of all voting locations
as well as a sample of the official ballot.

Aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) in Jacksonville, Florida, SIU
Patrolman Eddie Pittman (left) prepares for members to secure
their respective ballots. Recertified Bosun Tavell Love is at right;
AB Jan Jalloh is standing.

From left, Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis, SA Keyanna Williams,
and Chief Cook Rosemary Glover are ready to vote at the
Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of balloting.

Pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of voting are (from left) ABG Rodante Niebres, ABG Paul Amato, Steward/Baker Jose Norales, SIU Port
Agent Ashley Nelson, OMU Denard Williams, and ABM Gary Boyd.

Securing the first ballot this year at the hall in
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Chief Steward Jacob
Parrilla (right), a second-generation Seafarer. At
left is Safety Director Ricky Rivera.

First to vote in Tacoma, Washington, is
SA Abdul Yahia (right). He’s pictured with
SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.

AB Alton Glapion casts the first vote at
the New Orleans hall.

Recertified Bosun Noel Otero completes
his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe
(TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico.

For more photos of SIU members voting in the union election, see page 11

Securing his ballot at the hall in San
Juan, Puerto Rico, is Recertified
Steward Ismael Garayua.



Congressional candidates who received backing
from the SIU’s voluntary political action fund enjoyed
lots of success on Election Day.

Of the 50 House of Representatives members
(from a total of 435, plus four delegates) receiving sup-
port from the Seafarers Political Activities Donation
(SPAD) during the 2024 cycle, 47 of them won, with one
race still too close to call at press time. In the Senate,
SPAD supported 17 individuals (from a total of 33); 13 of
them won, with one race still too close to call.

The SIU-endorsed candidate for the presidency did
not win, although no SPAD money was given in that
race.

Specifically commenting on the presidential
election, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Pres-
idential administrations change, but the labor
movement’s values do not. We stand for the freedom
to organize and for the right to collectively bargain.
We stand for solidarity – the kind that is built when
working people stand together to take on the big-
gest, richest bosses and the most powerful extremist

politicians. Most importantly, we know how to fight
back when anyone comes after our freedoms.

“This result is a blow for every worker who depends
on our elected leaders to fight for our jobs, our unions
and our contracts,” she continued. “We organized for
months to produce a nearly 17-point advantage for Vice
President Kamala Harris with union members. But it
is clear that the economic struggle working-class peo-
ple are facing is causing real pain and neither party
has sufficiently addressed it.”

Shuler concluded, “Organized labor is the path for-
ward. In unions, people have power to build a stable
foundation for themselves and their families. To say,
‘It’s Better in a Union,’ is not simply a slogan – it’s the
way to level the playing field and create a path to eco-
nomic security for every working person. The nearly
13 million union members of the AFL-CIO won’t be
divided and we won’t back down. We will be there for
each other and we will fight every step of the way for
every worker in this country, no matter who sits in the
Oval Office.”

SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

Election Day Proves Fruitful For SIU-Backed Candidates

2025 Meeting Dates
Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 6 3 3 7 5 2 7 4 8 6 3 8

Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 7 4 4 8 6 3 8 5 9 7 4 9

Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 4 9 6 10 8 5 10

Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11

Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11

San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11

Algonac *Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 10 7 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 10 7 12

Houston Monday after second Sunday 13 10 10 14 12 9 14 11 15 14 10 15

New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 10 15 12 16 14 12 16

Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 11 16 13 17 15 12 17

Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19

Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19

Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 21 18 17 21 19 16 21 18 22 20 17 22

Guam Thursday after third Sunday 23 20 20 24 22 20 24 21 25 23 20 26

Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 24 21 21 25 23 20 25 22 26 24 21 26

Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m.

*A proposed amendment to the SIU Constitution would change the regular date of the Algonac, Michigan, membership meeting so that it occurs each
month on the Thursday after the second Sunday. This chart reflects a schedule based on membership approval of that specific amendment. If the

amendment isn’t approved (voting doesn’t end until Dec. 31, 2024), the LOG will furnish dates for the Algonac meetings accordingly.

These pre-Election Day photos from the Pacific Northwest include SIU personnel with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (front, right, in photo at left), U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (left in photo at top, with Safety
Director Danielle Woodward), and (remaining photo) U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (center), with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp (left) and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. Strickland, Larsen and Smith, Washington
State Democrats who are all strong supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine, won re-election to Congress.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5SEAFARERS LOG • 5DECEMBER 2024

Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 6 3 3 7 5 2 7 4 8 6 3 8

Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 7 4 4 8 6 3 8 5 9 7 4 9

Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 4 9 6 10 8 5 10

Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11

Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11

San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11

Algonac *Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 10 7 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 10 7 12

Houston Monday after second Sunday 13 10 10 14 12 9 14 11 15 14 10 15

New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 10 15 12 16 14 12 16

Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 11 16 13 17 15 12 17

Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18

St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19

Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19

Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 21 18 17 21 19 16 21 18 22 20 17 22

Guam Thursday after third Sunday 23 20 20 24 22 20 24 21 25 23 20 26

Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 24 21 21 25 23 20 25 22 26 24 21 26

Beck Notice
The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists em-

ployees by representing them in all aspects of their employ-
ment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the
Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For
the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial
resources on collective bargaining activities and employee
representation services. In addition to these expenditures,
the union also spends resources on a variety of other ef-
forts such as organizing, publications, political activities,
international affairs and community services. All of these
services advance the interests of the union and its member-
ship.

This annual notice is required by law and is sent to ad-
vise employees represented by the Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concern-
ing payment of union dues. This notice contains informa-
tion which will allow you to understand the advantages
and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It
also will provide you with detailed information as to how to
become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an em-
ployee who is not a member of the union but who meets his
or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments.
With this information, you will be able to make an informed
decision about your status with the Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW.

1. Benefits of union membership — While non-mem-
bers do receive material benefits from a union presence in
their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining
full membership in the union. Among the many benefits
and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers
International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union
meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office
and the right to run for union office. Members also have the
right to participate in the development of contract propos-
als and participate in contract ratification and strike votes.
Members also may play a role in the development and for-
mulation of union policies.

2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working
dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost
is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one
hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues
amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee re-
ceives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member
files a vacation application.

3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to
become union members may become agency fee payors. As
a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar-

rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to
the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employ-
ees pay is to support the core representational services that
the union provides. These services are those related to the
collective bargaining process, contract administration and
grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include
but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargain-
ing agreements, the enforcement and administration of col-
lective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers
and employees. Union services also include representation
of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and
arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board
hearings and court litigation.

Employees who pay agency fees are not required to
pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining
process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses
required as a result of community service, legislative activ-
ities and political affairs.

4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objec-
tors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses
related to those supporting costs germane to the collective
bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the
2023 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this repre-
sentation amounts to 80.05 percent of the dues amount.
This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would
be $400.25 (four hundred dollars and twenty-five cents) for
the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be
calculated for working dues.

This amount applies to the 2025 calendar year. This
means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay
agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2024
and November 30, 2025 will have this calculation applied to
their 2025 dues payments which may still be owed to the
union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the
agency fee reduction effective January 2026, your objection
must be received by December 1, 2025.

A report which delineates chargeable and non-charge-
able expenses is available to you free of charge. You may
receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Trea-
surer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital
Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is
based upon an audited financial report of the union’s ex-
penses during 2023.

Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable
expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount
may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled
to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues,

must elect this option each year by filing an objection in
accordance with the procedure noted below.

5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying
dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the de-
duction beginning in January of each year, you must file by
the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee
may file an objection at any time during the year, however,
the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until
December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will
not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the
amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an
auditor’s report from a previous year.

The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee
Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s
Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital
Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of
calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core
representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to
submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if
he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activ-
ities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the
calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file
such an objection.

7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s)
at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate
all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator.
The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing
or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be deter-
mined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector
who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in
writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held,
the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written sub-
missions will be received.

The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union.
Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for
all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The
union will have the burden of justifying its calculations.

The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members
receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the
SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your
continuing support.

Sincerely,
Tom Orzechowski
Secretary-Treasurer

Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements
Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act



6 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

Rep. Dingell Honored By Great Lakes Group
The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) on

Oct. 28 recognized U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich-
igan) with its Legislator of the Year Award “for her
efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation Sys-
tem and the American workers that ensure a resilient
maritime supply chain which drives the nation’s eco-
nomic base,” the group said in a news release.

