Seafarers Log: Vol. 57 No. 7 (1995-07-01)

Volume 57, Number 7

H•dreds of New Jobs Added to SIU Rolls

SIU members last month
crewed the world's 1 -~~===~~.
largest steamboat, the ~~~·~

American Queen, and ~;~~ti~~
prepared the ship for its ~ ~-~-=-e-,. _.;.~,:r,,..
maiden voyage. The
U.S.-built, U.S.-flag pas­
senger vessel was chris- ·---·-·
tened in New Orleans on
June 2 and pegan pas- t-t~~

senger service later in
the month.

July 1995



2 SEAFARERS LOG

President's Report
Long Live the Queen

Last month, Seafarers helped break out the American Queen,
the new passenger steamboat owned and operated by The Delta

Queen Steamboat Company. The U.S.-built
vessel began its first official passenger cruise
June 27, a 16-day voyage from Pittsburgh to
New Orleans. I am confident it was the start
of a long and prosperous existence for this
truly breathtaking boat.

Naturally, from the SIU's perspective, the
American Queen first and foremost repre­
sents jobs for Seafarers. With a crew number­

Michael Sacco ing nearly 200 (including Seafarers and
members of the American Maritime Of­

ficers), the American Queen provides excellent employment op­
portunities for SIU members who work as deckhands, oilers,
cooks, cabin attendants and more. In an era when layoffs and
shutdowns routinely are happening in so many industries all
across the country, it is especially important and gratifying to see
the creation of new jobs for American workers.

These jobs do not come at the expense of Seafarers working
aboard the company's other vessels. The Delta Queen and Mis­
sissippi Queen will continue to ply the inland waterways, with
full complements of Seafarers aboard them.

Of course, the beauty and fine construction of the American
Queen itself cannot be overlooked. Every part of the boat, from
the giant paddle wheel to the finely decorated passenger cabins,
from the state-of-the-art pilothouse to the comfortable dining
rooms, is first-class. The fact that it is American-built only enhan­
ces its attractiveness.

Years ago, Delta Queen and its parent company, American
Classic Voyages of Chicago, made a commitment to American
workers and the U.S. flag. That became evident to the many
tourism writers, travel agents and others attending the christen­
ing of the American Queen in New Orleans on June 2. The new
vessel generated an air of excitement rarely seen in the U.S.-flag
maritime industry.

Without overstating the SIU' s role in any of this, I also offer
my most sincere congratulations to the crews of the Mississippi
Queen and the Delta Queen. I hope and believe that the arrival of
the newest boat reflects positively on the SIU members who for
years have worked aboard the Mississippi Queen and Delta
Queen. Their dedication and professionalism undeniably have
contributed to the company's success, which in turn helped make
it viable to build the American Queen.

However, the company's commitment has been evident to
Seafarers long before the American Queen steamed to life. In
1993, American Classic Voyages purchased American Hawaii
Cruises and took over operations of the only U.S.-flag ocean­
going passenger ships, the SIU-crewed SS Independence and SS
Constitution.

American Classic Voyages said it was committed to keeping
these two ships sailing around the Hawaiian Islands with
American mariners aboard.

To show its faith in the future of these ships, the company
began renovations to modernize the Independence last year and
returned it to service. The work was done in an American
shipyard.

This month, the Constitution heads to drydock to begin a
year's worth of service and upgrading. Like its sister ship, the
Constitution also will be renovated by American workers in a
U.S. shipyard.

The action taken on both of these vessels will keep them sail­
ing well into the next century.

The decision by American Classic to construct the new steam­
boat and renovate the ocean-going vessels represents well­
managed U.S. companies investing in American workers-not
just the crewmembers, but also the shipyard workers and others.
In my estimation, that's a great formula for success, and I hope
others will follow the example.

Volume 57, Number 7 July 1995

~Tl

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 0160-2047) is published
monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201
Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone(301)
899-067 5. Second-class postage paid at MSC Prince Geor­
ges, MD 20790-9998 and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers
WG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Managing Editor, Daniel Duncan; Associate Editors,
Jordan Biscardo and Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; As­
sociate Editor/Prcxtuction, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill
Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor.

JULY1995

Operators, Unions Challenge
Review of Cargo Preference
For Federal Deficit Reduction

U.S.-flag ship operators and
maritime unions are battling ef­
forts by government agencies and
Congress to cut funding for cargo
preference programs as a way to
lower the U.S. government's
budget deficit.

In response to a proposed rule
being considered by the Maritime
Administration (MarAd), offi­
cials of five trade associations
representing U.S.-flag ship
operators have told the Transpor­
tation Department agency they
are willing to consider changes in
the way bulk cargo preference
laws are being administered.

The Mar Ad action and
associations' response come at
the same time that Congress and
cabinet-level departments are
reviewing cargo preference laws
to find ways to reduce federal
spending.

In a letter dated June 19 to Joel
C. Richard, secretary for Mar Ad,
the associations-including the
American Maritime Congress,
American Maritime Officers Ser-

vice, Labor Management
Maritime Committee, Maritime
Institute for Research and In­
dustrial Development and
Transportation Institute-out­
lined several proposals they
would like to see included in any
revision.

(Cargo preference laws spell
out what percentage of U.S.
government-impelled cargo is to
be carried aboard American-flag
vessels. The Cargo Preference
Act of 1954 denotes that a mini­
mum of 50 percent of govern­
ment-mandated cargo must sail
aboard privately owned U.S.-flag
srups. The 1985 farm bill calls for
75 percent of government-im­
pelled U.S. agricultural products
to be carried aboard American­
flag vessels. Finally, the Cargo
Preference Act of 1904 dictates
that all Defense Department
cargo must be transported on
U.S.-flag bottoms.)

The maritime associations in­
formed MarAd they "support the
principle of cargo preference for

United States government­
generated cargoes as an ap­
propriate means to help maintain
a privately owned United States­
flag merchant marine." They
pointed out that the Persian Gulf
War demonstrated the need to
have trained merchant mariners
available to crew vessels in times
of national emergencies.

Improved Efficiency Is Needed
In the letter, the associations'

representatives stated that despite
the fact some arguments used
against bulk cargo preference
laws are based on inaccurate in­
formation, "we do agree that steps
can and should be taken to im­
prove the overall efficiency and
cost effectiveness of cargo
preference."

The associations said the
present system to determine the
cost to ship preference bulk cargo
on American-flag vessels has
several flaws. They noted U.S.­
flag vessel operators are required

Continued on page 16

Navy League Honors Brand for Work
In Promoting U.S. Merchant Marine

The Navy League of the
United States presented the Vin­
cent T. Hirsch Maritime Award
for "outstanding leadership" to
Herbert Brand, chairman of the
Transportation Institute, for "his
many and varied contributions to
the United States shipping in­
dustry, and in turn to national
security over a span of almost 50
years."

Named for the late president of
the Navy League who was a fer­
vent supporter of U.S.-flag mer­
chant shipping for its vital
defense role, the Vincent T.
Hirsch award is presented to "a
distinguished American who is
particularly effective in creating a
broader understanding of the
merchant marine to national
security."

Presenting the award to Brand
were Navy League President
Evan Baker and Vice Admiral Al­
bert Herberger, the U.S. Maritime

Herbert Brand (left), chairman of the Transportation Institute, receives the
Navy League's Vincent T. Hirsch Maritime Award for his nearly 50 years
of leadership in the U.S.-flag maritime industry. Presenting Brand with
the award are U.S. Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger (center) and
Navy League President Evan Baker.

Administrator. Admiral Joseph government involved in maritime
W. Prueher, the vice chief of affairs."
Naval Operations, participated in The award called attention to
the award ceremony and "theleadershiphehasconsistent­
delivered the principle address. ly displayed, as president and the

The league's award cited chairman of the Transportation
Brand for "his expertise and in- Institute, and that as a member of
trinsic knowledge" of the the Board of Governors of the
maritime industry which has National Maritime Council he's
"aided materially in the estab- been essential to the efforts to aid
lishment and implementation of U.S. shipping."
maritime programs to meet the Brand's "unswerving dedica­
challenges of foreign competi- tion to the cause of a strong and
tion, and his advice has been healthy U.S.-flag merchant
highly valued by both industry marine has been an inspiration,"
and government." the league st~ted:

The citation, given June 2 at After service m the U.S. Navy
the league's national convention during World War II, Brand be­
in St. Louis, noted that Brand has came associated with the
"played a pivotal role in the Seafarers International Union. He
enactment of the Merchant served the SIU in a wide range of
Marine Act of 1970, and has been capacities, including director of
instrumental in fostering mutual public relations and director of
understanding and cooperation organizing as well as being in­
among a11 segments of shipping, volved in domestic and interna­
and shipbuilding management tional maritime matters. He
and labor, and many segments of worked very closely with then

SIU President Paul Hall.
After more than 20 years with

the union, Brand was named to
help develop the Transportation
Institute, a Washington, D.C.­
based management association
engaged in U.S.-flag maritime in­
dustry promotion and research.
He subsequently was named
president of the Transportation
Institute, a position he held until
he was named chairman by the
board of directors.

Founded in 1902, the Navy
League of the United States is a
68,000-member patriotic civilian
organization dedicated to educat­
ing American citizens about the
need for sea power to maintain
America's national security and
economic well-being. To that
end, members in more than 300
councils worldwide engage in ac­
tivities supportive of the U.S.
Navy, Marine Corps, Coast
Guard and U.S.-flag merchant
marine.



JULY1995 SEAFARERS LOG

The American Queen Steams to Life
SIU-Contracted Passenger Riverboat Starts Service

The Seafarers-crewed, U.S.- thusiasm about working aboard formance of crewmembers as a
built passenger boat American the vessel, which was built by factor in both the 105-year-old
Queen officially began service Americans during a two-year company's success and the
June 27 in Pittsburgh, marking period at McDermott Shipyard in decision to build the American
the start of operations for the Amelia, La., at a cost of ap- Queen. "The trick for us is in the
largest steamboat ever con- proximately $70 million. way we treat our passengers ....
structed. "The whole crew is very ex- It's not so much the ship's

Christened earlier last month cited. It's just a great boat," said facilities, but the sincerity of the
in New Orleans, the 418-foot DeckhandAleckBrown,32, who crew that serves [the passengers]
American Queen, which carries a also has worked aboard the Mis- and how they are served," he said.
crew of 170, joins its sister ships sissippi Queen.
Delta Queen and Mississippi "It's a wonderful atmos- Nevertheless, the American
Queen as the only authentic over- phere," agreed 20-year-oldDeck- Queen's polished 19~h-century
night paddlewheel steamboats hand Ryan Webster, a graduate decor drew rave reviews from
operating in the U.S. The of the entry-level training pro- reporters, travel agents and
American Queen can carry 436 gram at the Paul Hall Center's ot~ers who bo~r~ed .the boat
passengers, more than either of Lundeberg School. "We have a Prt<;>r to the o~ftctal maugural
the other two vessels. good crew, a great captain and the crmse. The national n.ewspaper

All three boats are crewed by boat is excellent" USA Today descnbed the
Seafarers and operated by The Seafarers r~ported to the American_ Q'!-een as "a wedding
Delta Queen Steamboat Co., American Queen several weeks c~ke that mvites Y?U to run.You,~
headquartered in New Orleans. before the christening to prepare fm~ers through Its frost~ng,
They offer three- to 16-night it for river trials in May. "I've w~1le the (~ew Orleans) !i'!!es­
cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio, been operating the boiler, chang- Pzcayu'!e simpl~, tabbed It one
Cumberland, Tennessee, Atcha- ing oil, working on generators grand nverboat.

The new American Queen joins its sister ships Delta Queen and
Mississippi Queen as the only authentic overnight paddlewheel
steamboats operating in the United States.

falaya and Arkansas rivers. and doing some maintenance. -------------------------------------

Following the June 2 christen- Everything's going really well," House Cons1·ders 11·11 to Export
in g, SIU members on the reported Fireman Ben Strunk.
American Queen expressed en- Third Engineer Joe Overstreet,

~~~~o~a~~~!~:rv:~~~~r.:o~~~ Alaskan Oil on U.S.-Flag Ships American Queen Facts

• Crewmembers: 170
"We've had some bumps and
grinds, but she's come around. The House of Representatives is expected to Both the House and Senate versions of the legis-
It' s a great boat and a new ex- consider this month legislation that would lift a lation call on Congress to lift the ban to sell Alaskan

• construction cost: Ap- perience for me. 22-year ban on the export of Alaskan North Slope North Slope crude oil to foreign nations, imposed
proximately $70 million "We have a good unlicensed crude oil as long as it is carried aboard U.S.-flag during the Arab oil embargo of 1973, as long as it

• Passengers: 436

• Built at McDermott Shipyard, crew and everyone's doing a tankers. is carried aboard U.S.-flag tankers.
La. good job." The bill (H.R. 70), which has the support of the In announcing its support for the measure at

• Length: 418 feet Deckhands, cabin attendants, SIU, already has received bipartisan support in the hearings in the House and Senate, the SIU stated
• Beam: 89.3 feet food-service personnel and other House Resources Committee. The group marked up the bills would keep the U.S.-flag independent
• Gross tonnage: 4,700 SIU members also were busy H.R. 70 on May 17 in a voice vote in which both tanker fleet sailing into the next century which would
• preparing the American Queen Republicans and .Democrats stated their support. provide jobs for American mariners. Previously the

•
~~~~r~i~~n~s~~~rs~a':taddle for its inaugural cruise-a 16- (When a bill is marked up, it is made ready for union had opposed lifting the ban. However, the SIU

night venture from Pittsburgh to consideration by the next higher level, in this case, changed its position last year when legislation was
New Orleans, retracing an 1811 the full House of Representatives.) introduced to permit the export sales as long as the Machinery: Vintage tandem

compound horizontal
reciprocating steam engines,
assisted by two electric z­
drive steerable propulsion
thrusters and twin bow

journey of the New Orleans, the Similar legislation cleared the Senate by a 74-25 oil was carried aboard U.S.-flag tankers.
first steamboat ever to travel vote on May 16. Senators from both political parties Lifting the ban as long as the oil is carried on
America's rivers. stated during the debate that the bill, known as S. American-flag tankers also has the support of the

"It's hard work, but it's fun 395 in the Senate, would create American jobs and Clinton administration.
• Construction:Afl-steelwelded and ··exciting," stated Bobby help the U.S.-flag tanker fleet. During the same congressional hearings, the

hull and superstructure Chiselbrook, a member of the "I hope people from throughout the country will deputy secretary for the Energy Department, Wil-

thrusters

• Accommodations: 222 suites steward department. understand that approvi~g [S. 395] will mea~ that liam H. White, told the House and Senate commit-
and staterooms Jeffrey Krida, president of Congress has taken action to _Pre~erve the mde- tees that the administration favors the legislation as

Delta Queen cited the good per- pendent tanker fleet and to mamtarn thousands of written. White also noted during a House Resource
' skilled maritime industry jobs that will be required Committee hearing on May 9 that the U.S. Trade

as we go into this new phase of distribution of Representative has stated H.R. 70 does not violate
Alaskan oil, and it will be done at no cost to the provisions within the Organization of Economic
taxpayers," Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) said Cooperation and Development and the General
during the floor debate. Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Cape Race Breaks Out for Bosnia
Seafarers have crewed a Ready

Reserve Force (RRF) roll-on/roll­
off vessel expected to participate in
the United Nations (U.N.)
peacekeeping effort in Bosnia.

The Cape Race, operated by
OMI Corp., left the port of Nor­
folk, Va. on June 28. News
reports state the vessel is sailing
to England to pick up equipment

,,
N''

.... ~ ........ -.....;;..;:~ for use by U.N. peacekeepers

Deckhands Scott Manley (left) and Duncan Armentor clean the
American Queen's deck following the christening last month in New
Orleans. The deck gang worked through a powerful and spicy scent, as
the boat was christened with a giant bottle of Tabasco Pepper Sauce.

positioned in the war-torn
country located in southeastern
Europe near the Adriatic Sea in
what used to be Yugoslavia.

