Seafarers Log: Vol. 63 No. 8 (2001-08-01)

re Hit it

SIU Crews Up New Ship
The Liberty Grace, signifying new jobs for SIU members, entered service July 19.
Operated by Liberty Maritime, the ship is 623 feet long, with a 105-foot beam. Page 3.

USNS Carter Crew Battles Blaze

MarAd Honors SIU-Crewed Potomac
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page4

r 0

SIU members are finding a lot to like about
the new standard freightship and tanker
agreements. The contracts include unpre­
cedented benefits plus wage increases.
Voting began in late June. Among those
showing their approval are (clockwise, from
upper left) Seafarers aboard the !TB
Philadelphia, USNS Bob Hope, USNS
Stalwart and, at the Baltimore SIU hall,
OMU Efren Redil with his daughter,
Jennifer Andrea Redil. Pages 11-14.

USNS Stockham Joins
MSC's Prepositioning Fleet
Seafarers are sailing aboard the USNS
Stockham, christened last month in
Jacksonville, Fla. The vessel is part of
the U.S. Military Sealift Command's
prepositioning fleet. Page 3.

Red River to Operate Reflagged
Ammo Ship
SIU-contracted Red River Shipping
Corp. has won a five-year operating
charter for a containership that will
carry ammunition for the U.S. Air
Force. The Therese Delmas will be
reflagged under the Stars and Stripes
and is expected to be delivered
before the end of this year. Page 3.



President's Report
Stablllty and Strength

Many years ago, merchant mariners couldn't
have imagined the kinds of benefits and other gains

which are included in the SIU's
new standard contracts.

You may recall a feature we ran
in the LOG early last year about
SIU charter members. While their
overall recollections of the union's
first days were fascinating, one
thing that really stood out is the

Michael Sacco shipboard conditions they faced.
Times were tough, to say the least.

But the Seafarers of that era accepted the chal­
lenges, stuck together and laid the foundation for
the union's success.

Today, the SIU continues to move full ahead.
Take some time to go back and look at the new
standard contract again. The medical benefits alone
are fantastic, with expanded coverage for depen­
dents and comprehensive coverage for Seafarers
and their families. And the gains don't stop there.
With the new contracts, members can collect vaca-

tion pay sooner. The pension plan has been
improved. The base wages and overtime will
increase in each of the pact's five years.

Brothers and sisters, these are first class contracts
that we all should be proud of. And it's worth not­
ing that our other contracts are being brought closer
in line with the standard agreements.

I thank all members who provided input for the
standard contract negotiations. Through ships' min­
utes, letters to headquarters, and recommendations
at union meetings, Seafarers made clear what's most
important to them in the new contracts. Our nego­
tiators acted accordingly, and the result is that the
new agreements include substantial improvements
in the areas most often cited by Seafarers.

These achievements don't happen by accident.
They require an active, informed membership who
work safely and productively. They require skilled,
stable leadership from the officials whom you elect.
The SIU possesses all of those qualities.

We also have another important characteristic:
continuity. As you know, our industry is one of the
most heavily regulated in the nation. That means we

have to be very active in politics, and it also means
we must work closely and effectively with represen­
tatives of all segments of the industry. In this
regard, I know from experience that our union's
best interests have been well-served by your strong
support of the union's officials.

Such support never is taken for granted, which I
believe this administration consistently has demon­
strated. Among other accomplishments, we have
worked hard to secure new jobs for the membership
and to gain better and better contracts. We have
stepped up our role in international maritime affairs,
specifically to protect the interests of SIU members.
We have improved the vocational training opportu­
nities available to Seafarers, and we have expanded
the scholarship program for members and their
dependents. Quite honestly, I'm proud of our record
of achievements over the past dozen years.

More success lies ahead. We're equipped with
proven leadership and active, productive member­
ship. The standard contracts are the latest proof of
what we can accomplish, and they should be a
source of pride for Seafarers past and present.

Ammo Ship Fire Claims Lives of 2 Mariners
Tragedy Could Have Been Worse
If Not for Crew's Quick Reactions

The tragic fire aboard the SIU­
crewed ammunition ship SSG
EdwardA. Carter, Jr. claimed two
lives but could have been worse if
not for the quick reactions of
crew members and officers who
initially fought the blaze.

GUDE Horace Beasley, 45,
and Third Asst. Engineer Paul
Powell, 35, died as a result of the

July 14 accident in Sunny Point,
N.C., where the vessel was
docked. Beasley, a U.S. Marine
Corps veteran who didn't know
how to swim, either jumped or
fell from an engine room side port
near where the fire started.
Reportedly, no one saw him enter
the water. His body was recov­
ered from the Cape Fear River

Photo Courtesy Wilmington Star-News/Jamie Moncrief
Seafarers helped contain the July 14 fire aboard the ammo ship SSG
Edward A. Carter, Jr., docked in Sunny Point, N.C. The accident
claimed two lives; many more would have been lost if not for the crew's
efforts.

2 Seafarers LOG

four days later.
Powell never made it out of

the engine room. It would have
been the first trip for both men.

The U.S. Coast Guard is inves­
tigating the fire's cause, and is
required to issue a report within
the next six months. The agency
noted that the Carter-which was
not loading ammunition when the
fire began-undergoes annual
Coast Guard inspections, most
recently on June 12. No deficien­
cies were noted at that time.

During the first few days after
the fire, SIU members from the
Carter expressed mixed feelings
about the experience. First and
foremost, they conveyed sympa­
thies to the families of Beasley
(who was from Gretna, Va.) and
Powell (from St. Petersburg,
Fla.). Crew members attended a
memorial service July 18.

Yet, they also realized that the
fire-which by some estimates
reached 2,000 degrees-could
have proven more disastrous. The
Carter, a prepositioning ship
operated by Maersk Line Ltd.,
was carrying approximately
1,300, 20-foot containers filled
with ammunition. That's only
half the vessel's capacity, but it
still accounted for 2.5 million
pounds of explosives, including
missiles.

In the crucial first moments
after the fire was discovered,
Seafarers and officers prevented
it from spreading to the ammuni­
tion. Fire fighters from local and
neighboring communities first
arrived approximately 30 minutes
later, and they continued fighting
the blaze for the next eight hours,
until after midnight.

"I'm thankful it wa n't worse,
but that doesn't make up for the
two guys we lost," stated AB
Army Joe Leake. "All we really
did was try to hold the fire down
until the fire department came. It
could have been much worse if
we had been at sea. It's just sad
we had to lose two very nice men,

I

,Training, v~fety Drills
'Kicked In' for Crew

~pme had fought shipboard fact, the crew had completed a
fires before, while others hadn't. drill earlier in the day.

But one thing that Sea!ftrers ,1; "Ttte lrainiqg, kic~~~:tJn •. , . q~g- :
aboard the ammunition ship'SSG' >'1>firne," '$Sld"Chief'.:,stewar¢/James;
Edward A. Carter, Jr. had in com- Kidd1 · a 1993 ' 'graduate of .tpe
mon was a solid record of safety Paul Hall Center. "It happened<so
training. Among the 10 StUmem~ ·.<fast. , Pt,ft. l rernemt>erEld every­
bers involved in combating the thing, followed · all the proce­
July 14 blaze in $unny Point, dures, with the tittle tim~ that we
N.C., five have completed fire had (to inttiatly contain the fire).
fighting classes at the Paul Hall Everybody did a good job.
Center for Maritime Training and "This was my first time dealing
Education, located in Piney with a fire1 and hopefully my la~t1"
Point, Md. Two others have taken he added. ·
drfferent vessel-safety courses at During a long career in the
Piney Pointl while the other three U.S. · NayY, Bosun T.C. Oneyear
have completed fire fighting fought fires that he described as
courses either through the U.S. worse than the Carter's. But last
armed forces or elsewhere. month's experience reaffirmed

Seafarers from the Carter said his belief that ''it's probably the
such training unquestionably paid most important school that a per­
off for them as they successfully son can go to: damage control
prevented the fire from igniting and fire fighting.''
any of the 2.5 million pounds of AB Army Joe Leake said that
explosives on board. They also as the Carter's fire alarm sound­
emphasized that the weekly ed. "I was in shock. 1t wasn't until
shipboard fire and boat drills
helped them react efficiently. In Continued on page 7

good shipmates." went conversion at the Norfolk
(Va.) Shipbuilding and Drydock
Corp. so that it could join the U.S.
Military Sealift Command's
(MSC) prepositioning fleet. In
fact, the 950-foot vessel was
expected to sail to Diego Garcia
in late July or early August on its
first assignment.

SIU Representative George
Kenny, who met with the SIU
crew in the fire's aftermath,
pointed out that local fire officials
"praised our guys for the job they
did containing the fire. One of
them said that if not for the crew's
actions, it would have been like
dropping a bomb on Wilm­
ington."

Instead, it will head back to

The Carter recently under- Continued on page 7

Volume 63, Number 8 August 2001

®~13

The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month­
ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201
Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern
Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POST­
MASTER: Send addres changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communication Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing
Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim
Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne
Textor.

Copyright© 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/
NMU - All Rights Reserved.

Augusf 2001



Liberty Maritime Launches
Another New Bulk Carrier
AB Praises Unlicensed Apprentices

The Liberty Grace is the newest
SIU-crewed ship operated by
Liberty Maritime. The vessel
began sailing last month.

The fleet of SIU-crewed vessels operated by
Liberty Maritime Corp. has expanded to seven, fol­
lowing last month's launching of the new bulk car­
rier Liberty Grace.

The vessel sailed from Oshima, Japan on July 19
and headed for Stockton, Calif., where it was sched­
uled to load 34,000 metric tons of bagged rice for
delivery across the Black Sea to Batumi, Georgia.

Earlier this year, Seafarers climbed the gangway
to the newly constructed Liberty Glory, sister ship of
the Liberty Grace. Each vessel is 623 feet long, with
a 105-foot beam. Each is listed at 50,601 MT and
can travel at 15.3 knots. The ships are equipped with
four cranes and six hatches apiece.

on the Liberty Glory (delivered in April), recently
commended the work of the ship's unlicensed
apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md.
"In all the years I have been going to sea, I have een
a lot of young mariners just starting out. The two
apprentices that arrived from Piney Point are tops in
my book," Machado noted. "They have the right
enthusiastic attitude, are always looking to learn,
and are willing to help out. Their names are Jerry
Wilder and Michael McFarlin.

Liberty Maritime is based in Lake Success, N.Y.

"Piney Point seems to be doing things right in the
apprentice program, if Jerry and Michael are any
indication of the young men and women coming
through the program," Machado continued. "The
crew on here are picking up where Piney Point left
off with the training, a everyone is anxious to teach
and assist these young men."

Three of the company's bulk carriers also are
equipped to carry containers as well.

AB Arthur Machado, part of the original crew

SIU, AMSEA Welcome USNS Stockham
The SIU gained new ship­

board jobs with last month's
christening of the USNS Gunnery
Sgt. Fred W. Stockham in
Jacksonville, Fla.

Operated by American Over­
seas Marine Corp. (AMSEA) for
the U.S. Military Sealift Com­
mand (MSC), the Stockham
recently underwent conversion to
facilitate its role in the preposi­
tioning fleet. The 906-foot ves­
sel, formerly named the USNS
Soderman, will carry Marine
Corps and Navy tactical equip­
ment and supplies at sea, accord­
ing to MSC.

Guests at the christening
included U.S. Navy Vice Adm.
Gordon S. Holder, commander of
MSC; Marine Lt. Gen. E.R.
"Buck" Bedard, deputy comman­
der for plans, policies and opera­
tions at Marine Corps headquar­
ters; and U.S. Rep. Ander Cren­
shaw (R-Fla.) and his wife, Kitty,
who served as the vessel's spon­
sor.

Like many other MSC prepo­
sitioning ships, the Stockham is

named in honor of a Medal of
Honor recipient. Marine Gunnery
Sgt. Stockham posthumously
was awarded the medal for his
heroic actions in France during
World War I.

MSC noted that Stockham, in
a fierce nighttime battle June 13,
1918 against German artillery
forces, "noticed that a wounded
comrade's gas mask had been
shot away. Without hesitation, he
removed his own mask and gave
it to the young man, fully know­
ing it would cost him his own
life. Stockham directed and
assisted in the evacuation of the
wounded without a gas mask
until he collapsed. He died in
agony a few days later."

Stockham's company com­
mander, Marine 2nd Lt. Clifton
B. Cates, recommended him for
the Medal of Honor. Cates wrote,
"No man has ever displayed
greater heroism or courage and
showed more utter contempt of
personal danger. His bravery was
an inspiration to his men, and his
actions undoubtedly saved the

MSC's newly christened USNS Stockham, crewed by SIU members,
provides prepositioning support for the Marine Corps and the Navy.

Augusf 2001

lives of many of his wounded
comrades."

However, the recommenda­
tion somehow was lost. But, in
the late 1930s, Cates and Barret
Mattingly-the young man
whom Stockham saved-realized
that the Medal of Honor hadn't
been awarded. Cates, who later
became commandant of the
Marine Corps, wrote another pro­
posal that included sworn state­
ments from surviving members
of Stockham's 96th Company, 2nd
Battalion.

On Dec. 21, 1939, President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
directed the awarding to Sgt.
Stockham.

MSC's prepositioning ships
are forward-deployed to the
western Pacific Ocean, the Indian
Ocean and the Mediterranean
Sea. "Sealift requirements have
grown since the maritime prepo­
sitioning force's inception in the
mid-l 980s to require at-sea
prepositioned Navy mobile con­
struction battalion equipment,
fleet hospital equipment, expedi­
tionary airfield material and a
headquarters unit-support set,"
MSC explained in announcing
the Stockham s launch. "Due to
the increased prepositioning
equipment, 20 percent of the
equipment and supplies trans­
ported on the original 13 ships
has been displaced over time.
MSC began acquiring ships for
the maritime prepositioning force
(enhanced) program in February
1997 in order to expand the MPF
fleet."

The Liberty Grace's sister ship, Liberty Glory, welcomed aboard
Seafarers in April and May before sailing on its maiden voyage. Pictured
on the Liberty Glory are (kneeling) AB Corinthis Thomas, (standing,
from left) Unlicensed Apprentice Michael McFarlin, Watchstanding AB
Arthur "Junior" Machado, Dayworker AB Santos Antonio, GUDE Melvin
Ratcliff, Bosun Juan Rivas, Unlicensed Apprentice Jerry Wilder,
Dayworker AB Donald Kelly and (standing in back) GUDE Abdoulla
Alssoudi.

Red River Carp. Wins
Charter far Ammo Ship

SIU-contracted Red River
Shipping Corp. has won a five­
year operating charter for the con­
tainership that will replace the
Buffalo Soldier.

The Therese Delmas will be
reflagged under the Stars and
Stripes. The vessel also will be
renamed, and it is expected to be
delivered to the U.S. Military
Sealift Command before the end
of this year.

The ship will be utilized in
MSC's prepositioning fleet, car­
rying containerized ammunition
for the Air Force in or around
Diego Garcia.

Overall, MSC's prepositioning
program has more than 30 strate­
gically located ships carrying
materiel for the Army, Air Force,
Navy and Marine Corps. Many of
those ships are crewed by SIU
members.

Thirteen vessels compose the
combat prepositioning force, or
CPF segment. These ships carry
enough equipment, food, water

and other supplies to support ele­
ments of two Army heavy divi­
sions- up to 34,000 personnel­
for up to 30 days, according to the
agency. CPF ships are preposi­
tioned near Diego Garcia and
Guam.

Fourteen MSC prepositioning
ships are specifically designed for
transporting Marine Corps sup­
plies and equipment. They are
divided into three squadrons, each
of which can carry everything
needed to support a Marine Corps
air/ground task force of up to
14,400 personnel for up to 30
days.

Seven other vessels make up
the final major component of the
prepositioning program. The
logistics prepositioning ships
contain Air Force ordinance,
Navy munitions and U.S. military
fuel requirements, according to
MSC. These remaining preposi­
tioning ships are assigned to the
three maritime prepositioning
ship (MPS) squadrons.

Photo by Edward Brian·Davis

The Therese Delmas will reflag under the Stars and Stripes.

Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all
SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday,

September 3, 2001 for the observance of
Labor Day (unless an emergency arises).

Normal business hours will resume
the following workday.

Seafarers LOG 3



MarAd Honors SIU-Crewed Potomac initial resupply during the critical
surge period before commercial
ships can be marshaled.

The U.S. Maritime Admin­
istration (MarAd), during a June
26 ceremony in Galveston, Texas,
bestowed its Professional Ship
Award on the SIU-crewed
Potomac.

The award was presented in
recognition of outstanding ser­
vice by the vessel and its crew in
support of the nation's armed
forces. Attended by officials from
the SIU, MarAd and the U.S.

Military Sealift Command, as
well as representatives from
Interocean Ugland Management
Corp. (which manages the ship),
the ceremony took place aboard
the vessel.

The Potomac has been contin­
uously deployed since 1991. It
has been stationed in Diego
Garcia, where it participated in
convoy operations and other
exercises. The vessel and its crew

supported the Rwandan relief
effort by supplying food and
water to refugees, and served as a
standby supply ship in support of
Bo nian aid.

The Potomac is one of four
MarAd-owned Ready Reserve
Force (RRF) offshore petroleum
discharge system (OPDS) tankers.
Other OPDS vessels include the
Chesapeake, the Petersburg and
the Mt. Washington. This select

Norwegian Union Threatens Trico Boycott
ITF Delegation Shocked by Conditions in Louisiana

In an important show of glob­
al solidarity, Norwegian oil work­
ers are threatening a boycott of
the offshore supply company
Trico Marine Services Inc., USA
and a subsidiary unle s the
Louisiana-based company stops
interfering with its workers' right
to vote for union representation.

The Norwegian Oil and
Petrochemical Workers' Union
(NOPEF) said the boycott against
Trico Marine and Trico Supply
(based in Norway) will start Aug.
16 unless the company backs off
and lets its employees decide
whether they will join a union.

The boycott warning came
one month after a delegation
affiliated with the International
Transport Workers' Federation
(ITF) attempted to deliver a letter
requesting a meeting with Trico
Marine Services President
Thomas Fairley at the company's
Houma, La. office but were
refused entrance to the private
road leading to the building. The
delegation- including, among
others, representatives from ITF­
affiliated unions which have col­
lective bargaining agreements
with Trico in Norway and the
United Kingdom-completed a
five-day, fact-finding tour of the
offshore maritime industry in the
Gulf of Mexico. That mission
prompted ITF Asst. Secretary
Birger Pedersen to say, "In my
more than 30 years as a seafarer
and trade unionists, I have never
seen such treatment (by compa­
nies). No company, no civil
authorities-not even in the for­
mer communist countries of
Eastern Europe where I travel­
have treated me like we've been
treated here in Louisiana."

NOPEF Warning
In announcing the possible

boycott, NOPEF got straight to
the point. The union's written

ITF delegates join the SIU's Donnie Collins (right) for part of a fact-find­
ing tour in early June with Offshore Mariners United in Louisiana.
Pictured from left to right are Georg Rokstad, Geir Hagerupsen, Knut
Nikolaysen and Collins.

statement issued July 13 noted,
"The reason for this action is
because Trico Marine Services
Inc, USA will not allow its
employees to join a trade union
and thus be able to negotiate a
wage agreement. If Trico does
not meet the following demands,
the boycott will be implemented
with effect from 16 August 2001
against Trico Marine Inc., USA

and its Norwegian subsidiary
Trico Supply and of any other
companies in which Trico Marine
Services Inc., USA has beneficial
ownership.

"NOPEF requires that [the
company] confirm no later than
16 August 2001 that Trico will:

• "Let the employees decide

Continued on page 7

Third Strike: Barge Wreck
Forces Evacuations in La.

A non-union tug and barge
crashed into a bridge across
Cypremort, La.'s Intracoastal
Waterway July 19, releasing
flammable gas and forcing about
350 people from their homes and
650 from their jobs for the ensu­
ing four days.

According to press reports, the
U.S. Coast Guard closed 10 miles
of the Intracoastal Waterway and
parts of two state highways.
More than 100 ships, tugs and
barges were stopped and waiting
in line when the bridge (located

approximately 110 miles west of
New Orleans) reopened July 23.

The bridge has been hit three
times since May, prompting
Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster to
exclaim, "Doggone it, it's like a
magnet with a target on it."

'Bloody Thursday' Remembrance

The latest mishap involved a
tug owned by Taira Lynn Marine
of Houma, La. and a barge
owned by Kirby Inland Marine of
Houston. The barge, carrying a
mixture of propylene and pro­
pane, apparently wedged under
the bridge and then became fur­
ther jammed as the tide rose. The
accident happened at 4:40 a.m.

A report by the Associated
Press described propylene, a
component used in plastics, syn­
thetic fibers and foams, as "easi­
ly ignited by heat or sparks, and
containers can rocket if ruptured.
The vapors can cause sudden
dizziness and asphyxiation and
can irritate the throat and lungs."

Retired SIU VP West
Coast George
McCartney (left) and
San Francisco Mayor
Willie Brown were
among the guest
speakers during this
year's memorial cere­
mony for "Bloody
Thursday." Hosted by
the International
Longshoremen's and
Warehousemen's
Union (ILWU), the cer­
emony took place July
5 in San Francisco-
67 years to the day
after two union mem­
bers were killed during
riots stemming from

that city's maritime strike. For a comprehensive look at the strike
and related developments, visit the internet site:

http://www.sfmuseum.org/hisUthursday.html.

4 Seafarers LOG

Ten local residents reportedly
complained of difficulty breath­
ing and were taken to hospitals
after the accident. Because the
bridge-recently closed for a
month of repairs after being
struck in May-provides the only
road access from the southwest­
ern peninsula of St. Mary Parish,
evacuations were done by boat.

A new bridge is being built
next to the existing one, but it is
not expected to open for at least
two years.

group of vessels is on standby to
support the nation's military
needs and humanitarian relief
efforts.

These specially modified ves­
sels are capable of pumping 1.2
million gallons of petroleum
products a day from up to four
miles offshore to military ground
forces inland without benefit of
fixed shore facilities. The
Potomac was the first vessel to
possess this ability, and the OPDS
tankers of the RRF are the only
ships in the world capable of per­
forming this mission.

The RRF program was initiat­
ed in 1976 as a detachment of
MarAd's National Defense
Reserve Fleet to support the rapid
worldwide deployment of U.S.
military forces. The RRF sup­
ports transport of Army and
Marine Corps unit equipment,
combat support equipment and

Senate Announces
Assignments for
Merchant Marine
Subcommittee

U.S. Sen. Ernest F. Hollings,
(D-S.C.), chairman of the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Sci­
ence and Transportation, recently
announced the members for the
Senate Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation and Merchant
Marine.

Sen. John B. Breaux (D-La.)
will serve as chairman for the sub­
committee. Other Democrats

As of Jan. 31, the RRF con­
sists of 76 vessels: 17 breakbulk
ships, 31 roll-on/roll off (RO/RO)
vessels, 7 heavy lift or barge-car­
rying ships, 10 auxiliary crane
ships, 9 tankers and 2 troopships.
Many of the vessels are crewed
by SIU members. When activat­
ed, the ships are under the opera­
tional control of the Navy's
Military Sealift Command. Mar­
Ad remains responsible for their
maintenance and their ability to
fulfill their missions.

MarAd contracts with U.S.
ship managers for maintenance
and repair, activation, manning,
and vessel operation. Many RRF
ships maintain 9- or IO-person
crews at all times. Crew members
are civilian merchant mariners.
When the ships are activated,
other merchant mariners, whose
regular jobs are on board U.S.­
flag merchant ships, round out the
crews.

tapped for this subcommittee are
Sens. John D. Rockefeller IV (W.
Va.), John F. Kerry (Mass.),
Byron L. Dorgan. (N.D.), Ron
Wyden (Ore.), Max Cleland (Ga.)
Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Jean Car­
nahan, (Mo.) and John Edwards
(N.C.).

Senator Gordon Smith (R­
Ore.) is the ranking Republican
on this subcommittee. Joining
him will be fellow Republican
Sens. Ted Stevens (Ark.), Conrad
Bums (Mont.), Trent Lott (Miss.),
Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas),
Olympia J. Snowe (Maine), Sam
Brownback (Kan.), Peter G. Fitz­
gerald (Ill.), and John Ensign
(Nev.).

Fresh Coat on CSX Anchorage

ABs Tony Carvalho and Rod Clark paint the side of the house on
the CSX Anchorage, off the coast of Canada. The photo was sent
to the Seafarers LOG by Chief Engineer Bruce Sherman.

August2001



Adm. Brewer ta Command MSC;
Adm. Halder Tapped far Logistics

Vice Admiral
Gordon S. Holder

Rear Adm. David Brewer will succeed Vice
Adm. Gordon S. Holder as commander of the U.S.
Military Sealift Command (MSC), according to a
senior Department of Defense official.

Brewer currently is vice chief of Naval
Education and Training (CNET) in Pensacola, Fla.
Born in Farmville, Va., and now a resident of
Orlando, Fla., Brewer formerly served as comman­
der, Amphibious Group Three. His current com­
mand, one of the largest in the Navy, is composed of
approximately 26,000 military and civilian staff
members at more than 170 subordinate commands
and detachments coast to coast and in Hawaii.

President Bush has tapped Holder to become

Director of Logistics, J4, with the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld
announced June 29. He will succeed Lt. Gen. John
M. Duffie as head of the J4.

In his new position, Holder will review opera­
tional, concept, functional and mobilization plans
for logistical aspects that support the unified com­
mand's operations. He became MSC commander in
February 1999 and was promoted to his current
grade in March 2000. He has been a strong and
vocal backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

Brewer is expected to assume command some­
time this month.

Nurses' Union Joins AFL-CIO Backing Immigrant Workers' Rights
The United American Nurses (UAN), with more than 100,000

members, has affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Delegates to the UAN's
national assembly in Washington, D.C. on June 28 finalized the affili­
ation.

The UAN joins the other 1.2 million health care workers already
represented through AFL-CIO unions. The newest affiliate itself rep­
resents RNs in 23 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.

Though it reportedly is the largest and oldest professional associa­
tion of registered nurses in the country, UAN had never had any for­
mal external labor affiliation until now.

"This new partnership with the AFL-CIO and its member unions
can have a tremendous impact on health care in this country," said
UAN Chairperson Cheryl Johnson, RN. "With their vote to accept our
AFL-CIO charter, UAN delegates sent a message loud and clear that
we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get down to the business of
solving-together-the patient care crisis in this country."

Rear Admiral
David Brewer

ANA President May Foley, MS, RN, also expressed her satisfaction
with the historic alliance for the UAN and offered, "We are pleased
and proud that the union nurses of the UAN have affiliated with the
AFL-CIO. It's a step that is good for nurses, patients and quality health
care. We look forward to joining forces with the AFL-CIO in the fight
for better patient care and safe working conditions for nurses."

Many of America's nurses feel that deteriorating working condi­
tions have led to a decline in the quality of nursing care, according to
findings in a February survey of more than 7 ,000 registered nurses by
the ANA. Specifically, 75 percent of those surveyed feel the quality of
nursing care at the facility in which they work has declined over the
past two years, while 56 percent believe that the time they have avail­
able for patient care has diminished. In addition, more than 40 percent
of nurses surveyed said they would not feel comfortable having a fam­
ily member or someone close to them cared for in a facility in which
they work.

During the AFL-CIO executive board's recent meetings in Boston, labor officials and union members
demonstrated support for the rights of immigrant workers. Pictured at the rally are AFL-CIO Maritime
Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex (left), SIU Port Agent Henri
Francois (right), and members of the Painters District Council #35.

"Together, the UAN and unions of the AFL-CIO can provide a
powerful and effective alliance that will take on the current health care
system's inadequacies, unfair policies and unsafe conditions that
plague both American families and health care workers," said AFL­
CIO President John Sweeney in the wake of the historic vote.

AFL-CIO unions bargain to provide health insurance for more than
40 million workers and family members, accounting for one out of
every four Americans with employment-based coverage.

Former Maritime Administrator
Andrew Gibson Dead at 79

Andrew E. Gibson, former
maritime administrator during
the Nixon administration, died
of cancer July 8 at his home in
Short Hills, N .J. He was 79.

Gibson was born in 1922 and
graduated from Massachusetts
Maritime Academy in 1942. He
served as a deck officer during
World War II, rising to comman­
der of a Liberty ship at the age of
22.

After the war, he graduated
froin Brown University and
spent two years as a lieutenant in
the U.S. Navy. He then worked
for 23 years at Grace Line,
advancing to senior vice presi­
dent.

Gibson went to Washington
in 1969 at the beginning of the
Nixon administration and served
as maritime administrator, assis­
tant secretary of commerce for
maritime affairs and assistant
secretary of commerce for
domestic and international busi­
ness. It was his role as assistant
secretary of commerce for mar-

Augusf 2001

itime affairs under which Gibson
helped draft legislation that
resulted in the Merchant Marine
Act of 1970 and negotiated the
U.S.-USSR maritime agreement
of 1972. The Merchant Marine
Act of 1970 was the first com­
prehensive legislation dealing
with the U.S.-flag merchant fleet
since 1936.

He left government in 1973 to
become president of the
Interstate Oil Transport Co. in
Philadelphia. From 1979 to
1982, he headed Delta Steam­
ship Lines and was chairman of
American Automar Inc.

In 1994, Gibson earned a
Ph.D. from the University of
Wales at Cardiff and then served
several years as a professor at
the Naval War College. In 1999,
he co-authored "The Abandoned
Ocean," a history of U.S. mar­
itime policy.

During a May 2000 panel dis­
cussion sponsored by the
Propeller Club of the Port of
Washington, D.C. to recognize

Title XI: Fram Zera ta $100 Millian
Senate Committee Backs Loan Guarantee Program

The Senate Appropriations
Committee on July 19 approved
$100 million for the Title XI
shipbuilding loan guarantee pro­
gram for fiscal year 2002.

Although the exact funding
level for 2002 remains uncertain,
the committee's strong backing

Andrew E. Gibson, as President
Nixon's secretary of commerce
for maritime affairs, drafted leg­
islation that resulted in the
Merchant Marine Act of 1970.

the 50th anniversary of the
Maritime Administration, five
former maritime administrators
gave their opinions on the state
of the U.S. merchant marine­
Gibson among them. He noted
the role that the U.S.-flag fleet
has played throughout history in
winning America's wars and
stated that unless policymakers
address the competitive advan­
tages enjoyed by foreign-flag
vessels, retaining the U.S.-flag
fleet in the international trades
will be difficult.

of Title XI marked the latest
demonstration of bipartisan sup­
port for the program. In recent
months, 39 senators and 61
members of the House of Repre­
sentatives have signed bipartisan
letters urging that Title XI be
funded at $100 million and ques­
tioning the administration's
plans not to fund the program at
all.

As noted in the senators' let­
ter, "Title XI has been a stabiliz­
ing force to the defense industri­
al base as it has grappled with
major defense reductions over
the past decade.. . . With $100
million in this account, the
Maritime Administration would
be able to leverage $2 billion in
commercial construction next
year and into the future. As our
nation restructures its armed
forces for the 21 .. century, it
makes sense to reinvigorate this
program, which has been so crit­
ical to the stability of the ship­
building industry and our nation­
al security."

The letter from the House
members stated, ''Title XI com­
mercial shipbuilding has sus­
tained the national defense ship­
building base of 9,080 compa­
nies, employing 879,014 Ameri­
cans in 47 states. In the absence
of this critical commercial work,
many yards and suppliers would
have faced certain financial
ruin."

Meanwhile, a grassroots
coalition supporting Title XI has

"The program is a

win-win for the
nation-$80-plus

million in
direct revenues
to the federal

Treasury ... "

released details of a study that
showed the program has been a
revenue raiser during the last
eight years-generating more
than $80 million for the U.S.
Treasury.

"When was the last time you
heard of a federal program that
was a net revenue raiser?" asked
a spokesperson from the Title XI
Coalition. "The program is a
win-win for the nation-$80-
plus million in direct revenues to
the federal Treasury and literally
billions of dollars in economic
activity generated along the
way."

The program officially is
named the Federal Ship
Financing Guarantee Program. It
was established under Title XI of
the Merchant Marine Act of
1936.

Seafamrs LOS 5



SIU Crews in Diego Garcia
Complete STCW Training
Paul Hall Center Instructors Make Serious Road Trip

Instructors from the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education last month com­
bined to provide STCW Basic Safety Training
(BST) for Seafarers in Diego Garcia. SIU crews
from 11 prepositioning ships accounted for most of
the 109 students who completed the training, along
with licensed officers who also participated.

"They students were the most appreciative
bunch of people I've ever been around in this pro­
fession," stated instructor Mike Daras, who con­
ducted the fire fighting module of BST July 2-13.
"They were magnificent and they provided a lot of
positive feedback."

Daras is part of the Paul Hall Center staff based
in Piney Point, Md. Also providing STCW training
in Diego Garcia was instructor Joe Curtis, from the
Paul Hall Center's Hawaii safety school.

For unlicensed mariners, BST is the key require­
ment of the amended STCW convention. The dead-

line for compliance is Feb. 1, 2002.
BST's four elements are personal survival; fire

prevention and fire fighting; first aid/CPR; and
social responsibility and personal safety.

The classes in Diego Garcia blended hands-on
exercises and classroom instruction. The SIU, the
U.S. Navy and British Indian Ocean Territory rep­
resentatives coordinated the training, parts of
which took place ashore at Fire Station No. 2.
Thanks go to Capt. T. L. McKeon, LCDR Rick Lee
and Supply Officer David J. Ranney for their help.

Daras, who flew 40-plus hours each way
between the territory and the U.S. East Coast, noted
that the Diego Garcia Naval Fire Department
(including Arthur J. Williams, fire chief; George
Segool, assistant fire chief; and Neil Hamilton,
assistant fire chief) "assisted me greatly with the
fire fighting training. They were a tremendous
help."

While the on-site
STCW training was
new for Seafarers in
Diego Garcia, it has
become a staple at
the Paul Hall Center,
located in Piney
Point, Md. Water sur­
vival (left) and fire
fighting (right) are
two components of
the class.

Pictured in these two photos are some of the Seafarers who last month
completed the fire fighting component of STCW Basic Safety Training
(BST) in Diego Garcia. Instructors from the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education provided the guidance.

Steward Endones Veterans' Program

AB Herbert L. Scypes Jr. speaks to unlicensed apprentices from
class 616 during their social responsibilities class. Brother Scypes,
who sails from the port of Mobile, was at the Paul Hall Center while
his ship, the Delta Mariner, was docked at the school. He and other
crew members took advantage of the opportunity to get their STCW
training. Brother Scypes also took time to speak with the social
responsibilities class, answering the students' questions about ship­
board life, conduct in foreign ports and upgrader training.

s
T .,
"'
"

Attn: Unlicensed SIU Personnel
STCW Certificate Reminder
The following Seafarers need an
STCW '95 certificate before Feb. 1,
2002:

• Bosuns
e ABs
e QMEDs
e FOWTs

Steward department personnel are
NOT required to possess a certificate,
although all Seafarers are encouraged
to get one.

6 Seafarers LOB

When Jim Battista, executive
chef, decided he "wanted to be
back in the kitchen," he got there
through Piney Point, Md.

The Kane, Pa. native answered
an ad for the veterans' program at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education. After
fulfilling his STCW requirements
and other mandatory training,
Battista began his career as a
merchant mariner in the SIU.

It's a move the U.S. military
veteran, now sailing as a chief
steward, never envisioned until
last year. Nevertheless, he is
happy with the change.

"I really have enjoyed it. I like
to teach people, and the SAs truly
want to learn. That's the most
important thing," he said.

Battista praised the Paul Hall
Center and said he recommends it
to anyone considering a career at
sea. "The school is the way to go,
no question," he said. "Every­
thing you need is right there."

After sailing as a civilian
mariner on Navy weapons ships,
as chef to the commandant of the
Marine Corps, and later working
in the restaurant business, Bat­
tista made a graceful transition to
the galleys of SIU-contracted
prepositioning ships in Diego
Garcia. He most recently sailed
aboard the USNS Red Cloud, and
reports smooth sailing.

It's quite a change for some­
one who has cooked for a United

States president (George Bush
Sr.), congressmen and famous
athletes, but Battista is happy
with the move.

"I think the SIU is a great
organization, and I'm glad to be a
part of it," he stated. "Like I men­
tioned, the opportunity to work
with younger people is very
rewarding, and the job as a whole
is attractive, too."

Battista's perspective was
impacted last year when he vol­
untarily joined International
Transport Workers' Federation
(ITF) officials for unannounced
inspections of foreign-flag ships
in U.S. ports. The inspections
were part of an "action week" in
which the SIU participated.

"I think every U.S. merchant
mariner should have to go on a
foreign-flag ship to see how some
of those men live," he declared.
"I recall a Russian ship that had a
severe shortage of stores and the

crew hadn't changed clothes in
two months. It puts things in per­
spective."

Chief Steward Jim Battista says
Seafarers demonstrate eager­
ness to learn and improve.

TRB Reminder
Alt unlicensed Seafarers sailing aboard deep sea vessels

are reminded that, whenever they participate in shipboard
safety drills or exercises, please secure evidence of such par­
ticipation (once per tour}. Such proof can be a letter from the
company or an entry in pages 47-52 of your training record
book (TRB).

Among other benefits, such documentation wi11 help
Seafarers when it's time to renew their STCW Basic Safety
Training credentials.

Augusf 2001



Burial at Sea on President Adams

On May 22 at 7:30
a.m., on a calm morn­

ing with the coast of
California abeam to
starboard, Captain

William J. Mahoney Ill
and the crew of the

President Adams met
on the fantail to com­
mit the ashes of Bert

Smith and Charles
Ferris Watson to the

sea on which they had
spent so much of their
lives. The ship's whis­

tle was sounded in the
traditional Hail and

Farewell for the sailor
gone to rest-three

long blasts followed by
one short blast.

House Takes Safe Road
Vote Protects U.S. Highways
From Unsafe Mexican Trucks

The U.S. House of Repre­
sentatives, in a move applauded
by organized labor, has turned
back the latest attempt to allow
Mexican trucks free access to
U.S. highways.

By a lopsided 285-143 vote,
the House on June 26 maintained
the Clinton administration's
restrictions that keep the foreign
trucks within a 20-mile radius of
the U.S.-Mexican border. The
decision came during the House's
consideration of an amendment to
the transportation spending bill.

As previously reported, the so­
called North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) would have

all U.S. roads to Mexican
trucks effective March 8 of this
year. U.S. officials, however,
backed off on that provision of the
pact in the face of mounting criti­
cism from trade unions and others
concerned about highway safety.

The AFL-CIO Executive
Council, on which SIU President
Michael Sacco serves, during its
winter meeting earlier this year
adopted a resolution which

detailed the dangers of fully open­
ing U.S. roads to unsafe Mexican
trucks. The council pointed out
that Mexican trucks and their dri­
vers do not meet U.S. safety stan­
dards and that U.S. officials are
not prepared to inspect a flood of
trucks from south of the border.

Unions affiliated with the
AFL-CIO have lobbied legislators
to keep the safety of the American
traveling public ahead of trade
considerations. The International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, in par­
ticular, has led the fight to keep
unsafe Mexican trucks off of U.S.
highways. They praised the deci­
sive vote in the House of
Representatives.

"This bipartisan victory in the
House serves as a warning to
those who would sacrifice
Americans' safety on our high­
ways in pursuit of unfettered cor­
porate profit," said Teamster
General President James P. Hoffa.
"The Teamsters have said it
before and we'll say it again, real
safety inspections in Mexico sim­
ply do not exist."

Boycott of Trico Threatened
Continued from page 4

themselves whether they will join
a trade union or not, without any
interference, harassment, dis­
crimination or threats from the
management. The employees in
Trico Marine Services Inc., USA
shall have adequate protection
against all discrimination, which
involves an attack on freedom to
organize, i.e., against dismissal
and other inconvenience arising
from membership or participation
in a trade union. Employees shall
also not risk having a job applica­
tion turned down due to trade
union activities.

• ''The employees' and the
employers' organizations shall be
protected against interference,
control and dominance from
either side. Where necessary, an
organization shall be established
in accordance with the national
conditions to ensure respect for
the right to organize. Where nec­
essary, measures shall be taken to
encourage and promote establish­
ment and use of a voluntary nego­
tiating body with a view to regu­
lation of working conditions
using collective agreements.

• "Respect the employees'

Augusf 2001

choice through recognizing the
trade union when employees' in
Trico choose to become trade
unionists.

"From what we have experi­
enced, Trico Marine Services
Inc., USA do not act in accor­
dance with articles 20 and 23 of
UN's World Declaration on
Human Rights, the ILO conven­
tion regarding freedom to orga­
nize and protection of the right to
organize and ILO convention 98
regarding implementation of the
principles for the right to orga­
nize and the right to hold collec­
tive negotiations. Trico Marine
Services Inc., USA also does not
satisfy the requirements accord­
ing to Social Accountability
International (SA8000), which,
among others, is supported by the
U.S. State Dept.

''The boycott will be imple­
mented in that NOPEF's mem­
bers in Statoil, Norsk Hydro,
Phillips, Amoco, BP, CCB, Aker
Base, Tananger, Aker Base
Dusavik, Fjordbase, Vestbase,
Forsyningsbase Helgeland in
Sandnessjs;en, Mongstad Base
and Polarbase will be called on
not to execute work which has

2 Die Aboard Ammo Ship pr blem ' tated Hasting .
Similarly, Oneyear said he fol­

lowed the captain's order to meet
with fire officials shortly after
they first arrived, to help famil­
iarize them with the ship's layout
and contents.

Continued from page 2

the shipyard for repairs that are
expected to take at least two
months, possibly longer.

Seafarers returned to the
Carter beginning July 19 for day­
time cleanup and salvage opera­
tions. At press time, the ship
remained at the Sunny Point
Military Ocean Terminal, located
near Wilmington, N.C. , where it
has been docked since June 14.
The terminal handles worldwide
shipment of Department of
Defense ammunition and other
potentially dangerous materiel.

Alarm Sounds
QMED/Electrician Donald

Hastings was in the Carter's
engine room around 3:45 p.m. on
July 14 when the fire alarm went
off.

"I went outside and saw all the
smoke and fire," he recalled. "I
took a dry [chemical] bottle to the
starboard side, saw the whole
deck on fire. I looked up and the
fire already was flashing. In no
time, it went straight up the stack.
Then I ran up around the star­
board side. By then, you couldn't
see 2 or 3 inches in front of you."

Despite the poor visibility and
flames that literally caused paint
to bubble off some hatches, crew
members reacted exactly as need­
ed to contain the blaze. These
actions included breaking out fire
hoses, donning safety gear, clos-

ing dampers and fuel lines,
engaging the C02 system and
more.

"The unlicensed people did
their part," stated Chief Steward
James Kidd. "I was doing paper­
work when the fire alarm went
off. I ran downstairs, smelled the
smoke and saw that the galley
was clear. I told my SA (Antonio
Colon) to call the bridge and tell
him, 'Fire! ' Then I saw the smoke
from the engine room. I got one
hose, the chief cook (Gilbert
Lewis) got another.... We
weren't trying to be heroes, we
just had to get to the fire stations
and get the water on."

Bosun T.C. Oneyear said the
smoke "was so thick, you could­
n' t see anything, and the paint
was popping like popcorn. There
was no visibility at all. Even on
the main deck, you couldn't see
the pier."

Eventually, emergency crews
from five counties-including
one from South Carolina-were
involved in the operation. Most
Seafarers continued to battle the
fire for up to two hours, until the
generator powering their equip­
ment was exhausted. Hastings
stayed aboard until midnight,
mainly to help guide fire depart­
ment personnel who understand­
ably didn't know their way
around the vessel.

"From the feedback I got from
the fire department, they said that
without us, they would have had

"We used a forklift so the fire
department could fight · the fire
from the starboard side," Oneyear
noted. ''They pumped foam in for
three hours."

Col. Ronald Reiter, comman­
der of the Sunny Point installa­
tion, credited the crew for appar­
ently taking every possible and
appropriate step to contain the
fire.

Job Well Done
Brad Sauer, president of

Maersk Line Ltd., also praised
the crew for its efforts, particular­
ly in light of the risk of explosion.
"Nobody knows a ship like the
crew," he said. "What they do in
the first few minutes is critical."

A joint-agency news release
from the Coast Guard, Military
Traffic Management Command
and MSC stated, "Due to the
immediate action of the ship's
crew and fast response of fire­
fighters from the base and local
communities, the fire never came
in contact with or close to the
ammunition containers."

The SIU members aboard the
Carter when the fire occurred
were Beasley, Oneyear, Leake,
Hastings, Kidd, Lewis, Colon,
and ABs Luisito Balatbat,
Walter Jeffords and Anthony
Willis.

. Fire Fighting Training at Paul Hall Center Pays OI! ..
Continued from page 2 near its main campus. The Joseph Sacco Fire

Fighting and Safety School has been weH-received
we started running ou hoses and trying to combat by upgraders and unlice9sed apprentice~ore
it that I started feeling somewhat relaxed. But at than 8,200 students have trained there since May
first, f couldn't believe what was happening-espe- 1999. Curriculµms include basic and advanced fire
cially aboard an ammo ship." fighting, watei survivai, damage control, confined-

He said the safety drills "most definitely helped. space safety~~STCW oasic safety~ nrst aid and CPR
With the fire and boat drills, therE} are coµnUess • Like the Carter crew members themselves.' Paul
times that we've gone through a~eas where .there tf~ll Qenter Safety Director Jim Hanson, who over­
could be a fire. Most fires begin.in .. the engine ro9m ·. ~ees the fire fighting and safety school, expressed
or the galley, so thafs· the focus ··9t most of the driUs ' .. sorrow concerning the two fatalities on the ammo
we run. ship, along with relief that the crew helped prevent

"The guys reacted the way they were supposed further losses. · · ·· ··'
to," he continued. "No one ran •. '~veryone did what "tam always sadd~q9~ ;tohear of a shipboard fire
they were supposed to do." - ·' that results in the loss i;>f:J~fe:·. My sympathy goes out

QMEQ/Electrician Donald Hastings, wtJs> had to the families and the crew of the .Carter for the loss
"been through some small (shipboard) fires, but of their loved ones.b Hanson said. ''It fs very gratifying
nothing like this," said that when the alarm sound- to know that the training some of the crew members
ed, "it was pretty much reaction at first, rather than , r~qeived here at the Paul Hall Center helped them to
thinking through the situation. Anything could have contain the fire .... In the end, the crew not only saved
gone wrong, and that would have been the end of the ship, but most importantly the rest of the crew.
the crew, but they stuck it out. Guys were beat up, "When there ts a fire, it is nice to hear that the
but they weren't going to leave." crew of the ship, the Coast Guard and the local fire

Two years ago, the Paul Hall Center opened a departments came together and worked as a team,
maritime-specific fire fighting and safety school just like it is taught in the tactics cf ass."

anything to do with Trico Marine
Services, its subsidiary and com­
panies where Trico Marine
Services Inc., USA has beneficial
ownership. This will possibly
take place in the form of sympa­
thetic action. ''The boycott will
also be followed up with cam­
paigns aimed at Norwegian opin­
ion and the oil industry, where as
many as possible will be called
on not to have any kind of frnan­
cial dealings with the compa­
nies."

Rude Greeting
The ITF delegation, with rep­

resentatives of ITF-affiliated
unions from Norway, the United
Kingdom, Germany and Austra­
lia, quickly got a taste of the
atmosphere faced by offshore
mariners in the Gulf. At its first
stop (the Quality Shipyard in
Houma), the group was detained
for 45 minutes by private security

guards.
Throughout the week, the rep­

resentatives were met by similar
attempts by sheriff's deputies and
others to prevent them from
speaking with mariners. Despite
such treatment, some of the dele­
gates met with crews who were
interested in the ITF's mission.

"No one back home would
have believed us if we told them
what we've experienced here,"
Pedersen said. "Fortunately, we
have a journalist with us who
videotaped all of our encounters,

and we will share it with the
interested parties back home."

As reported in previous issues
of the Seafarers LOG, the effort
to organize off shore mariners in
the Gulf is led by Offshore
Mariners United. OMU was
founded by the SIU; the
American Maritime Officers; the
International Organization of
Masters, Mates & Pilots; the
Marine Engineers' Beneficial
Association; and the National
Maritime Union, which recently
merged into the SIU.

Reminder to New SIU Members
Who Formerly Were in the NMU

All Seafarers who were NMU members in good stand­
ing at the time of the SIU-NMU merger should apply for
their SIU book as soon as possible. Applications and
further details are available at all SIU halls.

Seafarers LOG 7



Port of
Saa.Iman

During a recent trip by the Perseverance to the Caribbean, AB Luis
Escalante secures the gangway upon arrival at the Sun Oil Terminal in
Yabucoa, P.R.

Right: SIU
Representative

Amancio Crespo
(second from right)

talks with crew mem­
bers aboard the

Perseverance follow­
ing a payoff. From the

left are AB Carlos
Castillo, AB Luis

Escalante and AB
Angel Passapera.

Reina Mendez, working as a GUDE aboard the
Potomac in Diego Garcia, sails from the port of San
Juan.

SEA F A RERS R OTA R Y SHIPPING
Right: It's all

smiles for AB
Joel Gonsalez
during a June
payoff on the

Perseverance.

Oiler Orlando Herrera t~kes his turn standing watch
aboard the Expedition, which recently tied up at the
CSX dock in San Juan.

Left: When the Perseverance pulled in to
the Sun Oil Terminal in Yabucoa, AB Juan
Chevalier had plenty of work.

During a monthly membership meeting at the hall in
San Juan, Port Agent Victor Nunez reads the presi­
dent's report to those assembled.

Recertified Steward Jose Colls (center) receives his first pension
check from SIU Rep Amancio Crespo (left) and San Juan Port
Agent Victor Nunez.

AB Carlos Castillo (right) receives his B seniority book
from SIU Rep Amancio Crespo.

AB Rafael Franco (left) enjoys a chat with SIU Rep
Amancio Crespo at the San Juan hall.

B Seafarers LOG August2001



SULPHUR ENTERPRISE

Following a shipboard meeting
on the Sulphur Enterprise,
Steward/Baker . Tran Nee (left)
and Bosun Marvin Zimbro sign
the patrolman's report.

camng on Jacksonville Sulphur Enterprise
HM/ Defender
HM/ Nantucket Shoals

HMI
DEFENDER

GUDE Fermando Mesa grabs a
quick cup of coffee during payoff
aboard the HM/ Defender in Tampa.

Adding his name to the patrolman's
report is AB James Hazelip.

SA Jimmy Laffitte cleans the passage­
ways on the HM/ Defender.

Getting ready for the lunch­
time crowd on the vessel is
Chief Cook Lolita Thomas.

August 2001 ·

HMI
NANTUCKET

SHOALS

Right: Recertified
Steward Matthew

Scott signs the
patrolman's report

after the union
meeting. Scott

sailed this voyage
as chief cook.

AB Rick Wiemer takes readings for the pres­
ence of benzene aboard the HM/ Nantucket
Shoals.

Working on the deck of the vessel is AB Terry
Cowans.

The HM/ Nantucket Shoals pulls into port in Tampa, where it was met by SIU Jacksonville reps.

Seafamrs LOG 9



Seafarers LOB

•

Seafarers who crew the USNS Dahl do a masterful job keeping the 950-foot vessel
seaworthy and all its systems in pristine working condition.

This is a tribute not only to the dedication they have toward their chosen profession,
but also to the fust-rate training they receive at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.

As one might suspect, taking care of a vessel such as the Dahl demands great atten­
tion to detail, all the while being safety conscious. As some of the photos on this page
clearly illustrate, safety i an around-the-clock consideration. Nonetheless, crew mem­
bers efficiently go about their duties without any hitches and without any mishaps of
note.

The Dahl is one of the Military Sealift Command's (MSC) 19 large, medium-speed,
roll-on/roll-off hips and is part of the command's 31 ships in the prepositioning pro­
gram. The vessel is operated for MSC by Norfolk, Va.-based Maersk Line Ltd. Its mi -
sion is to carry a wide range of equipment, vehicles and supplies to key locations
worldwide for the U.S. Army.

There's hardly ever a dull moment for crew
members aboard the USNS Dahl. OS Tina
White (above) slushes the stern ramp
while OS Keith Livermon (below right) per­
forms the same type of maintenance
duties on the vessel 's crane. Chief
Steward Tony Brooks and Bosun Klaus
Tankersley, above right, leave the mess
area following the conclusion of an
evening meal.

The STCW Clock
Stops Ticking
Feb. 1, 2002

Feb. 1, 2002-That is the date by
which mariners sailing aboard deep
sea or near-coatal vessels must com­
ply with the amended STCW conven­
tion.

If a mariner has not completed
STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or
acquired the 1995 STCW certificate,
if required, by Feb. 1, 2002, then that
mariner cannot sail aboard deep
sea or near-coastal ships.

Blessings In New Bedford

• •

AB Pat
Chalmers per­
forms a "once
over" on the
Dahl's front
crane to see if
everything is in
proper operating
order.

Many Seafarers will be at sea on
Feb. 1. Those members should com­
ply with the STCW convention before
shipping out for any voyage that will
last until Feb. 1 or later.

It's better to have all your shipping
documents early than be denied a
future voyage!

Contact the Paul Hall Center at 1-
800-732-2739 for additional informa­
tion.

SIU fishermen and their families in New Bedford, Mass. participat­
ed in the city's annual "Blessing of the Fleet," part of a weekend cel­
ebration known as Summerfest. This year's event took place July 6-
8. The SIU-crewed Bonansa was voted one of the best-decorated
boats in the traditional waterborne, pier-side parade where clergy
of different faiths bestow blessings on each vessel for success and
safe return from the sea.

August2001



Seafarers Laud
Standard Contracts

Presented with new standard
freightship and tanker agreements
that call for substantial, wide-rang­
ing gains, SIU members are
responding with a near-unanimous
ratification.

Voting continued as this issue
of the Seafare rs LOG went to
press, but, based on tallies from 66
SIU-crewed ships and from special
meetings conducted at SIU halls in
late June, the standard agreements
easily were on pace for ratifica­
tion. In fact, by late last month,
99 .2 percent of the votes were in
favor of the new five-year agree­
ments.

Among other improvement ,
the contract e tabli h prescri tion
drug coverage for dependents at
the same level as a member; allow
for collecting vacation pay sooner;
secure gains in the pension plan;
and call for wage increases of 3
percent in each year of the pacts,
for base wages and overtime.
These categories were the ones
most often cited by Seafarers in
recent years, when offering input
on what they wanted in upcoming
contracts.

"It's a great improvement," stat­
ed Bosun Charles David Jones. "I
have dependents, so, to me, the
expanded prescription plan is a
real highlight. To (SIU Vice
President Contracts) Augie Tellez
and everyone else from the SIU
involved in the negotiations, I say
thank you."

"I think it's fantastic, I really
do," noted Chief Steward Susanne
Cake. "I like the fact that I don't
have to stay out (aboard ship) for
120 (consecutive) days if I don't
want to.... I thank Augie and the
whole team for their hard work."
"Any time you can increase

August2001

your medical coverage and your
retirement coverage, you' re better
off," said Chief Steward James
Willey.

"I think it's a good contract,"
declared Asst. Cook/Utility Frank
Crim. "There are a lot of improve­
ments-something for everyone."

"The contract is good," stated
AB Kim Brown. "The prescrip­
tion coverage for dependents
means more money stays in your
pocket. I really appreciate the job
done by Augie. Things keep get­
ting better and better."

"I think it's great,'' aid Chief
Cook Carlos Sanchez. 'To me,
the best part i being able to get the
vacation pay ooner."

"I like it," noted Bosun's Mate
Gerard Costello. "We got a pay
raise, better medical coverage for
dependents, more flexibility in
sailing time. All in all, it's going to
help everybody."

In a letter to Tellez, Recertified
Bosun Michael Proveaux wrote,
"I sincerely wish to thank you and
your staff for the time, the dili­
gence and the success that you had
in negotiating the new standard
freighter and tanker contracts on
behalf of the membership. It's nice
to know that you are in our corner
and are successful in bargaining on
our behalf."

Following are highlights of the
new agreements, effective June 16,
2001 through June 15, 2006.

• Wages and overtime.
Effective July 1 in each year of the
contract, wages and overtime are
increased 3 percent. Effective July
1 of this year, the overtime rates in
the freightship agreement are con­
solidated into two main rates (the

Continued on page 14

Diamond State

Other Contract News
• The union has negotiated a new

five-year agreement for the car carrier
Overseas Joyce. It increases wages
and overtime by 6.25 percent in each
of the first four years, followed by a
slightly greater increase in the fifth
year. The vacation benefit will
increase from 10 for 30 to 14 for 30.

• The contract covering Tyco's
cable ships has been improved and, in
many components, brought close in
line with the standard agreements.
The new five-year Tyco contract fea­
tures wage and blended overtime
increases of 3 percent in each of the
first three years, and 4 percent in each
of the last two years. Vacation benefits
are boosted by one day in the first,
third and fifth years.

• A new three-year contract has
been reached for the ITBs operated by
Sheridan Transportation. Wages are
increased by 5 percent the first year,
then 3 percent each the next two
years. Overtime is increased by 3 per­
cent in each of the final two years. The
agreement also includes the Seafarers
Money Purchase Pension Plan (at 3
percent of base wages) beginning in
year three.

Seafarers LOG 11



:t,~~-~

~
Bargaining committee members (from left) ATC Mgr. Labor Relations Bill Cole;
Intrepid Ship Mgt. VP Labor Relations Tony Naccarato; SIU VP Contracts Augie
Tellez; SIU Headquarters Rep Carl Peth; OSG Asst. VP Jack Craft; OSG VP Jack
Robinson.

12 Seafarers LOG

I
I
I
I
i
i

I

HM/ Defender

r
Augusf 2001



!)

l I
~ _l

August2001

Bargaining committee members (from left, seated) USSM VP Labor Relations &
Administration Joe Fazzari; SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez; CSX Lines VP Operations and
Labor Relations Jim McKenna; IUM VP Industrial Relations Bob Rogers; (standing) CSX
Director Labor Relations Bob Burlando; SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker; USSM Mgr.
Labor Relations Carol Berger; Tyco Sr. Mgr. Labor Relations Chris Marlow; CSX Director of
Marine Services Mike Bohlman; NPR Director of Vessel Operations Lee Souren.

USNS Watson

Seafarers LOG 13



14

Standard Contracts Presented
Continued from page 11

overtime rate and the penal­
ty rate). As explained in
detail during the ratification
meetings, the upshot of the
consolidated rates is that
Seafarers stand to earn con­
siderably more money than
under the old system, plus
their paperwork is simpli­
fied. Those monetary gains
would be in addition to the 3
percent increases.

• Tours of duty. In
response to overwhelming
recommendations by the
membership, the freightship
agreement is amended so
that tours will be no less
than 75 days on with no
more than 120 days on, with
time off no less than 30 days
and no more than 60 days.
Work schedules may be
modified to the vessel's
operational schedule.

Additionally, non-entry­
level mariners possessing
class "A" seniority, exclud­
ing those designated as per­
manent ratings, employed
aboard dry cargo vessels are
permitted to remain aboard a
specific vessel for a period
not to exceed 22 months,
subject to the vessel's opera­
tional necessity.

The tankship agreement
mostly parallels the freight­
ship contract in this catego­
ry. One exception is that
class "A" seniority members
sailing above entry level
(and excluding those desig­
nated a permanent ratings)
may remain aboard a specif­
ic tanker for up to 48
months.

• Engine department.
In order to preserve and pro-

Seafarers LOS

tect Seafarers' work jurisdic­
tion and provide defined
career paths in the engine
department, the SIU negoti­
ated the creation of the rat­
ing QMED/electrician relief
and the option to re-rate the
current engine utilities
(EU s) employed aboard
steam vessels to engine
maintenance/ elec tri ci an
relief to the list of permanent
ratings.

• Vacation. Effective in
the first year of the agree­
ments, members will be eli­
gible to apply for and collect
their vacation benefit after
60 days of covered employ­
ment. Members also will be
eligible to collect the extra
vacation day bonus after the
successful completion of
each tour, rather than waiting
12 to 18 months as before.

• Seafare rs Money
Purchase Pension Plan.
Effective June 16, 2003, a
daily contribution to the
Seafarers Money Purchase
Pension Plan will be
increased to provide a bene­
fit of 5 percent of respective
daily wages, on eligible
members' behalf.

• Seafarers Pension
Plan. Beginning next year,
members with 3,000 or more
days of sea time will receive
pension credits for their
vacation benefits. For
instance, if a Seafarer sails
on a tanker where he
receives 15 days of acation
per month, and that individ­
ual works eight months a
year, then he will receive
pension eligibility for 360
days.

Equality State

Also, members can
include their vacation bene­
fit when determining annual
earnings upon which the
wage-related pension is cal­
culated. This leads to a larg­
er pension.

• Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan. Effec­
tive this year, members will
receive benefits under plan
level "G," the best coverage
available through this plan.
For the first time, eligible
dependents receive prescrip­
tion coverage at the same
level as Seafarers.

Other improvements in­
clude an increase of the opti­
cal benefit to $200 (includ­
ing provisions for contacts);
boosting the graduated death
benefit for members from a
maximum of $20,000 to a
maximum of $50,000; and,
for the first time, coverage
for organ and tissue trans­
plant surgery, to a maximum
of $150,000.

• Shipboard e-mail.
Unlicensed personnel serv­
ing aboard a vessel shall be
provided access to sending
and receiving e-mail, if
available.

• Miscellaneous.
Certain shipping rules have
been amended, including
one that requires all SIU
members to possess a valid
STCW endorsement, effec­
tive Feb. 1, 2002, as well as
a trammg record book
(TRB) in order to register.
Members also must pass the
English competency exam
required by the U.S. Coast
Guard.

Augusf 2001



Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea
JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 2001

Port
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
San Francisco
St. Louis
Tacoma
Wilmington
Totals

Port
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
San Francisco
St. Louis

Port
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
San Francisco
St._ Louis
Tacoma
Wilmington
Totals

Port

Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Moblle "'
N6vlo.tleans
NewYork:
Norfolk
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
San Francisco
St. Louis
Tacoma
Wilmington
Totals

*TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

2
10

7
24
37
17
13
19
15

3
14
18
4

32
20

237

2
6
1
5

19
16
11
7

14
3
5
2

6
1
0

12
7

2

2
3
0

11
9

16
6
6

13
10
6

0
3
2

10
10
22
11
12
8
9
3
1

7
9
3

17
12

139

0
3
0
9
8

10
4
7
8

12
2
4
2
3
0

10

84

0
0
0
4
1
2
0
4
1

14
2

3 5
0 l

18 9
0

20
15

138

0

1
4

49

0 2
0 1

11
2
0
0
6
5
0
0
0
5
6
0
0
4

39

27
7

12
4

6
_23
11
1

13
4

14
0

21
8

155

1
4

2
6
3
3
9
6

10
2
0
3
6
0
6
5

67

2
0
1
3
4

6
0
2
2
7
1
2
0
4
0
8
5

47

0
1
0

13
1

3
l

5
0

1
0

30

81
5

11
1
7

26
12
2

21
8
7
0

19
10

216

Totals All
Departments 537 427 360

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups Trip

Class A Class B Class C Reliefs

DECK DEPARTMENT
0 0 1 0
6 2 3 3
0

11
20
25
13
14
12
12
4

1
6
8

18
6

14
9

12
5

1
0
2
6
0
4
0
5
2

13
16
1
5
2
3
3

2 4 1 2
5 9 2 4
9 5 5 5
2 1 3 1

19 11 6 17
19 9 2 10

173 120 43 87

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0 0 2 0
4 0 1 3
1 0 0 0
4

18
4

6
2
0

2
5

10 13 5 3
11 2 0 1
7 8 1 3
9 5 2 4
6 12 1 3

1 0 0
1 1 2 0
4 2 1 2
4 4 3 3
1 l 0

10 7 7 8
4 7 2 3

95 73 30 40
STEWARD DEPARTMENT
I 0 0 0
2 0 0 1
Q 0 0 0
9 4 3
7

12
2
6
9
6

17
20

1
2
0
3
0

12
0

1

9

1
5
6
0
2
0

.7
0
9
8

109 32 18 52

ENTRY DEPARTMENT
() 0 2
o, 2 1 ..
0 0 2
3 5 26

0 9 2 0
2 4 11 0

1 l 0 0
4 6 6 0
2 17 9 0
0 9 12 0
l 0 0 0
0 11 16 0
l 2 I 0
2 8 2 0
0 0 1 0
5
2

23

400

6
7

87

312

5
8

104

195

0
0
0

179

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
AU Groups

Class A Class B Class C

4 2 I
17 4 1
2 4 0

12 11 7
45 16 8
60 26 5
24 10 11
30 13 11
44 17 16
20 16 13
7 2 4
2 2 1

16 5 2
43 11 8
4 6 2

54 14 10
38 19 16

422 178 116

2 l 2
6 9 2
0 0 1
6 12 5

23 10 9
29 19 10
12 9 l
16 13 4
30 13 2

6 14 11
5 4
3 7 1
7 3 0

18 11 6
0 1 0

15 12 11
15 9 7

19 147 73

1 0
5 0 1
0 0 0

16 8 36
19 l 2

36 3 3
11 3 2
14 6 1
31 8 3
13 7 8
7 2 0

7 2
4 0 0

38 10 0
2 1 1

34 2 4
29 9 0

261 68 63

0 2 3

16
5
3
1
5
9
1
0
0
6
9
0
8
9

73

949

2
2 3

54
14
21
11
11
54
15
3

16
5

23
2

45
17

297

690

177
12
22
5
9

46
12
5

19
12
13
0

38
17

394

646

~~~~-·

*''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actua1ly registered for shipping at the port.
**"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

August2001

September & October 2001
Membership Meetings

Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters

Piney Point ............. Tuesday: September 4*
Monday: October 8
(*change created by labor Day holiday)

Algonac .................. Friday: September 7, October 12

Baltimore ........... ..... Thursday: September 6, October 11

Boston ..................... Friday: September 7, October 12

Duluth ..................... Wednesday: September 12, October 17

Honolulu ................. Friday: September 14, October 19

Houston ...........•...... Monday: September 10, October 15

Houston ...•.............. Friday: September 14, October 19
(Lawndale Street)

Jacksonville ............ Thursday: September 6, October 11

Jersey City .............. Wednesday: September 19, Oct. 24

Mobile ............. : ...... Wednesday: September 12, Oct. 17

New Bedford ....... '. .. Tuesday: September 18, October 23

New Orleans ........... Tuesday: September 11, October 16

New York ................ Tuesday: September 4, October 9

Norfolk ................... Thursday: September 6, October 11

Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: September 5, Oct. 10

Port Everglades ....... Thursday: September 13, October 18

San Francisco ......... Thursday: September 13, October 18

San Juan .................. Thursday: September 6, October 11

St. Louis ................. Friday: September l 4, October19

Savannah ................ Friday: September 7, October 12

Tacoma ................... Friday: September 21, October 26

Wtlmington ............... Monday: September 17, October 22

Each port's meellng starts at 10:30 a.m.

Personals

MICHAEL LOCKHART
Please get in touch with your mother as soon as pos­

sible at (313) 534-5510.

Remembering Paul Hall
Aug. 20, 1914 - Jillie 22, 1980

Seafarers LOB 15



Dean Cotgey. Vice President Gulf CoasJ

Nk,holas J. Marrone, Vk~ President West Coast

Kennett Maogram,
Vice !'resident Govemment Services

"'~e Lioeanjie, Wee President at Large

Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large .. .
HEADQUARTERS

52f'll AuthWay. Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675

- ALGONAC
St. C1airIDver Pr:, Algonac, Ml 4&001

- (810) 7944988

ALTON
MmetSt., Suite B. Alton. IL 62002

(618) 462<3456

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

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

BOSTON
SW Dorchester Ave .• Boston, MA 02127

(617) 269-7877

DULUTH
7(}5 MedlcalArts Building. Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 72241!0

GUAM
P.O. Bo:x 23127, Baf;i'i~adt4

125 Sunny Plaz4. Suit
Tun Jesus Crisostomo St.. Tamuning.

(671) 64(.1350

liEW
~8 Urtion-& .• New:-&edfO:rd.. MA Q274Q

(50$) 997-5404

:~~~EW ORLEANS-
3911 Lapalco Blvd . .,Harvey, LA 7005.&

(504) 328·7545

"" NEWYORK
635 Pounh Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232

(118) 499-6600

NORFOLK
115 Third St.. Norfolk; VA 23510

_ (757) _<a2~ t 892

-'PBILADELPHJA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

(211) 33~381&

"" PINEY.POINT
r.o. Box 15,,_ Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994-0010

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

(954) 51:H984

SAN FRANCISCO
350. Fremont St, San Francisro,-CA 94105

(41:>) S<Jl-5SS5
G:overnmentpervic~ Division: (415) 861~3400

SANTURCE
1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16\ll

Santurce, PR 00901
(787) 721-4033

ST.LOUIS
4581 Gravois Ave.., St Louis. MO 63ll6

(314) 752-6500

SAVANNAH
• 2220 :Sui! St., Savannah, GA 31401

(912} 238-4958

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave •. Tacoma, WA 984-09

(253) 272~ 7774

WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave .• Wllmington, CA 90744

(310) 5494000

16 Seafarers LOG

N1'1U 1'1onthly Shipping A Registration Report

TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

JUNE 2001

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups

REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Group I Group II Group ill Group I Group II Group ill
Trip

Reliefs Group I Group II Group III

Port DECK DEPARTMENT

Boston

Houston
Harvey, LA
New York

Norfolk
San Pedro
Savannah
Tacoma

Totals

14

13
9

15
3

10
7
5

76

4

1

0
0

2

10

0
0
0
2

0
0
0
0

2

11
7
4

12
6
4

6
2

52

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
1

0
0
0
0
1

5
14
7

12
0

12
3
7

60

24

21
9

41

1
27

16
18

157

8
3
1

29
0
4

0
46

0
0
2
5
0
l
0
0
8

Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT

Boston

Houston
Harvey, LA

New York
Norfolk
San Pedro
Savannah

Tacoma

Totals

I
3

11

0
0
2

2
20

4
I
1
0

0
0
0

0
6

0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2

0
0
1
9
0
0
4

0
0
0

0
0
0
0

0 0
14 0

2
0
0
1

0
0
0

4

7
2

5
0

6 .
2
4

33

14

4
4

42
0

31
8
7

110

0
3

2
0

31
3
0

40

1
1
0
1

0
9
0
0

12

Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT

Boston
Houston
Harvey, LA

New York

Norfolk
San Pedro

Savannah

Tacoma

Totals

8
2
2

I
I
3

3

0
20

3
2
0
0
0
0

7

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

16
2
4

2

0
1
0

0
25

0
0
0
0
0

.o
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0

............ . ·~-·~"-··~-h .. J
0
5
0
_2
I
3

14

0
3
2

10
1

6

36

0

1

9

2
15

0
o.
0
0
0
3
0
0
3

Port

Boston
Houston
Harvey, LA

New York

Nmfolk
San Pedro
Savannah
Tacoma

Totals

E TR DEPARTME T

1
I
0
7
o·

6
4
0

9
0
0
4

2

2

1
l

l
0
5
2

l

16 0 0 25
6

18
12
5

44
i

10
0
0

90

' ()

2
3

16
0

10
3
1

35

0 0 3

5_
0

0
14

Totals All

Departments 130

25

48

13

17

2
2

0
0
0
0

20

111

Pl CS-FROM-THE-PAST
These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by

Pensioner Troy D. Smith of Rome, Ga.
Both were taken by Smith (so he does not appear in

either one). The photo below was snapped in 1955
aboard the SS Robin Hood, which was on a South
African run. The picture at right, on the SS Robin

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0

1

0

0
0
1
0
5

10

2

3

54

161 292 197 58

Wentley, also was taken in 1955 during a run to
South Africa.

Troy Smith, now 73, began sailing in 1945 as an
FOWT and wiper. He started receiving his pension
in 1989.

If anyone has a vintage union-related photo­
graph he or she would like to share with the LOG
readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers
LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46.

Photographs will be returned, if so requested.

Augusf 2001



A n inland captain, who also
sailed as an engineer, and
one recertified steward are

among the 10 Seafarers announc­
ing their retirements this month.
Charles R. Matthews navigated
the inland waterways for nearly 30
years while Ralph A. Alexander
graduated from the highest level
of training available to members
of the steward department at the
SIU's training school in Piney
Point, Md.

Including Alexander, nine of
the retirees sailed in the deep sea
division; one navigated the inland
waterways.

Six of the retirees worked in
the deck department, two shipped
in the engine department and two
sailed in the steward department.

On this page, the Seafarers
LOG presents brief biographical
accounts of the retiring Seafarers.

DEEP SEA

na•~'Yl RAPLH A.
ALEXAN­
DER, 64,
started his
career with the
SIU in 1963 in
the port of
New Orleans.

~~ ...... Brother
Alexander first sailed aboard
Venore Transportation's Marore.
Born in North Carolina, he
shipped as a member of the stew­
ard department. Brother

Puerto Rico.
Brother
Algarin sailed
in both the
deep sea and
inland divi­
sions, first
shipping
aboard a
Crowley Towing &
Transportation vessel in San Juan.
The deck department member,
who was born in Puerto Rico, last
worked on the Sea-Land
Expedition. Brother Algarin con­
tinues to live in Puerto Rico.

SILVERIO A.
ARANA, 70,
began his SIU
career in 1985,
joining in
Hawaii. Born
in Honduras,
Brother Arana
first sailed

aboard the USNS Algol, an SIU
vessel contracted to the military.
The steward department member
last shipped aboard Liberty
Maritime Corp.'s Liberty Wave.
He calls New Orleans home.

JAMES
COLWELL,
65, was born
in Pennsyl­
vania. He
started his
career with the

in 7 in

Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafare rs 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 waterways 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.

ARTHUR
ELLIOTT,
64, started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1958, joining
in New York.
Before becom­

.___ _ __..~....._____, ing a Seafarer,
Brother Elliott served in the U.S.
Army from 1955 to 1956. He
sailed in both the deep sea and
inland divisions. A member of the
deck department, he first shipped
aboard a Boston Towing Boat Co.
vessel. The Queens, N.Y. native
was last employed aboard the
Arecibo, operated by NPR, Inc.
Brother Elliott calls Rockaway
Point, N.Y. home.

THEODORE
v.
HAWKINS,
71, joined the
SIU in 1968 in
the port of San
Francisco.
Prior to join­
ing the
Seafarers, the Arkansas native
served in the U.S. Air Force from
1951 to 1956. Brother Hawkins
first shipped aboard the Asbury
Victory, operated by Bulk
Transport Inc. The engine depart­
ment member upgraded his skills
at the Seafarer training school in

Piney Point, Md. in 1973, 1975
and 1992. Brother Hawkins last
shipped aboard Pacific Gulf
Marine, Inc.'s Gem State. He
lives in Elk Grove, Calif.

.----,,.-...,..,.;:--------., ALI AHMED
MUSAID, 67,
began his SIU
career in 1964,
joining in the
port of
Houston. Born
in Aden,
Yemen,

Brother Musaid first sailed
aboard a Waterman Steamship
vessel. The engine department
member last shipped aboard the
SS Independence, operated by
American Hawaii Cruises.
Brother Musaid-lives in Yemen.

LUFTI
SALEH
NAGI, 69,
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1966, joining
in the port of
San Francisco.
Brother Nagi first sailed aboard
the Express Virginia, operated by
Virginia Lines. The steward
department member upgraded his
skill in 1987 at the SIU's train­
ing chool in Piney Point, Md.

He last hipped aboard Matson
Navigation Co.'s Lurline. Brother
Nagi lives in Berkley, Calif.

EARNEST D. OXENDINE, 64,
joined the Seafarers in 1966 in
the port of New York. Before
joining the SIU, Brother
Oxendine served in the U.S.
Navy from 1954 to 1958. He was
born in North Carolina and first
sailed aboard the Bienville.
Brother Oxendine last sailed
aboard the cable ship Global
Mariner, operated by Tyco.
Pembroke, N.C. is his home.

INLAND

CHARLES
R.MAT­
THEWS, 63,
hails from
North
Carolina. He
began his
career with the
Seafarers in

1978. Boatman Matthews first
shipped aboard a Marine Oil
Service, Inc. vessel. A member of
the deck department, he sailed
both as an engineer and a captain.
Boatman Matthews was last
employed aboard a McAllister
Towing of Virginia vessel. He
resides in Norfolk, Va.

Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG only to immediate security of this country,
an er aded his kills at

the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship in Piney
Point, Md. in 1988, 1989 and
1990. He completed the school's
steward recertification course in
1991. Brother Alexander last
sailed aboard the Sea-Land
Tacoma. He resides in Tacoma,
Wash.

the port of an ....__..._--....;."""'"""'--=-~__, _._,

1940
I said, b I to he rv f

GREGORIO ALGARIN, 55,
joined the union in 1976 in

'First-Class Job'

Francisco. Prior to joining the
Seafarer , Brother Colwell erved
in the U.S. Army from 1955 to
1957. The deck department mem-
ber first shipped aboard an Isth-
mian Lines, Inc. vessel. Brother
Colwell upgraded his skills in
1975 and 1976 at the SIU's train-
ing school. He last worked on the
USNS Regulus, operated by Bay
Ship Management, Inc. Brother
Colwell resides in Sea Level, N. C.

Aboard the SS Lihue, Capt. Tom Stapleton reports the SIU stew­
ard department "is doing a first-class job," including preparation of
a "delicious barbecue for the entire crew." Pictured from left to right
are Steward/Baker Colleen Mast, BR Utility Chris Stearns, Asst.
Cook Mohamed Quraish and Chief Cook Benedict Opaon. The
Lihue normally runs between Los Angeles and Honolulu for
Matson.

August2001

After a strike of more than t 4 months,
the SIU signed a closed-shop contract with
Peninsula and Occidental Steamship
Company. Ninety percent of the 300
men in this fleet certified the SIU as their
sole bargaining agent. In addition to fight­
ing the company, SIU also had to fight a
fink union known as the Florida
Independent Seamen's Union. In addition
to all other provisions of the contract, the
company agreed to reinstate the SIU men
with cash pay for all

our way of life through a sound economic
system. The military factor can be seen
clearly in the American merchant marine's
role in World War 11, the Korean War,
and, presently, in Vietnam, Hall said.
Even is this "Age of Air Power," 98 per­
cent of all supplies and two-thirds of all
troops go to Vietnam not by plane but by
merchant marine shipping.

1991
The complex embodying the Harry

Lundeberg School
the time lost since

·September 1939. THIS MONTH
of Seamanship in
Piney Point, Md.
has been named the
Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training 1967 IN SIU HISTORY

In a Labor Day
address presented
by the AFL-CIO
over the nationwide
radio network of the Mutual Broadcasting
System, SIU President Paul Hall called on
"government, industry and labor to
knuckle down to the problem of develop­
ing the kind of program that will assure
that U.S .. shipping and shipbuilding can
make their maximum contribution to our
economy and our defense. This isn't just a
maritime problem -it's an American
problem," Hall said, noting that, "If we as
a nation fail to resolve this problem, the
impact of that failure will be felt by every
American- businessman, farmer and
worker, alike."
Hall expressed the vital need for a strong,
growing and modernized American mer­
chant marine. The importance extends not

and Education as a
result of action
taken by the institu-

tion's board of trustees. The dedication of
the Paul Hall Center was marked with a
simple ceremony on August 20, the
anniversary date of the birth of the late
president of the Seafarers International
Union.
In describing the naming of the Piney
Point center, Herbert Brand, chairman of
the Transportation Institute and master of
ceremonies for the event, called it "more
than a dedication-it is an act of remem­
brance" for the man who headed the SIU
from 1947 until his death in 1980 ....
In closing remarks, SIU President Michael
Sacco said, "It is a tribute to the remark­
able man we honor today that all elements
of our industry are brought together by
his memory."

Seafarers LOG 17

..



.... --------------------------..... ----~------~~~~~~~~~-- -~ -

•

final Departures
DEEP SEA

ABDUL R. ABDO
~---------.,Pensioner

Abdul R. Abdo,
68, passed away
Nov. 22, 2000.
Born in Yemen,
Brother Abdo
started his SIU
career in 1967
in the port of
San Francisco.

He first sailed aboard the Halcyon
Panther. The steward department
member last shipped aboard the
President Chester B. Arthur. Brother
Abdo started receiving his pension
in 1999. He lived in San Francisco.

FRANK ANSOTIGUE
Pensioner Frank Ansotigue, 90,
passed away Dec. 11, 2000. He start­
ed his career with the Marine Cooks
& Stewards (MC&S). Born in the
Philippines, he began receiving his
pension in 1973. Los Angeles was
his home.

ANGEL AROCHE
Pensioner Angel
Aroche, 74,
died March 8.
Born in Puerto
Rico, he started
his career with
theMC&S. He
began receiving
his pension in
1975. Brother

Aroche called San Francisco home.

ARNE BOEKMAN
Pensioner Ame Boekman, 75, died
March 20. Brother Boekman began
his career with the Seafarers in 1959
in the port of New York. He first
shipped aboard a Waterman
Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother
Boekman ai ed in the deck depart­
ment, last working aboard the
Stonewall Jackson, another
Waterman vessel. Brother Boekman
started receiving his pension in
1987. Las Vegas was his home.

THOMAS BOLTON
~=..,.......~ Pensioner

Thomas Bolton,
84, passed away
May 5. He
joined the Sea­
farers in 1945
in the port of
Philadelphia.
Born in Ana­
coco, La.,

Brother Bolton first sailed aboard
Stockard Steamship Corp. 's Strath­
more. He worked in the steward
department, last sailing aboard the
Ewa. Brother Bolton started receiv­
ing his pension in 1990. He lived in
Groves, Texas.

ELPIDIO CARPENTER
Pensioner Elpidio Carpenter, 95,
died April 16. Brother Carpenter was
born in the Philippines. He started
his career with the MC&S and
began receiving his pension in 1967.
Brother Carpenter resided in Daly
City, Calif.

TOMCOLWAY
Pensioner Tom Calway, 98, passed
away Jan 10. He started his career
with the MC&S and began receiving
his pension in 1967. Brother Col way
lived in Long Beach, Calif.

DELMER CRAIG
Pensioner
Delmer Craig,
74, died May
21. Brother
Craig started his
SIU career in
1960, joining in
the port of New
York. The ·

L-----' .......... "'"""' ......... ...._____. Wilmington,

18 Seafarers LOG

N.C. native shipped as a member of
the deck department. He last sailed
aboard the Sea-Land Liberator.
Brother Craig began receiving his
pension in 1990. He resided in
Reeds, Mo.

GENEROSO CRISPALA
Brother Generoso Crispala, 77,
passed away March 10. A native of
the Philippines, Brother Crispala
joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of
Baltimore. A member of the engine
department, he last shipped aboard
the Grand Canyon State. Seattle was
his home.

WILLIAM HOLLAND
Pensioner William Holland, 84, died
Nov. 9, 2000. Born in Georgia, he
started his career with the MC&S.
Brother Holland started receiving his
pension in 1978. Detroit was his
home.

BERNIE HYLTON
~---,..-------, Pensioner

Bernie Hylton,
79, died Feb.
21. Brother
Hylton started
his SIU career
in 1953 in the
port of San
Francisco.
Before joining

the Seafarers, he served in the U.S.
Army in 1943. Brother Hylton first
sailed aboard the Seathunder, oper­
ated by Colonial Steamship Co. The
deck department member last
shipped on the Sea-Land Defender.
Brother Hylton began receiving his
pension in 1983. He lived in
Lincoln, Ark.

JOHN KUCHARSKI
~--,..,...-------, Pensioner John

Kucharski, 76,
passed away
Feb. 26. He
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1960 in the port
of New

.....__~-----· Orleans. Prior
to joining the SIU, he served in the
U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1945.
Brother Kucharski first shipped
aboard ORE Navigation Corp.'s
Oremar. A member of the deck
department, he last sailed on the
Sea-Land Economy. Brother
Kucharski started receiving his pen­
sion in 1990. He resided in Mt.
Pleasant, S.C.

FRANKLEE
Pensioner Frank
Lee, 82, passed
away Feb. 7.
The Alabama
native began his
career with the
MC&S.He
began receiving
his pension in
1973. Brother

Lee lived in Pell City, Ala.

ROBERT LEE
~-..........., Pensioner

Robert Lee, 65,
died March 15.
Brother Lee
joined the SIU
in 1964 in the
port of New
York. Before
becoming a
Seafarer, he

served in the U.S. Air Force from
1955 to 1961. Brother Lee first
shipped aboard the Steel Admiral,
operated by ISCO, Inc. Born in New
York, he worked in the engine
department. Brother Lee last sailed
aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He
began receiving his pension in 1996.
Las Vegas was his home.

NORBERTO MALDONADO
Pensioner Norberto Maldonado, 83,
died May 17. He started his career

with the MC&S. Born in Puerto
Rico, he began receiving his pension
in 1970. Brother Maldonado called
San Francisco home.

CELESTINO MILANES
Pensioner Celestino Milanes, 93,
passed away Dec. 12, 2000. Brother
Milanes began his career with the
MC&S. He started receiving his
pension in 1970. He resided in
Sacramento, Calif.

SAMMIE NELSON
Pensioner
Sammie Nelson,
82, passed away
May 9. Born in
Ellsworth, Wis.,
Brother Nelson
started his SIU
career in 1953
in Seattle.
Before joining

the Seafarers, he served in the U.S.
Army from 1942 to 1947. Brother
Nelson first sailed aboard a
Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel.
The engine department member last
worked aboard the Sea-Land
Newark. He started receiving his
pension in 1983. Brother Nelson
called Federal Way, Wash. home.

EUGENIO OJEDA
Pensioner
Eugenio Ojeda,
65, died Feb.
13. Brother
Ojeda started
his career with
the Seafarers in
1951 in the port
of New York.
Born in Puerto

Rico, he first shipped aboard a
Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel.
Brother Ojeda sailed in the steward
department, la t working on a
Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel.
Brother Ojeda began receiving his
pension in 1979. He lived in his
native commonwealth.

JULIO ORTIZ
;:------, Pensioner Julio

Ortiz, 96,
passed away
Feb. 5. He
joined the SIU
in 1945 in the
port of New
York. Brother
Ortiz first
sailed aboard a

Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. vessel.
Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped as a
member of the steward department.
Brother Ortiz last sailed aboard the
Charleston, a Westchester Marine
Corp. vessel. He started receiving
his pension in 1973. Brother Ortiz
resided in New York.

CHARLES PALMER
..---=:::------. Pensioner

Charles Palmer,
79, died Feb.
23. Born in
Pennsylvania,
Brother Palmer
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1945 in the port

of Philadelphia. He began receiving
his pension in 1989. Brother Palmer
lived in Mobile, Ala.

REINO PELASO
- Pensioner

Reino Pelaso,
84, passed
away Feb. 19.
Brother Pelaso
joined the
Seafarers in
1947 in the port
of New York.
Born in

Finland, he first shipped aboard
ISCO, Inc. 's Steel Voyager. He
worked in the engine department.

-
Brother Pelaso started receiving his
pension in 1976. He lived in Vallejo,
Calif.

ALFRED SANGER
Pensioner Alfred Sanger, 63, died
Feb. 26. He started his SIU career in
1959. Brother Sanger first shipped
aboard an Interocean Management
Corp. vessel. The deck department
member was born in New York. He
last worked on the Mayaguez, oper­
ated by NPR, Inc. Brother Sanger
started receiving his pension in 1991.
He resided in Jacksonville, FJa.

WILLIAM SHERAR
Pensioner
William Sherar,
75, passed away
March 10.
Brother Sherar
started his SIU
career in 1951
in the port of
New York.
Prior to joining

the Seafarers, the Pauls Valley, Okla.
native served in the U.S. Navy from
1942 to 1944. He fust sailed aboard
a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel.
Brother Sherar shipped as a member
of the engine department. He last
worked aboard the Sea-Land St.
Louis. He began receiving his pen­
sion in 1983. Brother Sherar lived
in Cherryfield, Maine.

MARIE SLOAN
Pensioner
Marie Sloan,
79, died April
26. Sister Sloan
started her
career with the
MC&S in 1961
in the port of
San Francisco.
Born in Clifton,

S.C., she shipped as a member of the
teward department, ailing primari­

ly aboard Michigan Tankers Inc.
vessels. She began receiving her
pension in 1978. Boise, Idaho was
her home.

LLOYD THOMAS
Brother Lloyd Thomas, 58, passed
away Jan 1. He started his SIU
career in 1964 in the port of New
Orleans. Brother Thomas first sailed
on Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. 's Del
Sud. The Louisiana native shipped in
the deck department. He last sailed
on the Jacksonville. Brother Thomas
made his home in Detroit.

DONALD THOMPSON
Pensioner Donald Thompson, 66,
died Feb. 6. The Verndale, Minn.
native started his career with the
MC&S. He began receiving his pen­
sion in 1977. Brother Thompson
lived in Syracuse, Utah.

OLIVER TRAWICK
.---~=------..., Pensioner

Oliver Trawick,
79 died May 5.
·The Alabama
native started
his SIU career
in 1947 in the
port of New
Orleans. Prior
to becoming a

Seafarer, Brother Trawick served in
the U.S. Navy from 1941to1945.
He first shipped on the Alcoa
Patriot. The deck department mem­
ber last sailed on the Clair Borne.
He began receiving his pension in
1990. Fulton, Miss. was his home.

ANGELO VALENTE
..---------, Brother Angelo

Valente, 49,
passed away
March 11. He
started his
career with the

• Seafarers in
1998 in the port
of Piney Point,

~~~~~~~ Md. Brother

Valente first sailed on the USNS
Watson, operated by Maersk Lines,
Ltd. He last worked aboard the USNS
Sisler, another Maersk vessel. The
engine department member was born
in Italy and lived in Kingsland, Ga.

JOHNNY YOUNG
Pensioner
Johnny Young,
71 , died Jan . 6.
Brother Young
started his SIU
career in 1958,
joining in the
port of Mobile,
Ala. The
Camden, Ala.

native, who sailed in the steward
department, last sailed aboard the
Liberty Spirit. He started receiving
his pension in 1991. Brother Young
lived in New Orleans.

INLAND

CHARLES STOTZ
Pensioner Charles Stotz, 78, passed
away Oct. 17, 2000. He started his
SIU career in 1968 in St. Louis. The
Pinkeyville, Ill. native shipped as a
member of the deck department and
sailed in both the inland and deep sea
divisions during his career. Boatman
Stotz last worked aboard a Michigan
Tankers vessel. He began receiving
his pension in 1985. Boatman Stotz
called Alton, lli. home.

CHARLES C. THOMAS
=-----, Boatman

Charles C.
Thomas, 55,
died Feb. 27.
He joined the
SIU in 1975 in
the port of

Piney Po"i~n~t'=". ~i.:::; • ·="~
Md. The f,-

"'---- g· ia native
shipped in the deck department, last
sailing on a Maritrans vessel. Boat-
man Thomas resided in Crisfield, Md.

GREAT LAKES

LAURENCE BERNARD
Pensioner

, Laurence
Bernard, 72,
died Feb. 14.

. He started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1961. Prior to
joining the SIU,
Brother Bernard

served in the U.S. Army from 1951
to 1953. Born in Detroit, he shipped
as a member of the engine depart­
ment, last sailing aboard a Great
Lakes Towing Co. vessel. He began
receiving his pension in 1991.
Brother Bernard called Trenton,
Mich. home .

AUANTIC FISHERMEN

SALVATORE FRONTIERO
Pensioner
Salvatore
Frontiero, 90,
died March 16.
Born in Boston,
Brother Fronti­
ero started his
career with the
Atlantic Fish-

_..____--'" ___ ermen's Union
before it merged with the AGLIWD.
He began receiving his pension in
1975. He resided in Gloucester,
Mass.

LOUIS BIONDO
Pensioner Louis Biondo, 71, died
Jan 17. He started his career with
the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in
Massachusetts. Brother Biondo
began receiving his pension in
1993.

Augusf 2001



Digest of Shipboard
Union Me.etints

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard
mlnut~s as possible. On occasion, because of space

limitations1 some will be omitted.

Ship~minutes lirst are reviewed by the union's contract department.
Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union

upon receipt of the ships 1 minutes. The minutes are then forwarded
lo the Seafarers LOG tor publication.

HM/ DIAMOND SHOALS(IUM),
April 27--Chairman Ramon Cas­
tro, Secretary Michael Kozak,
Educational Director Christopher
J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate
Donald J. DeFlorio, Engine Dele­
gate Paul M. Russell, Steward
Delegate Ali Al-Kassemi. Chair­
man announced payoff April 30 in
Long Beach, Calif. All's well
aboard ship. As of June 15, Hvide
will assume management of fleet;
contracts to remain in place.
Secretary alerted crew that waxing
will begin in 10 days; notice will
be placed in mess hall. Steward
reminded crew that steel-toed
shoes are reimbursable for all
departments, and that company is
not liable for safety of crew mem­
bers who do not wear proper gear.
Educational director spoke about
STCW deadline Feb. 1, 2002.
"Don't be caught by surprise." No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Suggestion made for contracts
department to look into reducing
vacation time requirements. Next
port: Portland, Ore.

OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG),
April 15-Chairman Ralph
Broadway, Secretary James
Willey, Educational Director
Howard Grom, Deck Delegate

rold L. Boone, Steward
Delegate Jack Hart. Chairman
spok about need for team

- . · . s aware o
poteii't1hf ctaAgers and keep safe
working environment. He also
noted union business should not be

ruse ssed during working hours;
there is a time and place for that.
Crew members advised that com­
pany policy requires all personnel
at work to wear appropriate safety
footwear which have oil-resistant,
non-slip soles, leather uppers and
steel-toed caps. Educational direc­
tor noted every U.S. mariner who
plans to make a Ii ving a sea should
be committed to strengthening the
U.S. merchant marine. They can do
that by attending upgrading classes
at Piney Point. He also reminded
everyone to be sure STCW s are
renewed. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Clarification requested on
watchstander's duties. Thanks
given to steward department for
delicious Easter dinner. Chairman
also thanked all the old-timers who
helped make this union what it is
today. They provided a strong
foundation, and "I want you to
know that your input is still valu­
able to all of us out here." Next
ports: Japan; Portland, Ore.; Long
Beach, Calif.

STONEWALL JACKSON
(Waterman Steamship Corp.), April
15-Chairman Armando Medina,
Secretary Norman J. Duhe,
Educational Director George W.
Collier. Educational director
reminded crew members of need to
upgrade at Paul Hall Center, espe­
cially for STCW-related courses.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Thanks given to steward depart­
ment for excellent meals.

USNS STOCKHAM (American
Overseas Marine), April 6-
Chairman Andrew B. Barrows,
Secretary Lauren Oram,
Educational Director Alfred J.
Herrmann Jr., Deck Delegate
Kelvin Johnson, Engine Delegate
John Fernandez, Steward Dele-

Augusf 2001

gate Allen Van Buren. Chairman
explained ship's schedule and cur­
rent status. He noted things going
well after just leaving shipyard.
Secretary reviewed committee
information from February, includ­
ing Washington Activity Report.
Educational director suggested
everyone upgrade skills at Piney
Point. He also reminded them to
make sure shipping documents are
current and stressed importance of
contributing to SPAD. Treasurer
announced $45 in ship's fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Discussion followed reading of
president's report. Everyone hopes
more ships are built in U.S. yards,
which will lead to more SIU jobs.
Payoff will talce place in Jackson­
ville. Anyone owing dues should
get enough cash at payoff to fulfill
union obligations. Ship will get 10
boxes of movies each year; one is
currently on board. Chairman will
ask captain about satellite TV and
e-mail for crew. Hats off to steward
department for excellent chow.
Compliments also to all depart­
ments; ship looks good and runs
well. Next ports: Jacksonville;
Norfolk, Va.

ANCHORAGE (CSX Lines), May
6--Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty,
Secretary James A. Wright,
Educational Director William M.
Pin To

cl!roeq E in Dele te en
Stratton, Steward Delegate
Amanda Suncin. Chairman
announced payoff on arrival May 8
in Tacoma, Wash. Anyone getting
off ship reminded to leave room
clean. All communications posted
on bulletin board for everyone to
read. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Information requested on
future engine room specialty
courses for QMEDs and on status
of new contact.

CRUSADER (CSX Lines), May
2-Chairman Roberto Diaz,
Secretary Joseph P. Emidy,
Educational Director Kevin
Cooper, Deck Delegate Joseph A.
Osorio. Chairman noted presence
of two SIU unlicensed apprentices
aboard as part of their training in
all three departments. Secretary
encouraged everyone to read LOG
to learn about union and industry
issues. Educational director urged
those with enough seatime to
upgrade at Piney Point facility and
make sure STCW certificates are
up to date. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. The Crusader was
selected this year's recipient of
the prestigious Thomas Devlin
Award for outstanding safety
record. Thanks given to everyone
aboard ship for their awareness of
safety issues. Vessel has not lost
time due to injury in more than 3~
years. ''This is something we are
all proud of and welcome the
acknowledgement that the award
stands for." Thanks given to the
steward department for great meals
and service. Next port: Houston.

DISCOVERY (CSX Lines), May
6--Chairman Nelson Sala,
Secretary Donald C. Spangler,
Educational Director Gregory S.
Brandani. Chairman announced
ship now on Jacksonville to San
Juan run. He stated payoff to talce
place May 7 in Jacksonville and
reminded crew members of regula-

tions regarding torage of garbage.
Educational director advised mem­
bers of STCW requirements and of
Feb. 1, 2002 deadline. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Problem
with air conditioning in rooms
noted. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for job well
done.

ENDURANCE (U.S. Ship
Mgmt.), May 13-Chairman
Romeo Lugtu, Secretary Ray A.
Garcia, Educational Director
Ramona P. Gayton, Deck Dele­
gate Dennis Pickering, Engine
Delegate James F. Sieger, Steward
Delegate Jimmy L. Williams.
Chairman noted two-day delay in
Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Looking
forward to hearing about new con­
tract. Bosun, steward and electri­
cian getting off this trip. All three
reminded crew members about
STCW deadline and about opportu­
nities available at Paul Hall Center
to upgrade skills. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Recommenda­
tions made for increasing pension
benefits. Request made for new
chairs in crew mess and new
refrigerator. Suggestion also made
for shore gang help aboard ship.

GREEN ISLAND (Waterman
Steamship Corp.), May 13-
Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez,
Secretary Michael F. Hammock,
Educational Director James
Laratta, Deck Delegate Rommel
Artis, Steward Delegate Lawrence
Winfield. Chairman said trip was
fast and smooth and that chief mate
thanked deck and engine depart­
ments for jobs well done with
cargo operations overseas.
Everyone worked very hard.
Chairman also announced payoff
May 23 in New Orleans and said
next trip would be longer. Secre­
tary thanked crew for helping keep
mess hall clean. Educational
director urged everyone to upgrade
at Piney Point. He al o tated "thi
i th be .~·running LASH lup in

e . e -ann unce
$280 in ship's fund. ·some beef
reported in steward department; no
disputed OT noted. Some problems
reported regarding lack of sofa and
timely allotments.

KINSMAN INDEPENDENT
(Great Lakes Associates), May
24--Chairman Lawrence J.
Curnow, Engine Delegate Charles
D. Lesley. Chairman presented
crew with new dental plan.
Everyone responded positively.
Crew members were advised that
all union forms/applications (med­
ical, vacation, new books) are on
board. Thanks given to Algonac
hall for monthly updates. Crew
members enjoy reading LOGs each
month. Next ports: Duluth, Minn.;
Buffalo, N.Y.

MAERSK CALIFORNIA
(Maersk Lines, Ltd.), May 17-
Chairman Brian Fountain,
Secretary John G. Reid, Educa­
tional Director James T. McPar­
land, Deck Delegate Frank
Hedge, Steward Delegate Johny
Bolton Jr. Chairman thanked crew
for safe, smooth voyage and for
help during stowaway search in
South Africa. Secretary also
thanked everyone for good trip and
for helping clean ship. Educational
director advised crew to check sail­
ing documents, including STCW,
and upgrade at Paul Hall Center
whenever possible. Treasurer
announced $375 in ship's fund.
New movies being purchased in
U.S. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Reminder given that LOG
is union's line of communication
with membership, whether in port
or at sea. Suggestion made for con­
tracts department to look into
increasing pension and vacation
benefits. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for good food
and cookouts. Clarification needed
on organization status for Maersk
vessels. Next ports: Newark;

Baltimore:_ ·ev.port 'ew . Va;
Charle ton, S.C.

MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk
Lines, Ltd.), May 30-Chairman
Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary
Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educa­
tional Director Alfredo 0. Cuevas,
Deck Delegate Dirk W. Adams.
Chairman announced payoff on
arrival May 31 in Balboa, Panama.
He said he enjoyed voyage and

to check rooms for needed repairs.
o beef or disputed OT reported.

Question raised as to how to
impress upon crew members the
importance of attending shipboard
meetings. "A union is not strong if
the membership doesn't help."
Deck and engine departments
thanked steward department for
job well done. "Keep up the good
work."

Overseas Vivian Carries Grain to N. Korea

While on a grain run to North Korea, some of the crew members
posed for a group photo aboard the Vivian Tankships Corp. vessel.

reminded crew to check shipping
documents for renewal dates.
Educational director stressed need
to upgrade skills and spoke about
compliance with STCW rules by
Feb. 1, 2002. Treasurer announced
$808 in ship's movie fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Request made for TV for crew
lounge. Thanks given to crew
members for their cooperation,
e pecially to steward department
for good job in pite of shortage
due to family emergency.

MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC),
ay -C airman reg

Hamilton, Secretary John F.
Huyett, Educational Director
Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate
Chad M. Partridge, Engine
Delegate Christopher D. Todd,
Steward Delegate A. Sison.
Chairman noted payoff scheduled
May 15 in Cherry Point, Wash. Old
business discussed pertaining to
salad bar. Treadmill was purchased
and set up in gym. Educational
director reviewed various STCW
requirements. Treasurer stated that
after recent purchases and exten­
sive upgrades to satellite system,
$2,840.05 remains in unlicensed
crew's fund. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Suggestion made for
installation of book shelf in crew
lounge.

MAYAGUEZ (NPR-Navieras),
May 9-Chairman Patrick C. Ray
Jr., Secretary Celina Ortega,
Educational Director Michael
Martykan, Deck Delegate
Charles Wright, Steward Delegate
Jorge Mora. Bosun reported pilot
due to board May 10 for docking
and payoff in Philadelphia.
Educational director advised crew
members to apply now for STCW
course-before Feb. 1, 2002 dead­
line. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Discussion held about
SIU/NMU merger and voting at
May union meetings. Suggestions
made for new contract, including
addition of chiropractic services,
restructuring of pension plan and
inclusion of dependent prescription
costs. Tiles being replaced in
rooms. Everyone asked to clean
dryer filter after use. Next port:
San Juan, P.R.

MERLIN (Sealift, Inc.), May 13-
Chairman James Triassi,
Secretary Kenneth Whitfield.
Chairman told crew he was happy
to see everyone working together
as a team-and to keep up the
good work. He asked all members

PERFORMANCE (U.S. Ship
Mgmt.), May 6--Chairman
Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary
Richard M. Worobey, Educa­
tional Director Ernest L. Gibson,
Deck Delegate Bennie Spencer,
Engine Delegate Gregorio A.
Blanco, Steward Delegate Joel
Molinos. Chairman said he is
checking on previously ordered
reclining chairs and mattresses. He
announced payoff May 14 in
Houston and noted vessel to
change to Mediterranean run.
Secretary stressed need to upgrade
skills at Paul Hall Center and con
tribute to SPAD for job security.
Educational director warned crew
members to comply with STCW
regulations by Feb. 1, 2002 "or
you won't be able to ship out." No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Suggestions made for contracts
department to look into raising
pension benefits, improving dental
plan and adding prescription cov­
erage for dependents. Chief Cook
Molinos and his department
thanked for job well done.

TRADER (CSX Lines), May 6-
Chairman Loren Watson,
Secretary Kevin Dougherty,
Educational Director Ron Wade,
Deck Delegate Lauro E. Clark,
Engine Delegate Kassem Abdulla,
Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia
Jr. Chairman noted payoff May 8
in Oakland, Calif. He stressed
need for everyone to comply with
STCW requirements or risk not
sailing. Poster in crew lounge has
necessary information. Additional
questions should be directed to
hot-line number. Treasurer report­
ed $324 in crew fund. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Communi­
cations from headquarters read
regarding installation of satellite
dishes on ships to be included in
new contract. Also mentioned our
political representatives on Capitol
Hill will be pushing for tax­
exempt status for seamen. Bosun
discussed ship's schedule, includ­
ing dry dock in Singapore in
October. He noted that crew would
probably be laid off, but for short
enough time so as to reclaim jobs
after dry docking period. Bosun
also asked crew members to pay
attention to proper sorting of plas­
tics and help keep lounges and
laundry area clean. With confusion
and conflicting stories about new
tax laws for seamen, request made
for union to look into best tax plan.
Next ports: Oakland; Long Beach,
Calif.; Honolulu.

Seafarers LOG 19

,/



Letters to the Editor
(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG
reserves the right to edit letters
for grammar as well as space
provisions without changing the
writers intent. The LOG wel­
comes letters from members, pen­
sioners, their families and ship­
mates and will publish them on a
timely basis.)

II( •

Remembering Those
Who Helped Unionize

Reading the letter of Ernest D.
Mabee in the June 2001 issue of
the Seafare rs LOG brought back
memories of my own experiences
-and no small coincidence. I also
helped organize Isthmian Steam­
ship Company in 1946 along with
Blackie Cardulla, Paul and Don
Hall, Ray Oates and others.

I also sailed in the deck depart­
ment aboard a lot of Isthmian

Liberty ships. I spent my 16th
birthday aboard the Clyde L.
Seavey in Visagapatam, India
(yes, I lied about my age). Prior to
that, I sailed Atlantic Refining
tankers and Gulf Oil tankers
(NMU).

In 1952, I was drafted into the
U.S. Army from the deck of the
Waterman C-2 Yaka in San Fran­
cisco.

The memorial the American
Legion Post dedicated and the
monument my VFW post dedicat­
ed (Seafarers LOG, March 2001)
are almost surreal in their similar­
ities.

The country finally granted
veteran's status to the men who
delivered the goods, to the brave
men and women who won World
War II.

Those days are gone now, and
the courageous men who orga-

nized the non-union companies
and raised the standards of
mariners everywhere deserve the
admiration and respect of the
industry and the nation.

Although much remains to be
done regarding runaways and
FOC ships, a stronger Brother­
hood has emerged-and that can
only help in addressing these
problems.

I hope the current seamen
appreciate the trials and tribula­
tions the old-timers went through
to secure the industry so it will
never have to be said again, "You
cannot give me closer quarters,
coarser food or make me more
lonely than I have always been in
my life at sea" (Andrew Furuseth,
as he was being jailed for seeking
justice for mariners).
Russell G • Hinkel Sr.
Bensalem, Pa.

SUlfll/IAllY All#UAL REPORT-FOR THE
SIU PACIFIC O/S1111CT SUPPl.ElfEllTAL BENEFITS FUllO~ IN,.

This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fun,~ Inc., 94-
1431246 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000. The annual report has been filed with the InternaLJlevenue-
Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). · · ·· .. <{; · :c,~~:

Basic Flnaaclal Statement

The value of the plan assets, after ~ubtracting liabilities of the pla11,<Was $3,i9i,777~ of July 31, 2000, com­
pared to $4,490,436 as of July 31, 1999. Durlf!g the plan year, t:pe plan experienced a decrease inJts net assets of
$1,298,659. During the plan ·year, the plan had a total income of $6,440A53, including employe:t' contributions of
$6,260,575 and earnings from investments 0!$179,878. '

Plan expenses were $7,739,112. These expenses included $323,003 in administrative expenses, and $7,416, 109 .
in benefits paid to participants and beneficiatj~s.

Your Rlihts to Additional Information

Iou have' the rightto receive a copy of the0

full annual report, or any part theieof1 o;~uest. The items listed "
bel<$w are oiri¢luded in that r~port:

1. an accountant's repon;

. ·~·"''~""'ef"'il'r~' fuiauci;il information and irifonnation on payments to service providers;
assets belclror investment~ arid;O•>

4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets.

To obtain a copx of the fi.tll .. annu~f report, or any part ther-e.of. wri~~or call the office of SIU Pacific ~District
Supplemental Ben ~ Pl ~; :-_ c. ati422 Market Str~t.. San F( ciscof CA 94102; telephone n ~ - r (4l5) 437-
6832. The chaige'·t fug0,:Costs will be $2.5trf0t report, or $0.25 pe for any part,,-·
thereof.

You also have the rigllt t~receive from the plan administraJor,- <>n request and at no charge. a;§tatement of the
assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes. oni ;statement of income and expen~ of tpe nlaii aqd .
accompanying notes. or both. If you request a copy of the full airouaJ report from the plan adminiStrator, th,ese two .
statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover cop.yfug costs given ~~­
above does not include a charge for ili:_e·copying of these portion§-of the report because th~,~ Q9rtl9flS~~:!H.@i~h~d0t;;.
without charge. ·· ".'- ' ' · - · · · ·

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan~ at 1422
Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington. D.C., or to
obtain a copy from the DOL upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to; Public
Disclosure Room. Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S. :p_epartment of Labor, 200
Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20216. ·

Are You Receiving AH Your Important Mail?
In order to ensure that each

active SIU member and pensioner
receives a copy of the Seafarers
LOG every month-as well as
other important mail such as W-2
forms, pension and health insur­
ance checks and bulletins or
notices-a correct home address
must be on file with the union.

If you have moved recently or

feel that you are not getting your
union mail, please use the form
on this page to update your home
address.

Your home address is your
permanent address, and this is
where all official union docu­
ments will be mailed (unless oth­
erwise specified).

If you are getting more than

one copy of the LOG delivered to
you, if you have changed your
address, or if your name or
address is misprinted or incom­
plete, please fill out the form and
send it to:

Seafarers International Union
Address Correction Dept.
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746

r---------------------------------------------------,
HOME ADDRESS FORM s101

(Please Print)

Name:

Phone No.:·__,, __ __,_ ________________________ _

Address:~-------------------------------

Social Security No.: ___ _ Book No.:

D Active SIU D Pensioner
This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings.

This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally.

L---------------------------------------------------~
20 Seafarers LOS

Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The

Constitution of the SIU Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership's
money and union finances. The con­
stitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every
year, which is to be submitted to the
membership by the secretary-trea­
surer. 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 recommen­
dations. Members of this committee
may make dissenting reports, specif­
ic recommendations and separate
findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of
the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District are adminis­
tered in accordance with the provi­
sions of various trust fund agree­
ments. All these agreements specify
that the trustees in charge of these
funds shall equally consist of union
and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are
made only upon approval by a
majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various
trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A mem­
ber's shipping rights and seniority
are protected exclusively by con­
tracts 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 mem­
bers believe there have been viola­
tions of their shipping or seniority
rights as contained in the contracts
between the union and the employ­
ers, they should notify the Seafarers
Appeals 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 207 46

Full copies of contracts as referred
to are available to members at all
times, either by writing directly to
the union or to the Seafarers 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 contrac­
tual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY - THE
SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers
LOG traditionally has refrained from
publishing any article serving the
political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing
articles deemed harmful to the union
or its collective membership. This
established policy has been reaf­
firmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all con­
stitutional ports. The responsibility
for Seafarers LOG policy is vested
in an editorial board which consists
of the executive board of the union.
The executive board may 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 circum­
stances should any member pay any
money for any reason unless he is
given such receipt. In the event any­
one 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 Constitution are available in
all union halls. All members should
obtain copies of this constitution 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 obligation
by any methods, such as dealing
with charges, trials, etc., as well as
all other details, the member so
affected should immediately notify
headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members
are guaranteed equal rights in
employment and as members of the
SIU. These rights are clearly set
forth in the SIU Constitution and in
the contracts which the union has
negotiated with the employers.
Consequently, 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 segregat­
ed fund. Its proceeds are used to fur­
ther its objects and purposes includ­
ing, but not limited to, furthering the
political, social and economic inter­
ests of maritime workers, the preser­
vation and furthering of the
American merchant marine with
improved employment opportunities
for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union con­
cepts. In connection with such
objects, SPAD supports and con­
tributes to political candidates for
elective office. All contributions are
voluntary. 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 contri­
bution is made by reason of the
above improper conduct, the mem­
ber should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by cer­
tified mail within 30 days of the con­
tribution for investigation and appro­
priate action and refund, if involun­
tary. 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 violat­
ed, 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 Michael 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.

Augusf 2001



SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER
UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is the schedule for classes for the months of August through November
2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.
All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the
American maritime industry.

Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the
maritime industry and- in times of conflict-the nation's security.

Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their
course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the
start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for
Saturday.

Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul
Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.

Course

Able Seaman
(including simulator
steering assessments)

Deck Upgrading Courses
Arrival Date

August 25
September 22
October 20
November 17

Lifeboatman!Water Survival August 11
September 8
October6
November3

Radar (simulator)

Radar (one .. day renewal)

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids*
(ARPA) (simulator)
(*must have radar 1'nlimiled)

GMDSS (simulator)

August 11
September 8
October6
November3

August24
September 21
October 19
November 16

August25
September 22
October20
November17

August 4
September 1
September 29
October 27

O\ mb r 24

ep mer
September 29
October 27
November24

Course

Steward Upgrading Courses
Start Date

Date of Completion

September 21
October 19
November 16
December 14

August 25
September 22
October 20
November17

August 24
September 21
October 19
November 16

August 31
September 28
October 26
November 23

August 18
September 15
October 13

O\'ember 10
D emb r 8

eptem er7
October 5

ovember 2
November 30

Date of Completion

Course

Engine Upgrading Courses
Arrival Date

Fireman/Watertender & Oiler September 8
November3

QMED - Any Rating August 25

Welding September 15
October 13
November 24

Recertification
Bosun Recertification September 8

Safety Specialty Courses
Course

Advanced Fire Fighting - First Aid

Government Vessels

STCW Medical Care Provider

Basic Fire Fighting/STCW
Basic Safety

Tanker Familiarization/
A i tant Cargo DL)*
*m" t have a ie re ft htin )

Tankerman (PIC) Barge*
(*must have basic fire fighting)

Arrival Date

August 11

August4
August 18
September 1
September 15
September 29
October 13
October27
November 10
November24

August 11
September 22
October 20

August4
August25
Septembers
September 15
September 22
September 29
October 20
Octobet27
November 10
November 17
November24

August4
August 18

e tern r 5
October 13
October 28
November 11

August 11
October6

Date of Completion

October 19
December 14

November 16

October 5
November2
December 14

October 8

Date of Completion

August 25

August24
September 7
September 21
October S
October 19
November2
November 16
November30
December 14

August 18
September 29
October 27

August 11
September 1
September 14
September 21
September 28
October6
October26
Novembet3
November16
November23
November JO

August 14
September 1

ep 29
October 27
November 10
November24

August is
October 13

Academic Department Courses
Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations moduleS start ·every week. General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic voca-
Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently tional support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the
b .. · egjnning July 21. AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An intro-
.. -~· . . duction to computers course will be self-study.

-"'·-·.t.-·--·-··..;.. ........ ._;-.,_,:,_ .. _ .. _____ ·-·-·- .. -·-·-·-·-·-·--·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-

UP6RADIN6 APPLICATION

Address ______________________ ___ _ _ _

Telephone __________ _ Date of Birth ________ _

Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D

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

Social Security#__________ Book# __________ _

Seniority ____ _________ Department ________ _

U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________ __ _

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo

If yes, class# ___ ______________________ _

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo

If yes, course(s) taken -------- -------------­

Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement?

D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo

Primary language spoken---------------------

Augusf 2001

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty
( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date
your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi­
cating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is
Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard
fee of $280 with their aJ!Plication. The payment should be made with a money order onlv.
payable to LMSS.

COURSE
BEGIN
DATE

END
DATE

LAST VESSEL: _____________ __ Rating: ___ _

Date On: ________ ___ _ Date Off:

SIGNATURE _______ _ _____ DATE

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques­
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point.

RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training 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 students, who are otherwise qual­
ified, of 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. 8101

Seafarers LOG 21



Paul Hall Center Classes

Unlicemed.Apprentice Water Survival Oass 617- Unlicensed apprentices
from class 617 who completed the water survival course are (from left, kneeling)
Tavis Almer, Lakeisha Parker, Richard Allen Gould Ill, (standing) David Henson,
Nathan Wirt, Dale Sprinkle, Dain Medow, Thomas Almodovar, Alex Przytulski,
Matthew Kloxin, Jermaine McGhee and Leon Gavin. Government Vessels - Completing the crane operations part of the government ves­

Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Requirements for graduation July
6 from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course were completed by (from left, front
row) Dean Stanley, Charles Skeen, Michael McClendon, Cody Fleming, Tren E h, John
Abbott, Lance Cutchember, Joe Mieluchowski and Jim Shaffer (instructor), (second row) Rodney
Shaw, Glenn Coursen, Richard Striverson, Zachary Toye, Jeremy Duncan, Kermit Bengtson and
Johnny Carson.

Welding - AB Joseph
Butasek files down a piece

of steel in welding class,
which ended June 29.

Computer Lab Class

sels course June 29 are (from left, front row) Paul Duquette, Rick Worthington, Joie
Flesner, Lenard Ilagan, Greg Thompson (instructor), (second row) Sandra Vann
and Joshua Overland.

Basic Fire Fighting/STCW - Earning their basic fire fighting endorse­
ments July 6 are (in alphabetical order) Lito Acosta, Terrell Alston, Leslie Alvarez,
Avery Askew, Jose Baltazar, Hernando Bansvelo, Jose Bayani, Carlos Bonefont,
Romero Bartolome, Clay Brown, Davon Grown, Sandra Brown, James Browne,
Jason Bryan, Armando Camacho, James Cameron, Allan Campbell, Adalberto
Colon, Scott Costello, Virgil Craige and Walter Darrensburg.

attend, please inform the admissions departrg_ent so that

another student may take that,pface. ·

The students pictured above received certificates
in computer basics, Windows 95 and Excel 97 for
the week of June 11-15. Four of the students
were crew members aboard the Delta Mariner,
which was docked at the Paul Hall Center. From
the left are (kneeling) Herbert Scypes Jr., David
Dinnes, (standing) Arthur Quinney Ill, Velicia
Williams, Darryl Coale and Instructor Richard
Prucha.

Another week of computer classes, from June 18-
22, was completed at the Paul Hall Center. From
the left are Farid Zahran, Edward Fore, Herbert
Scypes Jr., Anibal Matos and Instructor Richard
Prucha.

FOWT - Upgrading engine department members who complet­
ed the FOWT training June 29 with instructor Mark Jones (far left) are
(in alphabetical order) Norman Arquillano, Armando Camacho,
Dwayne Day, Michael Drost, Kenneth Dyson, Gilberto Figueroa,
Ronald Gray, Thomas Jesse, Andrew Linares, Ibrahim Muhammad,
Armando Pinto, Anton Popescu, Paul Siltala, Antwan Stafford,
Mohamed Sylia and Earl Thomas.

22 SealaTel'S LOG August2001



Paul Hall Center Classes
March 11-16, 2001-
Michael Alatan, Petronilo
Amor, Michael Bergenheim,
Tracy Crum, Karen Dacoco,
Dana Darval, Jerry Dingal,
David Enriquez, Jean
Favreaux, Lisa Favreaux,
Larry Ganon, Elizabeth
Porter, Amin Saleh and Tai
Ming Tung.

Training Classes
Held in Hawaii

March 19-23, 2001 - Steven Lindsey, Florence Nelson, Carmen Fejeran,
Fae Samuelu, Rubetenio Dumbrique, Ronald VanKeuren, Arnaldo Santos, Frank
Torres, Christopher Molina, Saykeo Sivongzay, David Capeloto, Stacy Nishimura,
Joseph Deodato, Ryan Nakama, Cleto Lindong, George Schneider, Daniel
O'Connor, Pairote Peterson, Kevin Johnson, Greg Hayama, Daniel Taylor,
Noheapualani Polendey, Elizabeth Gutermuth, Scott Ishihara, Yoon Kim, Rachel
Martinez, Timothy Hurd and Vinh Sivongxay.

April 30-May 4, 2001 - Faleatua Afoa, David Agosto, Jenny
Blalack, Harry Borden, Neil Buckley, Paul Dooley, Mohamed Faroque,
Kaipo Hau, Sharon Holloway, Penimal Kumas, Michael Liugalua, Risiti
Uu_galua, David McNeil, Anthony Montero, Yusuf Mukhtar, Wilson
"P9niston, Yun-Gou Perng, Melanie Pheanis, Eduardo Ricote, Hannah
Rodgers, Rebekah Rodgers, Francisco Roy, Peter Shea and Joby
Tod .

April 16-20, 2001- Elsayed Ayed, Marci Baker, Mickie Frederick, Sheng-Jen Hsieh, Benny Orosco,
Johnny Palencia, Carlos Prez, lrvinson Perez, Robert Rugama, Kassem Saleh, Carlos Sambula, Inga
Scott, Jesus Turcios and Yolanda Wright.

March 19-23, 2001 - Karen Smith, Napoleon Gatdula, Solomon Stavis, Rolan
Boudreau, Rommel Gopez, Kelly Keehan, James Pool, Aida Cogo, Arthur Rallos,
Rigoberto Ruiz, Adolfo Bermudez Rochez, Philip Agacaoli, Norma Jean Hoopii,
Santiago Saragosa, Penny Thompson, Shawn Okamoto, Alton Pinn, Fernando
Domecale, Al Chatman, Kelly Jones, Panapa Tanieli, Freddy Romero, Paola Dunn,
Sherry Katus, Elbio Calace, Juan Brito and David Davies.

March 19-23, 2001 - Domingo Foronda, Cynthia Espinada, Julie Teruya, Jaime
Castillo, Ricardo Pilapil , Ariston Ora-a, Terry lgot Jr., Alberto Sarinis, Clarence Coloma,
Carlos Madayag, Danilo Cubangbang, Caezar Mercado, Dennis Coloma, Joselito Aquino,
Joseph McMullen, Dennis Delacruz, Mayrose Delacruz, Perry Asuncion, Geronimo
Bareng, Josefina Balanay, Samantha Kocyba, Nicole Chevalier, Paulette Greenway,
Khaled Taffi , Elias Parker and Leonicio Delacruz Jr.

April 8-13, 2001 - Emilio Ababa Jr. , Willis Abaya, Melecio Agpaoa, J.J.
Arnold, Howard Beltran, Peter Black, James Brockington, Kenneth Brunst,
Thomas Collins Jr., Roserina Commager, Alvin Davis, Theodore Doi, Reggie
Garcia, Carol Grycko, Bruce Henderson, Derek Leong, Jay Long, Helen
Matsuura, Michael Matthews, Thomas McGeorge, Jeff Miller, William
Mokuau, Gregorio Orara, Onofre Ortiz, Robert Paine Jr., Courtney Paulos,
Chester Ramiro, Nestor Rapusas, John Seltenright, Monte Smith, Edgar
Townsend and Roger Watson.

March 19-23, 2001 - William Simon, Wendy Lundin, Karen Domerego, Judith Ann Smith,
Rhonda Rigsby, Holly Kear, Emily Wilborn, Karoly Kulcsar, Linda Paavola, Michael Baron, Toni
Johnson, Ernesto Diaz, Michael Lathbury, Suzie Wong, Justin Auelua, Sereno Nicanor, Angel Arigo
Jr. , Mohamed Omar, Jasmine Keanu, Melissa Lindsey, Patricia Ann Au, Regan Krantz, Andrew
Leight, Janeen Harty and Solomon Stavis.

August2001 Seafarers LOii 23

•

..

•



•

,,,

From SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to Guam,
to Japan, to Singapore, to Diego Garcia, and then back
to headquarters .... That was the route taken by Union

Representative Bryan PoweU during his recent trip to service
the SIU-crewed vessels in those areas.

He and Guam Port Agent Matthew Holley held informa­
tional meetings with all Seafarers aboard the vessels
(Petersburg, Eric G. Gibson, Spirit) in Guam and presented
them with a lot of positive information on a wide range of
important issues.

Powell noted that the members in Guam were happy to
have a union hall there and showed excitement about the
direction in which the SIU is headed.

In Japan (aboard the LNG vessels Capricorn, Libra,
Virgo, Taurus, Gemini and Leo), the crews were very recep­
tive to the fact that the union and the company are involv­
ing the members in working to resolve any issues raised
aboard these vessels (particularly those pertaining to crew
travel and provisions).

The USNS Sisler was in Singapore and was set to sail for
Diego Garcia. Powell noted that the visit to that vessel and
meeting with the crew went very smoothly, with no beefs or
problems reported.

The membership in Diego Garcia (aboard the USNS
Dahl, USNS Charlton, Alex Bonnyman, James Anderson,
LTC John U.D. Page, Bernard F. Fisher, Buffalo Soldier,
USNS Red Cloud, Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, William Baugh,
Franklin Phillips, Cape Jacob and Sagamore) was very
excited about use of the military base facilities there to con­
duct STCW basic safety training. Working with Joe Curtiss
from the SIU's facility in Hawaii and Mike Daras from
Piney Point, a plan was put in place to provide the course in
Diego Garcia to those SIU members who still need to com­
plete the training by the deadline-Feb. 1, 2002.

Guam Port Agent Matthew Holley (right) beams with
pride over the success of one of the most recent grad­
uates of the SIU's unlicensed apprentice program
sponsored by the government of Guam, Jerald
Martinez. The photo was taken in Diego Garcia aboard
the William Baugh.

Working in the galley of the Petersburg in
Guam is Chief Cook Martha Hagler.

Left: Deck department
members gather on the
deck of the Louis Hauge
in Diego Garcia. From
left (front row) are AB
Bill Shelley, John
Birdwell , Jake
Hollenback and Memo
Blanco. In the back row
are AB Russell Luther
and Bosun Erik
Bekkelund.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT

SIU Pacific District
Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc.

Page20

Bosun Dan Marcus (left) meets with SIU Rep Bryan Powell
during a servicing trip to the LNG Libra in Himeji, Japan.

Chief Steward Waymond Watson Ill monitors the
temperatures of his ovens on the USNS Red
Cloud in Diego Garcia.


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