The SIU is a GLMTF affiliate.
“The Great Lakes are not only an important natural

resource but a way of life that supports communities
across our region and country, creating more than
1.5 million jobs, supplying 90 percent of our nation’s
fresh surface water, and generating $62 billion in
wages every year,” Dingell stated. “They are critical to
numerous industries, supply chains, and our econ-
omy, and support countless families’ livelihoods. As a
co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force,
I’m honored to be recognized by the Great Lakes Mari-
time Task Force and will continue to fight in Congress
to protect these waters and all who depend on them.”

Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Asso-
ciation and vice president of the GLMTF, said, “It is
an honor and privilege to present this award to Rep-
resentative Dingell. She strengthened navigational
infrastructure by supporting funding to finish the
critical new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie,
Michigan and pressing for the acquisition of a desper-
ately needed U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker for the
Great Lakes.”

The task force in its announcement added, “Rep-
resentative Dingell understands the need to attract
and retain a skilled workforce like those needed at the
Soo Locks. As the only waterway connection between
Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes and the
Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Soo Locks are the linch-
pin of the Great Lakes Navigation System. In 2022, the
Department of Defense reduced the wage rate for 77
skilled laborer positions at the Soo Locks Complex by
19 percent. Two-thirds of the workers occupying those
positions are veterans. She has been a catalyst for a
solution proposing that the Department of Defense
approve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers May 2022
request for a special salary rate (SSR) to restore the
wage scale lost in 2022 for these 77 positions.”

John Clemons, Great Lakes vice president of the
Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, said,
“Representative Dingell is a true champion for the
Great Lakes and the hard-working men and women
which keep the pilot light of the North American
economy lit. Representative Dingell has been a strong
supporter of the Jones Act, which ensures the more
than 147,000 U.S. jobs tied to the Great Lakes maritime
industry remain in America.”

The award ceremony took place on the University
of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

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 generates more
than $36 billion in economic activity each year.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell
(D-Michigan)

Important Notice: Updated Merchant Mariner Credential and MMC-related
Documentation E-mail Submission Instructions

Editor’s note: The U.S Coast Guard’s National Mari-
time Center (NMC) issued the following notice on Aug.
12. The bulletin is available on the SIU website; printed
copies have been posted at the hiring halls. Additionally,
the notice appears in the September LOG.

Please note that as of early November, both the union
and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, have
become aware of instances when medical certificate
applications have been rejected because of one or more
of the following: multiple attachments, as opposed to
a single PDF document (can be multiple pages); PDF
document names that do not adhere to the agency’s
requirements; mistakes in subject lines; using an image
file instead of a PDF.

Detailed instructions about applying for a medical
certificate are available at:

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/medical_certificate/
Finally, be aware that when an individual applies

for a merchant mariner credential and/or a medical
certificate, he or she normally will receive an immedi-
ate confirmation of receipt from the agency, via email.
Such confirmation only means the NMC received the
message; it does not necessarily mean there are no prob-
lems with the application.

The National Maritime Center (NMC) has estab-
lished a centralized e-mail inbox for the submission of
certain merchant mariner credential (MMC) applica-
tions to streamline the MMC application submission
process and better manage the receipt and initial pro-
cessing of incoming MMC applications.

Regional exam centers (RECs) will continue to
receive and process MMC applications for Local Lim-
ited, Restricted, and First Class Pilot MMCs. Please
continue to e-mail, mail, or hand- deliver these

applications to the local REC responsible for the routes
requested. E-mail is the preferred method for submis-
sion of these applications. The e-mail and physical
address for each of the RECs is available on the NMC’s
Regional Exam Centers webpage. Please note that
sending First Class Pilot/Local Limited applications
directly to the NMC may result in delays in processing
your application.

The NMC is centralizing the submission of all
other MMC applications. The preferred method of
application submission is e-mail. If you are applying
for anything other than a Local Limited, Restricted, or
First Class Pilot credential, please e-mail your applica-
tion to MMCApplications@uscg.mil.

Processing times at the NMC vary based on e-mail
volume. Sending information via e-mail to the incor-
rect e-mail address or sending the same information
to several e-mail addresses not only causes delays in
processing for other mariners but will significantly
delay the processing of your information.

MMC and medical certificate applications and
information are processed separately and should not
be sent to the same e-mail address. For more detailed
guidelines on submitting medical certificate appli-
cations and information, visit the NMC’s Medical
Certificate webpage.

You can help us improve our processing times by
sending MMC applications as indicated above AND by
adhering to the guidelines below when sending any
other information electronically:

• Subject lines for MMC related e-mails should
include: the mariner’s last name, mariner’s first name,
and mariner’s reference number (if available).

• Attachments should be in PDF format, named in
the following format: Mariner Last Name_Mariner
First Name_ Mariner Reference Number (if available).
For example: Smith_John_1234567.

• Only submit documentation in PDF format
attached to the e-mail. Other formats (including links
to PDFs) will not be accepted and your application
and/or documentation will not be returned.

• Drug test results are part of your MMC application
and should NOT be sent with your Medical application
(CG 719K or K/E).

• E-mail documentation/information in response
to an awaiting information letter related to an MMC
application to: MMC-Awaiting-Info@uscg.mil.

• E-mail general questions and requests for status
updates to: IASKNMC@uscg.mil.

• Do not send the same documentation and/or
information to more than one e-mail address.

• Send all required documentation with your
application.

• Mariners who do not have an active MMC appli-
cation in process at the NMC or an REC should hold
all documentation until they submit their next MMC
application. Documents received without an open
MMC application are not processed and will not be
returned.

Be advised that the NMC West Virginia does not
accept walk-ins or in-person delivery of applications.
RECs do accept in-person delivery of applications with
an appointment.

Should you have any questions, please contact
the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC
online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil,
or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

NMC: Rejection of Incomplete Applications
Editor’s note: The following news item was issued by

the National Maritime Center in late October. It is avail-
able on the agency’s website and on the SIU website.

Rejection of Incomplete Merchant Mariner Creden-
tial (MMC) Applications During Initial Screening

The National Maritime Center (NMC) will begin
rejecting incomplete merchant mariner credential
(MMC) application submissions during initial screen-
ing beginning December 1, 2024. MMC application
submissions that are incomplete due to missing the
following required items will be rejected:

• a complete CG-719B on the current version of the
form

• evidence the applicant holds or has applied for a
TWIC card

• evidence of payment of the required evaluation
fee (use of pay.gov is the preferred method of fee
payment)

• evidence of satisfying applicable drug testing
requirements.

If an application package is found to be missing
any of these items during initial screening, the appli-
cant will be e-mailed a Notice of Rejected Incomplete
Application indicating what is missing. If the origi-
nal submission is rejected, the applicant will have to
resubmit the entire application package and include
the missing item(s). The documentation in the

application submission will not be retained by the
NMC or returned to the applicant. Guidance on how
to complete an MMC application can be found on the
NMC website.

If submitting via regular mail or other courier ser-
vice (FedEx, UPS, etc.), please retain a copy of your
submission including all original documents.

Should you have any questions, please contact
the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC
online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil,
or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

Sincerely,
B. W. Clare
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7SEAFARERS LOG • 7DECEMBER 2024

The Labor-Management Reporting and Dis-
closure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to
union members and imposes certain responsibil-
ities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Man-
agement Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA
provisions while other provisions, such as the bill
of rights, may only be enforced by union members
through private suit in Federal court.
Union Member Rights

Bill of Rights - Union members have:
- Equal rights to participate in union activities
- Freedom of speech and assembly
- Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assess-

ments
- Protection of the right to sue
- Safeguards against improper discipline
Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements:

Union members and nonunion employees have the
right to receive or inspect copies of collective bar-
gaining agreements.

Reports: Unions are required to file an initial
information report (Form LM-1), copies of consti-
tutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report
(Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the
reports available to members and permit members
to examine supporting records for just cause. The
reports are public information and copies are avail-
able from OLMS.

Officer Elections: Union members have the right
to:

- Nominate candidates for office
- Run for office
- Cast a secret ballot
- Protest the conduct of an election
Officer Removal: Local union members have the

right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an

elected officer guilty of serious misconduct.
Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in

trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons spec-
ified in the LMRDA.

Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union
or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or other-
wise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA
right.

Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or
threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a
union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights.
Union Officer Responsibilities

Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a
duty to manage the funds and property of the union
solely for the benefit of the union and its members
in accordance with the union’s constitution and by-
laws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or
steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal
crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

Bonding: Union officers or employees who han-
dle union funds or property must be bonded to
provide protection against losses if their union has
property and annual financial receipts which ex-
ceed $5,000.

Labor Organization Reports: Union officers
must:

- File an initial information report (Form LM-1)
and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with
OLMS.

- Retain the records necessary to verify the re-
ports for at least five years.

Officer Reports: Union officers and employees
must file reports concerning any loans and bene-
fits received from, or certain financial interests in,
employers whose employees their unions represent
and businesses that deal with their unions.

Officer Elections: Unions must:
- Conduct elections for officers of national

unions or intermediary districts at least every four
years by secret ballot.

- Conduct regular elections in accordance with
their constitution and bylaws and preserve all re-
cords for one year.

- Mail a notice of election to every member at
least 15 days prior to the election.

- Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute
campaign material.

- Not use union funds or resources to promote
any candidate (nor may employer funds or re-
sources be used).

- Permit candidates to have election observers.
- Allow candidates to inspect the union’s member-

ship list once within 30 days prior to the election.
Restrictions on Holding Office: A person con-

victed of certain crimes may not serve as a union
officer, employee, or other representative of a union
for up to 13 years.

Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans
to any one officer or employee that in total exceed
$2,000 at any time.

Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer
or employee convicted of any willful violation of the
LMRDA.

Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA.
Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531
of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found
in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. De-
partment of Labor, Office of Labor-Management
Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616,
Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.
gov

Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act

OSG Inland Crews Ratify Contract

The crew onboard the OSG ATB Horizon (from left to right): Kelly Marsh, Dan Doherty, Ed Putro (who also served on the
negotiating committee) and Grant Fedukovich.

Editor’s note: The following news item is from the
Apostleship of the Sea:

The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States
of America (AOS-USA) through its administrative
board wishes to recognize and commend the he-
roic and dedicated service of our U.S. Merchant
Mariners and our Jones Act tanker fleet in sup-
port of our nation’s hurricane relief and response
efforts.

Captain George McShea, President of AOS-USA
commented, “Our U.S. seafarers and our U.S.-flag
companies have always answered the call in times
of national emergencies and the recent devastat-
ing storms impacting the southern US are no ex-
ception. Time and time again U.S. seafarers deliver
the needed and vital aid and energy resources in
both national emergencies and in war time.”

AOS-USA supports and recognizes these valiant
efforts and actions.

AOS-USA calls on and encourages Americas
youth to consider continuing this long and great
American tradition of seagoing service to our
country by pursuing a career in the maritime in-
dustry.

The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law,
has protected U.S. national, economic and home-
land security for more than a century. It requires
that cargo moving between domestic ports is car-
ried aboard vessels that are U.S.-crewed, built,
flagged and owned.

More than 90 nations across the globe maintain
some form of cabotage law. In the U.S., the Jones
Act helps maintain more than 653,000 American
jobs while contributing billions of dollars each
year to the economy.

Mariners, Jones Act
Tankers Commended for
Relief Efforts

Seafarers have approved a new three-year con-
tract with the inland division of Overseas Shiphold-
ing Group (OSG). Members unanimously ratified
the agreement in mid-August; the pact covers ap-
proximately 40 Seafarers employed by OSG.

The SIU negotiating committee included Del-
egate AB/Tankerman Edmund Putro, SIU Vice
President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU
Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice.

The contract includes substantial wage in-
creases in each year of the agreement, which is ret-
roactive to April 1, 2024. The pact also includes an
additional holiday, plus increases to the Seafarers

Money Purchase Pension Plan and other benefits,
all while maintaining existing health benefits and
2-for-1 pension contributions.

Reflecting on the bargaining and the contract
itself, Baselice said, "We are pleased with the out-
come of negotiations. Through cooperation, a con-
certed effort and the flexibility of extending our
discussions, we were able to remain focused on our
intended outcome. With the support of all of the
SIU members working aboard OSG vessels, we were
able to achieve a beneficial agreement that best ad-
dressed their stated needs."



8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023
8 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

Summary Annual Report for
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan

This is a summary of the annual report
for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan,
(Employer Identification No. 13-5557534,
Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2023
to December 31, 2023. The annual report has
been filed with the Employee Benefits Secu-
rity Administration, as required under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement

The value of plan assets, after subtracting
liabilities of the plan, was $409,808,426 as of
December 31, 2023 compare to $344,518,301 as
of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the
plan experienced an increase in its assets of
$65,290,125. This increase includes unrealized

appreciation or depreciation in the value of
plan assets; that is, the difference between the
value of the plan's assets at the end of the year
and the value of the assets at the beginning of
the year, or the cost of assets acquired during
the year. During the plan year, the plan had total
income of $166,797,007. This income included
employer contributions of $128,145,151,
employee contributions of $417,800, realized
losses of ($2,461,714) from the sale of assets
and earnings from investments of $37,775,294
and other income of $2,920,476. Plan expenses
were $101,506,882. These expenses included
$15,567,478 in administrative expenses and
$85,939,404 in benefits paid to participants and
beneficiaries.

Summary Annual Report for Seafarers
Money Purchase Pension Plan

This is a summary of the annual report
for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension
Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914,
Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2023
to December 31, 2023. The annual report has
been filed with the Employee Benefits Secu-
rity Administration, as required under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement

Benefits under the plan are provided by a
trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust
funds). Plan expenses were $15,676,447. These
expenses included $1,389,816 in administrative
expenses and $14,286,631 in benefits paid to
participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,376
persons were participants in or beneficiaries of
the plan at the end of the plan year, although

not all of these persons had yet earned the right
to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting
liabilities of the plan, was $154,590,307 as of
December 31, 2023 compared to $147,590,346
as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the
plan experienced an increase in its net assets
of $6,999,961. This increase includes unreal-
ized appreciation or depreciation in the value
of plan assets; that is, the difference between
the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the
year and the value of the assets at the begin-
ning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired
during the year. The plan had total income of
$22,676,408, including employer contribu-
tions of $10,813,248, employee contributions
of $133,974, gains of $1,024,807 from the sale
of assets and earnings from investments of
$10,704,379.

Summary Annual Report for
Seafarers Vacation Plan

This is a summary of the annual report for
the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Iden-
tification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the
period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The
annual report has been filed with the Employee
Benefits Security Administration, as required
under the Employee Retirement Income Secu-
rity Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement

The value of plan assets, after subtracting
liabilities of the plan, was $34,614,407 as of
December 31, 2023 compare to $32,110,526 as
of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the
plan experienced an increase in its assets of
$2,503,881. This increase includes unrealized

appreciation or depreciation in the value of
plan assets; that is, the difference between the
value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year
and the value of the assets at the beginning of
the year, or the cost of assets acquired during
the year. During the plan year, the plan had total
income of $81,286,747. This income included
employer contributions of $77,494,851, real-
ized losses of ($160,772) from the sale of assets
and earnings from investments of $3,490,022
and other income of $462,646. Plan expenses
were $78,782,866. These expenses included
$8,166,436 in administrative expenses and
$70,616,430 in benefits paid to participants and
beneficiaries.

Summary Annual Report for Seafarers
International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan

This is a summary of the annual report
for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW
401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No.
26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period Jan-
uary 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual
report has been filed with the Employee Bene-
fits Security Administration, as required under
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial Statement

Benefits under the plan are provided by
a trust (benefits are provided in whole from
trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,309,981.
These expenses included $149,658 in adminis-
trative expenses, $5,049,974 in benefits paid to
participants and beneficiaries and $110,349 in
deemed distributions. A total of 16,178 persons
were participants in or beneficiaries of the

plan at the end of the plan year, although not
all of these persons had yet earned the right to
receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtract-
ing liabilities of the plan, was $67,191,180 as
of December 31, 2023 compared to $55,489,159
as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the
plan experienced an increase in its net assets
of $11,702,021. This increase includes unreal-
ized appreciation or depreciation in the value
of plan assets; that is, the difference between
the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the
year and the value of the assets at the begin-
ning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired
during the year. The plan had total income of
$17,012,002, including employee contributions
of $7,291,179, other contributions of $215,142
and earnings from investments of $9,505,681.