(RRF vessels make up a fleet
of militarily useful vessels dock­
ed around the country in layup or
reduced operating status that are
activated in times of national
emergency. The ships are owned
by the Maritime Administration,
which contracts their operations
to various U.S.-flag shipping
companies.)

Fighting has raged for years in
the area between Bosnian Serbs,
Croats and Muslims. Through the
use of non-combatant troops from

The SIU-crewed Cape Race is sailing to England to load equipment
needed by U.N. peacekeeping forces positioned in Bosnia.

member nations, the U.N. has
tried to stop the fighting but has
had little success. Previous
American efforts in the
peacekeeping operation have
been limited to air support for
U .N. ground forces and donations
of food and other supplies for
civilians.

The break-out of the Cape
Race comes after President Clin­
ton met with other European
leaders to discuss the situation in

Bosnia. Recently, U .N.
peacekeepers were held hostage
and being used as human shields
to prevent air attacks on Bosnian
Serb forces.

Late last month, the North
American Treaty Organization
(NATO), an alliance of 16 nations
in North America and Europe, ap­
proved provisions to send forces
into Bosnia to remove the
peacekeepers from the fighting.
The U.S. is a member of NATO.

3



4 SEAFARERS LOG JULY1995

Efforts Continue for Enactment of U.S. Ship Bill
Efforts continue on Capitol propriations Subcommittee for

Hill to gain support for a 10-year Commerce, Justice, State and
program to provide funds for ap- Judiciary to fund the provisions
proximately 50 U.S.-flag con- ofH.R. 1350. (The subcommittee
tainerships. oversees spending for the mer-

The second point made by ficient and cost-effective opera- sage of H.R. 1350.
Bateman and Taylor is H.R. 1350 tion of United States-flag ships." The Congress would "have the·
will contribute positively to Bateman and Taylor stated the opportunity each year to evaluate
America's economy. bill would allow American-flag the effectiveness of this program

They wrote that the American shipping companies to replace and to consider changes neces­
maritime industry provides jobs older vessels with newer, more sary to increase the ability of the
which "generate much-needed efficient ships to compete with United States-flag merchant
revenues for federal and state foreign carriers. They added H.R. marine to enhance the economic

The Maritime Security Act chant marine.)

(H.R. 1350) is awaiting action by Outline Reasons for Support
the House of Representatives
after the bill cleared the
chamber's National Security
Committee on May 24. Earlier in
the month, H.R. 1350 had been
marked up by the committee's
Merchant Marine Panel.

(The act of marking up a bill in
Congress makes the legislation
ready for review and considera­
tion by the next higher level.)

The bill, which has the support
of the SIU and other maritime
unions, calls for the Department
of Transportation to provide an­
nual appropriations of $100 mil­
lion over a 10-year period to help
fund roughly 50 U.S.-flag con­
tainerships. In turn, the com­
panies whose vessels receive the
dollars would make those ships
available to the Department of
Defense in times of national
emergency or war.

In a letter dated June 22, Rep­
resentatives Herbert H. Bateman
(R-Va.), Merchant Marine Panel
chairman, and Gene Taylor (D­
Mi ss.), the panel's ranking
minority party member, wrote the
chairman of the House Ap-

In the communication with taxing authorities, and improves 1350 also would permit operators and military security of our na­
Representative Harold Rogers our balance of payments and toaltertraderoutes without going tion," they wrote to Rogers.
(R-Ky.), the pair outlined four balance of trade." through hearings for government Bateman and Taylor wrapped
reasons why the bill should be approval. up their letter by saying, "We are
supported and funded. Another matter of concern The final point made in the convinced H.R. 1350 as reported

First, they pointed out the bill brought to Rogers' attention by letter to Rogers stated Congress is consistent with the goals and
would "significantly enhance our the pair was H.R. 1350 would would have "an ongoing over- objectives of the 104th Congress.
nation's sealift capability and "eliminate intrusive federal sight role in the implementation It makes good sense militarily
military security. It will ensure _re_g_u_la_t_io_n_s_w_hi_._c_h_i_m_p_e_de_th_e_e_f_-_o_f_m_a_n._ti_m_e_p_o_l_ic_y_"_w_i_th_th_e_p_a_s_-_an_d_e_c_o_n_o_m_ic_al_ly_.'_' ____ _
that our country will not become
totally dependent on foreign na­
tions and foreign crews to
transport the supplies and equip­
ment needed by American ser­
vicemen overseas."

Bateman and Taylor noted an
active U.S. -flag maritime fleet
makes sure the nation has
"trained, loyal American mer­
chant mariners" available in
times of emergencies. It guaran­
tees America will have militarily
useful vessels ready for overseas
operations, they added.

Helps Economy
The congressmen stated that

the bill also encourages a domes­
tic commercial shipbuilding and
ship repair industry.

Kirkland Announces Retirement
As Labar Federation President

AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland, who started
his career as a merchant ship deck officer during
World War II, will retire as head of the nation's
federation of labor, effective August 1.

In announcing his retirement from a position he
has held almost 16 years, Kirkland stated, "Service
in the cause of free and democratic trade unionism
is a privilege, and I am happy and secure in the
conviction that I have been faithful to it. A life spent
in that service is a happy one, and I regret nothing."

SIU President Michael Sacco praised the leader­
ship that Kirkland has provided the labor movement.

Delma Named Benefits
Plans Administrator

"For more than 50 years, Brother Kirkland has
given unselfishly of himself to improve the lives of
America's working men and women," Sacco said.
"He has held steadfast to this vision. We in labor
owe him a great deal and thank him for his un­
wavering commitment to the movement and the
country."

Started in Maritime
Sacco also recognized Kirkland for his concern

AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland, shown speaking at
the labor federation's 1993 convention, announced he
will step down August 1 after 16 years at the helm.

The Seafarers Plans Board of
Trustees has appointed Lou
Delma, 47, to the position of
Seafarers Plan Administrator.

Continuing his 30-year career
with the SIU, Delma will oversee
the operations for the depart­
ments dealing with the welfare,
pension and vacation programs as
administrator.

The Brooklyn, N.Y. native
began his career with the SIU in
1965 in the claims department
preparing Seafarers medical ex­
pense requests for processing at
the former Plan office, located at
17 Battery Place in Manhattan,
N.Y.

From 1965 until 1977, Delma
held various positions in the
Seafarers claims department. At
the end of 1977, he went to work
with the manpower department.

In 1980, he became supervisor
of the records and vacation
department, assisting Seafarers in
processing their vacation applica­
tions.

Delma began working as the
assistant administrator for the
Benefits Plans in 1992. In 1993,

Recently named administrator for
the Benefits Plans, Lou Delma has
worked with the SIU for 30 years.

he became the deputy ad­
ministrator for the welfare, pen­
sion and vacation programs.

Delma has continued his
studies over the years by talcing
business classes at both Staten Is­
land Community College in New
York and Northern Virginia
Community College. He and his
wife of 11 years, Andrea, have
four children.

regarding the U.S.-flag merchant marine. He noted research staff of the American Federation of Labor
this dedication goes back to Kirkland's beginnings (AFL). During the next 10 years, he handled a wide
in the labor movement as a member of the Interna- range of assignments with the AFL, then the AFL­
tional Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots. CIO following the merger with the Congress of

After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Industrial Organizations.
Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. in 1942, Kirkland In 1958, Kirkland joined the International Union
sailed during World War II as a deck officer. He of Operating Engineers as director of research and
served aboard seven different vessels carrying am- education. Two years later, he was named the ex­
munition and other materiel in the North Atlantic, ecutive assistant to then AFL-CIO President
along the North African coast and in the Pacific George Meany.
island campaigns. . .

During a speech he delivered at the academy in Elected President m 1979
March 1993, Kirkland recalled being asked by a Kirkland was elected secretary-treasurer of the
reporter if he was afraid of a decision he had made AFL-CIO in 1969. He held the position until his
concerning a course of action for the AFL-CIO. election as president during the labor federation's

He responded, "Afraid? I'll tell you what afraid 1979 convention.
is. Afraid is a four-hour night watch on the bridge During his tenure, Kirkland unified the labor
of a freighter in the middle of a blacked-out convoy movement by bringing the United Automobile
loaded with high explosives and high octane Workers, the Teamsters, the United Mine Workers
gasoline, in a full gale in mid-winter in the North and the Internationa~ Longshoremen's and
Atlantic, surrounded bywolfpacks. Warehousemen's Union back into the AFL-CIO.

"Afraid is knowing that in another eight hours His term saw the first women and Hispanics elected
you are going to have to do it all over again and for to the AFL-CIO executive council, the 33-member
many days and nights yet. That's what afraid is, and board that governs the activities of the federation.
I haven't been afraid of anything since." The AFL-CIO also expanded its international ef-

Following the war, he worked at the U.S. Navy's forts, using solidarity with overseas organizations
Hydrographic Office in Washington, D.C. as a to help bring successful resolutions to struggles
nautical engineer. At the same time, he studied and faced by American unions.
acquired his bachelor's degree from the Geor- According to the constitution of the AFL-CIO,
getown University School of Foreign Service in Kirkland's successor will be selected by the execu-
1948. tive council. Prior to his announcement, the council

After receiving his diploma, Kirkland joined the had scheduled a meeting on August 1.

Rose Hall, Widow of Paul Hall, Dies at 72
Rose Siegel Hall, the widow of the

late SIU President Paul Hall, suc­
cumbed to cancer on June 20. She was
72 years old.

Rose Siegel grew up in a labor fami­
ly. Her mother was active in the Inter­
national Ladies Garment Workers
Union.

She came to work in 1944 for the SIU
as the executive administrative assistant
to the union's secretary-treasurer, John

ganizing director. Siegel's background
and knowledge of the labor movement
made her a valuable asset in the union's
campaigns to organize Isthmian Steam­
ship Co. and Cities Service tankers
during the late 1940s.

encourage her to express her opinion at
meetings. Whether he agreed with her
or not, he wanted to know what she
thought."

She continued to work for the SIU
until she married Hall in 1950 and
retired to raise a family. She remained
involved in local civic and labor causes
throughout her life.

i Hawk. Later, she was assigned to work

According to retired SIU official Ed
Mooney, "It was nothing for Rose to
climb a gangway any time of the day or
night to make a payoff or take a deposi­
tion. You have to remember, this was a
time when women weren't even sup­
posed to be on the waterfront."

Mrs. Hall is survived by two
children, Margo Hall O'Kane and Max
Siegel Hall. Services were held June 23
at the Riverside Chapel followed by
burial at Greenwood Cemetery in
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Rose Siegel Hall attends the 1991 dedication of with Paul Hall following his election as
the union's training and education center named New York port agent . ,
in memory of her late husband, Paul Hall. Hall soon became the umon s or-

Retired SIU counsel Howard Schul­
man recalled that Paul Hall "seemed to



JULY1995

Upgraders Tab Hazmat and Confined-Space
Training as Tanker Course Highlights

The confined-space entry and rescue
portion of the Paul Hall Center's tanker
operation/safety class is a course highlight,
said several Seafarers who last month com­
pleted the four-week tanker course.

The upgraders also cited the oil
spill/hazardous materials (hazmat)
prevention and recovery training as one of
the most useful sections of the tanker
safety class, which is required for all SIU
members who sail aboard tankers.

''The first two weeks, when we covered
hazmat and confined-space rescue, were
exceptionally good," stated Bosun Bob
Garcia, a Seafarer since 1969. "We
learned a lot of things that will be useful
when we're out there on tankers."

"It's important to know how to go about
checking for different chemicals, as well
as what to do once you've identified
them," noted QMED/Chief Pumpman
George Phillips, who most recently sailed
on the Overseas Boston. "We learned a lot
about flammability and toxicity. We also
practiced using lifelines to get people out

of tanks without injuring either them or
ourselves."

OSHA-Certified
Completing the confined-space train­

ing portion of the tanker course, officially
titled Confined-Space Entry Permit/Safe
Rescue, results in upgraders obtaining cer­
tification from the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) via the Paul
Hall Center. This curriculum also has been
offered as a separate, elective course by the
Lundeberg School since late 1993.

An OSHA regulation that went into
effect that year requires such training for
some shoreside workers, but not for mer­
chant mariners or shipyard workers. But,
in adding both the 35-hour Confined­
Space Entry Permit/Safe Rescue class as
well as a 24-hour Confined-Space Entry
Permit course, Lundeberg School instruc­
tors pointed out that Seafarers routinely
must enter and work in confined spaces,
and therefore stand to benefit from the new
elective courses.

The OSHA regulation defines a com­
bined space as a small area not normally
used by employees. It requires that super­
visors or other employees be able to deter­
mine if a hazard exists in the confined
space, and if so, that they are able to seal
off the problem and get it under control.
Further, it calls for training that will enable ·
workers to execute a rescue of one or more
persons who are trapped in a horizontal,
vertical or diagonal confined space.

During the tanker safety course,
upgraders practice confined-space entry
and rescue operations aboard the training
barge Empress II. This includes the use of
air-monitoring equipment, protective
clothing and breathing gear, ventilators
and more.

Many Topics

SEAFARERS LOG 5

The tanker safety course also includes
practical training for oil spill/hazmat
prevention and recovery, as well as the study
of tanker construction, general tanker safety,
and chemical and physical properties of
petroleum products. Students also review
sections of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(OPA '90) and examine the flammability
traits, toxicity/asphyxiation characteristics
and health hazards associated with exposure
to petroleum products.

Upgraders at the Paul Hall Center simulate a
rescue aboard the training vessel Empress II
as part of the tanker operation/safety class.

Other segments of the course cover
monitoring tanks for oxygen deficiency
and talcing other meter readings with atmos­
pheric monitoring equipment; creating ship­
board safety plans; fit-tests using respirators;
and an introduction to fire chemistry,
firefighting and fire/emergency duties.

Oil-removal contingency plans, use of
federal information guides designed to aid
mariners, and rules for protecting the
marine environment are among other sub­
jects studied by the upgraders.

--------~--· .. ···-i "Overall, it's a great course," said AB

class last month and who joined the SIU in
1992 in the port of Norfolk, Va. "The
instructor was excellent and everybody
learned a lot."

Lundeberg School instructors
developed the course in response to
regulations stemming from OPA '90. It is
open to all Seafarers and, as was agreed
during negotiations between the union and
SIU-contracted tanker companies, in­
cludes hands-on training and classroom
instruction.

Seafarers in the tanker safety course learn to identify various types of hazardous materials. Aaron Simmons, who completed the

For information on upcoming classes
and how to register for the course, see page
19 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG.

Sabine Crews
Ratify Three­
Year Pact

SIU boatmen navigating har­
bor tugs in ports along the Sabine
Pass in the Gulf of Mexico are
sailing under a new three-year
agreement. The pact with Sabine
Transportation Co. began June 1
and includes wage and benefits
increases as well as improved
working conditions into 1998.

Representatives for the Port
Arthur, Texas-based company
and the SIU held seven negotiat­
ing sessions in Port Arthur in
May. Negotiators were able to
secure, for the first time, out­
patient medical care for the
spouses and dependents of the
SIU members who sail aboard all
seven of Sabine's harbor tugs.
The Seafarers also will receive
wage increases throughout the
life of the contract.

Delegates to the talks included
Captain Wilton Potts, who sailed
aboard the tug Samson; Assistant
Engineer Kenny Moore from the
tug Hermes; and AB/Quarter­
master James Hebert of the tug
Samson. They were joined by SIU
Vice President Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey and Houston Port Agent
Jim McGee.

"Negotiations were very
productive," Assistant Engineer
Moore told a reporter for the
Seafarers LOG. "I think the out­
come was pretty good. The out­
patient care was our biggest gain
yet. It will really help those of us
with families and young
children."

