Seafarers Log: Vol. 61 No. 12 (1999-12-01)

SIUJs Decade of Progress ___ Pages11-14

Congress Receives Bills
-To Strengthen U.S. Fleet
Sealifl Enhancement Act Aims to Make
Merchant Fleet More Globally Competitive

Page3

Even on the Lakes?/

lll'll!Nt SllAW J PIAIX DEAi.Eii PllOTOCRAPllEll

Captain Stavros Fotlnos or the Evangelos tells a crew member to e:xpll!in bow good the conditions on the ship are..

Ships of Shame
Cargo crew

to start
court battle

-fr, Sailors
go without
pay, food

From porr to porr 1he Slories are passed
alon . Starvin :;allors ea1rng raw, undi-

Cleveland Paper Reveals
Runaway-Flag Scandal
Citizens along the Great Lakes recently discovered their
waters are no different from any other international ship­
ping lane when the Cleveland Plain Dealer exposed the
dangers of runaway-flag shipping taking place on
America's "North Coast." Page 5

Complaints
bring help
from union
for sailors

By MICHAELO'MALLEY

A diS()Ute about low pay, bad
food and filthy conditions on a
Sleet-hauling ship in Cleveland
harbor yesterday sparked a fax
and phone feud in four countries
on three continents.

Following claims by 13 Filipino llOADW.HICKllAH/l'IAlll DEAL£&PHOrooaAl'llEK
crewmen that they are not being . .
properly paid, members of the Don Thornton of the Seafarers International Union, left, talks
Seafarers International Union to Filipino sailors about conditions and pay on a foreign ship
b<>i!rded the ship Evangelos, docked in Cleveland yesterday. Local union officials
which IS ow~d by a Greek com- threatened to detain the ship and stop it from unloading until
~~~~tt~t~~ :::i ~~ti;n':J certain demands by the sailors were met.
labor agreement to make such
visits, confronted the captain, stop unloading the ship's cargo Piraeus, Greece, faxed paper­
sa ·o the would detain tile shi and refuse to untie dock lines it work to the London-based Inter-

Voting Begins on
SIU-NMU Merger

Agreement Reach ..... --

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page2

.

On ASAf Contract

Beck Notice

Page6



President's Report
Reflecting on the Decade

I have just reviewed the center spread for this month's issue of
the Seafarers LOG. It is hard to believe what we have accom­

plished in the last 10 years.
While some of you started sailing this decade

and have helped us in our efforts to revitalize
the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, many others have
been very involved throughout their entire
seagoing careers.

Recall where we were in January 1990.
Outside of our membership and some others

Michael Sacco within the industry, very few thought there
would be a continued need for the commercial

fleet for economic and national security purposes when we started
the 21st century.

We knew better.
The Persian Gulf War demonstrated why America has depend­

ed on its merchant mariners since this country's founding.
Seafarers and members of other maritime unions answered the
nation's call, making sure no ship loaded with materiel for our
troops in the Middle East sailed short.

Those who thought others could handle the job discovered for­
eign-flag owners and crews who balked at delivering needed
goods into a war zone.

Reawakened by the war effort, military planners and politicians
alike realized action had to taken not just to preserve but strength­
en the U.S.-flag fleet.

You did your part. Not only did you sail the ships, but you and
your families registered and voted, wrote letters, made phone calls
and talked with neighbors, friends and elected officials to let them
know America needs its merchant fleet.

That is why the Maritime Security Program became law.
That is why U.S.-flag tankers carry Alaska North Slope crude

oil overseas.
That is why more than half the members of the House of

Representatives signed a resolution stating the Jones Act should
be preserved.

That is why the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project was enact­
ed, paving the way for construction in an American yard of new
deep sea passenger ships.

That is why dredging is taking place in ports around the coun­
try, especially New Y~)fk/New Jersey, to prepare for the ships of
the next century.

And that is why month after month for more than a year, we
have been able to report on the new vessels-tankers, RO/ROs,
prepositioning, tugs, car carriers-Seafarers are crewing or will
crew in the very near future, all proudly flying Old Glory.

Brothers and sisters, this isn't bragging. It's fact!
The most important thing to remember is that none of this

could have been done without you. You have demonstrated your
faith in your union by doing the best job possible each day on
your vessels. You make it very easy for representatives of this
union to speak on your behalf on Capitol Hill and in other set­
tings.

Without the day-in, day-out efforts you perform on the high
seas, the Great Lakes and the inland waterways, the U.S.-flag
fleet would have been nothing more than a ghost ship.

But we knew better, have done better and will continue to get
better!

As we enter this holiday season, we have so much for which to
be thankful, not the least of which is a vibrant, growing U.S.-flag
fleet.

If the last 10 years are any indication of what the future may
bring, I can't wait to get started.

To all Seafarers aboard their vessels, to all Seafarers at home
with their families and to all SIU retirees who have helped make
this the greatest maritime union, may you have a wonderful holi­
day and Happy New Year!

Volume 61, Number 12 December 1999

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; 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. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Au th Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing
Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production,
Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative
Support, Jeanne Textor.

Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD
All Rights Reserved.

2 Seafarers LOG

Voting Starts in Proposed
Merger of SIU and #MU

Voting begins this month on
whether the SIU will proceed
with full merger talks with the
National Maritime Union.

As reported in the October and
November issues of the Seafarers
LOG, balloting is scheduled for
December 1, 1999 to January 31,
2000. Voting takes place in all
SIU halls between 9 a.m. and
noon local time, Monday through
Saturday, excluding holidays.
Seafarers also may request an
absentee ballot by following the
instructions printed in the
October issue of the LOG. Addi­
tionally, those instructions are
available via the union's web site
(www.seafarers.org, in the LOG
section, October issue).

The current vote will deter­
mine whether the SIU member­
ship wants this merger and, if
approved, gives the union's exec­
utive board permission to contin­
ue with the merger talks. (A sim­
ilar election is taking place at the
same time in the NMU.)

If the two unions' member­
ships vote to proceed, then specif­
ic details of the merger will be
addressed by SIU and NMU offi­
cials serving on the merger com­
mittee.

Next, Seafarers would vote
during the November-December
2000 general election whether to
approve needed constitutional
changes such as adding vice pres­
idents and the NMU in the
union's name. (NMU members
are not eligible to vote in the gen-

eral election because the merger
would not be completed by then.)

After the general election, a
third vote would take place for
SIU members to approve or reject
many of the specific terms of the
merger. Before that vote, SIU
members would be given detailed
information on what the merger
would mean and what changes
would occur. The date for that
voting has not been determined.

Therefore, the proposed
merger involves a three-step vot­
ing process. That procedure is
explained in detail in a recent
letter mailed from the SIU exec­
utive board to each member.
Copies of the letter also have
been distributed aboard ship by
patrolmen and are available in
union halls.

The letter mentions that some
Seafarers have asked whether a
merger will allow an NMU mem­
ber to use his seniority to beat the
SIU member out of a job. "No!
The shipping rules will continue
to apply," the letter states.
"Seafarers will maintain priority
aboard ships currently sailing
under an SIU contract. The same
would apply to NMU members
aboard vessels presently under
contract to the NMU."

Similarly, the merger commit­
tee has studied the 1978 merger
involving the SIU and the Marine
Cooks & Stewards, and will fol­
low that precedent to keep the
SIU and NMU pension, welfare
and vacation funds separate.

Should the merger be approved,
however, the training and hiring
hall funds probably would be
combined.

OS/Gateman Rick Hedrick (above
photo, aboard the Presque Isle)
and Cook Kay Nelson (below, on
the /TB McKee Sons) are enthusi­
astic about the proposed merger.

SIU Pensioners to Get $500 Year-End Bonus
Eligible SIU pensioners will receive a year-end

bonus check of $500 this month. The Seafarers
Pension Plan Board of Trustees recently approved
the payment after union representatives to the group
recommended the bonus.

tives from the SIU and its contracted companies,
decided to issue the bonus after reviewing the plan's
successful investment performance.

More information about the bonus or the pension
plan in general may be obtained by contacting any
union hall or by calling a plan representative at l-
800-CLAIMS4. Members and pensioners also may
write to the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
MD 20746.

This bonus check will be sent to all SIU pen­
sioners who currently receive monthly benefit
checks for normal, early normal or disability pen­
sions from the Seafarers Pension Plan.

The Board of Trustees, composed of representa-

Breakthrough at Avondale

Union, Company Agree to Resolve
Long Battle About Representation

On the heels of Litton
Industries' purchase of Avondale
(La.) Shipyard, the AFL-CIO
Metal Trades Department last
month announced a breakthrough
in the bitter six-year fight about
union representation at Avon­
dale.

The company has agreed to
adopt neutrality regarding such
representation, and will recognize
the union based on a majority of
Avondale's 4,000 employees
signing petitions for membership.
A neutral arbitrator will certify
that a majority of the employees
have signed the petitions.

The union and the shipyard
signed an agreement on Novem­
ber 2 aimed at reaching an amica­
ble conclusion to what has been a
nasty fight. Workers at Avondale
voted in 1993 to join a union, but
the prior owners used every
stalling tactic imaginable to
evade that election's outcome.

Avondale was purchased for
$529 million by Litton Industries
in a transaction that closed last
August. Litton's Ship Systems
consists of Avondale Shipyard
and Ingalls Shipyard in Pasca­
goula, Miss. where the Metal
Trades Department has held rep­
resentation rights for more than
10,000 workers since 1940.

AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney commended all con­
cerned with the new agreement
between Avondale and the union.

"I applaud Litton Industries'
and Avondale's high-road deci­
sion to respect these workers'
right to a free choice to improve

their lives through a union,"
Sweeney stated.

The Metal Trades Department
said the agreement "puts the issue
back in the hands of Avondale's
workers" and "sets up ground
rules for assessing the level of
support for union representation.
The agreement sets out a process
under which the union can obtain
evidence that it represents a
majority of the employees, which
will be submitted to a neutral
third party for certification. The
pact outlines procedures for
avoiding the acrimony that char­
acterized the campaign from the
time it started in June 1993."

Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU
hiring halls will be closed on Monday, January 17,
2000 for the obseNance of Martin Luther King Jr. 's

birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal busi­
ness hours will resume the following workday.

December 1999 - . -



Sealif t Enhancement Act
Seeks Fair Competition
For American-Flag Fleet

that will stimulate growth in the
industry," observed Rep. Je:ffer­
son.

Rep. McCrery stated, "U.S.­
based liner companies are subject
to significantly higher taxes than
their foreign-based counter­
parts .... Strengthening the eco­
nomic viability and competitive­
ness of United States-flag vessel
operations requires us to adapt
the tax regime governing our
merchant marine to the realities
of today's international shipping
environment." Maritime Tax Laws Would Change

To Help Provide Level Playing Field
Both McCrery and Breaux

recalled the words of General
Colin Powell following the
Persian Gulf War in 1991. At that
time, the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff said, "Our
[nation's] strategy requires us to
be able to project power quickly
and effectively across the oceans
to deal with the crisis we couldn't
avoid or predict. Sealift will be
critical to fulfilling this strategic
requirement .... In war, merchant
seamen have long served with
valor and distinction by carrying
the critical supplies and equip­
ment to our troops in faraway
lands. In peacetime, the merchant
marine has another vital role­
contributing to our economic
security by linking us to our trad­
ing partners around the world and
providing the foundation for our
ocean commerce."

Citing the U.S. merchant
marine's key role in America's
national and economic security­
and the unfair competition from
unscrupulous runaway-flag ship
operators-Senator John Breaux
(D-La.) last month introduced the
National Security Sealift En­
hancement Act of 1999 (S. 1858).

Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.)
and William Jefferson (D-La.)
introduced similar legislation in
the House (H.R. 3225).

The SIU strongly supports the
bills, which may receive hearings
in the Senate Finance Committee
and the House Ways and Means
Committee, respectively, early
next year.

"The introduction of these
measures shows that members of
Congress are looking ahead and
trying to find ways to make the
U.S.-flag fleet stronger and more
competitive in the next century,"
said SIU President Michael
Sacco.

Other U.S. maritime unions,
ship operators and shipbuilding
associations also voiced their
backing, as did the widely
respected former Maritime Ad­
ministrator, Vice Admiral Albert
J. Herberger.

As its name indicates, the leg­
islation is intended to strengthen

the U.S. fleet, which in tum will
boost the economy and fortify
national security.

One provision of the Sealift
Enhancement Act would extend
to U.S. mariners the existing
income tax exclusion for
Americans working abroad.
Other elements of the bill also
focus on equitable changes in dif­
ferent sections of U.S. tax policy.

"This legislation is designed to
provide a tax environment for
U.S.-flag carriers that more close­
ly approaches the favorable treat­
ment provided by other maritime
nations to their own merchant
fleets," Breaux stated. "I am not
proposing to exempt U.S.-flag
vessel owners from U.S. income
taxes, [but rather to] alleviate the
tax burden on the U.S.-flag fleet.

"The U.S.-flag merchant
marine is an invaluable asset to
the economic and national securi­
ty of this country," he continued.
"The Congress must take aggres­
sive action to preserve our fleet of
U.S.-flag vessels, while creating
incentives for new, modem ships
to be registered under the U.S.
flag."

The bill has five main provi­
sions. One expands the Capital
Construction Fund with the aim
of increasing revenue available

SIU Crews MIV Fisher
SIU members recently crewed

the prepositioning ship MIV
Major Bernard F Fisher as the
vessel prepared to start a five­
year assignment for the U.S.
Military Sealift Command
(MSC).

Seafarers and SIU officials
took part in the vessel's christen­
ing October 15 in Sunny Point,
N.C. The former Sea Fox was
renamed in honor of retired U.S.
Air Force Col. Bernard F. Fisher,
a Medal of Honor recipient who
attended the ceremony.

The 652-foot Fisher is operat­
ed by Sealift, Inc. for MSC,
whose fleet also includes a differ­
ent vessel with a similar name,
the USNS Fisher. It will preposi-

tion materiel for the Air Force in
Diego Garcia.

The ship's namesake received
the medal for actions in Vietnam
in 1966. The then-major rescued
a downed airman from a Special
Forces camp under attack by
2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers.

MSC noted, "While directing
his own air cover, Maj. Fisher
landed his A-lE/H aircraft, taxied
almost the full length of a debris­
littered runway, and despite with­
ering ground fire, rescued the
downed pilot and gained enough
speed to lift off and fly to safety."

The Fisher has a beam of 105
feet and a top sailing speed of 19
knots. It is a combination con­
tainer and roll-on/roll-off ship.

One year after MSC awarded a time charter contract for the vessel ,
SIU members crewed the renamed Major Bernard F. Fisher as the ship
readied for its first prepositioning assignment.

December 1999

for domestic shipbuilding.
Another allows "the owner of

any U.S.-flag vessel engaged in
the international trade of the U.S.
to fully deduct that vessel in the
year in which the vessel is
acquired and documented under
the U.S. flag." Breaux pointed
out that many foreign-flag
shipowners and operators already
"are totally exempt from income
taxation," and this provision
therefore will help the U.S.-flag
fleet "to be internationally com­
petitive."

The provision known as the
"seamen's wage exclusion" is
"consistent with the current poli­
cies and objectives of section 911
of the Internal Revenue Code. It
extends the foreign earned
income exclusion to American
merchant mariners by changing
the definition of 'foreign country'
to incJude a principal place of
employment aboard a commer­
cial vessel operating outside the
United States, and amending the
foreign residence test to include
work aboard a vessel."

Other components of the legis­
lation include "alternative mini­
mum tax relief' on shipping
income-again consistent with
foreign regulations-and expand­
ing the expense deductions stem­
ming from conferences or other
meetings on American-flag cruise
ships.

In announcing his support for
the Sealift Enhancement Act,
Herberger said, "If the United
States is to maintain a strong mer­
chant fleet-supporting our econ­
omy and our armed forces--our
U.S.-flag companies and our
American merchant mariners
must have U.S. tax treatment that
reflects the realities of interna­
tional competition."

"These provisions will help
level the playing field for U.S.
shipping and provide incentives

Speaking on behalf of a coali­
tion of U.S.-flag ocean carriers,
Sea-Land Service Vice President
Peter Finnerty noted that the bill
"recognizes the unique nature of
the U.S.-flag fleet, operating in
the world cargo trades."
American mariners and compa­
nies compete in a market littered
with tax-exempt foreign compa­
nies, he said.

Pictured from the top: Senator
John Breaux (D-La.) and Reps.
William Jefferson (D-La.) and Jim
McCrery (R-La.) last month
launched legislation intended to
boost national security by
strengthening the U.S. merchant
marine.

SIU Maintains Jobs on 6 LNG Vessels
MarAd 'Reluctantly' Approves Rejlagging

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd),
while emphasizing that its decision "should not be
taken as a precedent for any other situation," on
November 3 conditionally approved the transfer of
PRONAV's fleet of eight liquefied natural gas ves­
sels to foreign registry.

Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart said he
"reluctantly" issued the ruling and also stressed that
a key condition to the approval "helps to ensure the
continued availability of American mariners for
commercial operations and military readiness." He
noted that all the unlicensed jobs for six of the ships
will be held by American seafarers for the next five
years, "providing stability and employment for hun­
dreds of skilled mariners."

He also pointed out, "Any further changes in
ownership, registry or operation under foreign
authority may be made only with the Maritime
Administration's approval."

The schedule for reflagging the eight ships to the
Marshall Islands has not been announced.

Seafarers will continue sailing aboard six of the
vessels- the LNG Capricorn, LNG Taurus, LNG
Libra, LNG Gemini, LNG Leo and LNG Virgo. As
reported in the September issue of the Seafarers
LOG, the economic provisions (including benefits)
of the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement will apply
to those ships once the reflagging takes place.

The other two vessels will carry foreign crews.
After the ruling, SIU President Michael Sacco

stated, "While we are extremely disappointed by the
decision announced by the Maritime Administration
to allow the reflagging of the PRONAV LNG-vessel

fleet, the Seafarers International Union is obligated
to honor its contractual coillil)itments to crew these
vessels. The Seafarers aboard these vessels will con­
tinue to perform their duties in the same profession­
al, dedicated and safe manner as they always have."

It was only after painstaking analysis that the
union decided to accept continued employment on
the reflagged ships. In a detailed memo sent in
August by the SIU contracts department to Seafarers
aboard the LNG ships, the union stated, "When
weighed against the alternatives, the final decision
was based on the ultimate benefit to our members
and their families. The application of the Standard
Tanker Agreement wages and benefits will, for the
first time, [apply] American labor standards on for­
eign-flag ships. The Agreement is no less than that
which is accepted by U.S.-flag SIU-contracted
tanker companies. It maintains our benefits and will