You have the right to receive a copy of the full
annual report, or any part thereof for any or all of
these employee benefit plans, on request. The items
listed below are included in that report:

1. An accountant’s report;
2. Financial information and information on pay-

ments to service providers;
3. Assets held for investment; and
4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan

assets.
5. Insurance information including sales commis-

sions paid by insurance carriers; and
6. Information regarding any common or collective

trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-
12 investment entities in which the plan participates.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any
part thereof, write or call the office of:

Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

The charge to cover copying costs for full reports
will be (respectively) $12 for SHBP, $16.50 for SVP,
$5.50 for 401(K), and $8.75 for SMPPP. The cost for any
individual page or portion of a page (from any report)
is 25 cents.

You also have the right to receive from the Plan
Administrator, on request and at no charge, a state-
ment of the assets and liabilities of the plan and
accompanying notes, or a statement of income and
expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or
both. If you request a copy of the full annual report
from the plan administrator, these two statements
and accompanying notes will be included as part of
that report. The charge to cover copying costs given
above does not include a charge for the copying of
these portions of the report because these portions
are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to exam-
ine the annual report at the main office of the plan:

Plan Office
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington,
D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of
Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the
Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department
of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration,
Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to
respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department
notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or spon-
sor a collection of information unless it is approved
by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid
OMB control number, and the public is not required
to respond to the collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number. See
44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provi-
sions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for
failing to comply with a collection of information if
the collection of information does not display a cur-
rently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512.

The public reporting burden for this collection
of information is estimated to average less than one
minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 min-
utes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to
send comments regarding the burden estimate or any
other aspect of this collection of information, includ-
ing suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S.
Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information
Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer,
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Wash-
ington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov
and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040.

Your Rights to Additional Information

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9
SEAFARERS LOG • 9DECEMBER 2024

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the APL Marine
Services ship are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, Chief Cook
Lawanda Sloan, ACU Amad Kassem, and Recertified Steward Emanuel
Spain.

WEST COAST CONGRATS ‒ QEP Abasiama Essien-Ete
(right) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in
Wilmington, California. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent
Gerret Jarman.

WITH SEAFARERS IN CHARM CITY ‒ A couple of noteworthy moments recently occurred at the hiring hall in Baltimore.
AB Joseph Toth (left in photo above, left) received his A-seniority book, while Seafarer Sandra Norato (left in remaining
photo) shared that she has completed her certified chief cook training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Safety Director Jose Argueta is at right in both photos. He and Norato have crossed paths in Jersey City, Piney Point and
Baltimore, with Argueta offering professional guidance as needed along the way.

GRASSROOTS ACTION ‒ Houston-area Seafarers helped get out the vote for pro-labor, pro-maritime candidates leading up to (and on) Election Day. In three photos above, SIU personnel team up
with other volunteers from the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, for block walking and phone banking.

MILESTONE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ AB Donald
Desir (center) recently received his A-seniority book.
Congratulating him are longtime friends Bosun Damon
Anderson (left) and Patrolman Brian Guiry.

AT THE SAN JUAN HALL ‒ AB Felix
Rivera (left) recently received his B
book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall
with close friend and fellow Seafarer AB
Erick Toledo.

TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Hurricane Milton
bumped back the October membership meeting in
Jacksonville by one week, so these photos were taken
Oct. 17 at the hall. Being sworn in (and facing the podium)
are (from left) GUDE Latoria Fairley (B seniority), GUDE
Zion Taylor (B seniority), ABM Malcolm Campbell (A
seniority), Storekeeper Sean Outlaw (A seniority), OS Denis
Moskalenko (B seniority) and Chief Cook Nyasa Henry (B
seniority). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at the podium.

ABOARD MISSOURI EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from
left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning
vessel are QEE Jetaime Mays, AB Darnell Jordan,
and ABM Abubakr Quraish.

TALKING MARITIME IN TACOMA ‒ Pictured at
the October membership meeting are (from left) Port
Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, and
Patrolman Dennison Forsman.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1010 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

ABOARD PRESIDENT ADAMS
– Displaying their favorite monthly
periodical aboard the APL Marine
Services ship are (from left) Chief
Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz, ACU Moosa
Mohamed, and Steward/Baker Roberto
Coronado.

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

AS SEEN IN THE COMMONWEALTH ‒ In the photo above, right, Bosun Eric
Thor Young (right), who sailed with the SIU for 37 years, picks up his first pension
check at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. SA Maria Legier is at right in the other
photo, receiving her full book. Both members are pictured with SIU Patrolman Josh
Rawls.

TOY DRIVE GOING STRONG – As previously noted, the SIU is teaming up with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) in Puerto Rico for a toy drive benefiting local
schoolchildren. Several rank-and-file contributors along with hiring hall personnel are pictured above, delivering and gathering donations. Look for an event recap in a future edition.

RECRUITING NEVER STOPS – SIU personnel remain active across the country in promoting career opportunities with the union. In photo above, far left, Tacoma Safety Director Danielle
Woodward (second from left) welcomes attendees at a recent career fair in the Pacific Northwest. In the snapshot above, far right, Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) and Fr. Sinclair Oubre
(an active Seafarer) man a table at an event in Port Arthur, Texas. Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis (above, second from right) is ready to discuss the SIU and the maritime industry during a recent
career fair in Jacksonville, Florida, while Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick (left in remaining photo) speaks to a guest at a gathering in Pasadena, Texas.

ABOARD PATRIOT STATE – SIU members recently helped deliver the new training ship
to Mass Maritime. SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson met with the crew Oct. 21 and
thanked them for a job well done (he also submitted this photo of many of the Seafarers on
board). TOTE Services operates the vessel when it is activated.

ABOARD USNS JACK LUMMUS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley-operated vessel are Bosun Jonathan Haefner, SIU Guam Port
Agent Victor Sahagon, and Chief Steward Masha Blas.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11
SEAFARERS LOG • 11DECEMBER 2024

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

Members Vote in
SIU Election

Voting in Norfolk, Virginia, on
the first day of balloting is
Bosun James Gregory.

Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco votes at the
hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

ABM Thyron Dy wraps up his voting aboard TOTE’s Perla
Del Caribe.

Chief Cook Thomas Smith (right) and
SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman are
pictured at the hall in Jacksonville,
Florida.

GUDE Raenell Brewster (left) casts his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE
Services) in Puerto Rico. At right is Safety Director Ricky Rivera.

QEE Michael Papaioannou (right) and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson are pictured at
the Jacksonville, Florida, hall, where Papaioannou voted on Nov. 4.

Chief Cook Samone Alston arrives at the
Jacksonville, Florida, hall to vote in the
union election.

ABOARD OCEAN GLORY ‒ Safety
Director Danielle Woodward (left) is
pictured with Paul Hall Center Apprentice
Lamonica Daniels at the gangway of the
Patriot Shipping vessel last month in
Tacoma, Washington.

MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS ‒ QEE Kyle
Williamson receives his A-seniority book at
the Joliet hall.

ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS ‒ Pictured during a payoff aboard the vessel in Newark,
New Jersey, are (from left) GUDE Jose Palacios, SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Chief
Cook Wilson Palacios. Jose and Wilson are brothers.



12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023
12 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

Deck Department
Algonac 12 13 2 10 9 1 6 22 12 2
Anchorage 3 5 0 3 0 1 1 2 5 0
Baltimore 3 3 1 3 2 0 2 3 2 1
Fort Lauderdale 12 7 4 13 3 1 6 22 14 5
Guam 3 2 1 0 1 0 0 4 2 2
Harvey 7 4 2 6 3 1 3 11 4 7
Honolulu 6 3 0 2 0 0 0 8 4 1
Houston 34 12 10 18 15 1 15 48 22 15
Jacksonville 33 23 8 28 17 4 17 44 37 7
Jersey City 26 9 6 15 6 3 13 28 11 7
Joliet 2 2 3 4 1 3 2 1 3 1
Mobile 6 3 2 6 2 2 5 5 5 3
Norfolk 14 12 6 11 8 5 8 31 10 8
Oakland 10 1 1 8 1 1 2 14 3 2
Philadelphia 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 0
Piney Point 0 3 0 0 2 0 1 1 3 0
Puerto Rico 8 2 2 4 2 2 3 9 4 1
St. Louis 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 4 1
Tacoma 12 8 5 13 4 4 3 16 9 3
Wilmington 12 6 1 18 3 2 8 47 14 1