AB Horton Dives into Harbor
To Retrieve Fallen Old Glory

For AB William C. Horton,
the sight of an American flag
floating in the harbor of Santos,
Brazil was too much to take. The
20-year veteran of the U.S.
Marine Corps and five-year SIU
member reacted within seconds.

"I went in after it," Horton told •
a reporter for the Seafarers LOG.

The deck department member
was on watch the morning of June
4 while the Sea Wolf was tied up
in the port of Santos. Horton's

Vice President Gulf Coast Dean duty at sunrise was to hoist the
Corgey (left) discusses the new colors on the roll-on/roll-off ves­
agreement with Captain William sel operated by Crowley
Travis aboard the Samson. American Transport.

The engineer added that he "I always hook up the blue
was "impressed with how hard the field first," Horton stated. "That
union worked on getting a good way, the flag unfurls properly
and fair contract. Jim [McGee] and when it is run up the pole."
Dean [Corgey] really worked hard As he was following his nor-
for the membership." mal procedure, Horton saw a

A union meeting was held in second flag fall from the one he had
Port Arthur for the crews of the attached to the pole. Unknown to
seven tugs where the new pact the AB, the two flags were folded
was discussed before a ratifica- as if they were one. The second
tion vote was taken. McGee and flag dropped into the water.
the delegates also boarded each "I stood there and looked,"
tug where the contract was Horton recalled. "I felt bad. I
proposed and voted on. couldn't stand to see it in the

The seven harbor tugs which water.
make up Sabine's harbor division "I ran down to the dock and
include the Ares, Goliath, Her- dove in to retrieve it."
mes, Nike, Samson, Spartan and Horton's shipmates watched
Titan. in disbelief from the vesseJ. As

Seafarers aboard the tugs dock soon as he dove into the harbor,
and undock vessels as well as per- the crew threw a line to help him
form other harbor work in the get back to the dock.
waters surrounding the ports of "I don't know what anyone
Port Arthur, Orange, Nederland else would have done, but I
and Groves, Texas and Lake couldn'fleave it there. My years
Charles, La. in the Marines taught me to

Holding the flag he retrieved from the harbor of Santos, Brazil is AB
William C. Horton. Standing with the deck department member in the
bridge of the Sea Wolf is Captain Eduardo A. Sica.

respect the flag." the SIU in 1990 shortly after retir-
His act of saving the flag did ing from the Marine Corps. In

not go unnoticed by the master of between, his job as a mechanic
the Sea Wolf, Captain Eduardo A. allowed him to do some engine
Sica, who wrote the SIU to inform work on military prepositioning
the union of Horton's action. vessels. He said he would watch

"Without the least hesitation, the duties performed by deck
this ex-Marine jumped into the department crewmembers and
river and recovered the ensign. wanted to do the same.
Some of the locals watched him Since joining the union, Hor­
in awe. We helped him back on ton has sailed on a variety of ves­
board ... and we were very proud sels, including one that delivered
of him. materiel to the Persian Gulf

"Willie told me that he just during Operation Desert
could not have thought of any- Shield/Desert Storm. He
thing different to do about it," upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
Captain Sica wrote. for Maritime Training and Educa-

Horton began his career with tion to obtain his AB ticket.



,...---------------------------------------------~~--~-~---~-------~-~~ -- - -

6 SEAFARERS LOG

Taking a break from checking stores are Second
Dariusz Czepczynski (left) and Porter Chuck Chrzan.

JULY1995

Gateman Terry Pyrlik visits the Duluth, Minn.
hall while the ship is docked.

Kinsman Seafarers Shuttle Wheat
On Lakes Superior, Huron and Erie

Looking over his welding job in the engineroom of the Kinsman
Independent is Oiler Shawn Murphy.

· Wheelsman Eugene Pike is ready On the deck of the Great
for another busy season transport- Lakes vessel is FOWT
ing wheat aboard the Laker. John Rittinghouse.

The summer months are busy
times for Seafarers who sail aboard
Great Lakes vessels. This is espe­
cially true for the SIU members
aboard the Kinsman Inde­
pendent-a Laker which carries
wheat from the Twin Harbors
region of Duluth, Minn. and Supe­
rior, Wis. to Buffalo, N.Y.

Grain harvests are plentiful
during the summer months. This
results in a continuous shuttling of
wheat by the SIU-crewed vessel.

The Kinsman Independent and
its sister ship, the Kinsman
Enterprise, load the wheat in
Duluth and Superior and make the
long trek across Lake Superior,
down Lake Huron and through
Lake Erie to the General Mills
plant in Buffalo. The total voyage
time for each 600-foot vessel is
approximately 11 days.

The wheat then is used to make
General Mills breakfast cereals
such as Wheaties and Cheerios.

Seafarers began their 1995 sail­
ing season aboard the Kinsman In­
dependent on March 14 in Buffalo.
The Laker sailed out of the Lake
Erie port on March 29, bound for
Duluth, to pick up its first cargo of
the year. The photos on this page
were taken by crewmembers on the
Kinsman Independent when the ves­
sel recently docked.

Carrying lines to the Kinsman Independent, docked in Su-
perior, Wis., is OS Karl Bergman. Wheelsman Richard Dhols handles shifting operations along the dock while grain is being loaded onto the vessel.



JULY1995

Six Bosuns Reach Deck Dept Pinnacle
Afterreceiving recognition for

their successful completion of the
highest curriculum available to
Seafarers who sail in the deck
department, six newly recertified
bosuns thanked their teachers, as
well as union officials, and
provided words of encourage­
ment to the trainees attending the
June membership meeting at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md.

"I'd like to thank Paul Hall
[the late SIU president] for creat­
ing Piney Point. And to the
trainees, I say: Don't give up.
When you go out on your ship,
give it your best and never stop
bettering yourself. Always be
willing to come back [to the Lun­
deberg School]," said Aubrey
Davis, a 1980 Piney Point
graduate.

At the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., six Seafarers receive recognition for successfully
completing the bosun recertification course. They are, from left, Patrick Ray, Thomas Parisi, Glenn
Christianson, Aubrey Davis, Sal Ciciulla and Jorge Osorio.

Jorge Osorio, who sails from
the port of New Orleans, noted
the chance for advancement that
the Lundeberg School provides to
each Seafarer.

"This has been a great ex­
perience," Osorio said. 'Thank
you to all our instructors and to
those who made this education
possible. To all of you, I say: pass
the word around to your fellow
crewmembers. Come and
upgrade and recertify if you can."

Keeping Informed

was most enlightening. I really
enjoyed learning more about how
the union works from the officials
and getting more information on
what is happening politically with
our industry," he added.

Osorio was not the only mem­
ber of the group to find the meet­
ings between the bosuns and
union officials valuable and in­
formative. Others stated they
found the give~and-take an im­
portant part of their training.

In order to gather as much in­
formation as possible, the six
bosuns met with legislative repre­
sentatives of the Maritime Trades
Department (MID) and SIU at
AFL-CIO headquarters in
Washington, D.C. (The MTD
deals with matters concerning the
41 affiliated trade unions and 28

The Costa Rican native, who port councils representing
joined the union in 1960, also workers in the maritime and al­
reflected on the abundance of lied fields.)
knowledge he discovered as a During the meeting at the
result of the recertification MTD, the bosuns were made
course. "While at sea, we don't aware of key issues affecting the
realize how much is going on in maritime industry and what ef­
Washington with our union and forts are being made by the MID
the maritime industry. The class and SIU legislative and

Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis The chance for advancement at
urges the Lundeberg School Piney Point is a great benefit, said
trainees to never stop bettering Recertified Bosun Jorge Osorio at
themselves. the membership meeting.

governmental affairs depart- derway and vertical replenish­
ments to ensure job security for ment procedures also were
Seafarers. thoroughly reviewed, as were ad-

Also, the group was addressed vanced firefighting and emergen­
by representatives of every cy first aid classes.
department within the SIU and "It was all hands on. The in­
had an opportunity to have their structors were excellent, and it
questions answered. The bosuns was good to review important
discussed union organizing and skills such as CPR and first aid,"
contract enforcement with offi- noted Parisi, a third generation
cials from the SIU's collective Seafarer, who joined the SIU in
bargaining department. They 1980 in the port of Gloucester,
were updated on the benefits of Mass.
the welfare, vacation, training Following an extensive series
and pension funds. Additionally, of drills, exercises and class­
they were instructed by com- room work in each area of study,
munications department repre- the bosuns had to demonstrate
sentatives in how to contribute their proficiency by passing
photographs and information for either a written exam or a
use in the Seafarers LOG.

"We learned quite a lot about
how the union works," noted Sal
Ciciulla, who sails from the port
of San Francisco. "It was very
educational learning about the
Maritime Trades Department and
what is going on in the maritime
world. It is very important to keep
informed of the problems the
maritime industry faces," said the
bosun, who began his career with
the Sailors' Union of the Pacific
before joining the SIU in 1979.

"I really respect what our
union officials are doing for us.
After visiting Washington, D.C.,
I now understand just how much
it takes to keep the union going,"
Ciciulla added.

Attending the various meet­
ings and learning more about his
union was "an eye-opening ex­
perience" according to Glenn
Christianson. "We had the op­
portunity to see our guys out here
in Washington working hard for
our jobs. I really enjoyed talking
to my union representatives," the
Seattle native said.

Thomas Parisi echoed the
sentiments of the other bosuns
when he noted, "I was proud to
learn about all that our union of­
ficials are doing to keep us
afloat. They are really doing a
great job."

Reviewing Skills
The bosuns reviewed many im­

portant skills during their five­
week recertification training. They
perfected certain deck techniques
such as wiresplicing, knot-tying
and navigation. The men also
completed advanced shiphan­
dling classes using the Paul Hall
Center's simulator, which
reproduces sailing conditions in
ports around the world.

The six Seafarers practiced
military sealift operations such as
helicopter landing and takeoff ex­
ercises, damage control proce-

SEAFARERS LOG

demonstration drill or both.
Another important segment of

the bosuns' curriculum focused
on communicating effectively
with both unlicensed ana ticensed
shipmates. This skill is vital at sea
in order to relay work orders and
see they are done properly.

Changed With the Times
Thirty-five-year-old Patrick

Ray was amazed at the progress
of the school. The 1978 graduate
of the trainee program has
returned to the Lundeberg School
six times since completing his
basic training there, most recently
in 1985.

"I can even remember when
the old hotel was still standing,"
Ray recalled. "The thing that I
enjoy most about coming back
to Piney Point is that I end up
running into old friends and
shipmates who I haven't seen in
10 or 15 years. It's great," said
Ray, who sails from the port of
Jacksonville, Fla.

On top of meeting fellow
Seafarers, Ray found even more
value in the classroom training
and union information he
received. "The entire program
was good. It is always a good idea
to refresh skills needed while at
sea," added the bosun.

With his graduation certificate
in hand at the podium, he added,
"This piece of paper means so
much to me. Thank you all."

Glenn Christianson, left, is congratulated by Vice President Contracts
Augie Tellez upon receipt of his graduation certificate.

dures, forklift handling and Emergency first aid classes form part of the bosun recertification cur­
Hagglund crane operation. Un- riculum. Above, Sal Ciciulla (right) adjusts the sling on Tom Parisi's arm.

7



B SEAFARERS LOG

Cruise Ship Members
Continue Work During
Constitution Layup

Seafarers who sail aboard the two
American Hawaii Cruises passenger
ships will continue to have employ­
ment opportunities while the SS Con­
stitution undergoes renovations,
scheduled to begin this month.

The union and the company
recently reached an agreement to
provide a crewing schedule aboard
the SS Independence. This agreement
will ensure that those crewmembers
who were scheduled to work aboard
the Constitution will now have the
opportunity to sail aboard its sister
ship, the Independence.

The Independence will maintain
its seven-day cruises around the
Hawaiian Islands while the Constitu­
tion is in layup. American Hawaii
Cruises expects the Independence to
be sailing at or near capacity
throughout the Constitution's
renovations, which will provide the
additional job opportunities.

Meanwhile, SIU members aboard
the Constitution have been preparing
the cruise ship for entry into a
Portland, Ore. shipyard later this
month. The vessel will not follow the
same renovation schedule used
aboard the Independence last year.
American Hawaii Cruises has an­
nounced the Constitution will stay

out of service until all renovations
are completed.

(The Independence underwent
some renovations at a Newport
News, Va. shipyard during the sum­
mer and fall of 1994. It then returned
to service with the company and will
be ready have more work performed at
a date to be announced later.)

Plans call for the Constitution to
sail from Honolulu to Portland where
work will begin on the deck, swim­
ming pools and crew quarters. Later,
the vessel will undergo renovations
and redecoration of all passenger
cabins as well as public areas and stair­
ways. Also, the vessel's electrical, air
conditioning and plumbing systems
will be upgraded in the shipyard.

American Hawaii Cruises plans
to complete all the work on the
Constitution before returning it to
service, now scheduled for the sum­
mer of 1996.

SIU President Michael Sacco noted
that renovations of the two cruise ships
point to the longterm commitment
being made by American Hawaii
Cruises to use American workers and
sail under the U.S. flag. He added the
work on the ships ensures that the
company will provide jobs for
Seafarers into the next century.

Gathering in the deck crew lounge to be updated on the ship's layup are (left to
right) Bosun Gedera Razeek, AB B. Haines and AB M. Setnik.

Entering the crew galley to learn the latest news about the ship's schedule
are (left to right) Waiter S. Vogel, Wiper L. Duity, BR J. Maclaurin and BR
H. Mohamed.

JULY1995

Attending a shipboard meeting
Cabin Attendant Leslie Brown's daily tasks include making the beds to learn more about the layup is
and cleaning passenger's rooms. Electrician Hasan Biko.

Duties continue while the ship heads for a
OS/Maintenance Nagi Mohamed (left) grabs a bite year-long layup. SA F. Zain cleans up fol-
of lunch while talking with Crew Cook Nagi Omar. lowing a crew meal.

Crewmembers Practice Passenger Safety

Led by Bosun Terry Armas (forward with line), crewmembers from the SS Constitution practice
passenger lifeboat safety drills. Seafarers aboard the SS Constitution, and its sister ship, the
SS Independence, conduct regular exercises in order to be prepared for an actual emergency.
In this photograph, shot by AB Nednito Sodusta, a motorized lifeboat tows a non-powered
unit to safety.



JULY1995

AB Hudson, Four Others
Receive MSCPAC Awards

In recognition for going over others is another valuable asset to Gibbs has a tremendous ability to
and above the call of duty to make a small crew." · work hard under high stress situa­
the USNS Catawba a great ship to The captain described two tions, whether at sea or in the
sail aboard, AB Mack Hudson was recent instances in which Hudson shipyard.
named the 1994 Military Sealift went out of his way to make his "Mr. Gibbs' ability to or­
Command Pacific (MSCP AC) fellow crewmates feel at home chestrate complex operations and
Shipmate of the Year. aboard the Catawba. coordinate his workforce makes

TheSIUGovemmentServices "Mr. Hudson has twice this the difference between meeting
Division member was nominated year-once with a new able and exceeding mission commit­
by the ship's master, Pat Huetter, seaman and once with a new or- men ts or falling behind
for being a superior shipmate. dinary seaman-taken the time schedule," noted the captain.

The annual awards recognize and effort to ensure the new per- According to LaRochelle,
outstanding work efforts and son was made to feel welcome Gibbs' hard work, accompanied by
achievements by individuals sail- and comfortable aboard. his professionalism, makes him not
ing in the unlicensed deck, engine "He taught them the business of only an excellent shipmate to the
and steward departments as well safety at sea and helped them with entire Kilauea crew, but also an
as deck, engine and medical of- their marlinespike seamanship. asset to the MSCPAC fleet.
ficers in the fleet. Both men became better sailors due "When others elect not to work

In addition to Hudson, others to Mr. Hudson's efforts," the master overtime during unpleasant
represented by the SIU to receive of the Catawba concluded. working conditions or inclement
the 1994 Mariner Award of Ex- Hudson was presented with a weather, Mr. Gibbs has been con­
cellence were Bosun James J. framed certificate proclaiming his spicuous in his extensive work
Gibbs, Engine Utilityman Her- outstanding seamanship by Cap- output. His enthusiasm is never
bert H. Haynes Jr. and Chief tain Eric Shaver, MSCPAC com- diminished by external factors
Cook Vevencio C. Cerillo. mander, during a special awards over which he has no control or

Valuable Asset
In a letter recommending Hud­

son for MSCPAC Shipmate of the
Year, Captain Huetter wrote,
"Mack M. Hudson Jr. is from the
old school of seamanship. His
professionalism on deck and
ability to perform any task as­
signed is invaluable to a small
deck gang. His outgoing per­
sonality and genuine interest in

ceremony in Oakland, Calif. influence. When the going gets
The other mariners also were tough, Mr. Gibbs just gets

recognized at the ceremony held tougher and keep·s charging," La-
in late April. Rochelle wrote.

. . . LaRochelle also commended
Outstanding Ded1cat1on the Seafarer for his vast knowledge

Bosun Gibbs, who sails aboard of underway replenishment and
the USNS Kilauea, was praised by cargo operations aboard the
Captain Mark LaRochelle for MSCPAC vessel.
dedication to his deck department Unlicensed engine department
crew and for the shipboard work winner Haynes was presented the
they perform. The captain noted award for his superior work and

SEAFARERS LOG

Capt. Eric Shaver (left), MSCPAC commander, presents AB Mack
Hudson with the 1994 MSCPAC Shipmate of the Year award during
an April ceremony in Oakland, Calif.

attitude while sailing aboard the
USNS Walter S. Diehl in 1994.

According to the ship's chief
engineer, Doug Robb, Haynes'
enthusiasm for his job-together
with his efficiency-makes him a
team player and a benefit to the
entire MSCPAC fleet.

T~e chief engineer com­
mended Haynes' superior
knowledge and positive attitude
while performing his work
aboard the Diehl.

Boosting Moral

members by preparing top-notch
meals.

"He• s a dedicated and hard
working individual who takes ex­
treme pride in producing the best
meals possible for the crew,"
wrote Supply Officer Jack
Dempsey in his nomination of
Cerillo. "He's very conscientious
and always puts in the extra effort
in every aspect of his job."

In his nomination letter,
Dempsey compared his chief
cook's holiday feasts to those of a
five-star restaurant. The supply of-

In gaining recognition for his ficer also noted that Cerillo always
work on the USNS Mars, Chief maintains a spotless galley and
Cook Cerillo was commended for constantly regulates shipboard
boosting the morale of his crew- sanitation and safety procedures.

Seafarers Keep Lummus Ready
For Immediate Military Call-Up

Maintaining the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus for possible military action
at any time is one of the jobs for the ship's SIU crew. Operated by
Amsea, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) prepositioning vessel
is fully loaded with enough ammunition and stores to sustain a U.S.
Marine Corps brigade for a month in the event American military
forces are called into action. The Lummus shuttles regularly be­
tween the western Pacific Ocean islands of Guam and Saipan, on
which the U.S. maintains military bases.

When SIU Assistant Vice President Bob Hall recently visited the
ship in Guam (where he took the photos accompanying this article),
he found a great deal of activity aboard the Lummus as crewmem­
bers worked to keep the vessel up to the high standards set by
MSC.

Maintaining the prepositioning ship in a state of military
preparedness means keeping the vessel in good physical condition.
It also means the crewmembers must be ready. Helicopter landings,
lifeboat drills, fire and rescue drills and loading/unloading exercises
at sea are designed to ensure that each individual will know what
to do in the event of a U.S. military activation and deployment.

The ship was named in memory of Marine 1st Lt. Jack Lummus,
who knocked out three enemy installations before being fatally
wounded during the World War II battle for Iwo Jima.

After a morning spent chipping and painting, ABs
SA Carmelita Henry is ready to tackle a galley as- Paul Griffin and Don Deflorio take a coffee break in
signment aboard the military prepositoning ship. the crew's mess hall.

Lummus galley gang members prepare a special cake to commemorate the 50th anniversary
of the battle of two Jima, where the ship's namesake fought and was killed. They are (from Discussing union matters with SIU AB Richard Hilbert carves small
left) SA Cynthia Adamson, SA Kendrick Gatton, SA Trent Williams, Cook/Baker Karl Meyer, Vice President Bob Hall aboard the figurines out of soap during his spare
Steward/Baker Tony Ferrara, Chief Cook Ron Davis and SA Mike Thompson. Lummus is AB Jon Williams. time aboard the prepositioning vessel.

9



10 SEAFARERS LOG JULY1995

One of the
deckhands on
the American
Queen is Scott
Manley.

Making sure the guests' glasses are kept s ea fa re rs· c r ew F full is Beverly White.

-

LONG ROBIN STREET WHARF IN New "I'm proud to be here," said Robbi Kinney, a :-:
Orleans, guests smiled and gestured member of the steward department who helped · 1

toward the Seafarers-crewed American train the dining room staff. "We have a wonderful -
Queen as they remarked about her crew and a beautiful boat."
sparkling exterior - from the mahogany The American Queen, which began pas-

·~ grand staircase near the bow, to the senger service late last month, is the largest
fluted stacks extending above the sixth overnight passenger vessel built in a U.S.
deck, to the bright red 60-ton paddle shipyard in the last 40 years. Blending modern convenience$

with the look and feel of a 19th-century paddlewheeler, the
boat cost approximately $70 million to construct
and furnish.

SIU members busily helped prepare the 4 18-

dining room, the Grand Saloon theater patterned afcer an . foot craft following her delivery to The Delta
Queen Steamboat Co. in April from McDermott
Shipyard in Amelia, La. After the christening,
they conveyed a crew-wide excitement about

1885 river-town opera house, and all the other amenities that
evoke a sense of travelling back in time.

Even the weather seemed to favor the American Queen.
On June 1, a day before her christening, it rained so hard that
the local newspaper published a page-1 article about the

R. Kinney sharing in the historic breakout of the Victorian­
style boat.

storm. But on June "Morale is excellent, everyone works well together and the

2, nary a cloud boat is gorgeous, inside
could be seen as a and out," said Duncan
giant ceremonial Armentor, a 22-year­
bottle of Tabasco old deckhand and local
Pepper Sauce resident. "I always f f
(made in Louisiana) wanted to work on a
crashed across the boat that cruises the
sun-drenched bow Mississippi River."
of the largest Oiler Dave Leddy
steamboat ever noted the
built. among

"Everybody wor
Here in the engi
kinds of differen
oiling, general cl

While most of
aboard either de

.-..-.:::>w- (many have wor
D. Armentor American Que

Queen and the Mississippi
Yolanda Robertson, 26, thi
beautiful, exactly what I expe

D.Leddy

doing housekee
first trip. So far it'

The newness
an attraction fo
including Head
of the main rea
perience a new
worked aboard
been fun, a learn

Jeffrey Krida, president of
Steamboat Co., credited the
professionalism of the crew as
the company's success, a
decision to add the America
fleet. But the new boat's deco
historically accurate, fine!
modernly comfortable - und
attraction.

The American Queen's



JULY1995

Nearing com­
p I eti on of
another shift is
Deckhand Ed
Hopcraft.

SEAFARERS LOG

, -.\iJ1 ~
Hundreds of people were on hand to
celebrate the christening of the American
Queen on June 2 in New Orleans.

y

bulous New Steamboat
s hard and works together. 1990's technology perhaps is best illustrated by its propulsion
eroom, we've been doing all equipment. The vessel is outfitted with an authentic 1,400-
work: refitting valves, piping, horsepower steam engine (taken from a dormant dredge)

anup," said Leddy, 22. that powers a pair of pistons to drive the paddle wheel. Sup­
he crewmembers have sailed plementing that power are two modern diesel-electric sys­
p sea ships, tugs or riverboats terns (z-drives) and twin bow thrusters that bring the total
ed aboard one or both of the horsepower to 3,500.

n's sister ships, the Delta The boat also is equipped with other items not found on
Queen), for Cabin Attendant steamboats during the 1800s: surface-search radar,
is her first vessel. "The boat is elevators, air conditioning, stateroom telephones, electronic
ted," she said. "We've been fire-detection equipment, a computer that monitors 275
ing and getting ready for the points in the steam propulsion system, an electro-hydraulic
been great." mechanism that can lower the pilothouse (particularly useful

fthe American Queen also is when the boat passes under bridges) and more.
experienced crewmembers, The design team studied historic photos and archival
eckhand Ed Hopcraft. "One materials relating to Mississippi River steamboats in order to
ens I signed on was to ex- develop old-style features on the American Queen, including:
oat," said Hopcraft, who has

the Delta Queen. "This has
·ng experience."
he Delta Queen
riendliness and
a major factor in

well as in its
Queen to the

ative scheme -
detailed and Y. Robertson

ubtedly also is an enormous

ixture of historic appeal and

• the Grand Saloon showroom and lecture hall, marked by
a jutting stage, framed by a decorated archway and flanked
on a mezzanine level by private box seats for viewing live
entertainment

• a chart room decorated with authentic old-fashioned
navigational instruments

• a dining room that seats 220 guests and has windows
providing a waterline view of the river

• a lavishly decorated "ladies parlor" and "gentlemen's card
room" based on those of 19th-century steamboats.

~

:.? -

Among the other features are exterior lounges and recrea-
tion areas, a swimming pool and a gift shop. In addition, the
vessel includes double-occupancy crew's cabins, each with
a private bathroom and closets (similar to what is on board
the Mississippi Queen).

All in all, as one observer said at the christening, the
American Queen looks like a sterling addition - one that may
exceed even the loftiest expectations.

11



--
12 SEAFARERS LOG

J oining the growing number
of SIU -pensioners this

month are 19 Seafarers who
have retired after many years of
sailing the world's waterways.

Thirteen of those signing off
their ships for the last time
sailed in the deep sea division,
five navigated the inland water­
ways and one worked on Great
Lakes vessels.

Ten of the retiring SIU mem­
bers served in the U.S. military
- six in the Navy, three in the
Army and one in the Coast
Guard.

Among this month's
retirees, William E. Babbitt
and William T. Baker com­
pleted the bosun recertification
course at the Lundeberg School
in Piney Point, Md., and Rudy
P. DeBoissiere graduated from
the steward recertification
course.

On this page, the Seafarers
LOG presents brief biographi­
cal accounts of the retiring pen­
sioners.

DEEP SEA

WILLIAM
E. BAB­
BITT, 66,
joined the
Seafarers in
1958 in the
port of
Philadel­
phia. The

deck department member com­
pleted the bosun recertification
course in 1979 at the Lun­
deberg School in Piney Point,
Md. From 1945 to 1952 he
served in the U.S. Navy. Born
in Indiana, Brother Babbitt now
resides in Pennsylvania.

WILLIAM
T.BAKER,
69,joined
the SIU in
1943 in the
port of Gal­
veston,
Texas.
Brother
Baker sailed in the deck depart­
ment and upgraded his skills at
the Lundeberg School where he
graduated from the bosun recer­
tification course in 1975. Born
in Louisiana, Brother Baker
makes his home in Texas.

r----==~---, RUDY P.
DeBOIS­
SIERE, 66,
started his
career with
the union in
1957 in the
port of Bal­
timore, sail­

ing in the steward department.
He successfully completed the
steward recertification course
in 1980 at the Lundeberg
School. From 1948 to 1955 he
served in the U.S. Army. Born
in New York, Brother De­
Boissiere has retired to Virginia.

CARLOS
J.GUER­
RER0,65,
began his
sailing
career with
the
Seafarers in
1966 in the
port of New Orleans. Brother
Guerrero shipped as a member

JULY1995

To Our New Pensioners
port of New Orleans. Licensed
as a tugboat and barge pilot, he
sailed primarily for Dixie Car­
riers as a captain. Boatman Un­
krich served in the U.S. Navy
from 1949 to 1953. Born in
Arkansas, Boatman Unkrich
has retired to Louisiana.

• • . Thanks for a Job Well Done
Each month in the Seafarers LOG, the names of SIU members who recently have become
pensioners appear with a brief biographical sketch. These men and women have served

the ·maritime industry well, and the SIU and all their union brothers and sisters wish them
happiness and health in the days ahead.

of the engine department. He
has retired to his native Hon­
duras.

BILLIE R.
HUGHES,
66,joined
the SIU in
1956 in the
port of New
York. Ana­
tive of
North

Carolina, he sailed as a member
of the engine department.
From 1953 to 1955 he served in
the U.S. Army. Brother
Hughes continues to live in
North Carolina.

From 1950
to 1952 he
served in the
U.S. Army.
A native of
Florida,
Brother
Stewart con­
tinues to
live there.

ROGER
W.SUL­
LIVAN,65,
joined the
SIU in 1951
in the port
of Bal­
timore. The
Georgiana­

JAMESP.
McGUIRE,
65, started
his career
with the
union in
1979 in the
port of Nor­
folk, Va.

..--------. tive sailed in both the steward

He sailed as a member of the
deck department. From 1947
to 1969 he served in the U.S.
Navy. Born in New York,
Brother McGuire now resides
in Virginia.

SALEHN.
MUTHANA,
65,began
his sailing
career with
the
Seafarers in
1970 in the

======= port of
Detroit. Brother Muthana
started working in the Great
Lakes division and later trans­
ferred to deep sea vessels. He
sailed in both the deck and
steward departments. Born in
Yemen, Brother Muthana
makes his home in Michigan.

TOMR.
SAENZ,57,
joined the
SIU in 1963
in the port
of Houston.
The Texas
native
shipped in
both the steward and engine
departments. He signed off his
last vessel, the Overseas Vivian,
in February 1995. Brother Saenz
continues to live in Texas.

LLOYDE.
SELIX, 64,
began sail­
ing with the
union in
1952 from
the port of
San Francis-

.__....____,,'---'.., co. He
sailed in the deck department,
retiring as a bosun. A native of
California, Brother Selix con­
tinues to live in his home state.

GRADY C. STEW ART, 66,
started his career with the
Seafarers in 1962 in the port of
Mobile, Ala., sailing as a mem­
ber of the deck department.

and deck departments. From
1946 to 1948 he served in the
U.S. Navy. Brother Sullivan
last shipped in June 1994
aboard the Bayamon. He cur­
rently resides in Maryland.

ROBERT
H. TWITE,
62,began
his career
with the
union in
1956 in the
port of Al­
pena, Mich.
He began sailing in the deck
department aboard Great Lakes
vessels and later transferred his
membership to the deep sea
division. Brother Twite has
retired to his native Michigan.

r--~~~;:----i WILLIAM
F.
WIEMERS,
65,joined
the
Seafarers in
1955 in the
port of Seat­
tle. The

California native sailed as a
member of the deck depart­
ment. Brother Wiemers has
retired to Nevada.

INLAND

WILBURN. AUSTIN, 65,
began sailing with the SIU in
1970 from the port of Norfolk,
Va. The deck department mem­
ber started out as a tankerman
and worked his way up to barge
captain. Boatman Austin par­
ticipated in several membership
conferences held at the Lun­
deberg School. Born in Vir­
ginia, he served 20 years in the
U.S. Coast Guard, from 1948 to
1968. Boatman Austin current­
ly resides in North Carolina.

AUGUS­
TUST •
BLAKE,
63, started
sailing with
the union in
1960 from
the port of
Norfolk, Va.
As a licensed operator, Boat­
man Blake began working in
the deck department as a mate
and worked his way up to port

captain. After upgrading his
skills at the Lundeberg School,
he passed the U.S. Coast Guard
exam to gain his masters
licence for tugs and towboats.
From 1949 to 1953 he served in
the U.S. Navy. Born and raised
in North Carolina, he continues
to make his home there.

CURTIS F. WOODS, 59,
joined the Seafarers in 1970 in
the port of Mobile, Ala.He
worked as a crane operator for
Radcliff Materials, Inc., later
known as Dravo. A native of
Mississippi, Boatman Woods
currently lives in Louisiana.

GENEVA
R.MAT­
THEWS,
63,began
sailing with
the
Seafarers in
1979 from

GREAT LAKES

'---'--===-___J the port of
New Orleans. She shipped in
the steward department and
sailed primarily on Delta
Queen Steamship vessels.

RICHARD
J.GIM­
PEL, 66,
started with
the SIU in
1963 in the
port of
Detroit. The

Born in Georgia, Matthews
now makes her home in Missis­
sippi.

CHARLES
M.UN­
KRICH,62,
began his
sailing
career with
the union in
1971 in the

==__J deck depart­
ment member participated in a
membership conference at the
Lundeberg School in 1984.
Brother Gimpel served as a
trustee to the Great Lakes Tug
& Dredge Pension Plan from.
1987 to December 1994. He
served in the U.S. Navy from
1946 to 1947. A native of
Minnesota, Brother Gimpel
has retired to Florida.

LOG-A-RHYTHM

Tar Impression
by Cynthia Adamson

Written upon the tired and
Lined face of an old salt
Speaks the aye of affirmation
That his home is a sea.

His wom and calloused hands
Deftly deny his soft heart,
The longing of which
Is a love long past
In some faraway port
Under the dim light of youth.

Now his passion is a skill
Honed on the deck of a ship;
An art with small recognition
But a Da Vinci tied in each knot.

Freedom is the poignant rush
Of salt spray on silver hair,
The very smell, taste and fear
Of unpredictable swells.

Here! Here! My agingfriend
To following your dreams
With honor and accolades
For w1y smiles and winks.

Your audience is eamed
For stories and yarns.
You 've captured our wanderlust
In the image of your eyes.

SA Cynthia Adamson, a graduate of the entry program at Piney
Point last year, wrote this poem as the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus
sailed through the San Bernadine Straits en route to Manila.



JULY1995

Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea
*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SIDPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH

All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups
Class A Class B Cl~ C Class A Class B Cla~ C Reliefs Class A Cl~ B Class C

MAY 16-JUNE 15, 1995
Port DECK DEPARTMENT

New York 28 21 4 21 27 3 23 56 44 6
Philadelphia 2 1 3 1 4 2 1 6 2 2

Baltimore 7 7 0 3 5 0 0 7 12 2
Norfolk 13 12 5 5 10 2 4 27 21 10
Mobile 8 11 2 8 8 1 1 13 25 1

New Orleans 20 28 3 21 15 0 10 42 49 9

Jacksonville 37 22 4 9 9 1 8 56 36 8
San Francisco 22 24 1 17 18 0 9 48 48 2
Wilmington 16 21 5 9 14 3 12 29 28 9
Seattle 27 26 4 14 28 1 10 50 36 6
Puerto Rico 9 0 3 6 1 0 3 16 5 12

Honolulu 4 11 9 4 10 7 2 8 24 10

Houston 24 19 6 18 14 2 9 45 45 18

St. Louis 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0
Piney Point 3 3 1 1 2 0 1 3 9 1
Algonac 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 1

Totals 222 208 51 137 168 22 93 409 388 97

Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT

New York 20 16 3 9 9 0 5 38 35 5

Philadelphia 3 7 0 2 1 1 1 4 10 0
Baltimore 1 3 1 3 3 0 2 2 9 1

Norfolk 8 9 3 3 5 0 1 13 18 4

Mobile 10 9 0 4 6 0 1 19 13 1

New Orleans 12 20 2 10 9 0 5 23 34 4

Jacksonville 10 17 3 5 7 0 6 21 29 6
San Francisco 15 12 1 6 11 0 8 25 24 4

Wilmington 2 8 3 3 4 1 3 10 16 8
Seattle 16 6 0 15 8 0 5 21 19 2

Puerto Rico 6 3 2 2 1 2 2 7 6 3

Honolulu 3 11 6 0 6 6 3 6 16 5
Houston 14 13 3 3 6 1 5 25 25 4
St. Louis 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0
Piney Point 3 5 0 1 2 0 0 3 9 2
Algonac 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Totals 124 141 27 66 80 11 47 218 266 49

Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT

New York 17 7 0 16 3 0 5 36 18 0
Philadelphia 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 1
Baltimore 2 I 1 2 1 0 0 3 3 1
Norfolk 6 8 2 3 8 4 5 10 13 3
Mobile 7 7 I 3 3 0 1 12 9 3
New Orleans 10 9 0 7 7 0 11 18 21 2

Jacksonville 12 9 3 11 3 I 3 20 10 5
San Francisco 33 8 3 19 6 0 12 66 14 4

Wilmington 7 2 1 3 2 0 4 25 7 4
Seattle 24 7 1 12 2 0 4 30 12 3
Puerto Rico 8 2 0 5 4 0 4 8 2 1
Honolulu 7 4 5 5 2 2 2 12 12 8
Houston 15 6 0 4 5 0 5 24 10 1

St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Piney Point 1 3 0 0 2 1 0 8 8 1
Algonac 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 149 73 18 90 49 9 56 275 140 37

Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT

New York 13 34 7 2 16 0 0 19 65 27

Philadelphia 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 2

Baltimore 1 6 3 1 3 1 0 1 12 6

Norfolk 2 10 10 1 7 6 0 4 25 30

Mobile 1 11 0 1 8 0 0 1 32 0

New Orleans 4 25 8 2 12 0 0 11 44 23

Jacksonville 1 17 9 2 5 1 0 2 28 22

San Francisco 11 15 8 6 6 0 0 21 36 17

Wilmington 5 16 10 3 10 2 0 9 33 20

Seattle 8 13 7 7 10 1 0 14 30 19

Puerto Rico 5 3 5 4 1 0 0 7 11 16

Honolulu 4 31 44 1 13 8 0 13 70 148

Houston 1 13 4 1 5 1 0 2 32 7
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Piney Point 0 16 0 0 14 1 0 1 36 2

Algonac 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 0
Totals 57 213 116 32 114 22 0 107 458 339

Totals All
De~artments 552 635 212 325 411 64 196 12009 12252 522

* ''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.

SEAFARERS LOG 13

August & September1995
, Membership Meetings

Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters
Piney Point

Monday: August 7; Tuesday, September 5*
*changed try IAbor Day holiday

New York
Tuesday: August 8, September 5

Philadelphia
Wednesday: August 9, September 6

Baltimore
Thursday: August 10, September 7

Norfolk
Thursday: August 10, September 7

Jacksonville
Thursday: August 10, September 7

Algonac
Friday: August 11, September 8

Houston
Monday: August 14, September 11

New Orleans
Tuesday: August 15, September 12

Mobile
Wednesday: August 16, September 13

San Francisco
Thursday: August 17, September 14

Wilmington
Tuesday: August 22*; Monday, September 18

*changed try Paul Hall birthday holiday

Seattle
Friday: August 25, September 22

San Juan
Thursday: August 10, September 7

St. Louis
Friday: August 18, September 15

Honolulu
Friday: August 18, September 15

Duluth
Wednesday: August 16, September 13

Jersey City
Wednesday: August 23, September 20

New Bedford
Tuesday: August 22, September 19

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

Personals

BRIAN HULSTROM
Happy Birthday! Love, Mom, Dad & Family

WILLIAM R. KLEIMOLA
Please contact V. Virkki at P.O. Box A, Pt.

Bolivar, TX 77650.

JOHN "VIC" VICTOR REWERTS
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of John "Vic"

Victor Rewerts is asked to please contact his sister,
Karen Rewerts Skeen, at P.O.- Box 1936, Welcome,
NC 27374.

CLINTON JUNIOR RESH
Your brother has passed away. Please contact

your sister, Mary Dulik, at 4638 West 156th Street,
Cleveland, OH 44135; telephone (216) 265-0931.

EUGENE "GENE" SHIELDS
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Eugene

"Gene" Shields is asked to please contact his sister,
Lisa Liquori-Tilotta, at P.O. Box 132, Bellmawr, NJ
08099-0132.

Notice

NEW BEDFORD FISHERMEN
To all present participants with account balances,

all former participants, all beneficiaries receiving
benefits and all participants of the New Bedford
Fishermen's Money Purchase Pension Plan: An ap­
plication is being made to the Internal Revenue Ser­
vice for a determination on termination of the New
Bedford Fishermen's Money Purchase Pension Plan.

If you have not received a notice from the above
plan in 1995, please contact the fund office at 56 N.
Water Street, New Bedford, MA 02740; or
telephone (508) 996-5618 immediately to claim
benefits to which you may be entitled.



i------------------------------------ ---- -
14 SEAFARERS LOB

Seafarers International
·· Union Directory

Michael Sacco
President
John Fay

Secretary-Treasurer
Joseph Sacco

Executive Vice President
Augustin Tellez

Vice President Contracts
George McCartney

Vice President West Coast
Roy A. "Buck" Mercer

Vice President Government Services
Jack Caffey

Vice President Atlantic Coast
Byron Kelley

Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
DeanCorgey

Vice President Gulf Coast

HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way

Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675

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

(810) 794-4988
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 77001.
(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
3315 Liberty St.

Jacksonville, FL n206
(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
630 Jackson Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 529-7546
NEW YORK

635 Fourth Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11232

(718) 499-6600
NORFOLK
115 Third St.

Norfolk. VA 23510
(804) 622-1892

PIDLADELPHIA
2604S.4St.

Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT

P.O.Box75
Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
2 West Dixie Highway

Dania, FL 33004
(305) 921-5661

SAN FRANCISCO
350 Fremont St.

San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 543-5855

Government Services Division
(415) 861-3400
SANTURCE

1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 1611.z
Santurce, PR 00907

(809) 721-4033
SEA'ITLE

2505 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121

(206) 441-1960
ST.LOUIS

4581 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116

(314)752-6500
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave.

Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000

JULY1995

Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes
MAY 16- JUNE 15, 1995

CL-Company/Lakes L-Lakes NP-Non Priority
*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH

All Groups All Groups All Groups
Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP

Port DECK DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 25 1 0 27 0 0 38 9
Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 6 1 0 9 1 0 16 2
Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 3 1 0 7 2 0 5 1
Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT
Algonac 0 21 19 0 0 0 0 37 33

Totals All Departments 0 SS 22 0 43 3 0 96 4S
* "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
MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 1995

*TOTAL REGISTERED TOT AL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups All Groups All Groups

Class A Class B Class C Class A ClassB Class C Class A Class B Class C
Region DECK DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 2 0 0 4 0 0 15 2 0
Gulf Coast 5 6 4 0 2 1 4 6 11
Lakes & Inland Waters 41 0 0 18 0 0 27 0 0
West Coast 3 2 7 40 5 5 9 5 30
Totals Sl 8 11 62 7 6 SS 13 41
Region ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 2 0 0 0 · o 0 2
Gulf Coast 0 0 0 0 6 0 0
Lakes & Inland Waters 11 0 0 9 0 0 14
West Coast 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
Totals 13 0 1 10 0 0 16
Region STEWARD DEPARTMENT
Atlantic Coast 0 0 1 0 0 3 O* \
Gulf Coast 0 0 0 0 'o 3 1 h'

0
Lakes & Inland Waters 0 0 3 0 0 7 0 0
West Coast 0 3 0 1 1 0 1 12
Totals 0 3 4 1 1 13 2 13

Totals All Departments 68 8 lS 76 8 7 84 16 S6
* "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.

Enjoy a Summer Vacation at Piney Point
The summer season officially has

begun-and with it come thoughts of
doing something special for each
member of the family while still
managing to keep out of the hot, sum­
mer sun and not going broke in the
process.

For Seafarers and their families, the
answer lies in the Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Md. Located in St. Mary's
County, which is surrounded by 400
miles of shoreline, the union's exten­
sive training center makes some of its
rooms available to SIU members and
their families. With affordable rates
and exciting activities, the facility at
the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg
School is the perfect location from
which to base a summer vacation.

Each family member can find some­
thing to his or her liking on the grounds
of the center-whether it is swimming,
reading, exercising, eating, fishing,
relaxing, sailing- you name it!

For those wishing to venture outside
the gates of the facility, there is much
to see and do. In historic St. Mary's
City, families can travel back in time
to visit the place where vessels from
England first landed in 1634. Located
at Point Lookout State Park are the
remains of Fort Lincoln, a prisoner of
war camp for Confederate soliders

during the Civil War.
And for those wishing to venture

even further outside the gates of the
facility, Washington, D.C., Baltimore
and Alexandria, Va. are short distances
away by car, offering many oppor­
tunities to visit historical landmarks
and other points of interest. Many of
the attractions are free-the museums
of the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S.
Capitol, Arlington Cemetery, to name
a few.

A vacation stay at the Lundeberg

School is limited to two weeks per
family. The daily cost for each member
is $40.40. An additional fee of $9.95
per day is charged for the Seafarer's
spouse and for each child (there is no
charge for children 11 years of age or
younger). This price includes comfort­
able accommodations, all meals and
use of the school's educational and
recreational facilities.

This family vacation benefit is uni­
que to members of the SIU. Make sure
you take advantage of it this summer.

r--------------------------------------,
SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER

Vacation Reservation Information

Name: ______________________ _

Social Security number: ________ Book number: ___ _

Address: ____________________ _

Telephone number: _________________ _

Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _______ _

Date of arrival:
1st choice 2nd choice __ 3rd choice

(Stay is limited to two weeks)

Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center,
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674.

7/95 _J ------------------------------------



JULY1995

Digest of Ships Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union ship­

board minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space
limitations, some will be omitted.

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

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

OVERSEAS OHIO (Maritime
Overseas), April 30--Chairman
Rudolph Hernandez, Secretary
Earl Gray Sr., Educational Direc­
tor Scott Wilkinson, Deck
Delegate Rene Govico, Engine
Delegate Gregory Johns, Steward
Delegate Eugenio Diego. Chair­
man led discussion about working
conditions aboard vessel. Bosun
thanked crew for cooperation on
shipboard matters and urged mem­
bers to keep up good work.
Secretary reminded crewmembers
to check z-card renewal dates. He
informed crewmembers of
availability of applications for
tanker operations course at Piney
Point and reminded crew that all
members who sail on tankers must
take safety class to continue sailing
on tankers. Educational director
urged members to maintain excel­
lence of SIU by upgrading skills at
Lundeberg School. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew thanked
steward department for superb job.
Special vote of thanks extended by
crew to GSA Dominico Dacua,
Chief Cook Diego and Steward/
Baker Gray. Next port: Honolulu.

SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land
Service), April 30--Chairman
George Khan, Secretary Steve
Apodaca, Educational Director
Charles Henley, Deck Delegate
James Rader, Engine Delegate
Mark Lawrence, Steward
Delegate Keynon Bragg.
Secretary encouraged members to
upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Educa­
tional director stressed importance
of SPAD donations. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew
thanked galley gang for job well
done. Next port: Honolulu.

SEA-LAND VALUE (Sea-Land
Service), April 9-Chairman John
Bertolind, Secretary Abdul Has­
san, Educational Director Henry
Paquin. Chairman discussed
reflagging of ship and noted
union representative will meet
ship at payoff. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported.

SEA-LAND VOYAGER(Sea­
Land Service), April 30--Chair­
man Edmund Brand, Secretary
Emanuel Douroudous, Education­
al Director Joe Jenkins, Deck
Delegate Robert Stenehjem, En­
gine Delegate T.L. Cowan,
Steward Delegate Strode Call. Dis­
puted OT reported by deck
delegate. No beefs or disputed OT
reported by the engine or steward
delegates. Chairman announced
scheduled U.S. Coast Guard inspec­
tion and advised all crewmembers
to be aboard vessel. He also
reminded crew to attend Lun­
deberg School and get tanker opera­
tions course endorsement. Crew
asked contracts department to look
into immediate payoffs upon ar­
rival in Tacoma, Wash. Crew
asked Sea-Land to return van ser­
vice to and from ship while vessel
is docked. Next port: Tacoma.

STONEWALL JACKSON
(Waterman Steamship), April 23-
Chairman Carl Lineberry,
Secretary Ernest Hoitt, Deck
Delegate William Fieding, Engine
Delegate Cres Suazo, Steward
Delegate John Bennett. Chairman
announced barges to be picked up
while sailing through Suez Canal.
Ship will then call on ports of New­
port News, Va. and New Orleans.
Secretary reported union forms
available for crewmembers. He ad­
vised members to upgrade at Piney
Point and keep center in mind as

location for family vacations. Crew
voted to use crew lounge as only
smoking area aboard ship.
Treasurer reported $135 in movie
fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.

ULTRASEA (Sealift, Inc.), April
30--Chairman Marvin Zimbro,
Educational Director J.R. Vitch,
Deck Delegate Mark Billot, En­
gine Delegate Edward Sham­
burger, Steward Delegate Carlos
Arauz. Chairman reminded mem­
bers to attend new tanker opera­
tions course at Paul Hall Center.
He stated ship scheduled to be in
Russia at beginning of May. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew gave vote of thanks to galley
gang.

CHARLES L. BROWN (Trans­
oceanic Cable Ship Co.), May 25-
Chairman Francisco Sousa,
Secretary Robert Seaman, Educa­
tional Joseph Stores. Chairman an­
nounced payoff and advised ship
will be involved in cable repair ex­
ercise first week of June. Treasurer
discussed using ship's fund for pur­
chase of new darts and ping pong
balls. Deck delegate discussed
smoking policy with crew. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Next port: St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

ITB BALTIMORE (Sheridan
Transportation), May 29-Chair­
man Sonny Pinkham, Secretary
Juan Gonzalez, Deck Delegate
Stephen Herring, Steward
Delegate Gerard Hyman. Educa­
tional director reminded members
to upgrade at Lundeberg School.
Deck delegate reported disputed
OT. No beefs or disputed OT
reported by engine or steward
delegates. Crew thanked head­
quarters for timely arrival of

HIGHLIGHTS

Charles L Brown-Chairman
reports cable repair exercises
to begin.first week in June.

LNG Capricorn-Educational
director stresses importance of
writing to congressmen to urge
support for U.S.-flag shipping.

Overseas Ohio-Secretary
reminds crewmembers to be
sure their z-cards are up-to­
date.

/TB BalUmore-Crew an­
nounces formation of its basket­
ball team, the Baltimore
Beacons.

Sea-Land Producer-Chair­
man thanked galley gang for
delicious meals. sunset bar­
becues and "make-your-own­
pizza" nights.

Seafarers LOGs and prompt
response to questions raised in
ship's minutes. Crew asked con­
tracts department to look into in­
creasing optical benefits. Crew
requested union halls with avail­
able space provide exercise equip­
ment and locker room facilities to
improve cardiovascular fitness,
health and general well-being of
members. Discussion held regard-

ing tanker operations course being
offered at Paul Hall Center.
Steward department commended
for job well done. Crew requested
new toaster for mess hall and cof­
fee machine for officer's mess hall
and asked that lightweight
coveralls be issued. Crew an­
nounced formation of ITB "Bal­
timore Beacons" basketball team.
Next port: New York.

LNG CAPRICORN (ETC), May
14--Chairman Billie Darley,
Secretary J.L. Gibbons, Education­
al Director Thomas Harris, Deck
Delegate Patrick McCarthy, En­
gine Delegate Aaron Thaxton.
Bosun and crew discussed reflag­
ging of Sea-Land ships. He noted
SIU officials working day and
night to preserve jobs of member­
ship. Chairman extended special
vote of thanks to SIU port officials.
Chairman thanked crew for good
tour. Secretary reminded members
to leave quarters clean for next per­
son signing on. Educational direc­
tor stressed importance of
crewmembers writing members of
Congress to urge support for U.S.­
flag shipping. He also encouraged
membership to keep informed of
union political activities through
Seafarers LOG. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Captain ad­
dressed crew concerns of
continued operation of LNG
tankers. Next port: Bontang, In­
donesia.

OVERSEAS OHIO(Maritime
Overseas), May 26-Chairman
Rudolph Hernandez, Secretary
Earl Gray Sr., Educational Direc­
tor Michael Ribeiro, Deck
Delegate Rene Govico, Engine
Delegate Karl Benes, Steward
Delegate Eugenio Diego. Chair­
man announced ship's itinerary for
month of June and discussed safety
procedures while at sea. He
thanked crew for good work and
wished those signing off a good
vacation. Bosun asked for con­
tinued cooperation in separating
plastic items from regular trash.
Secretary reminded crew to
upgrade at Piney Point as soon and
as often as possible. He advised
them of new SAB ruling concern­
ing English proficiency exam in
reading and writing before register­
ing to ship. Deck and steward
delegates reported disputed OT. No
beefs or disputed OT reported by
engine delegate. Chairman urged
members to be sure to read SIU
President Michael Sacco's report
in Seafarers LOG. Crewmembers
extended special vote of thanks to
Engine Delegate Benes. Crew also
thanked Steward/Baker Gray,
Chief Cook Diego, GSU Dominico
Dacua and DEU Ali Kasem for
jobs very well done. Crew was ad­
vised to separate and sort recycl­
able materials on ship. Next port:
Long Beach, Calif.

SEA-LAND DEFENDER (Sea­
Land Service), May 28-Chairman
William Dean, Secretary John
Hanrahan, Educational Director
Alfred McQuade, Deck Delegate
Acylee "Joe" Brooks, Engine
Delegate Horst Baetjer, Steward
Delegate Carlton Griffin. Chair­
man reported letter of response
received from SIU contracts depart­
ment concerning crewing. Bosun
reminded crewmembers of proper
procedures to follow when attempt­
ing to resolve beefs. Secretary in­
formed crew of available union
forms. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested patrol­
man board ship to address ques­
tions of members concerning
vacation time following long
voyage. Crew thanked steward
department for quality service and
professionalism.

SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (Sea­
Land Service), May 7-Chairman
El ex Cary, Secretary Michael
Meany, Educational Director Ray
Chapman, Engine Delegate Erich
Frederickson, Steward Delegate
Ron Dewitt. Chairman noted
smooth voyage, good gang and
good feeder. Secretary encourged
members to donate to SPAD.

Educational director advised mem­
bers to upgrade skills at Lundeberg
School. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman read telex from
SIU President Michael Sacco con­
cerning reflagging of Sea-Land
ships. Crew requested second wash­
ing machine in crew laundry for
grimy clothes.

SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (Sea­
Land Service), May 21-Chairman
Werner Becher, Secretary Rickie
Juzang, Educational Director
Mike Wells, Deck Delegate Ken
Hagar, Engine Delegate Ken Har­
der, Steward Delegate Daniel
Maxie Sr. Chairman thanked crew­
members for keeping lounge clean.
He announced arrival and payoff
date for Tacoma, Wash. and ad­
vised crew to keep lounge locked
while in port. He reminded mem­
bers additional medical and vaca­
tion forms are available. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew re­
quested second washer and dryer
for laundry room. Galley gang com-

SEAFARERS LOG 15

SEA-LAND RELIANCE (Sea­
Land Service), May 17-Chairman
Charles Herrera, Secretary Joe
Johnson, Educational Director
Gene Speckman, Deck Delegate
George Vukmir, Engine Delegate
Daniel Rhodes, Steward Delegate
S. Hariri. Chairman stated every­
thing running smoothly. Treasurer
announced $320 in ship's fund.
Steward delegate reported disputed
OT. No beefs or disputed OT
reported by deck or engine
delegates. Crew thanked steward
department for good salad bar and
well prepared meals. Next port:
Oakland, Calif.

SEA-LAND SP/RIT(Sea-Land
Service), May 28-Chairman
Howard Gibbs, Secretary Steve
Apodaca, Educational Director
Charles Henley, Deck Delegate
Sal Qualiatu, Engine Delegate
Mark Lawrence, Steward
Delegate Keyon Bragg. Secretary
urged members to attend upgrading
courses at Paul Hall Center. Educa-

To Those Who Went Before

A wreath-laying ceremony aboard the Cape Race, an OMl-operated
Ready Reserve Force vessel, paid tribute on Maritime Memorial Day
in May to all merchant mariners who lost their lives in the line of duty
during wars and conflicts. Standing from the left are crewmembers
QMEDs Kevin Quinlan, Chris Carneal and Brian Allred. Kneeling is AB
Horace Cooper.

mended for well prepared meals.
Next port: Oakland, Calif.

SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea­
Land Service), May 13-Chairman
Robert Garcia, Secretary Curtis
Philips Jr., Deck Delegate James
Foley, Engine Delegate R.J. Mul­
len, Steward Delegate Jim Saxton.
Chairman noted repairs needed to
crew recreation room and re­
upholstery of chairs. He discussed
flag-out of Sea-Land Freedom and
commented on what a sad ex­
perience the event is for all U.S.
seamen. He urged American
workers to get involved to save
their jobs. Educational director ad­
vised all members that key to job
opportunity and job security is
upgrading skills at Lundeberg
School. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Steward thanked crew for
cooperation in keeping ship clean.
Crew gave vote of thanks to galley
gang.

SEA-LAND PRODUCER (Sea­
Land Service), May 14--Chairman
Jack Edwards, Secretary David
Cunningham, Educational Direc­
tor James Smitko, Deck Delegate
John Emrich, Steward Delegate
Paula Kaleikini. Chairman an­
nounced estimated arrival dates
posted for Oakland and Long
Beach, Calif. Bosun discussed new
classes available to upgraders at
Piney Point. Treasurer reported
$1,284 in ship's fund to use for
movies and special food for
scheduled barbecue. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Chairman
thanked GSU M. Omar for keeping
mess halls clean and well stocked.
He also thanked Steward Cunning­
ham and Chief Cook Kaleikini for
delicious meals, homemade des­
serts, breads, birthday cakes, sunset
barbecues and "make-your-own­
pizza" nights. Bosun stated crew
enjoyed food as much as galley
gang enjoyed cooking. Next port:
Long Beach, Calif.

tional director stressed importance
of donating to SPAD. Treasurer
stated eight new videotapes pur­
chased last trip. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew gave
special thanks to galley gang for
great barbecue and job well done.
Next port: Honolulu.

SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea­
Land Service), May 10--Chairman
Joseph Artis, Steward Delegate
Patrick Durnin. Bosun discussed
reflagging of five Sea-Land vessels.
He urged crew to write congressmen
asking them to help protect maritime
jobs by passing maritime revitaliza­
tion. Treasurer stated $800 in ship's
fund. N9 beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew asked contracts
department about medical coverage
concerns.

SGT. WILLIAM R. BUTTON
(Amsea), May 8-Chairman
James Patrick, Secretary S. Bow­
man, Educational Director
Manuel Cruz, Deck Delegate
Matt Holley, Engine Delegate Vic­
tor Mull, Steward Delegate Her­
bert Hollings. Crew requested
clarification of drug testing policy.
Chairman discussed payoff and
travel arrangements for crew.
Bosun told crew there will be no
liberty in Sattihipp, Thailand. He
discussed current ongoing military
exercise involving ship. Secretary
informed crew all medical, vaca­
tion, optical forms available on
ship. Educational director
reminded crew to upgrade skills at
Piney Point while on shore.
Treasurer announced $389 in
ship's fund. No beefs or disputed
OT reported by deck or engine
delegates. Steward delegate
reported beef. Engine delegate ad­
vised crew to conserve water. He
also asked that garbage disposal be
used sparingly while ship at sea.
He reminded crew of no smoking
during meal hours.



16 SEAFARERS LOG

Company: Worthington Foods, Inc.

Products: Worthington develops, manufactures and
markets food products that are low in fat and free of
cholesterol, caffeine and other ingredients that many
people are trimming from their diets

Facilities: Offices and manufacturing plant located in
Worthington, Ohio, near Columbus

UIW members at Worthington: Involved in all facets
of production and maintenance

Brand names: Include Morningstar Farms, Scramblers,
Natural Touch, Worthington Foods and Loma Linda

That's a fact: Worthington is the world's largest
producer of vegetable protein foods

Worthington Foods began operating 56 years ago -
literally decades before terms like ''fat-free, n "light" and
''all-naturar became common parts of the U.S. dining
lexicon.

Today, as Americans become more and more aware
of the benefits of healthier eating, the company thrives
by producing great-tasting, healthy food products.

UIW members at Worthington manufacture and
package more than 100 canned, frozen and dry
products for consumers in the U.S. and in other nations.

When Seafarers purchase Worthington products,
they not only buy healthy foods, but also put their dollars
to work for themselves and their fellow trade unionists.
The United Industrial Workers (UIW) is one of the
autonomous affiliates of the SIUNA.

The Seafarers LOG regularly highlights various
union-made products.

LOG-A-RHYTHM

In Memory of Thomas L. Magras

by Marie Magras

One year has passed since you left us,

Memories of you are with me each day.

For forty-eight years you sailed on the sea,

And told us stories we loved to hear.

You helped me feel a closeness to you, and

I learned to respect the job you did.

You loved only the sea and our family, and

Each time you left I felt pains in my heart,

but I understood.

Your job was unique, as I have been told.

God bless all the merchant marines.

This poem was written by Marie Magras on the first anniver­
sary of the death of her husband, Thomas Magras, who passed
away March 26, 1994 at the age of 70. Brother Magras joined
the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York and sailed to Nor­
mandy as part of the D-Day invasion during World War II.

Know Your Rights

JULY1995

hers are guaranteed equal rights in
employment and as members of the
SIU. These rights are clearly set forth
in the SIU constitution and in the con­
tracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no
member may be discriminated against
because of race, creed, color, sex, na­
tional or geographic origin. If any
member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he
or she is entitled, the member
should notify union headquarters.

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The SIU member works and lives
constitution of the SIU Atlantic, aboard a ship or boat. Members
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis- should know their contract rights,
trict makes specific provision for as well as their obligations, such as
safeguarding the membership's filing for overtime (OT) on the
money and union finances. The proper sheets and in the proper
constitution requires a detailed manner. If, at any time, a member
audit by certified public accountants believes that an SIU patrolman or
every year, which is to be submitted other union official fails to protect
to the membership by the secretary- their contractual rights properly,
treasurer. A yearly finance committee he or she should contact the nearest
of rank-and-file members, elected by SIU port agent.
themembership,eachyearexamines EDITORIAL POLICY -
the finances of the union and reports THE SEAFARERS LOG. The
fullytheirfindingsandrecommenda- Seafarers LOG traditionally has SEAFARERS POLITICAL
tions. Members of this committee refrained from publishing any article ACTIVITY D~NA TION
may make dissenting reports, serving the political purposes of any SPAD. SPAD ts a separate
specific recommendations and individualintheunion officerormem- segregated fund. Its proceeds are
separate findings. her. It also has refrain~ from publish- used t<;> fu~er its objects. ~d pur-

TRUST FUNDS. All trust ing articles deemed harmful to the poses 1.ncludmg, b?~ not ~ted to,
funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, union or its collective membership. furthenn~ t?e politJ.cal, soci~ .and
Lakes and Inland Waters District This established policy has been reaf- economic interests ~f mant1me
are administered in accordance firmed by membership action at the wor~ers, the preserv?tton and fur­
with the provisions of various trust September 1960 meetings in all con- the~ng 0~ th.e Amencan merchant
fund agreements. All these agree- stitutional ports. 1be responsibility manne ~1~ tmproved employment
ments specify that the trustees in for Seafarers WG policy is vested in opporturnttes for seamen and boat­
charge of these funds shall equally an editorial board which consists of men and the advancement of trade
consist of union and management the executive board of the union. The union c~ncepts. In connection with
representatives and their alternates. executive board may delegate, from such. objects, S~ ~ sup~rts and
All expenditures and disburse- among its ranks, one individual to conn:ibutes topohttcal c~di~tes for
ments of trust funds are made only carry out this responsibility. elective office. All c~:m~buttons are
upon approval by a majority of the PAYMENT OF MONIES. No vol~~tary. No ~ontnbutton may be
trustees. All trust fund financial moniesaretobepaidtoanyoneinany ~olic~ted.or~~tvedbecall:seoff~rce,
records are available at the head- official capacity in the SIU unless an JOb discnmrnatton, financial repnsal,
quarters of the various trust funds. official union receipt is given for or ~~t of such con?u~t, or ~ a

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A same. Under no circumstances condittonofmembershipm!11e~rn~n
member's shipping rights and should any member pay any money orofemployment If a contnbutto!11s
seniority are protected exclusively for any reason unless he is given such made by reason of the above im­
by contracts between the union and receipt. In the event anyone attempts proper conduct, the member s~ould
the employers. Members should get to require any such payment be made not!fy the Seafarers Int~rnatlon~l
to know their shipping rights. without supplying a receipt, or if a U!ll~n or SPAD by cert~fi~ mail
Copies of these contracts are posted member is required to make a pay- ~Ithi~ 30 ?ays of the con~butmn .for
and available in all union halls. If ment and is given an official receipt, mvesttgatio~ .and appropnate action
members believe there have been but feels that he or she should not and refund, if mvoluntary. A member
violations of their shipping or havebeenrequiredtomakesuchpay- should s~pport SPAD to ~rotec~ ~d
seniority rights as contained in the ment, this should immediately be further ~s o_r her economtc, poh?cal
contracts between the union and the reported to union headquarters. and soc~al mterests, and Amencan
employers, they should notify the C 0 N S T I T U T I O N A L trade uruon concepts.
Seafarers Appeals Board by certified RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. NOTIFYING THE UNION­
mail, return receipt requested. The Copies of the SIU constitution are If at any time a member feels that
proper address for this is: available in all union halls. All any of the above rights have been

Augustin Tellez, Chairman members should obtain copies of violated, or that he or she has been
Seafarers Appeals Board this constitution so as to familiarize denied the constitutional right of

5201 Auth Way themselves with its contents. Any access to union records or informa-
Camp Springs, MD 20746 time a member feels any other tion, the member should immedi-

Full copies of contracts as referred member or officer is attempting to ately notify SIU President Michael
to are available to members at all deprive him or her of any constitu- Sacco at headquarters by certified
times, either by writing directly to the tional right or obligation by any mail, return receipt requested.
union or to the Seafarers Appeals methods, such as dealing with char- The address is:
Board ges, trials, etc., as well as all other

CONTRACTS. Copies of all details, the member so affected
SIU contracts are available in all SIU should immediately notify head­
halls. These contracts specify the quarters.
wagesandconditionsunderwhichan EQUAL RIGHTS. All mem-

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Au th Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Gov1t Reviews Cargo Preference Costs
Continued from page 2

to cover costs that are beyond
their control. At the same time,
foreign-flag vessels seeking U.S.
government cargoes are not
charged for those costs, such as
inland transportation in the
recipient country and the risks as­
sociated with cargo offloading.

The groups representing U.S.­
flag operators also noted that
other costs borne by American­
flag shippers should be considered.
Among these are expenses as­
sociated with U.S. govemment­
mandated rules and regulations that
do not apply to foreign-flag ves­
sels and foreign crews.

Cargo preference "administra­
tion and implementation must be
based on realistic criteria," the as­
sociations stated in their letter to
Mar Ad.

At the same time the U.S. ship­
ping groups were outlining their
position on bulk cargo preference
laws, the heads of the major
maritime unions were expressing

their views to President Clinton
that national security factors
should dictate that U.S.-flag ves­
sels continue to carry Defense
Department cargo.

In a communication to Presi­
dent Clinton, the maritime union
presidents noted that last year
both branches of Congress had
expressed their views that
waivers, included in the Federal
Acquisition Streamlining Act of
1994, allowing foreign-flag ves­
sels to carry Defense Depart­
ment cargo should not be
permitted.

However, the letter from the
unions pointed out the Defense
Department had announced plans
to go ahead with waivers despite
the action taken in Congress.

''The waivers-no matter how
they are portrayed by the Defense
Department-are not limited in
their effect," the maritime unions
informed President Clinton. "In
fact, they would deny the U.S.­
flag merchant fleeta critical base
of cargo that makes the difference

between operating under the U.S.
flag or not operating under the
U.S. flag and without which the
administration's maritime reform
and revitalization proposal,
which we strongly support, will
be dead from the start.

"It is indeed an outrage that a
subordinate federal agency
would deliberately undermine
your maritime initiative and un­
dermine your support for the
U.S.-flag commercial fleet,
destroy an entire defense-relevant
American industry and export
nearly 50,000 American jobs in
the name of fixing a problem that
does not exist," the communica­
tion stated.

The letter was signed by
Michael Sacco of the SIU; Joel
Bern, Marine Engineers' Benefi­
cial Association; Timothy
Brown, Masters, Mates & Pilots;
Michael McKay, American
Maritime Officers; and Louis
Parise, District No. 4-National
Maritime Union/MEBA.



JULY1995

Final Departures
DEEP SEA

ROBERT H. BENNETI'
,.-----=-----. Pensioner

RobertH.
Bennett, 84,
passed away
May6. Ana­
tive of Geor­
gia, he joined
the Seafarers
in 1951 in the

~-----~ port of
Tampa, Fla. Brother Bennett sailed
in the engine department. He
served in the U.S. Navy from
1924 to 1927, then in the U .S.
Coast Guard from 1928 to 1932.
Brother Bennett began receiving
his pension in July 1977 .

ROBERT M. BOYD
Pensioner
RobertM.
Boyd, 67,
died May 2.
Brother Boyd
started his
career with
the SIU in
1946 in the

'-===---'---== port of New
Orleans. He sailed in the steward
department and upgraded at the
Lundeberg School in Piney Point,
Md., completing the steward
recertification course there in
1982. He served in the U.S.
Army from 1950 to 1952. Born
in Mississippi, Brother Boyd
retired in June 1986.

TOMMY CARSON
Pensioner Tommy Carson, 78,
passed away June 3. Brother Car­
son joined the Marine Cooks and
Stewards before that union merged
with the SIU' s Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District
(AGLIWD). Brother Carson
started to receive his pension in
August 1973.

JOSEPH A. CLAEYS
Pensioner Joseph A. Claeys, 92,
died April 25. Brother Claeys
started his career with the Marine
Cooks and Stewards in 1952 in the
port of San Francisco, before that
union merged with the SIU's
AGLIWD. He retired in April
1973.

ANDREW DANKO
Pensioner
Andrew
Danko, 74,
passed away
May7. Born
in Ohio, he
began sailing
with the
Seafarers in

~-------' 1953 from the
port of New Orleans. Brother
Danko sailed in the engine depart­
ment. From 1940 to 1945 he
served in the U.S. Army. Brother
Danko began receiving his pension
in February 1976.

ANDREW FORIS
.._.....__..,,,.,,,,,,,,,=-----, Pensioner

Andrew
Foris, 82,
died May 13.
Brother Foris
joined the
SIU in 1940
in the port of
Duluth, Minn.
Sailing in the

engine department, he started out
in the Great Lakes division and
transferred to deep sea vessels.
Brother Foris retired in November
1976.

JESSIE C. HAMPTON SR.
Pensioner Jes­
sie C.
Hampton Sr.,
83, passed
awayMay3.
A native of ·
Tennessee, he
began his
career with

'-----'===------=::..J the union in
1961 in the port of Jacksonville,
Fla., sailing in the steward depart­
ment. He served in the U.S. Army
from 1941 to 1946. Brother
Hampton started to receive his pen­
sion in December 1976.

JAMES D. HARMON
Pensioner
James D. Har­
mon, 70, died
May27.
Brother Har­
mon joined
the Seafarers
in 1957 in the
port of New
Orleans. The

engine department member
upgraded at the Lundeberg School.
He served in the U.S. Navy during
World War II. Brother Harmon
retired in July 1989.

CHESTER HUGHART
1-::;iiiiiiii~l Pensioner

Chester
Hughart, 70,
passed away
April 12. A
native of
West Vir­
ginia, he
started sailing

'-=====_:._=..r with the SIU
in 1943 in the port of New York.
Brother Hughart sailed in the deck
department. He began receiving
his pension in July 1983.

JAMES A. JONES
• Pensioner

James A.
Jones, 73,
died April 23.
Born in
Texas, he
began sailing
with the
Seafarers in

""' 1967 from the
port of San Francisco. Brother
Jones shipped in the steward
department. He graduated from the
steward recertification course at the
Lundeberg School in 1987. During
World War JI, he served in the
U.S. Army Air Force. Brother
Jones retired in April 1993.

CHARLES M. LAMBERT
Pensioner
Charles M.
Lambert, 75,
passed away
April 2. A na­
tive of
Alabama, he
joined the

." SIU in 1949
--....__~ in the port of

Mobile, Ala. Brother Lambert
sailed in the deck department. A
World War II veteran, he served in
the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945.
Brother Lambert started to receive
his pension in June 1985.

ARTHUR F. LANGLEY
Pensioner Ar­
thur F.
Langley, 91,
died February
26. Brother
Langley
began sailing
with the
union in 1943

=-==== from the port
of New York. He sailed in the

deck department. A native of Il­
linois, Brother Langley retired in
July 1969.

FRANCISCO R.
MALDONADO
r-----=----===----....., Pensioner

Francisco R.
Maldonado,
64, passed
away March
24. Born in
Puerto Rico,
he joined the
Seafarers in

'---------'--' 1947 in the
port of New York. The engine
departinentmemberupgradedto
QMED at the Lundeberg School.
Brother Maldonado began receiv­
ing his pension in December 1975.

GERALD A. McCARTHY
Gerald A. McCarthy, 53, died
February 23. A native of New
York, he joined the SIU in 1969
after coinpleting the Lundeberg
School's training course for entry
level seainen. Brother McCarthy
sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the Lundeberg School.

ABDEL MOHAMED
Pensioner
Abdel
Mohamed,
62, passed
away
February 28.
He began sail­
ing with the
union in 1963
from the port

of New York. Brother Mohamed
sailed in the steward department.
Born in Y einen, he became a
naturalized U.S. citizen. Brother
Mohamed retired in June 1992.

JOSEPH S. MOORE
Pensioner
Joseph S.
Moore, 77,
died March
31. Born in
Georgia, he
started his
career with
the SIU in the

'-------'==--=---' port of Savan­
nah, Ga. Brother Moore sailed in
the steward department and began
receiving his pension in June 1971.

JOSE A. ROMERO
Pensioner Jose A. Romero, 69,
died March 25. Born in Puerto
Rico, he began sailing with the
Seafarers in 1962 from the port of
New York. Brother Romero
shipped in the steward department.
He served in the U.S. Army from
1951to1953. Brother Romero
retired in January 1991.

ROBERT M. SULLIVAN
·' Pensioner
· RobertM.
J Sullivan, 73,

died March
16. Born in
South Dakota,
he joined the
Seafarers in
1969 in the

'--....;...;_;='--==-"'== port of San
Francisco. Brother Sullivan sailed
in the deck department and
upgraded at the Lundeberg School.
He served in the U.S. military froin
1942 to 1967. Brother Sullivan
began receiving his pension in
June 1986.

FOON WON YOUNG
Pensioner Foon Won Young, 78,
passed away May 10. He joined
the Marine Cooks and Stewards in
1961 in the port of San Francisco,
before that union Inerged with the
SIU's AGLIWD. Born in China,

Brother Young became a natural­
iz.ed U.S. citizen. He started to
receive his pension in January 1979.

MIGUEL A. VERDEJO
Pensioner
Miguel A.
Verdejo, 79,
died March 9.
A native of
Puerto Rico,
Brother Ver­
dejo began
sailing with

'-------"'===== the Seafarers
in 1959 from the port of New
York. Brother Verdejo shipped in
the steward department. He retired
in October 1984.

INLAND

DONNIE G. DA VIS JR.
Donnie G. Davis Jr., 61, passed
away August 8, 1994. Boatman
Davis began sailing with the SIU
in 1989. The North Carolina na­
tive sailed as a tug captain and
shipped primarily on Express
Marine vessels.

JOHN G. FELIP
Pensioner
John G. Felip,
73, died April
19. A native
of Philadel­
phia, he
began sailing
with the
Seafarers in

""""'"--~~-' 1969 from the
port of Philadelphia. Boatman
Felip sailed in the deck depart­
ment. A veteran of World War II,
he served in the U.S. Navy from
1942 to 1946. Boatman Felip
retired in March 1984.

DENNIS W. FILLINGIM
Dennis W. Fil­
lingim, 41,
passed away
March 31.
Born in
Alabama, he
joined the
SIU in 1973
in the port of
Mobile, Ala.

Starting out in the deep sea
division, he later transferred to in­
land vessels.

Burial at Sea

SEAFARERS LOB 17

JOSEPH R. KLINEBURGER
Joseph R. Klineburger, 52, passed
away March 2. Born in Pennsyl­
vania, he began sailing with the
union in 1970 from the port of
Philadelphia. Boatman
Klineburger shipped in the deck
department. From 1964 to 1966 he
served in the U.S. Army.

VESTER V. THRASH
Vester V. Thrash, 61, died March
23. He started his career with the
Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Nor­
folk, Va. Boatman Thrash sailed in
the engine department. Born in Mis­
sissippi, he served in the U.S. Air
Force from 1951 to 1955.

GREAT LAKES

YAHYA "JACK"
MASHERAH

Y ah ya "Jack"
Masherah, 53,
died April 22.
Born in
Arabia, he
joined the
SIU in 1967
in the port of
Detroit.
Brother

Masherah shipped in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Lundeberg School.

ATLANTIC
FISHERMEN

JERRY PALLAZOLA
Pensioner Jerry Pallazola, 76,
passed away March 24. Born in
Massachusetts, Brother PallazoJa
became a charter member of the At­
lantic Fishermen's Union in the
late 1930s in the port of
Gloucester, Mass. During World
War II he served in the U.S. Navy.
Brother Pallazola began receiving
his pension in February 1983.

AUGUSTINE "GUS" SUTERA
Pensioner
Augustine
"Gus" Sutera,
82, died
February 22.
He joined the
Atlantic
Fishermen's
Union in the

.......,,==-----=:::...._::::...J 1940s in the
port of Gloucester, Mass. Born in
Sicily, Brother Sutera retired in
February 1977.

The final wish of Marcus "Popeye" Thomas-to be buried at sea­
was honored last March. An SIU member since 1966, Brother
Thomas died February 8. His ashes were cast to the waters of the
Gulf of Mexico from aboard the Sea-Land Galveston Bay as mem­
bers of the ship's crew participated in a memorial service. The Illinois
native signed on with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New Orleans. He
completed the Lundeberg School's training course for entry level
seamen and shipped in the deck department. Brother Thomas also
served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1958.



18 SEAFARERS LOG JULY1995

Lundeberg School Graduating Classes

GEAFARER S

HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL
1

"'~,.:.::::-..l~ LIFEBOAT CLASS
... ~s..:i. • .. s31
;~:r.:.< .

Trainee Lifeboat Class 537-Graduating from
trainee lifeboat class 537 are (from left, kneeling) Charles
Lore Jr., Michael Friesenhahn, Robert Frank, Michael
Bowen, Bob Boyle (instructor), (second row) David
Smart, Michael Bruso, Clint Stadler and Charles
Slaughter.

Radar- Receiving their radar endorsement on May 3
are (from left) Jim Brown (instructor), Henry Peterson,
Robert Kendrick, Nick Moceri Ill, Richard Barron and
Desiree Crockett.

Bridge Manage­
ment - Upgrading
members of the deck
department completing
the bridge management

. course on May 3 are (from
left, kneeling) Robert "

/ Bakeman, Heley Mareno,
Nick Moceri Ill, Richard

"= Barron, (second row) Jim
Brown (instructor), Eric

' Dobson, William Shelly,
Henry Peterson, Robert
Kendrick, David Heim
and Desiree Crockett.

