Seafarers Log: Vol. 81 No. 12 (2019-12-01)

DECEMBER 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 12

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

Beck Notice
Page 6

Scholarship Info
Page 11

Happy Holidays

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2 Seafarers LOG December 2019

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; 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 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.

Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 81 Number 12 December 2019

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
mentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.

President’s Report

Reversed to White
Reversed to White

The American maritime industry’s constant battle to uphold the
Jones Act is vital, but it’s definitely not the only area in which we stand
up for the U.S. Merchant Marine.

Like the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, cargo
preference laws are another staple of U.S.-flag shipping. With that in mind,
the coalition USA Maritime (the SIU is an affiliate) in late October wrote
to Congress and urged legislators to help ensure full enforcement.

Specifically, USA Maritime contacted leaders of
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation and asked them to back a section of
the House-passed Coast Guard Authorization Act
that calls for an independent audit of cargo prefer-
ence enforcement.

Such an audit is in order. USA Maritime sug-
gested there are legitimate questions about whether
some federal agencies may be skirting the law and
using foreign-flag ships instead of American-flag
vessels for preference cargoes. The coalition also
underscored the fact that enforcing cargo prefer-
ence laws is crucial for “the national defense ca-
pability provided by a strong and active U.S.-flag

Merchant Marine.”
For those who may be new to our industry, cargo preference re-

quires shippers to use U.S.-flag vessels to transport certain govern-
ment-impelled, ocean-borne cargoes. Most of the time when we talk
about cargo preference, we mean the 1954 Food for Peace initiative,
specifically governing the shipment of agricultural goods and gov-
ernment aid programs. However, it also includes the Military Cargo
Preference Act of 1904, which dictates that 100 percent of military
cargoes are shipped under the Stars and Stripes. And, it includes Public
Resolution 17 (enacted in 1934), which requires all cargo generated by
the U.S. Export-Import Bank be shipped via U.S.-flag vessels unless
granted a waiver by the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Opponents (including enemies of American-flag shipping) of the
programs, and those who truly do not understand the programs, have
tried to turn them into cash giveaways, among other attacks. There is
no doubt in my mind that such a move would harm not only the U.S.
workforce, including our hard-working farmers, but also the intended
recipients of the food.

The bottom line is that food aid is vital for our industry. It’s a main
source of cargo for our fleet, and it’s a primary source of shipboard
jobs, too. Without American mariners, we can’t defend America. That’s
reason enough to not only enforce but also boost cargo preference.

For this month, I turn to the U.S. Maritime Administration for the
last word on the subject. The agency points out: “Cargo Preference
provides another critical benefit: a revenue base that will retain and
encourage a privately owned and operated U.S.-flag Merchant Marine,
which itself provides 1) essential sealift capability in wartime or other
national emergencies, 2) a stream of skilled seafarers and 3) protection
against total foreign entities attempting to dominate US. waterborne
commerce.”

Happy Holidays
The winter holidays are still on the horizon as of this writing, but this

is the time to extend my heartfelt best wishes to the entire SIU family for
a safe and happy season. To our active members and retirees and your
families, and to all of our staff and officials, here’s to an enjoyable time
filled with whatever makes the holidays most gratifying for you.

As usual, I also offer a respectful “season’s greetings” to our men
and women in uniform and to my fellow military veterans. The SIU
appreciates your service and we are proud to support you as America’s
fourth arm of defense. You can count on us in the New Year and for
every year that follows!

Michael Sacco

Standing Up for Cargo Preference

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

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L.
Chao recently reiterated the department’s strong
support of American maritime.

Speaking Oct. 8 at the National Defense
Transportation Association’s fall meeting in St.
Louis, Secretary Chao noted the importance of
the Jones Act, the U.S. Maritime Security Pro-
gram, the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and U.S.
Merchant Mariners. She also commended the
work of SIU President Michael Sacco, who at-
tended the meeting (Oct. 7-10).

Secretary Chao said in part: “The Maritime
Security Program ensures that American-flagged
vessels are available for service. All 60 Con-
gressionally-funded operating agreements are
in place. Planned vessel replacements through
November should add 80,000 square feet of ad-
ditional RO/RO capacity to the fleet. Congress
is looking at potentially increasing the amount
paid per ship, and establishing a sister program,
called the Tanker Security Program, or TSP, that
would involve 10 tankers.

“In addition,” she continued, “the Ready Re-
serve Force has 46 vessels that can be activated
for use when needed. Turbo-activation drills
were recently conducted to ensure rapid deploy-
ment. The RRF provides nearly 50 percent of
government-owned surge sealift capability. But
there are concerns. For starters, the average age
of these vessels is 44.5 years. Long-term, the Na-
vy’s surge sealift recapitalization strategy, which
includes a combination of targeted service life
extensions, acquiring and converting used ves-
sels, and building new sealift vessels in U.S.
shipyards, should address these challenges.”

She later turned to America’s freight cabotage
law and stated, “Human capital is as important
to a good transportation system as concrete and
steel. A primary benefit of the Jones Act and other
measures to maintain a U.S. Merchant Marine, is
to ensure that the U.S. has skilled seafarers and
Merchant mariners….”

A complete copy of Secretary Chao’s prepared
remarks is available on the DOT website and is
linked in an Oct. 9 news post on the SIU website.

Transportation Secretary Chao
Underscores Maritime Support

DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao addresses the NDTA
meeting. (Photo courtesy DOT)

IMB Piracy Report Shows Improvement
The International Chamber of Commerce’s Inter-

national Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently released
their “Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships” re-
port for the period Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2019. The overall
data shows that piracy numbers are down across the
globe, with the total numbers for the period almost
identical to the same period in 2017.

The total number of incidents through the first
three months of 2019 was 119, which breaks down
as follows: 10 vessels fired upon, 10 attempted at-
tacks, four hijacked vessels and 95 vessels boarded.
The single largest concentration of attacks was in the
waters near Nigeria, with 29 separate incidents, fol-
lowed by Indonesia with 20.

While the number of hostages taken in attacks has
sharply fallen from last year’s report, that fall is due
in part to an uptick in kidnappings, with 70 incidents
of kidnapping occurring during the period. As stated
in the report, “As a region, the Gulf of Guinea ac-
counts for 86 percent of those crew taken hostage
and for almost 82 percent of the crew kidnappings
globally.”

Bulk carriers remain the most popular target for
pirates, and ships were most likely to be attacked
while they were at anchor. Continuing a trend since
2016, small arms were the most common weapon
used in attacks.

According to the report, “In East Africa, no inci-
dents have been reported for Somalia in 2019. IMB

continues to urge masters however to maintain high
levels of vigilance when transiting these waters and to
follow the latest BMP recommendations. Elsewhere,
the number of mainly low-level reports for Indonesia
has dropped from 31 in 2018 to 20 in 2019.”

There was also a death reported during the period, as
stated in the report: “Pirates armed with machine guns
in two speed boats approached an offshore support
vessel underway. The Captain immediately notified
the naval escort security boat which maneuvered to
engage the attackers. One speed boat closed in from
port side of the vessel and crossed the bow, while the
other speed boat engaged fire with the security boat.
Alarm raised, crew proceeded to the engine room
and all power was shut down. The pirates boarded
the vessel with the aid of an elongated ladder. They
broke into the accommodation, vandalized the cabins
and took crew belongings and vessel’s properties. The
pirates then proceeded to the engine room, kidnapped
five men and escaped. The remaining crews sailed the
vessel under escort to a safe anchorage. One Nigerian
Navy armed guard reported killed in the exchange of
fire between the naval security boat and the pirates.”

Launched in 1991, the IMB Piracy Reporting Cen-
ter (PRC) is a 24-hour manned facility that provides
the maritime industry, governments and response
agencies with timely and transparent data on armed
robbery incidents received directly from the master
or owner of vessels.

New jobs for
m e m b e r s
of the SIU
Government
Services Divi-
sion are on
the horizon
following the
Oct. 19 chris-
tening of the
e x p e d i t i o n -
ary sea base
USNS Miguel
Keith (right)
at the Gen-
eral Dynam-
ics NASSCO
shipyard in
San Diego.
SIU CIVMARS
will provide
some of the shipboard manpower for the union-built ship, named in honor of Marine Corps Vietnam
veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith. The vessel is expected to be deliv-
ered in the near future. (Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO)

Navy Christens USNS Miguel Keith

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December 2019 Seafarers LOG 3

NY Waterway Crews Ratify Five-Year Contract
SIU members employed by one of the na-

tion’s most reliable passenger ferry compa-
nies now have the security of a new contract.

Seafarers overwhelmingly approved a
five-year agreement that features annual
wage increases and other gains. Voting took
place by mail-in ballot; results were tallied
on Oct. 8.

The pact covers approximately 125 mem-
bers.

Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Vice
President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Port
Agent Ray Henderson, Capt. Michael Muia,
Capt. George Sullivan, Deckhand Nestor
Martinez and Deckhand George Schumpp.
Three bargaining sessions took place, all at
the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey.

“It’s the best contract I’ve seen in a long
time,” Henderson said. “The negotiations
were pretty straightforward, and the commit-
tee took their time and studied the facts. They
cared about their contract and getting the best
possible agreement for their fellow members.

“This is also a very good and fair agree-
ment for the company,” Henderson continued.
“I think they deserve credit for looking out for
their employees.”

Schumpp has served on several SIU nego-
tiating teams, and he also was pleased with
the new agreement.

“It’s probably the best contract I’ve seen in
the 31 years I’ve been here,” he stated. “The
whole thing went very smooth and fast, very
professional. We got a lot of good things out of
this contract.”

Muia made his debut as a member of the
negotiating committee.

“The contract is fair, I believe,” he said.
“Overall, it went a little easier than I ex-
pected. I understand that in the past, things
got a little heated, but there was nothing like
that this time around.”

Since 1986, SIU-crewed NY Waterway
ferries have provided dependable transporta-
tion for commuters and other passengers in
New York and New Jersey. They also have
conducted emergency evacuations, bringing
hundreds of thousands of New Jersey resi-

dents home safely after 9/11, the 2003 black-
out and other disasters. These ferries and
crews also have saved more than 300 people
from various accidents, including 143 people
rescued from Flight 1549 in the Miracle on
the Hudson, the most successful rescue in

aviation history.
The ferries carry upwards of 32,000 or

more passengers daily and maintain an on-
time performance rate greater than 99 per-
cent. The boats serve 20-plus routes between
New Jersey and Manhattan.

Pictured from left to right at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, are members of the respective negotiating committees: Consul-
tant Burt Trebour and VP Alan Warren for NY Waterway, and for the SIU, Capt. Michael Muia, Capt. George Sullivan, Deckhand Nestor
Martinez, Deckhand George Schumpp, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Port Agent Ray Henderson.

SIU members recently received a rare
honor from the U.S. Maritime Administra-
tion (MARAD).

Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby on
Nov. 1 presented the agency’s Gallant Ship
Citation Award and U.S. Merchant Marine
Medals for Outstanding Achievement to the
crew of the Green Lake. The ceremony took
place at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom
House in New York City.

In announcing the presentations, MARAD
noted, “The awards were given for the crew’s
unprecedented rescue efforts in response to
the horrific fire aboard the foreign-flag ves-
sel M/V Sincerity Ace in the northern Pacific
Ocean on Dec. 31, 2018.”

Chief Cook Jose Clotter attended the cer-

emony, as did SIU President Michael Sacco,
Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and
Vice President Contracts George Tricker.