TOTAL 208 121 55 163 80 31 95 323 171 67

Engine Department
Algonac 5 2 1 4 1 1 3 5 4 0
Anchorage 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
Baltimore 5 0 2 2 3 1 3 3 2 1
Fort Lauderdale 6 2 2 7 2 1 3 9 7 5
Guam 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1
Harvey 1 3 1 0 2 0 2 2 3 3
Honolulu 4 1 0 2 1 1 0 8 3 0
Houston 11 4 4 4 1 0 1 12 8 8
Jacksonville 12 11 5 6 10 3 7 30 16 7
Jersey City 5 2 0 7 1 0 2 8 4 0
Joliet 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0
Mobile 2 1 1 2 1 0 1 1 1 1
Norfolk 16 10 2 17 7 3 6 21 17 7
Oakland 4 6 1 4 0 0 2 6 7 3
Philadelphia 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 0
Piney Point 1 3 0 1 3 0 3 1 1 0
Puerto Rico 3 1 1 3 0 1 2 6 2 1
St. Louis 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 2 1
Tacoma 7 2 2 6 2 0 4 8 4 4
Wilmington 10 4 3 11 4 1 6 14 6 7
TOTAL 95 54 26 82 40 12 47 142 90 49

Steward Department
Algonac 5 0 1 5 0 1 0 4 0 0
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 3 0 2 0 2 0
Baltimore 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 9 4 3 6 3 1 3 10 6 3
Guam 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 0
Harvey 2 5 0 3 2 0 1 2 7 0
Honolulu 7 1 0 2 0 0 0 10 2 0
Houston 10 11 2 5 5 1 3 17 10 2
Jacksonville 15 14 2 14 20 3 12 23 28 1
Jersey City 12 8 1 5 3 0 3 15 5 1
Joliet 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0
Mobile 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 6 3 0
Norfolk 9 9 5 10 9 5 6 15 14 5
Oakland 10 5 1 8 3 1 4 12 8 0
Philadelphia 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1
Piney Point 2 3 0 1 4 2 0 2 3 1
Puerto Rico 5 5 0 6 4 2 1 4 12 0
St. Louis 3 2 0 3 1 0 0 2 1 0
Tacoma 6 4 1 9 5 0 10 7 3 1
Wilmington 20 4 0 9 7 1 9 35 10 4
TOTAL 122 82 18 89 71 19 55 171 118 19

Entry Department
Algonac 0 7 11 0 2 2 1 1 12 22
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
Baltimore 0 3 4 0 0 3 1 0 3 4
Fort Lauderdale 0 4 11 0 3 3 1 0 7 16
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Harvey 0 1 3 0 0 5 0 0 3 2
Honolulu 0 0 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 5
Houston 4 15 12 1 14 3 2 5 17 29
Jacksonville 2 32 39 3 17 25 5 0 46 75
Jersey City 2 12 16 0 10 5 3 2 21 34
Joliet 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2
Mobile 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 4
Norfolk 0 6 37 0 2 14 4 1 10 63
Oakland 0 7 9 0 4 5 0 0 12 13
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Piney Point 0 4 10 0 1 10 7 0 4 10
Puerto Rico 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3
St. Louis 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Tacoma 3 7 6 2 5 1 1 3 9 9
Wilmington 2 11 8 1 6 10 2 1 17 21

TOTAL 13 114 175 7 71 90 30 14 164 317

GRAND TOTAL 438 371 274 341 262 152 227 650 543 452

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 13, 2024.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2024.

Wilmington change due to holiday observance

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

Total Registered
All Groups

A B C

Trip
Reliefs

Total Shipped
All Groups

A B C

Registered on Beach
All Groups

A B CPort

Piney Point Monday: Dec. 2, Jan. 6
Algonac Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 16
Baltimore Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9
Guam Thursday: Dec. 19, Jan. 23
Honolulu Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17
Houston Monday: Dec. 9, Jan. 13
Jacksonville Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9
Joliet Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16
Mobile Wednesday: Dec. 11, Jan. 15
New Orleans Tuesday: Dec. 10, Jan. 14
Jersey City Tuesday: Dec. 3, Jan. 7
Norfolk Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10
Oakland Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16
Philadelphia Wednesday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8
Port Everglades Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16
San Juan Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9
St. Louis Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17
Tacoma Friday: Dec. 20, Jan. 24
Wilmington Monday: Dec. 16, Tuesday: Jan. 21

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

December & January
Membership Meetings

Notice/Reminders About SIU
Text Message Alerts

The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers
(and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those
texts contain information relevant to members’ careers,
including important news about the SIU, its contracted
companies and the industry as a whole. The messages
may include alerts about open jobs, information about
grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins.

The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may
be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on
an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their
provider.

People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time,
simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign
up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989.
Terms and Conditions

By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that
you understand there may be costs associated with the
receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell
phone service plan that you have with your provider. You
are providing your cell phone number and your consent
to use it for these purposes with the understanding that
your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone
else without your express consent and that this service
will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing
campaign materials for official elections for union office.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13
SEAFARERS LOG • 13DECEMBER 2024

EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), August 13 – Chairman
Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Jose
Outeiral, Educational Director Oscar
Garcia , Deck Delegate Christopher
Smith, Steward Delegate Mohamed
Noman. Members discussed consider-
ations for future contracts. Committee
requested an MOU to be created be-
tween headquarters and company to
recognize Juneteenth as a holiday and
seek retroactive holiday pay differen-
tial for hours worked on Juneteenth
2024. Educational director advised
members to upgrade at the Piney Point
school and to keep an eye on creden-
tials. No beefs or disputed OT reported.
New washing machines installed.
Members requested cost-of-living pay
increases. Chairman emphasized the
importance of SPAD (Seafarers Political
Activities Donation) and how impact-
ful donations are with helping protect
the Jones Act. Vote of thanks given to
the steward department for a job well
done.

OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship
Management), August 28 – Chairman
Anton Sulic, Secretary David Johnson,
Educational Director Agusto Rosales,
Deck Delegate Loukas Fragkias, En-
gine Delegate Angel Aranda Gamboa,
Steward Delegate Simone Smith. Chair-
man reminded members to leave clean
rooms for oncoming crew and to keep
documents up to date. He encouraged
everyone to vote in the November elec-
tions. Secretary asked crew to maintain
cleanliness in the dining areas and
return all plates to the galley. Educa-

tional director recommended members
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and
donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Ac-
tivities Donation). No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members would like new
furniture for crew lounge, new pillows,
new comforters and new movies. Vote
of thanks given to steward department
for a job well done.

OVERSEAS SANTORINI (Overseas
Ship Management), August 31 – Chair-
man Gerald Alford, Secretary Michael
Carello, Educational Director Mathew
Palmer . Linens, galley equipment
and Wi-Fi are all taken care of. Bosun
thanked everyone for their profes-
sional attitudes and made plans to post
new Seafarers LOGs when they become
available. Secretary reiterated the im-
portance of renewing documents early
as well as participating in monthly
union meetings. Educational director
advised crew to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Cold water fountain installed
on each deck. Members discussed defi-
nition of “break in service” and how it
may affect pension. Crew requested
increases in vacation days and asked
about purchasing Britta water filters.
Members expressed gratitude for inter-
net connectivity but noted some room
for improvement in its daily duration
of service.

CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), September 3 – Chairman
Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Del-
bra Singleton-Leslie, Educational Di-
rector Joshua Zelinsky, Deck Delegate

Modival Cagaoan, Engine Delegate Ray-
mond Roldan, Steward Delegate Rey
Chang. New washing machine installed
in crew laundry. Chairman discussed
shipping rules and insisted members
get an early start on renewing docu-
ments. He instructed crew to defrost
refrigerators for shipyard layup and
reminded everyone to clean their cab-
ins. Educational director talked about
ROS status and how it affects wages
and vacation benefits. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Members went over
port agent’s report, SIU election infor-
mation and the upcoming proposed
dues increase in 2025. Members were
thanked for all of their hard work, espe-
cially the steward department for pro-
viding great meals. Members requested
increases to shoe reimbursements and
vacation pay. Next port: Singapore.

OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship
Management), September 15 – Chair-
man Jovan Williams, Secretary Rudy
Lopez, Educational Director Michael
Robinson, Deck Delegate Christopher
Dickens, Steward Delegate Roberto
Martinez. New ice machine in crew
mess. Chairman expressed gratitude
for everyone’s hard work maintaining
and improving the vessel. Educational
director urged crew to upgrade at the
Paul Hall Center and to keep all docu-
ments up to date. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested new mat-
tresses, new pillows, high-definition
cable channels and a higher food bud-
get. Members would like increases to
medical and dental care coverage.

OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas
Ship Management), September 21
– Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary
Melvin Cooper, Educational Director
Christopher Edwards, Deck Delegate
Kevin Chan, Engine Delegate Lytrese
Morton , Steward Delegate Jordan
Griffin. Chairman underscored the
importance of renewing medical certi-
fications early. Educational director re-
minded members to take advantage of
the upgrading opportunities offered at
the union-affiliated Piney Point school.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested refrigerators in each room,
shorter rotary jobs, more vacation, bet-
ter Wi-Fi and a videogame system. Next
port: Lake Charles, Louisiana.

GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations), Sep-
tember 23 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor,
Secretary John Huyett, Educational
Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate
Jody Owens, Engine Delegate Henry
Cacal, Steward Delegate Norma Bau-
can. Chairman encouraged members
to vote in upcoming SIU election and
provided information on acquiring ab-
sentee ballots. He advised everyone to
keep current on union dues. Secretary
reminded crew to wash full loads when
doing laundry rather than washing
one or two items. Sanitary inspection
went well, per secretary’s report. Edu-
cational director recommended mem-
bers upgrade at the Paul Hall Center
and warned against waiting too long
to renew Coast Guard credentials. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
would like 25 for 30 vacation. Next port:
Oakland, California.

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
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may del-
egate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.



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

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

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

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

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

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

David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746



14 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023
14 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

Pic from the Past

Getting into the holiday spirit in 1981 aboard the Ogden Champion are Seafarers Richard Ward, John Fitzgerald, Peter Gonzalez, Ralph Maldonado,
Herbert Boudreaux, James Baudoin, Silvio Marano and Charles Howell.

Inquiring SeafarerDavid Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

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

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

Joe Vincenzo, Vice President
Government Services

Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

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 DirectorySIU Directory

This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns.

Question: What was one of your favorite or otherwise most memorable voyages, and what made it so?

Adiener Alfaro
Recertified Bosun

I have to say it was a trip
when we ended up going to
Africa, on a grain ship. We
went to maybe 15 different
ports. For me, that country is
unique. I went to Sierra Leone
one time, and it’s so sad. You
see little kids with no arms.

Julio Alvarez
Recertified Bosun

One that stands out is 2003,
in the middle of Operation En-
during Freedom, I worked on
the SS Cape Inscription. We
were loaded with ammunition,
although we didn’t know
exactly what it was. We got
to Kuwait and the energy was
electric. We were doing our
part – we saw our soldiers on
the dock and it was very ful-
filling to be part of something
so big. We were bringing stuff
that they needed.

Alfie Cicat
Recertified Bosun

Being based in Tacoma, I re-
ally like doing the Alaska run.
I really like how it is closer to
home and I don’t have to be
far from my family.

Edward Tennyson
Recertified Bosun

Running to South America,
Brazil. The weather, the peo-
ple. It was a nice, beautiful
voyage.

Mario Ordonez
Recertified Bosun

A trip to Singapore back in
2002. I was able to spend a lot
of time in the city, which was
beautiful, and the food was so
good. There is also zero toler-
ance for drugs and crime, so it
was safe and crime-free.

Kelvin Johnson
Recertified Bosun

My favorite voyage was prob-
ably Guam. It’s a U.S. territory,
which made it feel like home.
We worked hard but there was
always something to look for-
ward to after work. You could
go to the beach, swim, scuba
dive, and enjoy the nightlife. It
was a nice work-life balance.

John Walsh
Recertified Bosun

One of my favorite voyages
was on the Sealand Crusader.
It was nice taking work to the
West Coast, from Puerto Rico
to Hong Kong. It was one of
the last voyages with some
of my crew, because some of
them retired after that trip.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1515 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG • 15DECEMBER 2024

DEEP SEA
ROBERT ALLEN
Brother Robert Allen, 69, signed on with the union in
1974 when he sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel.
He shipped in the deck department and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Allen’s final vessel was the Duchess. He resides in
Mobile, Alabama.

GREG ALVAREZ
Brother Greg Alvarez, 66, started
his career with the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1992 when he
sailed aboard the Independence. He
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions and shipped
in the engine department. Brother
Alvarez most recently sailed on
the Ocean Freedom and lives in Miami.

MICHAEL BRISCO
Brother Michael Brisco, 65, joined
the SIU in 2001. He first shipped
on the Chelsea and sailed in the
deck department. Brother Brisco
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. He last
sailed on the Missouri Express and
makes his home in Newport News,
Virginia.

HERMAN CASTRO
Brother Herman Castro, 67, joined
the union in 1989, initially sail-
ing aboard the Independence. An
engine department member, he
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother
Castro most recently sailed on the
Maersk Denver. He lives in Ocala,
Florida.

ISRAEL CORONEL
Brother Israel Coronel, 66, joined
the union in 2012 when he sailed
aboard the President Polk. He
worked in the steward department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Coronel last shipped on
the Maersk Chicago and makes his
home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

ALBERT ELLIS
Brother Albert Ellis, 68, embarked
on his career with the SIU in 1990.
He sailed in the deck department
and first shipped on the Cape
Flattery. Brother Ellis upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. He concluded his
career on the Chemical Explorer
and resides in Biloxi, Mississippi.

SCOTT GETMAN
Brother Scott Getman, 65, joined
the Seafarers in 1979, initially sail-
ing on the El Paso Arzew. Brother
Getman sailed in both the deck
and engine departments and
also worked on shore gangs. He
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions and was
last employed with Sealand. Brother Getman lives in
Venice, Florida.

CRAIG HOLDREDGE
Brother Craig Holdredge, 65,
became a member of the union
in 1978. He shipped in the deck
department and first sailed with
Orgulf Transport. Brother Hol-
dredge upgraded at the Piney
Point school on several occasions.
He last sailed on the Sealand
Express and settled in Santa Maria,
California.

SHIRLEY JENKINS
Sister Shirley Jenkins, 73, joined
the union in 2007. She was a
member of the steward depart-
ment, and initially shipped on the
Energy Enterprise. Sister Jenkins
upgraded her skills often at the
Piney Point school. She concluded
her career aboard the USNS Impec-
cable and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia.

TONI JOHNSON
Sister Toni Johnson, 70, became a
member of the union in 1996 when
she sailed on the Independence.
Sister Johnson worked in the
steward department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on several
occasions. She most recently
shipped on the USNS Dahl and
resides in Keaau, Hawaii.

ALEXANDER MIRAGLIA
Brother Alexander Miraglia, 66,
signed on with the SIU in 1987. He
first sailed with Orgulf Transport
and worked in the deck depart-
ment. Brother Miraglia upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. He last sailed aboard
the Horizon Anchorage and is a res-
ident of St. Charles, Missouri.

ALDO SANTIAGO
Brother Aldo Santiago, 65, started
his career with the union in
1980 and initially sailed aboard
the Portland. Brother Santiago
shipped in both the deck and
engine departments and also
worked on shore gangs. He
upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point school. Brother Santiago was last
employed with World Crane Services and settled in
in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

CLIFFORD SIMRIL
Brother Clifford Simril, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1998 when he
shipped on the Little Hales. A
steward department member, he
upgraded his skills at the Paul
Hall Center on several occasions.
Brother Simril most recently
sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. He resides in Fort
Worth, Texas.

SAMUEL SINCLAIR
Brother Samuel Sinclair, 71,
embarked on his SIU career in
1989, first sailing aboard the USNS
Chauvenet. Brother Sinclair was
a member of the steward depart-
ment. He upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions
and concluded his career on the
Jean Anne. Brother Sinclair lives in Eudora, Kansas.

INLAND
JOHN DEAN
Brother John Dean, 65, started sailing with the Sea-
farers in 1989. He was a deck department member
and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother Dean was employed by OSG Ship
Management for the majority of his career. He settled
in Fairfield, Connecticut.

JOHN DIMEGLIO
Brother John Dimeglio, 62, joined
the SIU in 1983. Sailing as a deck
department member, he worked
with Crowley Towing and Trans-
portation for the duration of his
career. Brother Dimeglio calls San
Pedro, California, home.

BEN JOHNSON
Brother Ben Johnson, 57, started sailing with the
union in 1992 when he shipped on the Gemini. A deck
department member, Brother Johnson upgraded his
skills on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He
last sailed aboard the Pride and resides in Deerfield
Beach, Florida.