Welding- Marking their completion on May 16 from
the two-week welding class are (from left, kneeling) Roman
Zarkiewicz, David Vega, Paul Pagano, Tony Albright,
Michael Martykan, (second row) Paul Lewis, Ralph Gos­
nell Jr., Fadiga Koutougou and Jim Shaffer (instructor).

U pgraders Lifeboat- Graduates of the May 2 upgraders lifeboat class are
(from left, kneeling) Victor Quioto, Ray Wood, Harriet Lee, James Harris, (second
row) Bob Boyle (instructor), Jose A. Lopez, Robert Torres, Natividad Zapata, Mary
Chris Littel, Timothy Taylor and Wilbert Patterson.

Tankerman Operations- SIU
members completing the tankerman opera­
tions course on May 17 are (from left, kneel­
ing) Gary C. Mitchell, Shelton E. Drafts,
Andrew Lopez, Steven Marwin, Russell
BarrackJr., Scotts. Fuller, Bruce Holloway,
Virgilio Casildo, Luis Gamez, (second row)
Bob Carle (instructor), William Tanksley,
Craig Pare, Brian C. Gauntt, Robert Pagan,
George Mazzola, Leonel Lazo, Ricardo
Ramos, Green Hoskins, Timothy Fogg,
Janet Baird, Anthony Maben, Jake Karac­
zynski (instructor), (third row) Bret Hughes,
Char1es Foley, Raymond Tate, Ray Banks,
Gary Housman, Joseph Turocy, Mark
Ramsey, Craig Holdredge and Reeves
Homby. Not pictured is Isidro Palacios.

Sealift- Earning their sealift certification on May 22 are (from left, sitting) Roy Jackson, Corbett, Israel Rivera, Elieser Montalvo, John Nelson, Aubrey Davis, John Turner,
Levi Rollins, (kneeling) Clinton Anderson, Joe Grandinetti, Stephen Dearborn, Robert Robert Elliott, James Girga, Mohamed Ahmed, Faisal Mawari, Rebecca Gaytan, (fourth
Garceau, Mark Maiello, Craig Perry, Edward Tomas, Reginald Hunter, Eric Martinez, Brian row) George Mazzola, Joel Trotter, Michael Hargraves, Jerry Leonard, Jeffrey Fields,
Rotchford, (third row) Bill Hellwege (instructor), Robert Hendershott, James Crisler, Edward Kurt Benjamin, Tom Parisi and Craig Treadwell.



JULY1995

LUNDEBERG SCHOOL
1995 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is the course schedule for classes beginning between July and
December 1995 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located
at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.
All programs are geared to improve job skills of Seafarers and to promote the
American maritime industry.

The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the
maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security.

Please note that as of August 1, students 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.

Course

Able Seaman

Bridge Management
(Shiphandling)

Celestial Navigation

Life boatman

Deck Upgrading Courses
Start Date

July 31

July 17
October 9

November6

July 17

Limited License/License Prep. July3
September 25

Radar Observer/Unlimited July 10
August14
October2

Third Mate August28

Safety Specialty Courses

Date of Completion

October20

July 28
October20

December 15

July 28

August 11
November3

July 14
August18
October6

December 15

Course Start Date Date of Completion

Advanced Firefighting September 11 September 22

Oil Spill Safety Recertification

Oil Spill Prevention & Containment

July 20
September 21
October19

August 7

Sealift Operations and Maintenance October 9

Tanker Operations

Course

Bosun Recertification

July 17
August14
September 11
October9
November6

Recertification Programs
Start Date

October2

July 20
September 21
October 19

Augustlt

November3

Augustll
September8
October6
November3
December 1

Date of Completion

November6

SEAFARERS LOG 19

Steward Upgrading Courses
Course Start Date Date of Completion

Assistant Cook/Cook and Baker, August25 November17
Chief Cook, Chief Steward November3 January 26, 1996

Engine Upgrading Courses
Course Start Date Date of Completion

QMED ·Any Rating August 14 November3

Diesel Engine Technology July3 July 28
October9 November3

Fireman/Watertender & Oiler October2 December 15

Hydraulics Junes July7
October9 November 10

Marine Electrical Maintenance I July 31 Septembers

Power Plant Maintenance Joly 17 August25

Pumproom Maintenance September 11 September 22

Refrigeration Systems & Maint. August28 October6

Welding October23 November17

All students must take the Oil Spill Prevention and Containment class.

Course

Deck Inland

Inland Courses
Start Date

August 14
October23

Designated Duty Engineer/
Limited License/License Prep.

July 24
ovember 13

Radar Observer/Inland

Electronics

Hydraulics

Course

GED Preparation

November6

July 17

September 25

Additional Courses
Start Date

August22

Adult Basic Education (ABE) and September 5
English as a Second Language (ESL)

Date of Completion

August25
November3

August4
November24

November to

July 28

October6

Date of Completion

NovemberlO

October27

Deck and Engine Department College Courses
Course Start Date Date of Completion

Steward Recertification July 3 August 7 Session m September 5 October 27

--~-------------------------------------------·--···-·-------------------------·--··········----·----------------·-------------------·------------------
UPGRADING APPLICATION Primary language spoken ------------

(Street)

(State) (Zip Code) (City)

Telephone~-~------ Dare of Birth ________ _
(Arca Code) (Montb/Day/Y ear)

Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Warers Member D

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will
not be processed.
Social Security # Book# ________ _

Seniority------------- Department ______ _

U.S. Citizen: D Yes D No Home Port -----------
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held--------------

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

If yes, class# ----------------------­

Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes DNo

If yes, course(s) taken ___________________ _

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

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

With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing suffi­
cient time to qualify yourself for the course( s) requested. You also must submit a COPY
of each of the following: the first page of your union book indicating your department
and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your z-card as well as your
Lundeberg School identification card listing the course(s) you have taken and com­
pleted. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are
received.

COURSE
BEGIN
DATE

END
DATE

LAST VESSEL: -------------- Rating: ____ _

Date On:---------- Dare Off:----------

SIGNATURE~~~~~~~~~~~-DATE~~~~~~~-

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

RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seaman­
ship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075.

7/95



Volume 57, Number 7 July 1995

SEAFARERS
There is still time to plan a family

holiday this summer at the

Lundeberg School. For additional

information, see page 14.

Par~si Sons Continue Family Legacy
For the PansI fa~1.ly ~f ly. Summers and winter breaks

Gloucester, Mass., sa1lrn~ IS . . .. were spent with his family on the
much m?re than ~career. It IS a fishing boats. In 1980, he joined
way of hfe, a family legacy. the SIU and continued the fishing

Three generati<.ms of Parisi legacy.
me~ have bee~ fishing on the At- "I can't see myself doing any-
lanhc Ocean smce t~e tum o~ the thing else but sailing. It was a
c.:entury, and the fa:11111~ has drre~t natural calling for me. I am more
lm~s to th~ Atla_n~c Fish~rmen s comfortable standing on the deck
Umon which ongmated m 1936. of a ship than I am walking down
(The fishermen's union merged the sidewalk " said Thomas.
with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, In 1982, the family's 97-foot
Lakes & Inland Waters District in The Mother Ann sank 75 miles
1980.) eastofChatham Mass.

The tale of the Parisi men and Salvatore reti~ed soon after the
women who helped mold the fish- sinking of The Mother Ann. At
ing industry in Gloucester lives on age 72, he noted that fishing had
through the sons ~d grandsons of filled his life with both happiness
those who began 1t all. and despair. After 57 years on the

After nearly 60 years of fish- water, he decided it was time to
ing the Atlantic and surrounding hang up his fishing equipment
waters, Atlantic Fishermen's and settle on the beach.
Union charter member Salvatore
Parisi, 85, now spends his days
sharing old sea stories with other
SIU pensioners at the St. Peter's
Center in Gloucester. (The patron
saint of fishermen, St. Peter is
said to watch over fishermen
while at sea.)

"All of us old fishermen get
together at St. Peter's and remem­
ber how fishing used to be. It is
the only place for us to go. It is a
way for us to keep in touch. I also
like to keep in touch with the guys
on the boats," said Parisi.

"I retell all the old stories-but
they still remember, they will
never forget the Parisi family,"
the retired fisherman recalled.

Legacy Begins
The family story begins in

1900 when an Italian fisherman
named Nicholas Parisi sailed
from Sicily to the United States in
search of a better life. Leaving his
young wife, Grace, and baby
daughter (also named Grace) be­
hind, he promised to send for
them once he found work and be­
came established.

When Nicholas arrived on the
East Coast of the United States,
he was recruited by a railroad com­
pany which was building railroad
tracks from the East Coast to the
West Coast. It took Parisi one
year to reach California.

In the Golden State, Nicholas
met an Italian immigrant named
DiMaggio (father of baseball
legend Joe DiMaggio) who told
him about salmon fishing oppor­
tunities in Alaska. The men
traveled together to Alaska and
worked with a fishing company
during 1901and1902.

In 1903, Nicholas sent for his
wife and daughter in Sicily. He
left Alaska and traveled east to
meet his family.

The young Parisi family set­
tled in northern Boston, where he
began fishing. The industry
proved to be so profitable for
Nicholas that he sent word to
Sicily. Relatives followed his
lead and immigrated to Boston.

Nicholas and his wife had
more children: Catherine, born in
1905; Rose, 1907; Salvatore,
1910; Thomas, 1912; Geraldine,
1914; and Mary, 1916.

By 1922, the family moved to

Salvatore Parisi stands outside the pilot house of his recertification program at the Lundeberg School last
beloved New England dragger, the Saint Nicholas, month. Inset, below, is Salvatore's youngest son,
during the 1945 St. Peter's Fiesta. Inset, above, is Philip, who currently sails as a recertified bosun
Thomas Parisi, who graduated from the bosun aboard LNG tankers.

Gloucester to be closer to the
Georges Banks, fishing grounds
located off the New England
coast, and the Grand Banks, lo­
cated off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Sons Start Fishing
At age 15, Salvatore joined his

father and uncles aboard the fish­
ing boats, followed shortly by his
brother, Thomas.

In 1932, when Salvatore was
22 years old, the Parisi family had
their first new boat built. The Saint
Teresa was an 82-foot fishing boat,
and Salvatore (who was part
owner) became the engineer on
board. By this time his father,
Nicholas, began staying home
during the winters while his sons,
nephews and their crews fished for
mackerel, haddock, cod and
flounder.

In 1936, Salvatore and
Thomas became charter members
of the Atlantic Fishermen's
Union. Salvatore noted that being
a member of the union benefitted
the crews of the Gloucester fleet
because of the security it offered
them, especial! y as they reached
retirement age.

Saint Nicholas

The Parisis sold the Saint
Teresa during World War II. In
1944, construction began of the
family's largest and most famous
boat. The Saint Nicholas, com­
pleted in 1945, was a 98-foot
dragger capable of carrying
200,000 pounds of fish and a crew
of nine. (Draggers pull nets that
run along the bottom of the ocean
to catch the groundfish which in­
habit these lower depths.
Groundfish include yellow tail
flounder, cod and haddock.)
· "She was beautiful," said Sal­

vatore of the Saint Nicholas. "My
fondest memories are of the Saint
Nicholas. What they catch today
in a seven- or eight-day trip is
what we used to catch in a single
day aboard the Saint Nicholas,"
Salvatore stated.

According to Salvatore, the

Saint Nicholas was one of the
best-known fishing vessels of its
time because of its many success­
ful fishing expeditions and
several dramatic rescues in which
the boat took part.

Family Grows
While fishing in New England

was growing for the Parisi
brothers, so were their families.
Salvatore was widowed at a
young age when his wife, and the
mother of his first-born son,
Nicholas, passed away.

In 1948, he married Ann, and
she bore him three more sons­
Cosmo, Thomas and Philip-all
of whom would follow in their
father's footsteps.

After beginning their sailing
careers aboard the family fishing
boats, each son went on to join the
SIU when the Atlantic
Fishermen's Union merged with
the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & In­
land Waters District in 1980.

Both Thomas and Philip have
graduated from the bosun recer­
tification program at the Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship
in Piney Point, Md. Cosmo, after
nearly three decades of sailing, has
returned to Gloucester and lives a
quiet life not far from his father.

"I am very proud of my boys,"
Salvatore told a reporter for the
Seafarers LOG. "I am proud that
they have gone to Piney Point and
that they are members of such a
good union."

While each of Salvatore's sons
has a different reason for going to
sea, each shares a deep love for
the ocean and being aboard a ship
that was passed down by their
father.

Remembers First Trip

AB Cosmo Parisi, 46, started
fishing with his father when he
was 11. He still remembers his
first trip to the Grand Banks
aboard the Saint Nicholas.

"We made just one tow and the
whole bag came up filled with red
fish. One fish was the size of a

12-gallon fish tank. Back then the
fish were really big. You can't
find them like that anymore,"
recalled Cosmo.

"I thought that we could go
home after getting so many large
fish in one try, but I soon found
out how wrong I was. We spent
four more days out at sea, and it
took another three to get home. I
had made up my mind by the time
we arrived back in Gloucester
that I was going to quit. i never
wanted to go fishing again," he
remembered.

When his father presented him
with his first check, Cosmo
quickly changed his mind and
finished that first summer. He
spent many more seasons fishing
on the family's boats.

"I wanted to be like my father.
He was everything I wanted to
be," said Cosmo.

In 1963, when Cosmo was 14
years old, the Saint Nicholas
caught fire 80 miles out at sea.

The crew was dragging for
groundfish when the fire broke
out in the engineroom. The eight
fishermen were rescued by
another Gloucester dragger and
they stayed nearby until their boat
slowly sunk to the bottom of the
ocean, early the next day.

"It broke my dad's heart to
watch that boat go down," said
Cosmo.

After the fire destroyed the
Saint Nicholas, the family bought
a new boat, the Estral (Por­
tuguese for star). This helped
them continue sailing until a new
boat again named Saint Nicholas
could be constructed. It was com­
pleted in 1965.

'Natural Decision'

Bosun Thomas Parisi, 42,
started sailing when he was about
8 years old with his father, uncle
(whom he was named after),
cousins and brother Cosmo.

"It was a natural decision to
begin sailing," said Tommy, as he
is known by members of his fami-

Started at Piney Point
The same year of his father's

retirement, Philip, now 34,
graduated from the trainee pro­
gram for entry level seamen at the
Lundeberg School.

While he began fishing at the
age of 15 with his father and
brothers, the youngest of
Salvatore's sons knew that he
wanted to sail aboard deep sea
ships.

"I can still remember one
·n

Nicholas. We were out fishing
during a bout of really bad
weather. The sea was tossing the
boat all over the place for the en­
tire four days we were out. I was
really sea sick and felt lousy,"
recalled Philip.

"As I watched the big tankers
go sailing by as smooth as can be,
I thought to myself, I have got to
sail aboard one of those," he said.

Philip has returned several
times to Piney Point to upgrade in
the deck department. Last
November he graduated from the
bosun recertification program.

After The Mother Ann sank,
Cosmo and Thomas followed
their younger brother's lead and
switched their membership to the
deep sea division of the SIU.

Retired Days
In mid-June, the St. Peter' s

Fiesta was celebrated in
Gloucester. Salvatore's family
started the traditional celebra­
tion-a weekend filled with
Italian food and culture-when
they first came to the East Coast
from Sicily.

Salvatore once took part in all
the activities of the annual fes­
tivities but now participates only
in the special mass held to honor
the fishermen.

With only one son on the beach
and the other two on SIU ships,
Salvatore says a special daily
prayer to St. Peter to watch over his
sons while they are at sea.

After all his years fishing, rais­
ing sons who have carried on the
family tradition, having four
grandchildren (one more on the
way) and one great-grandchild,
Salvatore concludes, "I think I
have had a pretty good life. I am
proud of them all."


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