The Seafarers-crewed, Central Gulf Lines-
operated Green Lake saved seven people
whose ship caught fire approximately 2,100
miles northwest of Oahu, Hawaii. Nine other
individuals also were rescued during the 18-
hour undertaking; five were not recovered.

The Green Lake’s officers are represented
by the MM&P and MEBA, respectively.

During last month’s event, Buzby stated,
“Today, as we honor the crew of a great Amer-
ican ship, we again see the value of the Mari-
time Security Program to our country. The
Green Lake was there to respond in the time-
honored tradition of mariners coming to the

aid of fellow mariners. This American-trained
crew highlights the professionalism and valor
of our nation’s mariners, whether conducting
humanitarian aid missions or providing vital
sustainment to the U.S. Armed Forces.”

The Sincerity Ace was a car carrier whose
crew of 21 abandoned ship. When the Green
Lake arrived on the scene, it encountered what
MARAD described as “a daunting task – lo-
cating Sincerity Ace crew members floating
in unforgiving seas spread out across several
miles. The Green Lake fought 17- to 20-foot
waves and turbulent winds, making lifesaving
attempts even more dangerous and challeng-
ing. The rescue effort lasted 18 hours, with the
Green Lake’s entire deck crew working tire-
lessly to get the survivors on board.”

The Gallant Ship Award dates back to an
executive order issued by President Franklin
D. Roosevelt during World War II to rec-
ognize excellence and bravery in merchant
mariners. Between 1944 and 1994, only 41
ships received Gallant Ship status, with the
last award presented in 1994.

The award is presented “to any United
States vessel or to any foreign vessel (mer-
chant, Coast Guard, Navy, or other), the crew
of that ship, or other individuals or organiza-
tions participating in outstanding or gallant ac-
tion in marine disasters or other emergencies
for the purpose of saving life or property.”

Ships and crews receiving Gallant Ship
status must have encountered substantial
danger during rescue and lifesaving efforts
while demonstrating efficiency, discipline,
and expertise in conducting such operations.

The Merchant Marine Medal for Out-
standing Achievement is awarded to U.S.
Merchant Mariners who have participated
in an act or operation of humanitarian nature
directly aiding an individual or group of in-
dividuals.

As noted by Buzby, the Green Lake is
part of the Maritime Security Program (MSP)
fleet. The program helps maintain a fleet of
militarily useful, civilian-crewed, privately
operated ships that are available to the De-
partment of Defense whenever needed.

SIU-Crewed Green Lake Receives
MARAD’s Gallant Ship Award

Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (left) congratulates Chief Cook Jose
Clotter, who was there on behalf of the entire SIU crew from the Green
Lake.

Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Chief Cook Jose Clotter,
SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez.

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4 Seafarers LOG December 2019

Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August September October November December

Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 6 3 2 6 4 8 6 3 8 5 2 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guam Thursday after third Sunday 23 20 19 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 19 24

Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 24 21 20 24 22 26 24 21 25 23 20 28

Dates appearing in bold indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional meeting dates. The reasons for the changes at affected ports, respectively, are as follows:

n Piney Point change created by Labor Day Observance n Houston change created by Columbus Day Observance n Mobile change created by Veterans Day Observance

n Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King Day and Washington’s Birthday Observances n Tacoma change created by Christmas Day Observance

Meetings at each port start at 10:30 a.m.

Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2020

Spotlight on Mariner Health

Healthy Recipe
Editor’s note: The following article

was provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan Medical Department.

The West Nile virus is spread by the bite of
an infected mosquito. It is a virus capable of
causing disease in humans, as well as infecting
horses, many types of birds and other animals.

Approximately 80% of people who become
infected with the West Nile virus will have ei-
ther no symptoms or only mild ones. However,
on rare occasions, the virus can cause severe
and sometimes fatal illnesses in others.

The chances of a human getting the illness
from a mosquito bite are low. Usually only
two out of 10 will develop any symptoms if
infected.

The incubation period from the time of in-
fection to the development of any symptoms
is five to 15 days. Signs and symptoms can be
as follows:

Fever, headaches, skin rashes, body aches,
swollen lymph nodes, stiff neck, sleepiness,
vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, dis-
orientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and
paralysis can occur.

However, the symptoms are usually not
severe enough to require medical attention.
Many people can feel tired or weak, and those
symptoms may last for several weeks. Typi-
cally, only one in 150 infections might lead to
severe neurological infections, per the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC).

The risk of West Nile is high during mos-
quito season and does not lower until the sea-
son is over.

The blood supply in the United States is
screened for this infection with every blood
donation. If the virus is found in the blood
supply, that particular bag will be disposed of.

The diagnosis of this virus is by blood test
or cerebrospinal fluid testing.

There is no specific treatment for West
Nile. Supportive therapy is directed towards
the side effects that may ensue.

Anti-inflammatory medications, intrave-
nous fluids, and possibly intensive medical
monitoring may be required in severe cases.

Use of over-the-counter meds such as
Motrin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Advil can
help to reduce some of the discomfort brought
on by West Nile.

There are no specific antibiotics or antivi-
ral medications for this infection.

The greatest risk is to pregnant women if
they become infected with West Nile or Zika.
The risk is low but still there. The CDC en-
courages women who are pregnant to take
precautions to reduce their risk for any infec-
tion. Precautions potentially beneficial to all
individuals include avoiding wooded areas,
wearing protective clothing, staying indoors
at dawn and dusk, and using repellents that
contain DEET.

Seek a doctor’s advice if you do not feel
well and have been bitten by a mosquito.

West Nile Virus Exhibits
A Variety of Symptoms

Ingredients and Seasonings
10 pounds rockfish fillets, cut 6 oz each
*marinate recipe
4 cups olive oil
¾ cup lemon juice
¾ cup fresh parsley, minced
12 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup dried basil
¼ cup ground black pepper
Kosher salt, to taste
*salsa recipe
2 quarts mango, peeled and chopped
1 cup strawberries, small diced
4 cups red bell pepper, small diced
2 cups red onion, minced
¾ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¾ cup jalapeno, minced
1 cup lime juice
½ cup lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
¾ cup olive oil, used to grill the fish

Preparation
Preheat grill to med-high.
Place all of the marinate ingredients together in
large container, mix together well. Add all of the
rockfish fillets to the marinate. Refrigerate for at
least one hour.
Prepare mango salsa: Add all the salsa ingredi-
ents together in a large bowl. Cover and set aside.
Remove the rockfish from the marinate, discard

any leftover marinate. Grill the fillets on a well-
oiled grill, until done and still flaky. Cook about
3-4 minutes on each side depending on thick-
ness of the fish.
Serve the rockfish with the mango salsa.

Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 284
Calories; 9g fat (28.3% calories from fat); 35g
protein; 16g carbohydrate; 3g dietary fiber;
87mg cholesterol; 153mg sodium. Exchanges:
0 grain (starch); 4 ½ lean meat; ½ vegetable; ½
fruit; 1 ½ fat.

Editor’s note: The foregoing recipe was
provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of
the of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education’s Lundeberg School
of Seamanship.

Grilled Rockfish with Mango Salsa
Servings 25

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December 2019 Seafarers LOG 5

SIU Mourns Passing of Rep. Cummings
The SIU is mourning the death of U.S.

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland), a
longtime backer of workers’ rights and
an unwavering supporter of the U.S. Mer-
chant Marine.

Cummings, who spoke at the 2007
convention of the Seafarers International
Union of North America, passed away

Oct. 17 at age 68. His office reported that
the congressman’s death was “due to com-
plications concerning longstanding health
challenges.”

Born and raised in Baltimore, Cum-
mings served in the U.S. Congress since
1996. Previously, he was a member of the
Maryland General Assembly for 14 years.
Cummings graduated from the University
of Maryland School of Law and passed the
state bar in 1976.

“Elijah Cummings was a tremendous
leader, a true friend and a first-class in-
dividual,” stated SIU President Michael
Sacco. “He always – without fail – stood
up for workers’ rights and for the American
maritime industry. He was someone you
were grateful to have on your side, and it
would be a huge understatement to say he
will be missed.”

SIU Senior Political Consultant Terry
Turner noted, “The Congressman had a
portfolio centering on issues that went to
the heart of America, yet had the time and
effort to lift our maritime issues to the na-
tion’s attention.”

SIU Political and Legislative Director
Brian Schoeneman offered this tribute on-
line: “There are few members of Congress,
on either side of the aisle, that I’ve worked
as closely with over the last 20 years than
Elijah Cummings. He served as both Chair-
man and Ranking Member of the House
Transportation Committee’s Coast Guard
subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over
a lot of maritime law. He was as tough
as they come, and even when I knew his
questioning was friendly, my heart always
beat a little faster when I was on the hot-
seat testifying before that Committee and
the Chair recognized the Gentleman from
Baltimore for five minutes’ worth of ques-
tioning…. Congress has lost another of its
lions, and I will always thank him and his
staff for what he did for my industry.”

According to news reports, Cummings
in recent years used a wheelchair to get
around and braced himself with a walker
when he stood.

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland),

the senior member of the commonwealth’s
congressional delegation, said Cummings’
passing “leaves an irreplaceable void in
our hearts, in our Maryland and in our
Congress. Quite possibly no elected offi-
cial mattered so much to his constituents.”

Cummings in 2012 introduced legisla-
tion aimed at repealing a provision added
at the last minute to a highway bill that re-
duced the U.S.-flag vessel carriage of food
aid cargoes overseas. He also was a strong
advocate of anti-piracy measures.

In 2011, he issued a National Mari-
time Day statement that read in part: “In
my capacity as the Chairman of the Sub-
committee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation, I will continue to support
the development of a comprehensive mari-
time policy that will protect the integrity of
the Jones Act, that will support the Mari-
time Security Program, and that will pro-

mote the growth of the U.S.-flagged fleet
competing in our foreign trade.”

The Maritime Trades Department’s
Port Council of New York-New Jersey in
2008 honored Cummings with its Gov-
ernment Man of the Year Award. At that
time, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast
Joseph Soresi, who also serves as presi-
dent of the port council, stated, “Very
simply, Congressman Cummings speaks
our language and supports our issues. He
is a no-nonsense legislator who supports
working families and in particular backs
the men and women who work in the mari-
time trades…. Congressman Cummings is
dedicated to the same things that motivate
us in the labor movement: protecting work-
ers’ rights, securing our homeland, ensur-
ing health care coverage and educational
opportunities for everyone, and the list
goes on and on.”

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings was a cease-
less backer of workers’ rights and American
mariners.

Congressman Cummings (left) addresses the 2007 SIUNA convention in Piney Point,
Maryland, as Seafarers President Michael Sacco looks on.

This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period
January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The annual report has been filed with
the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was

$184,235,622 as of December 31, 2018 compared to $153,601,785 as of January
1, 2018. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets
of $30,633,837. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in
the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s as-
sets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year,
or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had
total income of $116,645,953. This income included employer contributions of
$120,600,694, employee contributions of $506,800, realized losses of $365,672
from the sale of assets, losses from investments of $4,642,014 and other income of
$546,145. Plan expenses were $86,012,116. These expenses included $13,782,390
in administrative expenses and $72,229,726 in benefits paid to participants and
beneficiaries.

Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part

thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
n An accountant’s report;
n Financial information and information on payments to service providers;
n Assets held for investment; and
n Transactions in excess of five percent of the plan assets.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call
the office of: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301)
899-0675.