ROBERT NOLE
Brother Robert Nole, 66, began his career with the
Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he
was employed with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He
shipped in the deck department and concluded his
career with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother
Nole lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

DONALD SINCLAIR
Brother Donald Sinclair, 67, signed on with the SIU in
1980. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on mul-
tiple occasions. Brother Sinclair was employed with
G&H Towing for most of his career. He makes his
home in Palacios, Texas.

WILLIAM ULCH
Brother William Ulch, 63, joined
the union in 1986. A deck depart-
ment member, he upgraded his
skills at the Paul Hall Center in
2001. Brother Ulch worked with
G&H Towing for the duration of
his career. He settled in Sandia,
Texas.

TROY WILLIAMS
Brother Troy Williams, 62, became
a member of the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1991, initially
sailing aboard the Cape Isabel.
He upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions
and worked in the engine depart-
ment. Brother Williams was most
recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transpor-
tation. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

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!



16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023
16 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 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.

DEEP SEA
ALOA AGOSTINO
Pensioner Aloa Agostino, 97, died
September 13. She became a mem-
ber of the SIU in 1964. A steward
department member, Sister Agos-
tino first sailed aboard the Santa
Magdelena. She last shipped on the
Mahimahi and retired in 1999. Sister
Agostino made her home in Corona
Del Mar, California.

JORGE BONELLI
Brother Jorge Bonelli, 61, has passed
away. He began his career with the
Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing
aboard the Overseas Ohio. Brother
Bonelli sailed in both the deck and
engine departments. He last sailed
on the El Yunque and lived in Kens-
ington, Maryland.

CARLOS CASTILLO
Brother Carlos Castillo, 52, died September 24. He
signed on with the Seafarers International Union
in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence.
Brother Castillo worked in all three departments and
most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Challenge.
He resided in Houston.

MILTON ISRAEL
Pensioner Milton Israel, 74, passed
away September 20. He joined the
SIU in 1968 and first shipped on the
Monticello. Brother Israel sailed
in the engine department. He
last shipped on the Sealand Eagle
and became a pensioner in 2012.
Brother Israel made his home in
Jacksonville, Florida.

ERNEST LACUNZA
Pensioner Ernest Lacunza, 86, died
September 11. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1968, initially
working on the Long Beach. Brother
Lacunza was an engine department
member and concluded his career
aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He
began collecting his pension in
2000 and resided in Sun Valley, Nevada.

SAUNDRA LEONARD
Pensioner Saundra Leonard, 82,
passed away September 19. She
donned the SIU colors in 1992.
A steward department member,
Sister Leonard first shipped on
the Independence. She last sailed
aboard the Integrity and became a
pensioner in 2013. Sister Leonard
lived in Reno, Nevada.

CHARLES PARMAN
Pensioner Charles Parman, 67,
died September 26. He embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
1975 when he sailed aboard the Van
Defender. Brother Parman was a
deck department member and last
shipped on the Liberty Star in 1998.
He began collecting his pension in
2022 and settled in New Orleans.

JOHN PICCIOLO
Pensioner John Picciolo, 68, died
August 20. He became a member
of the SIU in 1973. Brother Picciolo
initially sailed with Waterman
Steamship. He worked in the deck
department and concluded his
career aboard the USNS Antares
in 1994. Brother Picciolo went on
pension in 2021 and resided in North Miami Beach,
Florida.

EDWARD PORTER
Pensioner Edward Porter, 66,
passed away September 29. He
signed on with the Seafarers
International Union in 1979 and
first sailed aboard the H Atlantic.
Brother Porter sailed in the steward
department. He last shipped on the
Maersk Pittsburgh and retired in
2019. Brother Porter lived in Jacksonville, Florida.

PETER RICE
Brother Peter Rice, 53, died Septem-
ber 3. He joined the union in 1992
and initially shipped on the Amer-
ican Merlin. Brother Rice sailed
in the engine department and
concluded his career aboard the
Harry Martin. He was a resident of
Callahan, Florida.

MICHAEL SCINTO
Brother Michael Scinto, 69, passed
away September 9. He became a
member of the SIU in 1974 and first
sailed aboard the Producer. Brother
Scinto worked in the engine depart-
ment and last sailed aboard the
Maersk Iowa. He made his home in
New York.

THOMAS TAYLOR
Pensioner Thomas Taylor, 86, died
September 10. An engine depart-
ment member, he signed on with
the SIU in 1965. Brother Taylor’s
first vessel was the Globe Carrier;
his last, the Sam Houston. He went
on pension in 2004 and settled in
Norfolk, Virginia.

INLAND
FRANK MARTINE
Pensioner Frank Martine, 62,
passed away September 13. He
joined the union in 2003 when
he worked with Moran Towing of
Texas. Brother Martine shipped in
the deck department. He was last
employed with G&H Towing and
retired in 2021. Brother Martine
resided in Livingston, Texas.

HENRY WHITE
Pensioner Henry White, 87, died August 30. He joined
the union in 1976 and first sailed with Marine Con-
tracting and Towing. A deck department member,
Brother White remained with the same company
until his retirement in 1988. He lived in Townville,
South Carolina.

NMU
JOSE ADAMES
Pensioner Jose Adames, 85, died
August 18. A deck department
member, Brother Adames last
shipped on the Green Harbor. He
became a pensioner in 2002 and
lived in Manati, Puerto Rico.

HANNAH BLAZEWICK
Pensioner Hannah Blazewick, 81, passed away Sep-
tember 25. Sister Blazewick worked in both the deck
and engine departments and last shipped on the
Stella Lykes. She went on pension in 1997 and settled
in Luning, Nevada.

WARD BOURSAW
Pensioner Ward Boursaw, 89, passed away August 22.
Brother Boursaw worked in the deck department. He
last sailed aboard the Green Lake before becoming a
pensioner in 2000. Brother Boursaw called Concrete,
Washington, home.

ALEJANDRO CRUZ
Pensioner Alejandro Cruz, 97, died September 26.
Brother Cruz began sailing in 1956. He concluded his
career aboard the American Michigan and retired in
1986. He lived in Naguabo, Puerto Rico.

KEVIN GASAWAY
Pensioner Kevin Gasaway, 68,
passed away September 16. He
worked in the steward department
and last sailed aboard the Maersk
Maryland. Brother Gasaway
became a pensioner in 2007 and
made his home in Houston.

ARNOLD JOHNSON
Pensioner Arnold Johnson, 76, died September 3. He
started sailing in 1967, initially aboard the Dolly Tur-
man. A deck department member, Brother Johnson
last shipped on the Marine Duval before retiring in
2003. He was a New Orleans resident.

EARL JONES
Pensioner Earl Jones, 94, passed away September 21.
Brother Jones last sailed aboard the Texas Trader.
He went on pension in 1982 and settled in Beaumont,
Texas.

WALTER JONES
Pensioner Walter Jones, 99, died September 20.
He began sailing in 1944. A steward department
member, he first shipped on the St. Maheal. Brother
Jones’s final vessel was the African Planet. He
became a pensioner in 1973 and lived in Baltimore.

JAMES POLLETTE
Pensioner James Pollette, 97, passed away September
26. Brother Pollette last sailed aboard the Gulf King.
He began collecting his pension in 1986 and resided
in Nacogdoches, Texas.

WALTER ROSE
Pensioner Walter Rose, 92, died September 16. He
sailed in the deck department and concluded his
career aboard the Stella Lykes. Brother Rose became
a pensioner in 1995 and called Blue Springs, Missis-
sippi, home.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

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

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

Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department_ ___________________
Home Port______________________________________________________________________
E-mail _ ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_ ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No 
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No 
_______________________________________________________________________________

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

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

COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ __________________ ____________________________

____________________________ __________________ ____________________________

____________________________ __________________ ____________________________

____________________________ __________________ ____________________________

____________________________ __________________ ____________________________

____________________________ __________________ ____________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _ _______________________

Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:_ _______________________

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________


NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present origi-
nal receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent
before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to:
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafar-
ers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise
qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities.