provide jobs and job security for five more years
while preserving our severance agreement."

The union also noted that SIU's crewing of the
LNG ships will help provide a continued manpower
pool of trained American mariners for U.S. national
defense purposes.

Moreover, the memo points out that the LNG
crews recently faced the unexpected prospect of all
eight ships reflagging relatively quickly-which
would have left the SIU crews without any opportu­
nity for continued employment on those vessels.

(The written communication quickly was fol­
lowed by SIU Vice President Government Services
Kermett Mangram meeting with SIU crews aboard
the LNG vessels to answer any other questions.)

Seafarers LOG 3



i----------------------------------------------------------------~~~~~-~ -- ~~ -

SIU President Michael Sacco poses with crew members aboard the
Sea-Land Patriot. Kneeling is AB Robert Pesulima. Standing from the
left are BREC Bobby Garcia, Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox,
Sacco, AB Alfonso Garcia, QMED Jesse Manard, Wilmington Safety
Director Frank Gill Jr., AB Maximo Lugtu and GUDE Jose Gamboa.

Working on dinner for the Sea­
Land Patriot crew is Chief Cook
James Boss.

Crews
Welcome

SIU President Michael
Sacco has maintained a busy
schedule, meeting as many
SIU members as possible dur­
ing his recent travels.

From Port Everglades, Fla.
to Long Beach, Calif., he has
climbed gangways to inform
Seafarers about what is hap­
pening in the union and to
answer questions they may
have concerning benefits,
contract and the proposed
merger to bring the NMU into
the SIU.

SIU President Michael Sacco (left} welcomes AB Rudy Hernandez to a
union meeting aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. Also participating in the
meeting in which members asked questions about the proposed NMU
merger into the SIU are (from the left) BREC Bobby Garcia, QMED
Jesse Manard, SA Orlando Pizzaro, AB Robert Pesulima and SREC
Daniel Payne.

Sacco to
Their Ships On this page are some of

the many Seafarers who have
welcomed him aboard their
vessels.

The Sea-Land Long Beach (Calif.) crane maintenance unit greets SIU President
Michael Sacco. From the left are Seafarers Allen Pasik Jr .. Wilmington Port Agent
John Cox, Sacco, Van X. Phan, Daran Ragucci, Kimo Togiai, Jim Dryden and
Wilmington Safety Director Frank Gill Jr.

Right: Aboard the
El Yunque are

Jacksonville (Fla.)
Port Agent Tony c

McQuay, Wiper
Pedro Gago,

BREC Michael
Eaton, SIU

President Michael
Sacco, OMU

Ramon Collazo
and AB Blair

Baker.

QMED Ron Haines (standing) meets
SIU President Michael Sacco aboard the
Sea-Land Patriot.

Offering lunch to Wilmington Port Agent
John Cox (left) is Third Cook Neil Ball of
the Lihue.

4 Seafarers LOG

SIU President Michael Sacco (right) answers a question about
the SIU-NMU merger with Crowley boatmen (from left) AB
Dave Verschoor, AB Dragi K. Odak and Eng. Bob Bouton.

The galley gang of Matson's Lihue greets the SIU president.
From the left are BR Nunu Randle, President Michael Sacco,
Chief Steward Skip Polzine and Chief Cook Willie Madison.

SIU President Michael Sacco (left) updates crew members aboard the
El Yunque on the latest happenings in the union.

Left: Welcoming
SIU President
Michael Sacco
(second from left)
to the Sea-Land
Patriot are (from
left) AB Matt Bevac,
Wilmington (Calif.)
Port Agent John
Cox and QMED
Jesse Manard.

West Coast Unions Reach
6-Year Agreement with ASM

The SIU's Pacific District unions have reached an agreement with
American Ship Management (ASM) for a new six-year contract.

The pact is retroactive to July 1 and includes a pay raise in each
of the six years covered by the contract.

The SIU Pacific District is composed of SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters District members in the galley, the Sailors' Union
of the Pacific for the unlicensed deck department and the Marine
Firemen's Union providing unlicensed crews in the engine room.

ASM was created after American President Lines was purchased
by Singapore-based NOL in 1997. ASM operates the former APL
U.S.-flag fleet.

Negotiations took place throughout the fall before the agreement
was reached in late October. The ratification process involving mem­
bers from the three unions covered by the new pact still was taking
place as the Seafarers LOG went to press.

December 1999



Runaway-Flag Crew's Plight Captures Newspaper's Attention
Thanks to a series of articles

published by Ohio's largest daily
newspaper, Great Lakes residents
discovered runaway-flag shipping
with its inherent problems of little
to no pay, poor working condi­
tions and lack of food could be
found in their ports.

Michael O'Malley, a reporter
for the Plain Dealer, alerted read­
ers to the plight of the Filipino
crew aboard a Greek-owned,
Panamanian-flagged cargo ship
delivering foreign-produced steel
to Cleveland, known for its steel
mills.

O'Malley worked with SIU
member Don Thornton, a Great
Lakes inspector for the Inter­
national Transport Workers'
Federation (ITF), and Jim Given,
an SIU of Canada representative
who performs the ITF task in his
country, as they attempted to gain
back pay, food, clean linens and
other items for 12 crew members
aboard the Evangelos this fall.

(The ITF is a London-based
global organization of transport
unions. The SIU is a member.)

The crew sought help from the
ITF when the ship arrived in
Cleveland in October. The ITF
inspectors took O'Malley with
them to document their discussion
with the ship's Greek captain. The
reporter heard crew members state
they had no bread or juice, just
water, yet "the captain eats grapes
and ice cream." Longshoremen,
who originally notified the news­
paper of the conditions on the
ship, threatened to stop offloading
and keep the vessel tied up until
provisions arrived.

Thornton and Given verified
food and clean linens were
brought aboard, but had to accept
assurances from the ship's owners
and the manning company that the
crew's money-more than
$100,000 in back pay-had been
sent to their families. They also
were faxed paperwork claiming to
show the mariners' pay had been
sent to their families in the
Philippines, which later proved to
be false.

The ship set sail for Thunder
Bay, Ontario to load grain for

Morocco.
When the inspectors uncovered

that the promised pay still had not
been delivered to either the crew
or their families, they met the
loaded ship in the Welland Canal.

The captain refused to allow
the newspaper reporter aboard,
then forced a crew member to tell
him everything was fine as the
vessel passed through a lock. The
Plain Dealer published a front­
page full-color photo of the
anguished mariner with the cap­
tain right behind him in its
Sunday, October 24 edition.

Thornton and Given spoke
with the crew member and several
others when they boarded. They
were told the captain ordered the
mariners to say those things as
well as sign papers stating they
had been paid if they wanted to
continue sailing. The crew added
they still were not being fed prop­
erly. Nine crew members signed
powers of attorney requesting the
ship be arrested for breech of its
ITF contract when the Evangelos
arrived in Montreal.

Unfortunately, by the time the
vessel reached the Canadian port,
the crew members rescinded their
call for the ship's arrest. Without
it, Canadian officials were help­
less. Thornton and Given specu­
lated that the crew and/or their
families had been intimidated
with a possible threat of blacklist­
ing being used.

The ship left for Morocco with
a spokesperson for the ITF in
London vowing to monitor the
ship's actions.

Not only did the newspaper
publicize the Evangelos situation
with photographs and articles, it
also featured the plight of other
runaway-flag crews in the front­
page story of October 24 under
the headline "Ships of Shame."

O'Malley told the Seafarers
LOG the articles generated many
telephone calls from readers
unaware these conditions existed
on vessels sailing the Great Lakes.
The stories dealt with situations
around the world to show the
Evangelos was not an isolated
incident.

Photo credit: Roadell Hickman/Plain Dealer

SIU member and ITF inspector Don Thornton (left) learns more about
the problems aboard the Evangelos from crew members shortly after
the vessel docked in Cleveland.

Bad News Keeps Oozing
From Runaway-Flag Ship

Passengers on Carnival Cruise's ill-fated Tropicale recently learned
the hard way that jiggling the handle sometimes isn't enough.

The runaway-flag vessel's first voyage since a shipboard fue left
passengers stranded at sea for four days ended early, because of a
clogged sewage system. As a result of the inoperable commodes, the
more than 1,000 passengers were flown from Mexico to Tampa.

The Liberian-flag Tropicale had undergone three weeks of repairs
and safety inspections before sailing in late October, approximately
one month after a shipboard fire had left passengers adrift in the Gulf
of Mexico. U.S. Coast Guard inspectors reportedly discovered prob­
lems with the ship's plumbing and directed the company to fix them.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the September ship­
board fue as well as the crew's reaction to it.

December 1999

The Filipino-crewed, Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned Evangelos offloads foreign-made steel in
Cleveland. Crew members told ITF inspectors they had received no pay for several months, had no food
aboard when they came to Ohio and suffered with poor working conditions.

AFL-CIO President: WTO Talks
Must Address Workers' Rights

As representatives of the 134
member countries of the World
Trade Organization (WTO) read­
ied for meetings in Seattle from
November 30 through December
3, AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney said America's working
families are mobilizing to ensure
their voices are heard.

In a speech November 19 at
the National Press Club in
Washington, D.C., Sweeney
described plans for a massive
pro-worker rally November 30 in
Seattle, involving "tens of thou­
sands of working men and
women and their families from
across America and countries
across the world. We will be
joined by 200 international union
leaders representing over 135
million workers from more than
100 countries.

"We will call upon the dele­
gates to the World Trade Or­
ganization to address workers'
rights and human rights as well as
environmental and consumer pro­
tections in the rules that govern
the global economy-demands
that are supported by workers
from Argentina to South Korea,
from South Africa to the Czech
Republic, tens of millions of
workers from developing as well
as developed countries."

The WTO meeting will launch
global negotiations to further
open markets in goods, services
and agricultural trade as well as
review some current trade rules.

The head of America's federa­
tion of trade unions, to which the
SIU is affiliated, stated the WTO
"must incorporate rules to
enforce workers' rights and envi­
ronmental and consumer protec­
tions, and compliance should be
required of any new member.
Every worker deserves protection
of basic human rights-prohibi­
tions against child labor, slave
labor and discrimination, and the
freedom to join together with oth­
ers in a union."

He noted that as the WTO con­
siders admitting China-notori­
ous for child labor and other
worker abuse-"editorials pose a
choice between free trade and
protectionism, between engaging
China and isolating it, between
embracing the global market and
turning our backs on it. Op­
ponents are being dismissed as
part of the past, and as obstacles
to the prosperous future of the
new economy.

"This is nonsense. The debate
isn't about free trade or protec­
tion, engagement or isolation. We
all know we 're part of a global

AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney tells a National Press
Club audience that the WTO must
incorporate rules to enforce work­
ers' rights and environmental and
consumer protections.

economy. And we're so engaged
that we're already running a $60
billion trade deficit with China.

"The real debate is not over
whether to be part of the global
economy, but over what are the
rules for that economy and who
makes them-not whether to
engage China, but what are the
terms of that engagement, and
whose values are to be represent­
ed."

ITF Goes to Bat
For Scared Crew

air ambulance to Stoke Mandeville hospital in
England where still was undergoing treatment as
this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press.

Meanwhile, the vessel proceeded from the
Azores to its intended discharge port, Antwerp.

"The crew are increasingly concerned for their
own safety," noted the ITF in a news release.
"Having suffered the trauma of the explosion and
witnessing the loss of and serious injury to three
colleagues, they are stranded on board a vessel con­
taining an unstable cargo, which . . . continues to
emit explosive quantities of hydrogen gas. In addi­
tion, conditions on board are becoming increasingly
difficult. There is no hot water and no laundry facil­
ities for the crew."

The International Transport Workers' Federation
(ITF) has stepped in to assist crew members aboard
the foreign-flag bulk carrier Karteria some two
months after a horrific explosion on the vessel left
two dead and another mariner paralyzed with severe
bums.

The ITF (to which the SIU is affiliated) recently
reported that the Maltese-flagged ship was carrying
cargo-possibly iron oxide fines- across the
Atlantic Ocean in late August when explosions
occurred inside two of the holds. One Filipino crew
member instantly died, while another passed away a
few hours later due to burns. A third crew member,
Jing Caringal, survived but sustained a broken back
and major bums.

According to the ITF, the Karteria diverted to the
Azores and underwent temporary repairs. ITF repre­
sentatives discovered Caringal awaiting repatriation
to the Philippines in a hospital in the Azores where
he could not be diagnosed or treated due to the
severity of his injuries and the lack of facilities at
the hospital.

After the ITF intervention, Caringal was taken by

David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, said it is
"unacceptable to leave (the crew) on board in these
conditions for this length of time. It seems to us that,
yet again, the safety of the crew is secondary to the
financial concerns of the owners and its P & I club."

Cockroft pointed out another concern. Both the
shipowner-Karteria Shipping Limited-and the
vessel recently were issued ISM documents of com­
pliance and safety management certificates, yet
"were apparently unprepared for this emergency."

As part of the federation's ongoing campaign
against substandard shipping, the ITF is represent­
ing Caringal in seeking compensation for his
injuries.

Seafarers LOG 5



Post-Hurricane Cleanup on Humacao

Among the SIU-crewed vessels
impacted by Hurricane Floyd earlier
this year was the Humacao, operat­
ed by Navieras NPR. As reported in
last month's issue of the Seafarers
LOG, the ship survived Floyd's full
force on September 15 and 16,
approximately 150 miles from
Jacksonville, Fla. Despite the 60-

foot seas, 100-mph winds, 45-degree rolls and a
shipboard fire, there somehow were no serious
injuries. The vessel sustained significant dam­
age, however, leading to cleanup efforts (pictured
here) when it finally arrived in San Juan, P.R.
Pictured above (from left) are AB Terry McKee,
Recertified Bosun David Murray, SIU Port Agent
Victor Nunez and Engine Utility Anthony Rosa. In
photo at right are AB Julio Matos and AB Roberto
Feliciano. At left, a damaged container is
removed from deck. "We're pretty lucky we sur­
vived," Murray said.

SIL Independence Sives Independence
To Boaters Out of Sas in the Bahamas

New Carissa Beached for Winter
For residents of Coos Bay, Ore., the runaway-flag freighter New

Carissa simply won't go away.
At least not all of it.

Running out of gas, while unpleasant, usually is
just inconvenient.

miles off the starboard bow. One passenger was
waving a white cloth.

According to press reports, the beached stem section of the ves­
sel-which ran aground in February-will remain on the sand until
spring. Rough seas postponed the most recent attempts to remove
the rusting, 120-foot section.

In a car, anyway.
For eight people in a small pleasure boat in the

Bahamas, it might have proven fatal.
But the SIU-crewed Sea-Land Independence

aided the stranded group, which had been adrift for
two days without food or water after their 18-foot
boat exhausted its fuel.

The Sea-Land Independence maneuvered along­
side the boat and secured lines. At the same time,
the ship contacted a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in the
area.

The letter notes that although the pleasure boaters
were famished, they did not require medical attention.
Since the Coast Guard vessel would arrive shortly, the
Sea-Land ship lowered plenty of food and water to the
grateful survivors, but didn't bring them aboard.

In late October, salvage crews abandoned a three-week operation
to tow the wreckage out to sea, according to the Associated Press.

According to a letter from the Sea-Land
Independence recently received by the Seafarers
LOG, the rescue took place in May. With the vessel
sailing off the south coast of Grand Bahama island,
AB John Habib and Third Officer John Marcin
sighted the small white boat approximately two

Soon, the cutter Manitou relieved the
Independence, and the SIU-crewed ship proceeded
toward Panama. A half-hour later, the Coast Guard
confirmed that all survivors safely came aboard.

The Panamanian-flag, Japanese-owned New Carissa went
aground February 4, spilling 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel.
Extraordinary measures were taken to ignite the remaining oil (and
thereby prevent it from spilling), and the 639-foot vessel resultant­
ly split.

Shortly thereafter, the bow section broke loose from its tow and
drifted ashore 80 miles north. It later was towed again and sunk by
a U.S. Navy torpedo.

6

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

The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD assists employ­
ees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and
work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes
and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the
union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective
bargaining activities and employee representation services. In
addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources
on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, polit­
ical activities, international affairs and community services. All of
these services advance the interests of the union and its mem­
bership.

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

1. Benefits of union membership - While non-members
do receive material benefits from a union presence in their work­
place, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in
the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to
a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD is the
right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for
union office and the right to run for union office. Members also
have the right to participate in the development of contract pro­
posals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes.
Members also may play a role in the development and formulation
of union policies.

2. Cost of union membership - In addition to working
dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is
$300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75.00 (seventy-five
dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the
gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are
paid when the member files a vacation application.

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

Seafarers LOG

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

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

4. Amount of agency fee - As noted above, dues objectors
may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to
those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining
process. After review of all expenses during the 1998 calendar
year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to
65.43 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency
fee based upon the dues would be $196.29 (one hundred ninety­
six dollars and twenty-nine cents) for the applicable year. An
appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues.

This amount applies to the 2000 calendar year. This means
that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and
submits a letter between December 1, 1999 and November 30,
2000 will have this calculation applied to their 2000 dues pay­
ments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, how­
ever, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective
January 2001, your objection must be received by December 1,
2000.

A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable
expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a
copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers
International Union, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
Maryland 207 46. This report is based upon an audited financial
report of the union's expenses during 1998.

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

agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect
this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the
procedure noted below.

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

The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor
Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer's Office, Seafarers
International Union, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
Maryland 207 46.

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer

December 1999



On-Site Course Helps Seafarers Meet STCW Chapter VI Regs
The Paul Hall Center has often

taken its safety courses "on the
road." Instructors from the school
have taught water survival and
fire fighting classes to Seafarers
in different ports across the coun­
try, including aboard the Delta
Queen Steamboat Company ves­
sels in New Orleans, and
American Hawaii Cruises' SS
Independence in Honolulu.

A recent training opportunity
in Maui was a first, however, in
that the entire curriculum needed
for meeting the requirements of
STCW Chapter VI (Basic Safety
Training) was taught at one time.
Paul Hall Center instructors Rick
Redmond and Ben Cusic con­
ducted the course components,
consisting of personal survival
techniques, fire fighting and fire
prevention, elementary first aid
and personal safety/social
responsibility.

The SS Independence sails into
the port of Honolulu for one day
each week, but it spends two days
in Maui, which allowed 20
upgrading Seafarers plenty of
time to receive practical instruc­
tion in water safety and survival
techniques in that ship's luxury
pool. Classroom instruction was
held at Maui Community College,
part of the University of Hawaii.

Having successfully completed the STCW basic safety course, students pose for a group shot at Maui
Community College. Rick Redmond (far left) and Ben Cusic (far right, kneeling), instructors at the Paul Hall
Center in Piney Point, Md., conducted the on-site training.

One of the course participants
leaves the emergency locker en
route to the "fire."

Redmond, who taught the fire
fighting segment, obtained the
necessary permits for setting a
fire that produced smoke, so stu­
dents had the added benefit of
dealing with a true fire and not
merely a simulation.

Certificates of course comple­
tion were earned by Amy
Mazurek, Shannon Rabago,
Ricardo Sebastian, Stephen
Warren II, Ronald Whitfield,
Alejo Fabia Jr., Soriano
Grande, Angelito Pertubal,

AOTOS Awards to duMoulin, TRANSCOM

Richard duMoulin, chairman and CEO
of Marine Transport Lines (MTL), and
U.S. Air Force General Charles T.
Robertson, Jr., commander of the U.S.
Transportation Command, received the
annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea
(AOTOS) award on November 5 in New
York. The prestigious award is spon­
sored by the United Seamen's Service.
MTL is the parent company of SIU-con­
tracted Intrepid Ship Management,
while TRANSCOM is the largest single
user of U.S.-flag vessels (with many
SIU-crewed ships among them). Above
(from left): SIU President Michael
Sacco, U.S. Maritime Administrator
Clyde Hart and (far right) U.S. Rep.
Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) congratulate
duMoulin. At right (from left): Gen.
Robertson celebrates with Sacco and
Sea-Land Service President and CEO
John Clancey.

Maersk-Sealand
Taps Los Angeles
For New Terminal

Maers~-SeaLand will be the sole user of a mas­
sive new container terminal being built at the Port
of Los Angeles, the company announced on
October 28.

The Pier 400 terminal will occupy 484 acres

December 1999

upon expected completion in 2003, although some
of its sections will open as early as late 2001. The
cost of the Pier 400 project is $794 million, which
includes $466 for the container terminal facilities
and infrastructure and $328 million for two stages
of a major dredging and landfill program.

The facility reportedly will include at least 16
shore-side cranes and will work as many as six ves­
sels at once.

City officials said that the 25-year lease between
the port and the company will bolster the local
economy, bringing thousands of good jobs and bil­
lions of dollars in new investment.

Emo Aulelava, Adele Williams,
Laverne Berasis, Maile
McWilliams, Joseph Brooks,
Cynthia Robello, Leonicio
Casamina Jr., Jerwin Ablao,
Allan Acasio, Joachim Buetzer,
Byron Hall and Ronald Wade.

All Seafarers who sailed prior
to August 1, 1998 must have docu­
mented evidence of Chapter VI
compliance by February 1, 2002.
Those who began sailing after
August 1, 1998 should already
have fulfilled the requirements.

Members of the emergency squad on board the SS Independence don
the proper equipment for a fire drill conducted while the vessel was at
anchor in Kana, Hawaii.

Gopher State Receives Bravo Zulu
SIU members as well as offi­

cers and military personnel
aboard the Gopher State recently
were congratulated by U.S. Navy
Admiral Harry M. Highfill for
their accomplishments during
Operation Crocodile 99 in Glad­
stone, Australia.

During the exercise, Seafarers
worked with more than 5,000
active duty and reserve U.S. ser­
vice members as well as Navy,
Marine and Coast Guard person­
nel. Altogether, they moved more
than 600 pieces of critical cargo
ashore and safely conducted com­
plex operations at sea and ashore.

"Each and every one of you
should be proud of your accom­
plishments during this exercise,"

the admiral stated. "You complet­
ed an operation that no other
country in the world could have
accomplished, and you did it
safely and with style."

He continued, "As a team, you
showed our allies our impressive
capabilities as a nation and our
great nature as individuals.
Again, congratulations to all for a
job extremely well done."

The Gopher State is a preposi­
tioning ship owned by MarAd
and operated by Interocean
Ugland Management Corp. It has
been stationed in Guam for the
past several years, always at the
ready to sail in support and
defense of the United States and
her military forces.

Seafarers LOG 7



8

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT
FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN

This is a summary of the annual report of the MCS Supplementary
Pension Plan, El N 51-6097856 for the year ended January 1, 1998 through
December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal
Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were

$877,410. These expenses included $198,880 in administrative expenses
and $678,530 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of
1,553 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of
the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to
receive benefits.

The value of plan assets after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was
$11,512,065 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $11,589,292 as of
January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its
net assets of $(77,227). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation in the
value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the current value of
the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the
beginning of the year or the cost of any assets acquired during the year. The
plan had a total income of $800, 183 including realized gains of $239, 712 from
the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $560,471.

Minimum Funding Standards
An actuary's statements show that enough money was contributed to the

plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of
ERISA.

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

thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. an accountant's report;
2. assets held for investment;
3. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan;
4. service provider and trustee information; and
5. reportable transactions.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call
the office of Mr. Lou Delma who is the plan administrator, 5201 Auth Way,
Camp Springs, MD 207 46, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying
costs will be $2.20 for the full annual report, or $.10 per page for any part
thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the
main office of the plan (Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201
Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in
Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon
payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to:
Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration,
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

SlllJMARY AllNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS l'EllSION TRUST
This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust,

EIN 13-6100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1998 through
December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal
Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses

were $34,447,742. These expenses included $5,165,016 in administrative
expenses and $29,282,726 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
A total of 24, 192 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the
end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right
to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was
$578,646,134 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $562,498,325 as of
January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its
net assets of $16, 147,809. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and
depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the
value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at
the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The
plan had a total income of $50,595,551 including employer contributions of
$6,004,371, realized gains of $31,288,778 from the sale of assets, and earn­
ings from investments of $13,301,966.

Minimum Funding Standards
An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the

plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of
ERISA.

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

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

1. an accountant's report;
2. assets held for investment;
3. service provider and trustee information;
4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and
5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call
Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.40
for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at
the main office of the plan and at the U.S. Department of Labor in
Washington, O.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor
upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be
addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue,
N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

Seafarers LOG

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT
FOR SEAFARERS VACARON PUii

This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Plan, EIN 13-5602047, Plan No. 503, for the peri­
od January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service,
as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $28,541,567 as of December 31, 1998, com­

pared to $26, 146,074 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets
of $2,395,493. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the
difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of
the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $39, 776,560
including employer contributions of $38, 157,696, realized gains of $162,334 from the sale of assets, and earnings from
investments of $1,456,530.

Plan expenses were $37,381,067. These expenses included $4,026,033 in administrative expenses and
$33,355,034 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights To AddHional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below

are included in that report:
1. an accountant's report;
2. assets held for investment;
3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and
4. service provider and trustee information.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation
Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for
the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets
and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompa­
nying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements
and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of
Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in
Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to
the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT
FOR GREAT LAKES TUG & DREDGE PENSION

PUii
This is a summary of the annual report for the Great

Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan
No. 003, for the period January 1, 1998 through
December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with
the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
(ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust

fund. Plan expenses were $1,397,982. These expenses
included $201,945 in administrative expenses and
$1, 196,037 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
A total of 592 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of
the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these
persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of
the plan, was $25,004,-173 as of December 31, 1998,
compared to $24,527,804 as of January 1, 1998. During
the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net
assets of $476,669. This increase includes unrealized
appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets;
that is, the difference between the value of the plan's
assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets
at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired
during the year. The plan had a total income of $1,874,651
including employer contributions of $232,063, realized
gains of $550,523 from the sale of assets, and earnings
from investments of $1,092,065.

Minimum Funding Standards
An actuary's statement shows that enough money was

contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance
with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.

Your Rights To AddHional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual

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

1. an accountant's report;
2. assets held for investment;
3. service provider and trustee information:
4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and
5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part
thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug
& Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying
costs will be $1 .80 for the full annual report, or 10 cents
per page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine
the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of
Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the
U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to
obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon
payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department
should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-
5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20210.

2000 - A Year of Personal Commitment
So much has and continues to

be written about the coming
year-2000. On the one hand,
it's just a new year; on the other
hand, it's the beginning of a new
decade . . . a new century . . . a
new millennium.

Seafarers, their spouses and
dependent children can truly
make 2000 a memorable begin­
ning by applying for one of seven
scholarships being awarded by
the Seafarers Welfare Plan in
May of next year.

Three of the scholarships are
reserved for SIV members. One is
in the amount of $15,000 for
study at a four-year college or uni­
versity. The other two are for
$6,000 each and are intended as
two-year awards for study at a
post-secondary vocational school
or community college.

Four scholarships are awarded
in the amount of $15,000 to the
spouses and dependent children of
Seafarers.

The first step is to send away
for the 2000 SIV Scholarship
Program booklet (see form at
right). Once the scholarship book­
let has been received, applicants

should check the eligibility infor­
mation to make sure that certain
conditions are met.

Since the completed applica­
tion form (and other required
paperwork) is due no later than
April 15, 2000, applicants should
start collecting the necessary docu­
ments as soon as possible. These
include transcripts and certificates
of graduation, letters of recom-

me-ndation, a photograph and cer­
tified copy of birth certificate.
Also, arrangements should be
made to take the SAT or ACT
tests by February.

Filling out the coupon below is
the first step toward pursuing your
hopes, dreams and goals for a
higher level of education. Make
the year 2000 special-in more
ways than one.

r--------------------------------------------------,

Please send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet
which contains eligibility information, procedures for apply­
ing and a copy of the application form.

Name

Mariner's Social Security Number

Street Address
------------------~

City, State, Zip Code

Telephone Number

This application is for: D Self D Dependent

Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program,
Seafarers Welfare Plan,

5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 12199

L--------------------------------------------------~

December 1999



He Sb.oats, He Scores!
Retired Bosun Revives Hockey Passion

Retired Bosun Peter Loik has spent
much of his life on water, in one form or
another.

He enjoyed a prosperous, 44-year
career with the SIU before retiring in
1991. Sandwiched around his sea time is a
hockey calling that began when Loik was
a toddler and now sees him competing in
"over-70" tournaments throughout North
America.

That's a long time between shifts, eh?
"When I started walking, I started skat­

ing," recalls the Saskatchewan, Canada
native, who now resides in Baltimore.

Left: Retired Bosun Peter Loik helped lead
his over-70 team to first place in a recent
ice hockey tournament in Vancouver.

Philly Teamsters Win Strike,
Thank Seal arers for Support

Members of Teamsters Local 463 in
Philadelphia recently won their strike
against Wawa Dairies, thanks in part to
widespread backing from fellow trade
unionists.

SIU members repeatedly joined Team­
sters on the picket line, demonstrating their
support. Other union members from as far
as New York and Virginia also showed
their encouragement.

There are approximately 3,200 mem­
bers of Local 463, some 280 of whom were
on strike against Wawa. After the 11-day
action, members in October ratified a new
contract that included wage and benefit
increases while eliminating all of the give­
backs proposed by the company.

In a letter addressed to the SIU execu­
tive board and the entire SIU membership,
Local 463 Secretary-Trea'surer Robert
Ryder stated, "Your support during our
strike made the difference for our members
and their families. When Wawa was con­
fronted by the show of solidarity from
unions across the tri-state area, they came
back to the table and negotiated a fair

agreement for our members. This would
not have been possible without your help.

"I want you and your members to know
that you can always count on the support of
this Local."

Picketing in behalf of striking Teamsters in
Philadelphia are (from left) OS Lafe Fraley,
SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski, AB
John Gallagher and AB Michael Maronski.
This demonstration took place in early
October.

Seafarers show their support for Teamsters Local 463 as a television cameraman covers
the demonstration outside a Wawa facility in Philadelphia.

ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS
Check Your Z-Card; Your Job May Be at Stake
Merchant Marainer 's Document Must Be Renewed

According to a law that took effect in
1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all
merchant mariners to renew their merchant
mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to
continue sailing. All mariners MUST pos­
sess a renewed z-card in order to sail
aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of
1999. That means as of January 1, 2000, all
active z-cards must have been issued no
earlier than January 1, 1995.

You may renew your z-card beginning
one year before its expiration date. No
merchant mariner is allowed to ship with
an expired document. (Mariners may
renew their z-cards up to one year after the
expiration date. However, mariners lose

December 1999

their endorsements if they renew beyond
that one-year extension.)

The expiration date is five years to the
day after the card was issued. Z-cards list
the expiration date in two different loca­
tions: (1) near the mariner's photo on the
front and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint
on the back. For those z-cards without an
expiration date, the date of issuance is
located on the back of the document beside
the fingerprint. However, any z-cards that
do not have an expiration date printed on
them will be void as of January 1, 2000.

If you have any questions concerning
the status of your z-card, contact your port
agent or patrolman.

"But I went to sea when I was 19, and
didn't play hockey again for 50 years. I
just got back into it a couple years ago."

Gerard Quinn, winning a Seafarers
Welfare Plan scholarship two years ago.
(Quinn attends college in New York.)

Playing in nearby Laurel, Md., Loik
revived his hockey skills and then put
them to good use in a recent tournament
in Vancouver. His team (the Crawlers)
placed first out of 10 squads in the divi­
sion for players ages 70 and older.

"The union has done a lot for the mem­
bers," states Loik, who frequently upgrad­
ed at the school. "I enjoyed sailing for the
SIU, and my family was well taken care
of."

Loik, 73, played center, scoring a goal
with two assists in the championship
game. But he seems more proud of losing
a tooth earlier in the tournament.

"That made me feel like I'd been chris­
tened," he recalls.

From the rink to the sea and back, Loik
says he's always felt at home.

Even in retirement, Loik maintains an
active interest in the union. He usually
drops in at the Baltimore hall each week,
and occasionally attends membership
meetings there and in Piney Point. He also
attended the ceremonial opening of the
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety
School last summer.

He played for successful junior league
and semi-pro hockey teams as a teenager
before trading his sweater and skates for
coveralls and work boots.

"I guess I was a little wild in those
days, and didn't really know what I want­
ed to do," Loik says. "I was looking for
work, and I'm just glad I found the mer­
chant marine. With the SIU, I had a rep­
utable job with good money coming in. It
was hard work, but if you did your job,
there were no problems. It was a good fit.

"You just can't get that 'ship talk' with
neighbors," Loik chuckles. "With guys
who are Seafarers, you can always com­
municate, catch up on the latest news and
people's whereabouts."

"Plus in those days, ships would stay
in port for days or a week. You really got
to see the world."

Likewise, he plans to keep honing his
reborn puck prowess-although the tour­
naments largely are luck-of-the-draw.
There are very few over-70 squads in
North America, Loik explains, so individ­
ual players from throughout the continent
are matched up on-site to form temporary
teams.

Loik's fortune worked well in the
Vancouver tournament in September. His
team included Toronto Maple Leafs 1946
rookie of the year Howie Meeker (perhaps
more commonly known among younger
hockey fans as the longtime voice of
Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts).

Asked about his fondest seafaring
memories, the recertified bosun describes
a 1985 voyage aboard the Long Lines.
"We laid the first fiber-optic cable in the
world, in the Canary Islands. That was
special."

He also mentions helping with con­
struction of the Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md.,
which opened in 1967; and his grandson,

"After 50 years of not being on skates,
it was a big change from climbing ladders
and walking decks," Loik says. "But it's
been great, and now I'm looking forward
to more tournaments."

Steward Kamer Cooks Up
Better Life witb. tb.e Union

When Mohamed
Kamer immigrated to the
United States 14 years ago,
about the only thing he
brought with him from his
native Egypt was his abili­
ty to cook.

Today, the 39-year-old
Seafarer is upgrading at
the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and
Education to become a
chief steward.

In between has been a
tremendous ride from the
lowest ranks of the restau­
rant world to where he is
today.

"I started at the bot­
tom," he told a reporter for

the Seafarers LOG recent­
ly. "I was a line cook."

Since then, he has
worked his way up as well
as graduated from New
York Chefs School in
Manhattan. Not only has
he learned the skills and
techniques needed to sur­
vive in his field, he also
has owned several restau­
rants in New York.

In fact, he discovered
the SIU through the clien­
tele of his last business, a
seafood restaurant in
Brooklyn's Bay Ridge.

"My customers were
Seafarers. They told me all
about what they did and

talked me into it."
Kamer sold his

business and start­
ed sailing as a sec­
ond baker and
chief baker in 1997
aboard the SS
Independence.
While he enjoyed
the work, he did
notice quite a dif­
ference between
operating a restau­
rant for himself
and cooking aboard
ship for others.

"I have to fol­
low the directions I
am given," the gal­

Mohamed Kamer works in the Paul ley gang member
Hall Center's culinary institute to stated. "The menu
upgrade his ga lley skills. is already prepared

and we have to follow
what we have been given.
There is very little oppor­
tunity to be creative,
unless there is a special
birthday or other event."
Despite the change in both
working and living situa­
tions, Kamer admits, "I
love to sail."

Even when he is not
aboard ship, the Brooklyn­
based member can be
found in the kitchen.
During the last four sum­
mers, he has taken a month
off from sailing to work
with the same family in
the mountains of upstate
New York when they gath­
er for their annual vaca­
tion.

Kamer was selected by
the family because of his
high grades at the
Manhattan school. He pre­
pares the menus, does the
shopping and cooks for as
many as 30 people. He
said he really enjoys doing
this because it allows him
to work on new dishes,
especially seafood.
Another benefit is he can
take his daughter with him
so they can spend time
together.

An American citizen for
10 years, Kamer plans to
continue his career with
the SIU. "This has been
very good for me."

Seafarers LOG 9



A
To all Seafarers and families

Holiday greetings and best
wishes to you and yours. God
bless.

Felix P Amara Sr.
To Becky Sleeper

Happiest of holidays and
peace and prosperity in the
coming year for you, your
family and your staff. Our
"Orgulf Angel" is still tops!!

Nancy Avery and your
Orgulf members

To Orgulf cooks
Happy holidays! May all

our crews be merry and the
rivers all run smooth. And ban
appetit!

Nancy Ave1y
To "Uncle Mel"

Merry Christmas! At this
time of new beginnings, I wish
you all smooth seas and peace.

Nancy Avery
To Bosun Jeremiah Harrington
and all SIU members

Merry Christmas and a
very happy, prosperous New
Year. Smooth sailing.

Pete M Amper

JB3
To Carmine Barbati

Your family loves you
always. We miss you tremen­
dously. Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year! Lots of hugs
and kisses 2 U. Happy birthday
ol' man of mine!

RoseMary, Jim and Rachel
Barbati

To Tricia Gerlach and the Bull fam­
ily

Have a happy holiday sea­
son and Happy New Year in
2000. Merry Christmas.

Jeffery Bull

c
To William G. Rackley, Vilma and
Tommy Lee

Hope you all have a Merry
Christmas and a happy, healthy
New Year. Remember all the
Christmases we shared as a
family. Love you all. Your lov­
ing family,

Mom (Charlotte E.
Canion), Beverly, Tommy,
Marylee, Bruce and Rob

To Jose F. Castillo
Wishing you a very Merry

Christmas and Happy New
Year. We wish you were home
with us. We love you very
much.

Your family (Maricela,
Maria, Jose, Glenn and

Mama Castillo)
To Augusto B. Cerame

Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year. I love and
miss you so much. Also,
thanks for everything. Your
loving wife,

Sandra Cerame
To Augusto B. Cerame

Dad, Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. We love and
miss you so much. Your loving
kids,

Anthony, Junior and
Audrey Cerame

To Roderick Coleman
Christmas is a special time

of the year. And we wish you
were here. We love you.
There's no Christmas without
you. (Happy birthday.)

Van, Nita and Rodd
Coleman

To Vanessa, Lovenita and
Rodderick Coleman

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. I love you
all and miss you very much.
Xmas is just not Xmas without
the ones you love.

Roderick Coleman

JO)
To Judy Chester, Ruti DeMont,
Lanette· Lopez and Susan Taylor-Moe

Wishing all my sisters the
best during this holiday season
and always. Congratulations

10 Seafarers LOG

T b.e h.oliJ&y greetings ap;peari11g on th.is pa.ge were written bi ' Se11.f11,re1•s, pensioners, friends 11.nJ la.m.­
ily members. Ti1ey a.re lislertl in 11.lphabetical order by the name of tlu~ inJiviJua sending tl1e ines­

sage. T lie Seafarers LOG joins vitb those appearing below in extending se11.son's greeetings to all.

girls, finally we are getting
more female recertified stew­
ards. Sometimes it takes a
woman to add the right touch
to make it all come together.
Good luck and happy sailing,

Donna DeCesare
To Lanette Lopez and Paul

Sending you this holiday
greeting with much happiness
for you. Congratulations on
your engagement and may
your first Christmas together
be one to always remember.
Mele Kalikimaka.

Donna DeCesare & Johnny
To my old shipmates

Wishing you all a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year.

Jimmie Dies

JF
To all current and retired SIU
members

I wish you the best this hol­
iday season. Have a prosper­
ous and healthy New Year.
Stand up for your union, and
use Piney Point to upgrade.

Capt. Louis F. Flade
To Jesse

Merry Christmas to you
and your family.

Les and Mike Freeburn
To the SIU membership

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. Wishing
you safe voyages in 2000 and
forever.

Les and Mike Freeburn
To beloved brothers and sisters of
the SIU, SUP, MC&S and MFOW

Peace and greetings this
holiday season. May you sail
with bountiful joy and always
find safe harbors. Much love
always,

Richard J Fuller

G
To all members

"Remember When ... "
Ernest Gibbons

To Seafarers & their families
Bless you and all your fam­

ilies always.
Domingo Gordian

To Monica Guffey
To the love of my life, that

I couldn't live without, sorry I
can't be home. You're always
with me! Happy holidays,
babe. Love ya'

T.J Guffey

To all SIU members
I would like to wish all the

members a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year. Happy
holidays to all!

T.J Guffey

JHl
To Lee Hardman

Merry Christmas, daddy. I
love you!

Kailan Hardman

To my brothers and sisters at sea
and on the beach

We pray that God will bless
you with goodness and happi­
ness, great memories and the
gifts of His perfect love.

Hazel Jr. (Hayes) and
Doretha Johnson

To Seafarers around the world
Best wishes for the holiday

season. You are my favorite
people. May God bless you all.

Hubert "Red" House
To my shipmates and Capt.
Murphy

I wish you all a great holi­
day.

Willard Huggins

To Lesa Arnold
Thanks for your endearing

"crazy nuts" love that makes
me feel as special as you are in
my life! Never far away, Love

Blair (Humes)
To friends and family

Alive and kick'n! With
continued growth, strength and
faith, may we all share these
holidays in spirit as we have
together over all the years.

Blair (Humes)

JK_
To Amir Kasim

I am so happy that you
will be home this Christmas
and for the new year 2000.
This holiday will be full of

To Donald S. Ling
Happy holidays to you and

your family. Enjoyed our trip
this summer. We will have to
do it again.

David Ling
To Phil Kleinebreil

Best wishes to you and
your family over the holidays
and into the new year.

David Ling
To Debra Loureiro

Best wishes and happiness
this holiday season. Always
thinking of you . . ..

J. Carlos Loureiro
To Joel Lechel and Anthony
Sabattini and their families

Best wishes and happiness
this holiday season. Have a

great 2000 ! ! !
J Carlos joy and happi- -----

ness. Let the

Clockwise
from the top:

Van, Ntta and Rodd
Coleman; Capt. Louis F.

Flade; Roderick
Coleman; Amir and trma

Kasim; Sandra.
Alexander and Alicia
Panko; Tom Tobias

and Lester
Moore.

year.
My best
wishes also
to all SIU mem­
bers and their families. With
love from your wife,

Irma Kasim

JL
To all Seafarers

I wish you all a joyful
Xmas and a happy, healthy and
safe New Year.

Jean LaCorte
To dad, mom, grandma, Mark and
Leo

Although I'm spending
another holiday season out at
sea, I want you to know that I
think of you each and every
day! Have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year. I look
forward to "seaing" you soon.
Love always,

Jeff Lagana
To Kasandra and Harper

Merry Christmas and we're
going to have a very merry
New Year. The Christmas hol­
idays are a special time for us.
The lights are bright and the
tree will be up with presents­
and then our special presents
in January and April. Love,
your husband and daddy,

Joel Lechel
To the crew and officers on the
Sea-Land Producer

I want to say: very happy
holidays to a great bunch of
guys and gals and an excellent
bunch of people to sail with.
Feliz Navidad, and Happy
New Year.

Bosun Joel Lechel
To Judy E. McBurney

Merry Christmas and a
Happy ew Year to Judy and
the kids and puppy Lewis and
Boo and Kitty and Moxie and
Tori and Cody Boy and Kelly
and Darrin and Stephanie and
David. Miss y'all. Love y'all.
See y'all soon.

Guy (Richard L. Lewis)

Ml
To Rod "Bronco" Matsuura

Honey, I just wanna tell
you that I honestly love you
with all my heart. Happy holi­
days. Your wife,

Helen (Matsuura)
To the deck, navigation and
engine departments on the
Mississippi Queen

I would like to extend holi­
day greetings to all of you and
your families. I hope you enjoy
your upcoming time off during
layup. Have a great 2000 sail­
ing season.

Robert Mclemore
To Mary and Craig

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!

Mac (Tom McNellis)
To Kathy Parent

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!

Mac (Tom McNellis)
To my wife, Hattie

Merry Xmas, a prosperous
New Year. God bless you.
Your husband,

A. Minors
To SIU officials and members, espe­
cially at the NY hall

Season's greetings to all.
God bless you all.

A. Minors
To PRMMI shoregang

Merry Christmas. God
bless you all.

A. Minors
To my friend and retired member
James Robinson

Merry Xmas and a prosper­
ous ew Year.

A. Minors
To /TB Groton officers and crew

Merry Christmas to all of
you. I'm happy to be working
with you guys on Christmas
Day, and I'm looking fonvard
to working with you again.
You make me feel good.

Chief Cook Joel Molinas

To the Seafarers Welfare Plan
Merry Christmas and wel­

come to the Year 2000. Thanks
for your help-and thanks to
Janice in the Houston hall.

Lester J Moore
To all active and retired members
of the best union in the world

A very Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year!

William Morris Jr.
To Elsa Moreira and my beloved
children Laurie, Marquita,
Vanessa, Zinzi and Al'Rashid

Best wishes on Christmas,
the New Year, the new century
and the new millennium.

Filiberto Moreira
To all former shipmates and their
families

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year.

Jimmy Moye

N
To Nancy Avery

T'was the LOG before
Christmas to Nancy's surprise/
A message from Steve greeted
her eyes ... /Merry Christmas,
Nancy, way down in Ole
Miss./Merry Christmas, Nan­
cy, I blow you a kiss ...

Steve "The Kid" Nelson

To Mrs. Virginia L. Ollivierre
Season's greetings to my

wonderful wife, Virginia. The
most precious things in life are
found in a good wife. I love
you so much.

Roger S. Ollivierre

JP>
To all my shipmates in MSC
Oakland

I wish all of you best wish­
es for a safe holiday season. I
am well and kicking. Fair
winds to all of you.

Edward Palmer
To Sandra, Alexander and Alicia
Panko

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. You guys
are always on my mind. Have
a nice holiday. I will be home
soon.

Dasril Panko
To Neng, Eric and Ryan Peck

Happy holidays to my won­
derful wife, Neng, and my
sons Eric and Ryan. The past
lives we've spent together
can't compare to this one.

Michael Peck
To all Seafarers and their families

Have a wonderful millenni-
um.

Michael Peck

To Dawn and Jared Pinkham
Merry Christmas to my

loving wife and wonderful son.
I miss you both very much and
I can't wait to see you again.
Love,

Mark Pinkham

JR~
To Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley

I would like to wish my
wife and son a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New
Year in the year 2000.

Bill Rackley

To mom, Marylee, Bruce, Bob,
Beverly and Tom

From the Philippines, I
would like to wish my family a
great New Year and a Merry
Christmas.

William, Vilma and
Tommy Lee Rackley

To all my shipmates, retired and
active, in the Gov't. Services
Division (MSCPAC)

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!

James D. Rae
To Bill Romig

Happy holidays! Thank
you for all you do for us all
year! You are the greatest dad
and husband. We love you!

Kori, Curtis and
Jacob Romig

To G. Jane Hullsiek Sanchez
Merry Christmas, cat­

woman. Hope you have a purr­
fect Christmas holiday. Thanks
for the joy and happiness you
have given me. Your Juan and
only,

Juan D. Sanchez
To all Seafarers and shoreside
personnel

Yuletide greetings and a
salute to the best maritime
union worldwide.

Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo
Siddons

To my son, Matthew Thomas
Sjaastad

I love you, son, and hope to
see you soon.

Dad (Arthur N. Sjaastad)

To John G. Katsos
Season's greetings to you,

the keeper of the light (aka
Lighthouse John). Thank you.

Arthur Sjaastad (aka Turtle)

To all Railroad Marine and deep
sea members

A very merry, healthy and
happy holiday to all. [P.S. W.
Hinko, call (516) 781-4385.]

Orrin "O.D. "Smith and
family

1~
To Mike, George, Jack, Carl and
Bill

Have a very Merry Xmas.
And to our future brothers and
sisters at Piney Point, welcome
aboard.

Thomas Tobias
To the Andrew Furuseth class of
'69, upgraders of '73 and '81, and
trainees in the basic engine class
of '73

Merry Xmas
Thomas Tobias

To all my SIU brothers and sisters
at sea, on shore and abroad

Merry Xmas and Happy
New Year.

Thomas Tobias

To Howard Yaekel
Happy holiday, my love.

It's so wonderful to have you
home for all three holidays.
Together forever i the best
holiday gift you can give me.
God bless. Love,

To all active seamen
God bless.

Lucy Yaekel

Lucy Yaekel
To all my brothers and sisters

I used to sail and loved
every day of life. Then I got
hurt. It has been eight years
since I last sailed, and I miss it
and all the good people very
much. Best wishes for a very
happy and healthy holiday sea­
son. Have a good year.

Sy Yaras

MlJisc
To the Sea Monkeys Group

We wish you a joyous sea­
son as we all continue on our
voyage to a happy destiny.

Bo G. and Bill W

To Mike Gramer
Merry Christmas sweet­

heart. I hope you have a great
Christmas and New Year. The
kids and I will keep you in our
hearts and prayers. We miss
you!

Brenda

December 1999



HE LAST 1 O YEARS have seen tremendous change affecting all
Americans.

For instance, many people-not just major businesses-in 1990
were realizing how effective overnight delivery services were in
transmitting documents. Then came the fax machine, making
overnight too slow. Now, items are transmitted in seconds via e­
mail.

Encyclopedias have given way to the internet. Friendly personal service from
your local bank teller-even your local bank-has been replaced by pay-for-ser­
vice cash machines operated by major multi-state financial institutions. Cellular
phones are everywhere and young people do not understand where the term "dial
the telephone" came from.

Minivans and sport utility vehicles have replaced station wagons as the choice
for family transportation. The Saturn has become one of the major nameplates on
highways while the Plymouth is being eliminated. Even the United States curren­
cy has been redesigned.

Yes, no one entering the 1990s could have foreseen the many, many transfor­
mations that would occur in just a decade.

The same is true for the SIU and the U.S.-flag merchant fleet.
As new 1990 calendars were being hung, some truly believed Old Glory would

not be seen on the high seas when the year 2000 arrived. An American merchant
fleet was an anachronism. Let someone else move the goods.

But events in the Middle East changed that thinking. The vital role played by
Seafarers and the rest of the U.S. merchant marine in supplying troops during
Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm set in motion a sea of change.

New ships-especially prepositioning vessels-would be needed for future
crises. Well-trained American mariners would have to crew them because the
armed forces discovered some of their materiel was delayed when foreign crews

refused to sail into a war zone.
Militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels and their crews so proved their

worth that Congress with the Bush and Clinton administrations worked for five
years on legislation to revitalize the fleet.

The U.S.-flag tanker fleet was rejuvenated when legislation allowed the export
of Alaska North Slope crude oil while new double-hulled tankers, built in a union­
ized U.S. yard, began sailing in the Jones Act trade.

The deep sea fleet was not the only place where change occurred. New inland
tugs and barges provided additional jobs for Seafarers. The American Queen
joined the Delta Queen Steamboat Company fleet of paddlewheelers, while the
Columbia Queen sets sail next year.

The U.S.-flag cruise industry came back to life thanks to American Classic
Voyages. Two new deep sea passenger ships are being built by union workers and
will begin sailing early in the next decade. Joining them will be five 225-passenger
coastal cruise ships, the first of which will cast off in 2000.

And the decade ended with members of the SIU and National Maritime Union
voting whether the NMU should be merged into the Seafarers.

Obviously, those cries about the demise of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet are only
a bad memory.

With all this change, there has been one constant. The main priority of the SIU
has been job security for its members.

"We dedicated ourselves to one thing," noted SIU President Michael Sacco.
"That was making sure Seafarers had safe, good-paying jobs. That was our prior­
ity in 1990 and it remains our priority going into the 21st century."

Many other events have taken place during these 10 years that have changed
the lives of Seafarers and their families. On the next four pages, the Seafarers
LOG recalls some of the issues, actions and people that have guided this voyage
during the decade of the 1990s.

HE DECADE OPENS with the SIU expressing its concern over an annual report issued by the U.S.
Department of Transportation that all but dismissed the presence of a U.S.-flag merchant fleet.

In a column published in the April 1990 edition of the Seafarers LOG, SIU President Michael Sacco states,
"There can be no mistaking now that the Department of Transportation hasn't the slightest intention of making
any serious creative effort to reverse the decline of the American-flag shipping industry .... Aside from some

----• acknowledgement that maritime is vital to the national security and some vague references to the need for
shipping reform so that it can improve its competitive position, the statement of policy gave not the slightest sign of encour­
agement."

At the same time, multi-national agribusinesses with their runaway-flag fleets lobby Congress to eliminate cargo prefer­
ence laws.

Then, a Middle Eastern event changes everything. Iraq invades Kuwait. American forces are ordered to Saudi Arabia to
serve in a multinational force designed to remove the aggressors.

The Ready Reserve Force fleet joins with MSC prepositioning ships and U.S.-flag commercial vessels to supply troops
with tanks, ammunition, food and other materiel. Seafarers come out of retirement and union halls stay open around the clock
to ensure no U.S.-flag vessel sails short.

During this period, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Joe DiGiorgio retires and John Fay is named by the executive board to take
his place. Byron Kelley becomes vice president for the lakes and inland waters and Dean Corgey moves up to Gulf Coast
vice president. Brother DiGiorgio passes away at year's end. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School upgrades its curricu­
lum with an advanced fire fighting course.

While 1990 wraps up with the supply effort continuing, Seafarers also crew the
first of three new AT&T cable ships: the Global Sentinel .

.-----. AYS INTO THE NEW YEAR, Operation Desert Shield gives way to Operation Desert Storm. Allied bombs 1991 rain on Iraq for several weeks before the ground invasion overruns Iraqi forces. The Persian Gulf War lasts
43 days.

The U.S.-flag fleet is praised by military and government officials who review how each element of the
build-up and combat performed. The head of the armed forces' logistics deployment calls the industry "the
bedrock of America's defense transportation system. In the past six months, we have asked a great deal
from America's maritime unions and you have responded by giving us everything we have asked for and

more," adds General Hansford T. Johnson, who oversees the U.S. Transportation Command. Seafarers proudly march with
America's armed forces in Washington, D.C.'s national victory parade.

Further reviews during the year cite the need for a strong U.S.-flag fleet. After saluting the work done by the merchant
marine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, tells the Senate, "Our nation's sealift capability
needs improvement."

By the end of the year, the SIU and other maritime unions jointly call for action to revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. (Earlier,
these unions start the push to keep maritime out of the world trade talks, known as GATT.)

The union opens a new hall in Honolulu and initiates a series of conferences around the country to educate members
about the union's benefit programs. The training center in Piney Point, Md. is named in memory of the late SIU president
who oversaw its creation: the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.

The first vessel that will be covered by a Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union contract-the Alton
Be/le-begins sailing.

SIU President Michael Sacco is elected to the AFL-CIO executive council.
The U.S. Coast Guard announces it intends to charge mariners for their z-cards and to implement a renewal program

for the documents.

December 1999 SeafanNS LOG 11



Decade of Progress
CTION BEGINS ON WHAT will eventually become the Maritime Security Program.

A Pentagon study cites the need for more sealift capability based on its analysis of the Persian Gulf

War.

Then, Transportation Secretary Andrew Card presents during a Senate Merchant Marine

Subcommittee hearing the Bush administration's plan for a seven-year effort to help fund the U.S.-flag

fleet. The maritime unions praise the proposal: "American maritime labor, the industry and Congress

have demonstrated a willingness to work for a revival of a U.S.-flag shipping capability. With the addition of administra­

tion support to the equation, we are hopeful that what once looked to be a formidable task now has become a reachable

goal."

Congress takes no further action on the measure before it adjourns.

Seafarers climb the gangway on the first new U.S.-flag containership built since 1987, Matson's R.J. Pfeiffer. The SIU­

crewed Pride of Texas becomes the first U.S.-flag vessel to sail into Lithuania since 1939.

"Red" Campbell steps down as contracts vice president. Augie Tellez replaces him. Retired Atlantic Coast Vice

President Leon Hall passes away.

President Bush signs legislation allowing gaming aboard U.S.-flag deep sea vessels. Delta Queen Steamboat

Company announces plans to build a new paddlewheel vessel to ply the Mississippi and its tributaries.

In the wake of the Coast Guard's new regulation governing benzene exposure, the Paul Hall Center offers classes to

protect Seafarers.

The Persian Gulf sealift operation wraps up, but vessels start sailing with supplies to Somalia.

1992

1993
HE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION shows its interest in a maritime revitalization program within its first days in

office.

New Transportation Secretary Federico Pena calls representatives from maritime labor and industry togeth­

er in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the needs of the U.S.-flag fleet. Former merchant mariner and

retired Navy Vice Admiral Albert Herberger, who had served as deputy chief of TRANSCOM, is nominated to

head the Maritime Administration. The White House sends legislation for a 10-year program to Capitol Hill. It

is well received by the bipartisan leadership of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. The package makes

its way through the House and passes 34 7-65.

As the effort to enact revitalization grows, American President Lines and Sea-Land Service ask MarAd to allow the reflag­

ging of 20 vessels. The SIU, with the other maritime unions, fights this request.

Workers at the Avondale (la.) Shipyard begin a six-year battle to gain a union contract by voting almost 2-1 for repre­

sentation.

The UIW-contracted Queen Mary reopens after a year-long battle in Long Beach, Calif. Delta Queen Steamboat Company

purchases American Hawaii Cruises, which operates the SIU-crewed SS independence and SS Constitution. The two com­

panies will comprise American Classic Voyages. SIU Government Services Division members crew the Navy's first SWATH­

design T-AGOS vessel.

Under the new standard freightship and tanker agreements ratified by the membership, medical coverage is extended to

dependents and the pension cap is lifted.

Tom Fay replaces Ken Conklin, who retired as vice president for the Paul Hall Center. Retired Gulf Coast Vice President

Lindsey Williams passes away.

International trade representatives agree to exclude maritime from GATT.

HE YEAR STARTS WITH President Clinton becoming the first sitting chief executive to tour the Paul Hall

Center.

After Transportation Secretary Federico Pena tells the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department that the admin­

istration has included funds for maritime revitalization in its Fiscal Year 1995 budget, the White House sends a

revised 10-year initiative to Congress. AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland, a former merchant officer, announces

the unions' support: "Labor as a whole embraces the administration's maritime security program as an impor­

tant step toward the revitalization of the American merchant marine."

The House passes the measure 294-122. However, it is blocked in the Senate by farm-state legislators. The White House

vows to bring the measure back in the next Congress. Because of the lack of a program, APL flags out its six new C-11 con­

tainerships and Sea-Land asks to reflag five of its vessels (which is granted in early 1995).

The SIU and other maritime unions call for the repeal of the 21-year export ban of Alaska North Slope crude oil as long

as the petroleum is carried by U.S.-flag tankers.

Boatmen aboard E.N. Bisso tugs in New Orleans vote 45 to 27 for SIU representation. The effort to gain a contract begins.

The Brooklyn union hall moves a block to its new location.

The Paul Hall Center launches a series of EPA-approved refrigeration certification classes around the ports. It revises its

steward department curriculum and purchases new vessels for hands-on training.

SIU-crewed vessels return from Somalia and receive praise for their work, while other ships assist U.S. forces deployed

to return democracy to Haiti.

In national elections, the GOP gains control of Congress for the first time in 40 years.

12 Seafarers LOG

1994

December 1999



1995
HE NEW CONGRESS disbands the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee while merging the

Senate Merchant Marine Subcommittee with one on surface transportation.

However, the effort to gain maritime revitalization continues to push forward. The administration reintro­

duces its legislation. Senate Majority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.), the son of a union shipyard worker, tells the

AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department: "I want a U.S.-flag fleet, manned by American crews, and U.S. ships

built by American labor."

The bill goes to the Senate after the House approves it in a bipartisan voice vote.

A measure to end the export ban of Alaska North Slope crude oil makes its way through Congress. SIU President

Michael Sacco tells a Senate subcommittee many U.S.-flag tankers are tied up or scheduled for scrapping, thus keeping

American mariners from sailing and keeping their skills sharp. He noted America's economic circumstances had changed

since the 1970s when the ban went into effect.

In May, the Senate approves lifting the ban 7 4-25. The House clears a dif­

ferent version in July 324-77. A conference committee irons out the differ­

ences. Congress again approves lifting the ban and President Clinton signs

the measure on November 28.

New jobs for Seafarers are gained. The American Queen is christened.

Maersk brings two foreign-flag RO/ROs into the U.S. registry and reconfig­

ures them as prepositioning vessels. Penn Maritime adds an ITB to its fleet.

And five former Maersk foreign-flag vessels are earmarked to become Army

prepositioning ships.

The SIU-crewed Cape Race breaks out to assist U.N. efforts in Bosnia.

The Paul Hall Center dedicates part of its Harry Lundeberg School facility as the Thomas 8. Crowley Sr. Campus for

Higher Learning. The union opens a hall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Center Vice President Tom Fay succumbs to cancer.

John Sweeney is elected president of the AFL-CIO.

ARAD ANNOUNCES A SERIES of double-hulled Double Eagle tankers will be built at unionized Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. Construction

funding comes from a Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee. These are the first tankers to be built in an American yard since the Oil Pollution Act of

1990 became law.

Laid-up tankers begin sailing with SIU crews to move Alaska North Slope crude oil. Maritrans launches another ITB and the Paul Hall Center

develops inland tankermen courses.

Action moves to the Senate for a maritime revitalization program. The head of TRANSCOM, General Robert Rutherford, calls for its passage.

In July, Trent Lott (R-Miss.) becomes Senate Majority Leader when Bob Dole (R-Kansas) resigns to run for president. Two months later, the legislation is debated by

the full Senate where it passes 88-10.

1996
CLINTON
SIGNS
SHIP BILL I ~~, -

10-Year Program Salls Through
Senate with Bipartisan Support

December 1999

On October 8, President Clinton signs the measure enacting the Maritime Security Program, which will provide funds

for 1 O years for approximately 50 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. It is the first major piece of maritime legislation enact­

ed since 1970. MarAd announces the first contract awards in December.

The celebration was tempered by the unexpected loss of SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco to a heart

attack.

In other developments, SIU Secretary-Treasurer John Fay becomes chairman of the ITF Seafarers' Section. A new

hall in Tacoma opens. Members are urged to acquire STCW certificates. The new standard freightship and tanker agree­

ments expand medical benefits and create a money purchase pension plan.

The Jones Act fight continues. More than 70 flag officers inform Congress of the need for the nation's freight cabo­

tage law. Seafarers and their families travel from North Carolina to attend a congressional hearing on the subject and

meet with their representatives.

Finally, MSC Pacific Fleet vessels are deployed in the Persian Gulf because of Iraqi attacks on the Kurds.

Seafarers LOG 13



Decade of Progress
EEPING UP WITH THE ever-changing needs of the industry, the Paul Hall Center continues its

efforts to meet and exceed what is required of American mariners. The facility starts issuing train­

ing record books which will allow Seafarers to show their compliance with international safety and

training regulations without having to carry all kinds of papers.

The facility revamps its syllabus for beginning mariners. The new nine-month unlicensed appren­

----- tice program continues hands-on and classroom training at Piney Point but allows students to work

for three months aboard U.S.-flag ships to learn more about the trade.

The center also begins anti-terrorist training for members upgrading in government vessels courses.

Enemies of the Jones Act renew their assault on the freight cabotage law. However, a bipartisan resolution sup­

porting the act is introduced in the House of Representatives early in the session. By fall, more than half the mem­

bers of the House have signed on as co-sponsors, effectively killing any action against the Jones Act.

The executive board names John Fay executive vice president for the union, while Dave Heindel becomes sec­

retary-treasurer. George McCartney retires as West Coast vice president. The board chooses Nick Marrone as his

successor. A new SIU hall opens in Anchorage, Alaska.

The SIU launches its web site.

Seafarers continue to gain additional jobs as new tugs and vessels-including four reflagged Maersk container­

ships-come under contract.

Bisso boatmen ratify the company's first union contract in its 117-year history.

President Clinton signs legislation that includes the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, which provides funding

to assist in new passenger ship development.

NOL announces the purchase of APL which brings four C-11s to the U.S. registry. Tyco acquires the AT&T cable

ship fleet. Efforts are announced to convert the mothballed Philadelphia Naval Yard into a commercial shipbuilding

facility.

1997

ALKS AIMED AT A POSSIBLE AFFILIATION of the National Maritime Union into the SIUNA are announced

during the NMU's convention, held in March at the Paul Hall Center. The effort culminates on December 10
when SIUNA President Michael Sacco and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie sign the document, thus bringing
all the nation's major unlicensed maritime unions within the same organization.

._,,__"'
~'· ~.~ R~ht Things

Seafarers sail to the Persian Gulf again to supply American and allied forces as Iraq once more rattles its

sword. The delivery effort is praised by TRANSCOM while the president of the U.S. Navy League calls for
more support for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet.

Right Place
Right Time

Delta Queen Steamboat Co.mpany announces its intention to build five 225-passenger coastal cruise ships. They would
sail along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Northwest coasts with the first coming on line by 2000. In testimony before
Congress, the SIU talks favorably about the prospects for expanding the U.S.-flag cruise fleet. Senator John Breaux (O­

la.) introduces legislation to help rebuild that fleet.
The Clinton administration announces approval for dredging to begin in the port of New York/New Jersey so it can han­

dle proposed deeper draft commercial vessels.

The first two Double Eagle tankers-the Cape Lookout Shoals and Nantucket Shoals-set sail, joining other new ships

in providing more job opportunities for Seafarers.
SIU pensioners benefit when a new prescription drug program is initiated.

Steel dumping by foreign nations adversely affects Seafarers working on the Great Lakes. The sailing season ends early
after an extended run of record-setting years.

Veterans Day takes on new meaning for merchant mariners who sailed between August 16, 1945 and December 31,
1946 as President Clinton signs into law an extension of World War II veterans' status for these Americans. The dates now

coincide with all other veterans of that era.

XPANSION OF THE U.S. PASSENGER SHIP FLEET becomes more of a reality when the president of

American Classic Voyages and the president of Ingalls Shipbuilding sign a contract in the U.S. Capitol to build
two 1,900-passenger vessels for the Hawaiian trades. Construction was made possible through the passage
of the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project of 1997.

Later in the year, American Classic Voyages announces the new ships will become part of a subsidiary
._ ___ • which will resurrect the United States Lines name. The company purchases the Nieuw Amsterdam, will reflag

and upgrade it, and rename the ship the MS Patriot when it starts sailing around Hawaii late next year.
Another subsidiary, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, releases its plans to offer paddlewheel service in the Pacific

Northwest aboard the Columbia Queen.
While all of these represent new job opportunities for Seafarers, SIU members climb the gangways to new car carriers,

the Green Dale and the Tanabata, as well as other new vessels.
SIU-crewed vessels continue to supply U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Balkans.

The Paul Hall Center opens the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, providing a world-class facility for classroom
and hands-on instruction minutes from the main Piney Point campus.

Roy "Buck" Mercer retires as government services vice president. Kermett Mangram is named to replace him. Don Nolan

becomes vice president of the Paul Hall Center.
The union opens a new hall to serve the membership in New Orleans while the facility in Norfolk gets a facelift.
Following talks throughout the year, a proposed merger to bring the NMU within the ranks of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes

and Inland Waters District is announced in September. The year ends with members of both unions voting to see if the talks
should proceed.

14 Seafarers LOS

1999
New Ships

For Seafarers!
To Come Al Sea

December 1999



Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea
OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1999

*TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

Port
New York
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Norfolk
Mobile
New Orleans
Jacksonville
San Francisco
Wilmington
Seattle
Puerto Rico
Honolulu

Houston
St. Louis
Piney Point
Algonac

Totals

Port

23
8
5

10
14
23
36
29
26
24

6
12
26

5
1

249

New York 15
Philadelphia 4
Baltimore 5
Norfolk 4
Mobile 5
New Orleans 8
Jacksonville 20
San Francisco 12
Wilmington 8
Seattle 10
Puerto Rico 5
Honolulu 4
Houston 24
St. Louis 3
Piney Point 2
Algonac 0
Totals 129

Port
New York 12
Philadelphia 7
Baltimore 0
Norfolk 7
Mobile 4
New Orleans 13
Jacksonville 14
San Francisco 22
Wilmington 14
Seattle 17
Puerto Rico 2
Honolulu 7
Houston 12
St. Louis 2
Piney Point 0
Algonac 0
Totals 133

Port
New York 7
Philadelphia 1
Baltimore 1
Norfolk 0
Mobile 4
New Orleans 3
Jacksonville I
San Francisco 6
Wilmington 7
Seattle 6
Puerto Rico 3
Honolulu 8
Houston 1

St. Louis 0
Piney Point 0

Algonac 0
Totals 48

Totals All
Departments 559

11
3
2

12
6

11
17
6

17
6
8
5

13
2
2

122

8
4
1
6
4

11
9
8
5
6
3
8
9
0
3

86

5
0

2
8
7
2
4
2

5
3
2

2
0

45

25

2

12

6
3

13
20

6
17
3

30
12
0
6
2

158

411

6
3

5
6
5
8
2
6
5
2
2

10
1

2
4

68

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

46

1
2

0
2

2
0
0
0
0
5
I
0

0

16

13
0
5

11
1
8
9
5

11
6
4

86
4
0
6

170

300

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

1l
4
2
7
9

23
23

19
17
24

8
8

19
4
2

181

DECK DEPARTMENT
7 5

4

4 0

6 8
7

11 3
8 6
6 2
9
3 4
5 7
2 3

12 7
3 2
0 3
2 2

86 58

Trip
Reliefs

7

2
2
2
1

12
6
5
6

10
2

9

1

68

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
6
3
6
4

8
10

14
4
4
9
2
4

14
1
3
0

92

5
4
1
8
2
3

15
12
15
13

1
8
9

1

0

98

5
1
0
2
1
3
l
0
2
4
1
5
l
0
0

27

398

9
3
2
5
2
6
7
6
5
6

3
5
I
3
0

64

4
I

5
4
3
6
3
0
1

0
5
I
0
2
0

36

4
0
1
4
0

5
3
3
7
1
6
3
l
2
0

41

0
0
0
2

0
1
0
0
4
0
0

1
12

1
1
2
2
3
1

7

2
3

2
3
1
0
0

30

2
1
0
2

2

7
6
6
4
2
1

4
0
0
0

38

ENTRY DEPARTMENT
19
0
0
7
5
8
5
9

11
13

1

19
5
0
2

2
106

292

14

4

9
0
1
9
8
8

13
3

51
3
0

19

0
143

254

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
0

136

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

44
9
8

25
22
23
61
41
45
43
13
15
37

3
2
2

393

22
2
5
6
8

10
32
21
16
18

8
9

25
2
2
0

186

21
6
2

10
8

15

29
40
24
27

2
14

16
3
4
0

221

11
0

4
4
6

11
13
11
7

13
4
0
0

87

887

20
8
2

21
6

15
31

9
20
11
4

12
20

3
3
1

186

12
5
1
9
7

13
19

9
11
12
4
8

IO

2

5

128

12
1
2

10
3

15

12
5

9
4
1
7

3
3
3
0

90

28
3
3

22
10
17
31

25
10
24

4
38
19

1
7

243

647

9
3

5
9
7

12
3

18
7
0
6

11
4
2
4

101

4
0
3
2
1

8
2
0

7
6
0
4
6
2
1
2

48

1
3
0
3
2
3
4

1
0
6

1

0
1

0
27

33
l
3

12
2

11

17
3

12
9
5

104
10
0

11
2

235

411

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

December 1999

January & February 2000
Membership Meetings

Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters

Piney Point ............. Monday: January 3, February 7

Algonac .................. Friday: January 7, February J 1

Baltimore ................ Thursday: January 6, February 10

Duluth ..................... Wedne day: January 12, February 16

Honolulu .... ........ ..... Friday: January 14, February 18

Houston .................. Monday: January 10, February 14

Jacksonville ............ Thursday: January 6, February IO

Jersey City .............. Wednesday: January 19, February 23

Mobile .................... Wednesday: January 12, February 16

New Bedford .......... Tuesday: January 18, February 22

New Orleans ........ ... Tuesday: January 11, February 15

New York. .... ........... Tuesday: January 4, February 8

Norfolk ................... Thursday: January 6, February 10

Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: January 5, February 9

San Francisco ......... Thursday: January 13, February 17

San Juan .................. Thursday: January 6, February LO

St. Louis ................. Friday: January 14, February 18

Tacoma ................... Friday: January 21, February 25

Wilmington ............... Tuesday: January 18*, February 22*

(*changes created by Martin Lutherc King Jr. s
birthday and Presidents Day holidays)

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

Personals

TO MY FELLOW
BROTHERS OF THE SEA

Arthur N. Sjaastad, who sailed as an AB from the
port of Houston, is presently incarcerated and would
love to hear from some of his former shipmates. His
address is TDCJ-ID #681264, Estelle Unit, Foscil K-2-
205, Huntsville, Texas 77340.

THOMAS CHIN
Please contact Cyd Reagan, c/o Sylvia Westbrook,

P.O. Box 1150, Mt. View, Hawaii 96771; or telephone
(808) 968-6492.

Preventive Medicine in Tacoma

Seafarers in the Tacoma, Wash. area lined up at the SIU
hall for their annual flu shot on October 22. Among those
taking the inoculation were (above) Recertified Steward
Henry Jones and (below) SA Kaid Adam. Administering
the shots is RN JoAnn Kauffman.

Seafarers LOG 15



<

Seafarers lntemational Union
Directory

Mid1ael Sac® ·
President

John Fay .
Executive Vice President

Da\'id Heindel
Secretary-Treasurer

Augustin TeUez
Vice President Contracts

Jack Caffey
Vice President Atlantic Coast

Byron Kelley
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Dean Corgey
Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone
Vice President West Coast

Kermett Mangram
Vice President Government Services . ..

HEADQUARTERS
520 l Auth Way

Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675

ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr.

Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988

ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., # IC

Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
1216 E. Baltimore St.

Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 327-4900

DULUTH
705 Medical Arts Building

Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-4110

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St.

Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
1221 Pierce St.

Houston, TX 77002
(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
3315 Liberty St.

Jacksonville, FL 32206
(904) 353-0987

JERSEY CITY
99 Montgomery St.

Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 435-9424

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36605
(334) 478-0916

NEW BEDFORD
48 Union St.

New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-5404

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd.
Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NEW YORK
635 Fourth Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 499-6600

NORFOLK
115 Third St.

Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892

PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St.

Philadelphia, PA 19148
{215) 336-3818

PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75

Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010

PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984

SAN FRANCISCO
350 Fremont St.

San Francisco, CA 94105
( 415) 543-5855

Government Services Division
(415) 861-3400

SANTURCE
1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16'l2

Santurce, PR 00907
(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS
4581 Gravois Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave.

Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774

WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave.

Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000

16 Seafarers LOG

Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes
OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1999

CL - Company/Lakes

*TOTAL REGISTERED

L-Lakes NP - Non Priority

All Groups
Class CL Class L Class NP

Port
Algonac 0 29 21
Port
Algonac 0 18 17
Port
Algonac 0 7 12
Port
Algonac 0 24 19

Totals All Depts 0 78 69

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups

Class CL Class L Class NP

DECK DEPARTMENT
0 15 7

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0 8 7

STEWARD DEPARTMENT
0 4 6

ENTRY DEPARTMENT
0 12 7

0 39 27

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class CL Class L Class NP

0 11 9

0 2 2

0 2 6

0 12 13

0 27 30
*"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.
**"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters
OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1999

*TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C

Region DECK DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gulf Coast 1 0 3 2 0 3 0
Lakes, Inland Waters 40 0 0 20 0 0 20 0

West Coast 1 0 4 6 3 2 8 2

Totals 42 0 7 28 3 5 29 2
Region ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gulf Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lakes, Inland Waters 25 0 0 10 0 0 15 0
West Coast 1 0 1 1 0 2 0
Totals 26 0 1 11 0 1 17 0

Region STEWARD DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gulf Coast 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

Lakes, Inland Waters 15 0 0 4 0 0 11 0
West Coast 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Totals 16 0 1 4 0 1 12 0

Totals All Depts 84 0 9 43 3 7 58 2
*"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.

**"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

PIC-FROM-THE-PAST
This photo was sent to

the Seafarers LOG by pen­
sioner Ewing "Ed" Rihn of
Franklinton, La.

The picture was taken
aboard the Waterman ship
Mirabeau B. Yamar on a trip
to Trieste in 1947. The ves­
sel crewed in New Orleans
and paid off in Baltimore.

Standing (from the left)
are Joe Huber, Chad Galt,
Red Smith, Bill Grega! and
Ed Rihn. Bosun Tom
Freeman is kneeling at left.

Rihn, 75, joined the SIU
in 1944 in the port of
Galveston and graduated
from the bosun recertifica­
tion program in 1973. He
won the Seafarers Safety
Poster Contest of 1960-61 .
Before retiring in 1984, Rihn
worked with the Delta
Steamship Lines shore­
gang in New Orleans.

0
15
0

23
38

0
0
0
1
1

0
0
0
2
2

41

December 1999



--------------.... _.-~....-ri __ .,.....,. ________ _ _ _ ___ -·--

Three recertified bosuns and
one recertified steward are
among the 19 Seafarers

announcing their retirements this
month.

Representing more than 130
years of active union membership,
Recertified Bosuns Kenneth W.
Craft, Ronald W. Dailey and
Neil D. Matthey and Recertified
Steward Harold Fielder are grad­
uates of the highest level of train­
ing available to members in the
deck and steward departments,
respectively, at the Sill's training
school in Piney Point, Md.

Including the four recertified
graduates, 14 of the retiring Sea­
farers sailed in the deep sea divi­
sion, four shipped on inland ves­
sels, and one plied the Great
Lakes.

Nine of the retiring pensioners
sailed in the deck department,
eight worked in the steward
department and two shipped in the
engine department.

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

DEEP SEA
ABDULR.
ABDO, 67,
began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1967 in the
port of San
Francisco. His
first ship was

the Halcyon Panther. Born in
Arabia, he worked in the steward
department. Brother Abdo last
sailed in 1996 aboard the
President Chester B. Arthur, an
American President Lines vessel.
He has retired to San Francisco.

RITA M. BALLARD, 60, joined
the Marine Cooks & Stewards
(MC&S) in 1965 in the port of
San Francisco, first sailing aboard
Matson Navigation Co. 's Lurline.
A member of the steward depart­
ment, Sister Ballard last sailed
aboard the SS Independence, an
American Hawaii Cruises vessel.
Born in Switzerland, she makes
her home in Santa Rosa, Calif.

KENNETH
W.CRAFT,
59, started his
career with the
SIU in 1969 in
the port of
Seattle. His
first ship was
the Raleigh,
operated by Crest Overseas
Shipping Co. Born in North
Dakota, he sailed in the deck
department and upgraded his
skills at the Sill's school in Piney
Point, Md., where he graduated
from the bosun recertification pro­
gram in 1984. Prior to retirement,
Brother Craft sailed aboard the
Sea-Land Innovator. From 1957
to 1963, he served in the U.S.
Navy. He has retired to Winter­
haven, Calif.

RONALDW.
DAILEY, 66,
began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1977 from the
port of Tampa,
Fla., sailing in
the inland
division aboard the Dixie Prag-

December 1999

ress. The deck department mem­
ber later transferred to deep sea
vessels. Brother Dailey frequently
upgraded his skills at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md., where he graduated
from the bosun recertification
program in 1992. The Ohio
native served in the U.S. Navy
from 1950 to 1954 and served in
the U.S. Army from 1955 to
1964. Prior to retirement, he
sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a
Sea-Land Service vessel. Jack­
sonville, Fla. is where he calls
home.

ARLIE A. DILLARD, 65, started
sailing with the SIU in 1962 in the
port of Houston. His first ship was
the Cathy, operated by Sea
Transport Co. A native of Texas,
he worked in the deck department
and upgraded his skills at the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
of Seamanship in Piney Point,
Md. Brother Dillard last sailed in
1980 aboard the Overseas Anchor.
He has retired
to Houston.

HAROLDH.
FIELDER,
65, first sailed
with the Sea­
farers in 1952
from the port
of Mobile,
Ala. A native of Alabama, he
graduated from the Andrew
Furuseth Training School in 1958
and upgraded at the Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School in Piney
Point, Md., where he graduated
from the steward recertification
program in 1980. The steward
department member last sailed in
1989 aboard the Sea-Land
Crusader. Brother Fielder makes
his home in Mobile.

HERBERT
HOLLINGS,
65, started
sailing with
the Seafarers
in 1951 aboard
the Afoundria.
A native of

Mobile, Ala., he worked in the
steward department, last sailing as
a chief cook aboard the Sgt.
William R. Button, an American
Overseas Marine Corp. vessel.
Brother Hollings makes his home
in Mobile.

MARCOSC.
LEGASPI,
64, graduated
from the
MC&S train­
ing school in
1963 and
joined the
union in the port of San
Francisco. His first ship was the
President Wilson, an American
President Lines vessel. Prior to
retiring, he worked on the
Mokihana, operated by Matson
Navigation Co. Brother Legaspi

calls San
.---........... =------,Francisco

home.

THOMAS
MARTINEZ,
79, began his
career with the
Seafarers in

~-~~-~ 1945 in the
port of Philadelphia. Born in

Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their

working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-.flag vessels on the deep seas, inland 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.

Ecuador, he sailed in the engine
department and upgraded his
skills at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education.
He last sailed aboard the USNS
Able, operated by Maersk Line,
Ltd. He makes
his home in
Philadelphia.

NEILD.
MATTHEY,
70, first sailed
with the SIU
in 1947,
aboard the
Marine Phoenix. Born in
California, the U.S. Navy veteran
worked in the deck department
and upgraded his skills at the
union's school in Piney Point,
Md., where he graduated from the
bosun recertification program in
1976. Prior to retirement, he
worked aboard the Equality State,
an Interocean Ugland
Management Corp. vessel.
Brother Matthey has retired to La

Marque,
Texas.

NEWTON
RADER, 61,
graduated
from the
MC&S train­
ing school in

Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1961. Born
in the Philippines, he became a
U.S. citizen. Brother Rader
worked in the steward depart­
ment, last sailing aboard the
President Grant, an American
Ship Management vessel. He calls
San Pedro,
Calif. home.

ANASTACIO
SERENO, 68,
began his
career with the
MC&S in
1972 from the
port of San
Francisco, after graduating from
the MC&S training school in
Santa Rosa, Calif. His first ship
was the Achilles, operated by
Newport Tankers Corp. Brother
Sereno worked in the steward

department, last sailing aboard the
Manukai, a Matson Navigation
Co. vessel. A native of the
Philippines, he has retired to
Milpitas, Calif.

RAY F. SIMS, 65, first sailed
with the Seafarers in 1969 in the
port of New York aboard the
Seatrain Florida. Born in
Tennessee, he worked in the
engine department and upgraded
his skills at the union 's school in
Piney Point, Md. From 1952 to
1957, he served in the U.S. Navy.
Brother Sims last sailed in 1992
aboard the Overseas Juneau. He
calls San Francisco home.

ANTONIOB.
TREVINO,
65, joined the
SIU in 1968 in
the port of
New Orleans.
Brother
Trevino was a

member of the deck department.
Born in Honduras, he last sailed
in 1983 aboard the Cove Sailor,
operated by Cove Shipping. He
makes his home in Dallas.

INLAND
BETTYC.
ADAMS, 63,
started her
career with the
Seafarers in
1985. Born in
Illinois, she
worked in the
steward de­
partment. Sister Adams sailed pri­
marily aboard Orgulf Transport
Co. vessels. She has retired to
Effmgham, Ill.

ALBERTB.
CHURCIIlLL,
63, joined the
SIU in 1952.
The Texas
native sailed as
a captain, pri­
marily aboard
vessels operat­

ed by G&H Towing Co. Boatman

Churchill makes his home in
League City, Texas.

BILLYM.
MARE LL,
60, first sailed
with the Sea­
farers in 1959
aboard deep
sea vessel
Chiwawa,
operated by
Interocean Management. He later
transferred to the inland division,
working in the deck department
and upgrading his skills at the
union's school in Piney Point,
Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed
aboard the Maritrans tug Colum­
bia. Boatman Marell calls
Middleburg, Fla. home.

CARLK.
MOOR, 71,
joined the SIU
in 1976 in the
port of
Norfolk, Va.
Born in
Tennessee, he
sailed in the

deck department and graduated
from the towboat scholarship pro­
gram in 1979 at the union's
school in Piney Point, Md. During
his career, he continued to
upgrade his skills at the school.
He last sailed aboard the Falcon,
an Allied Towing Co. vessel.
From 1948 to 1967, he served in
the U.S. Navy. Boatman Moor has
retired to Norfolk.

GREAT LAKES
AHMEDS.
SHAIBI, 65,
began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1970 in
Detroit. His
first ship was
the Harris N.
Snyder. A native of Yemen, he
became a U.S. citizen in 1974.
Brother Shaibi worked in the deck
department, last sailing aboard the
Medusa Challenger, operated by
Cement Transit. He makes his
home in Dearborn, Mich.

Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG strong belief in independence is also the long­
term goal of America during this current ener­
gy crisis .... 1950

The SIU Atlantic and Guff District became the
first seamen's union to negotiate a company­

Vice President and former House Minority
Leader Gerald R. Ford (R-Mlch.) outlined for

financed Welfare Plan
for its members. This
was established in an
agreement signed with

m==============================~ the delegates of the
SIUNA convention

THI 0 T what he feels will be
his responsibility in
his new post as
America's 4oth vice

nine contracted
steamship companies on
December 28.

'N SIU HJ TO Y
Although the compa-
nies will make all the contributions to the wel­
fare fund, the agreement provides for joint
administration by a committee representing
the union and the steamship companies.
Under the terms of the contract each compa­
ny will contribute into a common fund, the
sum of 2 5 cents per day for each man
employed aboard its vessels.

1973
Addressing a standing-room only audience at
the SIUNA convention, President Richard M.
Nixon stressed that the Seafarers' traditionally

president.

1990

An additional breakout of Seafarers will crew
another 13 ships from the government's
Ready Reserve Force ( RRF) fleet which has
been activated by the military to support the
massive deployment of supplies and equipment
to the Persian Gulf ....
As part of the massive logistical effort supply­
ing Operation Desert Shield, the most recently
deployed RRF ships will carry heavy vehicles
and other materiel for the soon-to-be
430,000 American military personnel
assigned to duty in the Persian Gulf.

Seafarers LOG 17



f ,

f

DEEP SEA

RONALD J. ADRIAN!
Ronald J.
Adriani, 59,
passed away
August 26. He
began sailing
with the Sea­
farers in 1980.
Born in
Connecticut, he

.__ _____ ___J started out in
the steward department and later
transferred to the deck department.
Brother Adriani upgraded his skills
at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School in Piney Point, Md. From
1958 to 1961, he served in the U.S.
Army. He was a resident of Friday
Harbor, Wash.

JOSE CIRO A. ALVARADO
Pensioner Jose
Ciro A. Alva­
rado, 76, died
October 11.
Born in Mexico,
he started his
career with the
SIU in 1951 in
Galveston,
Texas. His first

ship was the Republic. During his
career, he worked in the engine
department, last sailing aboard the
Spirit of Texas, a Titan Navigation
vessel. Brother Alvarado made his
home in Dickinson, Texas and
retired in June 1986.

PAULL. BAKER
Pensioner Paul
L. Baker, 72,
passed away
October 10. A
native of Ohio,
he joined the
Marine Cooks
& Stewards
(MC&S) in
1952 in the port

of San Francisco. Brother Baker
sailed in the steward department and
began receiving his pension in
November 1984. From 1945 to
1946, he served in the U.S. Marine
Corps. He was a resident of San
Francisco.

SERVANDO J. CANALES
Pensioner
Servando J.
Canales, 66,
died October 16.
Brother Canales
began sailing
with the Sea­
farers in 1948 in
the port of New
Orleans. A

native of Louisiana, he worked in the
deck department as a bosun. He last
sailed in 1976 aboard the Mayaguez,
operated by Puerto Rico Marine
Management. A resident of Metairie,
La., he retired in January 1998.

BIAGIO DiMENTO
Pensioner
Biagio
DiMento, 77,
passed away
August 26,
1998. Born in
Pennsylvania,
he started his
career with the
SIU in 1963 in

the port of Philadelphia. During his
career, he worked in all three depart­
ments, last sailing in 197 5 in the
deck department aboard the Samuel
Chase, operated by Waterman
Steamship Corp. Brother DiMento
lived in the Philippines and started
receiving his pension in June 1989.

HARVEY E. FAIRBURN
Pensioner Harvey E. Fairburn, 81 ,
died October 6. He began his career

18 Seafarers LOG

with the
Seafarers in
1946. The
Louisiana
native sailed in
the engine
department and
started receiv­
ing his pension

lot!!!:il:.........1~.-.'""--.-....L_-11 in October
1976. Brother Fairburn was a resi­
dent of Fort Worth, Texas.

GEORGE E. FRIES
fR Pensioner · = George E. Fries,

i\ 55, passed away
:~~' October 10.

Born in New
York, be gradu­
ated from the
entry level
training pro­

~mi!~11...-_jPSi\'(/j gram at the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
in 1965 and joined the SIU in the
port of Wilmington, Calif Brother
Fries worked in the deck depart­
ment, last sailing as a bosun aboard
the Sea-Land Innovator. A resident
of Paramount, Calif., he retired in
November 1998.

JACK GOTTLIEB
Pensioner Jack Gottlieb, 92, died
August 17. Brother Gottlieb was a
member of the MC&S. He sailed in
the steward department and started
receiving his pension in October
1970. Brother Gottlieb was a resi­
dent of Boston.

EUGENE R. HALL
Pensioner
Eugene R. Hall,
85, passed
away Septem­
ber 11. A native
of Ohio, he
joined the Sea­
farers in 1944
in the port of

'-''----"--:>..---L..J~ Norfolk, Va. He
sailed in the deck department and
upgraded his skills at the SIU's
training school in Piney Point, Md.
During his career, he was active in
union organizing drives. Prior to re­
tiring in September 197 5, he worked
aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage.
Brother Hall made his home in Sea
Level, N.C.

CARY V. HAYWOOD
Pensioner Cary
V. Haywood,
68, died
September 21.
He first sailed
with the SIU in
1947 aboard the
Half Knot.
Brother Hay­
wood worked in

the deck department, last sailing
aboard the Flickertail State, operated
by Interocean Management. From
1948 to 1952, the Virginia native
served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother
Haywood was a resident of Virginia
Beach, Va. and began receiving his
pension in December 1995.

CHARLES H. HURLBURT
Pensioner
Charles H.
Hurlburt, 69,
passed away
August 17.
Born in New

~ York, he joined
the Seafarers in
1952, sailing

~~"'-3flii.;Jl...;..iL....::...J1UiL.J aboard the
Sultana, operated by Nicholson
Steamship Co. Brother Hurlburt
worked in the steward department.
Prior to retiring in February 1991 ,
he sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a
Sea-Land Service vessel. From 1947
to 1951 , he served in the U.S. Navy.
Galveston, Texas was his home.

ARTHUR R. McCREE

-._~;;;;;;jjjj.---t Pensioner
Arthur R.

1 Mccree, 71,
died September
26. Brother

1 McCree began
· his career with

the SIU in 1952
"--......,.--...;;;;;;;;;....j from the port of

L-::===========~ San Francisco.
Born in South Africa, he worked in
the deck department, last sailing
aboard the Westward Venture, oper­
ated by Interocean Management. He
was a resident of Federal Way,
Wash. and started receiving his pen­
sion in September 1996.

COOPER H. McMILLIN
Pensioner
Cooper H.
McMillin, 86,
passed away
September 25.
A native of
Missouri, he
started his sail­
ing career with
the Seafarers in

1966 aboard the Oberlin Victory.
Brother McMillin worked in the
steward department, last sailing as a
chief cook aboard the Sea-Land
Philadelphia. A resident of
Caldwell, Idaho, he retired in April
1984.

ERNEST E. MULIERI
Pensioner
Ernest E.
Mulieri, 80,
died September
3. Born in
Boston, he first
sailed with the
SIU in 1947 in
the port of
Baltimore.

Brother Mulieri worked in the
engine department and upgraded his
skills to a licensed officer in 1966. A
veteran of World War II, he served
in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946.
He made his home in Salem, Mass.
and began receiving his pension in
September 1983.

ARON B. NEDDIO
Pensioner Aron B. Neddie, 84,
passed away October 1 7. Brother
Neddie was a member of the
MC&S. He sailed in the steward
department and retired in September
1973. He made his home in New
Orleans.

VIRGINIA M. PENA
Virginia M. Pena, 65, died
September 15. She joined the
MC&S in 1961. Sister Pena worked
in the steward department, last sail­
ing in 1989 aboard the President
Harrison, an American President
Line vessel. Seattle was her home.

ALFREDO RIOS
_.....,.....__, Pensioner

Alfredo Rios,
77, passed
away
September 14.
A native of
Puerto Rico, he
began his career
with the Sea­

'-'-----""-.n.u:-~ .......... farers in 1943
from the port of New York. He
worked as a member of the engine
department. Prior to retiring in June
1985, he sailed aboard a Sea-Land
Service vessel. Brother Rios made
his home in Brooklyn, N. Y.

CHARLESW.
ROSENBERGER
Charles W. Rosenberger, 73, died
September 6. Born in Iowa, he start­
ed his career with the SIU in 1970,
sailing aboard the Rose City, a Sea-

,,

Land Service vessel. Brother
Rosenberger sailed in the engine
department and upgraded frequently
at the SIU's training school in Piney
Point, Md. From 1948 to 1969, he
served in the U.S. Navy. He last
sailed in 1989 aboard the Rover,
operated by Ocean Carriers. San
Francisco was his home.

MATTHEW X. RYAN

Matthew X. Ryan, 34, passed away
September 14. He graduated from
the entry-level training program at
the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School in 1988 and joined the SIU
in Piney, Point, Md. His first ship
was the Sea-Land Commitment. The
New Jersey native sailed in the
engine department and upgraded at
the school. Brother Ryan last sailed
aboard the Osprey. He made his
home in Washington, Maine.

DAVID R. SUMULONG
Pensioner
David R.
Sumulong, 85,
died August 29.
Brother
Sumulong
began sailing
with the SIU in
1949 from the
port of New

York. Born in the Philippines, he
sailed as a member of the steward
department. Prior to retiring in
October 1975, he worked aboard the
Transcolumbia, operated by Hudson
Waterways Corp. He was a resident
of the Philippines.

RALPH H. TAYLOR
Pensioner Ralph
H. Taylor, 94,
passed away
September 19.
A charter mem­
ber of the Sea­
farers , he joined
the union in
November 1938
in the port of

Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native
sailed in the steward department.
During his career, he was active in
union affairs and organizing drives.
A resident of Mobile, he began
receiving his pension in April 1973.

MANUEL A. TONGSON
Pensioner
Manuel A.
Tongson, 97,
died September
25. Born in the
Philippines, he
joined the
MC&S in 1943,
first sailing
aboard the

Aleutian. Brother Tongson worked
in the steward department. He
signed off the Great Falls Victory
prior to retiring in August 1968. He
was a resident of Seattle.

ERNEST A. TRADER
Pensioner
Ernest A.
Trader, 71 ,
passed away
September 27.
A native of
North Carolina,

~
he started his
career with the

........ .......1•111:1:•LI~ Seafarers in
1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His
first ship was the John Gibbon. He
sailed as a member of the deck
department. From 1955 to 1957, he
served in the U.S. Navy. Brother
Trader last worked in the inland
division aboard a Steuart
Transportation Co. vessel. A resident
of Havelock, N.C., he began receiv­
ing his pension in January 1993.

INLAND

WILMER P. GASTON
Pensioner Wil­
mer P. Gaston,
81, died Octo­
ber 3. A native
of Texas, he
joined the SIU
in 1963 in Port
Arthur, Texas.
Starting out in
the deck depart­

ment, he later transferred to the en­
gine department. Prior to retiring in
June 1982, he worked aboard a
Sabine Towing & Transportation Co.
vessel. During World War II, he
served in the U.S. Army from 1941
to 1945. Boatman Gaston made his
home in Nederland, Texas.

JAMES T. MALONE
Pensioner
James T.

< Malone, 74,
, passed away

October 3. He
" began his career
,- with the Sea­

farers in 1953
• in the port of

......... ...._--" Mobile, Ala.
The Alabama native worked in the
engine department, last sailing as a
chief engineer. Boatman Malone
sailed primarily aboard vessels oper­
ated by Crescent Towing and
Salvage Co. A resident of Mobile,
he started receiving his pension in
December 1987. From 1943 to 1946,
he served in the U.S. Army.

ROBERT F. SCHWATKA
Pensioner
Robert F.
Scbwatka, 71,
died October 1.
Born in Mary­
land, he began
sailing with the
SIU in 1956
from the port of
Baltimore.

Boatman Schwatka worked as a
chief engineer and started receiving
his pension in June 1984. He was a
resident of Monkton, Md.

RICHARD A. TANNER
Pensioner
Richard A.
Tanner, 76,
passed away
September 14.
Boatman Tan­
ner first sailed
with the Sea­
farers in 1973.
Born in Massa­

chusetts, he worked in the deck
department, sailing primarily aboard
Sheridan Transportation Co. vessels.
In 1993, he was honored by the
United Seamen's Service for his role
in the rescue of a badly burned mari­
ner in Tampa Bay. Prior to retiring
in January 1994, he signed off the
Ocean Star. He made his home in
Tampa, Fla.

GREAT LAKES

STEVEN KOCAK
Pensioner
Steven Kocak,
87, passed away
September 11.
He started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1960 in the port
of Detroit. His

.____..'--"---~---' first ship was
the Diamond Alkali. The Ohio native
worked in the engine department,
last sailing aboard the Saginaw Bay .
Both first and last ships were operat­
ed by American Steamship Co.
Boatman Kocak was a resident of
Toledo, Ohio. He started receiving
his pension in April 1977.

December 1999



Jhe $11;1fartJ~J06 atte11]pls to print as many digests of union shipboard
inliluteg as possible. On occasion, because of space

limitations~ some will be omitted.

Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department.
Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union

upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded
to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

COURIER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.),
June 2-Chairman Gabriel I.
Bonefont, Secretary Eva M.
Myers, Educational Director Rikk
Parker, Deck Delegate John
Gilliam. Butterworth wages
resolved from last meeting.
Chairman announced payoff in
Marcus Hook, Pa. June 4. All's
well aboard ship with no acci­
dents, beefs or disputed OT. Crew
reminded that education means
higher wages and that upgrading
facilities at Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Md. available to all
members in good standing. Bosun
also encouraged everyone to con­
tribute to SPAD: "In the long run,
you will gain." Educational direc­
tor echoed bosun's urging of crew
members to attend upgrading
classes. Treasurer announced
$1,400 in ship's fund. Vote of
thanks given to steward depart­
ment "for their endless effort to
please." Next ports: Marcus Hook;
Hog Island, Pa.; Paulsboro, N.J.

MAYAGUEZ (Navieras NPR),
June 24-Chairman Al Caulder,
Secretary Richard K. Ward,
Educational Director Michael C.
Martykan, Engine Delegate
Michael S. McClinton. Couch
from crew lounge removed in
l>hiladelphia last month. Crew
waiting for its repair or replace­
ment. Secretary stressed impor­
tance of upgrading skills at Piney
Point. Educational director asked
that unsafe conditions be reported:
"Safety first." He also reminded
crew to keep on top ofSTCW
requirements. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Suggestion made for
receipt of vacation check after 60
days or completion of relief peri­
od. Also requested change in pen­
sion rules where if a Seafarer
acquires 20 years of sea service or
7,300 days, he or she can retire
with full pension (similar to mili­
tary air traffic controllers and other
unions). Suggestions to be sent to
contracts department. Crew mem­
bers expressed concern about
recent random drug test conducted
by San Juan customs agents.
Unlike traditional drug testing,
individually chemically treated
cloth was used for sampling on
hands. Samples placed in ordinary
mail envelopes containing each
person's name. Concern is with
possible contamination, tampering,
identity checks and verification.
Steward department doing fine
job, and ship camaraderie is excel­
lent. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla.

HMINANTUCKETSHOALS
(illM), July 30-Chairman James
A. Jowera, Secretary Lonnie W.
Jones, Educational Director Han­
able Smith Jr., Deck Delegate
Roderick Coleman, Engine Dele­
gate Milton Israel, Steward Dele­
gate Ron Davis. Chairman stressed
need to work together aboard ves­
sel. Any problems should be taken
to department head first. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Next port:
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.),
September 12-Chairman David
J. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel E.
Vinca, Educational Director
Guadalupe A. Campbell, Deck
Delegate Nick Jocce, Steward
Delegate Julio C. Arzu. Chairman
reported good trip. Everyone
working well together. Crew

December 1999

received new TV and VCR.
Discharge in port of Mombasa,
Kenya went smoothly. First port
back in U.S. scheduled to be Lake
Charles, La. Sanitary inspection
due after fire and boat drill.
Everyone getting off ship should
have room ready for next person.
Educational director urged crew
members to upgrade at Piney Point
and get endorsements necessary to
continue sailing. Treasurer
announced $160 in ship's fund
which will be used to purchase
new movies. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Several items
requested, including new furniture
for TV lounge, place to exercise
(gym) and repair to starboard
gangway. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for good food.

HM/ BRETON REEF (IUM),
September 30-Chairman Victor
Beata, Secretary Josef Wouthuy­
zen, Educational Director Charles
W. Thompson Jr., Deck Delegate
Kenneth G. Boone, Steward
Delegate Randy A. Stephens.
Chairman noted smooth voyage
with no beefs or disputed OT. He
stated captain will reimburse crew
members for movies purchased.
Educational director reminded
crew of necessity of applying for
TRBs. Clarification requested in
engine department on penalty time
for cleaning closed spaces.
Suggestion made to improve ship­
board gym. Everyone asked to
help keep ship living areas clean.
Thanks given to steward depart­
ment for job well done. Next
ports: New York and Philadelphia.

HUMACAO (Navieras NPR),
September 12-Chairman David
Murray, Secretary Janet Price,
Educational Director Angel
Hernandez, Deck Delegate
William G. Rackley, Engine
Delegate Anthony Rosa, Steward
Delegate Samuel A. Sotomayor.
Chairman told crew members of
letter of understanding which
states that as long as steward
department has four men, no one
will get paid extra for cleaning
own fo'c'sle. He also noted new
washing machine installed and bid
received for fixing tiles. Crew now
awaiting approval of bid by com­
pany as well as transportation from
ship to gate in Jacksonville. Until
tile repairs are completed, crew
will be inconvenienced for about a
week-"but it will be well worth
it," according to bosun. Everyone
asked to save wooden boxes and
bread boxes for bosun. Secretary
asked crew to be aware of steve­
dores in house and call captain if if
any are seen. Messhalls should be
kept locked while in port. Educa­
tional director urged crew to up­
grade skills at Piney Point as often
as possible and to get STCW
endorsements. Treasurer an­
nounced $50 in ship's fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote
of thanks given to steward depart­
ment for cleanliness and great
menus. Suggestion made to ask
welfare plan for dependents' pre­
scription coverage. Next ports:
Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, P.R.

LTC CALVIN P. TITUS
(Osprey), September 27-
Chairman Robert B. F. Lindsay
Jr., Secretary Steven Dickson,
Educational Director Richard D.
Hannon, Deck Delegate Thomas

Gagnon, Steward Delegate
Richard Garcea. Chairman noted
ship at berth in Apra Harbor,
Guam until next trip to Saipan in
October. New fumitw-e for lounge
requisitioned last month and cable
hook-up for TV in budget for next
year. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at Paul Hall
Center and take full advantage of
facilities there. No beefs or disput­
ed OT reported. Parts of recent
LOG read, including proposed
merger of SIU and NMU and pass­
ing of former AFL-CIO President
Lane Kirkland. Everyone remind­
ed to have rooms clean upon
departure from ship. Request made
to improve transportation for crew
and officers since shuttle service
not dependable.

NEWARK SAY(Sea-Land
Service), September 12-Chairman
Calvain A. James, Secretary
Gwendolyn Shinholster,
Educational Director Michael Las
Dulce, Deck Delegate Keith D.
O'Bryan, Engine Delegate
Gerardo Moreno, Steward
Delegate Charles N. Ratcliff.
Chairman announced payoff in
Jacksonville upon arrival. He also
reminded crew to observe safety
practices on deck. Secretary noted
collection to be sent to Bosun Pete
Sanchez's family and thanked offi­
cers and crew for contributions.
Brother Sanchez passed away
aboard ship. Educational director
reminded crew members of impor­
tance of upgrading and need for
STCW endorsements required to
sail after February 1, 2002. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Clarification requested regarding
day's pay in lieu of day off. Vote
of thanks given to steward depart­
ment for good meals and keeping
ship clean. Radio and VCR in
need of repair, and new dryer
requested for crew laundry room.

OOCL INNOVATION (Sea-Land
Service), September 19-Secretary
Edward Dunn, Deck Delegate
Oscar Lopez, Engine Delegate
Owen Duffy. Secretary thanked
crew for keeping ship clean. Edu­
cational director urged members to
attend upgrading courses at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Suggestion made to
request contracts department to
look into getting vacation check
every 90 days and having pension
raises retroactive for members in
retirement. Prescription drug plan
also requested. New toasters need­
ed in both messhalls. Next port:
Portsmouth, Va.

RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN
(Ocean Shipholding Inc.), Septem­
ber 12-Chairman Donald C.
Coggins, Secretary Lovell Mc­
Elroy Sr., Educational Director
Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate
Robert Hayes, Engine Delegate
Gilbert Tedder, Steward Delegate
Evan Verveniotis. Educational
director stressed importance of
upgrading skills at Paul Hall Cen­
ter and getting STCW endorse­
ments. Treasurer announced $110
in ship's fund. No disputed OT
reported. Beef noted by steward
delegate. Everyone reminded to
help keep ship in tip-top condition
by cleaning dryer vents and having
rooms ready for replacements.
Vessel heading to Greece and Italy.

ROVER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.),
September 12-Chairman Russell
F. Barrack Jr., Secretary Juan B.
Gonzalez, Educational Director
Clyde D. Smith, Deck Delegate
Terrence P. Kane, Steward
Delegate Leoncio Castro.
Chairman stated clarification
received from VP Contracts Augie
Tellez regarding OT rates for tank
cleaning. He said everything run­
ning smoothly. Payoff expected
September 17 in Portland, Ore.
Educational director urged crew
members to upgrade at Piney Point
and keep up-to-date on TRBs, z-

card renewals and STCW endorse­
ments. Treasurer announced cap­
tain holds $1,700 belonging to
ship's fund. Whoever goes ashore
for movies or games should pro­
vide captain with receipt for reim­
bursement. Some disputed OT
reported in deck and steward
departments. Suggestion made for
contracts department to look into
lowering eligibility requirements
for vacation. Vote of thanks given

Oh, to Be in England

to steward department for great
food and clean ship.

SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (Sea­
Land Service), September 12-
Chairman Frank Lyle, Secretary
Edgar Vazquez, Educational
Director Oswald Bermeo.
Everything running smoothly with
no beefs or disputed OT, according
to secretary. Educational director
advised crew members to take
opportunity to upgrade skills at
Paul Hall Center. Chairman read
president's report from LOG
regarding SIU and NMU members
upgrading side by side at Piney
Point. Crew sorry to hear about
death of former AFL-CIO Presi­
dent Lane Kirkland. Next port:
Elizabeth, N.J.

SEA-LAND PRODUCER (Sea­
Land Service), September 12-
Chairman Joel A. Lechel,
Secretary David A. Cunningham,
Educational Director Christopher
M. Devonish, Deck Delegate
William D. Brinson Jr., Engine
Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward
Delegate Clifford B. Elliot.
Chairman reported payoff and
loading of stores to take place
September 14 in Jacksonville. He
reminded everyone of hurricane
season and to secure room TVs
and stereos. Bungee cords avail­
able for anyone needing them.
Educational director advised mem­
bers to check STCW certificates
and z-cards to make sure they have
not expired. Treasurer announced
$100 remaining in ship's fund.
Crew voted to use assets to get
satellite system working. Disputed
OT reported in all three depart­
ments. Discussion held regarding
articles in LOG including new
ships, jobs and proposed merger
between Sill and NMU. Suggestion
made and sent to contracts depart­
ment regarding lowering amount of
sea time required to receive full
pension. Second ice machine
requested since vessel operates in
tropics and current machine cannot
keep up with demand. Bosun
thanked steward department for job
well done. Crew remembered late
Steward Beau James. Next ports:
Jacksonville and San Juan, P.R.

SGT MATEJ KOCAK
(Waterman Steamship), September
19-Chairman Angelo Urti,
Secretary Lonnie Gamble Jr.,
Educational Director Jerald
Graham, Deck Delegate Robert
A. Hudas, Engine Delegate
Robert C. Hines Jr., Steward
Delegate Clarence Robinson.

Captain and chief mated thanked
everyone for job well done. Ship
passed Coast Guard and ABS
inspections with no problems.
Chairman noted crew has not
received economic price adjust­
ment for this year but other two
Waterman ships have. He also
reminded members about union's
new fire fighting school.
Educational director stressed need
to get STCW endorsements. Crew

The Gopher State and its crew
were in Southampton, England
this past spring. The preposi­
tioning vessel then returned to
Guam, where it remains on
stand-by alert, ready to sail at a
moment's notice to provide
ammunition, stores, vehicles
and other material needed by
American ground forces in times
of rapid deployment. In this
photo, the captain and some of
the ship's crew take time out in
London to pose in front of that
city's famous tower.

members have until end of year to
take advantage of U.S. Coast
Guard relaxed assessment period.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
President's report from LOG read
regarding SIU-NMU merger. Sug­
gestion made and sent to head­
quarters regarding payment of pre­
scription drugs for dependents.
Steward department given vote of
thanks for outstanding job. Next
port: Rota, Spain.

COAST RANGE (Crowley Petro­
leum Transport), October 4-­
Chairman Gregory A. Agren,
Secretary Lanette A. Lopez,
Educational Director E. Olson,
Engine Delegate Giuseppe Ciciul­
la, Steward Delegate Robert W.
Gilliam. Chairman read presi­
dent's report from LOG regarding
SIU-NMU merger. Educational
director stressed importance of
upgrading skills at Paul Hall Cen­
ter and reading monthly LOG­
two ways to keep abreast of union
activities. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Steward department
given vote of thanks for job well
done. Next port: Portland, Ore.

LNG TAURUS (Pronav Ship
Mgmt.), October 3-Chairman
Daniel Marcus, Secretary Judi L.
Chester, Educational Director
Curtis Jackson, Deck Delegate
John Ray, Engine Delegate John
Orr, Steward Delegate Ben
Opaon. Chairman thanked all de­
partments for working well togeth­
er, and steward thanked deck and
engine departments for keeping gal­
ley equipment and storerooms orga­
nized. Educational director remind­
ed everyone to take opportunity to
attend classes at Paul Hall Center,
especially new fire fighting com­
plex. Treasurer announced $561 in
ship's fund. Will look into purchase
and installation of satellite dish. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Report read concerning SIU-NMU
merger. Crew expressed mixed feel­
ings. Main concerns have to do with
seniority issues and competition for
jobs. Secretary informed them that
thousands of jobs will become
available in next few years because
of new ships coming under SIU
contract. Thanks given to VP Gov't
Services Kermett Mangram for vis­
iting vessel to inform crew of
reflagging changes that may occur.
Bosun thanked steward department
for excellent work: "Food has been
so good that we'll all have to buy a
new set of larger clothes when we
get home!" Next ports: Nagoya,
Japan; Bontang, Indonesia; Tobata,
Japan.

Seafarers LOG 19



Letters to the Editor
(Editors note: the Seafarers
LOG reserves the right to edit
letters for grammar as well as
space provisions without
changing the writer s intent.
The LOG welcomes letters from
members, pensioners, their
families and shipmates and will
publish them on a timely basis.)

Proud Veterans Keep
WWII Facts Straight

(The following letter was
first published in The Daily
News, McKeesport, Pa. ,
October 11, 1999.)

A recent fact sheet from the
national headquarters of the
American Merchant Marine
Veterans, which revealed the
newest casualty figures of
World War II, included the fol­
lowing statistics: Merchant
Marine - 1 in 29, Marines - 1 in
34, Navy - 1 in 114.

Many people tried to make
us feel cheap and like second­
rate citizens, but no more. We
are proud veterans and our
group had the highest casualty
rate of any of the armed ser­
vices.

Do these sound like figures
we should be embarrassed
about? And remember, we all
volunteered in a declared war.

I also sent copies of the
report to the national and state
VFW headquarters to educate
them on World War II history.

In the year 2000, I will have
two chapters in a book on
untold stories of World War II
that should shock most
Americans out of their draw­
ers.
Peter Salvo
McKeesport, Pa.

Happy With
New Contract

To all involved in negotiat­
ing the new ASM agreement:

On behalf of my SIU broth­
ers on board the APL
Philippines and myself, I
extend a vote of thanks to the
SIU negotiating team and
ASM management for the
wage increase. The whole eco­
nomic package increase for the
life of the agreement was a big
boost to crew morale.

Special thanks to SIU
President Mike Sacco, Vice
President West Coast Nick
Marrone and the rest of the
SIU Executive Board. We sup­
port your hard work and your
fighting dedication for
improving the lives of SIU
merchant mariners and their
families by continuing to add
more jobs and the opportunity
to upgrade skills to ensure suc­
cess of its members, like pro­
viding STCW training to help
protect the U.S. merchant fleet
from foreign encroachment.

This is truly an exciting
time as our membership con­
tinues to grow and with more
jobs on the way!

Also, the maritime industry
needs more innovative compa­
nies like ASM.

Keep getting those con­
tracts! We as U.S. merchant
mariners will support the
politicians who help preserve
and add more stars-and-stripes
flags atop the growing number
of merchant vessels around the
world.

Jim Wilson, Chief Steward
APL Philippines

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS
WELFARE FUND AND SUBSIDIARY

This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers
Welfare Fund and Subsidiary, EIN 13-5557534, Plan No.
501, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31 ,
1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal
Revenue Service, as required under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

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

plan , was $27,483,633 as of December 31 , 1998, compared
to $23,785,749 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year,
the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of
$3,697,884. This increase includes unrealized appreciation
and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is. the dif­
ference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of
the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the
year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During
the plan year, the plan had a total income of $46,730,099
including employer contributions of $44,645,526, realized
gains of $272,933 from the sale of assets, and earnings from
investments of $1,755,158.

Plan expenses were $43,032,215. These expenses includ­
ed $5,193,485 in administrative expenses and $37,838,730
in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.

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

report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS
MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN

This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers
Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No.
001 ,. for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31 ,
1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal
Revenue Service, as required under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund .

Plan expenses were $124,872. These expenses included
$100,964 in administrative expenses and $23,908 in bene­
fits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 5, 140
persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at
the end of the plan year.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the
plan , was $3,961,403 as of December 31, 1998, compared
to $2,018 ,318 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year,
the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of
$1 ,943,085. This increase includes unrealized appreciation
and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is , the dif­
ference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of
the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the
year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan
had a total income of $2,067,957 including employer contri­
butions of $1 ,724,794, employee contributions of $13,442,
realized gains of $75,638 from the sale of assets, and earn­
ings from investments of $254,083.

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

·Know Your Rights - ·

below are included in that report:

1. an accountant's report;
2. service provider and trustee information;
3. assets held for investment; and
4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part there­
of, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211 , (301) 899-
0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.40 for the
full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the
annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of
Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp
Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of
Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S.
Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs.
Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public
Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Avenue, N.W. , Washington, DC 20210.

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

1. an accountant's report;
2. assets held for investment;
3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and
4. service provider and trustee information.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part there­

of, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Money
Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD
20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs
will be $1.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page
for any part thereof.

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

You also have the legally protected right to examine the
annual report at the main office of the p d of
Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan,
Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S.
Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. , or to obtain a
copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of
copying costs. Requests to the Department should be
addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension
and Welfare Benefits Administration , U.S. Department of
Labor. 200 Constitution Avenue. N.W .. Washington, DC
20210.

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specif­
ic provision for safeguarding the membership's money and
union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year, which is to be submit­
ted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the
membership, each year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of
this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recom­
mendations and separate findings.

tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a
ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as
well as their obligations, such as filing for 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 offi­
cial fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.

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. Conse­
quently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accor­
dance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of
these funds shall equally consist of union and management
representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and dis­
bursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a
majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are
available at the headquarters of the various trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and
seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the
union and the employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and
available in all union halls. If members believe there have
been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as con­
tained in the contracts between the union and the employers,
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 20746

Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to mem­
bers 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 condi-

20 Seafarers LOG

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 pub­
lishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective
membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by
membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG
policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the
executive board of the union. The executive board may dele­
gate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this
responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to
anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require
any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if
a member is required to make a payment and is given an offi­
cial 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 meth­
ods, 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

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

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION -
SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are
used to further its objects and purposes including, but not lim­
ited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests
of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the
American merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement
of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects,
SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for
elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribu­
tion may be solicited or received because of force, job dis­
crimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as
a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above improper con­
duct, the member should notify the Seafarers International
Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the con­
tribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund,
if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and
further his or her economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.

NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member
feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that
he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to
union records or information, the member should immediate­
ly notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by cer­
tified mail, return receipt requested. The address is:

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

December 1999



SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER
2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is the schedule for classes for the first few months of 2000 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 mem­
bership, 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 reserva­
tions 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.

Deck Upgrading Courses

Course

Able Seaman

Able Seaman - Inland

Lifeboatman

Radar

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids*
(ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited)

Start Date

January 24
February 21

January 24

January 10
February 1

January 17
March 6

January 10
January 31

Engine Upgrading Courses

Course

Fireman/Watertender & Oiler

QMED

Basic Electronics

Mari e Electronics Technician I

Welding

Start Date

January 10

January 24

January 10

January 31

January 10
February 14

Steward Upgrading Courses

Course Start Date

Date of Completion

February 18
March 17

February 11

January 21 (pre-AB)
Feb. 19 (pre-AB)

January 28
March 17

January 14
February 4

Date of Completion

February 18

April 14

January 28

February 18

January 28
March3

Galley Operations/ January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Advanced Galley Operations February 7, 14, 21, 28

(Every week) March 6, 13, 20, 27
Certified Chief Cook/ January 10, 24
Chief Steward February 7, 21

(Every other week) March 6, 20

Safety Specialty Courses

Course

Tanker Familiarization/
Assistant Cargo (DL)*
(*must have basicfirefighting)

Basic Firefighting

Advanced Firefighting

Government Vessels

STCW Basic Safety (refresher)

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

LNG Familiarization*
(*must have advanced fire fighting)

Oil Spill Containment

Start Date

January 10
February 7
March 6

January 17
February 28

January IO
February 14
March 6

January 31
February 28

February 7
March 6

January 24
March 13

February 28

February 28

Academic Department Courses

Date of Completion

January 28
February 25
March 24

January 21
March 3

January 21
February 25
March 17

February 18
March 17

February 11
March 10

January 28
March 17

March 3

March 3

General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition,
basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year,
one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant
and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be
self-study.

The January edition of the
Seafarers LOG will contain
a complete .guide of all the
upgrading courses avail­
able to Seafarers in the

~ __ :'.\_ _____________________________________ _
UPGRADING APPLICATION

Date of Birth Telephone __________ _
- --------

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# ________ _

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? D Yes DNo

If yes, class#-------------------------

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes 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 D No

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

December 1999

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty
(120) days sea time 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 apvlication. The pavment 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 APPLICATION 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 quali­
fied, 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. 12199

Seafarers LOG 21



Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes

Power Plant Maintenance - Graduating from power plant maintenance course on
October 22 are (from left, first row) William Kelley, Timothy Horger, Thomas Keseru, Gonzie
Knott, (second row) Joseph Grandinetti, Steve Stepanski, Ursel Barber, Lawrence Rose
and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor).

Tankerman (PIC) Barge - Marking completion of the tankerman (PIC) barge class
on October 22 are (from left, seated) Mohamed Hossain, Daniel Gishy, Mark Wain, Walter
Loveless, (second row) Michael Mayo, Patrick David, Mitch Oakley (instructor) and Bill
Pratley.

Marine Electrical Maintenance - SIU mem­
bers completing the marine electrical maintenace course
on October 29 are (from left) Carl Montoya, Sjarifudin
Noor, Nathan Hollander, Abdulrub Atiah, Angel
Hernandez, Gregory Johns, Steven Hoskins, Pompey
Alegado, Jeffrey Levie and Mark Jones (instructor).

Government Vessels - With
instructor Stan Beck (far left, standing)
are students who completed the govern­
ment vessels course on October 15.
From the left (kneeling) are Artemio
Rivera, Waseem Dhalai, Benjamin
Mathews, Kenji Hoffman, Benign
Padaoan, Maximo Loto Jr., (standing)
Beck, Rodney Jimenez, Deion Nguyen,
Sean Ryan, Ali Naser, Abdulsalem
Mohamed, Stephen Hill, Sammy
Montana and Marcial Avila.

22 Seafarers LOG

Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the gal­
ley operations curriculum are (from left, kneeling) Robert Valentine, Saundra Leonard,
Ty Heller, Vicente Ordonez, Arsenio Gusilator Jr., (standing) Chef/Instructor Ed White,
John Stephen, Edgardo Ong, Jeffrey Badua, Abdellalif Benjouhra, Charles Carrol, Mark
Wertanen and Gregorio Bernardez.

December 1999



Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes

Able Seaman Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class on
October 29 are (from left, seated at first table) Wincell Hightower Jr., Bobby Brown,
Michael Watkins Sr., Louis Creekmur, (second table) Russell Shaw Jr., Leroy Reed,
Julian Lacuesta Jr., Fadehl Saleh, (third table) Todd Conley, Virgilio Managbanag, Carlos
Arauz, (standing) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), William Bruce, Velly Marquez, Simeon
Rivas, Khaled Munasser, Richard Pepper and Francisco Harry.

QMED - Completing their QMED training on December 3 are (in alphabetical order)
Pantala Allee, Servando Canales Jr., Stanley Castro, Jonathan Driggers, Paul Duquette,
Mike Kifle, John Leiter, Tran Luu, Keith Manzano, Thaddeus Pisarek, Jeffrey Roddy,
Mark Roman, Dwight Ward and Taylor Watson. (Note: not all the students are in the pho­
tograph). The class, ta_µght by Barney Kane, was a challenging one for the upgraders,
with a large volume of material and a very technical subject matter.

Able Seaman - Instructor Tom Gilliland looks over students as they
work toward completion of the AB curriculum on October 29. Registered in
the class were David Roof, Jonathan Morgan, Pernell Fulford, Timothy
Barker, Matthew Bjerk, Bryon Baker, Jonathan Paul, Gregory Pratt, Peri
Drew, Ondongee Pegram, Joseph Weller, Timothy Fernandez, Terry Gilliland,
Gregory Hendryx, Shelby Rankin, Anthony Lowman, Russell Williams and
George Barbour.

The same students completed the basic fire fighting class (right) with instruc­
tor Rick Redmond on October 15.

FOWT - Graduating from the FOWT course on
November 19 are (from left, first row) James Tyson,
Ahmed Sharif, Anthony Jordan, John Millward, Jean
Horne, Frank Patrick Jr., Phillip Johnson Sr., Adel Gabel,
Timothy Bixby, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Michael
Blue Jr., Michael Joel, Charles Sadler, Adriano Coutinho,
Erik Haik, John Petushin, Justin Seybert, Gregory
Cherry, Natalie Rivas, Eric Nelson, Charles Jones,
Sylvester Crawford, (third row) Keith Kowaleski, Charles
Jensen, John Conn, Eddie Pittman, Noel Encarnacion,
Scott Lucero, Timothy Graham, Daniel Tapley, (fourth
row) William Hayes and Vincent Hupp-Time.

December 1999

Government Vessels - With instructor Stan Beck (far lright) are some of the stu­
dents who completed the government vessels course on September 3. Included on the
class roster are (in no particular order) Jose Clatter, Juan Ortiz, Arzu Secuindino, Charles
Mann, Ted Hale, Christine Short, Kathryn Rivera, Dan Eglund, A. Allen, Greg Gallagher,
Allan Bright, Pat Gibson, Eric Bridges, Michael Skinto, Liana McKinney, Tania
Simunovich, Syed Mehdi, Herbert Daniels, Jeffrey Badua, Abdellalif Banjouhra, Reuben
Brown, William Schuppman, John Eaton, Harold Lewis, Duane Reeder, Willard Bell, Rally
Espiritu and Hector Guity.

Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL)- Upgrading Seafarers complete the tanker assis­
tant cargo (DL) course on October 15. Included in the photo are (in no particular order)
Spencer Moxley Sr., Alvin Martin, Willie Howard Ill, Linda Barber, Mohamed Bidar, William
Meyer, Jose Vazquez, Elmo Davis, Edward O'Reilly, Mohamed Hossain, Mott Arnold,
Gary Lamb and Nestor Agcaoili. Their instructor, Jim Shafer, is standing in the rear (cen­
ter).

Seafarers LOG 23



F

I
I
I

m.snf .... •'I Volume 61 Number 12 December 1999

The U.S. Great Lakes fleet is on the move from mid­
March until late January, when the locks at Sault
St. Marie, Mich. close for the frigid winter.

While iron ore, stone and coal
remain the chief cargoes, others­
like cement, salt, grain, liquid bulk
products and sand-round out the
diversity of loads carried by the
efficient lakers.

The photos on this page show some
of the hard-working crew members and
their activites aboard three Great Lakes vessels
crewed by SIU members-American Steamship
Company's Buffalo and American Republic, and Southdown Cement's
Southdown Challenger.

The Southdown Challenger's hull
and deck recently got a fresh

coat of paint in Milwaukee,
and the pilot house was
recarpeted. At left, the ves­
sel is on her way to the
Southdown cement plant in

Charlevoix for a new load.

Bosun (and master wood-worker) Levi Sanford,
Southdown Challenger

OS Eric Corwin, AB Eugene
Repko, QMED David

Cameron, OS Musid Musleh,
American Republic

Right: Wiper
Abdul Saeed,

Buffalo

Below: Bosun
Boyd Messer,

Buffalo

24 Seafarers LOG

Deckhand Michael Cushman,
Southdown Challenger

Summary Annual Reports
MCS Pension Plan • p. 8

Seafarers Pension Plan • p. 8
Great Lakes Tug Be Dredge Pension Plan - p. 8

Seafarers Vacation Plan - p. 8
Seafarers Welfare Plan • p. 20

Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan · p. 20

With a
strong de­

mand for the
delivery of stone through­

out the Lakes, the Buffalo shows no
signs of slowing down.

Second Cook
Darrell Bays,

Buffalo

Above: QMED Brian Gelaude,
Buffalo

Left: Watchman Paul Bird,
Southdown Challenger

June 1999


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