The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.75 for the full report or $0.25 per
page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the
main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from
the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the
Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits
Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW,
Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Summary Annual Report
For Seafarers Health And Benefits Plan

Celebrating New Tonnage
As previously reported, Sea-
farers-contracted American
Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC)
has flagged in three newer
vessels, for a net gain of two
SIU-crewed ships. Seafarers
recently helped formalize the
name change on one of those
vessels, the ARC Integrity.
Welcoming the development
are (from left in photo at right)
AB Jeremie Brooks, OS Man-
uel Manzur Rosado, OS Josh
Cutchin and AB Phillip Borders.
In the photo below, Brooks
helps make it official. (Thanks
to Recertified Bosun Shannon
Smith for the photos.)

54932_December_2019_LOG_X.indd 5 11/12/2019 3:34:29 PM



6 Seafarers LOG December 2019

The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW
assists employees by representing them in all as-
pects of their employment and work aboard ves-
sels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and
inland waters throughout the country. For the most
part, the union spends a majority of its financial re-
sources on collective bargaining activities and em-
ployee representation services. In addition to these
expenditures, the union also spends resources on a
variety of other efforts such as organizing, publica-
tions, political activities, international affairs and
community services. All of these services advance
the interests of the union and its membership.

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

1. Benefits of union membership — While non-
members do receive material benefits from a union
presence in their workplace, there are significant
benefits to retaining full membership in the union.
Among the many benefits and opportunities avail-
able to a member of the Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meet-
ings, the right to vote for candidates for union office
and the right to run for union office. Members also
have the right to participate in the development of
contract proposals and participate in contract ratifi-
cation and strike votes. Members also may play a

role in the development and formulation of union
policies.

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

3. Agency fee payors — Employees who
choose not to become union members may become
agency fee payors. As a condition of employment,
in states which permit such arrangements, individu-
als are obligated to make payments to the union in
the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees
pay is to support the core representational services
that the union provides. These services are those
related to the collective bargaining process, contract
administration and grievance adjustments. Exam-
ples of these activities include but are not limited to,
the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements,
the enforcement and administration of collective
bargaining agreements and meetings with employ-
ers and employees. Union services also include
representation of employees during disciplinary
meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings,
National Labor Relations Board hearings and court
litigation.

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

4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above,
dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the
costs of expenses related to those supporting costs
germane to the collective bargaining process. After
review of all expenses during the 2018 calendar

year, the fee cost associated with this representa-
tion amounts to 80.08 percent of the dues amount.
This means that the agency fee based upon the dues
would be $400.40 (four hundred dollars forty cents)
for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction
also will be calculated for working dues.

This amount applies to the 2020 calendar year.
This means that any individual who wishes to elect
to pay agency fees and submits a letter between
December 1, 2019 and November 30, 2020 will
have this calculation applied to their 2020 dues
payments which may still be owed to the union. As
noted below, however, to continue to receive the
agency fee reduction effective January 2021, your
objection must be received by December 1, 2020.

A report which delineates chargeable and non-
chargeable expenses is available to you free of
charge. You may receive a copy of this report by
writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers Inter-
national Union, AGLIW, 5201 Auth Way, Camp
Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an
audited financial report of the union’s expenses dur-
ing 2018.

Please note that as the chargeable and non-
chargeable expenses may change each year, the
agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year.
Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and
wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this op-
tion each year by filing an objection in accordance
with the procedure noted below.

5. Filing of objections — If you choose to ob-
ject to paying dues, an objection must be filed annu-
ally. To receive the deduction beginning in January
of each year, you must file by the beginning of De-
cember in the prior year. An employee may file an
objection at any time during the year, however, the
reduction will apply only prospectively and only
until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions
in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted
above, each year the amount of the dues reduction

may change based upon an auditor’s report from a
previous year.

The objection must be sent in writing to:
Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Sec-
retary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International
Union, AGLIW, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
MD 20746.

6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the no-
tice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures
related to core representation activities, an objector
shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the
Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes
that the calculation of chargeable activities is in-
correct. Every person who wishes to object to the
calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right
to file such an objection.

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

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

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

Sincerely,
David Heindel
Secretary-Treasurer

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

This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Interna-
tional Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-
1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2018 to December
31, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Ben-
efits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Re-
tirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are pro-

vided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $4,588,485.
These expenses included $72,953 in administrative expenses,
$4,366,089 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and
$149,443 in other expenses. A total of 13,299 persons were par-
ticipants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year,
although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive
benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan,
was $35,788,111 as of December 31, 2018 compared to $36,621,936
as of January 1, 2018. During the plan year the plan experienced a
decrease in its net assets of $833,825. This decrease includes unreal-
ized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is,
the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the
year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the
cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of
$3,754,660, including employee contributions of $5,338,190, other
contributions of $338,380, losses from investments of $1,921,923
and other income of $13.

Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report,

or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included
in that report:
n An accountant’s report;
n Financial Information and information on payments to ser-

vice providers;
n Assets held for investment;
n Schedule of delinquent participant contributions; and
n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by

insurance carriers.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,

write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675

The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.50 for the full
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way,
Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in
Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department
of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Depart-
ment should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee
Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Summary Annual Report
For Seafarers International Union

AGLIW 401(k) Plan
This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money

Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914,
Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.
The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Se-
curity Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are pro-

vided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $10,478,138.
These expenses included $1,098,998 in administrative expenses and
$9,379,140 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total
of 15,512 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan
at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet
earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the
plan, was $126,965,662 as of December 31, 2018 compared to
$128,471,916 as of January 1, 2018. During the plan year the
plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,506,254. This
decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the
value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of
the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at
the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the
year. The plan had total income of $8,971,884, including employer
contributions of $9,626,353, employee contributions of $167,170,
losses of $680,756 from the sale of assets, losses from investments
of $143,957 and other income of $3,074.

The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company
of America which allocates funds toward individual policies.

Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report,

or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included
in that report:

n An accountant’s report;
n Financial information and information on payments to service

providers;
n Assets held for investment;
n Transactions in excess of five percent of the plan assets;
n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by

insurance carriers; and
n Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled

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

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201
Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675.

The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.75 for the full
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way,
Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor
in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the
Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor,
Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure
Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington,
D.C. 20210.

Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan

This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Va-
cation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No.
503) for the period January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The
annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security
Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan,

was $23,993,376 as of December 31, 2018 compared to $24,346,823
as of January 1, 2018. During the plan year the plan experienced a
decrease in its net assets of $353,447. This decrease includes unreal-
ized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is,
the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the
year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the
cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan
had total income of $69,336,761. This income included employer
contributions of $70,632,511, realized losses of $21,136 from the sale
of assets, losses from investments of $1,416,644 and other income of
$142,030. Plan expenses were $69,690,208. These expenses included
$6,366,405 in administrative expenses and $63,323,803 in benefits
paid to participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report,

or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included
in that report:

n An accountant’s report;
n Financial information and information on payments to ser-

vice providers;
n Assets held for investment; and
n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,

write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201
Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675.

The charge to cover copying costs will be $16.75 for the full
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual
report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way
, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor
in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department
of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Depart-
ment should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee
Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 6 11/8/2019 10:38:37 PM



December 2019 Seafarers LOG 7

WWII Seafarer Donates Collection, Shares Memories
Not every mariner sails for their whole life, instead

choosing to spend only a few years at sea before pursu-
ing a new career. But when those years are the final days
of World War II, they leave memories that last a lifetime.

FOWT W. Bert Hatten, a former SIU member who
served on cargo ships sailing into the Pacific Theater
from 1942-1945, recently donated a collection of prints
to the New Orleans hall in Harvey, Louisiana. The
framed art depicts World War II-era merchant ships; the
items were commissioned from artist Theodore C. Ewen
by maritime underwriter Chubb & Son. Hatten, 92, was
in the process of moving, and wanted the collection to
have a proper home where others could view them.

“The set is awesome, and it’s such an honor that
Bert thought to donate them to the hall,” said SIU Port
Agent Chris Westbrook. “It was great to talk to him on
the phone, and hear some of his sea stories from that
era. The prints are up on the wall, and the feedback I’ve
received from the members who have seen them is really
positive.”

“I have very fond memories of my time in the SIU,”
Hatten said. “As a youthful participant in the final
stages of World War II, my first attraction to the SIU
was, it offered me an opportunity to get into the action
despite my youth, which caused my rejection by the
Navy. Secondly, the SIU leadership in those days was
strongly anti-communist, which was not the case with
some others. Our leadership then included men like
Harry Lundeberg and Paul Hall, both of whom were

patriots and strong, honorable leaders.
“After the war ended, I debated for a while between

sailing and seeking another career,” Hatten added. He
eventually made his decision, heading to college be-
fore becoming a reporter for a local paper in Louisiana
(from where he’d primarily sailed from), and launched a
decades-long career in the newspaper industry.

After sailing, he worked as the managing editor of
two newspapers, the Monroe Morning World and The
News-Star World, before starting and running his own
newspaper, The Ouachita Citizen, from 1965 to 1986. He
also found time to serve as the mayor of West Monroe,
Louisiana, from 1966-1978. After that, he worked as an
insurance underwriter until retirement.

It’s been nearly 75 years since the end of World War
II, but Hatten still remembers where he was when the
war ended. “While en route to Japan as part of a supply
convoy in September of 1945, our ship passed the USS
Indianapolis, which was headed the opposite direction,”
he recalled. “At the time, it was only notable because I
had a friend serving aboard that ship, but of course now I
know that the Indianapolis had just delivered the atomic
bomb to be loaded onto the Enola Gay. Of course, this
was before it was sunk by a Japanese torpedo. When
we arrived in Tokyo Bay, we anchored right next to the
USS Missouri, which served as MacArthur’s flagship. So
that’s where we were when the Japanese surrendered.”

Hatten has three daughters, and currently lives with
his youngest daughter in West Monroe.

Hatten’s sister, Dee Carbo, views the collection in its new
home.

The donated prints (above) now adorn one wall of the New Orleans Hall in Harvey, Louisiana. They were donated by
FOWT Bert Hatten (pictured at right), a former SIU member who served on cargo ships sailing into the Pacific Theater
from 1942-1945

Peter Demchuk is now at the helm
of the Maritime Trades Department’s
(MTD) Baltimore Port Maritime

Council (PMC). The IBEW Local
24 business manager succeeds Dion
Guthrie, who stepped down Oct. 16

after 13 years as the PMC president.
Demchuk and his fellow officers –

Vice President Guthrie and Secretary-
Treasurer John Hoskins (who is the SIU’s
Baltimore port agent) – were sworn in
by MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Daniel Duncan at the council’s meeting in
mid-October.

The IBEW official told delegates he
looks forward to his new position. He said

he plans to work closely with the Mary-
land State and D.C. AFL-CIO (whose
president, Donna Edwards, attended) and
the Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO on projects
affecting all union workers in the city and
its surrounding communities. He looks
forward to growing the port council, he
said.

Additionally, Demchuk outlined a pro-
gram to promote the hard-working men
and women within the Port of Baltimore
community. He noted the advent of off-
shore wind turbines and wants to make
sure union members from the maritime
trades, metal trades and building trades are
involved. In addition, he thanked Guthrie
for his decades of service to the council.

Delegates from AFSCME, the IBEW,
MEBA, the SIU and UA took part in the
October meeting.

Besides the officers, delegates approved
Richard Kile, Klaus Luhta, Bill Van Loo
and Daniel Zellers as PMC trustees.

The Baltimore PMC received its charter
in 1952.

The MTD is a constitutionally man-
dated department of the AFL-CIO and was
formed in 1946. The MTD’s network of 21
port maritime councils has given maritime
workers a strong grassroots presence in
port and coastal cities all across the nation.
Representing a wide array of workers, the
councils have provided the department’s
23 affiliates (who collectively represent
approximately five million members) a
mechanism to pool their resources on a
wide range of issues and projects.

IBEW’s Demchuk Elected
To Lead Baltimore PMC

Pictured from left are Baltimore PMC VP Dion Guthrie, Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, Baltimore
PMC President Peter Demchuk, Baltimore PMC Secretary-Treasurer/SIU Port Agent John Hoskins and MTD Executive Secretary-
Treasurer Daniel Duncan.

54932_December_2019_LOG_X.indd 7 11/12/2019 3:34:30 PM



8 Seafarers LOG December 2019

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – Maritime
Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dan-
iel Duncan (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown
(D-Maryland) in late September in the nation’s capital. The
Washington Nationals baseball game in the background did
not prevent them from discussing the importance of the U.S.
Merchant Marine.

ABOARD BELL SHIMADA – SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt (back row, far left) and Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo
(also in back, far right) meet with SIU Government Services Division members aboard the NOAA ship on the West
Coast.

PROMOTING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSWOMAN
– SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right) is pictured with U.S.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Florida) at a recent labor
gathering in the Sunshine State. They discussed the Jones
Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference laws
and more.

A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – Bosun John Diaz (left) receives
his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall, with
SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. “I’m excited to become
an A-book member and extremely grateful to the SIU for
the awesome career opportunities it has given me,” Diaz
said. “May God bless the industry and may God bless
the SIU.

A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Ahmed Kassem (left) picks
up his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. He is pictured
with Port Agent Nick Marrone II.

ABOARD KAIMANA HILA – Pictured from left in the
photo above are Chief Cook Alberto Insong, ACU
Saleh Sewileh and Chief Steward Timothy Laird. The
two snapshots at right show parts of the galley aboard
the new Matson vessel. Thanks to SIU Wilmington Pa-
trolman Jesse Sunga Jr. for the photos.

ABOARD NATIONAL
GLORY – Members
gather for a union
meeting aboard the
Crowley vessel in
mid-October in Hous-
ton. Pictured third
from left is SIU Patrol-
man J.B. Niday.

ABOARD OCEAN GLOBE – Enjoying a coffee
break on the Waterman ship in Houston are (above,
from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Luis Venegas,
AB Frank Estupinan and GUDE Cale Irons.

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 8 11/8/2019 10:38:41 PM



December 2019 Seafarers LOG 9

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

FULL BOOKS IN PINEY POINT – SA Craig Sorrell
(left in photo at immediate left) and AB Dexter Turija
(left in photo above) recently received their respec-
tive full membership books at the union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Educa-
tion. SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez is at right in both
photos.

A-BOOK IN JERSEY CITY – QMED Michael Robinson (right)
receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall
with Port Agent Ray Henderson.

ABOARD WEST VIRGINIA – Recertified Bosun John Cedeno submitted these snapshots from the Intrepid Person-
nel and Provisioning tanker. AB Juberto Perez (lower left) installs chafing gear. In photo directly below, ABs Victor

Chevalier and Christopher Dickens repair chafing gear on mooring line.
Pictured from left in the remaining photo are Pumpman Scott Fuller, Sec-
ond Mate Daniel McCullough, Cedeno and Third Mate Parker Dale.

FULL B-BOOK IN HONOLULU – ARE Raymond Orosco
(right) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. Congratulating
him is Shureen Yatchmenoff, administrative assistant.

WELCOME ASHORE IN FLORIDA – Chief Steward Evelyn
Tayag (left), pictured at the Fort Lauderdale hall with Asst. VP
Kris Hopkins, picks up her first pension check.

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 9 11/8/2019 10:38:43 PM



10 Seafarers LOG December 2019

GRASSROOTS ACTION
IN HOUSTON – Seafarers
recently volunteered their
time to help spread the word
about labor-backed candi-
dates. A number of those SIU
members are pictured during
phone-banking (photo at im-
mediate left) and in front of
the hiring hall, shortly before
block walking (photo above).
Recertified Steward Verleshia
Robinson (left in photo at im-
mediate right, with Port Agent
Joe Zavala) participated and
also prepared food for fellow
members.

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

ANSWERING THE CALL – SIU members helped crew up 33 military support vessels earlier this year when the U.S.
Transportation Command ordered a large-scale exercise. These photos were taken on one of the Ready Reserve
Force ships that activated – the Cape Intrepid (operated by Ocean Duchess). Pictured from left in the galley (below,
right) are SA Nadine Nomed Ryf, Chief Cook Alba Ayala, Recertified Steward Jioia De Leon and SA Marshall Daguio.
Pictured on deck (immediate left, from left) are GVA Ameer Ali and Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. Standing from left
in the photo above are AB Nick Sabuco, De Leon, Tanoa, Oiler Leonard Chavis, OS Edward Sabac, Oiler Mark Lata
and Darrell Jackson.

Henson Mariners Brighten Kids’ Day Overseas - SIU members and AMO officers from the USNS Henson visited the
International Children’s Advocate, Inc. (Ninos Pag-Asa Center), a residential care facility in Olongapo City, Philippines, in
October. The organization is self-described as “a non-profit … established to help [meet] the special needs of impover-
ished, malnourished, and sick children and young adults with disabilities and with deformities.” Among those participating
in the visit were Storekeeper Caroline Thomas, SA Mery Koch-Lupa, GVA Fahd Saleh, GVA Assaf Ghalib, Capt. Kristin
Mangold, Third Assistant Engineer Stephanie Stowe, Second Mate Danielle Garcia-Lance, Radio Officer Joanne Sykes
and Second A.E. Brandy White. Attending but not in the photo were Chief Steward Arturo Montoya and QMED Benjamin
Mathews. The USNS Henson is operated for the Military Sealift Command by Ocean Ships, Inc. (Photo courtesy of Capt.
Kristin Mangold)

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 10 11/8/2019 11:16:29 PM



December 2019 Seafarers LOG 11

Higher Education Opportunities

■ A total of fi ve scholarships, each totalling $20,000, are
being offered to dependents (spouses incuded) to attend
four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or
universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well
as retired Seafarers may apply.

2020 Seafarers
Health and Benefi ts Plan

Scholarship Program

Scholarships totalling $132,000 are avaiable to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue
their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:

Dependents Scholarships

■ One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study
at an accredited college or university
■ Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers
interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a
community college or vocational school

Seafarers Scholarships
Five scholarships designated for dependents:Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:

Please send me the 2020 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, 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 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org,
go to the ABOUT tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefi ts Plan menu (Participant Letters and Notices
of Material Modifi cations section) and select Scholarship Application (PDF). Although the booklet is dated
2016, all information is still current for the 2020 SHBP Scholarships.

Wilson Hall
James Madison University

12/19

■ A total of fi ve scholarships, each totalling $20,000, are
being offered to dependents (spouses incuded) to attend
four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or
universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well
as retired Seafarers may apply.

2020 Seafarers
Health and Benefi ts Plan

Scholarship Program

Scholarships totalling $132,000 are avaiable to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue
their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:

Dependents Scholarships

■ One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study
at an accredited college or university
■ Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers
interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a
community college or vocational school

Seafarers Scholarships
Five scholarships designated for dependents:Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:

Please send me the 2020 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, 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 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org,
go to the ABOUT tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefi ts Plan menu (Participant Letters and Notices
of Material Modifi cations section) and select Scholarship Application (PDF). Although the booklet is dated
2016, all information is still current for the 2020 SHBP Scholarships.

Wilson Hall
James Madison University

■ A total of fi ve scholarships, each totalling $20,000, are
being offered to dependents (spouses incuded) to attend
four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or
universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well
as retired Seafarers may apply.

2020 Seafarers
Health and Benefi ts Plan

Scholarship Program

Scholarships totalling $132,000 are avaiable to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue
their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:

Dependents Scholarships

■ One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study
at an accredited college or university
■ Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers
interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a
community college or vocational school

Seafarers Scholarships
Five scholarships designated for dependents:Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:

Please send me the 2020 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, 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 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org,
go to the ABOUT tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefi ts Plan menu (Participant Letters and Notices
of Material Modifi cations section) and select Scholarship Application (PDF). Although the booklet is dated
2016, all information is still current for the 2020 SHBP Scholarships.

Wilson Hall
James Madison University

54932_December_2019_LOG_X.indd 11 11/12/2019 3:34:31 PM



12 Seafarers LOG December 2019

With Seafarers Aboard the Alaskan Legend

(From left) Maintenance Mechanic Corey Hann, DEU Mohammed Obad and AB Jaime Callejas AB Sergio Valentin and Bosun Alvin Martin

Bosun Alvin MartinAB Jaime Callejas and AB Ramon Guimba Jr.

AB Marcus Foster

SIU crews continue to help Seafarers-contracted
Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) enjoy a well-earned
reputation for safety and efficiency.

Seafarers sail aboard the company’s four Jones
Act vessels: the Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Explorer,
Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Navigator. Among the
fleet’s many accolades over the years are the Alaska
Governor’s Special Achievement Award, and the U.S.
Coast Guard’s prestigious Benkert “Osprey” Award in
recognition of outstanding achievement in marine en-
vironmental protection and community outreach. ATC
has been previously recognized for its safe operations
by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conserva-
tion, legislators from the State of Alaska, the Prince
William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council,
the Washington State Department of Ecology, the

California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the
Pacific States–British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force,
and the AFL-CIO.

The photos on these two pages were taken earlier
this year aboard the Alaskan Legend.

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 12 11/8/2019 10:38:47 PM

December 2019 Seafarers LOG 13

With Seafarers Aboard the Alaskan Legend

Deck/Engine Maint.
Kassim Mohamed SA Hamid Shahbain

AB Ramon Guimba Jr.

S/B Just SelfCC Johnson AshunDEU Piotr Mlynarczyk

AB Mohamed AlomariAB Jake TierneyBosun Alvin Martin

AB Marcus Foster

California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the
Pacific States–British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force,
and the AFL-CIO.

The photos on these two pages were taken earlier
this year aboard the Alaskan Legend.

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 13 11/8/2019 10:38:49 PM



14 Seafarers LOG December 2019

CREDIT
CARDS

WIRELESS
DISCOUNTS

FLOWERS
& GIFTS

Everyday Savings

Learn more at
unionplus.org

Save every day with union member-only discounts
on everything from fashion and beauty to electronics and
everyday household items. And whether it’s date night or a
fun family night out, enjoy delicious, union family discounts at
select restaurants.

Find out more about this and other great Union Plus programs
by visiting unionplus.org.

FREE
COLLEGE

12/19

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 14 11/8/2019 10:38:51 PM



December 2019 Seafarers LOG 15

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Oct. 6-Nov. 5. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Nov. 5.

Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Deck Department
Algonac 24 6 2 11 7 1 2 28 13 4
Anchorage 1 2 2 1 2 1 0 4 1 4
Baltimore 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 3 0
Fort Lauderdale 12 9 4 15 7 2 6 33 11 7
Guam 5 1 0 1 1 0 0 6 1 0
Harvey 13 6 1 7 4 4 7 15 12 1
Honolulu 7 3 0 6 0 0 1 14 8 0
Houston 47 23 10 35 15 2 20 78 43 14
Jacksonville 37 29 5 24 18 4 9 56 50 12
Jersey City 31 7 3 36 6 1 22 52 23 9
Joliet 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 4 1 1
Mobile 12 1 3 8 2 0 4 22 6 6
Norfolk 19 19 10 21 12 2 12 36 27 17
Oakland 12 4 1 15 3 0 5 26 8 5
Philadelphia 2 2 2 2 1 0 1 6 3 2
Piney Point 2 5 0 3 3 0 2 3 5 0
Puerto Rico 6 6 1 4 5 0 7 9 10 2
Tacoma 19 8 4 19 8 4 14 49 14 9
St. Louis 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 4 1 0
Wilmington 24 9 5 23 10 2 13 68 24 9
TOTALS 278 143 53 234 105 25 126 518 264 102

Engine Department
Algonac 4 3 3 3 1 1 0 5 2 3
Anchorage 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0
Baltimore 0 4 0 1 1 0 1 1 3 1
Fort Lauderdale 12 7 1 9 4 0 7 17 8 4
Guam 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1
Harvey 3 2 0 2 4 0 2 5 4 1
Honolulu 6 3 1 3 3 1 0 18 7 1
Houston 17 10 3 11 5 2 6 25 18 5
Jacksonville 18 19 2 16 10 0 10 28 34 3
Jersey City 11 7 1 10 6 2 4 21 18 2
Joliet 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 1 3
Mobile 5 6 1 2 4 0 2 6 8 1
Norfolk 13 20 6 15 16 4 8 24 30 7
Oakland 7 5 3 6 2 1 1 14 8 5
Philadelphia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 1
Piney Point 5 7 0 2 2 0 2 5 7 0
Puerto Rico 2 3 1 4 2 1 4 3 2 1
Tacoma 13 9 0 13 8 0 9 20 10 2
St. Louis 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 3 0
Wilmington 14 6 1 13 9 1 1 27 14 4
TOTALS 134 114 24 114 78 14 57 227 181 45

Steward Department
Algonac 10 2 0 5 2 1 2 7 2 0
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 8 2 1 4 4 0 2 16 6 1
Guam 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0
Harvey 4 1 1 5 1 0 3 7 2 1
Honolulu 10 1 0 7 3 0 3 19 3 0
Houston 19 7 0 14 4 1 8 38 13 1
Jacksonville 17 8 2 12 5 0 5 41 15 6
Jersey City 14 3 1 11 5 0 3 24 3 1
Joliet 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0
Mobile 4 4 0 4 1 0 0 5 5 0
Norfolk 17 9 4 8 3 3 2 27 22 4
Oakland 12 6 1 12 6 1 6 19 6 3
Philadelphia 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 1
Piney Point 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 5 6 0
Puerto Rico 4 6 1 2 5 0 6 5 8 1
Tacoma 9 0 1 12 1 0 5 20 1 2
St. Louis 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 4 0 1
Wilmington 22 9 0 15 9 0 12 36 15 0
TOTALS 162 60 16 120 51 8 58 282 108 22

Entry Department
Algonac 0 10 12 1 4 5 3 0 9 20
Anchorage 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0
Baltimore 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Fort Lauderdale 2 5 4 0 1 2 2 2 7 6
Guam 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Harvey 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 6
Honolulu 2 8 3 0 5 2 0 2 14 3
Houston 5 10 8 5 9 5 0 8 18 12
Jacksonville 1 24 24 0 17 10 8 4 55 41
Jersey City 2 15 4 0 8 3 1 4 32 8
Joliet 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 3 2
Mobile 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2
Norfolk 0 19 14 0 10 13 3 0 42 43
Oakland 0 8 4 1 6 4 1 1 18 11
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Piney Point 0 0 4 0 1 4 2 1 0 2
Puerto Rico 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Tacoma 3 9 7 2 7 8 2 5 22 17
St. Louis 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0
Wilmington 2 15 4 2 13 4 6 12 32 21
TOTALS 19 131 96 13 84 65 31 41 260 197

GRAND TOTAL: 593 448 189 481 318 112 272 1,068 813 366

SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The

Seafarers Political Activities Donation

SPAD

ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship

December 2019 & January 2020
Membership Meetings

As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Edu-
cation continues to offer Culi-
nary 2.0 classes designed to help
students boost their skills while
complying with a new rule that
takes effect next year. Complet-
ing the coursework also is in-
tended to aid individual shipping
opportunities.

Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which
will go into effect January 1, 2020,
states, “Within each class of se-
niority in the Steward Department,
priority shall be given to those
seamen who possess an advanced
Culinary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
of Seamanship, in the event such
program is being offered and that
the seaman is registered in Group
I, Steward Department.”

While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship at
the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg
School of Seamanship will have
successfully passed Culinary
2.0, it’s important to remem-

ber that those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards
must also take the coursework in
order to exercise preference and
priority beginning next year (un-
less they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the Piney
Point, Maryland-based campus).

For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stewards
aboard commercial vessels, they
must attend Culinary 2.0 in order
to maintain their current employ-
ment status.

For those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards,
there are two new revalidation
courses that have been designed
to ensure a consistent level of culi-
nary training and efficiency: Orien-
tation/Assessment Chief Steward
2.0 and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are
being offered regularly, but spaces
are limited, so members are en-
couraged to plan ahead and enroll
as soon as possible.

For more information, con-
tact your port agent and/or the
school’s admissions office.

PHC Offers Culinary 2.0

Piney Point...............................Monday: December 2, January 6
Algonac..................................Friday: December 6, January 10
Baltimore............................Thursday: December 5, January 9
Guam.................................Thursday: December 19, January 23
Honolulu.............................Friday: December 13, January 17

Houston.......................................Monday: December 9, January 13

Jacksonville..................Thursday: December 5, January 9

Joliet.................................Thursday: December 12, January 16

Mobile.........................Wednesday: December 11, January 15

New Orleans........................Tuesday: December 10, January 14

Jersey City..........................Tuesday: December 3, January 7

Norfolk..............................Thursday: December 5, January 9

Oakland.........................Thursday: December 12, January 16

Philadelphia.............Wednesday: December 4, January 8

Port Everglades..............Thursday: December 12, January 16

San Juan................................Thursday: December 5 , January 9

St. Louis..................................Friday: December 13, January 17

Tacoma............................Friday: December 20, January 24

Wilmington..............Monday: December 16,*Tuesday: January 21

*Wilmington change due to Martin Luther King Day obser-
vance

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

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 15 11/8/2019 10:38:51 PM



16 Seafarers LOG December 2019

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

Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

(301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

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

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

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

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

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 444-2360

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

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 522-7984

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033

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

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

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

(310) 549-4000

Seafarers International
Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by students at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.

Question: What do you like most about being a member of the SIU?

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 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org

Malcolm Holmes
Chief Steward

I enjoy everything about being a mem-
ber of the SIU. I’ve been with the union for
about 35 years now and I only have good
things to say about it. I enjoy sailing and
seeing the world. The SIU has given me
both of those things in addition to provid-
ing me the chance to make a good living.
It’s been great!

Malia Bouchee
Chief Cook

I like the fact that although I am a
female, I’m treated fairly in every re-
spect; a rarity in today’s society. I also
think it’s great that the union makes
it easy for me and fellow members to
advance their careers by making this
school available to us free of charge.
When it comes down to it, I guess you
could say that I really like everything
about the union.

Lamont Robinson
QMED Electrician

I’d have to say the money that I’m
able to make, and the travel. I also
enjoy and appreciate the fact that the
union makes it so easy for me to in-
crease my knowledge and advance in
my career through these free upgrading
programs. You won’t find any place
like this (the school) anywhere else.
Here we have everything we need to
keep moving up in our careers and I
really appreciate that.

Italy Byers
Chief Cook

I enjoy the camaraderie – that we
always stick together regardless of the
challenges we may face. I never have
to worry because I know that someone
has my back and I can always find as-
sistance up to and including talking to
officials at my union hall. I also love
my job because it affords me the op-
portunity to travel extensively and
make a great living in the process. Face
it, you’re not going to find a job ashore
that compensates you as well as mine.

John Reid
Recertified Chief Steward

The SIU provides me with a good en-
vironment to work in and some great peo-
ple to work with. At the same time, I am
compensated very well. I have been able
to provide for my family for 31 years as
a member of the SIU, so I have no com-
plaints. I’ve had a great career so far and
acquired a great deal of knowledge over
the years in my craft. It was all made pos-
sible because of the union.

Najeeb Ginah
Chief Cook

I like having the opportunity to choose
your own career path. I used to work on
the Great Lakes in the deck department,
but I always enjoyed cooking. Through
the union I was able to get into the steward
department, upgrade my skills and become
a better cook. I really like my job and the
union.

The original caption from the
Feb. 3, 1956 LOG that ac-
companied this photo: “The
whole family joined in the
holiday festivities enjoyed by
Seafarers in New Orleans
when Mr. and Mrs. Al Nasser
and Al Jr. attended the SIU
dinner. Junior had eyes only
for the photographer, how-
ever.” Readers can look up
back issues of the LOG at
seafarerslog.org or by visit-
ing the “Complete Seafarers
Log Archive” section that’s
linked on the regular SIU
website (seafarers.org).

54932_December_2019_LOG_X.indd 16 11/12/2019 3:34:33 PM



December 2019 Seafarers LOG 17

DEEP SEA

LITO ACOSTA
Brother Lito Acosta, 65, started sail-
ing with the SIU in 1982, initially
shipping aboard the Independence.
He sailed in the steward department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Acosta last shipped on the
Matsonia. He resides in Daly City,
California.

EMMANUEL BAYANI
Brother Emmanuel Bayani, 64,
began sailing with the SIU in 1989
when he shipped on the Indepen-
dence. He primarily sailed in the
engine department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother Bayani most
recently sailed on the USNS Algol
and makes his home in Union City,
California.

STEPHEN BROWN
Brother Stephen Brown, 65, started
sailing with the union in 1976, ini-
tially shipping
with Mariner
Towing. He
sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on sev-
eral occasions.
Brother Brown
last shipped on the
SLNC York. He resides in Auburn,
Georgia.

JOVENCIO CABAB
Brother Jovencio Cabab, 61, joined
the SIU in 1990 and first sailed
aboard the Independence. He sailed
in the deck department and upgraded
at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Cen-
ter on numerous occasions. Brother
Cabab’s last vessel was the Norfolk.
He lives in Fairfield, California.

TEDDIE CARTER
Brother Teddie Carter, 62, signed
on with the SIU in 1979 when he
shipped on the Zapata Ranger.
An engine department member, he
upgraded often at the Piney Point
school. Brother Carter’s final vessel
was the Horizon Reliance. He makes
his home in Los Angeles.

HILARIO DAVID
Brother Hilario David, 63, began

sailing with the
union in 1992,
first shipping
on the Indepen-
dence. He worked
in the steward
department and
upgraded on mul-
tiple occasions at
the Paul Hall Cen-
ter. Brother David

most recently sailed on the Manoa
and resides in Alameda, California.

EARL FARMER
Brother Earl Farmer, 72, started his
career with the SIU in 2001 when
he sailed on the Liberator. A deck
department member, he upgraded
his skills at the Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions. Brother Farmer

concluded his career on the Alliance
Norfolk and resides in Brooklyn,
New York.