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

Latest Course Dates

SEAFARERS LOG • 17DECEMBER 2024

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 10 February 21
April 14 April 25

RFPNW January 13 January 31

Able Seafarer - Deck January 20 February 7
February 10 February 28
March 17 April 4

ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES


RFPEW January 13 February 7


FOWT January 27 February 21
March 17 April 11
April 21 May 16

Welding January 13 January 31
February 24 March 14
April 21 May 9

STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Galley Operations January 13 February 7
February 10 March 7
March 10 April 4
April 7 May 2

Certified Chief Cook February 17 April 25
April 28 July 4
July 7 September 12

ServSafe Management February 10 February 14
April 21 April 25
June 30 July 4

Advanced Galley Operations February 3 February 28
March 3 March 28
March 31 April 25

Chief Steward January 6 January 31
April 28 May 23
June 23 July 18

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES

Basic Training February 3 February 7
April 7 April 11

Basic Training Revalidation January 6 January 6
January 10 January 10
January 27 January 27
January 31 January 31
March 3 March 3
March 7 March 7
April 14 April 14
April 18 April 18

Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18


Government Vessels January 27 January 31
February 24 February 28
March 17 March 21
April 7 April 11


Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18



18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023
18 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #913 – Pictured above: Jasmine Brockington, Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda,
Sherlyen Gedeon, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-Johnson, Javion Riley-Medlock, Deandre Ryan, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah
Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton.

RFPEW – Graduated September 20 (not all are pictured): Justine Headen,
Christopher Holmes, Joshua Mair, Denise Parker, Lakisha Perry, Caleb Rawls,
Kenneth Watts Berry, Conor Westbrook and Benjamin Wilkinson.

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated September 20 (above, not all are pictured): Omar Alshami, Marissa Armstead, Justin Bodnar, John Garrett, Nasir Harrell, Jamari Harris, Donna
Hickman, Alan Hollinger, Quincy Howard, Kaden Ketcham, Hyun Kim, Demir Koksal, Darea McCarthy, Alyssa Ray, David Rexrode Jr., Maurice Roberts Jr., Jayden Smith, Nature Torrey, Wilfredo Velez-
Mendez, Ronald Williams and Tyler Williams.

RFPNW – Graduated September 13:
Vensen Suguitan and Nature Torrey.

RFPNW – Graduated September 27: Mathew Bolanos, Benjamin
Brown, Tristan Chavers, Austin Gass, Richard Holland, Antoine
Kozel, Corey Lopez, Lionel Packnett Jr., James Randall III,
Raymond Richards, Sarah Silverleaf, Leondre Stevenson, Connor
Stratton and Trent Valentine.

WELDING – Graduated September 6: Francois
Doucet III, Jylnn LeCounte, Alton Simpson, Ian
Tarwater and Nashell Williams. Instructor Chris
Raley is at the far left.

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated September 20: Jontae Allen, Zyon Anderson, Adam Atterberry Jr., Paul
Conlon, Alexandria DeAtley, Gennaro Dimatteo, Nadia Forester, Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Nainoa Goodwin,
Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Samaria Harper, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Ashton Luuloa, Kenny Nguyen,
Shania Panton, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Nathan Tissaw, Daniel Valentine and Allan Willingham.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19
SEAFARERS LOG • 19DECEMBER 2024

BASIC SAFETY – Graduated October 4: Phillip Adams, Tyler Allen, Corey Ambrose, Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas, Jeremy Fazio,
Alex Greco, Kristopher Henny, Chifhon Hogan, Shatavia Ingram, Michael Johnson, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Robert McMahon,
Tylan Meekins, Nathaniel Orff, Justice Rodriguez and Charles Vanderpool.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 4 (not all are pictured): Moath Alsharif,
Debra Bright, Peter Burroughs, Jeffrey Corpstein, Sharoneca Currelley, Simona Evans, Luis
Fernandez, Takiyah Francis, Timothy Franklin Jr., Noel Gemo, William Harris, Paul Hudgins,
John Long, Tomas Merel, John Roberson II, Angela Robertson, Deja Taylor, Jasean Tomlin,
Guillermo Villegas, Steven Whiting, Michael Williams, Al Yandoc and Mehdi Youssef.

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): John Adarayan, Mahmoud Fares, Samyra Gardner, Jerome
Johnson Jr., Nikita Johnson, Maria Legier, Ramon Lino, Sandra Norato, Kevin Watson Jr. and James White Jr.

WELDING – Graduated October 11: Tre
Scott (above, left) and Jessica Valentin (not
pictured). Instructor Chris Raley is at right.

RFPEW – Graduated October 18: Robert Bergstedt Jr.,
Daqwuan Cleveland, Eric Davidson, Andre Dixon Jr.,
Yetiani Fernandez, Adam Hassebrock, David Jackson and
Chad Peters.

VESSEL OPS – Graduated October 18: Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn,
Dennis Garcia Borda, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-
Johnson, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton.

BASIC SAFETY - UPGRADERS – Graduated
October 4: Joseph Tier (left), Brandon Jordan (right)
and Aaron Wood (not pictured).

COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated October 11: Zachary
Cartwright, Jessica Clark, Brian Guiry, Crystal Higgs, Essam Hussein and Nicholas
Simoneaux.



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

SEAFARERS LOG
DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12

The SIU enjoyed some time in the spotlight
Oct. 25 in New York City, as personnel
from throughout the U.S. maritime indus-

try gathered for the 55th Annual Admiral of
the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards, hosted by the
United Seamen’s Service (USS).

Receiving the AOTOS Awards were SIU
Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; TOTE
Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; and
Fairwater CEO Daniel J. Thorogood. SIU crews
from the G&H Towing boat George M and the
USNS William R. Button (Crowley) received
Honored Seafarer Awards for heroic actions
on the job, as did SIU CIVMARS from the USNS
Brunswick.

A Special AOTOS Recognition Plaque was
awarded to ILWU Local 142 and the Hawaii
Longshore Division for their heroic response
to the Maui wildfires.

The well-attended dinner brought together
nearly 800 of the who’s who in maritime,
plus special guest Elaine L. Chao, former
U.S. Secretary of Labor, U.S. Secretary of
Transportation, and longtime friend of the SIU.

“This event underscores the strength and
unity of our maritime community. We are proud
to honor those who work tirelessly to advance
our industry and protect our seafarers,” said
USS President Edward Morgan.

The program began with a welcome and
introduction from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen.
Kenneth R. Wykle and the presentation of the
colors by the SUNY Color Guard. Following
that, Reverend Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active
SIU member) led the invocation.

Major Gen. Daniel H. Tulley, USAF, followed
with remarks about the USTRANSCOM and
commercial maritime industry partnership.
Then, U.S. Maritime Administrator and retired
Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, USN, took the stage
to discuss opportunities for the maritime
industry. She emphasized a focus on improving
shipboard life, which would help attract and
retain mariners over time and build a stronger
more sustainable workforce. She went on to
cite legislation in the works that would help
strengthen the maritime industry.

“The maritime industry … and maritime
policy are indeed the focus of a tremendous
amount of positive, bipartisan, and bicameral
work and action on the bill in Congress,” said
Phillips, referring to the Ships for America Act.
“We thank the many Congress members and
senators who are involved in this legislation
and other activities and across a range of
stakeholders. We know this assessment of the
critical role and the understanding of that role
that the maritime transportation system plays

in the lives of all Americans. We now have an
opportunity to carry this industry forward into
the future to build our national security and to
ensure our economic security. So collectively,
let’s seize the day.”

Chao, herself a 2019 AOTOS Award recipient,
presented the Honored Seafarer Awards, which
recognized the mariners’ acts of heroism and
highlighted inspiring stories of bravery and
courage. The honorees each received AOTOS
Mariner Plaques for their achievements.
Among the recipients were SIU boatmen
Master Jordan Ward, Mate Stayton Sartor,
Mate Trainee Tyler Walker, Chief Engineer
Richard Zyvloski, and Wiper Hunter Legge.

Tellez thanked his family and his mentors,
while also challenging his industry peers and
colleagues to work tirelessly to promote and
grow the U.S. maritime industry. He described
the SIU’s successful, ongoing recruiting efforts
and noted the industry-wide manpower
challenges that were exacerbated by the
pandemic.

Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit
USS community services abroad for the U.S.
Merchant Marine, seafarers of all nations,
and U.S. government and military members
overseas. SIU President David Heindel was this
year’s dinner chairman.

SIU Crews, Exec. VP Tellez Honored at AOTOS Event

The cover of this year’s program features honorees Augie Tellez, Dan
Thorogood, and Tim Nolan.

U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips discusses the
industry’s future.

The Hon. Elaine L. Chao, longtime backer of the U.S.
Merchant Marine, prepares to present the Honored
Seafarer Awards.

Rev. Fr. Sinclair Oubre (at podium) gives the invocation. At left
is retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle.