46 32 1900 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/59d9d134739402bf9544d8f79c5e8317.pdf 191afe21ccf62a01aeb950ff3332368f PDF Text Text Seafarers last month crewed two tankers recently acquired by Maritrans, Inc. SIU members signed aboard the Allegiance in Texas and the Perseverance in Puerto Rico. Above (from left), Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte, SA John Noel, AB Jennifer Avrill and QMED Howard Allen report to the Allegiance. Page 3. Philly Shipyard to Reopen 9 New Containerships Planned -----------Page2 Paul Hall Center Develops Inland Apprentice Program _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page3 USNS Fisher Christened in New Orleans .., �I President's Report I Internet Excitement Last month, the SIU made an exciting announcement about the debut of our site on the world wide web. This is a big step forward for the union, not simply because we established a presence on the internet but because we have a very useful, informative site. That is a result of careful planning, patience and hard work. Rather than rushing headlong into this project, the union emphasized quality, accuracy and effectiveness--characteristics that typically take a while to develop. Early returns seemingly back up this opinion. During its initial weeks, our site received more than Michael Sacco 6,000 visits or "hits,. which I'm told is a good start. For SIU members, our web site, located at www.seafarers.org, provides lots of pertinent information. Seafarers who are connected to the site may read articles from the current issue or back issues of the Seafarers LOG. They may check descriptions of the courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. They also may delve into the early history of American maritime labor and the initial years of the SIU. Or, if they have something to say about a current issue affecting the maritime industry, they may send an electronic-mail message to their senators and congressional representative. These are just some of the site's features. Of course. with tens of millions of people around the world dialing into the internet. we also hope our site gives visitors, including potential new members, a positive profile of the union. That is why the site contains an overview of the SIU, electronic and printable pledge cards, and more. While there are many good things about www.seafarers.org, it is important to recognize that the site cannot be all things to all people. It will be a work in progress, though, and we will take advantage of the new technologies best suited to serving the membership as they become available. However, I want to make it crystal clear that the site in no way will be used to exclude Seafarers who do not have a computer. All of the booklets, applications and forms needed by SIU members will remain available through traditional sources such as the union halls, the LOG and headquarters. Much of it also will be reproduced on our web site, for the benefit of those Seafarers who utilize the interne . As we developed the union's web site, I learned many things about the way people now use computers. For some, it takes the place of writing a letter or making a telephone call. For others, it is a source of information, like an encyclopedia, a magazine or a newspaper. For instance, if you're checking on a piece of legislation, the U.S. Congress offers a site that can help obtain nearly instant updates, called "thomas.loc.gov." If you want to know the latest about the AFL-CIO's campaign against proposed fast-track legislation, "www.aflcio.org" features detailed, well-presented information. If you're interested in the International Transport Workers Federation's activities against runaway-flag shipping, you don't have to call its headquarters in London or wait for an overseas mailing to find out. Instead, you might check its site at "www.itf.org.uk." The internet also has many other plusses. It can be a gold mine for relaxing by researching your favorite hobby. It has a wealth of educational material aimed at kids. When you get right down to it, there probably isn't a legitimate topic one can think of that isn't covered somewhere on the internet. That wealth of information, combined with its immediate availability, truly is mind-boggling. Unfortunately, there is a down side to all of this technology and expansion. Perhaps more so than any other source of information, the internet puts the responsibility on consumers to be selective in what they read -and in what they believe. As someone told me when the SIU first considered developing our site, the best thing about the internet is that anyone can create a web site. And the worst thing? Anyone can create a web site. To put it in plain English, there's a lot of junk on the internet. Sick individuals promote things like child pornography. Others who also have bad intentions are deceitful, using tricks to invade people's privacy and defraud them by stealing their credit card and social security numbers. In some nationally reported cases, people have gone so far as to use the internet as an aid in planning and carrying out kidnappings and murders. Of less concern but found more often on the computers, other individuals purport to be sources of news or otherwise revealing information, when in fact they are nothing more than rumor mongers or libelous cowards. The bottom line on the internet, for now, is to consider the source of what you read. Take it with a grain of salt when you don't know who the person or group may be. because currently there is little or no regulation of the internet. People can get away with deception and lies because our nation's legal and governmental communities still are struggling to determine fair, enforceable guidelines. Those concerns are serious, but they certainly don't outweigh the enormous potential for positive use of the internet. We in the SIU arc excited to be on line, and we intend to be part of that positive growth by being responsible, accurate, accountable members of the internet community. 2 Seafarers LOG MSC1s Perkins Calls U.S. Fleet 'Vital' to National Defense The commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently reiterated his support of the U.S. merchant marine and stressed the importance of sealift. Speaking October 23 at the Propeller Club of Washington, D.C., Vice Admiral James B. Perkins said, "I continually point out the proud record of the American merchant marine who willingly put themselves in harm's way to get materials delivered." A longtime backer of the U.S. merchant marine, Perkins reminded the audience of military, maritime and congressional representatives that in times of national conflict, 95 percent of what is needed during the crisis by U.S. forces is moved by sea. Perkins noted the key role played by Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and prepositioning vessels, many of which are crewed by SIU members. ''We learned our lesson well in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. The vessels are vital. They aren't just sitting around collecting rust. These are well-maintained ships that participate in many exercises throughout the year to ensure their readiness. "Prepositioning ships located throughout the world are wonderful deterrents for the U.S. It sends a very, very powerful message to any nation. When 17,000 U.S. Marines are ready to drop in on you, well, you think twice before causing trouble," stated Perkins. The admiral reported the MSC is committed to the future of the maritime industry as is evident in the new Bob Hope-class vessels being constructed in U.S. shipyards. "New vessels are being built. Everything is on track, and they will be coming out of the At the Propeller Club in Washington, D.C., Vice Admiral James Perkins, head of the Military Sealift Command, discusses the vital role of sealift. shipyard for the christening ceremonies very soon," he said. "Whether it is a permanent, long- or short-term contract, we want our American-flag ships manned with American merchant mariners," concluded Perkins. Howard Schulman, SIU Counsel, Dies at 79 A dedicated labor lawyer and former general counsel to the SIU, Howard Schulman died October 23, 1997 in Sharon, Conn. of kidney failure resulting from a bout with cancer. He was 79. His association with the labor movement and the maritime industry dates back to his youth. In order to put himself through St. John's Law School in New York, he worked during the day as a longshoreman. Later, when he was appointed a commissioner for the port of New York/New Participatian in union activities Jersey, he found himself over- was one of the topics addressed by Howard Schulman at the 1971 seeing activities on the very SIUNA convention. same docks where he used to work. He never forgot his days tivity for working men and hauling cargo from ships and women. never lost his concern and sensiIn offering his condolences to the family, SIU President Michael Sacco remembered Schulman as the type of lawyer you wanted on your side, whether in the courtroom or in a contract dispute. "He was a great strategist," Sacco said. "He had one of the most talented legal minds I have ever worked with on any beef since I've been with the SIU. He is going to be sorely missed." "Howard was a good friend," recalled Herb Brand, who worked closely with the late SIU President Paul Hall ~n a variety of roles. "He was devoted, loyal and dedicated to his work on behalf of maritime workers." Schulman was a former pres- Continued on page 9 Agreement Will Reopen Philadelphia Shipyard 9 New Ships Planned for First 5 Years of Operation The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania announced late last month that an agreement has been reached with Kvaerner, ASA of Norway to reopen the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and convert it into a facility to build commercial vessels. The project, which is expected to create as many as 6,000 jobs in the southeastern Pennsylvania region, should begin by the summer of 1998. Funding for the conversion of the yard will total $399 million, with money coming from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Port the Delaware River Authority, the city of Philadelphia, the federal government as well as an economic development fund being established by CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads. In a press release, Gov. Tom Ridge announced other sources for additional funding have been identified and are involved in active negotiations. In its agreement, K vaerner -Europe's largest shipbuilder -has committed to invest $165 million into the yard over a 15year period. The company's original plans call for nine containerships to be built in the yard during the first five years, with Kvaerner buying three of them itself. However, company officials stat- ed they ultimately plan to expand the yard to produce more complex vessels like cruise ships and making it the "number one" shipyard in the U.S. Upon learning the details of the agreement, SIU President Michael Sacco noted the reopening means the world's shipbuilders and investors are looking at American workers and yards to produce world-class vessels that can fly the U.S. flag. Sacco, who also serves as the head of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (which includes several shipbuilding unions) added, "We will be monitoring this situation very closely. We will work to help make this announcement of a new major domestic shipyard a reality so union members will be involved in these new jobs to build and crew the latest vessels to sail the seas." .· Adding his support for the deal was John Snow, chairman of CSX, which owns SIU-contracted Sea-Land Service. "The commonwealth's forward-looking agreement with K vaerner offers Jones Act carriers and customers an opportunity to move a whole new technology base," Snow stated. "You are combining a worldclass shipbuilder with what soon will be a world-class shipbuilding facility." Volume 591 Number 11 November 1997 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers WG (ISSN l 086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 520 l Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A Hirtes; Associate Editor, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1997 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. llo11ember 1997 �SIU Crewmembers: 'The More .Jobs, The Better!' Seafarers Sign On Newly Acquired Tankers Seafarers reported for work last month aboard two newly contracted tankers. SIU members in La Porte, Texas crewed the Allegiance, while Seafarers in Yauco, Puerto Rico climbed aboard the Perseverance. Both vessels recently were purchased by SIU-contracted Maritrans, Inc. from Sun Transport, Inc. "I think this is great. The more jobs, the better," said Recertified Steward Tyler Laffitte, who signed on the Allegiance. "When you see new jobs like this, the membership knows the union is really pulling for them, securing all kinds of jobs." DEU Angel Figueroa, also joining the crew of the Allegiance, said he views the new Shortly after signing aboard the Perseverance, ABs Justin Savage (on ladder) and Mark DePalma prepare to paint the stack while the vessel is docked in Yauco, Puerto Rico. employment opportunities for Seafarers as a chance to further enhance the union's reputation for providing qualified manpower. "I'm ready to get out there and show them what we can do. There won't be any messing around, just 110-percent effort," he stated. "Seeing more jobs for the members makes me feel great. The more the better." The Allegiance (formerly the New York Sun) is scheduled to transport gasoline and diesel fuel among ports including Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Aruba and Panama. Built in 1980, it weighs 34,000 tons. The 16-year-old Perseverance (formerly the Philadelphia Sun), also weighing 34,000 tons, is slated to carry lube oil to ports in Puerto Rico, Delaware, Texas and North Carolina. In addition to the tankers, Maritrans also purchased two tugbarge units from Sun Transport that will be crewed by Seafarers. And, in late August, Maritrans bought two 40,000-ton, doublehulled tankers from Chevron, as reported last month in the Seafarers LOG. SIU members will crew all of those vessels in the near future. During shipboard meetings last month on the former Sun tankers, SIU officials reviewed the contracts covering the vessels, including benefits, and answered crewmembers' questions. "We covered the contract from beginning to end, and it clearly means better wages and benefits for the crew," noted SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, who met with the Allegiance's crew. Steve Ruiz, SIU port agent in San Juan, said Seafarers "made a smooth transition" in assuming their posts aboard the Perseverance. ''The crew seemed particularly impressed with the medical benefits and the pension plan. Our guys are very happy, because this means they have additional ships steadily coming to Puerto Rico." Above: The first Seafarers to sail aboard the Allegiance include (seated, from left) SA John Noel, Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte, AB M. Zuniga, Chief Cook G. Hopper, (standing) AB Omaha Redda, SIU Patrolman Mike Calhoun, AB Matt Garcia, QMED Howard Allen, AB Jennifer Avril!, Bosun Sam Poreachea, DEU Angel Figueroa, AB Ray Johns and QMED J. Wesley. Crewing of the Perseverance in Puerto Rico draws a positive reaction from (front row, from left) SA C. Ransom, AB Walter Wilde, AB Adam Talucci, SIU Patrolman Vict<;>r Nunez, (back row) SIU Port Agent Steve Ruiz, QMED Monroe Monseur, AB Patrick Neary, AB Mark DePalma and AB Justin Savage. Second 'Bob Hope' RO/RO Christened in New Orleans Union Will Crew Prepositioning Ship USNS Fisher Hall Center Developing Program For Entry-Level Inland Sealarers Schedul~d to .be crewed by ~eaf.arers when. it is delivered to the Military Sealift Command next year, the Representatives of SIU-contracted inland companies, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and the union met last month in Piney Point, Md., where they proposed an unlicensed inland apprentice program. The center hopes to implement the new curriculum sometime in 1998, pending approval by the U.S. Coast Guard and other Seafarerscontracted inland companies. This proposal is a direct result of the joint meeting of the center's deep sea and inland advisory boards earlier this year, noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the school. It was developed by a working group composed of volunteers from that meeting. "Once again, it's evident that the advisory board meetings generate valuable ideas and input from many sources," stated Eglinton, who pointed out this year's conference included representatives from the union, the Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, the Coast Guard, U.S. Maritime Signifying more future job opportunities for SIU members, the third in a series of prepositioning ships being constructed for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) was christened last month in Louisiana. The USNS Fisher, a Bob Hope-class ship built at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, is slated for delivery to MSC in 1998. The 950-foot roll-on/rolloff (RO/RO) vessel will join MSC's Afloat Prepositioning Force upon delivery and will be operated by SIU-contracted Maersk Limited of Norfolk, Va. The Fisher is part of a multi-ship package intended to satisfy the nation's need for increased sealift capacity as identified after the Persian Gulf War. That package includes three other Bob Hope ships and four Watson-class vessels also operated by Maersk Limited, with delivery dates ranging between 1998 and 2000; five converted RO/ROs operated by SIU-contracted Bay Ship Management; and six other new builds for which charters have not been awarded. The 13 vessels operated by Maersk and Bay Ship represent hundreds of new jobs for Seafarers. Avondale is constructing the Bob Hope ships already under contract, with the USNS Bob Hope having been christened in March. The National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego is building the Watson-class ships, November 1997 Administration, U.S. Military Sealift Command, National Transportation Safety Board, and SIUcontracted deep sea, Great Lakes and inland operators. Previous advisory board meetings have led to the development of the center's Coast Guard-approved training record book (TRB) and the revamp of the deep sea curriculum for entry-level mariners, among many other advances. The recommended inland apprentice program includes an initial 12-week training phase covering vessel familiarization; shipboard sanitation; water survival; firefighting, first aid and CPR; galley operations; and vessel operations and maintenance. Members of the working group also recommended a training segment of two to three months aboard a vessel, followed by four weeks of advanced training at the Paul Hall Center. That final phase would include the tanker familiarization and tankerman assistant DL classes, among other training. USNS Fisher is part of a mult1-sh1p package intended to boost America's sealift capability. including the recently christened USNS George Watson. can Exceed 24 Knob Christened on October 18, the Fisher can carry up to 1,000 U.S. Army vehicles, including tanks and other combat motorized units. It is designed and constructed with more than 380,000 square feet of cargo capacity and has a beam of nearly 106 feet, with a full-load displacement of more than 62,000 tons. It has a draft of 34.5 feet, greater than 65,000 shaft horsepower and can exceed 24 knots. The vessels is named in honor of Zachary Fisher, a prominent New York City builder and real estate owner, and his wife, Elizabeth, a former USO entertainer during World War II, according to Avondale. The Fishers in 1983 founded an establishment to provide free housing for military families in times of crisis, which still operates. They also were instrumental in transforming the historic aircraft carrier USS Intrepid into a museum, and generously have supported families of military personnel killed in the line of duty, facilities for disabled children, and military scholarship programs. Only four other people have had Navy ships named after them in their lifetimes: former U.S. Senator Carl Vinson of Georgia, former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke, former President Ronald Reagan, and entertainer Bob Hope. Seafarers LOii 3 �U.S. Cruise Ship Proposal Outlined to Senate MTD Also Denounces Two Bills to Gut Passenger Cabotage Act Pointing out how two bills under consideration before the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee would impede nearly a decade's worth of effort to revise the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) urged legislators to instead support a proposal to develop an American-flag fleet. Frank Pecquex, executive secretary-treasurer of the MTD, addressed the subcommittee during its October 21 hearing on the Benefits from Cruise Ships Visiting Alaska Act (S.668) and the United States Cruise Tourism Act (S. 803). Both measures would gut the nation's passenger cabotage law -the Passenger Vessel Services Act-by allowing foreign-flag cruise ships to carry tourists from one U.S. port to another. S. 668 would pertain strictly to the Alaskan trade, while S. 803 would open all U.S. deep sea shorelines to foreign-flag cruise ships for domestic voyages. Both measures are opposed by Seafarers International the Union, which is one of 32 maritime-related unions within the MTD. (SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as the head of the MTD.) Create Few, If Any, Jobs Speaking to the subcommittee, Pecquex noted the two bills "would produce few, if any, shipboard, shipyard or industrial jobs for U.S. citizens." He went on to say passage of either measure "would be especially unfortunate in view of the substantial progress that is being made toward reaching an agreement among various U.S. mar- testimony presented to the subcommittee, also noted that during the decade of the 1990s, U.S . yards had built and U.S. companies were operating smaller passenger vessels that exceeded $2 billion in construction costs without the use of subsidies available to foreign operators. Employment Under U.S. Flag With actions taking place to build up a U.S.-flag cruise fleet, Congress should not implement measures that would weaken the passenger cabotage law, MTD Exec. Sec.-Treas. Frank Pecquex tells the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee. itime interests on a U.S.-flag cruise development proposal." Decade of Effort An outline of the proposal was included in the testimony provided by the MTD as well as three maritime industry associations representing U.S.-flag shipping companies. The proposal includes the resurrection of the Maritime Administration's shipbuilding finance guarantee program (known as Title XI). The outline also contains the recently passed measure in Congress to create a pilot project to build two U.S.flag cruise ships in American yards by 2008 and the announcement (after the hearing) of Europe's largest shipbuilder to convert the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard into a commercial facility capable of constructing cruise ships, among other factors. The associations, in written Pecquex informed the senators that a U.S.-flag cruise industry would provide jobs for a wide variety of Americans, not just merchant mariners. It would include shipbuilders, steel workers, coal and iron ore miners, their suppliers and many more in the construction phase. A U.S.-flag cruise industry also would help port facilities when the ships were underway, Pecquex stated. Other Concerns The MTD official told the legislators foreign-flag cruise ships do not meet U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. He reminded them of problems found by the Coast Guard in conducting fire and safety drills aboard the foreign-flag vessels presently calling on American ports. In some cases, crewmembers who would be in charge of passenger safety did not even speak a common language, let alone English, which would be the primary language used by tourists boarding the vessels. ''The development of a larger fleet of U.S.-flag cruise ships operating in accordance with U.S . safety regulations will obviously be of significant benefit to cruise passengers," Pecquex said. Besides the subsidy and safety issues, Pecquex noted foreignflag vessels presently do not have to meet U.S. labor, pay and tax USCG Rule Aims to Boost Safety On Towing Vessels, Tank Barges The U.S. Coast Guard last month proposed rules tow line similar to the primary one. It may be availrequiring installation of equipment to suppress fires able on either the barge or the vessel towing it. on towing vessels and to enhance existing standards Also, equipment to regain control of the barge for anchoring or retrieving a drifting tank barge. and resume towing without having to place crewDeveloped in cooperation with the agency's members on the barge must be available on the towTowing Vessel Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC), ing vessel. the proposal stems from an oil spill in early 1996 off The system would undergo periodic inspection, the Rhode Island coast and a subsequent congres- and crewmembers annually would conduct retrieval sional directive in that year's Coast Guard Author- drills. ization Act. • The third part of the proposal reads as follows: The Coast Guard will accept comments on the "If neither of these two measures are viable, then the proposed rule until January 5, 1998. In accordance with a 1996 congressional man- tank barge or vessel towing it must have on board date, the Coast Guard is calling for any one of three another measure or combination of measures comemergency response measures for tank vessels to parable to" the aforementioned systems. Additionally, in trying to reduce the number of utilize in order to prevent grounding of a drifting barge. This part of the law would apply to tank fires that cause propulsion loss, the agency proposbarges and the vessels towing them on the coastal es that applicable vessels contain a general alarm system, a fire detection system, a communication waters, high seas or on the Great Lakes. According to the "notice of proposed rulemak- system, fire pump and fire main systems, portable or ing" as published in the Federal Register on October semi-portable fire extinguishers, remote engine 6, the three recommended emergency-control sys- shutdown or fuel shutoff, fuel system standards (on new vessels), a fire ax and muster list. tems are as follows: Crewmembers also must participate in periodic • Manned with an operable anchor, in which the . crew is a key component in the tank-barge anchor- safety orientations and drills as spelled out in the ing system and where training, maintenance and proposal. The Coast Guard noted that TSAC conducted a inspection provisions facilitate the system's capacity to function. At least one crewmember must be survey of the towing vessel fleet in conjunction with able to deploy the anchor within a reasonable developing their recommendations, and the study response time and must confer with the master in revealed most towing vessels already possess the determining the appropriate length of chain to be equipment and systems called for by the new rule. used. Further, because towing vessels typically are • An emergency retrieval system that will allow uninspected, vessel owners will be responsible for the barge to be rescued if the tow line ruptures. This compliance. Such adherence would be spot-checked system should include an emergency tow wire or by the Coast Guard only during vessel boardings. 4 Seafarers LOG provisions, thus making these vessels cheaper to operate than those that sail under the U.S. flag. He added that neither S. 668 nor S. 803 address this concern. The hearing ended with no action being taken on either bill. No date was announced for further consideration of S. 668 and S. 803 . Boatmen Complete Health/Safety Course Since late summer, more than 75 SIU boatmen who sail aboard Crowley and Sabine tugs have updated their health and safety skills during courses offered by the staff of the Paul Hall Center in Lake Charles, La. and Jacksonville, Fla. Emergency first aid, hazardous waste response (hazwoper) and accident prevention were some of the topics addressed by Lundeberg School instructors Casey Taylor, Mark Jones and Stormy Combs during the fourday sessions offered to Seafarers between August and November. The boatmen earned certificates for completing an 8-hour hazwoper refresher course that was part of the on-site training. That curriculum primarily focused on the identification of hazardous materials, use of protective gear and procedures for contacting emergency personnel. Other subjects covered included basic chemistry of hazardous materials; use and care of different safety and breathing equipment; confined space entry; emergency first aid and CPR; sampling techniques; emergency response plans and decontamination. Rick O'Keefe, an AB who sails aboarll Crowley tugs, noted the importance of reviewing the vital material. "It has been a couple of years since I had any type of formal training in health and safety so it was good to go over it all again. I have taken classes taught by instructor Casey Taylor in the past and I always enjoy the way he presents the material," stated O'Keefe at the Jacksonville union hall in August. The boatmen received intensive training in hazardous-materials handling as well as how new regulations created by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) and the International Organization for Standardization affect them on the job. Boatmen · who completed the four-day course should be able to identify a hazardous material, monitor its danger level, select and use the appropriate safety gear (such as gloves, boots, protective suits, etc.), contain a spill (whether the hazardous material is only onboard the vessel or also is in the water) and identify the solution needed for decontamination of the equipment. "This was the first Lundeberg School course I have taken," stated OS Jim Quinn. who joined the SIU in 1996 and sails aboard Crowley tugs. "I thought it was great that the course was taught in Jacksonville. I enjoyed learning more about what to do if one of my crewmembers is poisoned or comes in contact with a hazardous chemical. The entire course was very informative," concluded Quinn. Seafarers pictured above who completed training at the Jacksonville, Fla. union hall are (from left) Deck Utility Rick O'Keefe, Chief Electrician Pete Albano, Chief Electrician Gerald Simpson, Chief Mate Jim Larkin, Chief Mate Roger Rothschild and Deck Utility Bobby Simmons. U.S.M.M.l. 1s Ed Stribling Passes Away Captain Edward E. Stribling, 54, the operations director at SIU-contracted U.S. Marine Management, Inc. in Norfolk, Va., passed away September 28 after a long fight with cancer. Officials at SIU headquarters and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education remember Stribling as someone who eagerly and effectively pitched in to ensure that American mariners received proper training and certification. "He always was willing to volunteer for training committees and help in whatever other ways he could," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, who worked with Stribling at this year's combined deep sea-inland towboat advisory board conference at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md .. A native of Charlotte, N.C., Stribling served in the U.S. Marine Corps before graduating from the Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, N.Y. in 1967. He became commissioned in the U.S. Naval Reserve and served on active duty during the Vietnam War. In 1972, Stribling began his career as a merchant mariner. He possessed an unlimited license and captained many ships. November 1997 �AFL-CIO Steps Up Campaign Against Fast-Track Bill ous jobs. On average, they took a pay cut of $4,400 per yearsome despite working two jobs in trying to replace their lost income. Even those who kept their jobs likely felt downward pressure on wages and benefits due to NAFfA. According to a recent study conducted by Cornell University, 62 percent of U.S.based employers have used the threat of factory relocation to families have written letters to Mexico during contract talks and Congress urging defeat of fast- organizing drives. That study supports similar track legislation. The campaign by corporate findings of an earlier survey done interests in favor of fast-track by the Wall Street Journal. Workers in Mexico, whom authority mostly has consisted of media advertising and a 40-city NAFfA's proponents claimed tour organized by the U.S. would greatly benefit from the treaty, arguably have suffered Chamber of Commerce. most of all. Since the pact took NAFrA Says n All effect, 8 million Mexicans have Opponents of fast-track nego- slipped into poverty. Wages have tiations are emphasizing that they dropped by 30 percent despite do not oppose truly fair trade increased productivity, and the agreements that adequately pro- maquiladora plants along the bortect workers and the environment. der have led to a proliferation of However, they point to NAFI'A as poverty-laden communities. timely and overwhelming proof NAFI'A also has resulted in of fast track's flaws. environmental damage. The fedThe tariff-removing trade pact eration reports that the amount of between the U.S., Mexico and hazardous waste coming across Canada, implemented in January the border increased 30 percent in 1994, was negotiated on fast- 1995, and the incidences of track terms. By most accounts, it hepatitis A in border communities has been disastrous for workers has risen two to five times the and their families in all three national average. countries and has damaged the Generally, increased agriculenvironment while advancing tural imports and inadequate borquick profits for CEOs and others der inspections have led to a rise among the privileged few. in unsafe produce in American If Congress passes fast-track supermarkets. For instance, legislation, NAFI'A's severe con- strawberries, lettuce and carrots sequences will multiply as more from Mexico have a high rate of and more nations with living stan- illegal pesticide residues. dards below America's sign onto Yet, fewer than one percent of similar agreements, warn oppo- trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico nents of the bill. border are inspected. According Under NAFrA, America has to numerous news reports, that lost more than 400,000 jobs as has led to increased drug traffickbusinesses shifted production to ing and unsafe trucks on U.S. Mexico, where wages average $4 highways. a day and enforceable environDeflcH Soars mental regulations are nonexistent. Only a minuscule number of Economically, there seemingly U.S. jobs has been created as a is no disputing the fact that direct result of the agreement. America has been hurt by Further, almost none of those NAFI'A. Before the pact, the U.S. displaced American workers had a small trade surplus with found employment with wages Mexico. Since the trade agreeand benefits equal to their previ- ment went into effect, the U.S. Senate Vote Possible This Month Trade unionists throughout the United States are leading the intensifying fight against proposed legislation that would extend fast-track negotiating authority on international trade agreements to the president. Despite those nationwide efforts, House and Senate committees last month passed fasttrack bills, and a full Senate vote may take place sometime early this month. However, with many lawmakers divided on this issue and a number still undecided, the projected outcome of floor votes in each chamber is uncertain. Under fast track, Congress gives up its right to amend a treaty. It only can approve or disapprove the entire package. The administration wants to use fast-track negotiations to expand pacts like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFI'A) to countries in Central and South America. Given the stakes as well as the precarious status of the votes, the AFL-CIO, the national federation of trade unions (of which the SIU is an affiliate), is engaged in a massive grassroots campaign aimed at defeating fast-track legislation. Last month alone, the efforts included dozens of meetings with congressional representatives, demonstrations and leaflet-distribution across the country, print and broadcast advertising, internet campaigns by the AFL-CIO and member unions, and more. The Steelworkers is one of several unions that has been particularly active in this showdown. In addition to the international union waging an on-line campaign, approximately 140,000 individual Steelworkers and their Forbes' Bill Calls for Veterans' Status For All Mariners Who Sailed in Wars Citing 'Long-Overdue Recognition,' SIU Backs Measure The SIU is supporting a bill that would extend veterans' benefits to all U.S. merchant mariners who sailed during times of war. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, Rep. Michael Forbes (R.N.Y.) was preparing to introduce the Combat Merchant Mariners Veterans Benefits Act. A member of Forbes' staff said the legislation would be presented early this month. Upon learning about the bill, SIU President Michael Sacco sent a letter to every member of Congress asking for support of the measure. "Given the enormous and courageous sacrifices these brave men and women gave in the defense of the freedom we now treasure, it is entirely fitting that this legislation be enacted," Sacco wrote. "On behalf of all the patriotic seafarers who came to the defense of our country during all times of war, I urge you to November 1997 U.S. Rep. Michael Forbes (D- N. Y.) is sponsoring legislation that would extend veterans' benefits to all U.S. merchant mariners who sailed during times of wAr. become a cosponsor of this legislation. By doing so, you are extending long-overdue recognition to the brave men and women of the U.S. merchant marine." Forbes, in appealing to fellow members of the House of Representatives for their backing, noted that the only U.S. merchant mariners eligible for veterans' benefits are those who sailed during World War II between December?, 1941 and August 15, 1945. "By limiting eligibility, the [secretary of the Air Force, who has been charged with determining veterans' status] has discriminated against a number of mariners who valiantly served our country during times of war .... In order to rectify this problem, the Combat Merchant Mariners Veterans Ilenefits Act of 1997, if signed into law, would provide veterans' benefits to individuals who served as United States merchant mariners during all times of war,'' he observed in a "Dear Colleague" letter sent to all House members. "Merchant mariners were there for our country during wartime and we need to be there for them in their time of need," he concluded. trade surplus with Mexico has become a $16 billion deficit. Moreover, although there may be a perception that trade agreements only address issues such as tariffs, quotas and customs procedures, they in fact provide many corporate protections. As noted by the AFL-CIO, ''Trade agreements like NAFI'A require countries to change their foreign investment laws to treat foreign investors the same as national ones, to compensate for expropriated property in a manner consistent with U.S. law; to reduce agricultural subsidies; and to enforce intellectual property rights (like patents). These are enforceable issues at the core of the agreement, while labor and environmental issues have been relegated, at best as in NAFI'A, to unenforceable side agreements." SIU members are urged to contact their elected officials and ask them to vote against fast track. The AFL-CIO has set up a toll-free number 1-800-97AFLCIO-to assist in this matter. Seafarers also may visit the federation's Stop Fast Track web site at www.aflcio.org/stopfasttrack. The site includes a letter against fast track that may be sent via e-mail to one's senators and representative. Ever since NAFTA, our jobs have been on lhe "fast track"~ to Mexico. c:;f1 ~ hu nm ~ 0 # ... mJll hu ... mc'~' · p hrn~puah and cnure commun111e,. 'uppo~d to do., Make II ea,1er for Amt:nciln hu,11K.''"-'' h' pull up ...1~e,·> '.'\01 cxactl~ . But :\AFTA failed to inc lude 'tandard' lO rr,1ti:d our 100-... \\ J~e ~. Cll\ 1ronrnent and ~tety, a~d Con£re~~ wasn·1 e\'en ~.1~en the chance 10 lix "ha1 ".._, wrong. So rn; le:id of fair. balanced lrJde thai bencht' 1, ~that \~ h:.11 our trJdC <Je;.ib a '.eryone. corrx>rJllOO\ m:ide Olli hke bandit- while Amencan worker. and ron,umer. were kfl hehmd. S O\\ corporati on... are a.... kmg Congre~' to give 1he pre\lde nt more fa., 1-1rack :iuthonty-to extend lhe ~AFTA deal to other counirie;. There\ only one wa\ - tri ...1op at. Tell Congrc'' 10 ...a~ no. f - !. an'.' F - \1 . ,_ Call 1-800-97-AFLCIO. Tell your representatives in Congress to say no to fast-track trade deals. AMERICA CAN'T AFFORD ANY MOllE NAFTAI Because NAFTA (which was negotiated on fasttrack terms) has proven to be disastrous for workers and their families and has damaged the environment, the AFL·CIO has started a grassroots advertising campaign aimed at defeating fast-track legislation. As shown in these examples, readers are urged to call their representatives in Congress to stop the passage of fast-track negotiating authority. Imagine if every time you ask for a raise, lhe boss threatens \\"fl_CO\U- lll THI \\Oki llt Jf I '\I I}( nhhe' mto trJdc..• lkjl' 11 l' . \1 t- '1' '-\II-\ h' p roh: (l \\1Xl cr' JnJ ~111hUllll:f' \•'t \\It f \· \.."n,.1 \\llhi1ut n1.•_tlll.1l11 .- ·~l'l' ·II !!t'l' l.'.°·t'•1.·1 h .. •11,~.1111•11 .. nd"MingA.mcl"'k.'..m' lu... lr. ' i:t~'ll~l.h•h't.=rttl\.·1111 1 f'I, 1o ulttlllrtt*"-el--e" herc t11. often pre"ured 10 JCCepl lo\\ Cr JlJ~--Or <l\C A.cm-.' 1 ~ countt"\ . Anlencan hu ... 11lt.''...e' JIC u ... m~ th...· thn:Jl 111 Ilk" 111!.'.' pT111..il1. l11l11 ' 11 \ k \ICC\.---\1.here "or~et' cam SJ~ d.:.1~-111 h11kl 1A..1!!L'' d-.1\1.n JJld !1!!hl Ul\l()f OffJOIZlnf 1.JmPJ.ign' In lxt. ~-t pcn.:ent 11t till' 1.:orp1r:..11t.· L'\L'1.Ull\l''- pt. 1 lk:~1 1u,1 t°'l."h 11c '\ AFTA "'.l' implemcmcJ ,.uJ 1h~~ "ere hl.d~ h) u~ 11 a ·J .... 1h..1r~J111111~1..l11r tn l.;.'LT \\J!:C:,J<'lwn·· At J umc \\hen ffH<rot \Hlr~m~ .\men.. Jn' jfC .. 1ru~,;:l1n'."' h 1 ~et h\ . "'men.I the b1:_·~c-.1 ..:orpor.Jllon .. m ..\nlt.·n ... J .(; \t ~ Chn , Jer. B ~mg. Pn-.:tcr 6... ( 1J111t"ll'" Jr'J morl· -Ju.: r.11-.;n;,: ' · m d hOO IOf J CJffi{lJ lgO Ul pn:"UI\." C''llPC'-' hli llti.tfL l..t..,HrJCl. '..\Ff:\ deaf-. Tell Con~n:'' to '-'I\ rn 1 The~' nnl~ olll· '' J \ IP .. 1nr 11 r ..., UIEllCA wn AffDlll lift MORE llAFTAI Call 1-800-g7 -AFLCIO. Tell your representatives in Congress to say no to fast·track trade deals. Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU Manpower Off ice Prepares for Role In Simulated RRF Breakout This Month All SIU hiring halls will be working with the union's manpower office for the first two weeks of this month to handle a simulated breakout of Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels during an annual drill run by the Maritime Administration (MarAd). Although Seafarers on the beach will play a vital role in this exercise, none of the members will be affected or even realize they are involved. According to Headquarters Representative Carl Peth, who is overseeing the SIU role in the MarAd exercise known as Breakout '97, all work will be done via paper among the government agency, the U.S.-flag operating companies for the RRF ships and the unions who provide the crews. "Our members will see activity behind the counter as we verify members are properly registered and available, but that is about the only way it will affect them," Peth noted. ''All the work involving the union wi11 be done here in manpower and in the halls. It will not affect the members directly." Breakout '97 is an annual exercise designed to verify that RRF ship operators and the maritime Strawberry Workers' Fight Far Fairness Is Browing The United Farm Workers (UFW) announced that the second largest grocery chain in the nation, Safeway, has signed on in support of 20,000 California strawberry pickers who are attempting to gain a contract. Safeway joins 27 other retail food companies covering 4,630 stores in 41 states and four Canadian provinces that have signed pledges supporting the rights of strawberry workers. Strawberry pickers are among the hardest working but lowest paid workers in America. Many of the packers face horrible conditions on the job: sexual harassment in the fields, inadequate bathrooms (if such facilities are available), no clean drinking water during l 0- to 12hour work days, no health coverage and no job security. For this, they earn an average of about $8,000 a year. The push to represent the strawberry workers is the United Farm Workers' biggest organizing drive in 20 years. The main focus of the effort has been a nationwide campaign to gain the commitment of grocery stores to increase the price of a pint of strawberries by a nickel. The extra five cents per pint could improve the pickers' wages as much as 50 percent. Since last summer, delegations of labor, community and religious leaders have aided this cause by visiting stores throughout the country and asking managers to take a stand on behalf of the berry workers. The pledge by Safeway to support the California strawberry workers is "another sign that change is coming to California strawberry fields," stated UFW President Arturo Rodriguez. "Safeway's support for what are basic human rights for some of the poorest workers in our country deserves the community's acclamation and gratitude." Other major chains that have signed the pledge include A&P (also known as SuperFresh, 6 Seafarers LOG Farmer Jack and Waldbaum) with stores in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Detroit, New York City, Baltimore and Ontario, Canada; Lucky California and Las Vegas; Ralphs throughout Southern California; Jewel in Chicago and Albuquerque; Acme in Philadelphia· and Calas in San Francisco. unions have enough manpower available to crew vessels in the event of an emergency. MarAd creates a scenario in which dif_. ferent ships are called to active duty and notifies the companies they have from four to 20 days to provide a full crew on paper, depending on the breakout status of the vessel. MarAd is given a list of available licensed and unlicensed mariners who serve as the crew through the exercise. Once a name is used, that mariner may not be chosen for any other ship involved in the two-week action . Seafarers should note that if their name is used in the exercise, it does not disqualify them from throwing in for a real job posted in a union hall, Peth stated. "SIU members won't even know their names have been submitted, so their registrations will not be affected," he assured. Beginning November 3, MarAd will notify RRF operators which ships need to be "crewed." Special job call sheets will be sent out by the SIU manpower office in Piney Point, Md. independent of normal crewing lists to the port nearest to the RRF ship called to Manpower personnel, like Bonnie Johnson shown here reviewing an active registration list, will work with union halls to "crew" RAF vessels during a simulated breakout exercise conducted by MarAd this month. duty through Breakout '97. Port officials will notify manpower which SIU members (who must meet the requirements for the positions needed) are available and have been assigned to the jobs. Manpower then will verify through the union's computer registration system that the members indeed are on the beach and eligible to sail in the ratings to which they have been assigned. These names then will be forwarded to the contracted carrier who will pass them along to MarAd. As a final check, the government agency will utilize the U.S. Coast Guard's data base to make sure the mariners assigned in the exercise hold the ratings for the positions they are assigned. "These two weeks will be quite busy for us, handling both the MarAd exercise as well as our regular manpower duties," Peth said. "But we have been through this before and we have always handled it well." USCG's Merchant Marine Personnel Committee Tackles Proposed STCW and Tankerman Regs Editor's note: This article was written by AB Sinclair Oubre, who serves on the MERPAC committee. On September 25 and 26, the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) met at the Seafarers International Union's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This was the ninth meeting of the committee, which serves as a deliberative body to advise the secretary of transportation (via the Coast Guard commandant) on matters relating to the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of seamen serving in the U.S. merchant marine. The committee includes representatives of maritime labor-both licensed and unlicensed personnel from the deck and engine departments. The rest of MERPAC includes maritime instructors and other representatives of marine training institutes, Coast Guard officials and administrators from shipping companies. The group meets periodically and covers a broad range of subjects pertinent to training and certification for U.S. mariners. During the September meeting, much discussion centered on improving the performance of the Arlington, Va.-based National Maritime Center, a regulatory arm of Coast Guard headquarters. At the previous MERPAC session, strong concerns had been raised by the maritime schools about delays in getting new courses and course changes approved, the lag in updating the question bank (from which the exam questions at the agency's regional exam centers are drawn), and the overall impact of personnel cuts. In response, the center reported that additional personnel have been hired, and processes are being established to better prioritize the facility's work. Another major topic discussed at length was the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The Coast Guard has printed and opened for comment the interim Coast Guard Captain Richard Stewart (standing) chairs the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee meeting last month at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Seated to Stewart's right is Coast Guard Admiral Robert C. North. SIU members and officials, along with representatives of the school, were among those who participated in the meeting. rules that are proposed to bring U.S. legislation in line with the STCW convention. These interim rules were printed in the June 26, 1997 issue of the Federal Register. The final rules greatly will affect the way we as mariners are trained and evaluated on our job performance. In a nutshell, for both the deck and engine departments (licensed and unlicensed), the standards for performing one's work will be raised. There will be the expectation that one will know his or her task, can perform it when asked, and be satisfactorily evaluated. This should not adversely affect most U.S. merchant mariners, provided they have worked at improving their professional skills. Since the STCW is an international convention, however, with more than 100 signatory nations, it will greatly impact the manning situations on runaway-flag ships (see the October issue of the Seafarers LOG as well as the publications of the International Transport Workers Federation). The SIU's and Paul Hall Center's new Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) also was discussed. The TRB is one of the required provisions of the STCW pact that includes standards and evaluation requirements in all the different ratings. Both licensed and unlicensed personnel will have to possess a TRB. (See page 20 of this issue of the LOG for more details about the TRB and an application.) Additionally, the committee discussed one other major issue: qualifications required for mariners involved in midstream fueling operations on uninspected towing vessels. The Coast Guard extended the compliance date to give industry members more time to study the new rule's impact. This new regulation would allow the person in charge (PIC) to hold a merchant mariner's document, provided the document reflects endorsement either as a restricted tankerman-PIC, a tankerman-PIC, or a tankerman-PIC (barge). The change stems from the fact that the PIC traditionally has been the master or the mate on the uninspected towing vessel. This person either is in the wheelhouse or taking his or her six hours of rest. The crewmember actually taking the fuel from the midstream fueler is a deckhand, who presently is not required to have endorsements for cargo transfers. With this in mind, the Coast Guard has proposed that the qualifications for the person on deck be raised. MERPAC reviewed the issue and supported the proposal. Meanwhile, the committee also touched on the issue of German- and Danish-flag ships sailing with a single-watch bridge. A working group was formed to study the matter and advise the Coast Guard so that a single-watch bridge does not become a practice approved by the International Maritime Organization. It is apparent that if a mate is standing on a single-person watch on the bridge, then an AB has been left on the beach. If any unlicensed merchant mariner has an issue to raise with MERPAC, they may contact the committee on the world wide web at www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/g-m/advisory/merpac/merpac.htm, or one may e-mail me directly at Sinclair_Oubre@compuserve.com, or fax me at (409) 985-3847. November 1997 �When a ship goes into drydock, there's a lot more for the crewmembers to do than just pack their gear and sign off. Such was the case last May, when the S.S. Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises, was scheduled for her required periodic drydocking in · the port of Portland, Ore. (Under Coast Guard regulations, American Hawaii ~ Cruises either can do two drydockings every five years and have an underwater hull survey done once a year, or skip the hull surveys and do a drydock every 18 . months. The company has chosen the former). As the SIU-crewed passenger ship pulled alongside a pier in Honolulu, crewmembers assisted in unloading much of the vessel's contents. They secured some items, moved other pieces around so they would not be in the way of renovations and, in general, tidied up the interior areas. Officials from the Honolulu SIU hall were on hand, as well, assisting members with any necessary paperwork, including registration and vacation forms. Approximately 60 deck and engine department members stayed with the vessel as she sailed to the Portland (Ore.) Cascade General Shipyard and helped independent contractors with some of the maintenance work during the month-long drydocking operation. i The buffet area gets a plastic covering to protect it during the ship's stay in drydock. a Completing his registration form is Room Steward Jerry Bareng. l!I Storekeeper Jaoa Cordeiro Y signs off the S.S. Independence. Oiler Rolando Romanillos takes a quick break before getting back to work. EJ ... Helping load cargo aboard Iii the S.S. Independence is OS Marcos Arriola. P.!!I OS Khaled Shamman 11:.1 does his part to help get the vessel ready for drydock. November 1997 lit!I!~~:;-» The bottom of the vessel was cleaned and repainted, and the shaft and propellers were checked for signs of wear. New wall coverings wert? added to the passenger corridors, improvements were made to the crew quarters, and two life raft stations were added, bringing the total to eight. The ship's two pools were rebuilt and a fire-detection system, similar to the kind found on the floors of airliners, was added for increased safety and security. Many other maintenance projects were included, but perhaps the most ambitious project to occur in the Portland drydock was the installation of new living quarters where once only cargo holds existed. When built 46 years ago, the S.S. Independence was designed to carry passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Now, however, the vessel exclusively serves passengers on a weekly cruise Payoff took place on the Honolulu around the Hawaiian islands. dock before the This meant that the empty cargo cruise liner went holds were not being used and into drydock. Crewwere, in effect, available space. members also had During the period in drydock, the opportunity to register for their 28 prefabricated cabins containnext job and fill out ing 60 berths were installed in other necessary these holds and now are attracpaperwork. tive living quarters. Following a month in drydock, the S.S. Independence resumed her 7-day itinerary around the Hawaiian islands. Seafarers LOG 7 �B Seafarers LOG November 1997 �Over the River SW-Crewed Pbilly-Camden Ferry Fa.res WeU in 1991 The SIU-crewed RiverUnk, with Philadelphia in the background, transports passengers along the Delaware River. Double-checking the stability of the gangway is Deckhand Jim Anderson. The way business has gone for the SIU-crewed RiverLink in 1997, it is no wonder Seafarers see a bright future for the Philadelphia-based passenger ferry. Already this year, nearly 300,000 passengers have utilized the boat. That marks a healthy increase from 1996, and crewmembers are optimistic the rise portends similar gains through the rest of the decade and beyond. "We're very hopeful that business will continue growing and really take off in the next few years,'' observed Captain Gerry "Mickey" McGovern, who sent the photos accompanying this article to the Seafarers LOG. Formerly known as the Delawhale, the RiverLink transports people across the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. Each voyage takes approximately 20 minutes, although the ferry sometimes offers express service lasting about seven minutes. The vessel is 100 feet long and has a 600-horsepower twin engine that allows it to cross the river at speeds of up to I 0 knots. The ferry also is equipped with life safety equipment and features outdoor and climate-controlled indoor seating. The RiverLink is scheduled to sail through the end of this year, then will enter its seasonal shutdown before resuming service April l, 1998. When the boat began operating in 1992, it marked the resumption of a service that had stopped 40 years earlier. In 1952, the Haddonfield, Howard Schulman Dies Continued from page 2 ident of the 12,000 member Labor Law Section of the American Bar Association. He founded the New York law firm of Schulman & Abarbanel and served as general counsel for numerous labor organizations from the 1950s through the 1980s, including the SIU, the Maritime Trades Department, the Actor's Guild, the Distillery Workers and the Leather Goods Workers. As an advisor to two SIU presidents and general counsel to the union for more than 35 years, Schulman litigated hundreds of cases, some of which had profound consequences for the labor movement and the maritime industry. "Howard was certainly an example of a dedicated labor lawyer," said SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey at Schulman's funeral service. "He understood the needs and aspirations of not only longshoremen but all other workers. Howard worked tirelessly toward improving the status of organized labor because he believed that real improvements for workers would only come about from strong union representation." Schulman participated in negotiations, argued before the Supreme Court, wrote articles, delivered lectures, testified before congressional hearings and government agencies, and monitored the actions of international maritime organizations. In handling the legal end of many of the SIU's major beefs, he filed a brief against the Agriculture November 1997 also manned by Seafarers, made its final voyage across the Delaware. That ferry closed due to new bridge construction and rising costs of supplies, insurance and fuel. Earlier this decade, however, conditions again became favorable for waterborne transportation. Since then, the RiverLink mostly has been utilized by families traveling to local recreation spots, museums and other attractions; hence, the boat's regular route is leisurely. 'The passengers really seem to enjoy the ride. It's a different, but safe, way to travel," noted McGovern. __ ..,,, . Safety is emphasized at all times aboard the ferry. Here, Deckhand Ed Zolynski (left) and Captain Rob Torres practice a "man overboard" drill. Department which resulted in an historic restructuring of the P.L. 480 (cargo preference) program; he defended seamen's rights under the Service Contract Act; and for 20 years he successfully fought back attempts by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to close down branches of the Public Health hospital system. (The hospitals remained open until 1981 when Congress discontinued the 200-year-old program.) During the Vietnam War, Schulman's legal efforts prevented the licensed unions from encroaching on the jurisdictional rights of the SIU crewmembers in the engineroom. In the early 1970s, when the government said the Seafarers Political Action Donation violated the federal election laws, Schulman defended the integrity of the program. As a result, all charges against the union were dropped. "No matter what you win by negotiations or on the bricks, and no matter how long it took to accomplish and how expensive," Schulman remarked during the 1971 SIUNA convention, "it can all be taken away from you overnight by those in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. The answer to me is obvious-more activity, more association, more pressing in the electoral process. Participate in every means possible through your union." In 1987, after 50 years in the labor movement, Schulman announced his retirement. Schulman is survived by his wife, Paula Schulman; three daughters, Ann Milbank, Judith Lederer and Janet Dicker; and six grandchildren. Captain Gerry "Mickey" McGovern is one of many Seafarers confident in the continued upswing of business for the ferry. Cheerfully guiding passengers aboard the RiverLink is Deckhand John Beck. In addition to providing direction, Beck takes a passenger count as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard. ITF Secures $100,000 in Back Wages And Overtime for Ukrainian Crew Mariners working aboard a runaway-flag ship recently received more than $100,000 in back pay and overtime thanks to intervention by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). Crewmembers aboard the Liberianflag, London-owned, Koktebel contacted Edd Morris, an SIU representative and ITF inspector, shortly before the vessel arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. Once the ship docked, Morris boarded it and met the Ukrainian crew, who informed him they had not been paid since signing on the vessel in Romania, nearly four months earlier. The crew also was restricted from going ashore by the company, which would not allow for shore passes. Morris further discovered the crew had few, if any, fresh stores. However, because the mariners were extremely afraid of reprisals and blacklisting by the company, they refused to strike or take legal action for the wages due them, the ITF inspector noted. Morris contacted the shipowner, Tai1wind Shipping of London, and informed them that unless they paid the $100,000 in back pay and overtime to the crew, the ship would be arrested. The company agreed to pay the mariners their wages and supply fresh stores, new tools, safety equipment and other needed items. Morris reported that the crew was very grateful to him and the ITF for their help. The London-based ITF represents approximately 10 million transportation employees from more than 470 trade unions worldwide, including the SIU, in more than 120 nations. One of the primary endeavors of the Seafarers Section of the ITF, of which SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman, is to end the scandal of runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-of-convenience shipping. Runaway-flag shipping is a ploy that involves multiple parties from different nations in the operation of vessels. The purpose of this practice is for greedy shipowners to escape the safety regulations, procedures, inspections, tax laws and higher wages of traditional maritime nations. Seafarers LOG 9 �Icebreaking Procedures - Part I Seafarer Gamp Writes About Dealing With Heavy Ice in the Chesapeake Bay Editor's note: A member of the SIU since 1974, Henry Gamp currently sails as a chief mate aboard the Penn Maritime ATB Lucia/Caribbean. (Jn the May, June and July 1997 issues of the Seafarers LOG, he described life aboard that tug/barge.) It was during his 13-year tenure as a tugboat captain and shipdocking pilot that he was called on to help keep icy channels leading to and from Baltimore Harbor open to shipping and barge traffic. Introduction At the time of its original publication almost 20 years ago, "Icebreaking Procedures on the Upper Chesapeake Bay" was widely praised for its valuable information for the mariner forced to deal with a weather phenomenon he might have little experience with. It is not a theoretical textbook account, but rather a compilation of hands-on experience and knowledge. Technology has improved over time. The addition of DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) should be added to the list of ways to fix one's position during periods of heavy snow or buoys which are missing or have been dragged off station. The size and horsepower of vessels, particularity tug/barge units, is ever increasing, permitting them to force their way through ice fields that would have stopped their predecessors. The number and frequency of severe winters in this region seem generally to be in decline. Nonetheless, when we feel complacent and don't prepare, we seem to be hit with yet another severe ice season. Fundamentals of lcebreaking Due to the heavy ice conditions experienced during cold winters in January and February and the resultant stoppage or slowing down of ocean-going vessels and barge tows encountering this heavy ice in the Upper Chesapeake Bay, a few observations on how ice jams vessels and how the vessels are freed by icebrcaking tugboats may be useful to anyone unfamiliar with icebreaking procedures. Ice truly is a unique and interesting phenomenon. Several degrees in temperature determine whether ice will form at all, or if enough ice will freeze to stop ocean-going vessels. Ice may be very hard one day due to low temperatures, weaken and begin thawing with a warming temperature, and regain its strength or hardness with a falling thermometer. Ice which is broken and soft may be pressed and compacted together, becoming thicker and harder than it was originally. Large fields of ice may slide underneath other fields of ice, becoming twice as thick as the original ice. The weight of clinging ice may lay buoys on their sides or sink them. Ice freezing around small piers, pilings, day beacons and radar ranges on low water can lift and destroy them with the rising tide. Small vessels which are grounded are at the mercy of the floes and run the risk of being capsized by the tremendous pressures the ice floes exert against their hulls. Many misconceptions are held by the inexperienced on how 10 Seafarers LOG Constant breaking and refreez- reliable information. A gyro rapidly overtaking the stopped vessels are affected by ice. It compass, unaffected by these ing can make very heavy and would seem logical to say, for icebreaker) is eliminated. Tugs with elliptical stems can tum bet- strong ice. The channels are often factors, is far superior to the example, that if a vessel is very passable by vessels, but only magnetic compass, and every ter in heavy ice than tugs with jammed in the ice, breaking a icebreaking vessel should be path in front of her should free square sterns because the fullness a couple hundred feet outside the equipped with one. channel limits, heavy unbroken of the stem tends to dam the ice her. However, this usually is not The warning ''The prudent ice is unpassable or at best naviagainst it while turning, and a the case because the sharp bow navigator will not rely on any gable with much difficulty. acts as a wedge driven into the longer turning radius must be one single aid to navigation, parSometimes, the constant ship ice. This ice must have a place to allowed for. ticularly on floating aids" contraffic within a channel during a Weight is a factor in a vessel move to or it will exert pressure warm period will entirely free the tained on all National Ocean continuing to move through an on the hull. If the force thus Survey Charts is especially channel of ice, but on either side. ice field or slowing down and developed on the hull is equal or appropriate when navigating in heavy ice will remain, giving the becoming jammed. Deep-loaded greater than the propelling force appearance of navigating within a ice. Buoys are often missing. vessels and tows of the same which is driving the vessel Even when they are observed, canal. A vessel may encounter horsepower as light draft vessels ahead, she will stop. If the ice r=--~~--,-.,...~,...,...,.,..,..,.-:~~.,,,-~~~~~~~.,...,,."""-:-~ flows away they are just as apt to be off staheavy ice all tion as on. They need only be off along a chanfrom the ship station a few hundred feet to misnel, turn on a and does not reciprocal head- lead a navigator enough to compress to the ing, retrace her ground his vessel. One area point of equalizwhere this could happen is track, and find ing the proalmost no ice or Craighill Angle and Upper pelling power of Craighill Channel along the eastice of a comthe ship, she pletely different erly edge of the channel, where will continue the depth at places abruptly rises thickness and moving. The texture and vice to 16 feet at the channel limits. greatest resisTheir positions should be verified versa. tance for an iceby ranges and depth sounding The prudent encircled vessel Buoys can be unreliable and navigator pilotpushing her way ing his vessel in impossible to use at times. A through the ice ice-congested buoy may show one minute and is where she the next minute be dragged waters will turns at the bow under the ice, or vice versa. have to be (the widest part Lights on buoys are often extinattentive to the of the wedge). guished during ice season. Buoys many dangers The least resisbeing constantly dragged under and hazards tance she has is the ice may have their light cages that can beset aft of the midtorn off, their bulbs burned out him. Ice fields body, where the and their batteries dead. Due to drift with the ice will more the increased workload placed on wind and tide easily follow the the Coast Guard at this time of and very often narrowing quaryear, buoy lights may remain are moving at ter. The thrust extinguished for extended perioblique angles from the wake ods of time. in relation to stream also acts Chunks of ice often stick up the vessel's to relieve preshigh enough to be mistaken for heading, and at sure on the stem buoys on the radar. At times, much higher and carry away velocities than these growlers appear to be iceice. the navigator is covered buoys-even to the Sheer power, naked eye. anticipating. though imNumbers on buoys may not The best aids to portant, is not agree with their location. and tows will continue moving in navigation in such areas are the only factor in breaking Sometimes a new coat of paint range lights, when visibility perice when the latter become through ice; good hull design is will be worn off a buoy by its conmits their use. The course made bogged down and stopped. As it essential. For example, ships stant grating against the ice, good and compass heading may with more cutaway bows, shorter takes more power to move a be striking in their variance. exposing the number of a former heavier vessel through the water, mid-sections and cutaway quarstation where the buoy was previWhen visibility is restricted, it also takes more resistance (ice) ters will enter ice and clear it easously placed. Occasionally, a knowing which way the ice is to stop her, and this is where ier than wide-beam, blunt-bulk lighted red buoy which was forsetting and carefully watching weight and draft are advantacarriers. Some foreign vessels are merly black, or vice versa, has the fathometer are the best methgeous to navigating in ice. Also, built with icebreaking bows ods for keeping the vessel within been weathered to the point that which allow the ship to ride up on the deeper the draft, the deeper the channel. Radar ranges to the the mariner is in doubt as to the sea suctions and the less surthe ice and break it. Ships whether the buoy he is observing shore or fixed aids such as lightdesigned for Scandinavian waters face slush and chunk ice will be houses and also radar bearings to is red, black or red and black. drawn into the strainers. are often fitted in this manner. J3uoys with two-digit numbers these objects are very useful. Ice conditions are in no way Likewise, the hull design of may have one number erased Where definite improved chanuniform, even over a small area. tugs will make a great deal of (e.g., 18 may show as 1 or perThey can remain almost constant nels do not exist, these radar difference in the way they perhaps 8 instead of 18). ranges and bearings afford the form in ice. Tugs which can be or they can change quite rapidly. If smaller vessels have a When there is slack water and no navigator his best information, as ballasted to keep the bow high choice of more than one channel, the fathometer may not show a and stern deep will do better than wind, there is no motive force to route or fairway to follow, they steep shoal until the vessel has affect the ice field and give it tugs trimmed down by the bow. should take the deepest and best grounded on it. Likewise, it goes motion. Irregular shorelines, This allows the tug to ride up on marked of the alternatives. without saying that any time the islands, jetties and lighthouses the ice in the manner of iceNavigating in ice is serious water shoals up unexpectedly, act to anchor the surrounding ice breakers; in addition, the weight and the risks are real. Avoid the vessel should be stopped, her of the tug helps break the ice and when the normal forces of nature shortcuts and possible shoals position fixed and adequate would be shifting it. This stationkeeps the screw deeper in the which, more often than not, lie adjustments made on her course ary ice is referred to as fast ice. water, affording it more protecclose to those shortcuts. The ship to prevent grounding. Tugboats tion from ice damage. Some tugs Without some external force channels are the best routes to transiting ice-congested areas holding the ice field, it is free to must be trimmed down at the cannot rely on making the course follow because the volume of follow the wind and tide. Free bow to keep slush ice from foltraffic using these routes helps steered. The tug will sheer in the moving ice is known as pack ice. lowing the hull down to the sea direction of least resistance, keep them open. If you do Care must be used when followsuctions and entering sea chests, become stuck, a ship running ing a path through pack ice made which can be a crack in the ice, thereby clogging them and makclose abeam at full speed may be by another vessel or tow or when thinner ice next to a heavy ridge ing it necessary to shut down the the added boost you need to start of ice, etc. Also, the tug is often breaking a path for a vessel main engine and remove the ice. handled in such a manner as to moving again. An even mo~e astern to follow, as the broken Tugs with keel coolers are take advantage of these factors in important reason to stay in deep path may almost immediately be superior to tugs not so equipped, channels is that a rescue vessel carried outside the channel limits. avoiding the hardest ice. Add to provided the keel coolers are may not be able to take a shortthis the added deviation introPack ice being carried along substantially constructed because by the wind and tide in open duced into the magnetic compass cut and you may be without aid. they have no sea suctions and by the tug pounding in the ice water can come in contact with strainers to clog up with slush and variations of as much as I 0 fast ice and slide under this staice. The necessity of shutting Henry Gamp 's article on icedown the plant, often with the tug tionary field, forming ice twice as degrees from the normal variabreaking procedures in the tion in the Upper Chesapeake thick. The open water left will in a precarious position (i.e., Chesapeake Bay will be continBay, and the compass becomes a cover with skim ice and will be when breaking a path in front of ued in a future issue ·of the questionable instrument to be only fractionally as strong as the a vessel or tow when the assisted Seafarers LOG. continually checked against more older ice now knitted together. vessel is making way and is November 1997 �Mpping Rema.ins Constant As '91 Season Winds Up T he 1997 sailing season on the Great Lakes is slowly coming to a close for Seafarers aboard self-unloaders, cement carriers, bulkers and tug/barge units e region's essential materials. Odll~~like coal, iron ore, grain, stone, cement and other products remain high in demand al season windup that begins next month when cold weather settles on the Lakes. SIU- Carriers' Association, an organization of -:-·-"'·- the Lakes, at the end of August shipments 1..A1rwt~tn,ne rom Great Lakes ports totaled more than Cleaning the bilge under the deck plates aboard the Sam Laud is Wiper Dean Browning. Right, monitoring the J.A. W. lglehart's oil pressure in the engineroom is Oiler Eugene Hays. Deckhand Mohsin Abdulla swings down in the landing chair to tie up the Buffalo in the port of Toledo, Ohio during a recent visit. Preparing to tie up the Donald C. Hannah in Detroit are AB Kenton Henry (left) and AB John Doonan. QMED Richard Piper rebuilds one of the Sam Laud's pumps. November 1997 Controlling the ballast flow from the Sam Laud is QMED Ricky Guy. During the 1997 sailing season, the SIU-crewed American Mariner delivered a load of oats to the port of Toledo, Ohio. Posing for a photo during offloading procedures are (from left) Deckhand Robert Jewell, Watchman Daniel Bancook {center) and Wheelsman Ken Bluitt. Seafarers LOB 11 �For nearly six decades, there has been continuing cooperation between the SIU, American shipowners and the U.S. military to promote, protect and defend the national defense of this country. This cooperation recently was evident again when two SIU-crewed vessels-the Sea-Land Challenger and the USNS American Osprey-were made available to the U.S. military for anti-terrorist training exercises. The drills in part were conducted to comply with a Defense Department directive designed to bolster U.S. ability to thwart attempted terrorism. In outlining this program, intended to aid not only military personnel but also merchant mariners and other civilians working under the auspices of the U.S. government, the department pointed out that fatalities, injuries and millions of dollars in property damage have resulted from terrorist assaults on Defense Department-affiliated people and operations in the past quartercentury. On July 23, while under wa}' from Oakland, Calif. to Long Beach, Calif., the Sea-Land Challenger participated in a simulated recapture of an American ship that had been taken over by a terrorist power. ABOVE: Certificates of training are given to American Osprey crewmembers following completion of the anti-terrorism course. From the left are John Durkoff, an instructor from the Navy, John Arnold and Bosun Jerry Smith. LEFT: A U.S. Navy vessel comes alongside the Sea-Land Challenger in a simulated exercise to negotiate with terrorists who have taken over the SIU-crewed ship. BELOW (from left): Members of the Marin~ Corps are helicoptered aboard the hostage ship (Sea-Land Challenget}; two pictures of Navy Seals approaching the vessel in inflatable boats; Marines search and guard all exits while looking for terrorists. 12 Seafarers LOG November 1997 �Members of the U.S. Marine Corps board the hostage ship under simulated war conditions. Inset: a terrorist (played by an unlicensed cadet) is captured. em ers of the U.S. Marine orps were helicoptered aboard the hostage ship (the Sea-Land Challenger) while ;.-- Navy Seals, using high-speed inflatable boats, also approached the vessel. In this operation, the crewmembers were merely witnesses to the event, although at one point. a terrorist (acted by an unlicensed cadet) was captured by the "good guys." AB Jim Elbe (who sent the LOG the photos from the Sea-Land Service vessel taken during the military exercise) noted that Lt. Col. Powers, the commanding officer of this training operation, worked with Sea-Land Challenger Captain E. Paul Skoropowski in planning and implementing the rescue simulation. Following the operation, Powers commented to the crew that the scenario executed onboard the Sea-Land Challenger was the most realistic and beneficial training of this type ever accomplished under his command. Randy Miller, vessel superintendent for Sea-Land, noted that the Challenger's timetable was not disrupted by the exercise. "We were glad to cooperate with the military's request to make a vessel available for training purposes, particularly since we remained on schedule," Miller said. ·· Aboard the USNS American Osprey, SIU members were actively involved in anti-terrorist training. The vessel, operated by Bay Ship November 1997 Management, is part of the nation's Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a group of former commercial ships that have been placed under government ownership for use in surge shipping during times of conflict or war. (All crewmembers aboard ships operated by the U.S. military are required to have anti-terrorism briefings within six months of going abroad.) In July, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service sent its Guam representative to visit with the crew of the USNS American Osprey. He instructed them on how not to be a victim of terrorism, advising them to be aware of local customs, keep a low profile and travel in groups. Crewmembers also were given target training using shotguns and M-14 rifles. Safety advice on shipboard security engagement tactics was offered, including responding to a bomb threat, how to avoid being taken hostage and dealing with armed or unarmed intruders who pose a threat to the ship and its crew. "Just like practice in firefighting and CPR, prior knowledge of and instruction in anti-terrorist actions can build confidence in crewmembers who may some day have to face such situations," stated Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Lundeberg School who, himself, is certified to teach an anti-terrorist training course. The photos above, to the right and below show members of the USNS American Osprey as they are instructed in searching for and apprehending intruders. Training in the use of shotguns and M-14 rifles was also included in the anti-terrorism curriculum given by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, a branch of the Department of Defense. Seafarers LOG 13 �- - -- -- - - -- -- - - -- - - - -- - - - -- ·- - -·· - - - -- - - -·- - -- --- Seafarers Aboard Blue Ridge Stress Importance of Cabotage Law .----- . ------·~--~~-,-.,,,,, The importance of the Jones Act and maintaining a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine are two topics on which Seafarers aboard the Blue Ridge often focus during their shipboard union meetings. The tanker and her sister ship, the Coast Range, are actively engaged in the Jones Act trade, which calls for all cargo moved between two domestic ports to be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed and U.S.-built vessels. The two SIU-crewed vessels began transporting petroleum from Portland, Ore. to ports along the West Coast this summer after being purchased by Crowley Petroleum Transport, Inc., a new division of Crowley Maritime. In the regular union meetings, Bosun Sonny Herrera reminds his fellow crewmembers of the value of the Jones Act and of writing their elected officials to urge support for the nation's freight cabotage law. 'This a great crew which truly enjoys working together," said SIU Assistant Vice President Bob Hall, who went aboard the Blue Ridge during its recent visit to the port of Portland. Hall stated the crew was in good spirits, as the photographs he sent to accompany this article show. He commended the crew for being "hard workers and good SIU members." The Blue Ridge and the Coast Range are 658 feet long and have a maximum draft of 35 feet. Both ships are capable of maintaining a speed of 15.5 knots and each can carry approximately 307,000 barrels of oil in their 19 cargo tanks, respectively. Chief Steward Ron Malozi reviews the ship's minutes before signing them after a union meeting. Discussing the value of U.S.-flag shipping is AB James Camp. After a day of hard work aboard the Blue Ridge, AB Bob Goodson reports to the galley. Bosun Sonny Herrera reminds his fellow crewmembers of the importance of the Jones Act. Ready to participate in a union meeting aboard the tanker is Chief Cook Chris Boronski. Second Pumpman Jack Singletary enjoys working aboard the new Crowley Petroleum Transport tanker. Seven Scholarships to Be Given in 1998; Apply Now The awarding of college scholarships by the Seafarers Welfare Plan has been an annual event since 1952. The new year will be no different. Seven scholarships will be offered in 1998 to help SIU members, their spouses and dependent children attain their educational goals. Three of the monetary awards are set aside for SIU members; the other four will be presented to spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Eligibility requirements are AB Dave Somers says he likes the West Coast run of the tanker Blue Ridge. AB Kevin Kellum (left) and AB Chris Coggins sip coffee while waiting for the union meeting to begin aboard the Blue Ridge. spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. To receive a copy of this booklet, fill out the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklets also are available at the SIU halls. If an applicant sent in a form last year and was not selected for one of the scholarships, he or she should try again in 1998. The deadline for all completed applications is April 15. ·-------------------------------------, P lease send me the 1998 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number_____________________ Street Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This application is for: D Self D Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhofer signs in for a shipboard union meeting. Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 11/97 L-------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOii DEU Adel Mohmoud helps the Blue Ridge run smoothly. '89 Scholarship Winner Is Teacher/Advisor John Costango was graduating from high school in 1989 when he received one of the SIU scholarships given to dependents of Seafarers. Today, eight-and-a-half years later, the.Seafarers LOG has received an update from him on his current activities. In May 1993, I graduated summa cum Laude from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. 1 received a bachelor's degree with a double major in English literature and mathematics and a Pennsylvania Teacher's Certificate. Since graduation, I have been employed as a math teacher at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia. At Lower Merion, I teach a combination of honors-level and standard mathematics, mostly algebra, trigonometry and calculus. I was also an advisor to the class of 1997, the class of students who were freshmen my first year of teaching. As an advisor, I work with the class officers and help coordinate class activities, fund raisers and, ultimately, the prom and graduation. My teaching interests include the development and implementation of statistics and quantitative literacy materials in the curriculum. As such, I participated in and then was an instructor with the SEQuaL program (statistics education through quantitative literacy) from 1994 to 1997. I am currently enrolled in the master's of applied statistics program at Villanova University and hope to complete that program within the next two or three years. I am also a member of a national group whose goal is to eliminate homophobia in schools . .. As a teacher, I believe passionately in the benefits of free and equitable public education open to all students, and feel that children grow and develop best with a combination of respect and high expectations from their parents and teachers. Given the right encouragement and discipline, most students will try to meet goals which are appropriate to their abilities, and I believe that organizations which extend opportunities to young adults do us all a great service. I have always been thankful for the opportunity presented to me by the SIU scholarship committee and commend it for its efforts. November 1997 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 1997 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington 39 3 23 8 11 12 2 13 7 18 3 34 16 18 17 10 0 9 34 25 29 Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis 32 2 Piney Point 3 Algonac Totals 10 9 2 5 1 3 5 2 9 12 2 6 7 2 2 2 4 2 0 1 271 152 62 17 0 3 TOTAL SIIlPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 13 2 7 22 3 0 1 4 0 5 3 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point. .............. Monday: Docember 8, January 5 65 4 8 9 8 4 5 25 11 4 1 3 28 22 16 16 6 7 4 17 19 53 15 22 12 28 12 7 28 2 13 13 12 10 5 52 34 2 9 16 11 23 9 13 6 11 35 25 0 3 0 ] l 0 5 5 2 1 1 214 127 39 82 2 IO 16 4 0 12 19 33 54 15 3 8 New York ................•Tuesday: December 9, January 6 Philadelphia .............Wednesday: December 10, January 7 13 12 7 4 8 17 25 20 0 3 1 2 December 1997&January1998 Membersllip Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 3 3 Baltimore ................. Thursday: December 11, January 8 Norfolk .....................Thursday: December 11~ January 8 Jacksonville ..............Thursday: December 1I, January 8 Algonac .................... Friday: December 12, January 9 Houston .................... Monday: December 15, Januacy 12 7 6 New Orleans ............Tuesday: December 16, January 13 5 0 0 Mobile ......................Wednesday: Derember 17, January 14 Wilmington .............. Monday: December 22 1 1 0 400 227 72 San Francisco ...........Thursday: December 18, January 15 Tuesday; January 20* *Change due to Manin lulher King's birtMay Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney I?oint Algonac Totals 14 2 2 3 8 8 15 12 16 0 4 9 5 9 12 12 0 0 2 1 5 4 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 12 l 5 7 4 6 8 10 2 1 4 5 0 2 1 1 I 1 1 0 3 6 0 0 0 119 107 29 196 81 25 1 8 13 1 5 5 5 11 J0 26 9 18 3 10 15 9 l 10 9 4 5 3 1 7 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 134 75 New York 6 Philadelphia 0 30 0 Totals 16 0 1 0 1 4 2 12 7 2 3 4 1 6 4 2 2 2 0 6 2 8 I 6 23 18 18 14 3 15 13 7 1 0 5 21 6 9 7 22 11 11 0 0 I 4 1 IO 2 30 188 147 o· 1 4 0 3 4 IO 1 4 1 9 0 5 27 2 4 8 8 14 23 57 16 48 7 16 18 18 1 3 14 2 10 10 13 6 7 2 7 8 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 16 104 37 8 51 256 107 13 2 11 47 0 2 I 1 15 3 17 6 24 21 40 6 7 4 10 23 27 7 37 3 0 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 16 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 15 12 3 6 2 14 14 22 l 6 3 3 0 6 4 5 4 8 4 4 3 7 2 11 16 11 0 3 24 13 0 69 8 2 6 1 25 0 0 0 Piney Point 0 Algonac 0 15 0 163 12 1 9 1 47 14 1 183 0 1 0 0 0 50 2 0 37 126 571 517 270 451 371 7 4 7 0 0 8 13 3 0 0 St Louis ...................Friday: December 19, January 16 0 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: December24, Januaiy 21 2 3 3 Duluth ......................Wednesday: December 17,Janl13I)' 14 New Bedford ............Tuesday: December 23, January 20 6 4 4 0 2 Personals 35 0 0 0 5 0 1 2 2 0 1 7 1 3 1 0 24 SEEKING INFORMATION ON HARRY W. PEACE David Bowers is searching for information about his father, Harry W. Peace, who worked as a merchant seaman out of New York City. Mr. Peace was born June 17, 1920 and died June 14, 1969. Mr. Bowers, who was very young when his father died, is hoping to find a photograph of his father or any information about him, including the location of other relatives. Anyone who can assist David Bowers may write him at 114 McClure Lane, Eugene, OR 97404. ROBERT W. RAGER Please contact your friend Stephanie Lock at (904) 762-3307. Secret Recipe Is Popular on Challenger 23 3 2 27 3 17 17 7 14 0 0 12 0 0 90 77 287 244 162 163 921 768 375 11 0 San Juan ...................Thursday: December 11, January 8 Honolulu ..................Friday: December 19, January 16 12 3 23 0 Tacoma ..................... Friday: December 26, January 23 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *''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. November 1997 0 0 1 1 4 Totals All Departments 12 9 0 15 3 15 Totals 15 0 3 1 12 4 15 5 7 0 8 0 3 0 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 19 7 13 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 5 5 0 10 3 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 2 2 6 14 10 9 21 1 9 15 33 0 0 Port Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis 6 1 5 2 0 2 12 5 0 1 4 0 5 0 St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 7 2 10 3 2 5 2 2 7 1 7 0 2 1 0 Houston 2 7 7 7 10 9 6 7 9 5 6 11 16 3 Port New York Philadelphia ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 5 0 3 0 I I 0 2 5 2 0 4 5 84 A popular supplement to the regular lunch and supper fare aboard the Sea-Land Challenger is Bosun Roy Williams' secret recipe for a highly seasoned dish consisting of beans, ham hocks, sausages, hot peppers and other vegetables. In photo above (sent to the Seafarers LOG by AB Jim Elbe), Williams prepares to serve AB Monty Grimes a bowl of the tasty mixture. Williams said he learned his secret recipe after 26 years of sailing on the East and West coasts. He also has collected recipes from many different cultures after his more than six trips around the world. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sealanlrs lnfetnaflonal Union Directory SEPTEMBER 16 ~OCTOBER 15, 1997 Michael Sacco President John Fay Executive Vice President CL - ~ ~ HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 30 9 0 14 5 0 8 2 0 28 23 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Reindel Secretary·Treasurer 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 Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 14 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 8 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 13 2 0 0 16 4 0 8 1 0 7 2 0 15 21 46 0 0 36 8 39 Totals All Depts 80 0 *"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. 28 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE SEPTEMBER 16 - 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 OCTOBER 15, 1997 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C (218)722-41 IO HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville. FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jer8ey 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 027 40 (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 (757) 622-1892 PIDLADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 SL Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADF.S 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522·7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 161h Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. SL Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 26 0 3 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 22 2 11 0 13 1 0 3 0 4 0 10 0 6 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 10 11 25 ENGINE 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 11 0 DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 2 9 STEWARD 0 0 0 3 3 0 5 0 0 1 43 8 0 2 0 19 2 1 1 0 0 6 7 0 0 7 0 0 DEPARTMENT 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 52 0 3 I 1 9 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 6 10 1 0 1 0 Totals All Depts 43 3 16 37 1 14 67 4 *"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. 26 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Horace A. Wiltshire of Norfolk, Va., was taken aboard the SS Venore, probably in the early 1950s. The crew signed on in Baltimore and made a trip through the Panama Canal. The 560-foot Venore was built at Bethlehem-Sparrows Point Shipyard in Maryland in 1945, was managed by Ore SS Corp. and flew the American flag from its home port of Wilmington, Del. Brother Wiltshire, pictured third from left, joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of Norfolk. He sailed as an AB in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The Virginia native had his deck depatment career inter· rupted by the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He retired from the SIU in January 1990. Now 69, Brother Wilshire still enjoys the sea; now, however, he just watches it from his beachfront home in Norfolk. November 1997 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafare rs LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. mong the 19 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are three recertified stewards and two recertified bosuns. Representing more than 165 years of active union membership. Recertified Stewards Lucretia A. Anderson, Robert D. Bright, Darrell J. Touchstone and Recertified Bosuns Henry G. Bentz and Beverly E. Dunn graduated from the highest level of training in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the five recertified graduates, 14 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division. The remaining five worked on the inland waterways. Eleven of the retiring pensioners served in the U.S. militarynine in the Army and two in the Navy. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA LUCRETIA A.ANDERSON, 66, began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in =====-i 1968 from the port of Wilmington, Calif., before that union merged with the 's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Her first ship was the Monterey. A native of California, she attended the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Sister Anderson upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1991. Prior to her retirement, she signed off the R.J. Pfeiffer, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Sister Anderson calls San Francisco home. HENRYG. BENTZ, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of New York on the Edith, an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the bosun recertification program in 1991. During his sailing career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the LNG Virgo, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. Brother Bentz lives in Laurel, Md. CARAMELO BONAFONT, 59, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and = = = joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Alcoa November 1997 Pegasus. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Bonafont sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. During his sailing career, he was active in union organizing drives and strikes. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Bonafont has retired to Yabucoa, P.R. ROBERT D. BRIGHT, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York aboard the John B. Waterman. A native of Virginia, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Cape Ray, an OMI Corp. vessel. Brother Bright calls Norfolk, Va. home. BEVERLYE. ,----------~ DUNN, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1950 from the port of Mobile, Ala. abo~rrd the Alcoa Pointer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg Schcol, where he completed the bosun recertification course in 1974. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Dunn last sailed in 1978 aboard the Golden Endeavor, operated by Westchester Marine Shipping Co. He makes his home in Eight Mile, Ala. KARLH. HANSON, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1954 from the port of San Francisco. The ===-.....i California native sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to retiring to Reno, Nev., Brother Hanson signed off the Sea-Land Navigator. CHARLES A HENLEY, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeb.erg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off on the Sea-Land Spirit. From 1959 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Henley makes his home in Andalusia, Ala. Locksley, operated by Moore McCormack Lines. Born in Canada, he sailed in the engine department. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. He last saile,d in 1978 aboard the Walter Rice, a Reynolds Metals Co. vessel. Brother Hireen has retired to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. ROTTRIA F. LACY SR., 56, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1965 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. A native of Alabama, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Lacy last sailed in 1996 aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Brother Lacy calls Prichard, Ala. home. CHARLES LaSCOLA, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Venore. Born in Illinois, he sailed as a member of the steward department. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother LaScola last sailed in 1994 aboard the Overseas Vivian. He makes his home in Houston. PORFIRIO L. SAMBULA, 66, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of New York aboard the Steel Flyer, operated by Isthmian Lines. A native of New York, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Sambula last signed off the Galveston Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Brooklyn, N.Y. DARRELL J. TOUCHSTONE, 38, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1977 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first _ _ _ ____.ship was the Columbia. Born in Florida, he sailed in the steward department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the steward recertification course in 1991. He signed off the Cape Trinity as his latest ship. Brother Touchstone makes his home in Pensacola, Fla. ARMANDO VIDAL, 59, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New York aboard the Steel Seafarer, operated by Isthmian Lines. A native of New York, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Vidal last sailed aboard vessels operated by NPR, Inc. He has retired to the Bronx, N.Y. CARLOSR. ZAPATA, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Honduras, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1985 aboard the Ogden Hudson. Brother Zapata makes his home in Metairie, La. INLAND ROYB. FATHEREE, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the engine department, last sailing as chief engineer on vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. From 1951 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Fatheree calls Monroe, La. home. .-----:=:=----...., WILLIAM F. GILLIKEN, 62, joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of North Carolina, he last sailed in 1984 as a tugboat captain on vessels operated by Interstate Oil Co. From 1959 to 1961, he serve,d in the U.S. Army. Boatman Gilliken makes his home in Harkers Island, N.C. PRESTOND. MILLER, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1963. From that year until 1977, Boatman Miller worked primarily for Radcliff Materials. He has retired to Saraland, Ala. WILLIAM R. STEVENS, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1962. A native of Mississippi, he worked in the deck department, last sailing on vessels operated by Martin Marietta. Boatman Stevens makes his home in Franklin, LA. JAMES A. WILKINS, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951. A native of North Carolina, he worked as a tugboat captain. Boatman Wilkins last sailed in 1990 aboard the Vigilant, operated by Interstate Oil Co. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He has retired to Belhaven, N.C. MC&S Retirees Rekindle Friendships ----~BERNARD ""--..:=-"--"==-o....:=:w R. HIREEN, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Seattle aboard the Robin Terrific weather, delicious food and cheerful conversation combined to make the 1997 annual Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) picnic a great success. This year's event took place Sunday, September 7 in ~an Bruno (Calif.) Park, just south of San Francisco. Approximately 100 MC&S retirees and their families-many from out of state-attended the picnic, organized by Chuck Martin and Virginia Martin. They pl~y7d ho~seshoes and other games, exchanged old photos and shot new ones, and enjoyed the pot-luck cuisine. Pictured above are some of those who attended. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PIDLIP BATALIA Pensioner Philip Batalia, 92, passed away September 8. Born in the Philippines, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1961 ===----' from the port of Seattle aboard the Calmar. Brother Batalia sailed as a member of the steward department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in July 1982. ENRIQUE V. CONNOR Pensioner Enrique V. Connor, 77, died October 11. Brother Connor joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the steward department. He made his home in San Francisco and retired in October 1986. L......;~_4C,.,__ ___J EUGENE W. GRAVES Pensioner EugeneW. Graves, 73, died September 20. A native of Maryland, he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of Baltimore. Brother Graves sailed as a member of the steward department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. A resident of Charlotte Hall, Md., he retired in March 1987. JACK 0. HAMBELTON Pensioner Jack FREDRICK D. CONRADI Pensioner Fredrick D. Conradi, 83, passed away September 22. A native of Texas, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1952 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Prior to his retirement in October 1975, he sailed as a chief steward. Brother Conradi was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. CLEO COPELAND Pensioner Cleo Copeland, 82, died September 4. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. A native of Georgia, he sailed in the engine department. The World War II veteran served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Copeland was a resident of Pembroke, Ga. He began receiving his pension in July 1980. KEITH D. CRAIGG Keith D. Craigg, 66, passed away August 6. Born in Barbados, he started his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Warrior, operated by Sea-Land Service. Brother Craigg sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. He was a resident of New York City. ALEKSANDER CZERWINSKI Pensioner Aleksander Czerwinski, 83, died September 21. Brother Czerwinski joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of L----..2!liiG~---l New York. Born in Poland, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. The Albany, N.Y. resident retired in July 1978. 0. Hambelton, 64, passed away August 21. Born in California, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1966 and joined the MC&S in Santa Rosa, Calif., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Hambelton sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American President Lines. A resident of Kingsburg, Calif., he started receiving his pension in July 1989. KENNETH D. JONES Kenneth D. Jones, 40, died August 31. He joined the Seafarers. in 1987 in the port of New York. Brother . Jones sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification course in 1992. The Florida native was a resident of Jacksonville, Aa. EDDIE KASSA Pensioner Eddie Kassa, 84, passed away August 23. Brother Kassa joined the MC&S in 1969 in the port of San ~=------' Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He retired to his native Philippines in December 1985. HENRY W. KOON Pensioner Henry W. Koon, 88, died July 22. Born in Hong Kong, he joined the MC&S in 1948 in the port of San Francisco, - -""""'"""""-..L-J_.., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Koon began receiving his pension in March 1977. WALTER LEMMON 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Walter Lemmon, 80, passed away August 8. A Louisiana native, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the = = = port of San * ANTON M. EVENSEN Pensioner Anton M. Evensen, 91, passed away September 23. He began his SIU career in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Norway, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Evensen was a resident of New Orleans and began receiving his pension in December 1967. .. Francisco. His first ship was the Keva Ideal. Brother Lemmon upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School and last sailed as a chief cook. The former resident of San Francisco retired in July 1982. SALVADOR LOZADA Pensioner Salvador Lozada, 93, died August 21. He joined the MC&S in 1935 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in the Philippines, he was a resident of San Francisco and retired in November 1973. JAMES C. NORTHCUTT Pensioner James C. Northcutt, 70, passed away August 7. Brother Northcutt began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of San Francisco aboard the City of Alma, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Tennessee native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. From 1944 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Savannah, Tenn., Brother Northcutt began receiving his pension in August 1989. union merged with the SIU's AGLlWD. Brother Russell was a resident of Farmersville, Texas and retired in June 1975. PATRICK J. SANTORO Pensioner Patrick J. Santoro, 93, passed away September 9. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1952 from his "-"'""'----~-=-_......._,native New York. Brother Santoro sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. A resident of Pompano Beach, Aa., he began receiving his pension in August 1970. EARL R. SMITH Pensioner Earl R. Smith, 74, died September 28. Brother Smith joined the SIU in the port of Tampa, Aa. in 1941. The Florida native worked in the deck department. During his sailing career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Smith retired in June 1984 and made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. RAYMOND M. NUGENT DEAN STEINMETZ Pensioner Raymond M. Nugent, 74, died August 31. Born in Ohio, he joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Las Vegas, Brother Nugent retired in April 1988. Dean Steinmetz, 67, passed away July 31. A native of Kansas, he sailed with the Seafarers from 1990 to 1992 as a nurse and storekeeper. From 1947 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Steinmetz was a resident of Hudson, Fla. OLLIE PURDY Pensioner Ollie • Purdy, 75, passed away September 24. A native of Virginia, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Purdy sailed in the deck department. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Trinity, Texas, Brother Purdy began receiving his pension in October 1987. ANTON D. RATKOVICH Pensioner Anton D. Ratkovich, 78, died August 28. He joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Yugoslavia, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his SIU career, he was active in union organizing drives and strikes. Brother Ratkovich was a resident of New York City. He retired in November 1985. ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Anthony Rodriguez, 77, passed away August 21. Brother Rodriguez began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of Lake Charles, La. During his seafaring career, the Louisiana native sailed in all three departments deck, engine and steward-and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1970. A resident of Arabi, La., Brother Rodriguez started receiving his pension in September 1982. LEON RUSSELL Pensioner Leon Russell. 73, died August 23. Born in Texas, he started his career with the MC&S in 1951 in the port of San Francisco, before that INLAND ALLEN BRUNET Pensioner Allen Brunet, 58, passed away October 2. He ~ graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1965 and -...l~......air.a:.._....__ _, joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Alcoa Master. A native of Louisiana, Brother Brunet started out in the deep sea division and later transferred to inland vessels. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1959 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Ville Platte, La., Boatman Brunet began receiving his pension in July 1997. WILLIAM H. DAVIS Pensioner William H. Davis, 84, died July 31. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the SIU in 1956 in L L C . . - ' = " " ' - ' - - - - - - l the port of Baltimore. He sailed in the engine department as a chief engineer. Boatman Davis retired in July 1983 and was a resident of Elkridge, Md. GREAT LAKES HOWARD J. BASLEY Pensioner HOUSTON R. WHITE Pensioner Houston R. White, 69, died October 2. Born in Florida, he started his career with the SIU in 1959 in the port of New ~--""",L,J York. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother White began receiving his pension in July 1988. He was a resident of Crescent City, Aa. HAROLD T. WRIGHT Pensioner Harold T. Wright, 67, passed away August 6. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of ~~-_J Tampa, Fla. Born in Ohio, Brother Wright sailed in the deck department. From 1950 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Tampa, Brother Wright retired in June 1995. HON PING YEE Pensioner Hon Ping Yee, 90, died August 8. Brother Yee joined the MC&S in 1954, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Hawaii, he was a resident of Honolulu and began receiving his pension in March 1973. Hu~ar.g.+r----t---~ L-----~~~.....J Basley, 75, passed away October 3. The Wisconsin native joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Duluth, Minn. He sailed as a member o~fJ;th!.!!e~.1¥11~---i partment. Brother asley made his home in Superior, Wis. and began receiving his pension in July 1987. MAXB.TOBIN Pensioner Max B. Tobin, 77, died August 30. Born in Michigan, he joined the SIU in 1961 . in the port of Detroit. During ~ his seafaring · career, he sailed as a tug lineman, oiler, fireman and deckhand. A resident of Southgate, Mich., he retired in July 1982. ARANTIC FISHERMEN JOSEPH P. SANTOS Pensioner Joseph P. Santos, 94, passed away July 20. Born in Portugal, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1944 in the port of Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Santos was a resident of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. and began receiving his pension in October 1968. RAILROAD MARINE MINGW.YING DONALD H. MESZAROS Pensioner Ming W. Ying, 89, passed away September 11. He joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of San Francisco. The China native sailed in the deck department and became a U.S. citizen in 1965. Brother Ying was a resident of San Francisco and retired in April 1982. Pensioner Donald H. Meszaros, 71, passed away August 20. A native of Michigan, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1948. He primarily worked as a chef aboard car ferries operated by Ann Arbor Railroad Co. Brother Meszaros was a resident of Beulah, Mich. He retired in June 1991. .___ _ _..;;;___ __J November 1997 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print a1 many digests of union shipboard · · minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space /imitations, 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 Seatare/S LOG tor publication. HM/ ASTRACHEM (IUM}, August 31-Chairman Spencer Lyle, Secretary Luis Escobar, Deck Delegate William Brinson, Engine Delegate Guadalupe Garza. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in port of Freeport, Texas. Secretary welcomed new SIU apprentices aboard and commended them on their excellent work and enthusiasm. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked Chief Steward Escobar and galley gang for gourmet meals and deck department for job well done. LNG GEMINI (ETC), August 31 -Chairman Ramli Mohamed, Secretary Kris Hopkins, Educational Director Muharam Rusin, Deck Delegate John Lafavour, Engine Delegate Marcos Hill, Steward Delegate Patricia Ballance. Crewmembers discussed moving gym equipment into basketball court. Steward reminded crew to take care of new couches in crew lounge. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School and apply for training record books (TRBs). neasurer announced $240 in ship's fund and discussed purchasing small refrigerators for crewmembers' quarters. Crew asked contracts department for clarification of shipboard sanitary duties. Steward reminded departing crewmembers to clean rooms, replace linens and tum in keys. Entire crew thanked steward department for fine meals. Next ports: Tobata, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia; Nagoya. Japan. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Lines), August 29Chairman Terry Hilton, Secretary Khamis Mageed, Educational Director Leonard Strong. Bosun thanked crew for safe trip and reported payoff in port of Concord, Calif. He asked members to have rooms clean and ready for next occupant. Chairman noted expansion of Maersk fleet and creation of additional SIU jobs. Secretary thanked galley gang for job well done. Educational director urged members to check Paul Hall Center's schedule of courses and upgrade whenever possible. Treasurer announced $350 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to clarify hazardous cargo pay. Crew also requested a new refrigerator for crew mess hall. OM/ COLUMBIA (OMI), August 22-Chairman Greg Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, Educational Director William Behan, Deck Delegate Paul Sbriglio, Steward Delegate Donald Dwyer. Chairman asked crew to ti II out repair list, return all movies and keep noise down. He further advised members smoking is not permitted during union meetings. Secretary asked contracts department to clarify situation regarding pay. Educational director urged crewmembers to return to Piney Point as often as possible to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT November 1997 reported. Chairman reminded members smoking is not permitted anywhere on deck. Crew requested cleaner for new VCR. Members also noted two crewmembers are without refrigerators and one cabin needs new lock installed. Deck department asked for paper towels. Next port: El Segundo. PFC JAMES ANDERSON (Maersk Lines), August 24Chairman George Jordanides, Secretary Michael Watts, Educational Director Larry Cochrane, Deck Delegate Thomas Keenan, Engine Delegate Keith Neathery, Steward Delegate Duane Washington. Chairman and crew extended special vote of thanks to Chief Steward Watts, Chief Cook Roger Mosley, Assistant Cook Washington, and SAs Tofiq Kennedy, Robby Lapy and Ali Nasser for wonderful shipboard barbecue held on Paul Hall Day. Steward thanked entire crew for helping keep vessel clean. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Male, Maldives and Diego Garcia. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 31Chairman ·c , Secret Donna J. Clemons, Educational Director Brian Connell, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Ramona Gayton, Steward Delegate Mario Frime. Chairman announced estimated time of arrival in port of Oakland, Calif. Educational director discussed importance of crew attending Lundeberg School's tanker operation and safety course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked steward department for good meals and special birthday cakes. SEA-LAND DEFENDER (SeaLand Service}, August 24Chairman William Dean, Secretary Roger Linasan, Educational Director Baldev Singh, Deck Delegate Manolo Delos Santos, Engine Delegate George Phillips. Steward Delegate Jessie James. Chairman stressed importance of all members obtaining a training record book (TRB) from the union. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew gave "thanks and compliments" to galley gang for job well done. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif.; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; and Yokohama, Japan. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), August 24-Chairman Rudy Santos, Secretary Vainu'u Sili, Educational Director Douglas Greiner, Deck Delegate Ron Sagadraca, Steward Delegate Efren Ancheta. Chairman reminded crew to work with safety in mind while at sea. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Treasurer announced $145 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), August 31-Chairman William Marsh, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis Baker, Deck Delegate Mark Holman, Engine Delegate Gregory Johns. Chairman reported new chairs for crew lounge have been ordered. He announced payoff upon arrival in port of Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary reminded crew of new shipboard garbage disposal program. He asked crewmembers to return plates and silverware to galley. Educational director noted new movies will be purchased in port of Houston. He stressed importance of all members applying for training record books (fRBs). Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Bosun thanked galley gang for fine meals. Next port: Houston. new washing machine received in port of Corpus Christi, Texas. Bosun extended wishes for pleasant voyage to crew remaining on vessel and wishes for a happy visit to shore for those signing off. He gave special vote of thanks to Chief Steward Hays and steward department for making vessel "a great feeder." No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Bosun requested special hand cleaner for crewmembers. ember 15-Chairman Greg Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, Educational Director William Behan, Deck Delegate Paul Sbriglio, Steward Delegate Donald Dwyer. Chairman noted response had not been received from contracts department concerning question about pay. He asked crew to identify themselves when adding items to repair list. Bosun reminded members to latch watertight doors when closing Stars and Stripes Adorn the Curtiss SULFUR ENTERPRISE (Sulpher Carriers), August 31Chairman Marvin Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director Charlie Clausen, Deck Delegate Solomon Shields, Steward Delegate Rice Pham. Chairman advised crew that ship going into shipyard around September 20. He urged members to apply for training record books (TRBs} and upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward reminded members to clean rooms and change linens before signing off vessel. DUCHESS (Ocean Duchess, Inc.), September 15-Chairman Robert Eugene Allen, Secretary Tyler Laffitte, Educational Director Byron Elliott, Deck Delegate Vincent Damelia, Engine Delegate Michael Brennan, Steward Delegate Mariano Norales. Educational director advised members to apply for training record books (fRBs). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested relief crew in port and asked contracts department to look into reducing seatime to file for vacation. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. GUAYAMA (NPR, Inc.), September 21-Chairman Gerald R. Kidd, Secretary Richard Hicks, Educational Director Ronald Smith, Deck Delegate Tan Joon. Chairman reported payoff upon arrival in port of Jacksonville, Fla. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted letter from SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez received and posted. Entire crew thanked galley gang and deck department for jobs well done. Steward thanked crewmembers for putting all plastic garbage in designated receptacle. LEADER (Kirby Tankships), September 28-Secretary Pablo Alvarez, Educational Director Larry Phillips. Secretary noted payoff in next port and advised members to upgrade at Piney Point. Educational director also stressed importance of upgrading; Lundeberg School course schedule is found monthly in Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), September 21Chairman R. Wilson, Secretary Catherine Hays, Deck Delegate Paul Wade, Engine Delegate John Parkhurst, Steward Delegate Pedro Mena. Chairman reported Following helicopter operation exercises off the coast of California, the USNS Curtiss sailed into Port Hueneme July 2 for a union meeting and payoff. Representing the AMSEA vessel's "phenomenal steward department" (according to AB Bruce Hosmer), are (from left) SAs Carol A. Lyon, Aloa Agostino and Mary Lou Lopez, who are all ready for a sparkling Fourth of July. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime}, September 14Chairman Neil Matthey, Secretary Frederick Washington Sr., Educational Director Walter Chancey. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in port on September 17 and noted ship scheduled to depart on voyage to Russia. Secretary reminded crewmembers signing off to clean room and tum in keys prior to departure. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Bosun and crew discussed talking to captain about obtaining new washer and dryer for crew laundry. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Lines}, September 11Chairman Mo Ahmed, Secretary Hugh Wilderemuth, Deck Delegate Frank Cottongin, Engine Delegate Edward Mancke, Steward Delegate Kathleen Lanahan. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Crewmembers noted ship's antenna has not been replaced or repaired despite three separate requests. Steward asked crewmembers to please clean lint filter on dryer and keep recreation room tidy. Bosun noted crew is still waiting for news on relief in port of Long Beach, Calif. NUEVO SAN JUAN (NPR, Inc.), September 7-Chairman William Card, Secretary Ed Haber, Educational Director T. Prisco, Deck Delegate Jim Sanders, Steward Delegate Antonio Colon. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in port of Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department for clarification of rest periods in port and on weekends. OM/ COLUMBIA (OMI), Sept- them and put away all tools after using them. Secretary and educational director discussed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed reported. Chairman advised crew to wear safety equipment when working. Entire crew thanked steward department for excellent food. Next port: El Segundo, Calif. ar OVERSEAS ARCTIC (Maritime Overseas), September 25-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary John Rapoza, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate William Burke, Engine Delegate Herman Bergeron Jr., Steward Delegate Antonio Pizzuto. Bosun advised crew to be aware of upper deck sandblasting and painting. Chairman encouraged members to have training record books (TRBs) before year's end. He also urged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Educational director added that crewmembers must renew their firefighting endorsement every five years. Bosun informed crew of repair list being circulated and reminded them to give captain 48 hours notice if they do not want a cash payoff. No beefs or disputreported. Crew asked for ed new mattresses and lounge furniture. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for great meals. Next port: Drift River, Alaska. ar SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship), September 14-Chairman Bobby Riddick, Secretary Roderick Bright, Educational Director Emmett Neathery. Deck delegate reported beef. No beefs or disputed reported by engine or steward delegates. Crewmembers extended wishes for happy and healthy retirement to AB James Radaire and noted it was "good sailing with a great man." Crew thanked steward department for job well done. ar Seafarers LOG 19 �Maritime Briefs Sea-Land Challenger Fuels 'Volcano' Port of New York and New Jersey Awarded Federal Funding for Dredging Project Congress recently authorized nearly $1 million in federal funding for the dredging of the port of New York/New Jersey. The long-awaited project to deepen the port's shipping channels from 40 to 45 feet is slated to begin next fall. The plan to unclog the port's main channel, the Kill van Kull, to its container berths will be done in phases and is expected to take six or seven years. While President Clinton has yet to sign the legislation, White House officials say the president is committed to helping the port. The funding is part of a $60 million package awarded to the port of New York/New Jersey for a variety of projects defined in the recently passed energy and water appropriations bill. According to officials, the port of New York/New Jersey has lost nearly 10 percent of its container cargo in recent years because the clogged and shallow channels have forced large vessels to offload cargo before sailing to their respective berths. SIU-contracted companies such as Maersk Lines, Sea-Land Service and NPR, Inc., as well as numerous Seafarers-crewed tankers, regularly call on the port of New York/New Jersey. Runaway-flag Tanker Involved in Worst Oil Spill in Singapore's History A collision between two giant tankers in the Singapore Strait last month resulted in an oil spill of 25,000 tons (174.5 million barrels)the worst pollution accident in Singapore's history. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on October 15 when the Greek-owned, Cyprus-flagged Evoikos and the Thailand-flag Orapin Global slammed into one another about three miles outside Singapore's port limits. According to a report issued by the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority, Singapore port supervisors warned the captain of each vessel of the impending disaster for 13 minutes before the collision occurred. Press reports state that the runaway-flag Evoikos was carrying 840,000 barrels of bunker from the Middle East to Singapore when it hit the Orapin Global, which was in ballast and leaving the port limits. The accident left a hole in the port side of the Evoikos, causing the oil to flood out. The master of the Orapin Global was charged with navigating the vessel in a reckless manner and failing to take the proper action to avoid the accident. He faces six months in jail, a $630 fine or both, if convicted. A trial date has not been set. The first warning was issued to the Orapin Global at 8:41 p.m. The captain acknowledged the warning and crossed lanes. However, he returned the tanker to its original course after passing a nearby vessel. Press reports state the second set of warnings to the master of the Orapin Global was issued at 8:46 p.m., and at 8:48 p.m. he was informed of the imminent collision and urged to "navigate with caution." The tankers crashed at 8:54 p.m. According to the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (lntertanko ), the warnings may not have allowed enough time for the vessels to avoid the collision since they were approaching one another at about 20 knots. The agency noted that it takes between 2.5 and three miles, or 15 minutes, to stop a very large empty tanker. It would take just under two miles, or 10 minutes, to stop a loaded 150,000-ton tanker, added Intertanko. (At the time of the collision, the Evoikos was 140,210 deadweight tons and the Orapin Global was 268,450 deadweight tons.) The cleanup of the 25,000 tons of crude oil in the Singapore is still under way. However, officials report that some of the oil has leaked into Malaysian and Indonesian waters. The Singapore spill is being compared to the Exxon Valdez, which dumped 35,000 tons of crude oil into Alaskan waters in 1989. #r_, . ~: "',. "° ~ K.~ On August 4, 1997, the sailing vessel Volcano called the Sea-Land Challenger on the VHF radio requesting assistance. Crewed by nine women from Orange Coast College in Newport Beach, Calif., the sailboat was bound for Santa Barbara, Calif. but had been rendered becalmed and was running low on fuel. Paul Skoropowski, captain of the Sea-Land Challenger, agreed to give the Volcano the needed fuel. The SIU-crewed vessel decreased its speed and set an intercept course for the distressed vessel. Once the Sea-Land Service ship came near the Volcano, it dropped to 15 rpm and the sailboat ran alongside at the same speed. The chief mate passed a hose line over the side to allow the Volcanos fuel tank to be filled by the students (in photo above), and the Sea-Land Challenger resumed its original course and speed. Union Continues Issuing TRBs to Seafarers All Seafarers who have not applied for a training record book (TRB) are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Jointly developed by the union and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, the TRB is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard. It was designed primarily to help standardize proof of documentation for port state control under both the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW), including the 1995 amendments to that convention. It contains sections for listing a mariner's training as well as his or her demonstrations of various shipboard competencies. Original TRBs will be issued at no charge, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their applications. (There will be a $25 charge for replacement books if lost.) TRBs will be distributed by the Paul Hall Center to whichever port is designated by an individual Seafarer as his or her home port. Members will sign a receip m tea ng received the booklet. The information entered by individuals into the book will be supported and verified by a database maintained at the training facility. Although there is not yet a fixed date by which SIU members must carry a TRB in order to sign on a ship, the school hopes to equip every Seafarers with a TRB by the end of th , rs are. urged to apply for the books as soon as possible. In addition to the form below, applications also are available at all SIU halls. r-------------------------------------, Training Record Book Application First Last SSN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of B i r t h - - - - - - - - - - - Home Phone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address------------------------------~ Street City Height (inches) _ __ Zip Code State Weight _ __ Hair Color _ _ __ D Yes D No Have you ever attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses? D Yes D No Are you a graduate of the SHLSS entry level program? LOG-A-RHYTHM Book Number _ _ __ Home Port _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Eye Color _ __ Department (where you want book sent to) You changed things around for some good, it seems, and those fancy desserts helped stretch our our jeans. You fattened us up, now you 're going away, and we have to deal with loud little Ray. We wish you the best, along your way, and hope to be shipmates again someday. [This poem was written by the SUP deck gang aboard the Mokihana (Matson Line) in tribute to Chief Steward Carol A. Grycko's cooking.] 20 Seafarers LOG Along with your completed application, please send the following information: 1. Copy of USMMD (Z-card) front and back 2. Two (2) passport size photos 3. Copy of your STCW certificate (if applicable) 4. Copy of your SHLSS school card (if applicable) 5. Proof of any training received other than at SH LSS (certificates, cards, DD-214, etc.) (if applicable) . Signature:------------------ Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send application to: SHLSS - ADMISSIONS Attn: TRB P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 - - . or give completed application to port agent If the above application is not filled out completely and the requested information sent, the application will be considered invalid and void. This blank form may be copied. L-------------------------------------~ November 1997 �Letters to the Editor (Editor's Note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) Memories of SIU Life Remain with Cousins I read about the many wonderful things that are happening in our union in the September issue of the Seafarers LOG. As a retiree, I am glad to be a part of it, having waited 43 years for my honorable discharge as a result of my work during World War II aboard vessels. As an oldtimer, I can relate to brothers Angus Campbell and Ed Mooney, whose pictures I saw as guests to the SIUNA convention. I often wonder what became of "Jungle Jim" (Burt Hanback), whose whereabouts I have lost track of since my retirement from sea duty. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I wake with a start, as if I overslept and, possibly, the standby forgot to call me for coffee before I go on watch. But now, it's just a fantasy, as it turns out. At other times, I have an occasional nightmare in which I dream about the times on lookout in the bow, in calm waters, when the torpedo I feared, as I closed my eyes and stopped up my ears, veered off the bow and turned out to be a friendly old porpoise. I also remember attending New London's Officers Training School, where I couldn't digest what they threw at me so fast, so I was glad to return to our union during WWII. My one good memory of that institution was the voice of Vaughn Monroe on the jukebox singing "Racing with the Moon." Intermittently, I think back to the good times and galley-cooked meals-and even air raids. On the George E. Hale, as I recall, we had a chief officer by the name of Dave Smith. While at the dock in Naples, Italy, we had an air-raid alert, and since there were no gun-tubs and Navy gun crews aboard at that time, the crew was signaled to gather in the messroom. I can just guess that the thought going through all our minds was "this is it." Then, with the sounds of bombs exploding while missing their targets (thank God), the order was given to move SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREATLAKES TUG AND Df!EDGE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension .Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period J~uary 1, 1 sso mrougb Qecer_nber 31, 1996. The annual report has been ~led With the Internal Revenue Service. as requ!red under ~e Employe,~ ,flelJ~ment Income Security Act of 1974 (ERtSA)., , , " , .ro 1',,.i , ,,, ~h·' .,.. Basic Financial Information Benefits under the pfan are provided tbrough a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1t'297,494. These expenses ineluded $176,494 in administrative expenses and $1.121,000 in benefits paid to participants and bft~ef19iaries. A total of 578 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the pfan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $22,322,968 as of December 31, 1996, compared to $21 ,377,532 as of January 1. 1996. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $945,436. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginnjng of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $2,242,930, Including employer contributions of $205,494, employee contributions of $89,902, realized losses of $51,215 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,998,749. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum fundings standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs. MD 20746; (301) 899-0675. The charges to cover copying costs wilt be $2.10 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be Included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MO 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington. D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room. N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. November 1997 Kno-w- Your Rights out and drop anchor until we proceeded to the next port of call. Clarence L. Cousins Butler, Penn. ~ .. Top-notch Mariners Aboard Duchess I am presently wrapping up four months as second mate aboard the Duchess. During this time, I had ABs Johnny Rod- riguez, Pat Dillon, Rick Hindson, Jerry Joseph, Danny Cruz and George Pochuliya on my watch. QMED/Pumpman Byron Elliot assisted with cargo, docking and undocking. All of them are top-notch seamen. I was able to brag (and truthfully) about how I had the best watch on the ship. Especially Rick Hindson, who reminds me of the character of Deets in the movie "Lonesome Dove." When that character died, the captain wrote on his tombstone, '. . . he was cheerful in all weathers and never shirked a task.' Nice to know there are still merchant seamen around. James Hoban Second Mate, Duchess .. Dousing Shipboard Fire Elicits Master's Praise I would like to commend the crew of the Sea-Land Trader for their response to a fire at sea. On September 26, 1997, while the crew was engaged in a fire drill, the deep fat fryer in the galley caught fire. The crew responded in the best possible manner to this emergency. They did as they were trained to do. Each person went to his or her station where every member of the ship's company made a contribution toward putting out the fire. Two SIU members were wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, AB Salvador Villareal and Electrician Coy Herrington. They unhesitatingly went into the flames and smoke of the galley in order to extinguish the blaze. I would like to add that Mr. Herrington used good initiative to put a fire blanket over the burning fat in order to prevent flashbacks. I would also like to point out that while the fire lasted five minutes, the cleanup and repair work took five days. All departments helped willingly and worked long hours to put things right. The results of their efforts are amazing when you consider the original damage. A great deal of thanks goes to our steward department. Chief Steward Kevin Dougherty, Chief Cook Susano Cortez and Steward Utility Milagros Clark were able to serve hot meals within a day of the fire while working under the most difficult of circumstances. The successful extinguishing of this fire is a tribute to the training and dedication of the entire crew of the Sea-Land Trader. The post-fire efforts are a measure of the pride this crew has in their ship. I can honestly say that if another fire were to occur in the career of this vessel, there would never be a more capable group of people to deal with it than the crew presently serving. I am honored to work alongside men and women such as these. They are a credit to their union and to the American merchant marine. Capt. Kenneth J. Halsall Master, Sea-Land Trader FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS.A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations. such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS WG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers WG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should. any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. POLITICAL SEAFARERS ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or r:eceived because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOfIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes ,•";\,, ·: ·~ 4 Trainee Lifeboat Class 568-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 568 are (from left, kneeling) Caleb Hines, Lewis O'Neal, Sean McDavitt, Davin Gillespie, Manuel Little, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Anthony Neathery Jr., James Hazelip, Randy Pasquarella, Janaro Jackson, Jared Lee, Michael Scheir, Keith Manzano Jr. and James Felhauer. Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the September 17 lifeboat class are (from left, kneeling) Mohamed Ahmed, Sergio Ayala, Yahya Ali, Carlos Rosales, (second row) Silverino Estigoy, El-Sayed Mohamed, Hanif Abdul-Hakeem and Ben Cusic (instructor). Tankerman Barge PIC-Completing their tankerman barge PIC training on September 3 are (from left, first row) Ben Cusic (instructor), Robert Hamilton, William Mathews Jr., Gary Dow, (second row) Robert Wooten and Robert Kirk. Marine Electrical Maintenance II-Marking their graduation from the marine electrical maintenance II class on September 17 are (from left) Ross Himebauch, Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Gary Frazier, Gregory Thomas, Charles Dunnavant and Robert Richer. Not pictured are Charles Donley, Carlos Perez and Rick Kern. Limited License-Seven Seafarers completed the limited license class on September 17. They are (from left, kneeling) Jeffrey Russo, Casey Taylor (instructor), Chad Macaulay, (second row) Calvin Patterson, Lamont Lovick, Michael Cox, John Cincotta and Joseph Violante. Damage Control-Graduating from the damage control class on September 17 are (from left) Klaus Tankersley, Allan McCoy, Bobby Javier, Kenny Spivey, Roberto Flores and arter. Tanker Assistant DL-SIU members completing the tanker assistant DL course on September 3 are (from left, front row, kneeling) Laura Reed, Jose Constantino, Bernie lgot, David Dinnes, Michael Wells, Klaus Tankersley, (second row) Bobby Javier, Daniel Crawford, Donald Clatter, Gary Carter, Roosevelt Sampson, Sinclair Oubre, Kenneth Spivey, Christopher Mattair, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Thomas Hale, Hanif Abdul-Hakeem, John O'Shaughnessy and Ronald warrior. LNG Familiarization-Earning their certificates of achievement for successfully completing the LNG familiarization course in September are (from left, kneeling) John Smith (instructor), Suraredjo Sukirman, Jan Haidir, Johnnie Thomas, Glenn Toledo, (second row) Ronald Belcher, Thomas Guffey, Tony Kaplan, Huey Jackson Jr., Thomas Cyrus, Ronald Rizzuto, (third row) Scott Seiler, Hector Barnes, Richard Spence, Edwin Bonefont, Thomas Parisi and Jose Manandic. Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL course on September 24 are (from left, kneeling) Alphonse Thomas Sr., Maris Seperis, Ismael Purganan, Mohamed Mahmed, Michael Duggan, (second row) Edward Lobb, Mark Smith, Paul Coursey, Latausha Roberson, Karriem Allah, Chris Stringer, (third row) Mark Jones (instructor), Paula Kaleikini, William Humphrey, Timothy Girard, Ibarra Mangaya, DeMont Edwards and Robert Haggerty. 22 Seafarers LOG Ice Carving-Hanif AbdulHakeen (left) is congratulated by Instructor/Chef Allen Sherwin for successfully completing the ice carving course on September 18. Upgraders Lifeboat-Certificates of lifeboat training were received by the September 17 class. They are (from left, first row) Jorge Mora, Alphonse Thomas Sr., (second row) Pedro Santos, Samuel Spears Jr., Tom Gilliland (instructor), (third row) Muhiddin Awale, Nellie Jones, William Thomas, Mauricio Castro, Romeo Azcarate, (fourth row) Larry Reed, Douglas Hall, Henry Jones Jr., Ibarra Mangaya, (fifth row) Jeff Stuart, Charles Abell, Claudio Romano and Charles James. Not shown is Bernie Pelingon. November 1997 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1991·98 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning between December 1997 and the first three months of 1998 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. AU programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. . Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry an.d-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler February 23 April 6 QMED January 12 April 2 Refrigeration Systems & Maintenance February 17 March 27 Diesel Engine Technology March 30 Mays Power Plant Maintenance February 17 March 27 start dates. Please also note: the courses listed for 1998 are tentative. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. The staff of the Paul Hall Center is working on its full 1998 schedule of classes. As soon as it is completed, it will be published in the Seafarers WG. Deck Upgrading Courses Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Assistant DL February 2 March2 February 23 March20 Course Start Date Date or Completion Tankerman Barge PIC February 13 February 20 Able Seaman February 9 March9 March 6 April3 Government Vessels March 9 March 27 Celestial Navigation March 2 April 10 Lifeboatman December 1 January 26 February 23 December 12 February 6 March6 Radar Observer/Unlimited December 1 March23 December 12 Aprill Radar Recertification (one-day class) December 11 Start Date ebruary 23 Bosun Recertification Start Date Date of Completion Special Able Seaman January 17 February 13 February 6 Marcb6 Additional Courses Start Date Date of Completion GED Preparation January 12 April 11 Date of Completion English as a Second Language (ESL) January 26 March 6 April6 Lifeboat Preparation January 19 February 12 March 16 January 23 February 16 March20 Tanker Assistant Preparation January 26 Fe ruary 23 March23 January 30 February 27 March27 QMED Preparation January 5 January9 FOWT Preparation February9 February 20 AB Preparation January 26 February 23 March 23 February 6 March 6 April 3 College English January 12 February20 Steward Recertification January 26 March3 LNG Recertification February 9 February 13 Course Start Date Date of Completion Certified Chief C and Chief Steward December 13 December 27 January 10 January 24 March6 March 20 April 3 April 17 December 13 December 27 January 10 January 24 January 9 January 23 February 6 February 20 Galley Operations and Galley Operations Course Course Recertification Programs Q>urse Inland Courses Introdction to Computers Self-study __ _k: ________________________________________________________ _ UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient 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-cdrd as well as your Lundeberg School identification card listing the course(s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social S e c u r i t y # - - - - - - - - - B o o k # - - - - - - - - - S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department - - - - - - - - U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken-------------------~ Ro11ember 1997 SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D No Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 11/97 Seafarers LOG 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT A summary annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan may be found on page 21 in this issue of the Seafarers LOG. PaW Hall Center Galley Program Receives High Mar.ks The new steward department curriculum at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. is receiving high praise from galley gang upgraders who have completed courses since the program was revamped early this year. ''The courses are excellent and provide a unique learning opportunity for any member sailing in the steward department," stated Robert Wilcox, who recently graduated from the new certified chief cook class. In March, the center's Lundeberg School completed a comprehensive upgrade of its steward department curriculum, including new, modular classes and an emphasis on seatime requirements between . courses. According to Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the school, the restructured curriculum makes it more convenient for Seafarers to attend courses in Piney Point. (See sidebar for a list of courses.) Taught In Modules One significant change in the galley course structure is that the certified chief cook course is now offered in six, two-week modules, for a total of 12 weeks. Because none of the modules is a prerequisite to any other, eligible upgraders may enroll at the beginning of any of the six modules. In addition, after completing at least three modules (a total of six weeks), upgraders who have an opportunity to ship out may do so. They then have one year from their departure date to return to the Lundeberg School and finish the other three modules. (Of course, students also may complete each of the modules in succession.) While Wilcox completed the entire chief cook program in 12 weeks, he noted the new modules offer galley gang members "the option to complete their education and still get their seatime should the opportunity arise." Sharon Herner, who is taking the certified chief cook course, said of the courses, "The modular program is outstanding because it doesn't matter when you enroll; all of the topics will be covered in the cycle. I think it is a great idea and one that works well for every steward department member who wants to continue their education here in Piney Point." Sherwin, who has endorsements from a number of prestigious culinary institutions, explained, "The steward department program is very viable. It allows galley students to return for upgrading courses every two weeks or 26 times a year. The old structure was not as flexible. "We have received a lot of positive feedback from Seafarers as well as SIU-contracted companies who value the school's many benefits. The new steward department courses give upgraders more opportunities to return to the school and hone their galley skills. The overall purpose is to accommodate our members' work and shipping schedules more advantageously," said Sherwin. New Instructors Sherwin added that new culinary teachers who have joined the school's staff provide excellent instruction in shipboard cuisine and have played a vital role in the overall success of the new program. "The Lundeberg School's steward department curriculum is one of the best in the nation. We provide our students with top-notch, professional instruction. After all, the quality of a shipboard steward department affects the well-being of an Lead culinary instructor Eileen Hagar (right) instructs certified chief cook upgraders on the art of stuffing a turkey breast. entire crew. Their culinary skills are vital," Sherwin stated. "The instructors are excellent and provide a wealth of knowledge," acknowledged Herner who sails from the port of Mobile, Ala. "Chef Eileen Hagar, for example, really takes her time and helps each individual. I can't say enough good things about this program," she added. For more information about enrolling in the Lundeberg School's steward department courses, see the application on page 23 in this issue of the LOG, ask a port agent or contact the admissions office at (30 I) 994-00 I 0, extension 5202. Paul Hall Center Steward Department Curriculum Unlicensed Apprentice Courses Ginger is one of the ingredients for Michael Perez's main dish. Perez is studying to become a chief steward. Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation class and a 20-hour galley fammarization class. After students complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program. those who choose to sail in the steward depart· ment will return to the school for a four-week galley operations class. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules. Carlos Suazo, a student in the certified chief cook course, dices carrots and onions for his cuisine. Judi Chester, who recently completed the new certified chief cook course, works on a special dish in the Paul Hall Center's lecture/demonstration galley. Galley Operations II Members must have 120 days' seatime to enroll after completing the unlicensed apprentice program. Non-graduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consists of two, two-week modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includes 35 hours, with additional time served in the school's galley operations. Certified Chief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. Advanced Galley Operations Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consists of four, one-week modules (for a total of four weeks). Chief Steward Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. This is a 12-week class. Recertified Chief Steward Trimming fat from a piece of meat for his next recipe is Gerardo Frederick in the certified chief cook class. This six-week class is the most advanced curriculum available to Seafarers sailing in the steward department. Seafarers must be fullbook members and must match the seatime and/or training as listed on the application to apply for enrollment. (A panel of three Seafarers from each year's final recertification course reviews the applications and selects the next year's class members.) During his certified chief cook training, Jorge Bernardez adds a touch of olive oil to the skillet as he prepares to work on a recipe. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1997 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MSC’S PERKINS CALLS U.S. FLEET ‘VITAL’ TO NATIONAL DEFENSE HOWARD SCHULMAN, SIU COUNSEL, DIES AT 79 AGREEMENT WILL REOPEN PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD SEAFARERS SIGN ON NEWLY ACQUIRED TANKERS SECOND ‘BOB HOPE’ RO/RO CHRISTENED IN NEW ORLEANS HALL CENTER DEVELOPING PROGRAM FOR ENTRY-LEVEL INLAND SEAFARERS U.S. CRUISE SHIP PROPOSAL OUTLINED TO SENATE BOATMEN COMPLETE HEALTH/SAFETY COURSE USCG RULE AIMS TO BOOST SAFETY ON TOWING VESSELS, TANK BARGES AFL-CIO STEPS UP CAMPAIGN AGAINST FAST-TRACK BILL FORBES’ BILL CALLS FOR VETERANS’ STATUS FOR ALL MARINERS WHO SAILED IN WARS SIU MANPOWER OFFICE PREPARES FOR ROLE IN SIMULATED RRF BREAKOUT THIS MONTH STRAWBERRY WORKERS’ FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS IS GROWING USCG’S MERCHANT MARINE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE TACKLES PROPOSED STCW AND TANKERMAN REGS SIU CREW PREPARES INDY FOR DRYDOCK SIU-CREWED PHILLY-CAMDEN FERRY FARES WELL IN 1997 IF SECURES $100,000 IN BACK WAGES AND OVERTIME FRO UKRAINIAN CREW ICEBREAKING PROCEDURES- PART 1 GREAT LAKES SHIPPING REMAINS CONSTANT AS ’97 SEASON WINDS UP PREPARATION ARMS SEAFARERS WITH CONFIDENCE TO DEAL WITH TERRORIST SITUATIONS SEAFARERS ABOARD BLUE RIDGE STRESS IMPORTANCE OF CABOTAGE LAW PAUL HALL CENTER GALLEY PROGRAM RECEIVES HIGH MARKS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1997 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 59, No. 11 1997 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/cb648b92bad033fc4f15dacf3afd3a29.pdf 59e7abcbdd2b94748ca69c861c87cd53 PDF Text Text Volume 59 Number 12 Dec.ember 1997 Sealarers Crew Converted RO/RO USNS Soderman Christening Marks New Jobs for SIU Virginia Soderman smashes the ceremonial bottle of champagne to christen the USNS Soderman, which is being crewed by Seafarers. The prepositioning vessel was named after Mrs. Soderman's late husband, Private First Class William A. Soderman. Pfc. Soderman received the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his actions in Belgium in World War II. From the left are Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO (which converted the ship}; Soderman; family members Judith Soderman and Florence Carlson Johnson; and MSC Commander Vice Admiral Jim Perkins. Page 5 MSC's Perkins Praises Gopher State U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins (center), head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, recently praised the SIUcrewed Gopher State for its readiness and overall condition. He also enjoyed a luncheon provided by Seafarers aboard the prepositioning ship, including (from left) SA Ken Robertson, Chief Steward Lawrence Winfield, SA Carlos Ferreira and SA Helen Mitchell. Page 7. Orgulf Boatmen Ratify Three-Year Contract Updated Curriculums Highlight Hall Center's 1998 Course Schedule School Announces Dates For Upgrading Classes - - - - - - - - - - - - P a g e s 13-16 Greetings from at sea and ashore Pages 17-20 H@hIDAY GlEETIHG3 Beck Notice Page6 �President's Report Counting Our Blessings As we come to the end of the year, many pause to reflect on the blessings that have been bestowed on them during the past 12 months. For some, it is continued good health. For others, it may be an addition to the family. Some are happy for obtaining a new job or expanding their education. There are many, many reasons for being grateful, especially during this holiday season. And that definitely holds true for members of Michael Sacco the SIU. In fact, all of the blessings mentioned above really do apply to our union with what has happened during 1997. First and foremost, the SIU is healthy, vibrant and moving forward. We did not rest on the gains made in 1996. Instead, we capitalized on them throughout 1997, ensuring that our union would remain strong. In 1997, the SIU added to its family by crewing new prepositioning ships, tankers, tugboats and other vessels. From the Maersk Texas, a containership reflagged and crewed in February, to the USNS Soderman, which will join the prepositioning fleet next year, the number of new vessels with Seafarers aboard has grown steadily this year. Such growth makes for a healthy union because members know there will be good-paying jobs with decent benefits well into the next century. Speaking of jobs, my goal for the membership has always been the creation of new jobs while maintaining those we already have. That is why we fought so hard for passage of the Maritime Security Act, which became law last year. In 1997, we saw the fruits of our efforts when the Maritime Administration implemented the Maritime Security Program. This 10-year program helps fund a variety of militarily useful U.S.-tlag vessels, making sure American armed forces will be supplied by loyal U.S. merchant mariners in times of war or national emergency. Relatedly, Congress likewise recognizes the important value of a strong domestic U.S.-flag merchant fleet. That is why a majority of the members of the House of Representatives signed their names to a resolution in support of the Jones Act. To reinforce the support given by legislators for the nation's freight cabotage law, the two highest ranking officials in the U.S. military's logistics command recently reaffirmed their backing of the law in separate remarks. During 1997, Congress also noted the need for new U.S.-tlag cruise ships. The elected officials approved a pilot project to build two vessels for the Hawaiian Islands trade in American yards by the year 2008. In short, the measure allows SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages to reflag a foreign-built cruise ship within the next 18 months. The reflagged ship will sail with a U.S. crew until the second new passenger ship is in service. And, as this was taking place, news came from Philadelphia that efforts are under way to convert the old naval shipyard to a site where commercial containerships and cruise vessels can be built. Not only was the union blessed with new ships and jobs, but all indications show more will be on the way. Over 1,300 members who sail aboard deep sea, inland and Great Lakes vessels took advantage of courses available to them at the Paul Hall Center during this year. Having the opportunity to learn and improve skills at such a fine facility has been a blessing bestowed upon Seafarers for more than 30 years. For those who want to upgrade in 1998, pages 13 through 16 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG contain class descriptions and a calendar for the center's upcoming year. While providing the best education possible for our members, the Paul Hall Center also revamped its entry level training. The new Unlicensed Apprentice program has been a tremendous success in equipping newcomers to the unlicensed ranks with the skills needed to sail in any of the three departments. One other project undertaken by the center has met with worldwide acclaim. That was the creation of the first U.S. Coast Guardapproved Training Record Books. These pocket-size books are designed to help Seafarers standardize the various proofs of documentation required under international laws, rather than carrying many pieces of paper. This has been a tremendous year in .the life of the SIU. It is amazing to see what has happened in just 12 months. Now, 1998 lies before us with many opportunities and challenges. The SIU will continue to push for new jobs that will ensure many more years of blessings for Seafarers and their families. Holiday Greetings to One and All One of the things I look forward to doing this time of the year is reading all the holiday greetings we receive for publication in the LOG. Many of our members have been away from their loved ones and friends, so these messages become extra special. The greetings may be found on pages 17 through 20 in this issue. To all of you working away from home and to all who are fortunate enough to be home, to our retirees, and to all the families, may this be a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. 2 Seafarers L06 TRANSCOAf Official Reinforces Support For Nation's Freight Cabotage Law The second-highest ranking officer at the U.S. oceangoing vessels greater than 1,000 gross tons Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) called are militarily useful. He pointed out how the vesthe Jones Act "a win-win package for our country." sels that sail the inland waterways and Great Lakes Speaking before delegates and guests attending provide a valuable service by moving cargo to seathe 1997 convention of the U.S. Propeller Club, ports. He reiterated the value of the Jones Act fleet U.S. Army Lieutenant General Roger G. in providing trained American mariners to crew Thompson Jr. said the n a t i o n ' s - - - - - - - - - - - - Ready Reserve Force vessels needfreight cabotage law serves as the 'Perhaps the most crit- ed to deliver the goods during base of support not only for the ical contribution of times of war or national emercountry 's domestic maritime gency. industry, but also for the military's the Jones Act to But one other valuable factor Desert Shield-Desert the general brought to the attention strategic sealift. Storm activity was the of the convention was the way the TRANSCOM oversees the movement of troops and materiel crewmembers _ the Jones Act ensures a domestic ship maintenance and building industry. for the U.S. armed forces. The "The Jones Act is important to Military Sealift Command, the Air American merchant Mobility Command and the mariners - who sailed the United States military because our Ready Reserve it supports a U.S. shipbuilding Military Traffic Management Command combine to make up Force of vessels in capability that has turned a corner TRANSCOM. in recent years, with tonnage under harm's way.' construction increasing to the level Thompson described the Jones Act, which is part of the 1920 Lt. Gen. Roger G. Thompson Jr. that elevates this country from Deputy Commander-in-Chief, 22nd in the world to eighth. Merchant Marine Act, as a root structure that supports the trunks TRANSCOM "And the act supports a marof two trees. He said one tree is itime repair and maintenance capadomestic maritime shipping and the other is strate- bility that might be critical if we were to find ourgic sealift. selves in a protracted conflict and be obliged-as "The Jones Act, conceived some 80 years ago as we have been in the past-to repair damaged or a measure to ensure our domestic maritime base, worn sealift assets." just as assuredly provides its root structure for our The general challenged the claims of some fortransoceanic sealift capabilities," the general stat- eign-flag shipping supporters that the Jones Act is ed. no longer viable. "I would like to note that over the past three Thompson reminded the audience, composed of representatives from the U.S. maritime industry, decades: about the vital role played by American merchant • America's domestic fleet-vessels exceeding mariners during the Persian Gulf War. 1,000 tons gross weight tonnage-doubled in "Perhaps the most critical contribution of the numbers from 1965 to 1995; Jones Act to Desert Shield-Desert Storm activity • tripled [in] productivity during the same periwas the crewmembers-the American merchant od; and mariners-who sailed our Ready Reserve Force of • reached the one-billion-ton cargo threshold for the first time in 1995. vessels in harm's way, delivering the tracked and wheeled vehicles, the sustaining supplies that "Now I guess I've got to ask you-and myself at enabled the United States and its coalition partners the same time-do we hear any death rattles in to pulverize Iraq in a 30-day air war and then roll those statistics?! I certainly don't hear any." over it in a 100-hour ground war." In wrapping up his address, Thompson used The deputy commander-in-chief of another example to show the value of sealift to the TRANSCOM added, "The Iraqis threatened to military. While noting airlift is swift, it has its limits. "To mount and sustain a counterattack and drive mine the seas. The U.S. merchant mariners sailed into the theater at best speed. to victory-as far as we can see in the future-still "The Iraqis threatened to use chemical weapons. will require strategic sealift. What did the U.S. mariners do? They ignored the "Sealift will move the bulk of the unit equipment-the tanks, artillery and trucks-that will threats and delivered their cargoes anyhow." During his address, Thompson spelled out other ultimately uproot an aggressor and defeat him. And ways that the Jones Act helps the U.S. armed it will deliver the sustaining supplies to carry the forces. day. Fully 90 to 95 percent of all war materials and He noted 75 percent of the Jones Act fleet of supplies will be delivered by sealift," he said. SIU Pensioners to Get $500 Year-End Bonus Eligible SIU pensioners will receive a year-end bonus check of $500 this month. The Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees recently approved the payment after union representatives to the group recommended the bonus. This bonus check will be sent to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The Board of Trustees, composed of representatives from the SIU and its contracted companies, decided to issue the bonus after reviewing the plan's successful investment performance. For the eligible pensioners, the $500 bonus check will be one of three payments they will receive during the month of December from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The plan traditionally has sent December pension checks at the beginning of the month, while the January ' Volume 59, Number 12 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org Correction: Howard Schulman, former general counsel to the SIU, passed away October 23 due to congestive heart failure, not from cancer, as was incorrectly stated on page 2 of the November 1997 Seafarers LOG. The LOG regrets the error. pension payments are issued in the middle of December to all pensioners. More information about the bonus or the pension plan in general may be obtained by contacting any union hall or by calling a plan representative at l-800-CLAIMS4. Members and pensioners also may write the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. -. December 1997 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Wand Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1997 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. December 1997 �TOTE's Barer Proposes Shipbuilding Measure For Jones Act Fleet U.S.-Flag Executive Seeks Consortium for Carriers During an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in maritime, the co-chairman and chief executive officer of a U.S.-flag ship holding company that has contracts with the SIU outlined an innovative plan to rebuild the Jones Act fleet. In a speech delivered November 7, Stanley Barer of Seattlebased Totem Resources Corpora- tion proposed legislation be craft- ed to allow the shipping companies sailing between the U.S. mainland and the country's noncontiguous states and territories to plan and build a new fleet of militarily useful vessels. [Totem Resources is the parent company of SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) and Interocean-Ugland Management Corporation. The Jones Act, part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, calls for freight transported between two domestic ports to be carried by U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.flagged vessels.] Speaking in New York to an audience of approximately 800 representatives from maritime and politics, Barer called on the Fast Track Shelved for Now Union Cantpaign Postpones House Vote; Fight Over Trade Likely to Resume in '98 Trade unionists throughout the United States successfully led an intense grassroots fight against proposed legislation that would extend fast-track negotiating authority for the president on international trade agreements. The leadership of the House of Representatives, after consulting with the White House, withdrew the measure in the early morning of November 10 after several days of debate revealed fast track would not pass. Just days prior to the House consideration, the Senate passed the legislation. Shortly after the bill's withdrawal, Congress recessed for the year. Thus, no action will be taken on fast track until February at the earliest. ''The decision to pull down the fast-track legislation is the first bit of blue sky working Americans have seen in U.S. trade policy in many years," stated AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. ''This is a great victory -although not necessarily final." Labor's efforts included scores of meetings with congressional representatives, demonstrations and leaflet-distribution across the country, print and broadcast advertising, internet campaigns by the AFL-CIO and member unions, and more. Under fast track, Congress gives up its right to amend a negotiated treaty. It can only approve or disapprove the entire package. The administration wants to use fast-track negotiations to expand pacts like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFfA) to countries in Central and South America. Not coincidentally, opponents of fast track have pointed to NAFfA's many documented failures as sufficient reason why Congress should not forfeit its right to amend trade pacts. For instance, House Minority Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.) recently stated that many of the negative effects NAFfA has had on American workers stem from unenforceable, so-called side agreements supposedly written to protect workers' rights and the environment. He warned against repeating those mistakes under a fast-track scenario. December 1997 Bonior also cited a new study conducted by Cornell University that revealed 62 percent of U.S.based employers have used the threat of factory relocation to Mexico during contract talks and organizing drives. "This has created downward pressure on wages and benefits in the U.S. Mexican wages also have gone down, even though productivity is up. Since NAFfA, wages have gone down from $1 an hour to 70 cents an hour in Mexico, and 8 million Mexicans have slipped into poverty. How are U.S.-flag companies involved in the Jones Act trades to work together to rebuild the fleet. "The only people who can defeat the Jones Act are the Jones Act carriers themselves," stated Barer, in his acceptance speech as a recipient of the annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) award presented by the United Seamen's Service. "If we do not rebuild, we will defeat the Jones Act If we do not rebuild, the investment and the service to be protected will not be there." Barer proposed Congress draft legislation to allow the shipping companies to work with domestic shipyards to build 35 new containerships and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessels during the next 10 to 15 years to replace the present fleet. "I am not suggesting any form of government subsidy. "What I do suggest is that Mexicans supposed to buy American-made goods when they earn 70 cents an hour?" he asked. The Michigan Democrat also recalled a visit to Mexico earlier this year during which time he saw blatant evidence of unchecked pollution by companies that have moved from the U.S. to south of the border. He said he stood in a field littered with used batteries whose lead leaked into the groundwater directly across from the region's largest dairy farm. I Fast Track's Fine Print: The Devil Is in the Details I Opponents of the fast-track bill that nearly came up last month for a vote in the House of Representatives have warned that granting such authority would result in America signing onto additional trade agreements similar to NAFfA. While the troubled trade pact between the U.S., Mexico and Canada has received much attention in the fast-track debate, NAFfA-like agreements are not the only threat to America if fast track is approved. For example, currently a controversial treaty called the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) is being negotiated among the 29 member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD, founded in 1960, is com- posed of the economic elite nations and has significant influence over global trade policy. If Congress grants fast-track authority to the president, then the MAI is another type of covenant they likely would consider under the "zero amendment" procedure. Negotiations on the MAI began in 1995 with the stated purpose of "provid[ing] a broad multilateral framework for international investment with high standards for the liberalisation of investment regimes and investment protection and with effective dispute settlement procedures; ... and to be a free-standing international treaty open to all OECD ... [and] non-OECD member countries, which will be consulted as the negotiations progress." The controversy stems from APL-Neptune Merger Completed New Subsidiary to Operate 9 Vessels in MSP The merger between American President Lines (APL) and Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines Ltd. was completed last month, clearing the way for a new California-based subsidiary to assume operation of nine U.S.-flag APL cargo ships. Upon completion of the merger, the vessels became the property of American Ship Management (ASM), based in Walnut Creek, Calif. The containerships are part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). In October, the Maritime Administration had approved transfer of the MSP operating agreements formerly held by APL to ASM, pending the consolidation. "Like the other ships in the Maritime Security Program, the nine ships to be operated by ASM will serve international commerce in peacetime," stated acting Maritime Administrator John Graykowski. "In time of war or national emergency, the ships and the worldwide transportation system supporting them will be available to provide sealift support for America's armed forces." The ships are crewed in the unlicensed departments by members of the SIU (steward), Sailors' Union of the Pacific (deck) and Marine Firemen's Union (engine). They include five vessels that already had been operating under the U.S. flag (the President Adams, President Jackson, President Kennedy, President Polk and President Truman) and four ships that transferred from Marshall Islands to U.S. registry (the APL Korea, APL Philippines, APL Singapore and APL Thailand). the very broad nature of "investment" as defined by the MAI. Not only is it to include "direct investment" such as the building of a facility or the takeover of a company by a foreign national, but "every kind of asset owned or directly controlled by an investor" including portfolio investment and intangible assets like intellectual property rights. The MAI will also require governments to allow foreign investors to bid in privatization efforts, such as in the former Soviet bloc nations. In fact, the MAI is full of guarantees and privileges for corporations, but excludes the possibility of nations imposing requirements on companies. Specifically, the language states that a country may treat foreign investment "no Jess favorably" than domestic investors or corporations, and cannot "enforce any commitment or undertaking in connection with the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, operation, or conduct" of the foreign entity. In other words, a country can treat foreign investors better than domestic investors, leading to the possibility of poorer nations suspending environmental or labor laws to attract investment. Further, countries like the U.S. which can and do maintain requirements for domestic companies to maintain certain levels of investment in specific communities in exchange for certain tax breaks, would be prohibited from enforcing these laws against foreign companies. Adding to the confusion is the fact that foreigners-as individuals, companies and investment firms-hold a great deal of American stocks and bonds. It is quite possible that foreign Continued on page 5 Stanley Barer recommends the building of a new fleet of militarily useful vessels by U.S. companies involved in the Jones Act trade. Congress consider authorizing the carriers-the Matsons, the Crowleys, the Totems and anyone else who wants to build for the non-contiguous trades-to form a consortium corporation to act together, perhaps under Maritime Administration supervision. "'This group could work with the Defense Department and the shipyards to design the ideal hulls and vessels~ontainer and RO/RO -for the Puerto Rican, Alaskan, Hawaii and Guam trades, and then as a consortium contract with the shipyards for a series production over a decade of 35 vessels." Barer said Congress could craft the legislation much like the measure used in the 1970s when the railroads worked together to convert from boxcars to the flatcars required for moving the new technology of containers and trailers. The Totem executive pointed out the companies involved in the Jones Act trade are "nervous" about dedicating so much money individually into replacing their fleets, including his own TOTE which transports goods between Washington state and Alaska. However, if the companies can work together, all of them would feature ships using the latest technology while holding costs down because of the multiple orders. He equated the effort to work collectively to being a kid facing a group challenge. ''Think back when you were a school kid. It is very early in summer, the air is warm but the water is still cold. Remember standing on a dock for that first swim of summer with your friends. 'Okay, let's all jump in on _the count of three.' "At three, you jump. They don't. You figure out that next time you all hold hands and then all must go in the water together. "Each of the domestic carriers is nervous about going first and spending that much money if the future of the Jones Act is not clear." Barer, who worked on Capitol Hill during the 1960s and 1970s for the late U.S. Senator Warren Magnuson (D- Wash.), added such legislation would provide jobs for mariners and shipbuilders. "It would give us brand new investment under the Jones Act and assure the future of that policy. It would give us a brand new base for high-paying, valuable jobs in America. "A 35-ship construction program would be a $3-to-4 billion ship program spread over the shipyards of America creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. And we would be providing the Defense Department with the newest, best ships our fighting men and women could ever hope for to support them in the event of national emergency." Seafarers LOG 3 �AOTOS Recognizes SIU Rescues at Sea, Senator, Ship Exec. Seafarers aboard four vessels received special mariners' plaques for heroism at sea during the United Seamen's Service 1997 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS) ceremony November 7 in New York City. At the same time, U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Stanley H. Barer, co-chairman and chief executive officer of SIU-contracted Totem Resources Corporation (TRC), accepted the 1997 AOTOS awards for their years of dedicated and effective service to the maritime industry. The AOTOS award is presented to those who have provided commitment and distinguished service to the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Past recipients of the award include SIU President Michael Sacco (1994) and the late SIU President Paul Hall ( 1981 ). The AOTOS mariner's plaque is awarded to the officers and crew of U.S.-flag vessels who exemplify outstanding seamanship in rescue operations at sea. The 1997 recipients of the AOTOS mariner awards for acts of heroism were the USNS Kilauea, USNS Zeus, President Adams and Sea Wolf. On November 9, 1996, in 30knot winds and 15-foot swells, the USNS Kilauea and USNS Zeus heroically rescued 20 Filippino seamen whose ship sank southwest of Guam. On August 19, 1997, the President Adams plucked 15 seaman from the East China Sea after their Panamanian ship went down in 30-knot winds and 20foot swells. On April 1, 1997, crewmembers aboard the Sea Wolf rescued the sixman crew of the sailboat Alegra that was disabled in heavy seas 270 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. Stevens is a strong advocate of Stanley H. Barer (left), co-chairman and chief executive officer of Totem Resources Corporation, and U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (A-Alaska) (right) were presented with 1997 Admiral of the Ocean Sea award. Retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger poses with the AOTOS recipients at the New York City banquet on November 7. the Jones Act and a longtime supporter of the American merchant marine. He ranks sixth in seniority in the Senate and second among Republicans. Stevens has been a member of that body since December 1968. Barer is the head of TRC, a holding company for several U.S.-flag maritime operating enti ties in the Pacific Northwest. Two of TRC's subsidiaries, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. and Interocean Ugland Management Corporation, are SIU-contracted companies. Barer has spoken out strongly for the Jones Act and the entire maritime industry (see article on page 3). In 1995, he delivered the Paul Hall lecture. 1997 Sailing Season on Great Lakes Is Extended Many Seafarers who sail aboard SIU-contracted vessels on lakes Michigan, Huron, Ontario, Superior and Erie will continue sailing into the new year to meet the high demand for Great Lakes commodities. In order to meet the booming demand for commodities on the Lakes, at least two SIU-contracted companies announced they will continue operations past the end of the year. Operating on an "extended season," American Steamship Company (ASC) plans to keep their takers in service until midnight on January 15, the date that the Soo Locks in Ste. St. Marie, Mich. close. (The closing of the Soo Locks brings an actual end to most shipping on the Great Lakes since the locks are the only entrance into Lake Superior from the lower four Lakes.) ASC vessels that will continue into January include the Walter J. McCarthy Jr., Indiana Harbor, St. Clair, American Mariner, American Republic, Charles E. Wilson, H. Lee White, Buffalo, Sam Laud and John J. Boland. Attempting to meet the demand for cement throughout the Lakes region, SIU members aboard the Alpena and J.A. W. Iglehart are scheduled to sail into the first week of January, "weather permitting," a company representative informed the Seafarers LOG. However, other SIU-contracted companies will wrap up their sailing season by the end of this month. Seafarers aboard Erie Sand Steamship Co.'s Richard Reiss, John R. Emery, Day Peckinpaugh and J.S. St. John will go in for the winter by month's end. Hannah Marine reports that the James A. Hannah, Mary E. Hannah, Margaret M. Hannah, Kristin Lee, Peggy D. Hannah Special AB Course Scheduled For Great Lakes Members In order to help Seafarers who sail in the deck department aboard Great Lakes vessels comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the Paul Hall Center is offering a special three-week AB course this winter in Piney Point, Md. The rigorous class, crafted by Lundeberg School instructors to meet the specific needs of Lakes Seafarers and SIU-contracted Great Lakes companies, leads to endorsement as an AB. The course, offered from February I 7 to March 6, will consist of handson training and classroom work covering lifeboat training, ship construction and operations, deck seamanship, navigation, tug and tow operations, rules of the road, firefighting, first aid, safety, emergency procedures and more. Great Lakes members can earn lifeboatman certification and the AB endorsement by passing a U.S. Coast Guard exam at the end of the course. "With shipping on the Lakes shut down for the winter, this is 4 Seafarers LOG an excellent opportunity for Seafarers to upgrade," stated Algonac, Mich. SIU Representative Don Thornton. "We worked with the school to create a class specifically for Great Lakes members who want to upgrade." "This is the fourth year we have offered a specialized AB course exclusively for Great Lakes Seafarers," said J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the Lundeberg School. "It is a very intensive class because it contains all of the same material as our normal nine-week AB course offered throughout the year. Great Lakes members who have taken the class have been very dedicated and successful in obtaining their Coast Guard endorsements following the class." For more information about the course, contact the admissions office at the Lundeberg School (301) 994-00 I 0 and Don Thornton at the Algonac union hall (810) 794-0909. and Daryl C. Hannah will run until the end of 1997. However, five other tugs are set to ply the lower Lakes throughout the winter. These Hannah Marine tugsthe Susan W Hannah, Mary Page Hannah, Mark Hannah, Donald C. Hannah and Hannah D. Hannah-never have to pass through the Soo Locks to deliver their cargo. They will continue transporting petroleum products along lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie during the winter months. The majority of SIU-crewed lakers have sailed without interruption throughout this season, which began in early March. Ships have been removed from service only for repairs or for hull inspection in dry dock. Hull inspection is required by federal regulations for U.S.-flag Great Lake carriers once every five years. Shipments of iron ore, coal, limestone, gypsum and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled more than I 00 million tons through September. According to the Lakes Carriers' Association, an organization of U.S.-tlag shipping companies on the Great Lakes, this is an increase of 7.8 percent compared to 1996. The association predicts that by the end of this month, 1997 cargo-moving figures will surpass I 996's record-breaking levels. Orgulf Boatmen Approve 3-Year Paci SIU boatmen who navigate Orgulf Transportation tugboats along the Mississippi River and its tributaries have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract that includes wage and benefit increases into the year 2000. Representatives for the Cincinnati-based company and the SIU held three negotiating sessions in St. Louis between August and October. Negotiators were able to secure, for the first time, medical coverage for the spouses and dependents of the SIU members who sail aboard all 21 Orgulf tugboats. The Seafarers will receive wage increases throughout the life of the contract and an additional paid holiday. The pact is retroactive to September 15. Member Input Crewmem bers provided suggestions and ideas for the new contract through correspondence with the union and discussions with SIU officials and their negotiations committee. "The SIU did an excellent job in negotiating the new contract The SIU negotiating committee pauses for a photo during the Orgulf contract talks. They are (back row, from left) Utility Man Ted Donley Sr., Cook Martha Smith, Lead Deckhand Zolly Person, Cook Nancy Avery, (seated) St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper, SIU Contracts Department Representative George Tricker and Lead Deckhand Paul Eich. and represented the membership very well," said Cook Nancy Avery, who took part in the contract meetings. Joining Avery on the negotiating committee were Lead Deckhands Paul Eich and Zolly Person, Utility Man Ted Cook Donley Sr., Martha Smith, SIU Contracts Department Representative George Tricker and St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper. After details of the accord were ironed out, the contract was submitted to the boatmen and voting took place by mail and aboard Orgulf tugboats. Praises Effort "When the agreement was presented to members, almost everyone gave a very enthusiastic yes vote," recalled Avery. "This great contract was the end result of a lot of hard work by SIU officials George Tricker, Becky Sleeper and the entire Orgulf committee.'' "Negotiations were very productive," recalled Tricker. "We had an excellent contract team and we made some very significant gains for the membership." "I think this is an outstanding contract," stated Sleeper. "All of the members are really happy with this agreement. The expanded medical benefits . and yearly wage increases will benefit all of the Orgulf crews. Overall, it is a wonderful contract," Sleeper concluded. Orgulf tugs push barges loaded with coal, grain, steel pipes and other items alortg the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri rivers. December 1997 �Third Maritrans Tanker Sets Sail Additional Jobs Arrive as Newly Acquired Tug Also Joins Fleet New jobs were gained when the tug-barge unit Declaration recently joined the Maritrans fleet. Taking advantage of the new employment opportunities are Tankerman William Viust (left photo) and AB Raymond Anthony. The third of four newly acquired tankers joined the Maritrans, Inc. fleet last month, with Seafarers crewing the Integrity in Norfolk, Va. Additionally, SIU members in Puerto Rico signed on the Declaration, one of two tugbarge units recently acquired by the company. The 651-foot Integrity is a double-hull tanker engaged in lightering work in the Philadelphia area. Refitted in a Norfolk shipyard for this assignment, the vessel can carry more than 269,000 barrels. Formerly the Chevron Oregon, the Integrity has a top speed (fully loaded) of 14.5 knots and is powered by a gas turbine engine. ''The crew was glad to see a new ship," noted SIU Norfolk Port Agent Jim Malone. ''They're happy the SIU is still getting new jobs for the membership, and they said the ship is in good shape." Maritrans ' fourth tanker is expected to sail sometime early in 1998. Meanwhile, the Declaration Bosun L. Borchew (left photo) and QMED Erik Bradshaw await the start of a union meeting aboard the Integrity. is operating between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. "I'm grateful for this job opportunity. It's just one more reason why I trust the SIU," Tankerman William Viust recently told SIU Patrolman Amoncio Crespo aboard the tug. Seal arers Crew 5th Converted RO/RO USNS Soderman Joins Prepo Fleet Following Conversion From left, SA Lolita Thomas, Recertified Steward Ivan Salis and Chief Cook Mulai Ismail get the Integrity's galley in order. I Fast Track Means Other Threats I Converted at NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, the USNS Soderman, a RO/RO named after an Army Medal of Honor recipient, will preposition U.S. Army support equipment at sea. A steady surge of new employment opportunities for SIU members continued with the naming of a converted roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship in San Diego. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Soderman, renamed on October 24 at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), became part of the U.S . Military Sealift Command's (MSC) prepositioning fleet following its conversion. It is the last of five former Maersk ships converted and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes for operation by SIU-contracted Bay Ship Management for MSC. Those vessels are part of a 19-ship program designed to beef up American sealift capacity, in accordance with findings of a congressionally mandated study that followed the Persian Gulf War. "The addition of the USNS Soderman is good SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (right) and USNS Soderman Captain LR. Haugh welcome the addition of the vessel to the MSC fleet during a naming ceremony October 24 in San Diego. December 1997 news for the SIU and good news for the United States," said SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney, who attended the ceremony. "It means more jobs for the membership and it boosts national security." "Soderman will be a great ship," stated Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, commander of MSC. "She was converted to be responsive to the Army's requirements, and the result is one of the finest ocean transport vessels at sea today." According to MSC, the vessel initially will preposition U.S. Army combat support equipment at sea. Later, it will serve as a surge asset. The Soderman is 907 feet long, with a maximum beam of 105 feet, a 35-foot draft and a full-load displacement of 55,123 tons. It can reach 24 knots and possesses cargo space described by MSC as "equal to nearly six football fields ." Within that area, the Soderman can carry "an entire U.S. Army armor task force, including 58 tanks, 48 other track vehicles, plus more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles," MSC noted. The vessel can be fully loaded and off-loaded in 96 hours, and also includes helicopter pads. Each of the converted RO/ROs is named after an Army Medal of Honor recipient. The Soderman is the namesake of PFC Wil1iam A. Soderman, honored for distinguished service during World War IL Soderman successfully defended a key road junction near Rocherath, Belgium during a battle in December 1944. He sustained injuries but remained at his post and, despite heavy enemy fire, disabled three opposition tanks. Soderman passed away in October 1980. Continued from page 3 investors may have recourse unavailable to Americans when a U.S. environmental or safety law "reduces," somehow, the value of their investment. These threats are real because the MAI far exceeds other trade agreements, such as NAFIA or the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), in that it empowers individuals and corporations to petition an international tribunal to sanction nations, states or even cities for violations. Towns or counties may find themselves paying "reparations" to multinational giants for exercising normal legislative control over businesses in their jurisdiction. There is no similar world tribunal to which workers may air their grievances. Opposition to this treaty is growing from all segments of the political spectrum. Labor is justifiably angry that capital is given such a free hand in investing, avoiding environmental, health and labor laws, and withdrawing profits from nations, while work- ers and the environment are given no more consideration than a promise to ask countries and companies not to degrade standards and to treat everyone fairly. Under the current framework, it appears that the U.S. and other nations reserve their rights to maintain cabotage laws, such as the Jones Act, as well as limit foreign investment in natural resource industries such as fishing, forestry and mining. However, the MAI negotiators are seeking to vastly restrict the number of such laws. It is certain that if the logic of this treaty prevails, then the Jones Act and similar laws will be imperiled. This is a vital issue for the United States because it is the largest recipient of foreign investment as well as the largest holder of investment abroad. The goal of the MAI negotiators is to have a final agreement in place next year. It is hoped that before Congress is faced with a "done deal ," the public will have an opportunity to have input on this treaty. Rep. Abercrombie Touts Jones Act Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), left, was a special guest at the October membership meeting in the port of Honolulu. He spoke to the members about the need for the Jones Act and the continuing assault on members' jobs by special interest groups. With the congressman are SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (center) and Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz. Seafarers LOG 5 �Shipboard Training Enhances Apprentice Class 1st Graduates Tout Thorough, Hands-On Schooling The first graduates of the Paul Hall Center's enhanced cntrylevel training program say the highlight of the revamped curriculum is its 90-day shipboard training segment. During an informal critique last month with SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel , SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and rcprcscnLaLives of the sc.;hool, students from the first unlicensed appren tice class said the shipboard project has many plusses. In all, 24 Seafarers graduated m early November from the course, which the school restructured earlier in 1997. The new curriculum features an initial 12weck training session at the facility in Piney Point, Md. It is followed by 90 days of shipboard training (30 in each department), which in turn is succeeded by department-specific schooling at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship that prepares students to sail either as ordinary seamen, wipers or steward assistants. When school representatives, in conjunction with SIU-contracted companies and union officials, changed the entry -level program, they added the shipboard training phase specifically in the hope that students would emerge better prepared for careers at sea. (Also, other revisions were made so that students would comply with newly implemented as well as impending international regulations greatly affecting the training The first graduates of the new apprentice class graduated in early November. They include (kneeling, from left) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Vincent Mull, Taylor Watson, Zaire Coleman, Harry Williams Jr.. Romeo Macaraeg Jr., (second row) Chris Schleis, Joseph Riccio, Detricke Kelly, Monte Burgett, George Bixby, Jeremy Thigpen, (third row) Timothy Baldt, Marshall Dixon, Anthony Tam Sing, Willie Tyson, Alex Benge, Jeffrey Lagana, Aaron Lutzky, James Snyder, Cedric Davis and Leray Leasure. and certification requirements of mariner .) The early reports-as seen in ships' minutes and letters to the contracts department-have been favorable . The first graduating class of apprentices backs up the view. "It' s a good opportunity to experience shipboard life in all three departments, which helps you make a more infonned decision about your department," said Anthony Tam Sing. "It helps you find out whether or not this career is for you," added Willie Tyson. Leray Leasure summed up this aspect of the class when he stated, "I was skeptical about the new program. but I think it's better for the SIU and the trainees because it gives you an idea about what it's like to work and live on a ship." The Seafarers International Union. AGLIWD assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep seu, on the Great Lake and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part , the union allocates a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities. international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLlWD about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. I also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. I. Benefits of union membership - While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International .Union, AGLIWD is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratifications and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of unio11 membership - In addition to working dues. to belong to the union as a full book member, the cost is $300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75 .00 (seventy-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the members' gross vacation wages and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors - Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency Seafarers LOG SIU brothers on the vessel treated me with respect. They took me under their wings and taught me the ropes." Overall, feedback from the students, companies and crewmembers has been overwhelmingly positive, with constructive criticism offered as well. "I believe that the new program will be very good for the future of our union," observed Vincent Mull. Chris Schleis said the thor- Both during last month' s meeting and in written reviews, students also reported that the regular crewmembers for the most part were extremely helpful to them. "The fellow SIU members were helpful, as were the licensed personnel, with things I should know and learn," recalled Taylor Watson. Tran Luu said he "enjoyed working aboard my first ship because the people were willing to teach me everything I wanted to know about the jobs." Reiterating Luu's point, ough training "makes you a stronger person-emotionally, physically and educationally." Despite the fact that the revised curriculum is approximately 2.5 times as long as the old cla s, students said the new version moves at a brisk pace. "The weeks went by very fast, I guess, because I was so busy learning," noted Joseph Riccio. Nevertheless, the graduates were anxious to catch their first vessels as members of the SIU. Echoing the sentiments of his classmates, Jeff Lagana exclaimed, ''I'm ready to put my skills to the test and become an active member of the SIU!" New Bedford Member Matos Loses Life in Overboard Fall Accident Occurs as Study Finds Fishing Most Dangerous Profession Just 25 years old, married one year and homeowner for barely a month, SIU fisherman Joaqim T. Matos, mate aboard the fishing vessel Lutador, was killed last month, hundreds of miles offshore from his home in New Bedford, Mass. Matos, a Seafarer since 1990, was thrown overboard in rough seas as he was tending to a fairly common occurrence on a fishing vessel-freeing the metal plates, or "doors," attached to the tow lines at the mouth of the net which had become tangled in line as the net was being reeled in . The chilly North Atlantic waters quickly filled his oilskins and boots, and he went down for the last time, barely two feet from the life ring he was trying to reach. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreemeats Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act 6 Detricke Kelly declared, "Fellow fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee . The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. The e services are those related to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements, the negotiation of such agreements, meetings with employers and employees, and representation of employees during grievance and arbitration proceedings. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service. legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee - As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 1996 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 66.64 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the regular dues would be $199.92 (one hundred ninety-nine dollars, ninety-two cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 1998 calendar year. This means that any individual who wi hes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December I, 1997 and December 31, 1998 will have this calculation applied to his or her current dues payment. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction beginning in January 1999, your objection must be received by December 31, 1998. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer. Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, 520 I Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 1996. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues must elect their option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections - If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year. The reduction, however, will only apply prospectively and only until December 3 I of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, the amount of the dues reduction will change each year based upon an auditor's report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, SecretaryTreasurer's Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD, 520 I Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge- Upon receiving this notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the SecretaryTreasurer's office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. 7. Appeal procedure - Upon receiving the challenge at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will either be in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Matos is the first SIU fisherman to lose his life at sea in five years. New Bedford Port Agent Henri Francois said the whole fishing community was stunned by the accident. "His future was ahead of him," Francois stated. "We mourn for his family and we will miss him ." A recent study by the National Institute of Health Statistics shows 120 fatalities occur for every 100,000 fishermen who take to sea over a two-year period. This rate is 24 times higher than the national average for other occupations. Timber cutters and airline pilots were the next two most dangerous professions with 115 and 110 deaths per 100,000 workers, respectively, in the same time frame. Despite an increasing focus on safety provided in the federal Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Act of 1988, enforcement of which was stepped up after nine persons died in the 1990 sinking of the factory trawler Aleutian Enterprise, fatal accidents continue· to occur. Francois noted one reason is the increased incidence of risk-taking today because of governmental limitations on the number of days in which people are permitted to fish. "Everyone is afraid of losing the very few fishing days they are allowed," said Francois. However, he noted SIU fishermen have more power to resist taking foolhardy chances at a boatowner's request because of their contract. Francois also was quick to point out that Matos' tragic death occurred under "routine" conditions of the northwest Atlantic, which every mariner knows can be quite harsh. SIU fishennen in many ways are in a better position than most in this dangerous profession because they are among the very few protected by health insurance and death benefits, both rare in this industry. They also have protection through the contract and inspection by a union patrolman to insure that vessels are in good, seaworthy condition and contain all necessary safety equipment. December 1997 �SMPPP Booklets Mailed ta Members Voluntary Contributions May Be Made Through Vacation Plan Summary plan description booklets for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) were mailed last month to all participating Seafarers who have their current address on file with the Plan. Any participating member who has not received a copy of the SMPPP booklet and would like one mailed, may call the SMPPP toll-free number: 1-800485-3703. Booklets also will be available at SIU halls. As always, Seafarers are encouraged to keep their current address on file. If a member wants to update his or her address, please write to the Address Correction Dept, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The booklet describes the benefits available to Seafarers from the SMPPP. Written in questionand-answer format, it explains plan funding, application procedures for SMPPP benefits, pay- ment options and more. The SMPPP is one of the benefits Seafarers received as a result of the standard freightship and tanker agreement ratified last year. Designed as a convenient, low-risk method of saving for retirement, the plan provides individual accounts for each participating Seafarer. It does not cost members any money to take part in the SMPPP, because the plan is funded by participating SIU-contracted companies. Seafarers also may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts. Additionally, last month the plan administrator reminded members that while participating companies finalize their voluntary payroll deduction systems for members' voluntary contributions to their individual SMPPP accounts, Seafarers may contribute by authorizing the Seafarers Vacation Plan to withhold such payments and remit them to the SMPPP. Forms for authorizing such payments are available at each SIU hall. "This form is separate from the vacation application, and it is a one-time authorization, which means that it only will be accepted for the vacation benefit being applied for," explained Lou Delma, administrator of the Seafarers Plans. "In other words, each time a Seafarer files for vacation benefits, he or she must complete the separate SMPPP authorization form if the member wishes to contribute to their account." This procedure will remain in place until participating employers finalize a voluntary payroll deduction system to comply with the rules and regulations of the SMPPP. At that time, announcements will be made in the Seafarers LOG, at the monthly membership meetings and in mailings to participating Seafarers. MSC Head Lauds SIU-Crewed Gopher State Adm. Perkins Sites 'Great Work' of Prepositioning Ship The head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) liked what he saw during a recent inspection of the SIU-crewed Gopher State. Following a shipboard luncheon and tour October 9 in Guam, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins enthusiastically praised the readiness of the prepositioning ship. "I was particularly impressed with the capabilities of your ship." Perkins said in a letter to Gopher State Captain Dan Harris. "You all set the standard and are a powerful deterrent force for any troublemaker. Keep up the great work!" He added that he and other MSC officials are quite "proud and pleased ... with the prepositioned ships in Guam." Seafarers in the steward department prepared and served a well-received lunch for the admiral, his staff and the other guests. who included officers from other U.S.-flag prepositioning ships stationed i11 the area. "Everybody pulled together to make it work," stated SA Helen Mitchell. "We received many compliments on the food, and it was very exciting talking to the admiral. "It was my first trip, so I wasn't expecting anything like this." The menu included three salads (garden, shrimp and spinach), two soups (cream of broccoli and cream of chicken), three entrees (linguini with clam sauce, baked Virginia ham with fruit sauce, and albacore white tuna-melt sandwiches) and several Vice Admiral Jim Perkins (center), head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, chats with SIU steward department personnel aboard the Gopher State following a- recent tour aboard the prepositioning ship. side dishes. Mitchell and her shipmates in the steward department-Chief Steward Lawrence Winfield and SAs Ken Robertson and Carlos Ferreira-also presented baked apple pie, ice cream and freshly baked brownies for dessert. ''The lunch was superb, but I was in need of a nap the rest of the afternoon!" noted Perkins in his letter to Harris. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management for MSC, the Gopher State usually carries disasterrelief cargo. The ship is 610 feet long and possesses four cranes used for loading and off-loading. MSC's prepositioning fleet consists of civiliancrewed vessels strategically located around the world. The ships are fully loaded, ready for immediate deployment in support of U.S. military operations. San Francisco Seafarers Speak Out on Affirmative Action San Francisco Seafarers joined thousands of trade unionists, civil rights activists, religious and community leaders in front of the California state Capitol in Sacramento on October 27 to demand that California lawmakers reinstate affirmative action programs. Sponsored by the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the "Save the Dream" rally and march was a protest against California's Proposition 209, which eliminates government affirmative action programs. SIU members who participated in the event include (from left, kneeling) SA Richard Gegnheimer, San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celona, Chief Cook Kenneth Clark, Salefia Jr., OS Uela 'Willie" Alatua, Chief Cook Doug Swets, GSU Robert Gilliam, AB Barron Jackson, (standing, from left) Chief Steward John Bass and SIU Vice President George McCartney. December 1997 Fine-tuning their representational skills are (from left) Steward Jesse Ortiz, Assistant Steward Don Kemplen and SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler. Ortiz and Kemplen represent their fellow workers at MarAd's Suisun Bay, Calif. facility. Top-Notch Worker Representation Emphasized at Steward Training For Suisun Bay, Calif. Union Reps Representing fellow employees on the job was the primary subject addressed by the SIU Government Services Division steward and assistant steward from Suisun Bay, Calif. at a three-day training session last month. Steward Jesse Ortiz and Assistant Steward Don Kemplen were elected by their fellow employees at the Maritime Administration ' s Suisun Bay, Calif. faci Ii ty. There are 84 National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) vessels stationed at Suisun Bay, which is in the northern inland region of the San Francisco Bay area. Represented by the SIU, these workers maintain the NDRF ships, dehumidifying interior spaces and applying anticorrosion measures to their hulls, among other duties. (The 303-ship NDRF helps ensure that the United States has sufficient sealift capacity in times of national emergency.) Three-Day Session At the November 10-12 training· session, Ortiz and Kemplen were joined by SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler in classes on the responsibilities of a steward, the various types of grievances, and investigation procedures when a potential grievance is involved. The group conducted an indepth discussion on the right of an employee to have a union steward present when he or she is in an investigative interview with management that the employee believes could lead to disciplinary action. These rights, known as Weingarten rights, are afforded to workers represented by unions through a 1975 U.S. Supreme Court case by that name. Throughout the meeting, which was guided by SIU headquarters staff, the stewards reviewed the collective bargaining agreement in place between their employer and the SIU. Additionally, the stewards studied government personnel procedures and Federal Labor Relations Authority guidelines in conducting labor/management matters. "When a steward meets with management about a work-related problem of a fellow employee, they meet as equals. That's what union representation is all about. This seminar brought that home," commented Wheeler at the end of the conference. "This kind of training gives our stewards the tools they need to do the best possible job representing their fellow workers." John Sturdivant Passes Awayj Headed Federal Workers' Union ~1i~r~~~ ~t!~§:f~:h¥~~li~~1} r ,,,, October 28. He was 59 years old. ;d[W' · Sturdiva~t had ~erved as the head of ~#f@!i>=··.{i.:='·· ":=t. AFGE, which mamly represents federal MWF\ workers, since 1988. He was a leader in the ffW:='='".. fight to reform the Hatch Act, a federal Jaw that barred political activity of any kind by federal employees. John Sturdivant SIU President Michael Sacco, who served with Sturdivant on the AFL-CIO executive council, called him "a man truly dedicated to his members. Especially in this era of downsizing government, John Sturdivant voiced the concerns of federal workers and fought for them." Also expressing his admiration was AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, who said, "He protected the lives and fortunes of federal workers and the integrity of government aggressively at a time of tremendous challenge and frequent attack, applying his trademark wit and principle. We will miss his wise counsel." An AFGE member for more than 30 years, Sturdivant rose through the ranks of Local 1754 in Winchester, Va., serving as its president from 1968 to 1976. The Philadelphia native was very active in the campaign to register black voters while living in Virginia. For six years beginning in 1976, he held several positions at the union's national office before being elected executive vice president in 1982. Filling the remaining three years of Sturdivant' s term at AFGE is Bobby L. Harnage, who had been the union's national secretarytreasurer. Seafarers LOG 7 �• New SIU RO/RO Shines 1n Bright Star The SIU-crewed USNS Gilliland, one of five newly converted roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) prepositioning ships, loaded its first cargo in Savannah, Ga. in early September and set sail for Egypt to participate in "Bright Star," an annual military transportation exercise. The Gilliland was converted to U.S. standards in May at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. The Gilliland and her sister ships, the USNS Shughart, USNS Yano, USNS Gordon, and USNS Soderman, are operated by Bay Ship Management for the Military Sealift Command (MSC). Seafarers boarded the Gilliland, a former Danish containership, on September 4 when it docked in Savannah. More than 650 Army vehicles and containers were loaded aboard the RO/RO for use in Bright Star, an exercise designed to allow U.S. armed forces to train with their Middle Eastern allies. "It is a beautiful ship," stated Assistant Cook/Baker Angel Correa. "I was proud to have been part of the Gilliand's first crew." Other SIU-crewed vessels were also called on to transport military materiel from Savannah needed for use in Bright Star. The USNS Altair loaded 561 pieces of military equipment and the USNS Antares loaded 748 military vehicles. The Gilliland, Altair and Antares offloaded their cargoes and departed El Dikheila, Egypt by the end of September. The SIU-crewed USNS Denebola was assigned with transporting all of the equipment back to Savannah when Bright Star concluded in late November. According to Correa, the voyage to Egypt aboard the Gilliland went smoothly. "It was a lovely trip. The weather was good, the ship was great and the crew was happy," he recalled. The Gilliland then sailed to Beaumont, Texas to prepare for its prepositioning duties scheduled to begin in the Persian Gulf in February. Kilauea Hailed as Top Navy Ship by NDTA The SIU-crewed USNS Kilauea recently was named the top Navy transportation unit by the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA). The NDTA is the nation's largest and oldest organization focused on military logistics and the movement of defonse cargo. The award was presented to Captain Mariners Eligible for VFW Membership The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recently voted .to atlow U.S. merchant marine veterans of world Wa( II to apply for membership in their organization. The amendment to the VFW bylaws states that a mariner may join the VFW if he "... served honorably beyond the United States territorial limits for 30 consec~ utive days or 60 nonconsecutive days with honorable dis~ cflarges .of .PP?1.~ form,s. from 7 December 1941 to 2 March 1946~· >< . . :.· . •.• · ... • J~ lj.~~ .fo~foi-!~n!ci)~riry~·rs 'who sailed during wortd war llfrgm. Q~~~mber7.194;1 to AUgust 15, 1945 are recognized by the government as veterans. Jeff Cook, the master of the Kilauea, by Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The Kilauea was recognized for being the only permanently forward-deployed ammunition ship in the world and the only ordnance platform in the MSC fleet. The vessel and her crew were praised for having moved nearly 25,000 pallets of materiel in 1996 without expenencmg a single problem. The Kilauea provided support to military forces in Yokosuka, Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan; Chinhae, South Korea; Darwin, Australia; and Guam as well as to the carrier battle groups of USS Kitty Hawk and USS Constellation and U.S. Marine amphibious forces. The Kilauea was also highlighted for providing support for an environmental impact survey of Farallon de Medinilla in Southeast Asia and its joint rescue mission with the SIU-crewed cable repair ship USNS Zeus. (See AOTOS story, page 4.) Monthly Meetings Keep Members Informed Monthly membership meetings are held in each SIU haII around the country. The monthly meetings keep members abreast of news from within the Brotherhood of the Sea as well as from the maritime industry as a whole. Everything from information on contract talks to upcoming legislation in Congress to promoting union solidarity to just about any other issue of importance to the rank-and-file membership and union officials is brought up at these membership meetings. Below is the schedule of meetings for 1998. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. SIU Mourns Passing of Selzer, Jones, Hall Sidney Selzer Sidney Selzer, a longtime employee of the SIU, passed away September 4, at age 85. Selzer sailed with the Seafarers before coming ashore to work for the union in 1951. He helped start and operate the Sea Chest at the SIU's New York hall. He also took part in many of the union's early beefs. During the 1970s, he worked as the SIU's purchasing agent. He retired in 1982. Family members recalled Selzer as being well-liked by the SIU membership and a dedicated employee. Leroy Jones • • • Clarence "Leroy" Jones, former Seafarer and St. Louis port agent for the Inland Boatmen's Union (IBU), passed away August 19. He was 68. Jones joined the SIU in 1947 in Mobile, Ala. and subsequently participated in numerous organizing drives, including the successful campaigns at Isthmian Lines and Cities Service. He continued sailing with the SIU and IBU and remained very active in other organizing drives throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, then became the IBU's St. Louis port agent in 1972. Injuries from an odd accident forced Jones into early retirement in 1976. He sustained near-fatal wounds in November 1973 when a speeding car went out of control and crashed through the storefronttype window of the IBU hall in St. Louis. The vehicle struck Jones and several other people. Jones spent four months bedridden in a hospital, then underwent four months of physical therapy. He returned to work despite not making a full recovery, but eventually received doctor's orders to retire . • • • Pete Hall Pete Hall, youngest brother of the late SIU President Paul Hall, passed away August 18. He was 81. From 1973 to 1976, Pete Hall served as secretary-treasurer of the Retail Clerks International Union, which merged with the Amalgamated Meat Cutters in 1979 to form the United Food and Commercial Wmkers (UFCW). He also served as the Retail Clerks' director of organizing from 1968 to 1973. Prior to that, Hall spent 20 years as an organizer in the southern United States. "During those years, southern towns had laws preventing distribution of union literature and requiring union representatives to register with the police and post thousands of dollars before they could even speak with workers," noted the UFCW in its obituary of Hall. "Under Hall's leadership, the Retail Clerks developed innovative organizing and bargaining techniques that enabled the union to record significant growth." Hall retired to Tampa, Fla. in 1976. Membership Meetings in 1998 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 5 2 2 6 4 8 6 3 8* 5 2 7 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 6 3 3 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 3 8 Wednesday after first Sunday 7 4 4 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 4 9 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 12 10 7 11 9 6 11 Houston Monday after second Sunday 12 9 9 13 11 15 13 10 14 12 9 14 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 13 10 10 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 10 15 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 12* 16 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 12* 16 Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 18 16 13 17 12 17 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 19 17 14 18 15 16 13 18 HonoltJfu Friday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 19 17 14 18 16 13 18 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 20* 17* 16 20 18 22 20 18* 21 19 16 21 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 20 17 17 21 19 23 21 18 22 20 17 22 Wednesday after third Sunday 21 18 18 22 20 24 22 19 23 21 18 23 Friday after third Sunday 23 20 20 24 22 26 24 21 25 23 20 28* Phlladelpllia San Francisco Jersey City Tacoma September October November December *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday; Mobile and Duluth changes created by Veterans Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday, Presidents' Day and Paul Hall birthday holidays; Tacoma change created by Christmas Day holiday. B Seafarers LOG December 1997 �Teamwork Ensures USNS Bellatrix Meets Scheduled Departure 'You'll See, We'll Sail' With just hours to go before departure, most observers believed the USNS Bellatrix would not sail because a 14-ton door dangling from a solitary hinge could not be sealed in time. Having discharged NATO cargo in Bremerhaven, Germany that would then be sent by rail to Allied military forces in Bosnia, the fast sealift ship's crew was ready to head home. Apparently damaged during offloading operations, the B deck door "almost landed on deck," said Bosun James L. Deano Jr. "One hinge pin had fallen out so when the door fell over, it tore the bottom hinge in half." Once discovered, "all hands aboard from the deck and engine departments assembled. We held a quick 30-minute conference to decide which way to go," explained Deano. "We used the hydraulics of the door which were not damaged and a forklift and a whole lot of brute force," the SIU bosun added. After the door was in place, the crew welded it to ensure it would stay watertight for the Atlantic crossing. 'Major Feat!' "I was impressed because everyone jumped in," said Captain Richard P. Martucci. "To get that door closed was a major feat! Nobody believed it would happen. But the crew did it!" Beating the odds and getting the watertight door secured was just one of the unforgettable experiences of the August 20 to September 17 trip that began in New Orleans, where the USNS Bellatrix is docked. But some of the memories come from more personal incidents during the three days cargo was unloaded in Bremerhaven, a northern port city along the North Sea. Extraordinary Edibles DEU Louis Nickerson assists with operations on deck while the ship is en route to Germany. , DEU Louis Nickerson said, "It was my first time in Germany. The food was kind of different. I had bratwurst and schnitzel. That was an experience!" Pleased that their voyage is a success are (from left) Electrician Gabrial Arhin, DEU Louis Nickerson and Wiper Ron Schexnayder. Another culinary episode was remembered by Chief Cook Oren C. Parker. "A highlight of the trip for me was the fresh fish that we got from deep sea pilot Brian Waters from Brixham, England. It was North Atlantic flounder, which is a little different from American flounder. I broiled it and served it with a sauce of lemon, butter and a little garlic. It was delicious!" For Gabrial Arhin, the chief electrician, it was working with the German telephones that left an impression. "Their phone system is different from ours so I had to wire phone lines from shore--one to the captain's bridge and one to the gangway." "It was interesting to do this kind of work, I really enjoyed the challenge," Arhin said. Rocking and Rolling A few days of turbulent weather also left their mark on the crew. AB Bob English recalled three rough days. "On our way back, we were empty. So when we caught the edge of Hurricane Erica, the ship had a tendency to roll. It was hard to sleep." For OS Antonio Santos, the agitated seas meant opportunity. "This was my first trip with the SIU. I learned a lot, especially because I got some experience steering in rough weather. So I really enjoyed the trip." AB Jesse J. Greer Jr. appreciated the vessel. Noting it was a pleasure to sail on the USNS Bellatrix, he said, "The twin screw vessel carried us safely from New Orleans to Beaumont, Texas where we loaded cargo, across the Atlantic, in the English Channel, through the Weser River, through the lowlands and through the docks and back to New Orleans." "And she sustained high speed both ways!" Greer exclaimed. In all, "it was a good trip," summed up GSU Eduardo A. Gonzales. Right: Enjoying a short break after finishing a lifeboat drill are (from left) GSU Charles Bibbs, Electrician Gabrial Arhin and DEU Louis Nickerson. Bosun James Deano says the Bellatrix crew used hydraulics, a forklift and muscle power to put the damaged B deck door back in place. December 1997 Taking pride in ensuring that the Bellatrix is a "good feeder" are (from left) Chief Cook Oren Parker, Chief Steward Carlos Rosales and GSU Eduardo Gonzales. Seafarers LOG 9 �...........~......---------.....------- ~--------- -- - - - -- Icebrea.king Procedures - Part II Henry Gamp Writes About Dealing With Heavy Ice in the Chesapeake Bay Editor's note: A member of the SIU since 1974, Henry Camp currently sails as a chief mate aboard the Penn Maritime ATB Lucia/Caribbean_ it was during his 13-year tenure as a tugboat captain and shipdocking pilot that he was called on to help keep icy channels leading to and from Baltimore Harbor open to shipping and barge traffic_ In last month 's LOG, he discussed the fundamentals of ice breaking This article is the conclusion_ (Nearly 20 years ago, the U.S. Coast Guard published the entire piece because of its potential practicality.) A vessel drawing I 0 feet bound for Baltimore from the C&D Canal may feel she can avoid heavy ice at Tolchester by taking Pools Island Flats. But if she misjudges and becomes ice bound, she is in serious difficulty. Not only is she stuck where other vessels may not be able to reach her, but if she is pushed over a shoal-and there are many shoals on each side of the flat - he is in peril of being capsized. These types of risks certainly do not justify any savings in time. Take into account your limitations as well as those of your vessel. Do not permit your enthusiasm to outweigh obvious danger; allow margin for error. Stranded Ships As you approach the icebound vessel, try to get an idea on which side the ice is heaviest, how the ship lies in relation to the channel and the course to be made good once the vessel is freed. Then prepare a general plan of action, as you will be quite busy once you begin breaking ice around the vessel, and all your concentration will be needed for your boat handling. Approach the vessel on whichever side appears to have the weakest ice. Experience can help greatly in making this determination. Different types of ice may be weakest at different times of the day or night. If another vessel has successfu 11 y traversed the channel by your stranded vessel in the nottoo-distant past, this would be the side on which to make your initial pass. However, if it has been quite some time, say an hour or more since a vessel has passed by, this may not be the side to begin with. The ice may have compacted more, and if it has had enough time to refreeze may, in fact, be stronger than the unbroken ice next to it. Constant breaking and refreezing can make very heavy and strong ice. Ice quite passable in daylight hours, because of sunlight and warmer temperatures, becomes tremendously hard after the sun sets as it compacts and freezes solid. The virgin ice next to it, which was the more difficult to break during the day, is now the easier to maneuver through. Having decided on which side 10 Seafarers LOG you will make your first pass, call the pilot of the vessel on your radio. Tell him which side you propose to come down, and instruct him to work the ship full ahead when you arrive abeam of his ship to take advantage of any pressure against his hull you might release. In the meantime, he can also help by shifting his rudder from hard right to hard left and so forth, allowing the ship to swing to the maximum arc the ice will permit each time. He can also have the master trim the vessel as deep aft as possible and as light forward as practical, and perhaps shift ballast side to ide, if it can be easily accomplished. Make passes up and down the side of the ship until the ice is broken. A systematic routine of running a pattern up and down and ahead of the vessel is required. As you run circles around the vessel, the tug will move easier the second , third, fourth pass, etc. Rather than make erratic passes, say I 00 feet apart once you have initially broken the ice, move over 20 feet to 30 feet and expand the path you already have. This way you are not continually breaking hard ice but instead slicing off a small ledge and allowing the tug to run freer. When running toward the ship's bow, run out some distance ahead so that if the vessel begins to move, then you may do a Williamson Turn. That way you will be heading more directly for the stranded vessel, as your tug will not make the sharp turn you are accustomed to her making in ice-free water. When making your passes down a ship's side, it is not necessary to run as close as possible to her; in fact, it can be quite dangerous to do so. Fifty feet off is a good minimum distance. If the ice suddenly cracks toward the ship, you will have enough time to throw your rudder away from her or stop your tug before she follows the crack to the ship and strikes her. As you run up and down along the vessel 's hull, you may be stopped in the vicinity of where the midbody ends and the bow begins to cut away. The force of the vessel working full ahead against the ice creates a greater pressure at this point than at the other parts of the ship's hull. When this occurs, throw your rudder side to side to rock the tug. If she remains stuck, you must back your tug up (be sure to have rudder amidship ), get a running start and batter your way through the ice jam . When this fails, the ship must stop working ahead to release the pressure she is transmitting to the tug via the ice until the tug breaks out of the ice jam. In general, breaking ice in this manner around a ship will free her. One word of caution : if the vessel does begin to move, do not break a path directly in front of her, because if the tug becomes stuck or your plant overheats, you will have no place to go. Pilots who have been stuck in ice are anxious to get underway again and are reluctant to stop when they are moving simply because you are out ahead of them. It is far safer to run out ahead but off to one side or the other. You will be relieving the pressure and, if you should stop, the ship can sail by you without anyone having a collision or scare. If the vessel is making better time than you, once she is moving, follow astern in her broken water but not so close that if she stops you can't avoid hitting her. In the event the above procedures do not free the vessel, have the vessel stop her engines. Break up the ice in front of her, have the vessel back up some distance, then have the vessel come full ahead. The momentum of the ship often will be sufficient to keep her moving. The ice field may have been heavier at this point than the surrounding ice; once past it, your ship will :....__ - - 1 ~- ".fl: pick up some speed and keep moving. If she stops, repeat these maneuvers again. More probably than not, you will make some headway, be stopped by the ice and have to start all over again. Once you are moving again, let the pilot know if the ice is weakest on his port or starboard side. He will have a tendency to stay on the centerline of the channel, no matter what. However, this is the time to move side to side in the channel and take advantage of any open or thin spots, as Jong as you can keep adequate water under your keel and are not meeting, crossing or overtaking other vessels. If another vessel with more horsepower has recently passed by, fall into her track as long as it hasn't been carried outside the channel. Whenever possible, avoid that 4- or 5-foot deep ridge where the pack ice has been hummocked and piled up against the fast ice. Stranded Tows Generally speaking, the methods employed to free ships locked in ice-clogged waters apply equally well for extricating barge tows. A tow is comprised of one or two tugboats pushing or pulling one or more barges. Therefore, it is necessary to point out how this and other diversities will alter the plan of action when breaking out ice-bound tows, as opposed to ships. For the purpose of this discussion, a tow will be composed of one towing vessel and one barge. Most tugboats operating in the Chesapeake Bay have a power range of 700 to 4,000 horsepower (hp). Ships, on the other hand, range from 4,000 to upwards of 60,000 hp. From this, it is easy to see that the lower powered tugboat which, in addition to itself, is towing a barge perhaps 300 feet long and 40 to 60 feet wide, will jam in much less severe ice conditions than most ships. The draft of most tugboats and their lows rarely exceeds I 6 feet. Ships may draw from 15 feet upwards to 40 feet. This enables tows to navigate outside the improved channels in many instances. Consequently, they can take advantage of thin ice coverage or perhaps clear water where a ship constrained by a deeper draft could not do so. However, this lighter draft is a hinderance in heavy ice as the deeper laden the vessel, the more apt she is to continue moving. A shjp has a pointed bow which it drives into the ice, cutting it as a knife and allowing the ice to flow down along the vessel's hull. A barge, on the other hand, has a square blunt bow which does not enter ice well. The barge being pulled or driven into the ice field pushes another field of ice before her as it cannot escape down her sides. Barges towed in ice should be either pulled on a hawser or pushed ahead using wire pushing cables. Towing with the barge alongside has numerous drawbacks and should be avoided. These include added drag, less rudder power, continual set to whichever side the barge is made fast on and ice jamming between tug and tow. Make passes around the tow, breaking up the ice in the same manner you do to free ships. When you no longer are making acceptatJle progress, begin breaking ice around the tow once more. Have the tugboat operator swing his unit from hard right to hard left to free the ice from the barge's sides. Have him back up and then come ahead full, repeating this over and over until he is making headway. After the ice is broken and not offering your tug much resistance, position your tug ahead of and slightly off the port or starboard bow of the barge. Keep your tug in such a position that your wake just misses the barge's bow and flows down her side, washing with it some of the ice which the barge is carrying out ahead of her. If you begin to outdistance the barge, you must slow down or stop until the tow catches up to you. As long as headway can be made in this manner, continue to do so. Keep a constant check on the barge behind you so you are not run over. Also keep in mind that your boat will need some time to pick up headway after slowing or stopping, and the tow already has headway. Therefore, any time you stop, place your throttle back into idle. The ice will act as a brake and, importantly for you, it won't be necessary to wait precious seconds for your clutch to engage while the barge is overriding your stern. The other method to use when towing in ice is to put a hawser on the tow and pull it. A wire bridle leading from both corners of the barge shackled to the tug's hawser would be the proper towing gear to use. The towing vessel will have an area of clear water from 20 to l 00 feet astern, depending on the thickness of the ice. The hawser length should not exceed this area of free water, as this wash helps to disperse the ice forward of the barge. It must be borne in mind that if the tug stops, the tow can override the tug, ramming her in the stern . Usually, when the ice is heavy enough to stop the tug, it likewise stops the barge. Nevertheless, deep-loaded barges have been known to come up on their tugs before. If you find yourself in this predicament, work ahead full, throwing your rudder side to side to free yourself, and hope your wash hitting the barge will stop or deflect her. The towing vessel can help herself by see-sawing from one side to the other, allowing the barge to pivot, thus helping free the ice from the barge's sides and allowing her wash to shove some of the ice out from the bow of the barge. Barge Convoys When ice conditions become severe, it is desirable to form convoys for barge tows bound from Baltimore through the C&D Canal and from the canal to Baltimore and other Bay ports. This allows the Coast Guard and other privately operated icebreaking services to pool their men and equipment to effectively keep traffic moving and not run helter-skelter around the Bay to free a dozen ice-locked tows in a dozen different locations. The usual procedure is to have an eastbound convoy leave Baltimore on the first day. Convoys are formed at North Point or Swan Point and escorted throught the C&D Canal to Reedy Point. Here the convoy disperses and the escorting vessels lay over for the night. The following morning they organize a westbound convoy bound for Baltimore. This convoy usually will form off Pea Patch Island, then enter the C&D Canal. When conditions permit, the convoy will disband upon reaching North Point. Sometimes tows will be escorted to the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Convoys will transit in this manner-one day east, next day west-until the captain of the port feels the need no longer exists. The nightly layover in port is quite essential for the crews of all vessels involved in breaking ice, as they are afforded very little sleep during the day with the tug bouncing, crunching and ramming the ice. The convoy is organized with the most powerful tugs and their tows placed first in line (in order of horsepower) down to the ~~ ­ ~-', ~ ~f, ~~~:>·. ~- • ,""' ·_. _..