DANIEL GAMBOA
Brother Daniel Gamboa, 67, donned
the SIU colors in
2001. The deck
department mem-
ber upgraded at
the Piney Point
school within his
first year with the
union. Brother
Gamboa’s first
vessel was the
Cape Farewell;
his last, the Liberty Glory. He is a
Houston resident.

TERRY GOODWIN
Brother Terry Goodwin, 65, joined

the union in 2005,
initially sailing
on the Advantage.
He shipped in the
deck department
and trained at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Goodwin
last sailed on
the Black Eagle

and makes his home in Alexandria,
Louisiana.

TYLER LAFFITTE
Brother Tyler Laffitte, 60, embarked
on his SIU career in 1981 when he
shipped on the
Golden Endeavor.
A member of the
steward depart-
ment, he upgraded
on multiple occa-
sions at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Laffitte
most recently
sailed on the Empire State and calls
Mobile, Alabama, home.

RANDY LOUQUE
Brother Randy Louque, 65, became

a member of the
SIU in 1996 when
he sailed on the
Cape Flattery. An
engine department
member, he up-
graded his skills
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Louque’s

last vessel was the Atlantic Forest.
He resides in New Zealand.

MICHAEL MAHONEY
Brother Michael Mahoney, 65,
signed on with the union in 1977,
sailing first on the Baltimore. He
shipped in the deck department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point school. Brother Ma-
honey last sailed on the Resolve and
settled in Philadelphia.

JAMES REILY
Brother James
Reily, 65, began
sailing with the
Seafarers in 1989
when he shipped
on the USNS
Assurance. He
upgraded often at

the Paul Hall Center and worked in
the deck department. Brother Reily
concluded his career on the Liberty
Grace. He is a resident of Shreve-
port, Louisiana.

ROLANDO ROMANILLOS
Brother Rolando Romanillos, 65,
joined the SIU in 1993, first sailing
on the Producer.
He sailed in the
engine depart-
ment and up-
graded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Romanillos last
sailed on the
Ocean Freedom
and makes his home in Long Beach,
California.

CRAIG SMITH
Brother Craig Smith, 65, embarked

on his career with
the SIU in 1974
when he shipped
on the Erna Eliza-
beth. He upgraded
on multiple occa-
sions at the Paul
Hall Center and
sailed in the en-
gine department.
Brother Smith’s

last vessel was the Padre Island. He
calls Carriere, Mississippi, home.

GREAT LAKES

ANDREW DERRY
Brother Andrew Derry, 56, joined
the SIU in 1990, initially sailing
aboard the EM
Ford. He was an
engine depart-
ment member and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Derry last worked
on the Burns Har-
bor. He makes his
home in South Haven, Michigan.

JOSEPH RACICOT
Brother Joseph Racicot, 62, started
shipping with the Seafarers in 1979,
initially working on the Buckeye.
A deck department member, he
upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall
Center in 1993. Brother Racicot
concluded his career on the Joyce L.
VanEnkevort and lives in Escanaba,
Michigan.

JAN THOMPSON
Brother Jan Thompson, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1977 when
he shipped with Inland Tugs. He
worked in the engine department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Thompson’s last vessel was
the Indiana Harbor. He settled in
Nokesville, Virginia.

INLAND

ISRAEL DEJESUS
Brother Israel DeJesus, 58, joined


the union in 1993. A deck depart-
ment member, he first sailed aboard
the George Washington. Brother
DeJesus upgraded his skills at the
Piney Point school in 2001 and con-
cluded his career working for Port
Imperial Ferry. He calls Maywood,
New Jersey, home.

RONALD ECHEVERIO
Brother Ronald Echeverio, 66, em-
barked on his career with the SIU
in 1973 when he worked for OMI
Corporation. He shipped in both the
steward and deck departments and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
1973. Brother Echeverio last worked
for American Marine Corporation.
He lives in Stevenson, Washington.

ALBERT HILLIER
Brother Albert Hillier, 66, began his
career with the SIU in 2010 when he

worked for Penn
Maritime. A deck
department mem-
ber, he upgraded
at the Piney Point
school in 2016.
Brother Hillier
remained with the
same company
for the duration

of his career. He resides in Richmond,
Virginia.

JERRY LOCKABY
Brother Jerry Lockaby, 64, signed
on with the SIU in 1977. He sailed
in both the deck and engine depart-
ments and worked for Marine Con-
tracting and Towing for his entire
career. Brother Lockaby lives in
Charleston, South Carolina.

ANGEL LOZADA OSORIO
Brother Angel Lozada Osorio, 65,
donned the SIU
colors in 1994,
initially work-
ing for Crowley
Puerto Rico.
He primarily
shipped in the
deck department
and most recently
worked for Puerto
Rico Towing &
Barge. Brother Lazada Osorio settled
in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

EDWARD MANCKE
Brother Edward Mancke, 58, joined
the union in 1991 when he shipped

aboard the Inde-
pendence. He was
an engine depart-
ment member and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Mancke’s final
vessel was the
Padre Island. He
calls Dandridge,

Tennessee, home.

FRANCIS MARI
Brother Francis
Mari, 63, began
sailing with the
Seafarers in
2001. A deck
department
member, he up-
graded his skills

on multiple occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Mari worked
for Port Imperial Ferry for the dura-
tion of his career. He is a resident of
Gaithersburg, Maryland.

JOHN NATIONS
Brother John Nations, 62, started his
SIU career in 1976, initially work-

ing for National
Marine Service.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded his
skills at the Piney
Point school in
1980. Brother
Nations was last
employed by OLS

Transport in 1998. He settled in
Farmington, Missouri.

JON RICHARDSON
Brother Jon Richardson, 62, joined
the Seafarers in 1976 when he
worked for Na-
tional Marine Ser-
vice. A member of
the deck depart-
ment, he upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Richard-
son most recently
sailed aboard the
Legend. He makes his home in Plant
City, Florida.

KIM ROGERS
Brother Kim Rogers, 62, started sail-
ing with the Seafarers in 1979. He
was employed by Crowley Towing
& Transportation and sailed in the
deck department. Brother Rogers
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
1983. He worked for the same com-
pany for his entire career and lives
in Murrieta, California.

ALAN SELF
Brother Alan Self, 62, signed on
with the SIU in 1977, initially ship-

ping with G&H
Towing. He was
a deck depart-
ment member and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Self last

worked for Moran Towing of Texas
and resides in Pasadena, Texas.

GEORGE URBAN
Brother George Urban, 62, began his
career with the union in 1991 when
he worked for
Allied Transporta-
tion. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on several
occasions and
continued to work
for the same com-
pany throughout
his entire career.
Brother Urban
lives in Atlantic Beach, North Caro-
lina.

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 Ashore

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 17 11/8/2019 10:38:54 PM



18 Seafarers LOG December 2019

DEEP SEA

MICHAEL BRENNAN
Pensioner Michael Brennan, 81,
passed away October 24. He
embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 1970,
initially sailing
on a Hudson Wa-
terways vessel.
Brother Brennan
shipped in the
engine depart-
ment and concluded his career
on the LNG Virgo. He became
a pensioner in 2003 and was a
resident of Houston.

ROY CARR
Pensioner Roy Carr, 78, died
October 23. He began sailing

with the union
in 1962 when he
signed on aboard
the MT Shasta.
Brother Carr was
a member of the
deck department.
He concluded
his career on the

Overseas Arctic and retired in
1997. Brother Carr lived in Wil-
liamsburg, Kentucky.

ROBERT CROOKS
Pensioner Robert Crooks, 89,
passed away
September 23. He
joined the SIU
in 1966 when he
worked for Michi-
gan Tankers. A
deck department
member, Brother
Crooks last sailed
on the Horizon Tiger. He be-
came a pensioner in 2002 and
made his home in San Francisco.

GARIN DOYLE
Pensioner Garin Doyle, 78, died

October 8. He
became an SIU
member in 1978
when he sailed on
the Cove Navi-
gator. Brother
Doyle primar-
ily sailed in the
deck department

and concluded his career on the
Kocak. He became a pensioner
in 2000 and lived in River
Ridge, Louisiana.

RALPH EGELAND
Pensioner Ralph Egeland, 77,
has passed away.
He signed on
with the SIU in
1969, first sail-
ing on the Mo-
hawk. Brother
Egeland was a
deck department
member. He
last shipped on the Comet and

began collecting his pension in
2006. Brother Egeland resided
in Deming, New Mexico.

JAMES JOWERS
Pensioner James Jowers, 76,
died September
13. He joined the
union in 1986
and first sailed
on the USNS
De Steiguer. A
deck department
member, Brother
Jowers last sailed
on the Nantucket Shoals. He
retired in 2007 and was a resi-
dent of Liberty Hill, Texas.

DONALD OYOLA
Pensioner Donald Oyola, 76,
passed away October 21. He
joined the SIU in 1965 and first
sailed aboard the Ocean Spray.
Brother Oyola worked in the en-
gine department and last sailed
on the Champion. He became
a pensioner in 2008 and was a
Baltimore resident.

JOHN PADILLA
Pensioner John Padilla, 72, died
October 30. He embarked on his
Seafarers career in 1978 when
he sailed on an Interocean Amer-
ican Shipping vessel. Brother
Padilla shipped in the steward
department and last sailed on
the Agate. He began collecting
his pension in 2011 and called
Elizabeth, New Jersey, home.

FREDERICK SULLIVAN
Pensioner Frederick Sullivan,

92, passed away
October 9. He
signed on with
the SIU in 1950
and initially
sailed with
Alcoa Steam-
ship Company.
Brother Sullivan

primarily sailed in the steward
department. He last shipped on
the Economy before becoming a
pensioner in 1988. Brother Sul-
livan resided in New Orleans.

WILLIAM WEEKLEY
Pensioner William Weekley, 77,
died October 18.
He began sailing
with the union
in 1968 when he
signed on aboard
the Choctaw. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Weekley
concluded his career on the De-
fender. He retired in 1998 and
made his home in Bay Minette,
Alabama.

HUGH WILDERMUTH
Pensioner Hugh Wildermuth,

72, passed away October 15. He
joined the Seafarers in 1991, first
sailing aboard the Bonny. Brother
Wildermuth sailed in the steward
department, most recently aboard
the Maersk Chicago. He became
a pensioner in 2016 and lived in
Suwanee, Georgia.

YOUNS YAFAI
Pensioner Youns Yafai, 86, died
October 9. He donned the SIU
colors in 1970,
initially sailing
on the Cantigny.
Brother Yafai
shipped in all
three depart-
ments. He last
sailed on the
Mayaguez be-
fore going on pension in 1998.
Brother Yafai was a resident of
Brooklyn, New York.

INLAND

EDWARD BETHEL
Pensioner Edward Bethel, 81,
passed away September 14. Sail-

ing with Taylor
Marine, he
signed on with
the Seafarers in
1957. Brother
Bethel shipped
in the deck de-
partment and
concluded his

career working for Moran Tow-
ing of Philadelphia. He retired
in 2002 and lived in Elkins Park,
Pennsylvania.

GERALD BISHOP
Pensioner Gerald Bishop, 65,
died August 28. He joined the
SIU in 1977 when he worked
for HVIDE Marine. Brother
Bishop was a deck department
member and last worked for

Crowley Towing
and Transporta-
tion. He went
on pension in
2017 and lived
in Westminster,
California.

EDWIN BLACK
Pensioner Edwin Black, 81,
passed away October 1. He
began sailing with
the union in 1969,
initially working
with Berg Towing
Company. Brother
Black shipped in
the deck depart-
ment and last
worked for Inter-
state Oil. He became a pensioner
in 2000 and settled in Rock Hall,
Maryland.

SEAN GALLAGHER
Brother Sean Gallagher, 27, died
September 5. He signed on with
the SIU in 2015 when he worked
for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock.
The engine department member’s
final vessel was the Dodge Island.
Brother Gallagher resided in Vir-
ginia Beach, Virginia.

LOUIS LOUVIERRE
Pensioner Louis Louvierre, 88,
passed away September 18. He

joined the union
in 1964 and was
employed with
Higman Barge
Lines. The deck
department mem-
ber concluded his
career with the
same company.

He went on pension in 2001 and
was a resident of Dickinson, Texas.

JOHN TAYLOR
Pensioner John Taylor, 87, died
September 27. He joined the

SIU in 1968 when he worked for
Allied Transportation. Brother
Taylor was a deck department
member and remained with the
same company for the majority
of his career. He went on pen-
sion in 1994 and lived in New-
port News, Virginia.

NMU

CLIFFORD CHURCHWELL
Pensioner Clifford Churchwell,
89, passed away October 1. He
was born in Tifton, Georgia, and
sailed with the NMU before the
2001 SIU/NMU merger. Brother
Churchwell made his home in in
Philadelphia.

KIM GIN
Brother Kim Gin, 107, died
September 1.
Born in China,
he was an NMU
member prior to
the 2001 merger
with Seafarers
International
Union. Brother
Gin resided in
San Francisco.

In addition to the foregoing in-
dividuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.

NAME AGE DOD
Alverio, Pablo 77 10/01/2019
Anderson, Frederick 77 09/25/2019
Benitez, Enrique 92 08/31/2019
Calderon, Emilio 84 09/26/2019
Esteves, Justo 75 09/27/2019
Matthews, Henry 94 10/07/2019
Persakis, John 95 10/19/2019
Smith, Robert 94 09/22/2019

Final
Departures

The USNS Supply (left), crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division, provides
fuel to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan Oct. 30 in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaitlin Rowell)

Unrep in the Atlantic

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 18 11/8/2019 10:38:55 PM



December 2019 Seafarers LOG 19

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 Dis-
trict are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disburse-
ments of trust funds are made only upon ap-
proval 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 Auth Way
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 Sea farers 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 con-
tracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Conse quently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.

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

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY

DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to 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 Ameri-
can merchant marine with improved employ-
ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD sup-
ports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are vol-
untary. No contribution 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 In-
ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for inves-
tigation 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 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings

ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS
(Maersk Line, Limited), June
8 – Chairman Timothy Olvany,
Secretary Rudolph Daniels,
Educational Director Her-
bert Hyde, Deck Delegate
Tavell Love, Steward Delegate
Malachi Tannis. Chairman
confirmed payoff in Jackson-
ville, where voyage will end.
Educational director stressed
the importance of attending up-
grading classes at Piney Point.
He emphasized the educational
benefits as well as the advan-
tage when competing for jobs
at the hall. Members discussed
the ship’s fund and various
ways it could be used. Deck del-
egate reported dispute in India
where agent wanted monetary
compensation for shore passes.
Also, crew would like clarifica-
tion from port agent for penalty
work pay for weekends and
holidays. Members collectively
expressed that a better benefits
plan for vision was needed, es-
pecially since company requires
two pairs of glasses. Crew
would like consideration given
to safety prescription glasses
as well. Crew discussed STCW
regulations and their effect on
various ratings during docking/
undocking. They noted a po-
tential conflict between STCW
requirements and (collectively)
union and company rules. They
emphasized the importance of
safe working conditions for
everyone. Next port: Gulfport,
Mississippi.

INDEPENDENCE II (TOTE),
June 9 – Chairman Victor Eli-
gio, Secretary Gerald Hyman,
Deck Delegate Zachary Bal-
lard, Engine Delegate Ricardo

Fuentes. Chairman noted one
hour of meal relief pay for
watchman when on watch, and
also discussed pending OT for
engine and deck departments.
Chairman thanked all depart-
ments for their good work and
gave a special thanks to the
three ordinary seamen. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested coffee for bosun shop,
new toaster, new mattresses
and WiFi availability. Members
asked for TV and DVDs in
rooms.

CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Per-
sonnel and Provisioning), July
14 – Chairman Kenneth Abra-
hamson, Secretary Gerald
Kirtsey, Educational Director
Alex Canada, Deck Delegate
Barry Briggs, Engine Delegate
Raibonne Charles, Steward
Delegate Lea Ramos. Computer
in crew lounge has internet ac-
cess. Chairman discussed ship-
yard period in September and
explained new medical benefits.
He reiterated the importance of
the Jones Act, a staple of the
American maritime industry.
Educational director recom-
mended members upgrade at
the Piney Point school and
check credentials for expira-
tion dates. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Vote of thanks
extended to all departments for
a job well done. Crew requested
bigger TVs in rooms as well as
cable access. Ship will soon be
wired for WiFi. Next port: Long
Beach, California.

INDEPENDENCE II (TOTE),
August 2 – Chairman Vic-
tor Eligio, Secretary Gerald
Hyman.

Crew discussed getting relief for
watchmen at mealtime. Chair-
man thanked entire crew for a
job well done. Another time will
be given to call for a job relief.
Members inquired about using
ship funds to purchase mov-
ies. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew went over expi-
ration dates for credentials and
discussed course requirements.
Members asked for new mat-
tresses, new refrigerator and an-
other washer and dryer for work
clothes. Crew requested TVs in
each room and WiFi availability.

MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 11 –
Chairman Ronmel Lopez,
Secretary Steven Dickson, Edu-
cational Director Monroe Mon-
seur, Deck Delegate Michael
Sherman, Engine Delegate
Christopher Edwards, Stew-
ard Delegate Danilo Florendo.
Secretary advised members to
keep documents up to date and
to visit SIU website to set up
member profile. Educational
director encouraged crew to
upgrade whenever possible at
the Paul Hall Center and donate
to SPAD, the union’s voluntary
political action fund. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Two
new juice machines purchased.
Universal weight machine to be
purchased and set up in gym.
Members requested a raise in
pension and an increase in va-
cation days. Crew directed to
report any nonworking items on
ship. Next port: Newark, New
Jersey.

MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 1 –
Chairman Nur Holis, Secretary

Oscar Gomez, Educational
Director Richard Huffman,
Deck Delegate Mohamed Ab-
delwahab. Payoff scheduled at
sea. Chairman thanked steward
department for a job well done
including the hot food at night-
time. Secretary gave thanks
to the engine and deck depart-
ments for supporting the ship
and galley gang. Special thanks
given to captain for supportive-
ness. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members requested
TVs in all rooms, plus trans-
formers and adaptors. Crew
needs more big-sized coveralls
and new microwave in crew
mess. They suggested changing
requirements for medical benefit
eligibility.

MAERSK COLUMBUS
(Maersk Line, Limited), Sep-
tember 20 – Chairman Ali
Alhamyari, Secretary Merly
Ford, Educational Director
Melgar Dagvio, Engine Del-
egate Norman Arquillano,
Steward Delegate Adele Mes-
sina. AB sent home after ankle
injury. Missing-man wages not
paid while vessel sailed short.
Educational director reminded
crew to take advantage of the
upgrading opportunities at
the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training
and Education in Piney Point,
Maryland. Members discussed
budgetary questions about secu-
rity team. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Ship in need of
new pillows and linen. WiFi
equipment delivered and wait-
ing to be installed. Food funding
was adequate according to Capt.
Madden. Crew requested TVs
for each stateroom and for the

cost be taken out of ship’s fund.
Next port: Newark, New Jersey.

LIBERTY PEACE (North
Star Shipping), September
22 – Chairman Manolo Delos
Santos, Secretary Terrell Mc-
Millian, Deck Delegate Darius
McCastle. Chairman reiterated
importance of keeping docu-
ments up to date and upgrading
at union-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. Secre-
tary reminded crew to save all
pay vouchers in order to file for
vacation. No beefs or disputed
OT reported.

MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE),
September 24 – Chairman Dar-
ryl Smith, Secretary Lewis Jo-
hansen, Educational Director
Michael McGlone. Members
were instructed to leave clean
rooms when leaving ship. Crew
discussed importance of donat-
ing to SPAD to help keep the
U.S. Merchant Marine strong
and thereby help ensure the
availability of jobs for fellow
brothers and sisters. Chairman
announced payoff at sea and
encouraged crew to remain
watchful and safe. Secretary
reminded members of their re-
sponsibility keeping documents
updated. Help is available at
the union halls. Educational
director informed crew of
newly available LNG courses.
No beefs or disputed OT re-
ported. Members were told to
keep new fans in their rooms
as they will be needed again
soon. Crew was directed to use
transportation van for luggage
when no cargo operations are
going on. Next port: Tacoma,
Washington.

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.

54932_December_2019_LOG.indd 19 11/8/2019 10:38:56 PM



20 Seafarers LOG December 2019

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime

Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. 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

Gap Closing Courses

MSC Storekeeper Basic February 24 March 13

MSC Supply Configuration Management March 16 April 10

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer Deck February 24 March 20
April 20 May 15
June 15 July 10

AB to Mate Modules Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.

Advanced Meteorology May 4 May 8

Advanced Shiphandling May 11 May 22

Advanced Stability April 27 May 1

ARPA March 16 March 20
August 3 August 7

Bosun Recertification July 20 August 3

Crane Familiarization March 9 March 13

ECDIS May 25 May 29

Fast Rescue Boat July 20 July 24

GMDSS February 17 February 28
July 6 July 17

Lifeboat January 13 January 24
February 10 February 21
March 9 March 20

Leadership Management Skills August 31 September 4

Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office

Radar Observer March 2 March 13
July 20 July 31

RFPNW January 27 February 21

100 Ton Master August 17 September 4

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion


Engine Department Upgrading Courses

Advanced Refer Containers May 4 May 15

BAPO March 23 April 17

Engineroom Resource Management August 24 August 28

FOWT February 24 March 20

Junior Engineer Program January 13 March 6

Machinist June 29 July 17

Marine Electrician June 29 July 31

Marine Refer Tech May 18 June 26

Pumpman July 20 July 24

Welding January 13 January 31
Steward Department Courses

Advanced Galley Operations February 17 March 13

Chief Cook Modules run every other week. Contact
Admissions for exact date.

Chief Steward January 6 February 14

Galley Operations January 27 February 21

Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 January 13 January 17
February 3 February 7

Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 January 6 January 10

Steward Recertification March 16 April 6


Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Basic Training March 2 March 6

Basic Training Revalidation January 17 January 17

Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation February 10 February 14

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 10 February 14

Government Vessels January 6 January 10

Medical Care Provider February 3 February 7

Tank Ship - DL February 24 February 28

Tank Ship Familiarization - DL February 10 February 14

Tank Ship Familiarization - LG February 3 February 7

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
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or
fax to (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.
12/19

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December 2019 Seafarers LOG 21

Paul Hall Center Classes

Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have regis-

tered for classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, but
later discover - for what-
ever reason - that they can’t
attend, should inform the
admissions department im-
mediately so arrangements
can be made to have other
students take their places.

