Media
Issue Date
2023-01-01
Volume
85
Issue Number
1
Plaintext
JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
SIU Year in Review
Page 20
SHBP Scholarship Info
Page 9
Bisso Boatmen Ratify ContractBisso Boatmen Ratify Contract
3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son recently approved a new contract that
boosts wages and includes many other improvements. Negotiations took place in New
Orleans in mid-November; voting concluded Nov. 23. The photo above includes mem-
bers of the respective bargaining committees. Pictured from left in the Crescent City
are SIU Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, Bisso Operations Manager Timothy Michel,
Bisso President Matt Holzhalb, Bisso VP Mike Vitt, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook,
SIU Alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais, Bisso HR Manager Ashley Sorrells, SIU Wheel-
man Delegate Ian Strother, Bisso CFO Casey Willis and SIU Engineer Delegate Kevin
Wells. The photo at immediate right, taken in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, includes boat-
men from the Vera Bisso along with SIU delegates and Westbrook (third from right).
Page 3.
Continuing a decades-long tradition,
steward-department Seafarers made
extra efforts to help ensure an enjoy-
able Thanksgiving for their respec-
tive shipmates throughout the fleet.
Among those providing scrumptious
holiday fare at sea was Recertified
Steward Cleto Lindong (left in photo
at immediate right) aboard the Safma-
rine Ngami. He’s pictured with vessel
master Capt. William Fisher. Enjoy-
ing a meal aboard the Maersk Line,
Limited vessel are (from left in photo
above) QMED Brandon Thornton, AB
Alex Busby, SA Santiago Aquino, AB
Orlando Da Cruz and QEE Matthew
Yowell. Pages 10-11.
Steward Departments Brighten Holiday at SeaSteward Departments Brighten Holiday at Sea
The yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, took
place Nov. 22 and featured an array of U.S. congressional representatives, mili-
tary personnel, company executives – and of course, Seafarers, SIU retirees and
their families. Pictured at the gathering are members of the 4th Marine Division,
23rd Regiment Color Guard along with (front, from left) Chief Cook Ronald Wil-
liams, AB Paul Clow, AB Josesimo Balerite, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman
and ACU Mohamed Wasel. Pictured from right to left in the second row are SIU
Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona and retired
Recertified Steward George Pino, along with the color guard. Page 5.
Oakland Thanksgiving EventOakland Thanksgiving Event
Another Rousing SuccessAnother Rousing Success
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2 Seafarers LOG January 2023
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
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Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
Volume 85 Number 1 January 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
mentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Reversed to White
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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
Big Wins for Maritime
President’s ReportPresident’s Report
The most recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
contains a number of key victories for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I’m
proud to say the SIU played an active role in helping secure many of the
components.
One of the particularly noteworthy develop-
ments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker
Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships
later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only
will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will
strengthen U.S. national security by reducing po-
tential reliance on foreign ships and crews.
In what I would describe as a “lessons
learned” section, the legislation boosts Jones Act
enforcement through a series of smart procedural
mandates. This should help preserve American
jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag
interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking ad-
vantage of situations such as natural disasters just
to make a buck.
The NDAA also has a lot of meat when it
comes to modernizing the mariner credential-
ing system and reducing the current backlogs. As Seafarers know, these are
critical steps that absolutely affect U.S. national, economic and homeland
security.
Other elements of the bill focus on maintaining safe workplaces, making
it easier for military veterans with sea time to enter our industry, and guar-
anteeing shore leave for our brothers and sisters in the National Oceano-
graphic and Atmospheric Administration fleet.
Finally, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant
Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress
that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infra-
structure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine are essential workers.”
Our legislative team deserves kudos for helping advance your interests
– and our rank-and-file members deserve credit, too. Your professionalism
and reliability strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill (and at other levels of
government). Candidly, your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary politi-
cal action fund, also makes a big difference. It’s vital for helping us promote
and protect not just the SIU but the broader U.S. Merchant Marine.
I look forward to watching all of this play out and to helping make it
happen.
Brotherhood of the Sea
Whether you’re flipping through printed pages or scrolling online, a
look at pretty much any issue of the LOG gives readers a good idea of what
we’re all about.
In this edition alone, our coverage reflects the SIU securing great con-
tracts, saving lives at sea, brightening the holidays for one another, engag-
ing in grassroots political action, and even speaking up for mariners on the
world stage.
Additionally, the class photos from our affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland, are more than just potential keepsakes. They reflect the steady
operations of a world-class training facility – one that serves as a gateway
for career advancement. And, the apprentice photos show the next genera-
tion of Seafarers (who’ll benefit greatly from what we’re working on now).
We need to make sure these young women and men continue entering our
industry.
Not to be overlooked are the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholar-
ships that are available to members and their dependents. Be sure to check
on those details, apply if it’s something that might help you, and encourage
others to do the same.
Last but definitely not least, read the answers in our “Inquiring Seafarer”
feature. (By the way, that feature has run in the LOG off and on for de-
cades.) Those comments from longtime members again reflect an organiza-
tion that has a lot to offer and much to be proud of.
Now, let’s continue our momentum in the New Year!
Michael Sacco
AMP Salutes Rep. González-Colón
The leading U.S. domestic maritime coalition
recently honored a longtime backer of the industry.
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) on
Nov. 16 presented U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-
Colón (R-Puerto Rico) with its American Maritime
Champion Award. According to the coalition, “The
award recognizes individuals or groups of indi-
viduals who have added to the rich heritage of the
United States as a maritime nation through their
professional contributions, courage, outstanding
achievements, or noble qualities.”
The SIU is an AMP affiliate; SIU Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez represented the union at the
awards ceremony.
“In her role as the Resident Commissioner of
Puerto Rico, Rep. González-Colón has been an ar-
dent supporter of the Jones Act and American Mar-
itime as a whole,” AMP noted in a news release.
“She is a member of the U.S. House Transporta-
tion & Infrastructure Committee and possesses a
deep understanding of the importance of a robust
national maritime capacity. Rep. González-Colón is
a champion of the Puerto Rican people on the issues
that matter most to the Island.”
“I am honored to have been selected for this
award, finding myself in the company of many dis-
tinguished congressional leaders,” said González-
Colón. “We all share a common goal of defending
American industry and jobs and the preservation of
our security of supply. Our economy moves based
on what we can export and import; the maritime
industry is the main artery of our supply chain and
inserts our products in the market. The American
shipping industry has served Puerto Rico for over
a century, developing infrastructure, employees,
fleets, specialized equipment, and systems, and
continuing to improve them, which assists the re-
covery of Puerto Rico with the presence of a regular
route system. We have seen how having direct, reli-
able, and expeditious service lifts up our economy.
The current effort in the modernization of the fleet
is critical for the reliability of service and drives an
investment in the American shipbuilding in which
many Puerto Rican workers are part of the team in
the mainland, as well as creating and sustaining port
and shipping jobs in Puerto Rico in support of our
export and import industries.”
“Representative González-Colón has been a
steadfast leader in her commitment to the people
she serves, including the men and women of Ameri-
can maritime in Puerto Rico,” said AMP President
Ku’uhaku Park. “She understands not only the im-
portance of a reliable, on-time American supply
chain to and from Puerto Rico, as was seen during
the pandemic and supply-chain disruption, but also
the larger significance of ensuring national security
through a strong shipbuilding and merchant mariner
capacity.”
Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) AMP President Ku’uhaku Park, U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón
(R-Puerto Rico) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez.
The SIU is assisting with a (free) membership drive for American Maritime Voices, which is affiliated
with the coalition American Maritime Partnership. Individuals are encouraged to sign up online. This
is a grassroots effort to stand up for the Jones Act.
Union Assists Maritime Ally in Important Drive
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 3
Bisso Boatmen Ratify Three-Year Contract
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso &
Son unanimously have ratified a three-year
contract featuring substantial gains.
The union represents 70 boatmen at Bisso,
which is headquartered in New Orleans.
They work as wheelmen, deckhands and en-
gineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing
ship docking and offshore towing services.
Negotiations took place Nov. 15-17 in
New Orleans. Ratification began immedi-
ately thereafter and concluded Nov. 23.
The SIU negotiating committee consisted
of Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer
Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate
Ian Strother, Deckhand Delegate Jacob
Toler and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais.
“We had a lot of experience on the com-
mittee, along with some newer guys,” West-
brook said. “The company, to their credit,
stepped up and negotiated a package that re-
flects the current labor market. They recog-
nize the value of their employees. I think the
contract is a tremendous retention and attrac-
tion tool, and it’s a win-win for both sides.”
Wells stated, “All in all, the negotiations
were pretty tough, but in the end, both sides
came to an agreement. After going out and
speaking with the guys, everybody was very
pleased. Personally, I was pleased with the
company’s willingness to work with us.”
He added that the annual wages increases
are the largest he’s seen in his 35-year tenure
with Bisso.
“That’s the highlight to me and I think it’s
the same for the rest of the guys,” Wells said.
Strother, a nine-year employee, served as
a bargaining-team member for the first time
and said he found the process “interesting. At
times we were joking, and at other times it
was very stressful. I’m very happy with the
way it turned out.
“We tried to get the best agreement pos-
sible for our co-workers,” he added. “We
didn’t necessarily get everything we wanted,
but we did really well.”
In addition to calling for yearly wage in-
creases, the contract also boosts base pay; in-
cludes an immediate cost-of-living bonus for
all ratings; and features a longevity bonus for
employees who’ve been with the company
for at least 30 years.
The pact maintains medical coverage at
the top level available through the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan (Core Plus), adds
a paid holiday, expands the bereavement
clause, doubles the rate for maintenance and
cure, and doubles the reimbursement for per-
sonal protective equipment.
Deckhand Ryan Bryce (left) discusses the new contract with bargaining com-
mittee members Ian Strother (center) and Jacob Toler.
SIU boatmen are pictured Nov. 23 outside the company’s fleet office in New Orleans. SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook is at center in photo above, and fourth from right in the photo below.
The global maritime industry faces massive changes
related to new fuels – and the SIU is helping make sure
mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly
will be a decades-long process.
Most recently, this outreach consisted of longtime SIU
member Lindsey Austin participating in the Conference
of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Conven-
tion on Climate Change – abbreviated as COP27 (it’s the
twenty-seventh such conference). The well-attended gath-
ering took place Nov. 6-20 in Egypt.
“I was really proud to represent working seafarers and
especially to represent the SIU,” said Austin, a 10-year
member currently sailing as a chief mate. “The industry’s
goal is to be emissions-free or neutral by 2050, so mariner
retraining is needed. Not only will we need to reskill and
retrain, we’ll also need to attract and retain new people.”
While the conference had a wide-ranging agenda, a
highlight for shipboard personnel and their unions was
the introduction of Maritime Just Transition Task Force.
Formed by unions, vessel owners and United Nations enti-
ties, the group’s mission statement underscores that its ob-
jective is “to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate
emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of
the solution.”
In that vein, COP27 included the unveiling of a new
report commissioned by the Task Force. The research and
findings pertain to mariner training and skills for decarbon-
ized shipping.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),
touching on some of the report’s findings, noted, “The
three emission-reduction scenarios assessed in the research
highlight an immediate need to start putting the training
infrastructure in place, to ensure hundreds of thousands of
the world’s nearly two million seafarers are upskilled and
empowered through the transition. Findings also suggest
that a lack of certainty on alternative fuel options is hav-
ing [undesirable] effects for seafarer training, as the global
maritime community works towards a clearer decarboniza-
tion pathway in a post-fossil fuel era.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel – who chairs
both the ITF Seafarers’ Section and the Maritime Just Tran-
sition Task Force and has been extensively involved in pro-
moting mariner welfare around the globe – stated, “A Just
Transition for shipping will require a commitment to safe
crewing: having enough seafarers on board to allow for the
safe handling of new fuels, technologies and ship designs.”
(Heindel announced the federation’s sustainable shipping
policy a year earlier.)
COP27 attendees expressed appreciation for the spe-
cific recommendations contained in the Maritime Just
Transition Task Force report. Those goals include commit-
ting to global labor standards, prioritizing mariner health
and safety, investing in training, supporting career path-
ways, addressing attrition and recruitment, and more.
Austin, who also participated in the 2021 COP meet-
ing online, primarily took part in two of the COP27 pan-
els. She found the experience “100 percent worthwhile.
It’s always nice to be around a group of people who have
a common cause and are passionate about it,” she stated.
“People might not agree on the politics or science of cli-
mate change, but there is no question that change is coming
in our industry. Now we have a plan.”
She added that a comment from one of the other pan-
elists underscored the importance of mariners participat-
ing in COP27 and in future related events. “The sentiment
was that we wouldn’t talk about farming without including
farmers, and we shouldn’t talk about the maritime industry
without seafarers,” Austin said. “That may sound basic but
it’s a good point and it reinforces the need for us to be
involved.”
SIU Helps in Delivery
Of Mariner Message At Key
United Nations Conference
SIU member Lindsey Austin takes notes during one of
the discussions at COP27. She also addressed attend-
ees, providing the perspective of an active mariner.
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4 Seafarers LOG January 2023
SIU members sailing aboard the American Phoenix were
in the right place at the right time, and helped to rescue a
raft full of Cuban migrants adrift in the Straits of Florida on
Nov. 22.
The SIU members sailing aboard the Seabulk-operated
tanker included: Recertified Bosun Charles Hill; ABs
Nicholas Carey, Edward Gavagan, Andrew Graham, Ed-
ward Majesky and James Riley; QEP Benjamin Mathews;
OMUs Damir Josipovic, Javier Murillo Solorzano and
Jose Smith; Steward Baker John Greubel, Chief Cook Jose
Clotter and GVA Ricardo Escorcia. The officers aboard the
vessel are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American
Maritime Officers.
Vessel master Capt. Thomas Liebsch reported, “At 0742
local time on November 22, while the American Phoenix
was transiting from Port Everglades to the Southwest Pass,
the 2nd Mate and lookout, AB Andrew Graham, spotted a
small object approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the ves-
sel. Upon further inspection, they could see a raft with men
onboard, waving their arms and a flag.”
Graham stated, “We saw an object from afar and when it
got closer, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw people try-
ing to flag us down. I thought it was trash at first, they were
being pushed into the Gulf of Mexico and had minimal sup-
plies left. They may have had a grave outcome if we hadn’t
spotted their little makeshift raft.”
The raft was described by the captain as a “makeshift
craft, poorly constructed of plywood and Styrofoam and with
an open bottom, with seven Cuban migrants onboard.” After
contacting the United States Coast Guard Sector Key West,
the crew of the American Phoenix was first advised to remain
in the area, and then later instructed to attempt a rescue and
bring the migrants aboard.
Liebsch continued, “At 0828 local time, the USCG asked
if the vessel would attempt a rescue and disembark the mi-
grants from the raft onto the ship. The Chief Mate and Bosun
Charles Hill directed ABs Andrew Graham, Ed Gavagan,
Eddie Majesky and Nick Carey, and QMED Benjamin
Mathews to rig the accommodation and pilot ladders and
prepare life rings and heaving lines. With the Captain giving
rudder commands, AB James Riley carefully steered the ves-
sel closer to the raft and the crew was able to get a sea painter
over by using a line throwing appliance. Once the raft was
safely alongside, all seven migrants were transferred to the
ship at 1015 local time.”
Clotter provided translation assistance between the
crew and the migrants. He stated, “The Chief Mate asked
me to help translate once they determined the men were
Cuban. Upon boarding the vessel, I questioned the men
to make sure they did not have any weapons, and asked
if they were looking for help. They responded that they
were in need of help, and that they had been out at sea for
nine days.”
Clotter added, “The steward department gathered some
fruit and water for them, and then my wife, who was working
on another ship at the time, suggested that I offer to give them
some spare clothes to change into, once I shared the news
with her. So I did just that – I gave them pants and shirts, and
also asked the rest of the crew to join in as well, if they had
anything to spare.”
The captain agreed, saying, “Chief Cook Jose Clotter,
GVA Ricardo Escorcia and OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano
did a fantastic job of translating so the crew could better
help and provide comfort for the migrants. Additional engine
room personnel who provided assistance in the engine control
room and on deck included OMUs Damir Josipovic and Jose
Smith.”
He concluded his report: “The vessel proceeded towards
Key West to rendezvous with USCG Cutter Vigorous. QMED
Mathews helped the men all properly don their lifejackets in
preparation for the transfer to the cutter. At 1254 local time,
the cutter launched a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and the seven
migrants boarded via the accommodation ladder at 1312 local
time.”
American Phoenix Crew Rescues Migrants
Pictured from left in the back row are Chief Steward John Greubel, AB Ed Gavagan, Bosun Charles Hill,
AB Nick Carey, OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano and OMU Jose Smith. Seated (from left) are GVA Ricardo
Escorcia, AB James Riley, AB Andrew Graham and Chief Cook Jose Clotter. Chief Cook Jose Clotter (left) is pictured with the rescued migrants.
The raft as seen from the SIU-crewed American Phoenix.
SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (left) and
United States Vice President Kamala Harris meet at a recent
labor gathering in San Francisco. Harris is a longtime friend
of the SIU. During the meeting, she underscored her ongoing
support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights.
VP Harris Reiterates Support
On October 16,
while transiting the
Florida Straits en
route from Jack-
sonville, Florida, to
Port Arthur, Texas,
the mate on watch
aboard the Sun-
shine State (In-
trepid Personnel
and Provisioning)
noticed what he
thought to be an
unusually small
sailboat on the
starboard bow.
Further investi-
gation revealed
a makeshift craft
overloaded with
refugees making
various signals in-
dicating distress.
Closer inspection
revealed a home-
made, small craft consisting of plastic or foam blocks cobbled together along with a small windsurfing sail.
Under advisement from the Coast Guard, the Sunshine State circled the craft to calm the seas until a U.S.
Customs vessel arrived on scene. The SIU crew of the Sunshine State included Recertified Bosun Randell
Porter; ABs Carlos Avila, Daniel Harris, Paul Riley and Lloyd Stock; QE3 Manolito Garcia; Steward/Baker
Mamie Porter and GVA Ernesto Martinez.
Sunshine State Helps Save 9
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 5
The yearly pre-Thanksgiving gath-
ering at the hiring hall in Oakland,
California, once again proved smooth,
successful – and filling.
Locally renowned for decades, the
2022 iteration took place in its usual
slot on the Tuesday before the holiday
(Nov. 22). The event featured a com-
prehensive menu, remarks from union
officials and guests, and relaxed fel-
lowship.
Among those addressing the crowd
of approximately 120 people were U.S.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-California),
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California),
U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew
Sugimoto and Yardena Wolf, chief of
staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-
California).
Guests included rank-and-file SIU
members and their families, SIU re-
tirees, shipping company executives,
representatives from various labor
organizations, and others. Among the
vessel operators represented at the
traditional feast were Matson, Patriot,
Pasha, Crowley and Starlight Marine.
“Our theme this year really focused
on giving thanks and also on unity,”
said SIU Vice President Government
Services Nicholas Celona, long the
driving force behind the event. “One
point I emphasized is that we can
disagree about policies, but we have
to stay unified. We’re Americans and
we’re all in this together.”
Other speakers shared those senti-
ments and also underscored their sup-
port for the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Charles
Farruggia for supplying the photos on
this page.
Oakland Thanksgiving Event a Success
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee
(D-California)
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
(D-California)
Yardena Wolf
Chief of Staff, Office of
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California)
SIU VP Nicholas Celona (center) is pictured with International Union of Elevator Construc-
tors Local 8 Business Reps Ryan Lange (left) and Greg Hardeman.
Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard and retired Recertified
Steward George Pino (right, holding U.S. Merchant Marine flag) help kick off the event.
SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chats with guests from Carpenters Local 2233. Pictured
from left are Arturo Rodriguez, Tim Favaloro and Francisco Martinez. Bosun Victor Frazier (center) and his family enjoy the gathering.
In photo at immediate left, U.S. Coast Guard
Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto (right) addresses
the audience as VP Nick Marrone looks on. Pic-
tured from left (photo above) are SIU VP Nicho-
las Celona, Richard Carpeneti (former president
of the San Francisco Housing Authority) and
Larry Mazzola Jr. (president of Plumbers and
Pipe Fitters Local 38).
Patriot Contract Services President Lance Bardo, SIU VP
Nick Marrone
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6 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Bosun Robert O’Connell recently was
moved to write to the staff of the Seafarers
LOG, detailing his experiences while sail-
ing aboard the cable ship Decisive late last
year. The vessel, operated by Subcom, was
tasked a cable-laying operation in the Medi-
terranean Sea, which lasted about 40 days.
O’Connell embraced the challenge, say-
ing, “I caught the AB job and hadn’t been
on one of those cable ships in 20 years. It’s
an interesting operation.” He joined the SIU
in 1991, as part of Class 475, and sailed
until 2004. He left the industry for personal
reasons, but returned to sailing in 2019.
While the trip was unique in its own
way, what inspired him to catalogue the
voyage was his collective interaction with
the rest of the crew: “They showed great
teamwork, and were able and willing to per-
form any task given to them.”
He added, “What really stuck out to me
was how the apprentices and ordinaries re-
ally stood up. They really impressed me.
There was nothing they couldn’t do. They
worked together, stayed happy and upbeat
and got the job done. And it was a long job.”
O’Connell also stated that in conversa-
tions with the captain, Eric Ellsworth, the
vessel master mentioned more than once
how pleased he was with the work of the
apprentices.
O’Connell wanted to highlight the ef-
forts of the following crew members while
he was aboard: Bosun Santos Contreras,
Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, ABs Suallah
Osman, John Reid and Cameron Ruth-
lev, OSs Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer,
Levi Gorokhovsky, and Darius Parker,
Chief Electrician Casey Frederick, MDR
Luke Mueller, CASJ Dominador Diaz,
OMU Kasim Ahmed, Chief Steward
Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Walter
Schoppe, Third Cook Virgilio Brosoto, SA
Mahmoud Fares, GVAs Khaleel Boat-
ner, Donato Camandang, Verna Dotson,
Justo Guity, Ryan Heimberger, Ruby
Jones, Salah Mohmohd, Kassem Salah
and Van Valladolid, and Apprentices Pres-
ton Stine and Carl Piercy.
Regarding the work of Chief Cook
Schoppe – who has sailed with the SIU
for more than 40 years – O’Connell noted,
“The food was great. He’s a real profes-
sional.”
He concluded by saying, “It made me
feel good that the SIU tradition of good
seamanship and work ethic hasn’t been lost.
My hat’s off to them.”
Longtime Seafarer Praises Cable Ship Comrades
Pictured from left to right are OS Levi Gorokhovsky, Bosun Santos Contreras, Chief Officer Gary Bigham, OS Destini Dunlap, OS
Robert Freer, OS Ryan Heinberger and UA Carl Piercy. Chief Cook Walter Schoppe
AB Suallah Osman (left) and OS Levi Gorokhovsky take inventory and stow gear for the
cable operations.
Apprentice Preston Stine plays guitar during
his coffee break.
The U.S. Merchant Marine was included in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony Dec. 7 in the
nation’s capital. The event, hosted by Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National
Park Service, took place at the World War II Memorial. Retired Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus attended
the ceremony and provided these photos. The posed photo by the wreaths includes (from left) Deputy
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and Adm. Christopher W. Grady, who serves as the twelfth Vice
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Observance Includes Merchant Mariners
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 7
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
CHEERFUL VISIT – AB Donald Desir (second from left) meets with personnel
from the Baltimore International Seafarers Center aboard the ARC Defender
(TOTE Services). The ladies brought gifts for the crew to brighten their time
in Charm City.
ABOARD MAERSK SARATOGA
– Bosun Kemer Rojas (left) and AB
Ramon Guity are pictured aboard the
Maersk Line, Limited ship in mid-No-
vember in Kuwait.
ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – QMED Sammy Montana
cuts a metal pipe fitting with an electric jigsaw.
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Bosun Mark Hoff-
man (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent
Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. Hoffman
started sailing with the union in 1987.
WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified Steward
Jeff Beasley (left) picks up his first pension check at the
hiring hall following a 40-year career. His daughter, Leilani,
is in the center, while SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice is at
right.
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime SIU
member and delegate Capt. Terry Murley (left), who spent
his entire 44-year career at Crescent Towing, picks up his
first retirement check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Chris
Westbrook is at right.
TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – Chief
Cook Kirk Fisher (center in photo at left) re-
ceives his A-book at the hiring hall. He’s pic-
tured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right)
and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. In the larger
group photo above, SA Stephen Nowell (cen-
ter, with hand raised) takes the oath prior to
receiving his B-book at the hall. Pictured from
left are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon,
MDR Yan Paing (partially visible), Niday, Ri-
vera, Nowell, SA Ahmed Abubaker, OS Abdel-
rahim Salih, and Chief Cook Ashley Graham.
HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Randy Slue
takes a busman’s holiday by volunteering at the
hall in Jacksonville, Florida. “He always comes
through for us,” said SIU Port Agent Ashley Nel-
son.
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8 Seafarers LOG January 2023
A-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Picking up their respective
A-seniority books at the Jacksonville hall are (left in
photo above) QMED George Box and (left in photo
below) Bosun Terry Hester. Box is pictured with SIU
Safety Director Adam Bucalo, while Hester is shown
with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
HONING SKILLS – Mariners from the Algol and Capella are pictured following small-arms training. From left: Capt.
Raymond Davis, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Electrician Alex Canada, Recertified Bosun Artis Wil-
liams, Capt. Andrew Diamond and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman.
ABOARD MAUNAWILI – SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sa-
hagon (right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Matson ship.
Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz is at left while Recertified
Steward Christopher Amigable is at center.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD USNS MAURY – GVA Brian Peralta (seated) is sur-
prised with a chocolate mousse cake in celebration of his retire-
ment from sailing. Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins is at left while
vessel master Capt. Jon Skogland is at right aboard the Ocean
Shipholdings-operated vessel.
A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Brandon Urich (right) re-
ceives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall
with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr.
FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Two Seafarers recently received their respective B-books at the Houston hall. They are AB
Adolf Abbey (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel) and AB Daniel Hanback (left in photo at left, with SIU
Patrolman Kelly Krick).
MILESTONE IN JERSEY – AB Dennis Saggese (right in
photo at immediate right) receives his A-seniority book at the
hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta
is at left.
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 9
Introduction
This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes impor-
tant information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes
general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corpora-
tion (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension
plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean
that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in
any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2021
and ending July 31, 2022 (the “2021 Plan Year”).
How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure
called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the
plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s
funded percentage for the 2021 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart
below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period.
Funded Percentage
2021 Plan Year 2020 Plan Year 2019 Plan Year
Valuation Date August 1, 2021 August 1, 2020 August 1, 2019
Funded Percentage Over 100% Over 100% Over 100%
Value of Assets $111,300,133 $106,834,294 $106,530,327
Value of Liabilities $105,199,118 $102,467,876 $ 99,134,084
Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial
values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in
the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predict-
able levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture
of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and
are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the
Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31,
2022 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this
notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2021
annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2023.
July 31, 2022 July 31, 2021 July 31, 2020
Fair Market Value of Assets $110,134,839 $119,994,941 $101,823,920
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than
80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may
also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become
insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies).
If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improve-
ment plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of
the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish
steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The
plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce
current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.
The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2021 Plan Year.
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,050.
Of this number, 785 were current employees, 862 were retired and receiving benefits, and 403 were retired
or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A fund-
ing policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by
employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016,
the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective
bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding
standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue
Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance
with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code.
Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instruc-
tions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a
portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced invest-
ment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve
positive investment results over the long term.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of
investments, as of the end of the 2021 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets:
Asset Allocations Percentage
1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2.9%
2. U.S. Government securities 0.0%
3. Corporate debt instruments 0.0%
4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 22.2%
5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 8.5%
6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 62.3%
7. Other 4.1%
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the
“Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic
copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual
reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Adminis-
tration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC
20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making
a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400,
San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available
now. The annual report for the 2021 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee
Benefits Security Administration in May 2022. Annual reports do not contain personal information,
such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993
or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits.
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans
that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan
administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice.
A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay ben-
efits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest
level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay
benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the
plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount
necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s
financial condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and ben-
eficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition,
participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their ben-
efits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option.
This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have
earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There
are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-
employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program.
Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11
of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times
each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month
times a participant’s years of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit
of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by
dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The
guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33),
or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual
rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount
for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the
participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retire-
ment benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which
are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before
starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will
disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of
the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the
time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the nor-
mal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health
insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to
the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact
your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension
benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your
Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator,
SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107,
415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the
Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number
or “EIN” is 94-6061923.
Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer
eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2023
calendar year.
Three scholarships will be designated
for Seafarers while five will be targeted
for spouses and dependents. One of the
endowments reserved for Seafarers totals
$20,000 and is intended to help defray the
costs associated with attending a four-year,
college-level course of study. The remain-
ing two are in the amount of $6,000 each
and are designed as two-year awards for
study at a postsecondary vocational school
or community college. Each of the five
scholarships for spouses and dependents is
for $20,000.
Now is an ideal time to begin the ap-
plication process. The first step is to obtain
a scholarship program booklet. This pack-
age contains eligibility information, proce-
dures for applying for the scholarships and
an application form. Union members and
their dependents now have three avenues
through which they may obtain this booklet.
Prospective applicants may request
these booklets via mail by completing and
mailing the form provided. Booklets may
also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall.
Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet
online by visiting www.seafarers.org, go to
the Benefits menu, open the “Core Plus and
Core Benefits” section, scroll to “Applica-
tions and Forms,” and select Scholarship
Application. Although the booklet says
2021, all information is still current for the
2023 SHBP Scholarships.
Once the scholarship booklet has been
received, applicants should check the eligi-
bility criteria. They should also begin col-
lecting and assembling the remainder of
the paperwork needed to submit with the
full application, which must be received by
April 15, 2023.
A scholarship selection committee, con-
sisting of a panel of professional educators,
will examine the high school grades of all
applicants as well as evaluate scores from
their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and
American College Tests (ACT). Accord-
ingly, arrangements should be made by ap-
plicants who have not done so to take these
tests no later than February 2023. Doing so
will virtually assure that the results reach
the evaluation committee in time for review.
Seafarers and dependents who previ-
ously applied for the scholarship program
and were not selected are encouraged to
apply again this year, provided they still
meet the eligibility requirements.
Please send me the 2023 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility infor-
mation, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form.
Name ..........................................................................................................................................
Street Address ............................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code...................................................................................................................
Telephone Number ( ) ..........................................................................................................
This application is for: Self Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746
SHBP Offers Scholarships For 2023
Previously Non-Selected Applicants May Reapply if Still Eligible
1/23
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10 Seafarers LOG January 2023 January 2023 Seafarers LOG 11
SIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving FeastsSIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving Feasts
Spending holidays at sea often comes with the job of
being a mariner, but Seafarers and their shipmates still ap-
preciate extra effort from the galley gangs on Thanksgiving.
Based on recent communications to the LOG as well as
online posts, such output proved quite evident Nov. 24 aboard
SIU-crewed ships. Elaborate menus became the norm on
vessels including the President Wilson (operated by APL),
Safmarine Ngami (Maersk Line, Limited), USNS Red Cloud
(Patriot), USNS Dahl (Patriot) and many others.
Prior to press time, the union posted photos from those
feasts, and the subsequent comments on the SIU Facebook
page were voluminous and enthusiastic. They included:
“There are some super-talented steward departments out
there!”
“Awesome job by the steward department. That is an im-
pressive spread.”
“I wouldn’t use the word effort. That is hard work!”
“WOW what an awesome spread. Looks so tasty! Happy
Thanksgiving.”
Similar sentiments surfaced in related emails sent to the
LOG, including this one from Safmarine Ngami vessel mas-
ter Capt. William Fisher: “A strong shout-out to the steward
department for an awesome job they did, as you can see in
the pictures. (Recertified) Steward Cleto Lindong and Chief
Cook Robert Wright and SA Santiago Aquino are some of
the SIU’s finest.”
With another Thanksgiving having passed, SIU galley
gangs have upheld a tradition that’s almost as old as the union
itself.
Editor’s note: The photos on these two pages were sub-
mitted on Thanksgiving and in the days immediately after-
ward. Additional images are posted on the union’s Facebook
page.
From left, Chief Cook Robert Wright, SA Santiago Aquino and Re-
certified Steward Cleto Lindong stand behind some of their handi-
work aboard the Safmarine Ngami.
Recertified Steward Ali Matari led the way in making sure fellow mariners
aboard the Maersk Hartford were well-fed on Thanksgiving.
Pictured from left aboard the USNS Red Cloud are C/M Brad Lawhon, C/E Jared Ciavola, Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, SA Emily Lepley,
QMED Floro Ponce, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Capt. Doug Nagy and SA Amado Angeles.
Pictured clockwise, starting at front left are Chief Cook Nicoll Rodriguez, Capt. Gabor Ujvari,
Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Nasser Alarqban and Chief Engineer Tommy Still-
wachs aboard the President Wilson.
Crew members aboard the USNS Dahl line up for a holiday feast.
The three photos directly above are from the Safmarine Ngami, as is the image that’s third from left, middle row, on page 10. The two photos at immediate left are
from the President Wilson, while the remaining two (directly next to the one of the USNS Dahl crew) are from the USNS Red Cloud.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-1179200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-11 12/19/22 12:09 PM12/19/22 12:09 PM
12 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer
Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent bosun recertification
course in Piney Point, Maryland.
Richard Molina Blackman
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU in 2001 and it
has been a great experience. I always
wanted to be a seaman. The SIU has
given me the opportunity to provide
for me and my family. The SIU made
me the man I am today, and I plan to
retire with the union.
Nasser Hafid
Recertified Bosun
My dad was a sailor. What
made me do what I do now is,
seeing my dad support a wife
and eight children. That’s what
inspired me to join the SIU. Also,
the money is good!
Neftali Erausquin
Recertified Bosun
I enjoy traveling around the
world and being part of a great
union, the SIU. I’m proud to be a
member and I definitely love the
sea.
Ronald Poole Sr.
Recertified Bosun
Life in the union has been
good for me and my family. I
have two daughters in college and
one more to go. The sky is the
limit with the SIU.
Carlos Gibbons
Recertified Bosun
I joined with the hope of a better
future – to put myself into a good fi-
nancial position, and also because of
the family time that this profession
offers. I’ve stayed because of the
many opportunities that the industry
offers if you keep upgrading.
Larry Dizon
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU back in 2005 and
it has been a life-changing experi-
ence. I’ve developed skills and ex-
celled in my chosen career. This has
given my family a better life, and I
plan to stay with the SIU.
Pic From The Past Pic From The Past
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
In photo at right, workers in Rotterdam put
the finishing touches on the stern of the
Sea-Land McLean in 1972. SIU members
crewed up the SL-7 shortly thereafter. The
photo below (taken with a fisheye lens,
from one of the port cranes) shows a long-
range view of the ship at berth.
James B. Hall
Recertified Bosun
After I completed four years in
the Navy, I went back to the small
town where I grew up, went back
to school and got a job. Within a
year, I really missed going to sea.
I considered re-enlisting but came
across the SIU website and got
into the apprentice program. I’ve
remained with it because I enjoy
travel and because the lifestyle is
flexible.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1279200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 12 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 13
Deck Department
Algonac 17 5 6 22 1 2 5 16 8 3
Anchorage 0 5 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 1
Baltimore 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 1 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 21 12 2 10 6 3 11 30 17 5
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1
Harvey 8 8 0 9 5 0 6 12 10 2
Honolulu 6 2 0 4 1 0 1 10 6 0
Houston 43 19 6 23 7 2 14 48 23 6
Jacksonville 29 27 6 25 19 3 12 41 36 5
Jersey City 21 8 1 15 8 5 12 41 14 2
Joliet 2 2 2 3 1 1 0 2 3 0
Mobile 3 3 1 4 1 0 3 6 7 2
Norfolk 20 7 6 16 5 5 8 23 11 2
Oakland 12 3 2 5 1 0 4 14 3 1
Philadelphia 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0
Piney Point 1 5 0 0 4 0 0 3 2 0
Puerto Rico 4 1 2 2 1 1 2 8 5 2
Tacoma 17 6 0 11 2 0 4 24 14 5
St. Louis 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Wilmington 22 7 4 15 5 2 11 39 11 2
TOTALS 230 121 40 168 72 25 99 326 176 39
Engine Department
Algonac 4 1 0 5 0 1 1 4 0 1
Anchorage 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1
Baltimore 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 5 0 6 3 1 7 10 6 1
Guam 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 3 0
Harvey 4 3 2 0 3 1 3 6 1 1
Honolulu 7 5 1 7 3 1 2 8 9 1
Houston 15 8 0 11 8 1 10 18 6 0
Jacksonville 19 12 3 14 12 2 8 27 16 3
Jersey City 7 5 0 7 1 1 1 9 6 0
Joliet 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0
Mobile 3 4 1 1 4 2 1 2 3 0
Norfolk 9 12 4 11 11 3 6 10 8 3
Oakland 8 3 0 4 2 0 3 10 5 1
Philadelphia 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 0 0
Piney Point 3 5 0 1 1 0 1 3 3 0
Puerto Rico 6 3 0 2 1 0 3 10 5 0
Tacoma 8 2 3 3 1 2 2 17 5 2
St. Louis 4 2 0 0 2 0 3 7 2 1
Wilmington 7 5 0 12 1 1 5 15 10 4
TOTALS 111 79 16 88 59 17 60 164 89 19
Steward Department
Algonac 3 0 0 3 1 0 3 5 1 0
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Baltimore 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 4 2 1 4 6 0 4 15 7 1
Guam 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Harvey 3 1 1 2 1 0 1 5 1 1
Honolulu 8 0 0 4 2 0 3 8 1 1
Houston 17 4 0 8 2 0 7 19 11 1
Jacksonville 24 16 2 12 13 0 9 31 20 4
Jersey City 5 2 0 8 3 1 4 9 7 2
Joliet 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Mobile 2 4 0 1 1 0 2 4 6 0
Norfolk 24 16 3 8 18 2 8 23 7 5
Oakland 8 5 1 5 3 1 3 14 5 1
Philadelphia 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0
Piney Point 3 3 2 0 2 1 1 3 3 2
Puerto Rico 5 6 1 3 2 1 5 7 7 3
Tacoma 11 1 0 8 1 0 4 11 1 0
St. Louis 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0
Wilmington 17 6 0 14 8 0 10 26 8 3
TOTALS 138 72 11 81 66 6 64 186 92 24
Entry Department
Algonac 2 8 10 0 6 4 4 4 7 10
Anchorage 0 3 2 1 3 1 0 0 3 2
Baltimore 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3
Fort Lauderdale 1 2 1 0 2 2 0 1 4 4
Guam 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
Harvey 1 5 1 1 2 1 0 2 3 5
Honolulu 2 0 1 0 2 2 1 2 3 3
Houston 2 14 15 1 7 5 3 3 18 25
Jacksonville 1 32 54 2 23 30 9 2 29 101
Jersey City 0 13 15 0 6 7 4 2 20 20
Joliet 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
Mobile 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Norfolk 0 11 16 0 10 13 5 0 11 20
Oakland 1 4 4 1 5 2 2 2 5 6
Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Piney Point 0 7 15 0 4 10 4 0 3 12
Puerto Rico 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Tacoma 1 7 8 0 8 4 2 3 18 9
St. Louis 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2
Wilmington 3 10 3 1 8 4 1 4 23 10
TOTALS 15 121 151 7 88 89 35 27 151 238
GRAND TOTAL: 494 393 218 344 285 137 258 703 508 320
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 14 -December 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 14.
Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep SeaDispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Piney Point................*Tuesday: January 3, Monday: February 6
Algonac...................................Friday: January 6, February 10
Baltimore.................................Thursday: January 5, February 9
Guam................................Thursday: January 19, February 23
Honolulu..................................Friday: January 13, February 17
Houston................................Monday: January 9, February 13
Jacksonville.........................Thursday: January 5, February 9
Joliet.................................Thursday: January 12, February 16
Mobile............................Wednesday: January 11, February 15
New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 10, February 14
Jersey City..................................Tuesday: January 3, February 7
Norfolk.........................................Friday: January 6, February 10
Oakland................................Thursday: January 12, February 16
Philadelphia......................Wednesday: January 4, February 8
Port Everglades......................Thursday: January 12, February 16
San Juan..............................Thursday: January 5, February 9
St. Louis...................................Friday: January 13, February 17
Tacoma....................................Friday: January 20, February 24
Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 17 , *Tuesday: February 21
* Piney Point change due to New Year’s Day observance
* Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Day and Presi-
dent’s Day observances.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
January & FebruaryJanuary & February
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings
In order to help prevent
any misunderstandings that
may affect your merchant
mariner credential, the Sea-
farers Health and Benefits
Plan Medical Department
offers the following brief re-
view of a few of the federal
rules related to drug test col-
lections.
n You have up to three
hours to provide an accept-
able urine specimen. Do not
schedule a test for a day and
time if you don’t have three
hours available to stay at the
clinic if needed.
n The collection pro-
cess usually starts when
you are taken into the back
to provide a sample. You
cannot leave until the col-
lector says that the sample
is acceptable.
n You must follow the
collector’s directions. Leav-
ing prior to providing an
acceptable specimen, being
unable to provide one within
the three-hour timeframe
without a medical explana-
tion, or interfering with the
collector constitutes a re-
fusal to test. Refusal to test
may result in action by the
U.S. Coast Guard as if there
had been a positive test.
In summary, pick your
appointment time so you
can stay as long as needed,
do not interfere with the
collector and, most impor-
tantly, follow the collector’s
instructions.
Medical Department
Outlines Drug Test
Collection Procedures
Notice/Reminder
ATTENTION SEAFARERSSEAFARERS
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political
Activities Donation
SPADSPAD
SPAD Works For You
Total Registered
All Groups
Total Shipped
All Groups
Registered on Beach
All Groups
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 1379200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 13 12/20/22 12:18 PM12/20/22 12:18 PM
14 Seafarers LOG January 2023
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), August 28 – Chairman
James Joyce, Secretary Donna
Hickman, Educational Director
Monroe Monseur. Educational
director reminded crew to upgrade
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school and to apply for TWIC re-
newal online. Members requested
new mattresses and fridge for crew
mess room.
MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 18 –
Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary
Stephan Osovitz, Educational
Director Jeffrey Hamer, Deck
Delegate James Moody, Engine
Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward
Delegate Christopher King. Chair-
man reminded crew to keep rooms
clean and to stay on top of docu-
ments. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested new
washer and dryer as well as a new
coffee maker. Vote of thanks given
to steward department for a job well
done.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line,
Limited), September 24 – Chairman
Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony
Harrell, Deck Delegate Samuel
Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Ruben
Haynes. Payoff scheduled for Sep-
tember 27. Chairman discussed ship
fund. Educational director advised
members to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Cooktop grill in galley
to be replaced. Members requested
clarification regarding weekend
overtime. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done. Crew
was reminded to keep rooms clean.
Members requested annual physi-
cals and increased dental and vision
benefits.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 2 – Secre-
tary Caezar Mercado Educational
Director Tijani Rashid, Deck
Delegate John Worae. Members
were reminded about flu shots
and keeping documents current.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new mattresses,
unlimited Wi-Fi access on board,
fans in each room and additional
benefits. Next port: Charleston,
South Carolina.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), October 7 – Educational
Director Carlos Mohler Vega,
Steward Delegate Andrea Har-
grove. Chairman reiterated impor-
tance of leaving clean rooms for
reliefs. Secretary recommended
members upgrade at the SIU-affili-
ated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Educational
director urged crew to stay on top of
documents. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 16 – Chair-
man Ali Alhamyari, Secretary
Sajid Foster. Educational director
advised crew to go to Piney Point
and upgrade. Crew looking into
getting new DVD players and TVs.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new gym equipment
and better Wi-Fi service. Members
voiced concerns regarding new
contract.
SEABULK PRIDE (Eco-Tankers
Crew Management), October 27 –
Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary
Jasmine Garrett. Crew met with
union representative and reviewed
the latest communications. Educa-
tional director reminded members
to continue to upgrade and to keep
documents up to date. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew dis-
cussed health insurance coverage
and provided several suggestions to
enhance medical benefits for union
members and their families. Steward
department was commended for a
job well done. Crew was encour-
aged to submit content to Seafarers
LOG office. Next port: Port Ever-
glades, Florida.
ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services),
October 30 – Chairman John
Cedeno, Secretary Armon Bailey,
Educational Director Hector Ginel,
Deck Delegate Junior Augustin,
Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon
Rosa. Chairman reminded crew to
verify credentials with patrolman
when registering at the hall. He asked
everyone to keep up the good work
and to stay safe. Educational director
advised members to attend upgrading
courses at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. He instructed everyone
to apply at least 30 days in advance.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew was asked to use outside lad-
der well since steward department
just stripped and waxed inside
ladder well. Crew requested 401k
contributions to be matched and for
mental health coverage for spouses.
Members suggested providing tour
of duties for all who complete their
assigned tours.
MATSON TACOMA (Horizon
Lines), October 30 – Chairman
Christopher Pompel, Secretary
Justo Reyes, Deck Delegate Mi-
chael Salatto, Engine Delegate
Brandon Tanton, Steward Delegate
Christopher Hopkins. Chairman
discussed new agreement details
and Seafarers Appeals Board ac-
tion regarding length of jobs. He
encouraged members to carefully
watch documents and physicals.
Educational director urged crew to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as
soon as possible. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Crew requested
Starlink internet for all ships, one
job call a day and Wi-Fi access at
halls. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska.
MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk
Line, Limited), November 13 –
Chairman Domingo Leon, Secre-
tary Memo Elfeky, Educational
Director Jan Morawski, Deck
Delegate Suyapa Smith, Steward
Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Chair-
man reported a great trip as did
other union members. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew is in
need of better internet connection
as they are often without. Members
asked for increases in vacation days
and increases in dental care.
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In-
land Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership 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 recommenda-
tions. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representa-
tives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the 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 shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals Board by certified mail, return receipt
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or ob-
ligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no mem-
ber may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is de-
nied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In con-
nection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No con-
tribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribu-
tion 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 interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Mi-
chael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Know Your Rights Know Your Rights
Digest of Shipboard Digest of Shipboard
Union MeetingsUnion Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
Recruiting in City of Brotherly Love
SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (facing camera) is pictured at a recent job fair,
spreading the word about the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1479200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 14 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 15
DEEP SEA
BRUCE CHILDERS
Brother Bruce Childers, 65, started
his career with the union in 1988.
He first shipped
with Mariner
Towing and was
a deck depart-
ment member.
Brother Childers
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. He last
sailed aboard the
Discovery and makes his home in
Panama City, Florida.
MARK CLARK
Brother Mark Clark, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978 when he
sailed aboard the Leo. He up-
graded at the Piney Point school
on numerous occasions and was a
member of the deck department.
Brother Clark’s final vessel was
the Mayaguez. He lives in Long
Branch, New Jersey.
ALBAD COLON
Brother Albad Colon, 70, began
sailing with the
union in 2000.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Colon’s
first vessel was
the Patriot; his
last, the Bay State. He is a Hous-
ton resident.
OWEN DUFFY
Brother Owen Duffy, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1978, ini-
tially sailing
aboard the Leo.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions
and shipped
in the engine
department.
Brother Duffy’s
final vessel was the El Yunque. He
is a resident of Orlando, Florida.
MAURICIO ELOPRE
Brother Mauricio Elopre, 65,
signed on with the union in 2006.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he first sailed
aboard the
Pride of Aloha.
Brother Elopre
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous oc-
casions. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Tennessee and makes his
home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
RAYMOND FERNANDEZ
Brother Raymond Fernandez, 67,
became a member of the union
in 1980, initially sailing aboard
the USNS Potomac. He sailed in
both the deck
and engine de-
partments and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Fernandez most
recently shipped
on the Isla Bella.
He makes his
home in Jacksonville, Florida.
CHRISTOPHER KICEY
Brother Christopher Kicey, 66,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1991
when he sailed
on the Richard
G. Matthiesen.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Kicey’s
final vessel was the Overseas
Boston. He resides in Navarre,
Florida.
MICHAEL KOVACH
Brother Michael Kovach, 65,
donned the union colors in 1987
and first sailed
aboard the Wil-
liam R. Button.
He primarily
sailed in the en-
gine department
and also worked
on shore gangs.
Brother Kovach
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He
calls Matawan, New Jersey, home.
AMADO LABORIEL
Brother Amado Laboriel, 65,
signed on with
the Seafarers in
2003. He sailed
in all three
departments.
Brother Labori-
el’s first vessel
was the Flick-
ertail State; his
last, the Maersk
Hartford. He re-
sides in Far Rockaway, New York.
ENRICO LA MARCA
Brother Enrico La Marca, 65,
began sailing with the union in
2003 when
he shipped on
the Atlantic
Guardian. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous
occasions and
worked in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother La
Marca most recently sailed on the
Liberty Glory and lives in Puerto
Rico.
RONIE LLAVE
Brother Ronie Llave, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 2006, initially sailing on the
Pride of Hawaii. He worked in the
deck department and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Llave
last shipped on
the Horizon Re-
liance and calls
La Mirada, Cali-
fornia, home.
VICTOR GIL MARIANO
Brother Victor Gil Mariano, 65,
started sailing with the SIU in
1991 when he
worked on the
Independence.
He shipped in
the deck depart-
ment, upgraded
in Piney Point
on multiple
occasions and
concluded his
career aboard the
SBX. Brother Mariano resides in
Kaneohe, Hawaii.
PAUL MORAN
Brother Paul Moran, 65, joined
the union in 1978. He first sailed
aboard the Connecticut and
worked in all three departments.
Brother Moran’s final vessel was
the Overseas New Orleans. He
makes his home in Brooklyn, New
York.
EMILIO PLACIDES
Brother Emilio Placides, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1996 when he
shipped on the
USNS Wyman.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions
and was a mem-
ber of the stew-
ard department.
Brother Placides
last sailed aboard the John Mc-
Donnell and settled in Oxnard,
Virginia.
JO POSTELL
Brother Jo Postell, 65, signed on
with the union
in 2004, initially
sailing aboard
the William R
Button. A deck
department
member, he
concluded his
career aboard the
Maersk Sentosa.
Brother Postell
calls Moyock, North Carolina,
home.
JILL PRESCOTT
Sister Jill Prescott, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1983. She was a
steward depart-
ment member
and first shipped
on the Taurus.
Sister Prescott
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions.
She concluded
her career
aboard the Horizon Spirit and is a
resident of Bella Vista, Arizona.
TOMMY RODGERS
Brother Tommy Rodgers, 65,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2007
when he shipped
on the Resolve.
He upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center and
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Rodgers’ final
vessel was the
Liberty Grace. He makes his home
in Corpus Christi, Texas.
ROY SCOTT
Brother Roy Scott, 65, began
sailing with the
union in 1991.
An engine
department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Independence.
Brother Scott
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1995.
He last shipped on the Green Bay
and settled in Pearl City, Hawaii.
KENNETH SIMMONS
Brother Kenneth Simmons, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 2001
and first sailed with Marine
Personnel and
Provisioning. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of member-
ship and was a
deck department
member. Brother
Simmons most
recently shipped
on the Liberty Pride. He resides in
Tampa, Florida.
ROBERT WEEKS
Brother Robert Weeks, 65, em-
barked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1976
when he shipped
on the Arthur
Middleton. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and sailed in all
three depart-
ments. Brother
Weeks’ final vessel was the El
Morro. He lives in Mobile, Ala-
bama.
INLAND
EDWARD BOPP
Brother Edward Bopp, 64, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1981. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center within his first
year of membership. Brother Bopp
worked for Crescent Towing and
Salvage for the duration of his
career. He lives in Covington,
Louisiana.
PAUL HACKNEY
Brother Paul Hackney, 59, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1989
when he sailed
on the USNS
Stalwart. A
deck department
member, he
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Hackney
was most recently employed by
Penn Maritime and makes his
home in Smyrna, Georgia.
RAYMOND KUCHARCZYK
Brother Raymond Kucharczyk, 62,
joined the union in 1978, initially
working with
Inland Tugs.
He upgraded
on multiple oc-
casions at the
Paul Hall Center
and shipped in
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Kucharczyk was
last employed by
McAllister Towing of Baltimore
and is a Baltimore resident.
MIRIAM MERLUZZO
Sister Miriam Merluzzo, 62,
began sailing with the Seafarers in
2000. She was a
steward depart-
ment member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Sister Merluzzo
worked with
Great Lakes
Dredge and Dock
for her entire career. She lives in
Tamworth, New Hampshire.
WILLIAM RICHARDSON
Brother William Richardson, 62,
started his career with the union
in 1979 when
he worked with
G&H Towing.
He shipped
primarily in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2000.
Brother Richard-
son last sailed
with OSG Ship Management. He
is a resident of Mathews, Virginia.
DOUGLAS SCOTT
Brother Douglas Scott, 64, joined
the SIU in 1994.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2002.
Brother Scott
was employed
by G&H Towing
for the duration
of his career. He
resides in Willis, Texas.
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland water-
ways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
Welcome AshoreWelcome Ashore
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1579200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 15 12/19/22 12:19 PM12/19/22 12:19 PM
16 Seafarers LOG January 2023
DEEP SEA
BRYAN DAWSON
Pensioner Bryan Dawson, 76, died
December 4. He signed on with
the Seafarers in
2001. An en-
gine department
member, he first
shipped on the
Maersk Vermont.
Brother Dawson
last sailed on the
Edward A. Carter
in 2009. He be-
came a pensioner
in 2017 and settled in Foxborough,
Massachusetts.
LOUIS DIESSO
Pensioner Louis Diesso, 71, passed
away November 16. He embarked
on his career with
the SIU in 1982,
initially sailing
aboard a Delta
Line ship. Brother
Diesso sailed
in the engine
department and
also worked on
shore gangs. He
concluded his ca-
reer in Tacoma and retired in 2009.
Brother Diesso called LaQuinta,
California, home.
GARETH HUNT
Pensioner Gareth Hunt, 75, died
November 11. He joined the Seafar-
ers International
Union in 2003.
Brother Hunt’s
first vessel was
the John Chap-
man. He sailed in
the deck depart-
ment and last
shipped on the
Pride of America.
Brother Hunt
went on pension in 2016 and lived in
Port Angeles, Washington.
PAUL JAGGER
Brother Paul Jag-
ger, 66, passed
away July 22. He
began his career
with the SIU
in 1983 when
he shipped on
the Capricorn.
Brother Jagger
sailed in the deck
department, most
recently aboard the American Mari-
ner. He was a Las Vegas resident.
LEOLA JOHNSON
Sister Leola Johnson, 53, died
October 12.
Born in Chicago,
she joined the
union in 2001.
Sister Johnson
was a steward
department
member and
first shipped on
the Patriot. She
most recently
sailed aboard the Cape Isabel in
2019 and resided in Jacksonville,
Florida.
JOSE MATA
Pensioner Jose Mata, 91, passed
away December 2. He joined the SIU
in 1963, initially sailing aboard the
Mankato Victory. Brother Mata sailed
in all three departments. He went on
pension in 1995 after concluding his
career on the Green Island. Brother
Mata lived in Metairie, Louisiana.
HENRY MORIN
Brother Henry Morin, 89, died Novem-
ber 1. He signed
on with the union
in 1990 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Triumph.
Brother Morin was
a deck department
member and con-
cluded his career
aboard the Stephen
W. Pless. He made
his home in Jaco, Costa Rica.
EDWIN ORTEGA
Pensioner Edwin Ortega, 63, passed
away November 19. He became a
member of the
SIU in 1979
when he sailed
aboard the Pisces.
Brother Ortega
worked in the
deck department
and most recently
shipped on the
Maersk Seletar.
He became a pen-
sioner in 2019 and settled in Spring
Hill, Florida.
LAWRENCE RAZO
Pensioner Lawrence Razo, 95, died
November 1. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1967
and worked in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother
Razo’s first vessel
was the Baylor
Victory. He last
sailed on the
Navigator before
going on pension in 1994. Brother
Razo resided in Stockton, California.
JOSEPH SAXON
Pensioner Joseph Saxon, 74, passed
away November
12. He signed on
with the Seafar-
ers International
Union in 1964,
initially sailing
aboard the Our
Lady Of Peace.
Brother Saxon
sailed in the en-
gine department.
He last shipped on the Brenton Reef
and retired in 2003. Brother Saxon
lived in Mobile, Alabama.
PAUL SU
Pensioner Paul
Su, 86, died Octo-
ber 17. He started
sailing with the
union in 1989. An
engine department
member, Brother
Su was employed
with AMCV
Cruise Operations for the duration
of his career. He went on pension in
2003 and resided in Taiwan.
GREAT LAKES
WILLIAM GILLETTE
Pensioner William Gillette, 93,
passed away October 26. He
joined the SIU
in 1974 and first
worked with
Great Lakes As-
sociates. A stew-
ard department
member, Brother
Gillette last
sailed aboard the
Paul Thayer in
1993. He became
a pensioner the following year
and settled in Reidsville, North
Carolina.
INLAND
RONALD AINSLEY
Pensioner Ronald Ainsley, 82,
died December
2. He signed on
with the union
in 1962 and first
sailed with Allied
Transportation.
Brother Ainsley
worked in the
deck depart-
ment and was
last employed
with Moran Towing of Virginia.
He began collecting his pension in
2014 and made his home in Vir-
ginia Beach, Virginia.
ERIK ERIKSEN
Pensioner Erik Ericksen, 85, passed
away December 2. Initially working
with Gulf Atlan-
tic Transport, he
joined the union
in 1968. Brother
Eriksen was a
deck department
member. He last
sailed with Allied
Transportation
and retired in
1999. Brother
Eriksen was a resident of Jackson-
ville, Florida.
WILLIAM HARVELL
Pensioner William Harvell, 71, died
November 27. He donned the union
colors in 1989.
A deck depart-
ment member,
Brother Harvell
first worked with
Interstate Oil and
Transportation.
He last shipped
on the Cour-
age and became
a pensioner in
2019. Brother Harvell lived in Mol-
lusk, Virginia.
EARL HERMAN
Pensioner Earl Herman, 85, passed
away October 25. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1980 and shipped in the
engine depart-
ment. Brother
Herman was
employed by
G&H Towing for
the duration of
his career. He re-
tired in 2002 and
made his home in
Cleveland, Texas.
CURTIS IRELAND
Pensioner Curtis Ireland, 92, died
November 23. He started sailing
with the union in 1953 when he
worked for Sprogue Steamship
Company. Brother Ireland was a
member of the deck department. He
was last employed by Mariner Tow-
ing and went on pension in 1993.
Brother Ireland resided in Lowland,
North Carolina.
HARALD SEVLAND
Pensioner Harald Sevland, 85,
passed away November 17. Born
in Norway, he
joined the SIU
in 1979. Brother
Sevland was
a deck depart-
ment member.
He worked with
Crowley Towing
and Transporta-
tion until his re-
tirement in 2002.
Brother Sevland lived in West
Palm Beach, Florida.
PAUL TULLIS
Pensioner Paul
Tullis, 83, died
November 18. He
began sailing with
the union in 1977
when he was em-
ployed by Crow-
ley Towing and
Transportation.
Brother Tullis was
a deck department
member and last
worked on the Sugar Island in 1983.
He became a pensioner in 2004 and
settled in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
NMU
RAYMOND LEITE
Pensioner Raymond Leite, 80,
passed away October 3. He joined
the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU
merger in 2001 and first sailed
aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother
Leite sailed in the deck department.
He concluded his career on the
Green Cove before going on pension
in 2004. Brother Leite was a Miami
resident.
ANDRES WATLER
Pensioner Andres Watler, 83, died
December 3.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
signed on with the
union during the
2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
Watler’s first ves-
sel was the USNS
Altair; his last, the
Rover. He retired
in 2003 and made his home in New
Orleans.
In addition to the foregoing individ-
uals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to de-
velop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Beck, Douglas 85 07/06/2022
Brown, Alexander 87 11/21/2022
Castellanos, Antonia 93 01/26/2022
Cespedes, Salvador 91 09/25/2022
Dunn, Edwin 95 11/07/2022
Eldridge, Shirlie 80 12/24/2021
El Zofri, Mohamed 94 09/05/2022
Grey, Charles 90 10/15/2022
Hartstick, Edward 94 11/04/2022
Hearn, George 95 11/12/2022
Lane, Louis 98 11/07/2022
Polito, James 100 11/22/2022
Ruiz, Marcelino 92 10/29/2022
Final Final
DeparturesDepartures
Have You Missed
An Issue of the
Seafarers Log?
PDF versions of nearly
every edition are avail-
able at seafarerslog.org
You can also scan this QR
code to go directly to the
website
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1679200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 16 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 17
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended_ __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques-
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reim-
bursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
1/23
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck February 27 March 17
April 10 April 28
June 5 June 23
Lifeboat/Water Survival February 13 February 24
March 13 March 24
April 10 April 21
May 8 May 19
RFPNW January 30 February 17
March 20 April 7
May 1 May 19
Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21
Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW January 30 February 24
May 1 May 26
FOWT February 27 March 24
April 3 April 28
Junior Engineer Program March 27 May 19
Marine Electrician April 24 May 26
Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21
Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21
Machinist March 13 March 31
Pumpman April 3 April 7
Welding January 23 February 10
March 20 April 7
Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook January 16 February 17
February 20 March 24
March 27 April 28
May 1 June 2
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 7
July 10 August 11
ServSafe Management February 13 February 17
March 20 March 24
April 24 April 28
May 29 June 2
July 3 July 7
August 7 August 11
Advanced Galley Operations March 13 April 7
May 22 June 16
Chief Steward February 6 March 3
April 17 May 12
June 26 July 21
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9
Basic Training January 23 January 27
April 17 April 21
Basic Training Revalidation January 13 January 13
January 23 January 23
January 27 January 27
February 13 February 13
February 24 February 24
March 20 March 20
March 24 March 24
April 7 April 7
April 17 April 17
April 21 April 21
May 1 May 1
May 5 May 5
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation January 30 February 3
May 15 May 19
Government Vessels January 16 January 20
February 6 February 10
February 13 February 17
March 13 March 17
March 20 March 24
April 10 April 14
April 24 April 28
May 8 May 12
May 22 May 26
June 5 June 9
Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 February 24
May 22 May 26
Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 March 3
May 15 May 19
Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
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18 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #888 – Pictured November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell, Shavel Freeman, Samyra Gardner, Stephen Hoskins, Devine
Lents, Ishmael McNeal, Jawuam Mixon,Tre Scott and Jermal Torney.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed,
Saif Al Tamimi, Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, Deon Green, Ransom Andrew KB Kauwe, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed,
Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Jonathan White.
Radar/ARPA – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabeti-
cal order): James Blackburn III, Dominique Glover and Will
Jordan.
Junior Engineer (Engineering Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated October 14 (above, in alphabetical
order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul,
Cristian Efrain Lalin, Wayne Linnette IV, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Class
instructor Roy Graham is at the far right.
RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated October 21 (above, from left): Charles
Armand Bishop and Keshun Dominique Corpus. Instructor John Wiegman
III is at right. Upon the completion of their training, both Bishop and Corpus
plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1879200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 18 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 19
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels –
Graduated October 28
(photo at left, in alphabeti-
cal order): Nathan Elliott,
Kirk Fisher, Aaron Helton-
Cox, Terry Hester, Joseph
Huls, Mohamad Mahmoud
Kammoun, Alexander Mira-
glia, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Abdo
Ahmed Saleh, Trovarius
Thomas, Reynaldo Tinay
and Cortney Williams.
Marine Refer Tech – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Ca-
ballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott, Ahmed
Omar Sharif and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Class instructor Chirstopher Morgan is at the far right in the back row.
RFPNW – Upgrader Matthew Conley (above, right) recently com-
pleted his requirements in this course. The ordinary seaman gradu-
ated October 14. Pictured with him at left is his instructor Dominic Hix.
Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) –
Graduated October 14 (above, from left): Upgraders Lisa Evans
and Marcus Stackpoole.
Advanced Stability – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Baird, Matthew O’Donnell,
Scott Salo and Andrew Torti.
Certified Chief Cook (Module
4) – Graduated November 25
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Bradley Albert, Cam-
eron Amir Azadi, Alexis Claro,
Joseph Crisante Jr., Rosetta
Jackson, Krystal Mosley, Del-
phine Simmons, Souleymane
Tamla, Joel Williams and
Shana Zeidenberg.
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20 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 18-19Pages 18-19
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1
SIU Year in Review: 2022SIU Year in Review: 2022
IIn many ways, 2022 represented a grad-
ual return to normalcy for the SIU. With
the pandemic largely in the past, the
year saw new vessels, new construction,
new contracts and wage reopeners, and
multiple conventions with themes focused
on the future.
SIU members answered the call time
and time again, even amid a global labor
shortage. While many union brothers and
sisters upgraded their skills and earned new
ratings by returning to the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, union representatives ramped
up the SIU’s recruiting efforts, both in per-
son and online.
The following is an overview of some
of the year’s top stories for the union, the
maritime industry as a whole and the labor
movement.
New TonnageNew Tonnage
In January 2022, the second of two re-
flagged vessels joined the U.S.-flag fleet of
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC):
the ARC Commitment and the ARC De-
fender. These roll-on roll-off vessels, which
are both enrolled in the U.S. Maritime
Security Program (MSP), “are among the
most capable and militarily useful vessels
in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to
carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, heli-
copters, and other high and heavy project
cargoes,” according to ARC.
Additionally, Crowley flagged in the
tanker Stena Polaris while the union re-
gained jobs aboard the tanker Seabulk Pride
when the ship was delivered to Seabulk.
Also joining the fleet in 2022 was the
MV George III, an LNG-fueled Ohana-
class vessel operated by Pasha Hawaii.
Additionally, more new vessels are on the
way, as three new Aloha-class container-
ships were ordered by Matson – to be built
by union labor at Philly Shipyard. The first
of those vessels is expected to be delivered
in 2026.
Conventions and Maritime NewsConventions and Maritime News
The past year also included a mix of vir-
tual and in-person conventions, both with
the union’s own events as well as those of
SIU affiliates and industry partners.
The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) hosted its
Quadrennial Convention in Philadelphia
June 9-10. In a schedule which included
speeches and presentations from various
maritime and labor leaders, SIU President
Michael Sacco was re-elected to serve as
president of the MTD.
The following week, Sacco oversaw the
elections of Liz Shuler as president of the
AFL-CIO and Fred Redmond as the fed-
eration’s secretary-treasurer. Sacco was re-
elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council
during a convention that featured in-person
remarks from President Biden.
The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertain-
ment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU)
conducted a virtual convention on Sept.
20, while the SIUNA convention, with
its theme “Building for the Future,” took
place virtually on Sept. 14. Both saw the
respective executive boards reelected,
with the full confidence of those in atten-
dance.
In April, the International Longshore-
men’s Association (ILA) reaffiliated with
the MTD, thereby becoming the 24th affili-
ate. Additionally, the United Seamen’s Ser-
vice’s 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean
Sea (AOTOS) Award dinner took place
Oct. 28, and honored Edward W. Aldridge,
president of CMA-CGM North America
and American President Lines; Harold J.
Daggett, president of the ILA; and Eric P.
Ebeling, president and CEO of American
Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group. Also hon-
ored for their rescue efforts were the SIU
crews from four vessels: the USNS Yuma,
Pacific Tracker, Herodote and the Maersk
Peary.
In other maritime news, the merchant
mariners who served during World War II
were finally awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal, in a ceremony conducted in
the Capitol Building on May 18.
In July, former AFL-CIO President
Richard Trumka was awarded a Posthu-
mous Medal of Freedom, the nation’s high-
est civilian honor.
The sanctity of the Jones Act was vio-
lated in September, when a onetime waiver
was granted to a BP Petroleum tanker to
sell their cargo in Puerto Rico in the wake
of a hurricane. In a joint statement from
U.S. maritime unions (including the SIU),
the groups pointed out, “This waiver was
unnecessary. U.S.-flagged vessels and
foreign-flagged vessels carrying legal car-
goes of fuel, either from American ports or
from foreign ports, had safely discharged
their cargoes in Puerto Rico after the storm.
American ships were available. American
crews were available. But none of that
mattered, because the political optics of
a ship waiting to bring fuel to the island
apparently matters more than a century of
bedrock American law.”
This waiver situation was used as fuel
for political advocates and allies to attach
specific language to the National Defense
Authorization Act of 2023, which is ex-
pected to pass as of the writing of this
article. That language tightened up the
Jones Act waiver process, restricting who is
authorized to grant such waivers, and other
codified changes. The NDAA also included
many outright gains for the maritime indus-
try, which will be covered in detail in the
February issue of the Seafarers LOG.
ContractsContracts
The contracts department of the SIU
was busy in 2022, working out the stan-
dard freightship and tanker agreements,
which were overwhelmingly ratified by the
membership. The five-year pacts increase
wages, maintain benefits, help ensure ship-
board internet access, and preserve every
SIU job.
Those were far from the only contracts
in the news in 2022. New pacts also were
reached (or existing ones were extended)
with TOTE, Key Lakes, Port City Marine
Services, E.N. Bisso & Son, Chesapeake
Crewing, Intrepid Personnel and Provision-
ing, American Petroleum Tankers, Liberty
Maritime, Maersk, Seabulk, Marine Per-
sonnel and Provisioning, Waterman Steam-
ship, and Subcom.
RescuesRescues
There were quite a few instances of res-
cues at sea in 2022, in which SIU members
went above and beyond to save lives. Full
recaps of each rescue are available on our
website (and in the pages of the Seafarers
LOG), but notable examples include: MT
Pennsylvania in April; the Endurance in
June; the NY Waterway tugboats John Ste-
vens and Garden State in July; the Pacific
Tracker in July; The Maersk Tennessee in
July; the Centerline Logistics-operated tug-
boats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea in
July; NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln
in August; the National Glory in October;
the Alliance Fairfax in October; the Sun-
shine State in October; and the American
Phoenix in November.
Progress, Grassroots ActionProgress, Grassroots Action
Various construction projects and cur-
riculum enhancements took place through-
out the year at the Paul Hall Center, a staple
for many Seafarers. The school offers the
most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses
of any maritime institution in the nation.
Those classes include ones for entry-level
students and upgraders.
A massive renovation at the hiring hall
in Norfolk, Virginia, got underway and
has continued in the new year, with an ex-
pected completion date likely in the second
quarter.
Meanwhile, Election Day saw strong
performances by SIU-backed candidates.
The vast majority of those running for
House or Senate seats with support from
the union’s voluntary political action fund
won their respective races.
Throughout the year, the union actively
advocated for laws and programs that keep
the U.S. Merchant Marine afloat, including
the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Mari-
time Security Program, the new Tanker
Security Program and more.
Final DeparturesFinal Departures
Finally, a few leaders in the maritime
community crossed the final bar in 2022,
including: Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan
Barer, former Transportation Secretary
Norman Mineta, Alaska Congressman and
maritime advocate Don Young, former U.S.
Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (ret.)
Albert Herberger, and longtime SIU Chief
Bosun John Natoli.
Seafarers - including those pictured above, with SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (right) - approved new, five-year standard freight-
ship and tanker agreements last year.
SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left)
and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond moments after their respective elec-
tions to office last summer in Philadelphia. Sacco conducted the election (and himself was
re-elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during the same convention). (Photo by Jay
Mallin)
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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
SIU Year in Review
Page 20
SHBP Scholarship Info
Page 9
Bisso Boatmen Ratify ContractBisso Boatmen Ratify Contract
3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son recently approved a new contract that
boosts wages and includes many other improvements. Negotiations took place in New
Orleans in mid-November; voting concluded Nov. 23. The photo above includes mem-
bers of the respective bargaining committees. Pictured from left in the Crescent City
are SIU Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, Bisso Operations Manager Timothy Michel,
Bisso President Matt Holzhalb, Bisso VP Mike Vitt, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook,
SIU Alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais, Bisso HR Manager Ashley Sorrells, SIU Wheel-
man Delegate Ian Strother, Bisso CFO Casey Willis and SIU Engineer Delegate Kevin
Wells. The photo at immediate right, taken in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, includes boat-
men from the Vera Bisso along with SIU delegates and Westbrook (third from right).
Page 3.
Continuing a decades-long tradition,
steward-department Seafarers made
extra efforts to help ensure an enjoy-
able Thanksgiving for their respec-
tive shipmates throughout the fleet.
Among those providing scrumptious
holiday fare at sea was Recertified
Steward Cleto Lindong (left in photo
at immediate right) aboard the Safma-
rine Ngami. He’s pictured with vessel
master Capt. William Fisher. Enjoy-
ing a meal aboard the Maersk Line,
Limited vessel are (from left in photo
above) QMED Brandon Thornton, AB
Alex Busby, SA Santiago Aquino, AB
Orlando Da Cruz and QEE Matthew
Yowell. Pages 10-11.
Steward Departments Brighten Holiday at SeaSteward Departments Brighten Holiday at Sea
The yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, took
place Nov. 22 and featured an array of U.S. congressional representatives, mili-
tary personnel, company executives – and of course, Seafarers, SIU retirees and
their families. Pictured at the gathering are members of the 4th Marine Division,
23rd Regiment Color Guard along with (front, from left) Chief Cook Ronald Wil-
liams, AB Paul Clow, AB Josesimo Balerite, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman
and ACU Mohamed Wasel. Pictured from right to left in the second row are SIU
Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona and retired
Recertified Steward George Pino, along with the color guard. Page 5.
Oakland Thanksgiving EventOakland Thanksgiving Event
Another Rousing SuccessAnother Rousing Success
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2 Seafarers LOG January 2023
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
Volume 85 Number 1 January 2023
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
mentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Reversed to White
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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
Big Wins for Maritime
President’s ReportPresident’s Report
The most recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
contains a number of key victories for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I’m
proud to say the SIU played an active role in helping secure many of the
components.
One of the particularly noteworthy develop-
ments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker
Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships
later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only
will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will
strengthen U.S. national security by reducing po-
tential reliance on foreign ships and crews.
In what I would describe as a “lessons
learned” section, the legislation boosts Jones Act
enforcement through a series of smart procedural
mandates. This should help preserve American
jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag
interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking ad-
vantage of situations such as natural disasters just
to make a buck.
The NDAA also has a lot of meat when it
comes to modernizing the mariner credential-
ing system and reducing the current backlogs. As Seafarers know, these are
critical steps that absolutely affect U.S. national, economic and homeland
security.
Other elements of the bill focus on maintaining safe workplaces, making
it easier for military veterans with sea time to enter our industry, and guar-
anteeing shore leave for our brothers and sisters in the National Oceano-
graphic and Atmospheric Administration fleet.
Finally, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant
Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress
that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infra-
structure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine are essential workers.”
Our legislative team deserves kudos for helping advance your interests
– and our rank-and-file members deserve credit, too. Your professionalism
and reliability strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill (and at other levels of
government). Candidly, your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary politi-
cal action fund, also makes a big difference. It’s vital for helping us promote
and protect not just the SIU but the broader U.S. Merchant Marine.
I look forward to watching all of this play out and to helping make it
happen.
Brotherhood of the Sea
Whether you’re flipping through printed pages or scrolling online, a
look at pretty much any issue of the LOG gives readers a good idea of what
we’re all about.
In this edition alone, our coverage reflects the SIU securing great con-
tracts, saving lives at sea, brightening the holidays for one another, engag-
ing in grassroots political action, and even speaking up for mariners on the
world stage.
Additionally, the class photos from our affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland, are more than just potential keepsakes. They reflect the steady
operations of a world-class training facility – one that serves as a gateway
for career advancement. And, the apprentice photos show the next genera-
tion of Seafarers (who’ll benefit greatly from what we’re working on now).
We need to make sure these young women and men continue entering our
industry.
Not to be overlooked are the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholar-
ships that are available to members and their dependents. Be sure to check
on those details, apply if it’s something that might help you, and encourage
others to do the same.
Last but definitely not least, read the answers in our “Inquiring Seafarer”
feature. (By the way, that feature has run in the LOG off and on for de-
cades.) Those comments from longtime members again reflect an organiza-
tion that has a lot to offer and much to be proud of.
Now, let’s continue our momentum in the New Year!
Michael Sacco
AMP Salutes Rep. González-Colón
The leading U.S. domestic maritime coalition
recently honored a longtime backer of the industry.
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) on
Nov. 16 presented U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-
Colón (R-Puerto Rico) with its American Maritime
Champion Award. According to the coalition, “The
award recognizes individuals or groups of indi-
viduals who have added to the rich heritage of the
United States as a maritime nation through their
professional contributions, courage, outstanding
achievements, or noble qualities.”
The SIU is an AMP affiliate; SIU Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez represented the union at the
awards ceremony.
“In her role as the Resident Commissioner of
Puerto Rico, Rep. González-Colón has been an ar-
dent supporter of the Jones Act and American Mar-
itime as a whole,” AMP noted in a news release.
“She is a member of the U.S. House Transporta-
tion & Infrastructure Committee and possesses a
deep understanding of the importance of a robust
national maritime capacity. Rep. González-Colón is
a champion of the Puerto Rican people on the issues
that matter most to the Island.”
“I am honored to have been selected for this
award, finding myself in the company of many dis-
tinguished congressional leaders,” said González-
Colón. “We all share a common goal of defending
American industry and jobs and the preservation of
our security of supply. Our economy moves based
on what we can export and import; the maritime
industry is the main artery of our supply chain and
inserts our products in the market. The American
shipping industry has served Puerto Rico for over
a century, developing infrastructure, employees,
fleets, specialized equipment, and systems, and
continuing to improve them, which assists the re-
covery of Puerto Rico with the presence of a regular
route system. We have seen how having direct, reli-
able, and expeditious service lifts up our economy.
The current effort in the modernization of the fleet
is critical for the reliability of service and drives an
investment in the American shipbuilding in which
many Puerto Rican workers are part of the team in
the mainland, as well as creating and sustaining port
and shipping jobs in Puerto Rico in support of our
export and import industries.”
“Representative González-Colón has been a
steadfast leader in her commitment to the people
she serves, including the men and women of Ameri-
can maritime in Puerto Rico,” said AMP President
Ku’uhaku Park. “She understands not only the im-
portance of a reliable, on-time American supply
chain to and from Puerto Rico, as was seen during
the pandemic and supply-chain disruption, but also
the larger significance of ensuring national security
through a strong shipbuilding and merchant mariner
capacity.”
Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) AMP President Ku’uhaku Park, U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón
(R-Puerto Rico) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez.
The SIU is assisting with a (free) membership drive for American Maritime Voices, which is affiliated
with the coalition American Maritime Partnership. Individuals are encouraged to sign up online. This
is a grassroots effort to stand up for the Jones Act.
Union Assists Maritime Ally in Important Drive
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 3
Bisso Boatmen Ratify Three-Year Contract
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso &
Son unanimously have ratified a three-year
contract featuring substantial gains.
The union represents 70 boatmen at Bisso,
which is headquartered in New Orleans.
They work as wheelmen, deckhands and en-
gineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing
ship docking and offshore towing services.
Negotiations took place Nov. 15-17 in
New Orleans. Ratification began immedi-
ately thereafter and concluded Nov. 23.
The SIU negotiating committee consisted
of Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer
Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate
Ian Strother, Deckhand Delegate Jacob
Toler and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais.
“We had a lot of experience on the com-
mittee, along with some newer guys,” West-
brook said. “The company, to their credit,
stepped up and negotiated a package that re-
flects the current labor market. They recog-
nize the value of their employees. I think the
contract is a tremendous retention and attrac-
tion tool, and it’s a win-win for both sides.”
Wells stated, “All in all, the negotiations
were pretty tough, but in the end, both sides
came to an agreement. After going out and
speaking with the guys, everybody was very
pleased. Personally, I was pleased with the
company’s willingness to work with us.”
He added that the annual wages increases
are the largest he’s seen in his 35-year tenure
with Bisso.
“That’s the highlight to me and I think it’s
the same for the rest of the guys,” Wells said.
Strother, a nine-year employee, served as
a bargaining-team member for the first time
and said he found the process “interesting. At
times we were joking, and at other times it
was very stressful. I’m very happy with the
way it turned out.
“We tried to get the best agreement pos-
sible for our co-workers,” he added. “We
didn’t necessarily get everything we wanted,
but we did really well.”
In addition to calling for yearly wage in-
creases, the contract also boosts base pay; in-
cludes an immediate cost-of-living bonus for
all ratings; and features a longevity bonus for
employees who’ve been with the company
for at least 30 years.
The pact maintains medical coverage at
the top level available through the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan (Core Plus), adds
a paid holiday, expands the bereavement
clause, doubles the rate for maintenance and
cure, and doubles the reimbursement for per-
sonal protective equipment.
Deckhand Ryan Bryce (left) discusses the new contract with bargaining com-
mittee members Ian Strother (center) and Jacob Toler.
SIU boatmen are pictured Nov. 23 outside the company’s fleet office in New Orleans. SIU Port Agent
Chris Westbrook is at center in photo above, and fourth from right in the photo below.
The global maritime industry faces massive changes
related to new fuels – and the SIU is helping make sure
mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly
will be a decades-long process.
Most recently, this outreach consisted of longtime SIU
member Lindsey Austin participating in the Conference
of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Conven-
tion on Climate Change – abbreviated as COP27 (it’s the
twenty-seventh such conference). The well-attended gath-
ering took place Nov. 6-20 in Egypt.
“I was really proud to represent working seafarers and
especially to represent the SIU,” said Austin, a 10-year
member currently sailing as a chief mate. “The industry’s
goal is to be emissions-free or neutral by 2050, so mariner
retraining is needed. Not only will we need to reskill and
retrain, we’ll also need to attract and retain new people.”
While the conference had a wide-ranging agenda, a
highlight for shipboard personnel and their unions was
the introduction of Maritime Just Transition Task Force.
Formed by unions, vessel owners and United Nations enti-
ties, the group’s mission statement underscores that its ob-
jective is “to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate
emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of
the solution.”
In that vein, COP27 included the unveiling of a new
report commissioned by the Task Force. The research and
findings pertain to mariner training and skills for decarbon-
ized shipping.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF),
touching on some of the report’s findings, noted, “The
three emission-reduction scenarios assessed in the research
highlight an immediate need to start putting the training
infrastructure in place, to ensure hundreds of thousands of
the world’s nearly two million seafarers are upskilled and
empowered through the transition. Findings also suggest
that a lack of certainty on alternative fuel options is hav-
ing [undesirable] effects for seafarer training, as the global
maritime community works towards a clearer decarboniza-
tion pathway in a post-fossil fuel era.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel – who chairs
both the ITF Seafarers’ Section and the Maritime Just Tran-
sition Task Force and has been extensively involved in pro-
moting mariner welfare around the globe – stated, “A Just
Transition for shipping will require a commitment to safe
crewing: having enough seafarers on board to allow for the
safe handling of new fuels, technologies and ship designs.”
(Heindel announced the federation’s sustainable shipping
policy a year earlier.)
COP27 attendees expressed appreciation for the spe-
cific recommendations contained in the Maritime Just
Transition Task Force report. Those goals include commit-
ting to global labor standards, prioritizing mariner health
and safety, investing in training, supporting career path-
ways, addressing attrition and recruitment, and more.
Austin, who also participated in the 2021 COP meet-
ing online, primarily took part in two of the COP27 pan-
els. She found the experience “100 percent worthwhile.
It’s always nice to be around a group of people who have
a common cause and are passionate about it,” she stated.
“People might not agree on the politics or science of cli-
mate change, but there is no question that change is coming
in our industry. Now we have a plan.”
She added that a comment from one of the other pan-
elists underscored the importance of mariners participat-
ing in COP27 and in future related events. “The sentiment
was that we wouldn’t talk about farming without including
farmers, and we shouldn’t talk about the maritime industry
without seafarers,” Austin said. “That may sound basic but
it’s a good point and it reinforces the need for us to be
involved.”
SIU Helps in Delivery
Of Mariner Message At Key
United Nations Conference
SIU member Lindsey Austin takes notes during one of
the discussions at COP27. She also addressed attend-
ees, providing the perspective of an active mariner.
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4 Seafarers LOG January 2023
SIU members sailing aboard the American Phoenix were
in the right place at the right time, and helped to rescue a
raft full of Cuban migrants adrift in the Straits of Florida on
Nov. 22.
The SIU members sailing aboard the Seabulk-operated
tanker included: Recertified Bosun Charles Hill; ABs
Nicholas Carey, Edward Gavagan, Andrew Graham, Ed-
ward Majesky and James Riley; QEP Benjamin Mathews;
OMUs Damir Josipovic, Javier Murillo Solorzano and
Jose Smith; Steward Baker John Greubel, Chief Cook Jose
Clotter and GVA Ricardo Escorcia. The officers aboard the
vessel are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American
Maritime Officers.
Vessel master Capt. Thomas Liebsch reported, “At 0742
local time on November 22, while the American Phoenix
was transiting from Port Everglades to the Southwest Pass,
the 2nd Mate and lookout, AB Andrew Graham, spotted a
small object approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the ves-
sel. Upon further inspection, they could see a raft with men
onboard, waving their arms and a flag.”
Graham stated, “We saw an object from afar and when it
got closer, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw people try-
ing to flag us down. I thought it was trash at first, they were
being pushed into the Gulf of Mexico and had minimal sup-
plies left. They may have had a grave outcome if we hadn’t
spotted their little makeshift raft.”
The raft was described by the captain as a “makeshift
craft, poorly constructed of plywood and Styrofoam and with
an open bottom, with seven Cuban migrants onboard.” After
contacting the United States Coast Guard Sector Key West,
the crew of the American Phoenix was first advised to remain
in the area, and then later instructed to attempt a rescue and
bring the migrants aboard.
Liebsch continued, “At 0828 local time, the USCG asked
if the vessel would attempt a rescue and disembark the mi-
grants from the raft onto the ship. The Chief Mate and Bosun
Charles Hill directed ABs Andrew Graham, Ed Gavagan,
Eddie Majesky and Nick Carey, and QMED Benjamin
Mathews to rig the accommodation and pilot ladders and
prepare life rings and heaving lines. With the Captain giving
rudder commands, AB James Riley carefully steered the ves-
sel closer to the raft and the crew was able to get a sea painter
over by using a line throwing appliance. Once the raft was
safely alongside, all seven migrants were transferred to the
ship at 1015 local time.”
Clotter provided translation assistance between the
crew and the migrants. He stated, “The Chief Mate asked
me to help translate once they determined the men were
Cuban. Upon boarding the vessel, I questioned the men
to make sure they did not have any weapons, and asked
if they were looking for help. They responded that they
were in need of help, and that they had been out at sea for
nine days.”
Clotter added, “The steward department gathered some
fruit and water for them, and then my wife, who was working
on another ship at the time, suggested that I offer to give them
some spare clothes to change into, once I shared the news
with her. So I did just that – I gave them pants and shirts, and
also asked the rest of the crew to join in as well, if they had
anything to spare.”
The captain agreed, saying, “Chief Cook Jose Clotter,
GVA Ricardo Escorcia and OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano
did a fantastic job of translating so the crew could better
help and provide comfort for the migrants. Additional engine
room personnel who provided assistance in the engine control
room and on deck included OMUs Damir Josipovic and Jose
Smith.”
He concluded his report: “The vessel proceeded towards
Key West to rendezvous with USCG Cutter Vigorous. QMED
Mathews helped the men all properly don their lifejackets in
preparation for the transfer to the cutter. At 1254 local time,
the cutter launched a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and the seven
migrants boarded via the accommodation ladder at 1312 local
time.”
American Phoenix Crew Rescues Migrants
Pictured from left in the back row are Chief Steward John Greubel, AB Ed Gavagan, Bosun Charles Hill,
AB Nick Carey, OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano and OMU Jose Smith. Seated (from left) are GVA Ricardo
Escorcia, AB James Riley, AB Andrew Graham and Chief Cook Jose Clotter. Chief Cook Jose Clotter (left) is pictured with the rescued migrants.
The raft as seen from the SIU-crewed American Phoenix.
SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (left) and
United States Vice President Kamala Harris meet at a recent
labor gathering in San Francisco. Harris is a longtime friend
of the SIU. During the meeting, she underscored her ongoing
support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights.
VP Harris Reiterates Support
On October 16,
while transiting the
Florida Straits en
route from Jack-
sonville, Florida, to
Port Arthur, Texas,
the mate on watch
aboard the Sun-
shine State (In-
trepid Personnel
and Provisioning)
noticed what he
thought to be an
unusually small
sailboat on the
starboard bow.
Further investi-
gation revealed
a makeshift craft
overloaded with
refugees making
various signals in-
dicating distress.
Closer inspection
revealed a home-
made, small craft consisting of plastic or foam blocks cobbled together along with a small windsurfing sail.
Under advisement from the Coast Guard, the Sunshine State circled the craft to calm the seas until a U.S.
Customs vessel arrived on scene. The SIU crew of the Sunshine State included Recertified Bosun Randell
Porter; ABs Carlos Avila, Daniel Harris, Paul Riley and Lloyd Stock; QE3 Manolito Garcia; Steward/Baker
Mamie Porter and GVA Ernesto Martinez.
Sunshine State Helps Save 9
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 5
The yearly pre-Thanksgiving gath-
ering at the hiring hall in Oakland,
California, once again proved smooth,
successful – and filling.
Locally renowned for decades, the
2022 iteration took place in its usual
slot on the Tuesday before the holiday
(Nov. 22). The event featured a com-
prehensive menu, remarks from union
officials and guests, and relaxed fel-
lowship.
Among those addressing the crowd
of approximately 120 people were U.S.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-California),
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California),
U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew
Sugimoto and Yardena Wolf, chief of
staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-
California).
Guests included rank-and-file SIU
members and their families, SIU re-
tirees, shipping company executives,
representatives from various labor
organizations, and others. Among the
vessel operators represented at the
traditional feast were Matson, Patriot,
Pasha, Crowley and Starlight Marine.
“Our theme this year really focused
on giving thanks and also on unity,”
said SIU Vice President Government
Services Nicholas Celona, long the
driving force behind the event. “One
point I emphasized is that we can
disagree about policies, but we have
to stay unified. We’re Americans and
we’re all in this together.”
Other speakers shared those senti-
ments and also underscored their sup-
port for the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Charles
Farruggia for supplying the photos on
this page.
Oakland Thanksgiving Event a Success
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee
(D-California)
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
(D-California)
Yardena Wolf
Chief of Staff, Office of
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California)
SIU VP Nicholas Celona (center) is pictured with International Union of Elevator Construc-
tors Local 8 Business Reps Ryan Lange (left) and Greg Hardeman.
Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard and retired Recertified
Steward George Pino (right, holding U.S. Merchant Marine flag) help kick off the event.
SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chats with guests from Carpenters Local 2233. Pictured
from left are Arturo Rodriguez, Tim Favaloro and Francisco Martinez. Bosun Victor Frazier (center) and his family enjoy the gathering.
In photo at immediate left, U.S. Coast Guard
Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto (right) addresses
the audience as VP Nick Marrone looks on. Pic-
tured from left (photo above) are SIU VP Nicho-
las Celona, Richard Carpeneti (former president
of the San Francisco Housing Authority) and
Larry Mazzola Jr. (president of Plumbers and
Pipe Fitters Local 38).
Patriot Contract Services President Lance Bardo, SIU VP
Nick Marrone
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6 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Bosun Robert O’Connell recently was
moved to write to the staff of the Seafarers
LOG, detailing his experiences while sail-
ing aboard the cable ship Decisive late last
year. The vessel, operated by Subcom, was
tasked a cable-laying operation in the Medi-
terranean Sea, which lasted about 40 days.
O’Connell embraced the challenge, say-
ing, “I caught the AB job and hadn’t been
on one of those cable ships in 20 years. It’s
an interesting operation.” He joined the SIU
in 1991, as part of Class 475, and sailed
until 2004. He left the industry for personal
reasons, but returned to sailing in 2019.
While the trip was unique in its own
way, what inspired him to catalogue the
voyage was his collective interaction with
the rest of the crew: “They showed great
teamwork, and were able and willing to per-
form any task given to them.”
He added, “What really stuck out to me
was how the apprentices and ordinaries re-
ally stood up. They really impressed me.
There was nothing they couldn’t do. They
worked together, stayed happy and upbeat
and got the job done. And it was a long job.”
O’Connell also stated that in conversa-
tions with the captain, Eric Ellsworth, the
vessel master mentioned more than once
how pleased he was with the work of the
apprentices.
O’Connell wanted to highlight the ef-
forts of the following crew members while
he was aboard: Bosun Santos Contreras,
Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, ABs Suallah
Osman, John Reid and Cameron Ruth-
lev, OSs Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer,
Levi Gorokhovsky, and Darius Parker,
Chief Electrician Casey Frederick, MDR
Luke Mueller, CASJ Dominador Diaz,
OMU Kasim Ahmed, Chief Steward
Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Walter
Schoppe, Third Cook Virgilio Brosoto, SA
Mahmoud Fares, GVAs Khaleel Boat-
ner, Donato Camandang, Verna Dotson,
Justo Guity, Ryan Heimberger, Ruby
Jones, Salah Mohmohd, Kassem Salah
and Van Valladolid, and Apprentices Pres-
ton Stine and Carl Piercy.
Regarding the work of Chief Cook
Schoppe – who has sailed with the SIU
for more than 40 years – O’Connell noted,
“The food was great. He’s a real profes-
sional.”
He concluded by saying, “It made me
feel good that the SIU tradition of good
seamanship and work ethic hasn’t been lost.
My hat’s off to them.”
Longtime Seafarer Praises Cable Ship Comrades
Pictured from left to right are OS Levi Gorokhovsky, Bosun Santos Contreras, Chief Officer Gary Bigham, OS Destini Dunlap, OS
Robert Freer, OS Ryan Heinberger and UA Carl Piercy. Chief Cook Walter Schoppe
AB Suallah Osman (left) and OS Levi Gorokhovsky take inventory and stow gear for the
cable operations.
Apprentice Preston Stine plays guitar during
his coffee break.
The U.S. Merchant Marine was included in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony Dec. 7 in the
nation’s capital. The event, hosted by Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National
Park Service, took place at the World War II Memorial. Retired Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus attended
the ceremony and provided these photos. The posed photo by the wreaths includes (from left) Deputy
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and Adm. Christopher W. Grady, who serves as the twelfth Vice
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Observance Includes Merchant Mariners
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 7
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
CHEERFUL VISIT – AB Donald Desir (second from left) meets with personnel
from the Baltimore International Seafarers Center aboard the ARC Defender
(TOTE Services). The ladies brought gifts for the crew to brighten their time
in Charm City.
ABOARD MAERSK SARATOGA
– Bosun Kemer Rojas (left) and AB
Ramon Guity are pictured aboard the
Maersk Line, Limited ship in mid-No-
vember in Kuwait.
ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – QMED Sammy Montana
cuts a metal pipe fitting with an electric jigsaw.
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Bosun Mark Hoff-
man (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent
Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. Hoffman
started sailing with the union in 1987.
WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified Steward
Jeff Beasley (left) picks up his first pension check at the
hiring hall following a 40-year career. His daughter, Leilani,
is in the center, while SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice is at
right.
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime SIU
member and delegate Capt. Terry Murley (left), who spent
his entire 44-year career at Crescent Towing, picks up his
first retirement check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Chris
Westbrook is at right.
TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – Chief
Cook Kirk Fisher (center in photo at left) re-
ceives his A-book at the hiring hall. He’s pic-
tured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right)
and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. In the larger
group photo above, SA Stephen Nowell (cen-
ter, with hand raised) takes the oath prior to
receiving his B-book at the hall. Pictured from
left are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon,
MDR Yan Paing (partially visible), Niday, Ri-
vera, Nowell, SA Ahmed Abubaker, OS Abdel-
rahim Salih, and Chief Cook Ashley Graham.
HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Randy Slue
takes a busman’s holiday by volunteering at the
hall in Jacksonville, Florida. “He always comes
through for us,” said SIU Port Agent Ashley Nel-
son.
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8 Seafarers LOG January 2023
A-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Picking up their respective
A-seniority books at the Jacksonville hall are (left in
photo above) QMED George Box and (left in photo
below) Bosun Terry Hester. Box is pictured with SIU
Safety Director Adam Bucalo, while Hester is shown
with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
HONING SKILLS – Mariners from the Algol and Capella are pictured following small-arms training. From left: Capt.
Raymond Davis, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Electrician Alex Canada, Recertified Bosun Artis Wil-
liams, Capt. Andrew Diamond and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman.
ABOARD MAUNAWILI – SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sa-
hagon (right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Matson ship.
Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz is at left while Recertified
Steward Christopher Amigable is at center.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD USNS MAURY – GVA Brian Peralta (seated) is sur-
prised with a chocolate mousse cake in celebration of his retire-
ment from sailing. Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins is at left while
vessel master Capt. Jon Skogland is at right aboard the Ocean
Shipholdings-operated vessel.
A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Brandon Urich (right) re-
ceives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall
with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr.
FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Two Seafarers recently received their respective B-books at the Houston hall. They are AB
Adolf Abbey (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel) and AB Daniel Hanback (left in photo at left, with SIU
Patrolman Kelly Krick).
MILESTONE IN JERSEY – AB Dennis Saggese (right in
photo at immediate right) receives his A-seniority book at the
hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta
is at left.
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 9
Introduction
This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes impor-
tant information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes
general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corpora-
tion (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension
plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean
that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in
any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2021
and ending July 31, 2022 (the “2021 Plan Year”).
How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure
called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the
plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s
funded percentage for the 2021 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart
below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period.
Funded Percentage
2021 Plan Year 2020 Plan Year 2019 Plan Year
Valuation Date August 1, 2021 August 1, 2020 August 1, 2019
Funded Percentage Over 100% Over 100% Over 100%
Value of Assets $111,300,133 $106,834,294 $106,530,327
Value of Liabilities $105,199,118 $102,467,876 $ 99,134,084
Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial
values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in
the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predict-
able levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture
of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and
are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the
Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31,
2022 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this
notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2021
annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2023.
July 31, 2022 July 31, 2021 July 31, 2020
Fair Market Value of Assets $110,134,839 $119,994,941 $101,823,920
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than
80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may
also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become
insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies).
If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improve-
ment plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of
the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish
steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The
plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce
current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.
The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2021 Plan Year.
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,050.
Of this number, 785 were current employees, 862 were retired and receiving benefits, and 403 were retired
or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A fund-
ing policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by
employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016,
the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective
bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding
standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue
Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance
with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code.
Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instruc-
tions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a
portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced invest-
ment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve
positive investment results over the long term.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of
investments, as of the end of the 2021 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets:
Asset Allocations Percentage
1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2.9%
2. U.S. Government securities 0.0%
3. Corporate debt instruments 0.0%
4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 22.2%
5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 8.5%
6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 62.3%
7. Other 4.1%
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the
“Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic
copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual
reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Adminis-
tration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC
20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making
a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400,
San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available
now. The annual report for the 2021 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee
Benefits Security Administration in May 2022. Annual reports do not contain personal information,
such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993
or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits.
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans
that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan
administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice.
A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay ben-
efits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest
level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay
benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the
plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount
necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s
financial condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and ben-
eficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition,
participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their ben-
efits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option.
This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have
earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There
are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-
employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program.
Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11
of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times
each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month
times a participant’s years of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit
of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by
dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The
guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33),
or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual
rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount
for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the
participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retire-
ment benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which
are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before
starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will
disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of
the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the
time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the nor-
mal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health
insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to
the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact
your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension
benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your
Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator,
SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107,
415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the
Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number
or “EIN” is 94-6061923.
Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer
eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2023
calendar year.
Three scholarships will be designated
for Seafarers while five will be targeted
for spouses and dependents. One of the
endowments reserved for Seafarers totals
$20,000 and is intended to help defray the
costs associated with attending a four-year,
college-level course of study. The remain-
ing two are in the amount of $6,000 each
and are designed as two-year awards for
study at a postsecondary vocational school
or community college. Each of the five
scholarships for spouses and dependents is
for $20,000.
Now is an ideal time to begin the ap-
plication process. The first step is to obtain
a scholarship program booklet. This pack-
age contains eligibility information, proce-
dures for applying for the scholarships and
an application form. Union members and
their dependents now have three avenues
through which they may obtain this booklet.
Prospective applicants may request
these booklets via mail by completing and
mailing the form provided. Booklets may
also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall.
Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet
online by visiting www.seafarers.org, go to
the Benefits menu, open the “Core Plus and
Core Benefits” section, scroll to “Applica-
tions and Forms,” and select Scholarship
Application. Although the booklet says
2021, all information is still current for the
2023 SHBP Scholarships.
Once the scholarship booklet has been
received, applicants should check the eligi-
bility criteria. They should also begin col-
lecting and assembling the remainder of
the paperwork needed to submit with the
full application, which must be received by
April 15, 2023.
A scholarship selection committee, con-
sisting of a panel of professional educators,
will examine the high school grades of all
applicants as well as evaluate scores from
their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and
American College Tests (ACT). Accord-
ingly, arrangements should be made by ap-
plicants who have not done so to take these
tests no later than February 2023. Doing so
will virtually assure that the results reach
the evaluation committee in time for review.
Seafarers and dependents who previ-
ously applied for the scholarship program
and were not selected are encouraged to
apply again this year, provided they still
meet the eligibility requirements.
Please send me the 2023 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility infor-
mation, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form.
Name ..........................................................................................................................................
Street Address ............................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code...................................................................................................................
Telephone Number ( ) ..........................................................................................................
This application is for: Self Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746
SHBP Offers Scholarships For 2023
Previously Non-Selected Applicants May Reapply if Still Eligible
1/23
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 979200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 9 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
10 Seafarers LOG January 2023 January 2023 Seafarers LOG 11
SIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving FeastsSIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving Feasts
Spending holidays at sea often comes with the job of
being a mariner, but Seafarers and their shipmates still ap-
preciate extra effort from the galley gangs on Thanksgiving.
Based on recent communications to the LOG as well as
online posts, such output proved quite evident Nov. 24 aboard
SIU-crewed ships. Elaborate menus became the norm on
vessels including the President Wilson (operated by APL),
Safmarine Ngami (Maersk Line, Limited), USNS Red Cloud
(Patriot), USNS Dahl (Patriot) and many others.
Prior to press time, the union posted photos from those
feasts, and the subsequent comments on the SIU Facebook
page were voluminous and enthusiastic. They included:
“There are some super-talented steward departments out
there!”
“Awesome job by the steward department. That is an im-
pressive spread.”
“I wouldn’t use the word effort. That is hard work!”
“WOW what an awesome spread. Looks so tasty! Happy
Thanksgiving.”
Similar sentiments surfaced in related emails sent to the
LOG, including this one from Safmarine Ngami vessel mas-
ter Capt. William Fisher: “A strong shout-out to the steward
department for an awesome job they did, as you can see in
the pictures. (Recertified) Steward Cleto Lindong and Chief
Cook Robert Wright and SA Santiago Aquino are some of
the SIU’s finest.”
With another Thanksgiving having passed, SIU galley
gangs have upheld a tradition that’s almost as old as the union
itself.
Editor’s note: The photos on these two pages were sub-
mitted on Thanksgiving and in the days immediately after-
ward. Additional images are posted on the union’s Facebook
page.
From left, Chief Cook Robert Wright, SA Santiago Aquino and Re-
certified Steward Cleto Lindong stand behind some of their handi-
work aboard the Safmarine Ngami.
Recertified Steward Ali Matari led the way in making sure fellow mariners
aboard the Maersk Hartford were well-fed on Thanksgiving.
Pictured from left aboard the USNS Red Cloud are C/M Brad Lawhon, C/E Jared Ciavola, Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, SA Emily Lepley,
QMED Floro Ponce, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Capt. Doug Nagy and SA Amado Angeles.
Pictured clockwise, starting at front left are Chief Cook Nicoll Rodriguez, Capt. Gabor Ujvari,
Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Nasser Alarqban and Chief Engineer Tommy Still-
wachs aboard the President Wilson.
Crew members aboard the USNS Dahl line up for a holiday feast.
The three photos directly above are from the Safmarine Ngami, as is the image that’s third from left, middle row, on page 10. The two photos at immediate left are
from the President Wilson, while the remaining two (directly next to the one of the USNS Dahl crew) are from the USNS Red Cloud.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-1179200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-11 12/19/22 12:09 PM12/19/22 12:09 PM
12 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer
Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent bosun recertification
course in Piney Point, Maryland.
Richard Molina Blackman
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU in 2001 and it
has been a great experience. I always
wanted to be a seaman. The SIU has
given me the opportunity to provide
for me and my family. The SIU made
me the man I am today, and I plan to
retire with the union.
Nasser Hafid
Recertified Bosun
My dad was a sailor. What
made me do what I do now is,
seeing my dad support a wife
and eight children. That’s what
inspired me to join the SIU. Also,
the money is good!
Neftali Erausquin
Recertified Bosun
I enjoy traveling around the
world and being part of a great
union, the SIU. I’m proud to be a
member and I definitely love the
sea.
Ronald Poole Sr.
Recertified Bosun
Life in the union has been
good for me and my family. I
have two daughters in college and
one more to go. The sky is the
limit with the SIU.
Carlos Gibbons
Recertified Bosun
I joined with the hope of a better
future – to put myself into a good fi-
nancial position, and also because of
the family time that this profession
offers. I’ve stayed because of the
many opportunities that the industry
offers if you keep upgrading.
Larry Dizon
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU back in 2005 and
it has been a life-changing experi-
ence. I’ve developed skills and ex-
celled in my chosen career. This has
given my family a better life, and I
plan to stay with the SIU.
Pic From The Past Pic From The Past
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
In photo at right, workers in Rotterdam put
the finishing touches on the stern of the
Sea-Land McLean in 1972. SIU members
crewed up the SL-7 shortly thereafter. The
photo below (taken with a fisheye lens,
from one of the port cranes) shows a long-
range view of the ship at berth.
James B. Hall
Recertified Bosun
After I completed four years in
the Navy, I went back to the small
town where I grew up, went back
to school and got a job. Within a
year, I really missed going to sea.
I considered re-enlisting but came
across the SIU website and got
into the apprentice program. I’ve
remained with it because I enjoy
travel and because the lifestyle is
flexible.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1279200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 12 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 13
Deck Department
Algonac 17 5 6 22 1 2 5 16 8 3
Anchorage 0 5 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 1
Baltimore 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 1 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 21 12 2 10 6 3 11 30 17 5
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1
Harvey 8 8 0 9 5 0 6 12 10 2
Honolulu 6 2 0 4 1 0 1 10 6 0
Houston 43 19 6 23 7 2 14 48 23 6
Jacksonville 29 27 6 25 19 3 12 41 36 5
Jersey City 21 8 1 15 8 5 12 41 14 2
Joliet 2 2 2 3 1 1 0 2 3 0
Mobile 3 3 1 4 1 0 3 6 7 2
Norfolk 20 7 6 16 5 5 8 23 11 2
Oakland 12 3 2 5 1 0 4 14 3 1
Philadelphia 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0
Piney Point 1 5 0 0 4 0 0 3 2 0
Puerto Rico 4 1 2 2 1 1 2 8 5 2
Tacoma 17 6 0 11 2 0 4 24 14 5
St. Louis 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Wilmington 22 7 4 15 5 2 11 39 11 2
TOTALS 230 121 40 168 72 25 99 326 176 39
Engine Department
Algonac 4 1 0 5 0 1 1 4 0 1
Anchorage 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1
Baltimore 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 5 0 6 3 1 7 10 6 1
Guam 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 3 0
Harvey 4 3 2 0 3 1 3 6 1 1
Honolulu 7 5 1 7 3 1 2 8 9 1
Houston 15 8 0 11 8 1 10 18 6 0
Jacksonville 19 12 3 14 12 2 8 27 16 3
Jersey City 7 5 0 7 1 1 1 9 6 0
Joliet 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0
Mobile 3 4 1 1 4 2 1 2 3 0
Norfolk 9 12 4 11 11 3 6 10 8 3
Oakland 8 3 0 4 2 0 3 10 5 1
Philadelphia 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 0 0
Piney Point 3 5 0 1 1 0 1 3 3 0
Puerto Rico 6 3 0 2 1 0 3 10 5 0
Tacoma 8 2 3 3 1 2 2 17 5 2
St. Louis 4 2 0 0 2 0 3 7 2 1
Wilmington 7 5 0 12 1 1 5 15 10 4
TOTALS 111 79 16 88 59 17 60 164 89 19
Steward Department
Algonac 3 0 0 3 1 0 3 5 1 0
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Baltimore 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 4 2 1 4 6 0 4 15 7 1
Guam 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Harvey 3 1 1 2 1 0 1 5 1 1
Honolulu 8 0 0 4 2 0 3 8 1 1
Houston 17 4 0 8 2 0 7 19 11 1
Jacksonville 24 16 2 12 13 0 9 31 20 4
Jersey City 5 2 0 8 3 1 4 9 7 2
Joliet 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Mobile 2 4 0 1 1 0 2 4 6 0
Norfolk 24 16 3 8 18 2 8 23 7 5
Oakland 8 5 1 5 3 1 3 14 5 1
Philadelphia 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0
Piney Point 3 3 2 0 2 1 1 3 3 2
Puerto Rico 5 6 1 3 2 1 5 7 7 3
Tacoma 11 1 0 8 1 0 4 11 1 0
St. Louis 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0
Wilmington 17 6 0 14 8 0 10 26 8 3
TOTALS 138 72 11 81 66 6 64 186 92 24
Entry Department
Algonac 2 8 10 0 6 4 4 4 7 10
Anchorage 0 3 2 1 3 1 0 0 3 2
Baltimore 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3
Fort Lauderdale 1 2 1 0 2 2 0 1 4 4
Guam 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
Harvey 1 5 1 1 2 1 0 2 3 5
Honolulu 2 0 1 0 2 2 1 2 3 3
Houston 2 14 15 1 7 5 3 3 18 25
Jacksonville 1 32 54 2 23 30 9 2 29 101
Jersey City 0 13 15 0 6 7 4 2 20 20
Joliet 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
Mobile 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Norfolk 0 11 16 0 10 13 5 0 11 20
Oakland 1 4 4 1 5 2 2 2 5 6
Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Piney Point 0 7 15 0 4 10 4 0 3 12
Puerto Rico 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Tacoma 1 7 8 0 8 4 2 3 18 9
St. Louis 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2
Wilmington 3 10 3 1 8 4 1 4 23 10
TOTALS 15 121 151 7 88 89 35 27 151 238
GRAND TOTAL: 494 393 218 344 285 137 258 703 508 320
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 14 -December 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 14.
Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep SeaDispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Piney Point................*Tuesday: January 3, Monday: February 6
Algonac...................................Friday: January 6, February 10
Baltimore.................................Thursday: January 5, February 9
Guam................................Thursday: January 19, February 23
Honolulu..................................Friday: January 13, February 17
Houston................................Monday: January 9, February 13
Jacksonville.........................Thursday: January 5, February 9
Joliet.................................Thursday: January 12, February 16
Mobile............................Wednesday: January 11, February 15
New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 10, February 14
Jersey City..................................Tuesday: January 3, February 7
Norfolk.........................................Friday: January 6, February 10
Oakland................................Thursday: January 12, February 16
Philadelphia......................Wednesday: January 4, February 8
Port Everglades......................Thursday: January 12, February 16
San Juan..............................Thursday: January 5, February 9
St. Louis...................................Friday: January 13, February 17
Tacoma....................................Friday: January 20, February 24
Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 17 , *Tuesday: February 21
* Piney Point change due to New Year’s Day observance
* Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Day and Presi-
dent’s Day observances.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
January & FebruaryJanuary & February
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings
In order to help prevent
any misunderstandings that
may affect your merchant
mariner credential, the Sea-
farers Health and Benefits
Plan Medical Department
offers the following brief re-
view of a few of the federal
rules related to drug test col-
lections.
n You have up to three
hours to provide an accept-
able urine specimen. Do not
schedule a test for a day and
time if you don’t have three
hours available to stay at the
clinic if needed.
n The collection pro-
cess usually starts when
you are taken into the back
to provide a sample. You
cannot leave until the col-
lector says that the sample
is acceptable.
n You must follow the
collector’s directions. Leav-
ing prior to providing an
acceptable specimen, being
unable to provide one within
the three-hour timeframe
without a medical explana-
tion, or interfering with the
collector constitutes a re-
fusal to test. Refusal to test
may result in action by the
U.S. Coast Guard as if there
had been a positive test.
In summary, pick your
appointment time so you
can stay as long as needed,
do not interfere with the
collector and, most impor-
tantly, follow the collector’s
instructions.
Medical Department
Outlines Drug Test
Collection Procedures
Notice/Reminder
ATTENTION SEAFARERSSEAFARERS
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political
Activities Donation
SPADSPAD
SPAD Works For You
Total Registered
All Groups
Total Shipped
All Groups
Registered on Beach
All Groups
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 1379200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 13 12/20/22 12:18 PM12/20/22 12:18 PM
14 Seafarers LOG January 2023
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), August 28 – Chairman
James Joyce, Secretary Donna
Hickman, Educational Director
Monroe Monseur. Educational
director reminded crew to upgrade
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school and to apply for TWIC re-
newal online. Members requested
new mattresses and fridge for crew
mess room.
MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 18 –
Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary
Stephan Osovitz, Educational
Director Jeffrey Hamer, Deck
Delegate James Moody, Engine
Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward
Delegate Christopher King. Chair-
man reminded crew to keep rooms
clean and to stay on top of docu-
ments. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested new
washer and dryer as well as a new
coffee maker. Vote of thanks given
to steward department for a job well
done.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line,
Limited), September 24 – Chairman
Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony
Harrell, Deck Delegate Samuel
Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Ruben
Haynes. Payoff scheduled for Sep-
tember 27. Chairman discussed ship
fund. Educational director advised
members to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Cooktop grill in galley
to be replaced. Members requested
clarification regarding weekend
overtime. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done. Crew
was reminded to keep rooms clean.
Members requested annual physi-
cals and increased dental and vision
benefits.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 2 – Secre-
tary Caezar Mercado Educational
Director Tijani Rashid, Deck
Delegate John Worae. Members
were reminded about flu shots
and keeping documents current.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new mattresses,
unlimited Wi-Fi access on board,
fans in each room and additional
benefits. Next port: Charleston,
South Carolina.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), October 7 – Educational
Director Carlos Mohler Vega,
Steward Delegate Andrea Har-
grove. Chairman reiterated impor-
tance of leaving clean rooms for
reliefs. Secretary recommended
members upgrade at the SIU-affili-
ated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Educational
director urged crew to stay on top of
documents. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 16 – Chair-
man Ali Alhamyari, Secretary
Sajid Foster. Educational director
advised crew to go to Piney Point
and upgrade. Crew looking into
getting new DVD players and TVs.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new gym equipment
and better Wi-Fi service. Members
voiced concerns regarding new
contract.
SEABULK PRIDE (Eco-Tankers
Crew Management), October 27 –
Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary
Jasmine Garrett. Crew met with
union representative and reviewed
the latest communications. Educa-
tional director reminded members
to continue to upgrade and to keep
documents up to date. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew dis-
cussed health insurance coverage
and provided several suggestions to
enhance medical benefits for union
members and their families. Steward
department was commended for a
job well done. Crew was encour-
aged to submit content to Seafarers
LOG office. Next port: Port Ever-
glades, Florida.
ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services),
October 30 – Chairman John
Cedeno, Secretary Armon Bailey,
Educational Director Hector Ginel,
Deck Delegate Junior Augustin,
Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon
Rosa. Chairman reminded crew to
verify credentials with patrolman
when registering at the hall. He asked
everyone to keep up the good work
and to stay safe. Educational director
advised members to attend upgrading
courses at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. He instructed everyone
to apply at least 30 days in advance.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew was asked to use outside lad-
der well since steward department
just stripped and waxed inside
ladder well. Crew requested 401k
contributions to be matched and for
mental health coverage for spouses.
Members suggested providing tour
of duties for all who complete their
assigned tours.
MATSON TACOMA (Horizon
Lines), October 30 – Chairman
Christopher Pompel, Secretary
Justo Reyes, Deck Delegate Mi-
chael Salatto, Engine Delegate
Brandon Tanton, Steward Delegate
Christopher Hopkins. Chairman
discussed new agreement details
and Seafarers Appeals Board ac-
tion regarding length of jobs. He
encouraged members to carefully
watch documents and physicals.
Educational director urged crew to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as
soon as possible. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported. Crew requested
Starlink internet for all ships, one
job call a day and Wi-Fi access at
halls. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska.
MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk
Line, Limited), November 13 –
Chairman Domingo Leon, Secre-
tary Memo Elfeky, Educational
Director Jan Morawski, Deck
Delegate Suyapa Smith, Steward
Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Chair-
man reported a great trip as did
other union members. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew is in
need of better internet connection
as they are often without. Members
asked for increases in vacation days
and increases in dental care.
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In-
land Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership 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 recommenda-
tions. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representa-
tives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the 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 shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals Board by certified mail, return receipt
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or ob-
ligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no mem-
ber may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is de-
nied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In con-
nection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No con-
tribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribu-
tion 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 interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Mi-
chael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Know Your Rights Know Your Rights
Digest of Shipboard Digest of Shipboard
Union MeetingsUnion Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
Recruiting in City of Brotherly Love
SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (facing camera) is pictured at a recent job fair,
spreading the word about the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1479200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 14 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 15
DEEP SEA
BRUCE CHILDERS
Brother Bruce Childers, 65, started
his career with the union in 1988.
He first shipped
with Mariner
Towing and was
a deck depart-
ment member.
Brother Childers
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. He last
sailed aboard the
Discovery and makes his home in
Panama City, Florida.
MARK CLARK
Brother Mark Clark, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978 when he
sailed aboard the Leo. He up-
graded at the Piney Point school
on numerous occasions and was a
member of the deck department.
Brother Clark’s final vessel was
the Mayaguez. He lives in Long
Branch, New Jersey.
ALBAD COLON
Brother Albad Colon, 70, began
sailing with the
union in 2000.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Colon’s
first vessel was
the Patriot; his
last, the Bay State. He is a Hous-
ton resident.
OWEN DUFFY
Brother Owen Duffy, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1978, ini-
tially sailing
aboard the Leo.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions
and shipped
in the engine
department.
Brother Duffy’s
final vessel was the El Yunque. He
is a resident of Orlando, Florida.
MAURICIO ELOPRE
Brother Mauricio Elopre, 65,
signed on with the union in 2006.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he first sailed
aboard the
Pride of Aloha.
Brother Elopre
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous oc-
casions. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Tennessee and makes his
home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
RAYMOND FERNANDEZ
Brother Raymond Fernandez, 67,
became a member of the union
in 1980, initially sailing aboard
the USNS Potomac. He sailed in
both the deck
and engine de-
partments and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Fernandez most
recently shipped
on the Isla Bella.
He makes his
home in Jacksonville, Florida.
CHRISTOPHER KICEY
Brother Christopher Kicey, 66,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1991
when he sailed
on the Richard
G. Matthiesen.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Kicey’s
final vessel was the Overseas
Boston. He resides in Navarre,
Florida.
MICHAEL KOVACH
Brother Michael Kovach, 65,
donned the union colors in 1987
and first sailed
aboard the Wil-
liam R. Button.
He primarily
sailed in the en-
gine department
and also worked
on shore gangs.
Brother Kovach
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He
calls Matawan, New Jersey, home.
AMADO LABORIEL
Brother Amado Laboriel, 65,
signed on with
the Seafarers in
2003. He sailed
in all three
departments.
Brother Labori-
el’s first vessel
was the Flick-
ertail State; his
last, the Maersk
Hartford. He re-
sides in Far Rockaway, New York.
ENRICO LA MARCA
Brother Enrico La Marca, 65,
began sailing with the union in
2003 when
he shipped on
the Atlantic
Guardian. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous
occasions and
worked in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother La
Marca most recently sailed on the
Liberty Glory and lives in Puerto
Rico.
RONIE LLAVE
Brother Ronie Llave, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 2006, initially sailing on the
Pride of Hawaii. He worked in the
deck department and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Llave
last shipped on
the Horizon Re-
liance and calls
La Mirada, Cali-
fornia, home.
VICTOR GIL MARIANO
Brother Victor Gil Mariano, 65,
started sailing with the SIU in
1991 when he
worked on the
Independence.
He shipped in
the deck depart-
ment, upgraded
in Piney Point
on multiple
occasions and
concluded his
career aboard the
SBX. Brother Mariano resides in
Kaneohe, Hawaii.
PAUL MORAN
Brother Paul Moran, 65, joined
the union in 1978. He first sailed
aboard the Connecticut and
worked in all three departments.
Brother Moran’s final vessel was
the Overseas New Orleans. He
makes his home in Brooklyn, New
York.
EMILIO PLACIDES
Brother Emilio Placides, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1996 when he
shipped on the
USNS Wyman.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions
and was a mem-
ber of the stew-
ard department.
Brother Placides
last sailed aboard the John Mc-
Donnell and settled in Oxnard,
Virginia.
JO POSTELL
Brother Jo Postell, 65, signed on
with the union
in 2004, initially
sailing aboard
the William R
Button. A deck
department
member, he
concluded his
career aboard the
Maersk Sentosa.
Brother Postell
calls Moyock, North Carolina,
home.
JILL PRESCOTT
Sister Jill Prescott, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1983. She was a
steward depart-
ment member
and first shipped
on the Taurus.
Sister Prescott
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions.
She concluded
her career
aboard the Horizon Spirit and is a
resident of Bella Vista, Arizona.
TOMMY RODGERS
Brother Tommy Rodgers, 65,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2007
when he shipped
on the Resolve.
He upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center and
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Rodgers’ final
vessel was the
Liberty Grace. He makes his home
in Corpus Christi, Texas.
ROY SCOTT
Brother Roy Scott, 65, began
sailing with the
union in 1991.
An engine
department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Independence.
Brother Scott
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1995.
He last shipped on the Green Bay
and settled in Pearl City, Hawaii.
KENNETH SIMMONS
Brother Kenneth Simmons, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 2001
and first sailed with Marine
Personnel and
Provisioning. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of member-
ship and was a
deck department
member. Brother
Simmons most
recently shipped
on the Liberty Pride. He resides in
Tampa, Florida.
ROBERT WEEKS
Brother Robert Weeks, 65, em-
barked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1976
when he shipped
on the Arthur
Middleton. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and sailed in all
three depart-
ments. Brother
Weeks’ final vessel was the El
Morro. He lives in Mobile, Ala-
bama.
INLAND
EDWARD BOPP
Brother Edward Bopp, 64, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1981. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center within his first
year of membership. Brother Bopp
worked for Crescent Towing and
Salvage for the duration of his
career. He lives in Covington,
Louisiana.
PAUL HACKNEY
Brother Paul Hackney, 59, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1989
when he sailed
on the USNS
Stalwart. A
deck department
member, he
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Hackney
was most recently employed by
Penn Maritime and makes his
home in Smyrna, Georgia.
RAYMOND KUCHARCZYK
Brother Raymond Kucharczyk, 62,
joined the union in 1978, initially
working with
Inland Tugs.
He upgraded
on multiple oc-
casions at the
Paul Hall Center
and shipped in
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Kucharczyk was
last employed by
McAllister Towing of Baltimore
and is a Baltimore resident.
MIRIAM MERLUZZO
Sister Miriam Merluzzo, 62,
began sailing with the Seafarers in
2000. She was a
steward depart-
ment member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Sister Merluzzo
worked with
Great Lakes
Dredge and Dock
for her entire career. She lives in
Tamworth, New Hampshire.
WILLIAM RICHARDSON
Brother William Richardson, 62,
started his career with the union
in 1979 when
he worked with
G&H Towing.
He shipped
primarily in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2000.
Brother Richard-
son last sailed
with OSG Ship Management. He
is a resident of Mathews, Virginia.
DOUGLAS SCOTT
Brother Douglas Scott, 64, joined
the SIU in 1994.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2002.
Brother Scott
was employed
by G&H Towing
for the duration
of his career. He
resides in Willis, Texas.
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland water-
ways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
Welcome AshoreWelcome Ashore
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1579200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 15 12/19/22 12:19 PM12/19/22 12:19 PM
16 Seafarers LOG January 2023
DEEP SEA
BRYAN DAWSON
Pensioner Bryan Dawson, 76, died
December 4. He signed on with
the Seafarers in
2001. An en-
gine department
member, he first
shipped on the
Maersk Vermont.
Brother Dawson
last sailed on the
Edward A. Carter
in 2009. He be-
came a pensioner
in 2017 and settled in Foxborough,
Massachusetts.
LOUIS DIESSO
Pensioner Louis Diesso, 71, passed
away November 16. He embarked
on his career with
the SIU in 1982,
initially sailing
aboard a Delta
Line ship. Brother
Diesso sailed
in the engine
department and
also worked on
shore gangs. He
concluded his ca-
reer in Tacoma and retired in 2009.
Brother Diesso called LaQuinta,
California, home.
GARETH HUNT
Pensioner Gareth Hunt, 75, died
November 11. He joined the Seafar-
ers International
Union in 2003.
Brother Hunt’s
first vessel was
the John Chap-
man. He sailed in
the deck depart-
ment and last
shipped on the
Pride of America.
Brother Hunt
went on pension in 2016 and lived in
Port Angeles, Washington.
PAUL JAGGER
Brother Paul Jag-
ger, 66, passed
away July 22. He
began his career
with the SIU
in 1983 when
he shipped on
the Capricorn.
Brother Jagger
sailed in the deck
department, most
recently aboard the American Mari-
ner. He was a Las Vegas resident.
LEOLA JOHNSON
Sister Leola Johnson, 53, died
October 12.
Born in Chicago,
she joined the
union in 2001.
Sister Johnson
was a steward
department
member and
first shipped on
the Patriot. She
most recently
sailed aboard the Cape Isabel in
2019 and resided in Jacksonville,
Florida.
JOSE MATA
Pensioner Jose Mata, 91, passed
away December 2. He joined the SIU
in 1963, initially sailing aboard the
Mankato Victory. Brother Mata sailed
in all three departments. He went on
pension in 1995 after concluding his
career on the Green Island. Brother
Mata lived in Metairie, Louisiana.
HENRY MORIN
Brother Henry Morin, 89, died Novem-
ber 1. He signed
on with the union
in 1990 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Triumph.
Brother Morin was
a deck department
member and con-
cluded his career
aboard the Stephen
W. Pless. He made
his home in Jaco, Costa Rica.
EDWIN ORTEGA
Pensioner Edwin Ortega, 63, passed
away November 19. He became a
member of the
SIU in 1979
when he sailed
aboard the Pisces.
Brother Ortega
worked in the
deck department
and most recently
shipped on the
Maersk Seletar.
He became a pen-
sioner in 2019 and settled in Spring
Hill, Florida.
LAWRENCE RAZO
Pensioner Lawrence Razo, 95, died
November 1. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1967
and worked in the
steward depart-
ment. Brother
Razo’s first vessel
was the Baylor
Victory. He last
sailed on the
Navigator before
going on pension in 1994. Brother
Razo resided in Stockton, California.
JOSEPH SAXON
Pensioner Joseph Saxon, 74, passed
away November
12. He signed on
with the Seafar-
ers International
Union in 1964,
initially sailing
aboard the Our
Lady Of Peace.
Brother Saxon
sailed in the en-
gine department.
He last shipped on the Brenton Reef
and retired in 2003. Brother Saxon
lived in Mobile, Alabama.
PAUL SU
Pensioner Paul
Su, 86, died Octo-
ber 17. He started
sailing with the
union in 1989. An
engine department
member, Brother
Su was employed
with AMCV
Cruise Operations for the duration
of his career. He went on pension in
2003 and resided in Taiwan.
GREAT LAKES
WILLIAM GILLETTE
Pensioner William Gillette, 93,
passed away October 26. He
joined the SIU
in 1974 and first
worked with
Great Lakes As-
sociates. A stew-
ard department
member, Brother
Gillette last
sailed aboard the
Paul Thayer in
1993. He became
a pensioner the following year
and settled in Reidsville, North
Carolina.
INLAND
RONALD AINSLEY
Pensioner Ronald Ainsley, 82,
died December
2. He signed on
with the union
in 1962 and first
sailed with Allied
Transportation.
Brother Ainsley
worked in the
deck depart-
ment and was
last employed
with Moran Towing of Virginia.
He began collecting his pension in
2014 and made his home in Vir-
ginia Beach, Virginia.
ERIK ERIKSEN
Pensioner Erik Ericksen, 85, passed
away December 2. Initially working
with Gulf Atlan-
tic Transport, he
joined the union
in 1968. Brother
Eriksen was a
deck department
member. He last
sailed with Allied
Transportation
and retired in
1999. Brother
Eriksen was a resident of Jackson-
ville, Florida.
WILLIAM HARVELL
Pensioner William Harvell, 71, died
November 27. He donned the union
colors in 1989.
A deck depart-
ment member,
Brother Harvell
first worked with
Interstate Oil and
Transportation.
He last shipped
on the Cour-
age and became
a pensioner in
2019. Brother Harvell lived in Mol-
lusk, Virginia.
EARL HERMAN
Pensioner Earl Herman, 85, passed
away October 25. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1980 and shipped in the
engine depart-
ment. Brother
Herman was
employed by
G&H Towing for
the duration of
his career. He re-
tired in 2002 and
made his home in
Cleveland, Texas.
CURTIS IRELAND
Pensioner Curtis Ireland, 92, died
November 23. He started sailing
with the union in 1953 when he
worked for Sprogue Steamship
Company. Brother Ireland was a
member of the deck department. He
was last employed by Mariner Tow-
ing and went on pension in 1993.
Brother Ireland resided in Lowland,
North Carolina.
HARALD SEVLAND
Pensioner Harald Sevland, 85,
passed away November 17. Born
in Norway, he
joined the SIU
in 1979. Brother
Sevland was
a deck depart-
ment member.
He worked with
Crowley Towing
and Transporta-
tion until his re-
tirement in 2002.
Brother Sevland lived in West
Palm Beach, Florida.
PAUL TULLIS
Pensioner Paul
Tullis, 83, died
November 18. He
began sailing with
the union in 1977
when he was em-
ployed by Crow-
ley Towing and
Transportation.
Brother Tullis was
a deck department
member and last
worked on the Sugar Island in 1983.
He became a pensioner in 2004 and
settled in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
NMU
RAYMOND LEITE
Pensioner Raymond Leite, 80,
passed away October 3. He joined
the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU
merger in 2001 and first sailed
aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother
Leite sailed in the deck department.
He concluded his career on the
Green Cove before going on pension
in 2004. Brother Leite was a Miami
resident.
ANDRES WATLER
Pensioner Andres Watler, 83, died
December 3.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
signed on with the
union during the
2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
Watler’s first ves-
sel was the USNS
Altair; his last, the
Rover. He retired
in 2003 and made his home in New
Orleans.
In addition to the foregoing individ-
uals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to de-
velop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Beck, Douglas 85 07/06/2022
Brown, Alexander 87 11/21/2022
Castellanos, Antonia 93 01/26/2022
Cespedes, Salvador 91 09/25/2022
Dunn, Edwin 95 11/07/2022
Eldridge, Shirlie 80 12/24/2021
El Zofri, Mohamed 94 09/05/2022
Grey, Charles 90 10/15/2022
Hartstick, Edward 94 11/04/2022
Hearn, George 95 11/12/2022
Lane, Louis 98 11/07/2022
Polito, James 100 11/22/2022
Ruiz, Marcelino 92 10/29/2022
Final Final
DeparturesDepartures
Have You Missed
An Issue of the
Seafarers Log?
PDF versions of nearly
every edition are avail-
able at seafarerslog.org
You can also scan this QR
code to go directly to the
website
79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 1679200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 16 12/19/22 11:44 AM12/19/22 11:44 AM
January 2023 Seafarers LOG 17
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended_ __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques-
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reim-
bursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
1/23
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck February 27 March 17
April 10 April 28
June 5 June 23
Lifeboat/Water Survival February 13 February 24
March 13 March 24
April 10 April 21
May 8 May 19
RFPNW January 30 February 17
March 20 April 7
May 1 May 19
Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21
Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW January 30 February 24
May 1 May 26
FOWT February 27 March 24
April 3 April 28
Junior Engineer Program March 27 May 19
Marine Electrician April 24 May 26
Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21
Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21
Machinist March 13 March 31
Pumpman April 3 April 7
Welding January 23 February 10
March 20 April 7
Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook January 16 February 17
February 20 March 24
March 27 April 28
May 1 June 2
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 7
July 10 August 11
ServSafe Management February 13 February 17
March 20 March 24
April 24 April 28
May 29 June 2
July 3 July 7
August 7 August 11
Advanced Galley Operations March 13 April 7
May 22 June 16
Chief Steward February 6 March 3
April 17 May 12
June 26 July 21
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9
Basic Training January 23 January 27
April 17 April 21
Basic Training Revalidation January 13 January 13
January 23 January 23
January 27 January 27
February 13 February 13
February 24 February 24
March 20 March 20
March 24 March 24
April 7 April 7
April 17 April 17
April 21 April 21
May 1 May 1
May 5 May 5
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation January 30 February 3
May 15 May 19
Government Vessels January 16 January 20
February 6 February 10
February 13 February 17
March 13 March 17
March 20 March 24
April 10 April 14
April 24 April 28
May 8 May 12
May 22 May 26
June 5 June 9
Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 February 24
May 22 May 26
Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 March 3
May 15 May 19
Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
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18 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #888 – Pictured November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell, Shavel Freeman, Samyra Gardner, Stephen Hoskins, Devine
Lents, Ishmael McNeal, Jawuam Mixon,Tre Scott and Jermal Torney.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed,
Saif Al Tamimi, Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, Deon Green, Ransom Andrew KB Kauwe, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed,
Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Jonathan White.
Radar/ARPA – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabeti-
cal order): James Blackburn III, Dominique Glover and Will
Jordan.
Junior Engineer (Engineering Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated October 14 (above, in alphabetical
order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul,
Cristian Efrain Lalin, Wayne Linnette IV, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Class
instructor Roy Graham is at the far right.
RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated October 21 (above, from left): Charles
Armand Bishop and Keshun Dominique Corpus. Instructor John Wiegman
III is at right. Upon the completion of their training, both Bishop and Corpus
plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels.
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January 2023 Seafarers LOG 19
Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels –
Graduated October 28
(photo at left, in alphabeti-
cal order): Nathan Elliott,
Kirk Fisher, Aaron Helton-
Cox, Terry Hester, Joseph
Huls, Mohamad Mahmoud
Kammoun, Alexander Mira-
glia, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Abdo
Ahmed Saleh, Trovarius
Thomas, Reynaldo Tinay
and Cortney Williams.
Marine Refer Tech – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Ca-
ballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott, Ahmed
Omar Sharif and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Class instructor Chirstopher Morgan is at the far right in the back row.
RFPNW – Upgrader Matthew Conley (above, right) recently com-
pleted his requirements in this course. The ordinary seaman gradu-
ated October 14. Pictured with him at left is his instructor Dominic Hix.
Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) –
Graduated October 14 (above, from left): Upgraders Lisa Evans
and Marcus Stackpoole.
Advanced Stability – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Baird, Matthew O’Donnell,
Scott Salo and Andrew Torti.
Certified Chief Cook (Module
4) – Graduated November 25
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Bradley Albert, Cam-
eron Amir Azadi, Alexis Claro,
Joseph Crisante Jr., Rosetta
Jackson, Krystal Mosley, Del-
phine Simmons, Souleymane
Tamla, Joel Williams and
Shana Zeidenberg.
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20 Seafarers LOG January 2023
Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 18-19Pages 18-19
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O
JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1
SIU Year in Review: 2022SIU Year in Review: 2022
IIn many ways, 2022 represented a grad-
ual return to normalcy for the SIU. With
the pandemic largely in the past, the
year saw new vessels, new construction,
new contracts and wage reopeners, and
multiple conventions with themes focused
on the future.
SIU members answered the call time
and time again, even amid a global labor
shortage. While many union brothers and
sisters upgraded their skills and earned new
ratings by returning to the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, union representatives ramped
up the SIU’s recruiting efforts, both in per-
son and online.
The following is an overview of some
of the year’s top stories for the union, the
maritime industry as a whole and the labor
movement.
New TonnageNew Tonnage
In January 2022, the second of two re-
flagged vessels joined the U.S.-flag fleet of
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC):
the ARC Commitment and the ARC De-
fender. These roll-on roll-off vessels, which
are both enrolled in the U.S. Maritime
Security Program (MSP), “are among the
most capable and militarily useful vessels
in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to
carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, heli-
copters, and other high and heavy project
cargoes,” according to ARC.
Additionally, Crowley flagged in the
tanker Stena Polaris while the union re-
gained jobs aboard the tanker Seabulk Pride
when the ship was delivered to Seabulk.
Also joining the fleet in 2022 was the
MV George III, an LNG-fueled Ohana-
class vessel operated by Pasha Hawaii.
Additionally, more new vessels are on the
way, as three new Aloha-class container-
ships were ordered by Matson – to be built
by union labor at Philly Shipyard. The first
of those vessels is expected to be delivered
in 2026.
Conventions and Maritime NewsConventions and Maritime News
The past year also included a mix of vir-
tual and in-person conventions, both with
the union’s own events as well as those of
SIU affiliates and industry partners.
The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) hosted its
Quadrennial Convention in Philadelphia
June 9-10. In a schedule which included
speeches and presentations from various
maritime and labor leaders, SIU President
Michael Sacco was re-elected to serve as
president of the MTD.
The following week, Sacco oversaw the
elections of Liz Shuler as president of the
AFL-CIO and Fred Redmond as the fed-
eration’s secretary-treasurer. Sacco was re-
elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council
during a convention that featured in-person
remarks from President Biden.
The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertain-
ment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU)
conducted a virtual convention on Sept.
20, while the SIUNA convention, with
its theme “Building for the Future,” took
place virtually on Sept. 14. Both saw the
respective executive boards reelected,
with the full confidence of those in atten-
dance.
In April, the International Longshore-
men’s Association (ILA) reaffiliated with
the MTD, thereby becoming the 24th affili-
ate. Additionally, the United Seamen’s Ser-
vice’s 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean
Sea (AOTOS) Award dinner took place
Oct. 28, and honored Edward W. Aldridge,
president of CMA-CGM North America
and American President Lines; Harold J.
Daggett, president of the ILA; and Eric P.
Ebeling, president and CEO of American
Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group. Also hon-
ored for their rescue efforts were the SIU
crews from four vessels: the USNS Yuma,
Pacific Tracker, Herodote and the Maersk
Peary.
In other maritime news, the merchant
mariners who served during World War II
were finally awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal, in a ceremony conducted in
the Capitol Building on May 18.
In July, former AFL-CIO President
Richard Trumka was awarded a Posthu-
mous Medal of Freedom, the nation’s high-
est civilian honor.
The sanctity of the Jones Act was vio-
lated in September, when a onetime waiver
was granted to a BP Petroleum tanker to
sell their cargo in Puerto Rico in the wake
of a hurricane. In a joint statement from
U.S. maritime unions (including the SIU),
the groups pointed out, “This waiver was
unnecessary. U.S.-flagged vessels and
foreign-flagged vessels carrying legal car-
goes of fuel, either from American ports or
from foreign ports, had safely discharged
their cargoes in Puerto Rico after the storm.
American ships were available. American
crews were available. But none of that
mattered, because the political optics of
a ship waiting to bring fuel to the island
apparently matters more than a century of
bedrock American law.”
This waiver situation was used as fuel
for political advocates and allies to attach
specific language to the National Defense
Authorization Act of 2023, which is ex-
pected to pass as of the writing of this
article. That language tightened up the
Jones Act waiver process, restricting who is
authorized to grant such waivers, and other
codified changes. The NDAA also included
many outright gains for the maritime indus-
try, which will be covered in detail in the
February issue of the Seafarers LOG.
ContractsContracts
The contracts department of the SIU
was busy in 2022, working out the stan-
dard freightship and tanker agreements,
which were overwhelmingly ratified by the
membership. The five-year pacts increase
wages, maintain benefits, help ensure ship-
board internet access, and preserve every
SIU job.
Those were far from the only contracts
in the news in 2022. New pacts also were
reached (or existing ones were extended)
with TOTE, Key Lakes, Port City Marine
Services, E.N. Bisso & Son, Chesapeake
Crewing, Intrepid Personnel and Provision-
ing, American Petroleum Tankers, Liberty
Maritime, Maersk, Seabulk, Marine Per-
sonnel and Provisioning, Waterman Steam-
ship, and Subcom.
RescuesRescues
There were quite a few instances of res-
cues at sea in 2022, in which SIU members
went above and beyond to save lives. Full
recaps of each rescue are available on our
website (and in the pages of the Seafarers
LOG), but notable examples include: MT
Pennsylvania in April; the Endurance in
June; the NY Waterway tugboats John Ste-
vens and Garden State in July; the Pacific
Tracker in July; The Maersk Tennessee in
July; the Centerline Logistics-operated tug-
boats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea in
July; NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln
in August; the National Glory in October;
the Alliance Fairfax in October; the Sun-
shine State in October; and the American
Phoenix in November.
Progress, Grassroots ActionProgress, Grassroots Action
Various construction projects and cur-
riculum enhancements took place through-
out the year at the Paul Hall Center, a staple
for many Seafarers. The school offers the
most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses
of any maritime institution in the nation.
Those classes include ones for entry-level
students and upgraders.
A massive renovation at the hiring hall
in Norfolk, Virginia, got underway and
has continued in the new year, with an ex-
pected completion date likely in the second
quarter.
Meanwhile, Election Day saw strong
performances by SIU-backed candidates.
The vast majority of those running for
House or Senate seats with support from
the union’s voluntary political action fund
won their respective races.
Throughout the year, the union actively
advocated for laws and programs that keep
the U.S. Merchant Marine afloat, including
the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Mari-
time Security Program, the new Tanker
Security Program and more.
Final DeparturesFinal Departures
Finally, a few leaders in the maritime
community crossed the final bar in 2022,
including: Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan
Barer, former Transportation Secretary
Norman Mineta, Alaska Congressman and
maritime advocate Don Young, former U.S.
Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (ret.)
Albert Herberger, and longtime SIU Chief
Bosun John Natoli.
Seafarers - including those pictured above, with SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (right) - approved new, five-year standard freight-
ship and tanker agreements last year.
SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left)
and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond moments after their respective elec-
tions to office last summer in Philadelphia. Sacco conducted the election (and himself was
re-elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during the same convention). (Photo by Jay
Mallin)
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