Apprentice Water Survival
Class 853 – Graduated Aug. 9
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Bryan Aleman Medina,
Peter Louis Festa III, Antonio
Leroyce A.H. Hagans Jr., Chris-
tian Ivezic, Nathan Ray Johnson
Jr., Jalen D’chan Lewis, Felix
Maldonado, Pedro Sadrac May-
sonet-Gonzalez, Mark Morris,
Benjamin Oostenbrug, Jordan
Richardson, Elvin Joel Rijos-
Perez, Davner M. Rivera-Me-
lendez, Jorge Gerardo Valencia
Bon, Ricardo Jose Valenzuela-
Venegas and Jonathan Yates.

Water Survival (Upgraders) - Graduated June 14 (above,
from left): Carleous Leroy Brown Jr., and Aurora Foster.
Also graduating, but not pictured, was Adam Salim Elme-
nani.

Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated July 12 (above, from
left): Michael Bonifacio Adote, Carleton Lamar Jenkins II and
Saddam Mohamed Yahia. Also graduating, but not pictured, were
Badr Eddine Bouziane, Mark Dennison and Cortney Smith.

ECDIS – Michael Wilson (above, right) graduated
from this course June 7. Joining Wilson to celebrate
his accomplishment is Patrick Schoenberger, his in-
structor.

Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated June 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Husein Moh-
sin Alrayyashi, Bernard Baker, Jason Boyer, David Chance, Christopher Gross,
Joshua Lux and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Class instructor Thomas Truitt is at the
far right.

Small Arms – Graduated June 21 (above, starting second from left): Joseph Bowen, Eric Van
Mose and Michael Souza. Class instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far
left and far right, respectively.

Government Vessels –
Graduated July 12 (photo
at left, in alphabetical
order): Nathaniel Balos,
Bernardo Mozo Celi,
Adrian Darden, Eugene
Evans Jr., Troy Fleming,
Noel Ramos Gemo, Ray-
mond Gordon, Dwayne
Harris, Darrion Ingram,
Jason James, Jamal
Kassim, Keith McIntosh,
Brian Murphy, Patrick
Stubbs, Nixon Thomas,
Mary Whatley and Emory
Wheeler.

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22 Seafarers LOG December 2019

Paul Hall Center Classes
UA to AS-D – Graduated July
19 (right, in alphabetical order):
Patrick Kenny Anderson Jr.,
Timothy Behnke, Thomas
Burch, Carlos Omar Diaz-Tor-
res, James Douglas, Rannie
Bernard Fore II, Michael Las-
kowsky, Omaree Williams and
Seamus Woods.

Machinist – Graduated
July 19 (photo at left,
in alphabetical order):
Manolito Gener Garcia,
Jeffrey Nicholson, Eman-
uel Paul, Ronaldo Jose
Quinones Perez, Arturo
Apig Reyes, David San-
chez-Flores, Mohamed
Lamin Sheriff and Der-
rick Sullivan. Instructor
Keith Adamson is at the
far right.

Combined Basic & Advanced Fire-
fighting – Graduated June 14 (photo
at right, in alphabetical order): Ar-
chie David Eldridge Jr., Harold Peter
Gerber II, Martin Hamilton, Joshua
Johnson, Roy Alcalde Madrio, Mar-
tin McDonald, Ian McDonough,
Abdulkhalek Siddiq Mohsen, John
Morrison, Davin Tucker and Mack-
enzie Wincelowicz.

Government Vessels – Graduated Aug. 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Marsha Blas, Keshyra Brinkley, Peter Burroughs, Nadine Butler, Peter Kweku Annan Dadzie, Salvador
Malasan De Guzman, James Fells, Laura Hollar, Romello Johnson, David Kenedy, Martin Krins, Edwin Lashley, Nathaniel Leary, Mario Loria, Luis Ivan Mena, Joshua Ato Mensah,
Abdulrahman Mohamed Mussa, Alex Adelmir Oliva, Christopher Richardson, Sharde Ross, Shewanna Stephenson, Nikia Stripling, Derrick Sullivan and Kennard Young. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)

April 2019 Seafarers LOG 27

Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Operations) – Grad-
uated October 5 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Alexandra Er-
ickson, Paisami Gay, Daniel How-
ard, Lamarai Jones, Shadonna
Jones, EsStonia Moore, Eugenia
Porter, Noah Susumu Santiago-
Stephens, Lareesa Warren, Jessica
Williams, Kendra Williams and Jarid
Wilson.

SUA (Galley Opera-
tions) – Graduated No-
vember 2 (photo at right,
in alphabetical order):
Reginald Howard, Billie
Mahealani Kawelo, Alize
Lassiter, Christian Louis,
Gerardo Kaindoy Melano,
Wilfredo Ramos Silva,
James Scott, Tahn Stuart,
Nicholas Tacy, Jalisa Wil-
liams and Derek Wilson.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Tommy Bel-
vin, Karl Meyer, Mark Salvador Scardino and Velicia Williams.

Galley Operations – Graduated October 5 (above, from left): Stevon Taylor, Porcia John-
son and Tuliga Fuega.

Chief Steward – Graduated November 9: (above, from left), Merly Ford,
real Coronel and Delia Miral Peters.

Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated November 30 (above, from left): John Billington, Alvinmar
Iremedio Aldana, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado and Norma Painitan Baucan.

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December 2019 Seafarers LOG 23

Paul Hall Center Classes

Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated Aug. 2 (above, in alphabetical order):
Jeffrey Amestoy, Michael Cruz, Fredy David, Johnny Dozier III, Joseph Dupre, Debbie
Lanquin Garcia, Tavell Love and Chanel Peters.

Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated July 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeffrey
Amestoy, Michael Cruz, Fredy David, Joseph Dupre, Debbie Lanquin Garcia, Jason James,
Tony Kirven, Jesus Miguel Mendez Mercado, Sonia Pabon Barreto, Chanel Peters and Leb-
arron West.

Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgraders) – Graduated July 19 (above, in alphabetical
order): Glennorris Randolph Alston III, Loren Arriola, Michael Birke, Ashley Codrington, Andrew
Devine, Mark Feldhaus, Charles Ferguson, Stephen Jenkins, Chanel Peters, Kenneth Taylor, Mat-
thew Thompson, Kenneth Tousignant and Craig Wooten.

Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgraders) – Graduated July 12 (above, in
alphabetical order): James Dillon, Tyler Jasinski, David Lorocco, Pamela Mahan,
Douglas Marshall, Michael Mazyck, Tony Olaya, Prateek Poras and Hiten Chinu-
kumar Shrimankar. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Certified Chief Cook – Graduated July 12 (above, from left): Dante Jibri Moyer,
Jesus Miguel Mendez Mercado and Katherine Anderson.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated July 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Marlon Agulan Battad,
Julito Cordova Crodua, Laura Deebach, Kenneth McHellen and Jayne Peterson.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated Aug. 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Shirley Bellamy, Roxanne Fike, Douglas
Hundshamer, Francisco Javier Madsen and Richard James Wythe Jr.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated July 19 (above, in alphabetical order):
Barry Alviso, Lonnie Wayne Jones Jr., Emmanuel Fabia Laureta, Isa-
bel Reino Sabio and Mary Whatley.

54932_December_2019_LOG_X.indd 23 11/12/2019 3:34:38 PM



Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for SIU

Text Alerts
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

DECEMBER 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 12

Transportation Secretary Receives AOTOS Award

DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao (fifth from right) poses with SIU officials at the gathering in New York. Pictured from left are Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, Asst. VP Nick Celona,
VP Tom Orzechowski, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, President Michael Sacco, SIU of Canada President Jim Given, Secretary Chao, VP Dean Corgey,
Director of Manpower Mark von Siegel, Port Agent Ray Henderson and VP Joseph Soresi.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine
L. Chao headlined this year’s recipients of
the United Seamen’s Service Admiral of the
Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards.

Chao accepted the honor Nov. 1 in New
York City, where she was joined by fellow
honorees SIU of Canada President Jim Given,
Alaska Tanker Company President and CEO
Anil Mathur, and Kirby Corporation Chair-
man Joseph Pyne.

Four Seafarers-crewed vessels also were
recognized for heroic actions: the Green
Lake (Central Gulf Lines), Maersk Yorktown
(Maersk Line, Limited), Great Republic (Key
Lakes), and USNS Brunswick (crewed by
CIVMARS from the SIU Government Ser-
vices Division).

SIU President Michael Sacco introduced
Secretary Chao at the ceremony. He de-
scribed her as “one of the strongest champi-

ons our industry has ever known…. She not
only understands American maritime, but
also truly cares about the American worker.
She is a tremendous leader and is universally
respected, admired and trusted throughout
our industry.”

Chao received the AOTOS Award based
on her career-long commitment to the mari-
time industry.

“I am honored to have my work over the
years recognized by such a distinguished or-
ganization and audience,” she said. “I under-
stand very well the sacrifices that merchant
mariners experience. The men and women in
this industry are heroes; I am proud of them
and work hard to support them.”

“Secretary Elaine L. Chao has worked
hard to advance the U.S. maritime industry,”
said Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby.
“Secretary Chao has been a staunch defender
of the U.S.-flag merchant marine fleet. She
has defended the budget of the Maritime Ad-
ministration, and many of its policies in the
interagency process. Today, we congratulate
Secretary Chao on receiving the Admiral of
the Ocean Sea Award which is recognized
as one of the most prestigious awards in the
maritime industry.”

This is Secretary Chao’s second Cabinet
post. She served as U.S. Secretary of Labor
from 2001-January 2009. She began her ex-
ecutive career in public service working on
transportation and trade issues at the White
House. She then served as Deputy Maritime
Administrator; Chairman of the Federal Mar-
itime Commission; and Deputy Secretary of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Given has led the fight for tougher cabo-
tage laws within his country. He also chairs a
working group of the International Transport
Workers’ Federation to support cabotage laws
around the world.

Given is a third-generation Seafarer, hav-
ing started his career in the deck department
in 1979. After sailing for 13 years, he came
ashore as a union dispatcher in Thorold. He
held other posts within the union before be-

coming its president in 2013.
In accepting his award, Given informed

those attending that the “Jones Act is the gold
standard” of cabotage internationally. He said
any weakening of the law – which states any
cargo moved between two U.S. ports must be
carried aboard U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and
U.S.-flagged vessel with American crews –
would have negative implications around the
world.

“You who defend the Jones Act in the
United States are the defenders of cabotage
around the world,” Given added.

Mathur became president and CEO of
SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company in
2001 after working for British Petroleum for
20 years in management, corporate planning
and facilities engineering. He holds an MBA
from the University of California at Berkeley
and an MS in Engineering from the Univer-

sity of Tulsa. He is an alumnus of the Harvard
Business School.

Pyne started with Kirby in 1978 and
climbed through its executive ranks, becom-
ing a director in 1988. He retired in April
2018 but continues to serve Kirby’s chairman
in a non-executive role.

The United Seaman’s Service presented
the first AOTOS Award in 1970. More than
80 maritime industry leaders have been rec-
ognized through the years.

Established in 1942, the United Seaman’s
Service provides community services for the
U.S. Merchant Marine, U.S. armed forces
and mariners from around the world at its
centers in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the In-
dian Ocean. It also oversees seagoing libraries
for American vessels through its affiliate, the
American Merchant Marine Library Associa-
tion.

United Seamen’s Service Also Honors Given, Mathur, Pyne, U.S. Crews

This year’s honorees are (from left) Joseph Pyne, chairman of the board of Kirby Corpo-
ration; U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao; Anil Mathur, president and CEO
of Alaska Tanker Company.; and Jim Given, president of the Seafarers International
Union of Canada.

SIU President Michael Sacco introduces
Secretary Chao.

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