- ,.._.r·.-.-- smallest tug and tow last. Tugs with less than 1,000 hp are barred from these convoys as they are too underpowered to run in ice. If the lower-powered tows were to lead the convoy, then every time they stopped, all progress would be halted until they were freed. However, by being astern of higher-powered tows, the ice is broken when they reach it. If they stop in spite of this, one or two icebreaking vessels can assist the jammed tows while the rest of the convoy sails on. The escorting vessels essentially break ice and assist in the same ways previously stated for freeing individual tows. Tows sailing in convoy usually are made up using pushing gear. They are lined up close together so the wash from the first tow helps clear the ice from the second barge's bow, etc., down to the last tow. By keeping the tows close together, it is often necessary to break ice only for the lead tow. Under severe conditions, tugs may put out Continued on page 25 December 1997 �.. \1 -"· . .... Waiting for the Saturday morning sign-on aboard the S.S. Independence are Waiter William Kellum (left) and Porter Noel Balaguer. A native of Mobile, Ala., GU Wheeler Washington is ready for duty aboard the passenger cruise ship. Looking forward to the next island excursion are Cook Pati Taototo (left) and Second Cook Albert Parks. Talented Indy Crew Provides #1 Service Bartender Laura Cila carries several different kinds of fruit native to the Hawaiian Islands. With a doff of the hat, Wiper Lorenzo NunezCacho begins his work aboard the S.S. Independence. r-~~.....,..~-----~- Eduardo "Fast Eddie" Cateil, who sails as a waiter, gives the "hang loose" sign. Guests say that the real pride of American Hawaii Cruises is not the S.S. Independence itself, but rather the talented and dedicated crew that keeps the 46-year-old vessel running smoothly and at the same time providing passengers with world-class service. Whether working out of sight or interacting with passengers, Seafarers aboard the Independence are dedicated to helping ensure that patrons enjoy their shipboard experience. ''The passengers genuinely rave about the service aboard the Independence," observed Neil Dietz, SIU port agent in Honolulu. "Many of them naturally aren't aware of all the behind-thescenes work that is involved in keeping the ship running. But they appreciate the fact that they have a good time throughout the cruise." During the Independence's week-long excursions among the Hawaiian Islands, attention to details by the crewmembers helps passengers enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Feedback from the guests confirms that the onboard experience is memorable for vacationers as they delight in award-winning entertainment and cultural enrichment, regional Hawaiian cuisine and exciting jaunts ashore at the five ports of call. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner For three hours each evening, the SIU galley and dining room staffs orchestrate the day's main meal. Seafarers provide dinner service for more than 1,000 passengers during that time. They offer a full menu, and passengers routinely compliment the apparent skill and effort required to arrange the two Always smiling, Oiler Denny dinner seatings each evening. High praise also goes to the "invisible" crewmembers (GUs, por- Kairupan takes a break in the ters, maintenance workers and engine and deck department members) crew mess aboard the S.S. Independence. who keep the systems functioning and the passenger areas sparkling. Above, GU Corinthus Thomas Although it can be challenging to keep the U.S.-flag liner on par (left) and QMED Cresente with some of the newer foreign-flag competitors, SIU members meet Gumanas pose for a photo. and exceed that challenge daily, according to Independence passengers. l asLeft,a GU Musa Mosed is ready to begin his daily shipboard routine aboard the S.S. Independence. December 1997 Seafarers LOG 11 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. S eventeen Seafarers are announcing their retirements this month. Among this group are two recertified stewards-Jose ''Pepe" Bayani and Radames M. Cosme, who are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward department at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified stewards, 14 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, two navigated the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of December's pensioners. DEEP SEA RUBEN AGUILAR, 64, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1967 and joined the MC&S, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A native of Texas, he last sailed as a chief steward aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Aguilar has retired to Las Vegas. HOWARD C. ALBERSON, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Fairland, Service, Inc. A native of New York, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Long Lines, a Transoceanic Cable Ships vessel. Brother Alberson makes his home in San Francisco. ROBERTG. ALVISO, 64, started his career with the MC&S in 1964 in the port of San Francisco, before that = = = = = = = union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The California native attended the MC&S training school and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Alviso calls Santa Rosa, Calif. home. JOSE "PEPE" BAYANI, 71, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1978 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Bayani sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1987. He signed off the Sea-Land Innovator, operated SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FDR SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Plan, ElN 13-6100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996. The annual report has been flied with the Internal Revenue Servtce, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $35,789,705. These expenses included $4,578,435 in administrative expenses and $31,211,270 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 23,757 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of tho plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $523,998,670 as of December 31, 1996, compared to $523,675,324 as of January 1, 1996. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in Its net assets of $323,346. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total rncome of $36, 113,051, includlng employer contributions of $4,934,720, realized losses of $1,233,534 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $31,094.820 Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep 1t funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ER1SA Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets hefd for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board ofTrustees, Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 .Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.1 O for the full annual report, or 30 cents for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompa· nying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanyin~ notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report The char~e to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are iumlshed without charge. You atso have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees, Seafarers Pension Trust. 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MO 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (OOL) in washingtoo, D.C.1 or to ob1ain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Pubfic Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 12 Seafarers LOG by Sea-Land Service, Inc. Born in the Philippines, he makes his home in San Jose, Calif. BENITOM. BIANCHINI, 67, joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of California, he sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Bianchini has retired to San Mateo, Calif. RUBENL. BORDNER, 55 , began sailing with the MC&S in 1968 from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in the Philippines, he last sailed aboard the President Eisenhower, operated by American President Lines. Brother Bordner makes his home in South San Francisco. MICHAELJ. CARLIN, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Carlin was an SIU scholarship winner in 1958 and obtained his master's degree in economics in 1961 from New York University. In the early 1960s, he served as an SIU official. He later returned to sea, last sailing aboard vessels operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. Brother Carlin has retired to Ship Bottom, N .J. RADAMESM. COSME, 58, started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. Sailing in the steward department, he frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification pro- gram there in 1994. A native of Puerto Rico, his first ship was the Joplin Victory, and in 1995 he signed off the San Juan, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. Brother Cosme calls Guaynabo, P.R. home. WILLIEE. DILLON, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1977. A native of Virginia, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Ambassador, operated by Crowley American Transport. Brother Dillon has retired to St. Petersburg, Fla. BENNIE DRUMGOOLE, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1968. Born in Arkansas he sailed as a member of the engine department. During the years 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Drumgoole signed off the Sea-Land Consumer, operated by SeaLand Service, Inc. He makes his home in Little Rock, Ark. JUANV. GUARIS, 56, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined '-------~ the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Chatham , a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Guaris last sailed aboard the Shining Star. He has retired to Carolina, P.R. MIGUEL ''MICHAEL" HIDALGO, 63, joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The California native signed on the President Cleveland and last sailed aboard the Cape Giradeau, both operated by American President Lines. Brother Hidalgo calls Daly City, Calif. home. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. HARRY E. JONES JR. , 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Evelyn, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. Born in Tennessee, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. Brother Jones makes his home in Randallstown, Md. HAROLDG. PITTILLO, 65, joined the MC&S in 1960, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Pittillo upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Manukai, operated by Matson Navigation. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Air Force. INLAND JAMES M. GLYNN, 72, began sailing with the SIU in 1978 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Illinois, he sailed as a chief engineer, primarily aboard Crowley Marine Service vessels. Boatman Glynn makes his home in Carlsbad, Calif. GENE C. PARKER, 57, first sailed from the port of Norfolk, Va. Starting out in the deck department, he later transferred to the engine department. Boatman Parker signed off the Tl. Sheridan, a Sheridan Transportation vessel. He has retired to Leland, N.C. GREAT LAKES PAULE.SHA , 65 , started his career with the Seafarers in 1966. A native of Minnesota, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Sha last sailed aboard the St. Clair in 1991. He makes his home in Moorhead, Minn. Burial Service at ·Sea for Charter Member George Alexander Following funeral services on the stern of the /TB Jacksonville on July 29, 1997, the ashes of 100-year-old Brother George Alexander were spread upon the seas in the direction of his native Dominica in the British West Indies. The place was marked with a wreath of flowers and three long blasts from the ship's whistle. Captain R. Fitzgerald led the ship's officers and crewmembers in the burial ceremony. Brother Alexander was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1938. He sailed aboard SIU-contracted vessels in the steward department. Brother Alexander's last assignment, before retiring on April 1, 1970, was as port steward for Calmar Lines. He served his country in both World War I and World War II, carrying supplies and ammunition aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels to our troops overseas. Until his death on March 23, 1997, Alexander still visited the SIU hall in Brooklyn at least once a week. December 1997 �l \ij rNJ II)) [C: IL» [E [K\ ~ ~~]~OOfL ·~ \ij If lPIUEI11lE~~rir This handy version of the Lundeberg School's ata/og is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. 1qqg The Paul Hall Center extensively has revamped its curriculum to help Seafarers comply with regulations stemming from the 1995 STCW amendments. The school also is issuing training records books {left) to help enable members to document their training and certification. As always, the center's Lundeberg School emphasizes hands-on experience, as shown in the damage control (above) and wire splicing {below) courses. ·- --·-·--- -·-··-·---1 i 5 srcuf 1 i i i- ·- · --·-·--.....,.-·-·- ·--·-·~··-·· .. seatime on vessels of unlimited tonnage. Special areas of skills development include This six-week course leads to endorsement as general shiphandling and helmsmanship, river an able seaman (AB). It consists of hands-on train- and channel transits, entering and departing varing and classroom work covering deck seaman- ious ports, coastal navigation, U.S. Navy-related ship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, operations such as convoy and underway replenhelmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, firefight- . ishment, hawser towing, pushboat towing and ing, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring emergency shiphandling. and mooring, and aids to navigation. Students must have a valid radar certificate to Students must have a lifeboat endorsement enroll. in order to take the AB course. Students completing the AB course must attend the •!• Radar Observer/Unlimited Government Vessels course immediately afterThe eight-day radar observer/ unlimited class ward. (This course is limited to 25 students maxi- leads to a radar observer endorsement that is mum.) good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the course •:• Lifeboat/Water Survival features hands-on training and classroom work, Students in this two-week course can earn including radar theory, observation, operation lifeboat certification at the end of the class. and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced Featuring a mix of practical training and class- radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigaroom instruction, the course covers emergency tional exercise. drills, lifeboat construction, lifeboat launching Students operate modern audio-visual and and recovery, life raft construction, life raft radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphanlaunching and maintenance, and use of all dling simulator, as they practice controlling and lifeboat and life raft equipment. maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely Additionally, students learn practical survival guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of methods and the use of emergency radio and dis- other vessels. Also included are practical exercises tress signals. and lectures covering inland waterway and river A minimum of three hours per day is spent navigation and piloting. outdoors in lifeboats conducting practical exercises such as rowing/ coxswain training and davit •!• Third Mate Upgraders in the third mate course will study operations. (This course is limited to 25 students all subject areas found on the U.S. Coast Guard maximum.) license exam for third mate. The 14-week curricu•!• Celestial Navigation lum includes instruction in all areas of terrestrial The six-week course covers the areas of celes- and celestial navigation, deck seamanship, rules tial navigation required for licensing as a second of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo or third mate unlimited and for all limited licens- handling, federal regulations, watchkeeping, ship es. Students are instructed in latitude observa- maneuvering, construction and stability. tions by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars and planets, compass error by amplitutde •!• ARPA-Automatic Radar Plotting Aids This course of instruction incorporates the use and azumuth, star identificaiton, and care and use of ARP A simulation equipment to operate, of the sextant. observe and utilize the radar plotting aids. •:• Bridge Management Students will gain an understanding of the limitaThe U.S. Coast Guard-approved shiphandling tions of the aids as well as their performance facsimulator course provides realistic bridge watch- tors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and will gain standing training for deck personnel aboard both a knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, deep sea and inland vessels. operational warnings and target acquisition. Successful completion of this two-week course Students must have completed the Radar is accepted as Coast Guard credit for 60 days of Observer course in order to enroll in this class. •!• Able Seaman December 1997 Demonstrating perhaps the most comprehensive example of how the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (l.ocated in Piney Point, Md.) meets the industry's constantly changing needs, the facility in 1998 will offer a significantly updated curriculum. With many provisions of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) taking effect beginning in 1997 and continuing through the end of the phase-in period in 2002, the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship has established classes for Seafarers sailing the deck, engine and steward departments that will enable them to fully comply with STCW There is consensus throughout the United States-flag maritime industry that the STCW amendments during the next few years will have an enormous impact on American merchant mariners. As its name indicates, the updated convention largely applies,to schooling and documentation requirements. The resultant changes in irj.ternational as well as domestic maritime laws already have placed new mandates on shipboard personnel, with many more to follow. Mindful of these modifications, the Paul Hall Center has added new courses, restructured existing classes, and earned self-certification status from the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that deep sea, inland and Great Lakes members return to their vessels with the most up-to-date information. During 1997, the school helped develop the first U.S. Coast Guardaccepted training record book (TRB), a document intended for distribution to all SIU members. It primarily was produced to help standardize proof of documentation for port state control under both the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the STCW convention and amendments. Widely hailed by Seafarers who received their respective TRBs in 1997, the pocket-size book contains sections for listing a mariner's training as well as his or her demonstrations of various shipboard competencies. Along with the book itself, the school also created a secure system for issuing and updating the TRBs. Altogetherr these factors indicate that the Paul Hall Center, which celebrated its 3otn anniversary in 1997, will continue growing in importance to the careers of Seafarers. Throughout these four pages, SIU members can get an overview of what courses the Lundeberg School offers and can plan for their educational needs in the upcoming year by using the schedule of classes. However, members should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should refer to the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date listing of classes. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days' sea time in the previous year, one day of sea time in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. (fhe Coast Guard is testing for fewer ratings these days, as such responsibility shifts to the training schools. However, the agency still administers some exams.) Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or call (301) 9940010. •!• Unlicensed Apprentice Courses Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation class and a 20-hour galley familiarization class. After students complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program, those who choose to sail in the steward department will return to the school for a four-week galley operations class. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules. •!• Galley Operations Members must have 240 days' sea time to emoll after completing the unlicensed apprentice program. Non-graduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consists of two, twoweek modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includes 35 hours, with additional time participating in the school's galley operations. •!• Certified Chief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing galley operations to emoll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to emoll at the start of any module. •!• Advanced Galley Operations Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consists of four one-week modules. (for a total of four weeks). •!• Chief Steward Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to emoll. This is a 12-week class. Seafarers LOG 13 �•!• Marine Electrical Maintenance I Marine electrical maintenance is one of many courses offered in the engine department curriculum at the Lundeberg School. This class provides basic and specialized skills for shipboard electricians. Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, you must have successfully completed Marine Electrical Maintenance I (MEM I) and Refrigeratian System Maintenance and Operations. Mandatory courses ll1E MEM I, Power Plant Maintenance and Diesel Technology. •:• Areman/Watertender and Oiler This year, SHISS offers a four-week FOWT test preparation course leading to the endorsement as fireman/watertender and oiler. Topics covered include the parts of a boiler, engineroom equipment, engineroom procedures, operating auxiliary equipment, watchstandin~ starting and securing main engines, steam and water cycle, fuel oil and lube oil systems, diesel engines, refrigeration systems and auxiliary machinery. The class prepares students for U.S. Coast Guard general safety, oiler and fireman/ watertender tests. Students completing the FOWT course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. •!• QMED-Any Rating The curriculum for certification and endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)-Any Rating consists of a 12-week course leading to the following ratings: pumpman, refrigeration engineer, electrician, machinist, deck engineer and junior engineer. The course of instruction prepares the student to test for the U.S. Coast Guard exams in each of these ratings and includes classroom and practical training. QMED Classification Steps 4th Class QMED - SHLSS QMED-Any Rating certificate or USCG QMEDAny Rating 3rd Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing one mandatory and one or more elective courses 2nd Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing two mandatory and two or more elective courses 1st Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing all mandatory courses and three or more elective courses. No more than two engine department courses can be taken per stay at the school. Any member with an engineer's license will be classified as a 4 fh Class QMED. •:• Power Plant Maintenance The majority of this six-week course features hands-on training, covering a variety of topics. Some classroom work also is included. Subjects include pipefitting, thermal insulation, valve repair, pump repair/ overhaul, hydraulic system repair, drilling/ machine thread fabrication, use of various epoxies and similar compounds for emergency and temporary repairs, maintenance of power transmission equipment (such as flexible couplings), use of proper oils and greases for bearing maintenance and lubrication, reconditioning shell and tube heat exchangers, centrifugal lube oil/ fuel oil purifier maintenance, and removal of heavy equipment in the engineroom. Course entry requirement is QMED-Any Rating.A 14 Seafarers LOG The six-week course of instruction leading to certification in Marine Electrical Maintenance I consists of practical training and classroom instruction aimed at providing the basic skills required of shipboard electricians. The range of topics includes basic electrical theory, DC and AC circuits, electrical safety, electrical test equipment and troubleshooting, electrical protective and switching devices, electrical wiring diagrams and schematics, control and power circuits, batteries, AC generation and distribution equipment, transformers, lighting systems and fixtures, galley and miscellaneous heating equipment, singlespeed AC motors and across-the-line starters, and wiring techniques. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. •:• Marine Electrical Maintenance II Aimed at providing the more advanced skills required of the shipboard electrician, this six-week course features hands-on training and classroom instruction and leads to certification in Marine Electrical Maintenance II. Among the subjects covered are interpretation of the National Electrical Code, specialized electrical test equipment, advanced application of circuit protection and switching devices, relay logic, complex control circuits, DC and AC generators, voltage regulators, electrical distribution hardware, DC motors and controllers, AC motors and controllers, deck machinery, motor generator sets, converters, inverters and rectifiers, electric propulsion systems and interior communications systems. Also, the course will include an introduction to solid state electronic controls and their applications, and the general maintenance responsibilities of the electrician, as well as troubleshooting and repair. Course entry requirement is Milrine Electrical Maintenance I. •:• Diesel Engine Technology This four-week c;ourse, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists· of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries including intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and cooling systems, and fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. Course entry requirements are QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience. •!• Hydraulics The cur£iculum in the four-week hydraulics course blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships' steering systems, ramps, fire doors and a wide variety of other shipboard systems. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. Course entry requirement is QMED-Any Rating. •!• Basic Electronics Designed to help Seafarers develop an understanding of what goes on inside the electronic boxes found aboard ship, this four-week course covers principles of analog electronics, active devices and basic digital electronics. The student also will learn all aspects of circuit diagrams, and the instructor will work with each student individually to ensure a working knowledge of all shipboard electronic devices. •!• Marine Electronics Tech I The marine electronics technician program is a four-week course. Topics included in the course are AC and DC circuits, active and passive components, amplifiers, power supplies, antenna systems, satellite and radar systems, microprocessor control systems, digital control systems and systems troubleshooting. Course entry requirement is Basic Electronics. •!• Pumproom Maintenance Leading to certification in pumproom maintenance and operations, this four-week class includes hands-on training and classroom work. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. In order to take this class, students must already have taken the Tanker Assistant DL (formerly Tanker Operation/Safety) course (described on next page) and be certified as a QMED-Any Rating or hold endorsement as a pumpman. •!• Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations Now an elective, this six-week class blends practical and classroom instruction leading to certification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Standard service techniques are emphasized, such as the operaU. ., ~ _ bleshooting and maintenance of ships' stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers and ice machines. Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrig- eration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units also is presented. Students must be certified as QMED -Any Rating or have equivalent inland experience or hold Coast Guard endorsements as refrigeration engineer and electrician in order to enroll for this course. •!• Refrigerated Containers This four-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of both classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting.. as well as to acquaint them with specific maintenance procedures. Course entry requirements are Marine Electrical Maintenance I and the basic Refrigeration System course. •!• Welding Classroom instruction and on-the-job training comprise this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing.. welding and cutting. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. •:• Third Assistant Engineer The course of instruction leading to licensing as a third assistant engineer consists of classroom instruction in such topics as diesel propulsion plants, steam propulsion plants, engineering safety, _ _ .. U.a.J vv~ .~ T\d diesels, Water~ terns, electricity gentiating -~......... trical distribution and electrical dev 1u.. .;,. The 12-week course, which meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements for licensing, also includes steam turbines, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning and auxiliary systems. IHL~HD Dt~TllUttT CO~StS •!• Radar Observer/Inland This one-week radar observer class leads to a radar observer endorsement that is good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercises. Students operate modern audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland, waterway and river navigation and piloting. •!• Engineroom Familiarization Designed for prospective tugboat engineers, this two-week class provides instruction in the following areas: engineroom safety, engineering plant nomenclature, piping system hardware, a functional description of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated piping systems, plant operations and watchkeeping, and safe handling of fuels and oil spill prevention. •!• Engineroom Operations & Maintenance This course is designed for inland personnel with intermediate skills to prepare assistant engineers for all phases of engineroom operations and routine maintenance. Additionally, the twoweek curriculum prepares students to assume the duties of the chief engineer. •!• Engineroom Troubleshooting & Casualty Control This two-week course is an advanced skills program designed to upgrade the skills of the chief engineer for handling emergencies and non-routine operating conditions. •!• Tankerman (PIC) Barge This six-day course leads to the endorsement as tankerman (PIC) barge. The object of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills associated with tank barge operations and to supervise the safe and pollution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) •:• Limited License/License Prep Aimed at preparing students to test for any limited tonnage license, this eight-week course consists of classroom instruction in all areas of terrestrial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, first aid, CPR and firefighting. Students must have an AB endorsement and 540 days of seatime on an SIU-contracted vessel OR equivalent inland experience in order to take the limited license/license prep exam. December 1997 �All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as part of their regularly scheduled program. Government vessels course, physical fitness, first aid and CPR, industrial relations and firefighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. •!• Government Vessels Course As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry's needs, this three-week class is open to Seafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three oneweek, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) •!• Oil Spill Prevention and Containment Upon completion of the basic firefighting course, students receive a certificate of 9raduation from the Lundeberg School. The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. •!• General Education Program This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction include types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training, spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of absorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. •!• Hazmat Recertification Available for personnel who have ing, hearing, understanding and/ or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Gasses are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. •!• Basic Vocational Support Program The GED program is open to all members who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school has a long history of successfully assisting SIU members in passing the test. For many Seafarers, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the members with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. •!• Adult Basic Education •:• College Program The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T'ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Harry Lundeberg School, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgraders courses or may enroll in an extended A BE course offered throughout the year. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Members may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition, the school offers general education courses required for an associates degree. The school currently offers an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Tl!Chnology. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take ad vantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. •!• English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give Seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speak- December 1997 ~=.......--~.~~::;:;; ~. - ~ Cargo-handling and crane operations are covered in one week of the three-week government vessels course, open to Seafarers sailing in any department. completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) courses and who must be annually recertified, this · one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipment and new technology. •!• First Aid and CPR Students in this three-day class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. After successful completion of each phase of this course, students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. •!• Basic Firefighting The one-week basic firefighting course provides students with general knowledge of the chemistry of fire, firefighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized _certificate of graduation from the Lundeberg School. •!• Advanced Firefighting During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for firefighting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communications with crewmembers and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. ing members through the union's collective bargaining agreements. •!• General Physical Fitness The U.S. Coast Guard places certain physical requirements on all mariners. To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crewmembers, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, Nautilus or Universal weight trainin~ which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight. Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. •!• Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) This is a 15-day, U.S. Coast Guardapproved, Category l, couse. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characeristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. •:• LNG Familiarization This three-week course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG firefighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank Qevel indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pumps (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) ·:~ Industrial Relations While attending upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School, all SIU members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the rights of Seafarers as outlined by the SIU constitution. Students gain an understanding of the various laws and legislative programs which promote a U.S.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers with full information on the many benefit plans available to qualify- Upgrading SIU members may take advantage of the school's computer lab. Seafarers LOG 15 �All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as part of their regularly scheduled program. Government vessels course, physical fitness, first aid and CPR, industrial relations and firefighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. •!• Government Vessels Course As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry's needs, this three-week class is open to Seafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three oneweek, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) •!• Oil Spill Prevention and Containment Upon completion of the basic firefighting course, students receive a certificate of graduation from the Lundeberg School. The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. •!• General Education Program This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction include types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training, spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of absorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. •!• Hazmat Recertification Available for personnel who have ing, hearing, understanding and/ or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Gasses are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. •!• Basic Vocational Support Program The GED program is open to all members who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school has a long history of successfully assisting SIU members in passing the test. For many Seafarers, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the members with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. •!• Adult Basic Education •:• College Program The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T'ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Harry Lundeberg School, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgraders courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Members may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition, the school offers general education courses required for an associates degree. The school currently offers an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering T t:chnology. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. •!• English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give Seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speak- December 'I 997 ~~·::il--..-::~ ~ . - 2 ' Cargo-handling and crane operations are covered in one week of the three-week government vessels course, open to Seafarers sailing in any department. completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) courses and who must be annually recertified, this · one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipment and new technology. •!• First Aid and CPR Students in this three-day class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. After successful completion of each phase of this course, students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. •!• Basic Firefighting The one-week basic firefighting course provides students with general knowledge of the chemistry of fire, firefighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized _certificate of graduation from the Lundeberg School. •:• Advanced Firefighting During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for firefighting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communications with crewmembers and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. ing members through the union's collective bargaining agreements. •:• General Physical Fitness The U.S. Coast Guard places certain physical requirements on all mariners. To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crewmembers, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, Nautilus or Universal weight training, which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight. Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. •!• Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) This is a 15-day, U.S. Coast Guardapproved, Category 1, couse. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characeristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. •!• LNG Familiarization This three-week course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG firefighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pumps (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) •!<- Industrial Relations While attending upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School, all SIU members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the rights of Seafarers as outlined by the SIU constitution. Students gain an understanding of the various laws and legislative programs which promote a U.S.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers with full information on the many benefit plans available to qualify- Upgrading SIU members may take advantage of the school's computer lab. Seafarers LOG '15 �H@l!IDAY GiEETIHG3 THE HOLIDAY GR££TINGS APPEARING ON THIS PA6£ AND TH£ FOLLOWING TH E.E. PAGES WERE WRITIEN BY S£AFAR£RS, PENSIONRR.S, FRIENDS AND FAMILY M£MB£RS. TH£Y ARE LISTED I ALPHABETICAL ORD£R BY THE NAM£ F THE INDIVIDUAL SENDING TH£ M£SSAG£. THE SEAFARERS L06 JOINS WITH TH SE APP£ARING BELOW lN EXTENDING SEASON'S GREE.TINGS TO ALL SEAFARERS AND THE.IR FAMILIES. A To Lito G. Acosta Dearest Lito, This will be my happiest holiday because we will spend it together. Thank you for all your love and support. Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Happy anniversary, too. Love, Minda (Luzvminda V. Acosta) To Helen and Mike Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Nick Andrews To my son, Dominique, my mother and father and all my family back in Africa Happy holidays. Santo:; Antonio To Calogero Farruggia May you have the best of the holidays. Salute. Sal Aquia and family To Nick Celona Happy holidays to you and your family. Salute. Sal Aquia and family To Alioto's Restaurant, San Francisco Nunzio, Buon natale a te e tutta la tua famiglia. Salute. Sal Aquia and family To Johnny Russell To Rodney Pence Your friend in Cajun country would like to wish you "Joyeaux Noel, bonne et heureuse annee." Dear Uncle Rodney - We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We miss you. Love, "Toots" (Nano; Aven;) Df1Vlj, Sabrina and April Butler B c To Martina and Patrick To William G. Rackley Feliz Navidad to my dear son, Patrick Gabriel, and his stouthearted mother, Martina Gutierrez, my faithful companion and wife. Bill, Vilma and Tommy Lee hope that this Christmas is a merry one and a year that will bring good health and happiness to all of you. Your loving family, Patrick Be/Jan Hope that you and your family have a happy and safe holiday. I miss talking with you. Hope to see or hear from you soon. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Clarence and Charlotte Cousins and family Charlotte E. Canion (mom) and Beverly, Man; Lee, Bruce and Bobby To Eric Bradshaw Happy holidays. Get ahold of me when you get a chance. You have the number. Patrick Carroll Hope you have a happy and safe holiday. We'll be thinking of you, and we miss you. Your friends, Happy holidays and a great '98 to all Seafarers at sea. Or if you're lucky enough to be at home with your families, smooth sailing. Marsha Blackwell and Marie Cook Tillman Churchman To all our friends in the SIU To John Williamson Wishing you all God's speed in the coming year and a Merry Christmas. Happy holidays and congratulations on your retirement. May the good Lord bless you with many happy and healthy retirement years. Your friend and shipmate, Frank and Cynthia Bolton Tillman Clzurclzman To all active and retired Seafarers I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Willie Ciclwcke To "all Uso" at sea To all my friends in the port of Houston Manuia le kerisimasi ma le tausaga fou! And Good luck! A very Merry Christmas and a great and prosperous new year. Emo. Aulelava To Mark, Luke, Dan, Eddie, Posini and Pati A very warm holiday greeting. CO. (Cricket) Aven; Sr. To David House We miss you on the river, but we wish you the best of luck and smooth sailing. Happy holidays! NanctJ Aven; and all your Orgulffriends December 1997 To all my brothers at sea and their families Happy holidays. James L. Deana Jr. To all members of the SIU May everyone have the happiest of holidays, smooth sailing, and a safe and prosperous 1998. Tlze Dickson family - Steve, Sheri, Melissa, Ben and Jason To the faculty and staff of HLSS Thanks for providing such a valuable service to the members of the SIU. The time I spent with you this last summer was most rewarding. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Steven M. Dickson To the port of Norfolk Christmas greetings and happy holidays to Jim, Pat, Sal and Sheri. William S. Dize Jr. E To my beautiful daughters, Paula Andrea and Paulette I've got a surprise for both of you. Dreams are getting closer to becoming reality. I love you both more than yesterday but less than tomorrow. Dad (Luis Escobar) To all my friends To Charlie Donley Gerry Borozan To all SIU members, port agents and headquarters personnel Remembering all mariners who cleared through the Chicago hiring hall during 1962-1982 when the Great Lakes was plenty busy! Happy holidays and stay well! Have a great holiday! Hope to see you in the new year. Besides, we have something to settle! Love you, honey! Joan Clements To David Vega Have a wonderful Christmas! If our paths never cross again, it was real. Wishing you and yours the best! Joan Clements Gern; Borozan To Van, Rodd, Nita, Tiff Coleman To Rodney Pence Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the only one left in the old neighborhood. Miss all of you. Have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Love to you all and the rest of the family. Roderick Coleman To George Tricker Nano; Aven;, Marh;, Zolly, Ted and Paul D Jolin Morris Clarke David H. Burkett The Orgulf team wants to wish you happy holidays. May your new year be as prosperous as you've helped make ours. To all who represent our union To all Seafarers and their families To Kenneth Greenidge Gabriel Arliin To all Midland crew dispatchers in Cincinnati and to Becky Sleeper Pat Cook and triplets Pernell Jr., Lovell and Racquell Marsha A. Blackwell Happy New Year! Emo. Aulelava Happy holidays, honey. We love and miss you more with each passing day. And we thank God for the true holiday spirit of love and peace we share in our hearts even when you are far away. We love you always. To Geronimo Rawlings and family To my wife, Gerri; my son, Nigel; my daughter, Angelina; my family in the U.S. and in Africa; and all my fellow SIU brothers at sea and on land. What's up Uso? Mele Kalikimaka and Happy New Year. God bless and take care. To Pernell "Pie Man" Cook To Sharon Ortiz Happy holidays to you and your family. Please write me c/ o of the Seafarers Hall in San Francisco. I love you, Fred (Forrest Burris) To Michael Caruba Hope that you have a very happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year. Your friend, Marie Cook I miss you all. We are thousands of miles away on different ship and seas, but my heart is with you during this holiday season. Miss you all, Luis Escobar To all staff and teachers at the Lundeberg School Happy holidays! Thanks for leading me to where I am now, through all my upgrading years. I wish every Seafarer would do the same. It pays off, believe me! Luis Escobar F To Mike Briscoe Ho, ho, ho and a pleasant Hawaiian Mele Kalikimaka to you. Miss you, Bruddah Mikey. Why don't you send us some pictures? Write to us! Shelly Forsman Seafarers LOG 17 �To officers and members of the SIU To Stephen E. Stukes, Aunt Sina and Mr. and Mrs. J. Stukes Happy holidays and have a very good new year. Fraternally, Merry Christmas and God bless. And to my nephew, Stephen, aboard ship in Europe, a special holiday greeting. Kermett Mangram and family To Belle Orscheln I just wanted to write and let you know that I'm missing you. I hope to be home for the holidays next year. Love, Eric (Orscheln) To Rodney James Pence Happy holidays, Rodney. We love you and are thinking of you. Keeping you in our prayers. Thought you would A Minors To the Seafarers LOG Greetings to the staff of the LOG. God bless you all. Thanks for a job well done. A. Minors To Donna Decesare, Ruti DeMont Season's greetings! Miss talking to you. Have a wonderful holiday. Give us a call sometime. Susan and Sonny Moe To Chelita, Alicia, Chachi and family and all friends at sea and ashore Merry Xmas and a Happy New year. God bless you all. Amen. Carlos Mojica To all of my MC&S-SIU shipmates Liz, Christian and Caitlyn MoAtee Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a very Merry Christmas. To Walter W. Oswald Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We both miss you. Hope to see you during the holidays. Love, Mom and Mike (Oswald) To all the Deeters Happy holidays to all of you. Hope everyone is doing OK, especially Sandra. Mike and I really miss you. See you during the holidays. Love, To James McAtee Merry Christmas, Daddy! We miss you and can't wait to 1'ee you! We love you! Ann (Oswald) Liz-beth, Christian and Caitlyn (McAtee) enjoy this photo of Floyd Pence, Aunt Ruby and Brother Joe. Love, Davie and Paul Postel R To Mom, Marylee, Bruce, Bob, Beverly and Aunt Florence From across the ocean here in the Philippines, I would like to wish my family a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Bill, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley To J.J. and Norma McGee Happy holidays to you and the family. Hope to be home in 1999. Also, to the SIU and the LOG, happy holidays to you all. Thanks, To Grandmas Charlotte and Rosalina I would like to wish both my grandmas on both sides of the world a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 1998. Tim Bo McGee ..,,iii To Cindy Doran Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love, Eva Myers and Muffin Tom (McNellis) To Doris O'Brien To Joyce Myers and family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love always, May you have a peaceful Christmas. I'll be home soon! I love you all. Tom (McNellis) and Frank Eva Marie Myers To Kathy Parent Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. N Dan Pappas To the whole family Mac (Tom McNellis) To Seafarers staff and members To Buck Mercer, Jim Miller, David Regen Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Edward Merdumt Merry Christmas. I'm 95 years old on Christmas day. I remember my first trip in 1924 and my last one in 1969. What a difference the SIU made in our lives. Love to you all, To dinner room personnel on the S.S. Independence With Christmas greetings and best wishes for the new year to all of you. Daniel Pappas Vilma and Tommy Rackley C.L. (Nick) Nickerson To Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley To my son, Little Louis, my mother and everyone else I would like to wish my beautiful wife, along with the sunshine of my life, my son, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy holidays! Louis Nickerson Nanda Mesa To Dino Ornellas To Ms. Olive Stewart May the joy, peace and love of these days go with you throughout the new year. Have a happy holiday. Happy holidays, baby girl! We sure had lots of fun on the American Queen. May 1998 bring you all your heart's desires. I love you always, Fernando Mesa Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I love you all and I'll see you soon. Love, William G. Rackletj To Vince Coss and family, George McCartney, Nick Celona and Mary We wish you a very, very Merry Christmas and a very joyful coming year. Andrew H. Reasko and wife, Sun Yi Gregory Lawrence Noble To Gina Lightfoot To the best cook of the year with Christmas greetings and best wishes for the new year. Have a happy holiday. Fernando Mesa To Hattie Caldwell, SIU officials and Delores Washington Season's greetings and a prosperous new year to all. A. Minors December 1997 0 To all Seafarers May you all be in good health and the best of spirits and have good sailing in the new year. A very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. Mike and Patti O'Connell William Parks To Gene LaChapelle and our union leaders I wish everyone the best of Christmases and a happy 1998. To all our seafaring friends, past and present Wishing you all a very merry holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year in '98. Love, Roger and Antoinette Reinke William Parks Seafarers LOG 19 �Jack Leighton Rugh To Seafare~ LOG, communica- tions staff Heartfelt holidays greetings, with gratitude to the Seafarers LOG for keeping me on the mailing list of this great informative union publication since my retirement in 1970! jack Leighton Rugh To Phillip Varos Hi Dad/Pop-Pop. We love you! Merry Christmas and Happy N~w Year. Can't wait to see you. Have fun if you can! Tire Runyons - Tern;, Ed and boys and Jove to hear what my brothers are doing. I especially Jike hearing of the JegisJative batt]es our po1itica1 staff must endure. In my spare time on the boat, I composed a litt]e Christmas poem. It's a thought I think we a11 can relate to. As we approach another year, let us reflect upon our b]essings for we sometimes take them for granted. We are so very fortunate . to live in America, Enjoying privileges so umque. And let us also remember Those in other ]ands Who go to any means To share our rights. So, let us begin the New Year By reaching out to others, By showing kindness. For this is a gesture which costs nothing, But comes back Throughout our lifetime! Al Scltmitt To Tibby, Christian and Alice Scholer Chrfahnas greetings to my three favorite people. May the holidays be filled with joy and happiness for you all. Love, Popi (N. T. Scholer) To Tom Kasey Merry Christmas to a great shipmate and a true friend. fay Russell To Carlos Dominguez (Ace) Best wishes to your family. You are truly my brother of the sea. jay Russell To the Sea-Land Challenger crew May your Christmas be merry and bright from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night. Herbert Lee Scypes Sr. To Herbert Lee Scypes Jr. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your family, To Bill Hamilton Merry Christmas to a wonderful shipmate and great shark killer. "Now ya done it." To Michael Watts To all active and retired Seafarers and union officials Merry Christmas. Smooth sailing and remember Mombasa! Season's greetings and a salute to the best maritime union in the world. jolzn Russell Merry Christmas to a great shipmate and friend. I miss you a lot. Jolin Russell To Jim Hailstone (the Aurora Kid) Merry Christmas to a good friend. Remember Virginia (Mombasa). Jolin Russell To Nancy Avery Happy holidays and a prosperous and happy new year. Thank you for all of your help explaining our new contract to us. Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo A. Siddons To Becky Sleeper You'll always be our special angel. Happiest of holidays to you and your family. Martlia Smitlz and the Orgulf crew NanClJ, Ted, Zolly and Paul To Nancy, Lindsay, Mimi and Popa May your holiday season be happy and the coming years be pleasant. Although you are gone from the ranks, you are not forgotten. Happy holidays, s Jolinny Russell To the Seafarers LOG I wish to thank you for an outstanding job of journalism. I read every issue of the LOG Seafarers LOG Best wishes for the holidays. Jack Utz To all TOTE personnel Season's greetings from Ariang Express. Jack Utz To Don, Lene, Ben, Tanielu, Mark, Luke, Eddie, Pati, Posini, Kalama and all the Uso "Talofa" to all the Uso in the house. Manuia le kelimasi and Ma le tausaga fou. God bless. Don Vaavale To Abdul. Ali Amin, Mo, Mohsen Mo5a, Adam, Tofiq, Nagi and Omar Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Ramadan Karim Ona Hapek Kadir, "We will dwell in the House of the Lord together." Stephanie Vogel To Rodney Pence Happy New Year and Merry Xmas. Don't take any wooden nickels. Be good. Larry and Jeanette Voirin To Mrs. Elvira 0. Whiting and two kids Best wishes for this coming holiday. S.S. Wlziting To Ellie, Frank and Sarah Wilcox Although I am sometimes away, I am always with you in my heart. I love you all. Merry Xmas. Robert Wilcox To Arnold Neff Merry Xmas, Jr. I hope you have a prosperous new year. Take care of yourself. Robert Wilcox To Pamela J. Williams Steplren Swinton and Matthew Bernies T Happy holidays to all and keep up the good work. Your effort is truly appreciated. Don Tliornton To all past and present upgraders at Piney Point May you all have a very happy and merry Xmas. Hi guys! Ho, Ho, Mrs. Pat Claus and Elf Marsha. Love you very much. And wish you and everyone a Merry Christmas. God bless you all. Love forever and always, Pat and Marsha Yaros To Michael Sacco, elected officers and staff This is the season once again to wish all Seafarers of the SIU and their families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. May God love and be with you all at this Christmas and always. Peace, Leon E. Yearwood MISC~ To the staff members in the ports of Houston, Mobile and Jacksonville Holiday greetings and good wishes for health, happiness, peace and love for you and yours. Cille and Barbara in tlie port ofNetu Orleans To all co-workers at headquarters Love of one another, health and happiness and peace of mind for the holiday season and the new year. Cille and Barbara in the port of New Orleans To Claims and Membership Services .~ Wishing our co-workers gifts ~ • of peace and good health for the holiday season and the new year through. Cille and Barbara in the port of New Orleans To Clyde Smith Merry Christmas "darling"!! Hope all your wishes come true and you have a happy new year. Love and miss you very much. Mom To Al Martinez Robert Wilcox To Toni, Christina and Sean God bless all of you. I miss you very much and love you all. Merry Christmas. Your loving dad, Clzris Three years with you, honey, have been a loving gift for me. Have a happy and wonderful Kwanzaa. I'll always love you infinitely. Love, your husband, Glenn Williams To all office staff in Camp Springs and Piney Point Dean R. Wooster To Phillip S. Yaros To Bob Hall and the staff in Tacoma To all Seafarers Happy holidays Season's greetings to you, May you find happiness in all you do. Can't you see You've brought good memories to me! Lesley Underwood and family (Carol, Christoplier and L.J.) Happy holidays to you and your family from me and my family. Happy New Year. Tom Tobias 20 Enjoyed the family gettogether. We're thinking of you. Season's greetings and happy holidays. See you soon. Love ya, Christmas time is here, but I will be at sea. So have a Merry Christmas and tell Santa not to forget about me. Love you all, Daddy (Scott E. Speedy) jolinny Russell To all newly retired Orgulf cooks To Rodney Pence Dad (Herbert Lee SCljpes Sr.), Mom, Gail, Lan, Lance, Dame Brandon, Tyra and Darron Sr. jay Russell To Jog Cornwell u To all SIU members To Glenn Williams It has truly been a pleasure having you home for this unusual amount of time. I want to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. Happy Kwanzaa. Hugs and kisses from your wife, Pam Williams To the officers and crew aboard the SS Osprey Season's greetings to all my old shipmates Cadet Daniel Wooster, To Roxanne Olson (den mother) Ho! Ho! Ho! The season is here For the Sentinel family Who are so dear to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Santa is on his way with the goodies! Keep a sharp lookout! Captain, officers and crew of tire C.S. Global Sentinel · To Admissions, Piney Point The port of Norfolk wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your help throughout the year. Jim, Pat, Sal and Slieri December 1997 �- Jack Leighton Rugh To Seafarers LOG, communications staff Heartfelt holidays greetings, with gratitude to the Seafarers LOG for keeping me on the mailing list of this great informative union publication since my retirement in 1970! Jack Leighton Rugh To Phillip Varos Hi Dad/Pop-Pop. We love you! Merry Chrishnas and Happy New Year. Can't wait to see you. Have fun if you ccm! Tlie Runyons - Tem;, Ed and boys and love to hear what my brothers are doing. I especially like hearing of the legislative battles our political staff must endure. In my spare time on the boat, I composed a little Christmas poem. It's a thought I think we all can relate to. As we approach another year, let us reflect upon our blessings for we sometimes take them for granted. We are so very fortunate . to live in America, Enjoying privileges so umque. And let us also remember Those in other lands Who go to any means To share our rights. So, let us begin the New Year By reaching out to others, By showing kindness. For this is a gesture which costs nothing, But comes back Throughout our lifetime! Al Schmitt To Tibby, Christian and Alice Scholer Christmm; greetings to my favarit~ p~opl~. May the holidays be filled with joy and happiness for you all. Love, three Popi (N. T. Sclzoler) To Tom Kasey Merry Christmas to a great shipmate and a true friend. fay Russell To Carlos Oominguez (Ace) Best wishes to your family. You are truly my brother of the sea. Jay Russell To the Sea-Land Challenger crew May your Christmas be merry and bright from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night. Herbert Lee Scypes Sr. To Herbert Lee Scypes Jr. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your family, To Bill Hamilton Merry Christmas to a wonderful shipmate and great shark killer. "Now ya done it." To Michael Watts To all active and retired Seafarers and union officials Merry Christmas. Smooth sailing and remember Mombasa! Season's greetings and a salute to the best maritime union in the world. Jolin Russell Merry Christmas to a great shipmate and friend. I miss you a lot f olzn Russell To Jim Hailstone (the Aurora Kid) Merry Christmas to a good friend. Remember Virginia (Mombasa). Jolin Russell To Nancy Avery Happy holidays and a prosperous and happy new year. Thank you for all of your help explaining our new contract to us. johnny Russell To all newly retired Orgulf cooks May your holiday season be happy and the coming years be pleasant. Although you are gone from the ranks, you are not forgotten. Happy holidays, s Johnny Russell To the Seafarers LOG I wish to thank you for an outstanding job of journalism. I read every issue of the LOG To Rodney Pence Enjoyed the family gettogether. We're thinking of you. Season's greetings and happy holidays. See you soon. Love ya, Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo A . Siddons To Becky Sleeper You'll always be our special angel. Happiest of holidays to you and your family. Martha Smith and the Orgulf crew Nanct;, Ted, Zolly and Paul To Nancy, Lindsay, Mimi and Popa Christmas time is here, but I will be at sea. So have a Merry Christmas and tell Santa not to forget about me. Love you all, To Bob Hall and the staff in Tacoma Best wishes for the holidays. Jack Utz To all TOTE personnel Season's greetings from Jack Utz To Don, Lene, Ben, Tanielu, Mark, Luke, Eddie, Pati, Posini, Kalama and all the Uso "Talofa" to all the Uso in the house. Manuia le kelimasi and Ma le tausaga fou. God bless. Don Vaavale To Abdul, Ali Amin, Mo, Mohsen Mosa,Adam,Tofiq,Nagiand Omar Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Ramadan Karim Ona Hapek Kadir, "We will dwell in the House of the Lord together." Stephanie Vogel To Rodney Pence Happy New Year and Merry Xmas. Don't take any wooden nickels. Be good. Larry and Jeanette Voirin To Mrs. Elvira 0. Whiting and two kids Best wishes for this coming holiday. S.S. Whiting To Ellie, Frank and Sarah Wilcox Although I am sometimes away, I am always with you in my heart. I love you all. Merry Xmas. Robert Wilcox To Arnold Neff Merry Xmas, Jr. I hope you have a prosperous new year. Take care of yourself. Robert Wilcox To Phillip S. Varos Ho, Ho, Mrs. Pat Claus and Elf Marsha. Love you very much. And wish you and everyone a Merry Christmas. God bless you all. Love forever and always, Pat and Marsha Yaros To Michael Sacco, elected officers and staff This is the season once again to wish all Seafarers of the SIU and their families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. May God love and be with you all at this Christmas and always. Peace, Leon E. Yearwood MISC~ To the staff members in the ports of Houston, Mobile and Jacksonville Holiday greetings and good wishes for health, happiness, peace and love for you and yours. Cille and Barbara in the port of New Orleans To all co-workers at headquarters Love of one another, health and happiness and peace of mind for the holiday season and the new year. Cille and Barbara in tire port of New Orleans To Claims and Membership Services Cille and Barbara in the port of New Orleans To Clyde Smith Merry Christmas "darling"!! Hope all your wishes come true and you have a happy new year. Love and miss you very much. Monz Happy holidays to you and your family from me and my family. Happy New Year. Robert Wilcox To Toni, Christina and Sean God bless all of you. I miss you very much and love you all. Merry Christmas. Your loving dad, To Pamela J. Williams To all Seafarers Happy holidays Steplzen Swinton and Mattlzew Bernies T Three years with you, honey, have been a loving gift for me. Have a happy and wonderful Kwanzaa. I'll always love you infinitely. Love, your husband, Glenn Williams To all office staff in Camp Springs and Piney Point Happy holidays to all and keep up the good work. Your effort is truly appreciated. Don Tlzornton To all past and present upgraders at Piney Point May you all have a very happy and merry Xmas. Hi guys! ... 'I Wishing our co-workers gifts of peace and good health for the holiday season and the new year through. To Al Martinez To Glenn Williams It has truly been a pleasure having you home for this unusual amount of time. I want to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. Happy Kwanzaa. Hugs and kisses from your wife, Pam Williams To the officers and crew aboard the SS Osprey Season's greetings to all my old shipmates Cadet Daniel Wooster, Seafarers LOG Dean R. Wooster Ariang Express. Daddy (Scott E. Speedy) Tom Tobias 20 Season's greetings to you, May you find happiness in all you do. Can't you see You ' ve brought good memories to me! Lesley Underwood and family (Carol, Clzristoplzer and L.f.) Dad (Herbert Lee Setjpes Sr.), Mom, Gail, Lan, Lance, Darrie Brandon, Tyra and Darron Sr. Jay Russell To J09 Cornwell u To all SIU members Chris To Roxanne Olson (den mother) Ho! Ho! Ho! The season is here For the Sentinel family Who are so dear to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Santa is on his way with the goodies! Keep a sharp lookout! Captain, officers and crew of the C.S. Global Sentinel To Admissions, Piney Point The port of Norfolk wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your help throughout the year. Jim, Pat, Sal and Sheri December 1997 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers ~OG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard . /.. 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 /Jy the union .upl)nreceipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then forwarded · · ·. . . to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), September 7-Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Dale D. Dewolf, Deck Delegate Keith W. Finnerty, Engine Delegate Davon McMillan, Steward Delegate Kimberly Vaughan. Chairman informed crew ship is scheduled to unload cargo in four northwest African ports: Abijan and Daloa on the Ivory Coast; Conakry in Guinea; and Cotonou in Nigeria. He reported voyage will take about 60 days . Chairman commended crew for good work and reminded them to be careful aboard vessel and while ashore. Bosun also advised members m apply for training record books (TRBs). ~ecrernry asked crew to use glassware during meal hours in order to reserve limited supply of paper cups. He also reminded everyone to separnte plastic items from regular trash. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman informed crew repair list is being circulated. He also asked crewmembers to keep volume on TV low while others are sleeping. Crew thanked steward department for fine food. Steward advised crew to remove clean clothing from laundry room to make room for next person waiting to wash clothes. SEA-LAND DEVELOPER (SeaLand Service), September 30Chairman Robert Stuverud, Secretary Florencio Nieves, Deck Delegate Tom Mylan, Engine Delegate Samuel Addo, Steward Delegate Pat Conlon. Chairman announced estimated time of arrival in port of Tacoma, Wash. He noted reliefs will be called if requested. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported fo'c's'les need ventilation adjustments and radio needs repair. Chief mate praised crew for good trip. Members asked contracts department for confirmation of who is responsible for maintaining second level. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), September 21Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary William Burdette, Educational Director Cris Compton, Deck Delegate Larry Thompsen, Engine Delegate Robert Rush, Steward Delegate Bradford Mack. Chairman noted telephone service is still not available aboard ship. He also noted crew has to walk through dangerous traffic in ports to use telephone. He reported only one washing machine and one dryer were received, not the two full sets requested. Steward announced new crew mattresses have been ordered. Chairman noted ship scheduled to arrive at Long Beach pilot station on Tuesday, September 23 and payoff will take place after docking. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available to them at Paul Hall Center. He also discussed importance of unlicensed apprentices being aware of ship- December 1997 ping rules before signing on their first vessel. Deck and engine delegates reported disputed OT and beefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported by steward delegate_ Crew thanked galley gang for fine food. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), September 22Chairman Jim Hassan, Secretary Glenn Bamman, Educational Director Scott Speedy, Deck Delegate Michael Pell, Engine Delegate Jose Villot Jr., Steward Delegate David Valle_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done preparing good meals _Next ports: Elizabeth, NJ. ; San Juan, P.R.: Rio Haina; Houston and New Orleans. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), September 7Chairman John Stout, Secretary Jose Bayani, Educational Director Iqbal Samra, Deck Delegate Dennis Pickering, Engine Delegate A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Lito Acosta. Chairman announced upcoming U.S. Coast Guard inspection. He discussed standard procedure for time off after completion of voyages. Bosun complimented work of AB Geraldine Carter. Secretary thanked crew for maintaining cleanliness of crew lounge and mess halls. He commended crewmembers for smooth, accident-free voyage. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at Piney Point. Steward delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or deck delegates. Crew thanked galley gang for "a superb job catering fine meals every day." Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land Service), September 3-Chairman Mike Willis, Secretary Robert Mosley, Educational Director Keith Jordan, Deck Delegate Stanley Parker, Engine Delegate William Cassel, Steward Delegate Rang Nguyen. Bosun discussed importance of donating to SPAD and upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $415 in ship 's fund and $34 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman asked crew to keep " family room" clean. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Guam; Kaohsiung, Taiwan. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), September 26-Chairman Jim Scheck, Secretary Gregory Melvin, Educational Director David Johnson, Deck Delegate Gerald Ray, Engine Delegate David Terry Jr., Steward Delegate Robert Seim. Steward delegate requested clarification from contracts department on galley gang working hours. Bosun discussed new Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) with crewmembers and thanked everyone for job well done. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand ·Service), September 25Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director Jim Williams. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in port of Jacksonville, Fla. on September 25. Educational director urged members to take upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. He reminded crew of many new SIU jobs becoming available, noting all members must have necessary endorsements and education to sail. Treasurer announced $1,500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crewmembers extended special welcome to Chief Cook Willie Grant following his brief vacation. Bosun thanked galley gang for their "usual excellent meals and all the goodies." Next ports: San Juan; Rio Haina, and Jacksonville, Fla. bers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman asked crewmembers to keep noise down when others are sleeping. Crew thanked galley gang for good food. CPL LOUIS HAUGE (Maersk Lines), October 23-Chairman Robert Wiles, Secretary Victorino Vince Cruz, Educational Director Alfred Herrmann, Deck Delegate Erik Bekkelund, Steward Dele- October 20-Chairman William Card, Secretary Ed Haber, Educational Director Thomas Prisco, Deck Delegate Jim Sanders. Chairman announced payoff on October 21 and reminded crew not to smoke on deck due to explosive cargo. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun noted all union communications posted on bulletin board for - Great Job by OMI Columbia Galley Gang SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), September 28-Chairman Anjelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director Jerald Gmham, Deck Delegate Charles Simmons, Engine Delegate Robert Hines, Steward Delegate Clarence Robinson. Chairman announced ship scheduled to begin 10-day exercise September 30. He noted that following completion of drill, ship will sail to Barcelona and Rota, Spain for 10 days and then to Toulon, France, ending the voyage around November 18. Educational director discussed importance of obtaining a training record book (TRB) and upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department if ABs can assist chief engineer during crane checks. Bosun reminded all crewmembers that smoking aboard ship is permitted only in designated areas. BLUE RIDGE (C row ley Petroleum Inc.), October 27-Chairman Abdulla Alwaseem, Secretary Ron Molozi, Steward Delegate Chris Boronski. Chairman read minutes from August 3 and reported ship sailing from San Francisco to Portland, Ore. Bosun noted everything running smoothly. Secretary reminded crew to put plastic garbage in proper containers and get new linens from steward before signing off vessel. He asked each department to compile list of needed cleaning gear and noted new stores will be received in port of Long Beach, Calif. Deck delegate asked contracts department to clarify job duties of ABs working on bridge and wheel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked to be informed of ship layup 24 hours in advance. Crew noted minutes from previous meetings have not appeared in Seafarers LOG. Next ports: Portland, Ore.; Ferndale, Wash., and Long Beach. Chief Cook Don Dwyer gives a "thumbs up" to members of the steward department aboard the OM/ Columbia when that ship was anchored off El Segundo, Calif. recently. From the left are Dwyer, Chief Steward Shari Hardman, GSUs Amin Zain and Husein Alomary and unlicensed apprentice Tran Luu. gate Elem1 Curley. Chairman reminded crew to have MSC physical exam paperwork and passports ready. Crewmembers discussed STCW identification certificates and SIU scholarships. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Diego Garcia. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), October 12-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Larry Combs, Engine D e legate Fernando Aguilar. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Boston; Elizabeth, N.J., and Portsmouth, Va. HM/ DYNACHEM (Hvide Shipping), October 26-Chairman Paul L. Lucky, Secretary Norman Duhe, Educational Director Patrick Scott, Deck Delegate Terrence Boney, Engine Delegate Chad Westover, Steward Delegate James Harris. Crew asked contracts department to consider raising regular overtime rates and required seatime for normal pension. Crewmembers also asked for clarification of dental benefits and urged union to continue Christmas bonus for SIU pensioners. Galley gang given special vote of thanks by crew. LNG TAURUS (ETC), October CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), October 26-Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Dale D. Dewolf, Deck Delegate Keith W. Fennerty, Engine Delegate Davon McMillan, Steward Delegate Kimberly Vaughan. Chairman thanked crew for good work cleaning holds and staying "ahead of the game." He expressed pleasure at seeing everyone working well together. He advised all crewmembers to continue to take malaria medication until all pills are gone. He also reminded crew to wait until relief reports to ship in New Orleans before signing off vessel. Secretary asked crewmembers to return coffee cups and soup bowls to galley after use. Educational director encouraged mem- 19-Chairman Daniel S. Marcus, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp, Educational Director Charles J. Pomraning, Deck Delegate John D. Ray, Engine Delegate Tim R. Van Pelt, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman wished crewmembers signing off a good vacation and reminded those remaining to continue to work with safety in mind. Treasurer announced $70 in ship's fund . Steward delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or engine delegates. Crewmembers asked steward to set up cleaning schedule for crew quarters. Crew noted dissatisfaction with galley stores. Next port: Tobata, Japan. NUEVO SAN JUAN (NPR, Inc.), everyone to read. Crew asked contracts department for information on Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP). Crew discussed asking company to replace dryer in crew laundry because it is a potential fire hazard. Crew asked that wives and families be permitted to board vessel (as is allowed for mates and engineers). Crew thanked steward department for excellent job. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R., and New York. SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land Service), October 9Chairman Michael Kadderly, Secretary A. Gething, Educational Director George' Ackley, Engine Delegate Troy Robin. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in next port. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun explained vacation policy and asked contracts department for clarification of electrician's duties. Crew extended special vote of thanks to Chief Cook Saiad Monasar for " tasty and well prepared food for the last eight months. We appreciate his talent." Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND CRUSADER (SeaLand Service), October 16Chairman Roberto Diaz, Secretary Pedro Sellan, Educational Director Christos Tsipliareles. Chairman reported smooth sailing. Secretary urged crewmembers to upgrade to keep "our Brother Paul Hall's dreams alive and continue building a stronger SIU." He also stressed importance of donating to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: San Juan, P.R. SEA-LAND DEVELOPER (SeaLand Service), October 9Chairman Dana Cella, Secretary Florencio Nieves, Deck Delegate Randy Black, Steward Delegate Pat Conlon. Chairman encouraged members to continue SPAD donations. Secretary discussed article in September Seafarers LOG concerning Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) and advised members of toll-free number SIU members can call to inquire about their accounts. Treasurer announced $40 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers LOG 21 - �.final Departures DEEP SEA MARGARET ARNOLD Pensioner Margaret Arnold, 79, passed away February 14. She joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). She began and ended her sailing career aboard the Monterey. A resident of Redwood City, Calif., Sister Arnold began receiving her pension in May 1976. ERNEST FARIAS Pensioner Ernest Farias, 82, died April 4. He joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Hawaii, Brother Farias began receiving his pension in July 1975. He was a resident of San Lorenzo, Calif. HILDREN S. JACKSON Lloyd R. Ayers, 56, died September 4. Born in West Virginia, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of Baltimore. Brother Ayers worked as a member of the deck department. He was a resident of Surveyor, W. Va. Pensioner Hildren S. Jackson, 81 , passed away August 12. A native of Mississippi, he joined the MC&S in 1952, before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD. Brother Jackson was a resident of Portland , Ore. and began receiving his pension in April 1982. THOMAS E. CLEARY YOUNIS A. KHAN Thomas E. Cleary, 36, passed away March 30. Brother Cleary started his career with the SIU in 1994. Born in Ireland, he sailed in the steward department primarily aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels. Brother Cleary was a resident of Honolulu. Pensioner Younis A. Khan, 53, died May 3. Brother Khan started his career with the Seafarers in 1971 in rhe port of New York. L---~~...;..;,;.;;;= Born in Yemen, he sailed in the steward department. His first ship was the Mankato Victory, a Victory Carriers, Inc. vessel. Prior to his retirement in June 1996, he signed off the Sea-Land Raleigh, operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. Brother Khan was a resident of Queens, New York. LLOYD R.AYERS MARGARET J. CUMMINGS Pensioner Margaret J. Cummings, 81, died August 26, 1996. Born in Nevada, she joined the MC&S in 1959, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of Huntington, Ore., Sister Cummings began receiving her pension in October 1976. NORWOOD E. GENO Pensioner Norwood E. • Geno, 77, passed away October " 18. A native of Alabama, he joined the i~ Seafarers in · '"' 1942 in the port ~~-;,;;:,. ".: ..; of Philadelphia. Brother Geno worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Economy in 1984. From 1943 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Geno made his home in Mobile, Ala. He retired in April 1985. .,,..-,:------:==----,-, JOSEPH A. HERRON Joseph A. Herron, 45, passed away October 6. Born in Michigan, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979 from the port of """-L-----' Norfolk, Va. Brother Herron worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the PFC James Anderson, operated by Maersk Lines, Ltd. From 1970 to 1976, he served in the U.S. Navy. ARSHAD ISMAIL Pensioner Arshad Ismail, 81,died September 11. He started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. A native of Malaysia, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Ismail, who made his home in Perak, Malaysia, retired in December 1974. 22 Seafarers LOG EPP THEONG LEE Pensioner Epp Theong Lee, 89, passed away September 1. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLlWD. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by American President Lines. Brother Lee was a resident of San Francisco. He began receiving his pension in April 1970. BEVELON D. LOCKE Pensioner Bevelon D. Locke, 70, died June 15. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1945 from the port of Mobile, Ala . A native of Al abama, he worked in the engine department. From l 951 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Locke retired in July 1979 and resided in Bay Minette, Ala. GEORGE L. MARRERO George L. Marrero, 40, passed away May 19. Born in New Jersey, he joined the SIU in 1996 in Puerto Rico. Brother Marrero last sailed in the steward department aboard the PFC James Anderson, operated by Maersk Lines, Ltd. He was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. JOEO.PALMA Pensioner Joe 0. Palma, 87, died August 24. A native of the Philippines, he joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Palma, a resident of San Francisco, began receiving his pension in June 1973 . the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947 and 1951 to 1953. A resident of Splendora, Texas, Brother Stanton began receiving his pension in September 1992. tankerman. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S .. Navy. He made his home in Port Arthur and retired in February 1990. NORMAN F. TAYLOR Raymond Kuta, 52, died September 25. He joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Maryland, he sailed in the deck department. From 1965 to 1970, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Kuta was a resident of Baltimore. ALFREDO A. RACIMO Pensioner Alfredo A. Racimo, 89, passed away July 12, 1996. Brother Racimo started his career with the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD . A native of the Philippines, he retired in August 1970 and made his home in Sacramento, Calif. JOHN H. RICHARDSON Pensioner John H. Richardson, 73, passed away September 21. A native of North Carolina, he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of ~--=-...;;;.:..-=----= Mobile, Ala. Brother Richardson sailed in the deck and engine departments and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Richardson was a resident of Waxhaw, N.C. and retired in February 1986. HENRY ROBLES Pensioner Henry Robles, 70, died September 25. Brother Robles · joined the MC&S before that union merged with the L-----~~ SIU's AGLIWD . A native of California and a resident of San Francisco, he began receiving his pension in February 1978. JOHNG.SHAW Pensioner John G. Shaw, 75, passed away September 11. Born in Texas. he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1946 from the port of New York. During his union career, he sailed as a member of the steward department and was active in organizing drives and beefs. A resident of Union City, Calif. , Brother Shaw retired in January 1994. Norman F. Taylor, 69, died August 23 . Brother Taylor began sailing with the SIU in I 978 from the port of Norfolk, Va., aboard the Mt. Vernon Victory. A native of Virginia, he worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, last sailing as a chief steward. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947 and the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1955. Brother Taylor was a resident of Richmond, Va. WILLIAM L. TILLMAN Pensioner William L. Tillman , 66, passed away October 11 . Born in Mississippi, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1958 aboard the Del Santos. The deck department member frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in I 984. A resident of Mt. Shasta, Calif., Brother Tillman retired in December 1992. INLAND STEVE E. AUGUST Pensioner Steve E. August, 67, died August 11. He joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in both the deck and steward departments and participated in an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1978. From 1951 to 1953. he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman August, a resident of Dundalk, Md., began receiving his pension in September 1991 . LESLIE A. DANIELS Pensioner Leslie A. Daniels, 79 , passed away September 22. A native of North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1940. Boatman Daniels sailed in the deck department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S . Army from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Smyrna, N.C., he retired in November 1973. TROY SMITH THOMAS W. DINWIDDIE Troy Smith, 36, died August 5. He graduated from the Lundeberg School 's entry level training program in 1982 and joined '---=---=----' the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Point Vail . A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Smith was a resident of Livermore, Calif. Pensioner Thomas W. Dinwiddie, 76, died September 14. A resident of Lebanon, 111., Boatman Dinwiddie started his career .____ _ _ _ ___, with the SIU in I 961 in the port of Chicago. A native of Illinois, he sailed as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S . Army. Boatman Dinwiddie began receiving his pension in September 1968. LEWIS L. STANTON CHARLES D. EVANS Pensioner Lewis L. Stanton, 70, passed away September 6. A native of Texas, - he started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Houston. Brother Stanton sailed in the engine department. He served in Pensioner Charles D. Evans, 70, passed away October 11. Born in Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in '----==~---' 1963 in the port of Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Evans sailed as a deckhand and RAYMOND KUTA DONALD R. LOWE Donald R. Lowe, 62, passed away August 8. Boatman Lowe first sailed with the Seafarers in I %8. The Florida native sailed as a captain and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Lowe made his home in Inverness, Fla. JEROME J. LUKOWSKI Pensioner Jerome J. Lukowski, 69, died July 24. Born in Maryland, he joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Baltimore. He !!!...c..:.:.~~== sailed in the deck department as a mate, primarily aboard tugboats operated by McAllister Brothers. The Korean War veteran served in the military from 1953 to 1954. During his sailing career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Boatman Lukowski was a resident of Baltimore. STEPHEN F. MITCHELL JR. Stephen F. Mitchell Jr., 58, passed away May 17. A native of North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Norfolk, Va., / sailing as a tugboat engineer. Boatman Mitchell was a resident of Beaufort, N.C. EARL "SNUFFY" SMITH Pensioner Earl "Snuffy" Smith, 74, died September 28. Boatman Smith joined the SIU in the port of Tampa, Fla. in 1941. The Florida native worked in the deck department. During his sailing career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Boatman Smith retired in June 1984 and made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. GREAT LAKES JOHN J. ROGOSKY John J. Rogosky, 33, died September 14. Boatman Rogosky began sailing with the SIU in 1984 from the port of Algonac, Mich. aboard the St. Claire, operated by Boblo Co. A native of Michigan, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Rogosky was a resident of Wyandotte, Mich. AnANTIC FISHERMEN LAWRENCE G. OLIVER Pensioner Lawrence G. Oliver, 95, passed away September 26. A native of Massachusetts, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in the port of Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Prior to his retirement in February 1972, he sailed as a cook on the Dolphin. Brother Oliver was a resident of Gloucester. December 1997 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea January & February 1998 M~mbJ1~hJ~. "!ff!Jf{ag~ :. .,. >·· OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1997 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs 6 9 Norfolk Mobile 12 12 4 5 15 8 Alg~nac 9 '.:':.::.·.:.:::·······: ''l8 12 13 8 2 2 Baltimore ... .. ......... ...Thursday : January 8 , February 5 11 2 Jacksonvi Ile ..............Thursday: January 8, February 5 12 6 5 2 18 6 11 3 2 22 23 5 1& 3 3 11 12 2 IO 9 12 19 22 49 51 ·: 4 16 23 7 8 4 35 13 1 2 4 IO 6 7 8 3 3 26 16 4 11 0 36 Mobile ............. ......... Wednesday: January 14, February JI 6 4 .·.· S:~nF)·~n.c;i$CO .. ~ ···· : ·· :Thut'.SQay:Ja:µ~ary l5, February 12 8 4 4 3 56 16 15 ' 0. 2 1 0 3 0 6 0 1 50 0 187 2 2 1 0 I 141 42 80 403 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 12 9 3 5 3 0 0 13 Philadelphia ..... ........ Wednesday: January 7, February 4 6 2 6 7 8 9 7 l 0 0 4 5 l 6 4 5 11 0 224 Totals New York .................Tuesday: January 6. February 3 4 9 2 8 0 5 12 4 2 176 25 22 1 ''""' 'I 7 14 ' •·, 66 23 2 6 6 Lakes,"Inland Waters 6 I 17 27 Puerto Rico Honolulu 22 < .; . . ,Deep,$ea1 Piney Point. .......... .. .. Monday: January 5, Fe bruary 2 DECK DEPARTMENT ,34 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 I 3 4 4 7 5 4 5 7 6 7 1 0 2 5 2 2 0 107 28 28 25 25 21 4 Algonac ..... .'.......... .... Friday: January 9, February 6 7 1 Houston ...... .............. Monday: January l 2. February 9 8 New Orleans .... ....... .Tuc~day: January 13, Fehruary I 0 >· ' *Ch~i~g~s d#f: t<J Mwtin Lather KinK ·s birth· ?:;;,, . . d,qy (rHil f>r.esilf~i:ir~pt1y hp ti{lays. Tacoma .......... ~ ..........F~iday: JanJ.Jary ~J, · February 20 23 1 3 4 4 10 8 0 8 8 13 0 0 San Juan ................... Thursday: January 8, February 5 0 St. Louis ................... Friday: January 16, February 13 3 2 2 0 111 25 9 0 10 6 0 6 3 6 4 1 4 Honolulu .. ......... ~'. .. ...Friday : January 16, February 1~ :: Qqluth ...................... Wednesday~ January 14, February 11 6 6 10 18 0 3 0 0 0 0 l 0 30 53 8 2 84 180 2 0 5 4 2 3 0 2 136 26 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Norfolk .....................Thursday: January 8, February 5 .·. , f 22 2 3 6 18 17 0 16 ..-.-·\·.·::··... ··;.', 6 130 10 Personals MELVIN DAVID JR. Please contact Diane Tripline at 9512 Perryhall Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21236. CHARLES HEBERT Please contact your nephew, Buster Henschke, at 9100 Westview, Houston, TX 77055. RECERTIFIED BOSUN PHILIP PARISI Please contact Diane Lamoureaux at (914) 2794257, or write her at 1304 Blackberry Hill, Brewster, NY 10509. RICHARD J. CARPENTER Your father, lames P. Carpenter, would like to hear from you. He may be reached at 812 West 6th Street, Pratt, KS 67124; telephone (316) 672-5012. 3 243 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 23 0 5 0 0 0 3 0 12 0 0 49 2 1 ;~, /i,i~;f~;;;;t;~;,;; o· 0 17 119 4 0 0 2 2 Port ll'T~w Yort<•"- 1 0 0 32 0 I IO 2 1 13 16 11 2 10 :Jacksonville 3 2 3 5 iSan Francisco 7 21 12 5 6 2 ~· Wilmington 7 9 17 11 2 5 1 4 :!~~!ladelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu ·H6uston ~St Louis ;;,:p~ney Point Algonac Totals 0 0 0 51 2 3 3 IO 3 5 33 2 2 68 14 5 2 2 l 9 0 I 0 0 0 189 133 39 6 2 4 STORIES NEEDED A writer doing research on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair needs to contact personnel who sail aboard ships on the Great Lakes. Anyone who is willing to share real life stories to help in this research should contact L. Fleming, Box 103, 5060 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor Ontario Canada NBT lCl. 4 0 0 0 41 ;;;1 'o 48 8 4 5 8 8 6 1 0 23 I 4 4 2 20 17 22 34 3 13 3 20 0 63 12 2 3 2 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 123 0 0 0 12 2 17 0 108 0 81 302 220 14 5 6 6 0 2 1 6 5 9 18 10 27 11 14 6 30 27 10 9 22 5 3 10 6 43 3 79 2 20 0 9 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 558 536 228 456 396 188 174 907 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 1997 751 QMED Ramirez Is New College Grad 337 Continuing one's education plays an important part in job security and success for Seafarers. With that in mind, QMED Robert Ramirez Sr. (right) proudly shows SIU Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz his newly received diploma. Brother Ramirez completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Mechanical Engineering from Honolulu University in July. Congratulations! Seafarers LOG 23 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Dlrecfo!l. · OCTOBER 16 - Michael Sacco President CL- Company/Lakes John Fay Executiye Vice President . David Heindel *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP · Secretriry~1Yeasurer . Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts George McCartney Vice President West Coast Roy A. "Buck" Mercer Vice President Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atfantic Coast BYJ'OO Kell~y Vice Pr-e!lident Lakei. and Inland Waters •. Dean Corgey Vice P_re~ldent. Ou.lf Coa t ~ lfEAt>()UARTERS .5201.Autb Way Camp .Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 4$001 (810) 794-4988 Port Algonac 0 28 lO 0 9 5 0 4 2 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac NOVEMBER 15, 1997 L - Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 14 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 7 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 14 7 0 2 2 0 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 28 0 ·o 19 15 . 2 0 Totals All Depts 0 69 36 0 36 8 0 33 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 28 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 56 l-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 OCTOBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medicfll Art& Bu.ilding Duluth, MN 55802 {21B} .:22-4;10 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi SI. Honolulu, HJ 96519 (605} ~345-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Hounon. TX 17002 (713) 659-.5152 .J~Cf($.9NY1U;.J;; 3315 L.i!X:rt) ' St. · JacksoriVi1le; f't/ · 32206 (904) 3$3~0987 " JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey Ci ty, NJ 07302 '........ (201}435~9424 MOllILE 1640 Dauphin lsland Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 {503) 9'>7·5404 NEW ORLEANS 610 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70 t 30 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499·6600 NORFOLK llS Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 057) 622-1892 PffiLADEI.PHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S . Andrews Ave. Ft. 1..-auderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l6Yi Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63 l l 6 (3 l4) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Ta.coma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 24 Seafarers LOG Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 0 2 Lake. , Inf and Waters ..:?4. . West Coast 3 Totals 39 ;\tla~tic Coast Lakes, Inland Water West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 18 0 18 0 0 .. Lakes, Inland Waters .J3 . West Coast 0 Totals 13 DECK DEPARTMENT ··········· 0 ........... 0 . ··· o · 0 3 15 ..........11. 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l .................. 0 0 0 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 . .12:. ·.· ... 0 Region Gulf Coast NOVEMBER 15, 1997 · ··o . ·o 0 0 0 1 1 0 .. 6 . .. . . 0 . 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 ·· O 0 6 3 24 40 0 11 17 7 0 1 29 53 4 35 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 I 8 14 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 14 0 0 2 0 2 14 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 .o 0 7 2 I I 0 2 1 1 7 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I 1 70 4 16 33 2 17 74 5 Totals All Depts *"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. 0 I 1 39 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Joseph Valencia of New York City, is of the ball team aboard the Robin Kirk (a Robin Line vessel) in the late '40s somewhere off the coast of South Africa. (Valecia is on the right in the back row.) In a note to the Seafarers LOG accompanying the photo, Valencia wrote, "Most of the time we played against the NMU Farrell Line. As you can see, the SIU was in good shape. So we really got the best of them." The hats, he noted, were given to the crewrnembers by Robin Line. Valencia, who was born in Puerto Rico and joined the union in 1947 in New York, sailed in both the engine and steward departments. He left the SIU in 1956 and became a truckdriver. Now, at the age of 71, Valencia finds himself close to the sea once more-he loves to fish! December 1997 �(Editor's Note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) History of Seafarers Is a Proud One I am 80 years of age since last April 23, and I thank whomever is in charge of the universe for the opportunity to be a modest part of the history of our great union. I have a history book of World War II which, as a veteran, I treasure. It was a hectic time when we Seafarers took military orders from captains or pilots of the vessels we served aboard while battles were raging. In the book is a picture of George "Bell-to-Bell" Abella, whose name is first among others on the plaque in Piney Point. He is sharing a life raft with several other survivors at the time. Clarence L. Cousins Butler1 Pa. [Editor's Note: While m Pittsburgh for the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention in September, SIU officials learned of a scrike involving mem rs of the Service mployees International Union (SEIU) Local 508. SIU personnel promptly joinl!d the picket line outside Three Rivers Stadium, where SEIU members work as ushers during stadium events. The following note was received.] Striking Stadium Ushers Thank SIU for Support We want to thank you and the members of the Seafarers Union for all your help and support. We still don't have a contract, but we are meeting with them this week in hopes that it soon gets settled. Gil Maffeo, President and officers and members of Local 508, SEIU, Pittsburgh, Pa. ... .. Pensioner Karlak Views Results of NAFTA After reading President Sacco's report about NAFfA in the latest Seafarers LOG (page 2, October 1997), I want to express my feelings, along with a suggestion. I previously wrote that the shipping industry is like a game of dominoes, meaning that if one company succeeds, thousands of people are employed to keep it successful. Likewise, if one company goes under, the people become unemployed. But this domino theory applies to all industries. With NAFfA, more and more companies are crossing over the border into Mexico, causing huge layoffs in the U.S. And now with the same type of agreement being proposed for Central and possibly South America, thousands of jobs will be lost by the American worker. For example, there is a company here called Swingline which has started its move to Mexico. Once completed, it will leave 700 American workers out of a job. With the domino ·theory taking ... ,. SUMMAR[ANNUAL .RERORl. .... ·J:IJR·· 11cs SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PUN ·.·. This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplentary Pension ·· Plan, EIN 51 ..6097656, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1996 through ecember 31, 1996. The annual report has been filed with the Internal ~~~'i~9~~r~:~~~~f~a:;:;: Q{ip~~:~ii:~~:;;::g!flplRY-ee Retirement Income ·.:.:a~.ven / ............ ...... .......... , - .. .... -. ·::~:·::.::·:-:·:·: - Basic Financial Statement ··· ······Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund and insurance. Plan expenses were $1,574,066. These expenses included $172.368 in administrativ~ eXt)ehses'and $l;4o~ :s9~ln 'benefit$ paid to partici ants and beneficiaries: A total .e>f .1.93s i?!ir.~~!:l~W~r~ participants in or benefidariM of the plan at the en'd of the plan ·y~r1 alth.9ugh not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive beneftts>····,·· ···'::·"..,...,..,. ·.·.......,. · The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $11,524;150 as of December 31, 1996, compared to $12,273,603 as of January J 1 t996. Ouring the plan year the plan experienced a decrease .in its net assets of $749,453. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assats at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $824,613 including realized losses of $10,095 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $834, 708. Minimum Funding Standards An actuar)."s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the . plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the futl annual report, or any part thereof, on request The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions 1n excess of 5 percent of plan assets; 4. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5, actuarial information regarding the funding of the ptan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report. or any part thereof, write or call Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MO 20746, {301) 899·0675. The charges to cover copying costs wm be $3.10 for the full annuaf report. or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge. a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes. or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the fuH annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes wilt be included as part of that report. The charge to cover costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of 1he report because portions are furnished without Charge. You also have the legafly protected right to examine the annual report at 'the main office of the plan (Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Pfan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (OOL) rn Washfngton. D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Pubtlc Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. effect, other companies selling upplie to v rngline al o will be out of work. Shoreside unions should insist that the word "fired" be eliminated whenever a member is out of a job due to no fault of his or her own, as with NAFfA. Using the word "fired" implies the worker isn't doing the work. In my time, it was called "l~id off." Here is my suggestion: Unions should print forms for each mem- Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year. which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds . SfilPPING RIGHTS . A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their the econhip in ri hts. Co i tracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. <on EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No December 1997 ber who has been laid off due to NAFfA or because a company ha declared bankruptcy. The form would include name, address, age, sex, experience, years worked in a company and, most importantly, the number of children depending on the laid-off worker. There are countless members in all unions who can't express themselves in writing. With this type of hiring form, all they have monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or eo raphic 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. to do is sign it and then copies can be sent to all elected officials in Washington, including the ones who voted against NAFfA. This will show them the effect NAFTA has had on American workers. I get very an.gry thinking of company officials who, in crossing the border, pay low wages to the Mexican workers and then charge high prices in the U.S. Walter Karlak Woodside, Queens, N.Y. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD . SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 l Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Gamp's Icebreaking Procedures Continued from page 10 intermediate hawsers to the barge astern of them, and one or more icebreakers may put hawsers on the lead barge, adding their horsepower to the convoy. This last method is very successful when one or two tows continually stop when the rest of the convoy keeps moving. In cases where an icebreaker assists a towing vessel by putting out a hawser on the aided vessel's stemhead, stay in front of her. If you work off to one side, then you have the leverage to lay her on her side, especially if her tow astern sheers in your direction. Watch astern of your vessel as well as ahead; it's not a comfortable position for the one caught in the middle when the lead tug meanders all over the Bay. Do not divide the convoy if the lead vessels are doing well. One of two things usually happens. The lead vessels will continue doing well, and when they reach their destination, the slower group will call you back to aid them-so you retrace your track and begin again. The other possibility is that both groups stop, in which case the icebreaking capability is now divided in half. Don't divide your resourceshave the tows put out hawsers between them. Good radio comunications are essential to coordinate everyone's efforts. Often it may not be apparent to other vessels what each icebreaker is attempting to accomplish or what ice conditions are on the perimeter of the convoy's track. Radios also allow you to tell everyone you are icelocked, need assistance or shout, "Watch out, I'm stuck, don't run me over!" If you see the convoy being set into shoal water, you can alert the rest of the vessels. Therefore, keep your radio turned on and listen to it! Summary Let me stress three things above all others: Do not allow yourself to be rushed. Icebreaking is slow, methodical and tedious work. Allow yourself margin for error. It may save writing an accident report. Lastly, keep track of your position at all times. It is all too easy to become confused after making 20 or 30 circles around a stranded vessel. I hope this information will be of assistance to anyone sent to break ice without having had previous experience. These are the procedures and principles that I have observed over the past several winters. They form the nucleus of knowledge from which I work. Quite possibly there are other methods just as good as these, perhaps better. Other captains or pilots may take exception to some points I have made. Nevertheless, this discussion will give the uninitiated some idea of what will be facing them and what should be done under various c~rcumstances which they will encounter. Seafarers LOG 25 �- - -- - - - - - - I ~ - - - --~----~-·- - Lundeberg School Graduating Classes -- SEAFA RERS LUNOEBERG SCHOOL HARRY A ;~ ~:~t~?~.·.t.. ~·m.: ~ ... .. ~ ff;:· -::. -= . . . . . .A. •• .. ..A ":L • LIFEBOAT CLASS 569 - ~---... • h-~tN·r•,. ~'t ~· . .;_., J.'-#.~• : "' ~lY. I -:H ~." • Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the October 9 lifeboat class are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Lara Evans, Wallace William, Teodoro Martinez, Darrell Carney, (second row) Vladimir Bagenko, Milton Israel, Douglas Flynn, Juma Saleh, Kevin Newsome, Robert Etheridge, (third row) Nieves Nunez, David House, Raymond Henderson, Jose Manandic, Michael Washington, David Steinberg and Laurentis Colbert. ::r Trainee Lifeboat Class 569-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 569 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Toshinori Lopez, Hector Morales, Jose Zapata, Hiawatha Williams, (second row) Christopher DeFranco, Benjamin Vernon, Rickey Bronson, William Taylor and Patrick Cleveland. Able Seaman-Marking their graduation from the able seaman class on October 16 are (from left. kneeling) William Meyer. Romeo Azcarate, Tom Gilliland (instructor), Bernabe Pelingon, Samuel Spears Jr., Michael Edwards, John Minor, (second row) Marcelo Solano, Rickie Zelaya, William Thomas, Claudio Romano, James Gasca, Eric Baliantz. (third row) Allen McKellips, Douglas Hall, Robert Gaudreau, Charles Abell, Donley Johnson, Muhiddin Awale and Larry Reed. Welding-Members of the engine department completing the welding course on October 14 are (from left, kneeling) Justin Lo Dico, Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Thomas ark Cates (instructor), Maurice Baptiste, Keseru, Charles Dunnavan , (second row Antoine Jennings, Tyler Harden and Clarence Langford. I ! i Oil Spill-SIU members completing the oil spill course on October 16 are (from left, front row, sitting) Lou Kusznir, Dwayne Marrero, Donald Bond, Freddie Cantreel, Frederick Hall, (second row) Ralph Guy, Ronald Rabon, Eric Taworski, Clayton Eley, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Donald Fromm, Michael Parks, Thomas Elkowitz, Jose Colon, Mark Bosse and Dennis Compton. Crane Maintenance -Receiving their endorsements from the crane maintenance course on October 9 are (seated) Tony Mohammed, (from left, standing) Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Greg Abalos, Joseph Quintella, Manuel Cruz, Michael Kovach, Dan Hultgen, (third row) Ross Himebauch, Michael Main, Gregory Thomas and Michael Las Dulce. 26 Seafarers LOG QMED-Completing their QMED training on October 9 are (from left, kneeling) Kim Higgins, Brian Lu, (second row) Eric Martinez, Erik Bradshaw, Arthur Outlaw, Donald Lumpkins, Kenneth Wells, Sjarifudin Noor, (third row) Jeff Morris, Monte Pryor and Michael Veigel. Advanced Firefighting - Upgrading SIU members completing the advanced firefighting course on October 1 are (from left, kneeling) Nellie Jones, John Ellias, Kenneth Spivey, Klaus Tankersley, Larry Philpot, (second row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Milton Israel, David Dinnes, James Dixon, James Demouy, James Prather, David Kane, (third row) Arthur Machado, William Johnson, Glynn Metcalf and Jon Taylor. December 1997 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL :. rt998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following i§$!ie schedule f°'rcla§sek Jot.the firsfthree m6nths 6f 1998 adhe Se.~fa~r~y~~ey (.'~n9~b.e!~ Sc??<>l·o( Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for :¥atil,ime[r~foi(lg· ~n~ Ecfocati9n,in Piney Point, Md. (a schedule for the entire year may page 16 in this issue of the LOG). All programs are geared to improve the . be fQund j9b ~kill~ of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. ,. . Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here wi11 begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Please also note; the courses listed are tentative. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at. (301) 994~0010. .. on :· " ··:·:·.';_•, .. ··:·:~ Safety Specialty Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) February 2 March2 March 30 March21 Basic Fi!efighting January 12 January 26 February 9 February 23 March 23 January 17 January 31 February 21 February 28 March 28 Advanced Firefighting January26 March 2 February 7 March14 Government Vessels January 26 March 9 March 3Q February 13 March27 April 17 Tankerm!ln (PIC) Barge February 16 February 20 Deck Upgrading Courses Radar Observer/Unlimited Start Date Date of Completion February 9 March 9 March6 April 3 January 12 March 23 January 23 April 3 March 2 April 10 February 21 April 18 · February 7 .March7 April 4 Water Suriival Recenli;cation Pioilra11Js . .:':sii'~cfut Able seam1'~if.~.~9?m~?!''''£.': :::'.:~;my.~rY ·~~.· · ··· · .· ·. tehniary:. :z~::'..·:::::~. ·:·2.: Date of Completion Date April 6 March3 April 3 Refrigeration Systems ..,.. & Maintenance March27 February 16 March3~ April 24 May8 March27 February 16 ··"'~,.~..,"""""".;.,".".·,. ,. ·. . . ·'··· Steward Upgrading Courses ..- If ~ _ February 20 May8 January 12 In addition, b~~ic voeatfonai support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. time Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ to qualify yourself for the course(s) requested. You also must submit a COFY 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 Lunde berg School identification card listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Lakes Member March 6 English as a Second Language (ESL) _January 26 or Adult Basic Education (ABE) With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient UPGRADING APPLICATION D .. March30 January 12, January 26, February 9 · · February 23, March 9, March 23 Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ , IJig)l School Equivalency Program ..• )an~!ry~ i~, (GED) · General Education Courses . . $!!rt ~at~~ (>nly Deep Sea Member Date of Start Date BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#__________ Book# - - - - - - - - - - Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Firefighting: Primary language spoken December 1997 D Yes D No CPR: -· Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D No Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Yes D No NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 12197 Seafarers LOG 27 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS Seafarers Pension Plan - page 12 MCS Supplementary Pension Plan -page 25 SIU-Crewed ROIROs Slated for MarAd Awards Readiness Rate Reflects Resounding Resolve of RRF Crews Seafarers who sail aboard Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels know that the most important aspect of their job is summarized in one word: reliability. Because U.S. armed forces rely on RRF ships (among others) to deliver vital supplies, the RRF fleet has an important function . In fact, the performance of the civilian-crewed fleet literally can be a matter of life or death. During extended overseas missions that took place the past three years, two SIUcrewed RRF ships-the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington-demonstrated outstanding reliability, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). As a result. they are scheduled to be recognized this month at a ceremony in Baltimore, where the crews of both ships will receive MarAd's Professional Ship Awards. MarAd reports that the Cape Washington maintained a 99 .5 percent readiness rate during the 1, 184 consecutive days of its prepositioning mission in Guam and the Persian Gulf. This means the vessel was fully operational for all but 6.5 of those days. Similarly, the Cape Wrath maintained a 99.8 percent readiness rate, as it was operational for all but 1.5 of the 981 consecutive days of its mission. "Both ships did a phenomenal job," said the MarAd spokesperson. "They kept the ships and materiel in excellent condition and responded well to everything." Docked in Baltimore, the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington are crewed by Seafarers intent on ensuring the vessels' readiness. GVA Davon Brown does his part to keep the Cape Wrath running smoothly. Operated by AMSEA, the roll-on/rolloff (RO/RO) ships returned to the U.S. this summer. These days, they are in reduced operating status (ROS) in the port of Baltimore. While ROS in the States naturally is more calm than a prepositioning mission overseas, Seafarers aboard the vessels understand they must ensure the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington can meet their four-day activation periods. That means paying close attention to detail, learning the nuances of the ships and doing whatever it takes to keep them prepared. "We basically do every type of maintenance you can think of, because we always have to be ready," says Bosun Tony Trikoglou, currently working aboard the Cape Wrath. "We keep up with the news, so we know the call could come at any time. And when the time comes that we're needed, we'll be ready." "In ROS, everybody really has to pitch in," observes QMED Carolyn Thifault, who sailed aboard the Cape Wrath during its most recent mission. Adds GVA Davon Brown, "We have a good crew that will do whatever needs to be done to keep the ship ready." QMED Bob Mulvaney has sailed aboard the Cape Washington at various times since the Persian Gulf War. "Even ROS is a lot of work," he notes. "It's still interesting, you can learn a lot, and we have a real decent crew. Plus we all know we have an important job." Cape Wrath crewmembers recently praised the culinary skills of Chief Steward Carlos Sierra, whom they credit with providing an excellent menu. QMED Taylor Clear joined the SIU 10 years ago in Baltimore. Recently he returned to Charm City when he signed on the Cape Washington. Keeping the Cape Washington crew well-fed is the focus for Chief Steward Michele Hopper. Bosun TonyTrikoglou, a 35-year member of the SIU, touches up a ramp aboard the Cape Wrath. 'We have to make sure everything is up to speed," says Electrician Pete Stein, checking a meter aboard the Cape Wrath. Aboard the Cape Washington, Bosun Bob Johnson commends the work of his shipmates. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 1997 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TRANSCOM OFFICIAL REINFORCES SUPPORT FOR NATION’S FREIGHT CABOTAGE LAW SIU PENSIONERS TO GET $500 YEAR-END BONUS TOTE’S BARER PROPOSES SHIPBUILDING MEASURE FOR JONES ACT FLEET FAST TRACK SHELVED FOR NOW U.S. FLAG EXECUTIVE SEEKS CONSORTIUM FOR CARRIERS APL-NEPTUNE MERGER COMPLETED AOTOS RECOGNIZES SIU RESCUES AT SEA, SENATOR, SHIP EXEC. 1997 SAILING SEASON ON GREAT LAKES IS EXTENDED ORGULF BOATMEN APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT SPECIAL AB COURSE SCHEDULED FOR GREAT LAKES MEMBERS THIRD MARITRANS TANKER SETS SAIL SHIPBOARD TRAINING ENHANCES APPRENTICE CLASS NEW BEDFORD MEMBER MATOS LOSES LIFE IN OVERBOARD FALL SMPP BOOKLETS MAILED TO MEMBERS TOP-NOTCH WORKER REPRESENTATION EMPHASIZED AT STEWARD TRAINING FOR SUISUN BAY, CALIF. UNION REPS MSC HEAD LAUDS SIU-CREWED GOPHER STATE JOHN STUDIVANT PASSES AWAY; HEADED FEDERAL WORKERS’ UNION NEW SIU RO/RO SHINES BRIGHT IN STAR KILAUEA HAILED AS TOP NAVY SHIP NDTA MONTHLY MEETINGS KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED ‘YOU’LL SEE, WE’LL SAIL’ SIU-CREWED RO/ROS SLATED FOR MARAD AWARDS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/1997 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 59, No. 12 1997 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5a219a477474be327b8d5549713e722f.pdf 2bba7bac650cf4657d375cf32629975a PDF Text Text Volume 60 umber 1 January 1998 ... APL Reflags 1st of 4 Vessels Under Old Glory Union Jobs Increase As C-lls oin MSP SUPPORTS ANO CALLS MAYOR GIULIANI TO PROTECT SEAFARERS ON BOARD MV. TRb"}lfCANA IN /<IEW YORK CITY AGAINST HANDCUFFING Se-AMEN FOR Rf;fi.llHNG . . "'".'-.ill~ ..(~fre.£1:!r~dlf(JH ....,j.'·< ..... ,...-.<, ......-i~~;~~~ Another Sorry Chapter Added to Runaway Scam Sea/arers Protest Illegal Treatment Of Mariners on Gambling Boat; ITF Exposes 'Slavery' Scheme Seafarers in the New York area, including those pictured here, recently protested for several days after learning of the illegal treatment of mariners aboard the Bahamianregistered gambling boat Tropicana, based in Brooklyn. Among the many mariners on the runaway-flag ship who refused massive pay cuts and were fired, two were handcuffed and removed from the vessel by a private detective hired by the shipowner, South Carolina-based Collins Entertainment Corp. The International Transport Workers' Federation intervened on the crew's behalf. Page 5. Record Season Wraps on Lakes The APL Singapore last month replaced the Marshall Islands' registry with the Stars and Stripes. Crewed by SIU members in the steward department, the vessel is one of four APL ships being added to the U.S. Maritime Security Program. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page3 Numerous New Jobs Highlight Past Year _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Pages 10-11 A banner year for cargoes moving on the Great Lakes concludes this month with the closing of the Soo locks on January 15. Seafarers such as Deckhand Salim Yahya (pictures above and inset, aboard American Steamship Company's Charles E. Wilson) have helped transport a record amount of iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the region. Page 5. Safety Training Successful Aboard American Queen _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 6 �:----- - - - - - -- -- - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- ··-- - - President's Report A Winning Partnership Aboard any ship, smooth sailing cannot happen without teamwork. A ship without working engines is useless. A ship that won't steer is no better. And anyone who has sailed knows the importance of being a good feeder. It takes everyone doing his or her job well in order to make a vessel perfonn at its peak. Aboard sealift ships, this need for teamwork is sometimes heightened, I believe. On those vessels, the deadlines can be exceptionally tight and the assignments vitally important. At times, not only American military personnel but also desperate citizens of other Michael Sacco nations depend on our ships to get the job done. That cooperation extends beyond the vessels to the organizations behind them. As speaker after speaker noted last month during the ceremonies honoring the roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships Cape Wrath and Cape Washington (see page 3) in Baltimore, there is an efficient partnership between the entities that helps make these ves els run. Those groups include maritime labor, the Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command and the contracted companies which operate them. The Sill's part in this successful mix is providing qualified, skilled manpower in a timely and competent manner, whether it's for a prepositioning ship, a Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel, a hospital ship or any other sealift component. We fulfill that responsibility through our union halls, via the manpower office and by providing the most up-to-date classes anywhere at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. It's a role we're always proud of, but especially so when people take the time to appreciate the commitment of Seafarers like those who crewed the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington during the past three years. The staggering effectiveness demonstrated by those SIU members (and their shipmates) reflects our commitment to carry out our responsibility. Of course, we're only one part of the team. Standing inside the Cape Wrath's massive cargo area, acting Maritime Administrator John Graykowski described both ships as "iron and steel examples of how well government does it's job. This isn ' t heard much nowadays, but I think this is a program Americans can and should feel good about." He then commended the mariners, companies and government agencies who combine to see America's sealift ships through safe, productive voyages. Graykowsk.i wasn't alone. Rear Admiral John J. Bepko, deputy commander of MSC, noted the "real teamwork between MSC and MarAd (for which MSC operates the ships when activated). When we're called upon to take control of these ships, we're confident. We know they'll be ready and in superb condition." "Without question, we all work together as a team," stated M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd's South Atlantic region. Other speakers pointed out that the RRF ships advance benefits to the nation even when in reduced operating status. From the SIU's vantage point, the vessels mean jobs for ROS crews. But did you know the eight RRF ships stationed in Baltimore contribute more than $50 million to the region's economy each year? This, of course, happens in many different areas throughout the United States where some of the 96 RRF vessels are located. "The RRF has become a great national asset," asserted Leland Bishop, president of American Overseas Marine Corp., which operates the two RO/R.Os being honored. The Baltimore ceremony takes place at a time when shipyards in California and Louisiana are building new American-flag ships for the prepositioning and RRF fleets. My hope is that these activities help solidify the accurate belief that our country must possess a strong sealift capability. In short, America needs it. For us, as Seafarers, the sealift ships mean jobs. For us, as Americans, these ships mean a boost to national security and in many cases a betterment of local economies. The Seafarers aboard the Cape Wrath and Cape Washington did a great job illustrating those points. On very lengthy prepositioning assignments, they were virtually flawless in terms of keeping their respective ships at the ready. As Graykowski put it, "Both ships were on time and on budget, with as much as we needed for as long as we needed it." I join with the officials at the ceremony in congratulating the SIU members who crewed these two ships during their multi-year assignments. And I also salute all Seafarers who perfonn their jobs day-in and day-out with similar dedication. llolume 60, Number 1 January 1998 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hines; Associate Ediror, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Congressional Recess Halts Action On Cargo, Passenger Cabotage Laws Several Measures Remain for Legislators' Return This Month Any effort to modify or kill the nation's cabotage laws are on hold as Congress is in recess until January 27, 1998 when President Clinton is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address. While a majority of the members of the House of Representatives has announced support for keeping the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) intact, several bills remain before both the House and Senate which could alter that law or the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which deals with the movement of people. Both laws state that cargo or passengers traveling from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and US.-flag vessels; and both are supported by the SIU. Despite the strong bipartisan showing in the House, with 239 members now listed as cosponsors to House Concurrent Resolution 65 (which calls for no changes in the law), foreign-flag operatives continue to push for action on the Coastal Shipping Competition Act (H.R. 1991 ), designed to gut the Jones Act. At the time of the congressional recess, H .R. 1991 had a total of 15 cosponsors with no hearing date scheduled. Support for the Jones Act is not limited to members of Congress. Recent statements by the commander and deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) have renewed the Defense Department's backing for the law. Speaking before the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention in October, U.S. Air Force General Walter Kross, who heads the military's logistics operations, specifically listed the Jones Act among the key maritime programs needed by the U.S. armed forces to ensure its sealift capability. His remarks were enforced by the second in command at TRANSCOM, U.S . Army Lieutenant General Roger G. Thompson Jr., during an address at the U.S Propeller Club convention in Savannah, Ga. He dubbed the nation's freight cabotage law "a win-win package for our country." At the same time these remarks were made, the University of Hawaii released a report showing residents of the Aloha State would be spending more annually if the Jones Act is repealed. Lawrence Boyd, a labor economist with the university's Center for Labor Education and Research, reviewed the numbers being offered by Jones Act opponents and discovered "serious errors that drastically alter their results." Professor Boyd claimed the opponents of the law "triple-counted" their figures in order to say the state is losing money because of the Jones Act. Instead, he estimates the additional annual cost that would be paid for products by each Hawaiian if the law is gutted would amount to between "$611 and $3,563." Meanwhile, the Senate still is considering two measures designed to alter the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Following an original hearing on October 21 during which MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex spoke against both bills, no further action has been announced for the Cruise Ships Visiting Alaska Act (S. 668) and the United States Cruise Tourism Act (S. 803). S. 668 deals only with the Alaskan trade, while S. 803 calls for the opening of the U.S. deep sea shoreline to allow foreign-flag cruise ships to carry passengers from one domestic port to another. As Congress meets over a two-year period, any bills offered during 1997 are still eligible for consideration during 1998. However, if final passage of any bill is not achieved by the time Congress adjourns at the end of 1998, new legislation must be offered when the newly elected Congress is seated in 1999. FTC Upholds 'Made in USA' Standard Ruling Follows Coalition's Effort To Preserve Label's Integrity Thanks to an intensive grassroots campaign waged by the Made in USA Coalition, the Federal Trade Commission (FfC) has withdrawn its proposal to severely weaken the standard for use of the "Made in USA" label on products and in advertising. The Made in USA Coalition, a group of 22 international unions (including the SIU), 70 national consumer groups, 24 state labor federations, agriculture organizations and businesses, was formed in response to the FTC's proposal to relax the 50-year-old rule. On December 1, the FTC voted 4-0 to maintain standards that require "all or virtually all" of a product be made domestically before it may bear the Made in USA label. Early last year, the FTC announced a plan to water-down the standard for use of this label to allow products made with 25 percent or more foreign labor and materials to be labeled "Made in the USA." Even products assembled in the U.S. entirely with foreign materials and foreign components would have qualified for the label under the commission's proposal. After announcing their plan in May, the FTC asked for public comment. In reporting its decision last month, the agency said it had received more than 1,000 written comments, the vast majority of which "strongly supported" the retention of the "all or virtually all" Made-in-USA standard. "Seldom have we seen the kind of outrage that Americans expressed when they learned about the Federal Trade Commission's proposal to weaken the standard governing use of the label," stated Charles E. Mercer, president of the AFLCIO' s Union Label & Service Trades Department. "Union members, business owners, consumers, members of Congress and others are to be applauded for Jetting the FTC know of that outrage in unprecedented numbers. The FTC is to be applauded for listening-and for responding to what it heard." The proposed change also received strong opposition on Capitol Hill. A majority of the House of Representatives, 226 members, had signed on as sponsors of a resolution calling for the retention of the "all or virtually all" standard. Additionally, 25 Senate members, including Majority Leader Trent Lott (RMiss.) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) sponsored a companion measure. "When consumers see a 'M~de in the USA' label, they expect and want it to mean just that," concluded Jodie Bernstein of the Consumer Protection Bureau, a division of the FTC. Senatorial Visit Aboard Hauge Two Seafarers from Virginia recently enjoyed a surprise shipboard visit by the Democratic senator from the commonwealth, Charles Robb. ABs Andre Bennett (pictured above right, with Senator Robb) and Frank Marchione said the senator boarded the prepositioning ship Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. as part of a fact-finding tour of Diego Garcia. "He was very pleased upon reviewing the cargo assets on board," noted Bennett, who sent this photo to the Seafarers LOG. "AB Marchione and I both thanked Senator Robb for his support of the Maritime Security Program and his continued support of the Jones Act. As he departed the Hauge, Senator Robb said his visit aboard the ship was the highlight of his trip." January 1998 �U.S. Flag Raised Above APL Singapore SIU members seized new shipboard employment opportunities last month when the APL Singapore reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in Seattle. The C-11 class containership is the first of four APL vessels slated to replace the Marshall Islands' flag with that of the United States_ The others-the APL Korea, APL Philippines and APL Thailand-were scheduled to reflag sometime between the end of last month and midJanuary_ All four vessels are crewed in the unlicensed departments by members of the SIU (steward), Sailors' Union of the Pacific (deck) and Marine Firemen's Union (engine). The ships will be part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). "This is a welcome addition that means more jobs for Seafarers," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "It's positive news for the membership and it strengthens national security." Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski also welcomed the APL ships, which will be operated by American Ship Management of Walnut Creek, Calif_ "Along with three sister ships which soon will join her in sailing under the American flag with American crews, the Singapore will help us fulfill our commitment to meet the nation's economic and sealift defense requirements," he remarked. Each of the vessels is approximately 900 feet long and can carry about 4,800 20-foot containers. The ships were constructed within the last three years. In announcing the reflagging, the Maritime Administration noted it had selected the vessels for the MSP "based on military utility, intermodal system capacity, commercial transportation resources, diversity of trading patterns, operator experience, and vessel size and type." Welcoming the addition of new jobs for Seafarers aboard the APL Singapore are (from left) GSU Carlos Boiser, Chief Cook Danny Guerrero, Chief Cook Aristide Langlois, Steward/Baker Roger Linasan and SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. MarAd Praises SIU-Crewed ROIROs RRF Ships Recognized for Readiness Rates The name stays the same, but the APL Singapore's port of registry changed last month from the Marshall Islands to Oakland, Calif. Crewed by SIU members in the steward department, the U.S.-flag ship is enrolled in the Maritime Security Program. Union, Companies Review STCW August 1 Deadline Looms.for Section 2 of TRB Chris Young (standing at right), U.S. Coast Guard information specialist, answers questions about the 1995 STCW amendments during a meeting last month at SIU headquarters. Representatives of SIU-contracted companies, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, the U.S. Coast Guard and the union met last month at Seafarers headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to review the latest developments regarding the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The day-long session focused on new training requirements, the phase-in schedule for additional rules, use of the SIU's Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) and more. Participants also analyzed the Coast Guard's interim rule that implements the STCW amendments, and discussed possible recommendations for changes in the final rule. (The SIU submitted comments to the agency before the December 23 deadline.) STCW is an international treaty signed in 1978 that sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide and also is significantly impacting rules governing inland and Great Lakes mariners. The convention was updated in 1995, with more than 100 nations, including the January 1998 U.S., signing onto the pact. Besides the fact that the treaty is voluminous, its implementation is fairly complicated for several other reasons. The original 1978 agreement wasn't fully enacted until 1996-but, by that time, countries already were preparing to rewrite their respective regulations to comply with the 1995 amendments. The '95 changes started taking effect in February 1997. Two other key dates are August I, 1998, by which time mariners entering the industry must meet all requirements from the 1995 amendments; and February I, 2002, by which time the '95 amendments fully take effect and the 1978 convention is off L;1e books. Moreover, more than 100 countries must establish regulations enacting (and enforcing) the amendments. "By no means is it a simple assignment, which is one reason we held this meeting," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Hall Center and a frequent participant in international forums leading to the adoption of the 1995 amendments. Eglinton chaired last month's session, which, he pointed out, stemmed from a joint meeting Continued on page 4 Two SIU-crewed vessels last month were honored in Baltimore by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) for their performances during extended overseas missions dating from 1994. The Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, both part of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), received MarAd's Professional Ship Awards, presented by acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski. While the crewmembers, companies and government entities involved in successfully operating the two roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships received full credit, many of the speakers also pointed to the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath as prime examples of the RRF's overall importance and reliability. ''This award is a testimony to the RRF managers, a credit to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and a shining star for the folks who crew our ships," said Graykowski during the ceremony aboard the Cape Wrath-attended by approximate! y 300 people, including children and teachers from two local elementary schools. "The crews' performance clearly exceeded the already high standards we expect and receive from the RRF. "Maritime is an industry without which I don't believe our country could survive," he continued. "You look at the Persian Gulf War, at the missions in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and elsewhere. Our sons and daughters will be on those missions in the future. None of those jobs will be easy, but without the RRF, our sons and daughters will not be as secure. That's another reason why it's important for all of us to be advocates of the U.S.-flag merchant marine." Rear Admiral John J. Bepko, deputy commander of MSC, which operates the RRF ships for MarAd during call-ups, supported Graykowski 's position. ''The RRF will continue to be absolutely essential to national defense. Remember, during war, 95 percent of defense cargo goes by sea," Bepko pointed out. Other featured speakers included former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley, a longtime advocate of the U.S.-flag fleet; Leland Bishop, president of American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA), which operates the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath for MSC; M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd's South Atlantic region; William F. Martin, MarAd's ship operations and maintenance officer for the South Atlantic region; and Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Maryland Port Administration. Seafarers and licensed mariners currently comprising the reduced operating status (ROS) crews of the vessels, some of whom sailed during the extended missions, accepted the awards on behalf of the full crews. SIU members and officials also were in the audience. "Both crews obviously did a great job and deserve this recognition," SIU President Michael Sacco stated whe~ Mar Ad informed the union about the awards. "Our union joins with the Maritime Administration in commending the SIU members and other mariners who kept these vessels at peak readiness throughout very long deployments. "This also is a credit to the Ready Reserve Force program as a whole." Constant Readiness As reported in the December issue of the Seafarers LOG, the Cape Washington maintained a 99 .5 percent readiness rate during the 1, 184 consecutive days of its prepositioning mission in Guam and the Persian Gulf. This means the vessel was fully operational Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski says the Ready Reserve Force is "another reason why it's important for all of us to be advocates of the U.S.flag merchant marine." for all but 6.5 of those days. Similarly, the Cape Wrath maintained a 99.8 percent readiness rate, as it was operational for all but 1.5 of the 981 consecutive days of its mission. "Both ships were on time and on budget, with as much as we needed for as long as we needed it," summarized Graykowski. The RRF consists of 96 ships owned by MarAd and maintained in a reserve status for use by the Defense Department when needed. The vessels typically have brief activation periods, yet often meet their respective deadlines with room to spare. The Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, for instance, have four-day activation periods, meaning they must be fully crewed and ready to sail no later than four days after receiving activation notices from MarAd. During a shipboard ceremony last month, Seafarers were commended by the U.S. Maritime Administration for their roles in two lengthy prepositioning missions. Joining the commemoration aboard the Cape Wrath are (from left) Bosun Michael Proveaux, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Chuck Wharton and DEU Rich Allen. Seafarers LOG 3 �Washington Implements Strict Tanker Regulations In an cffon to protect state waters and the marine environment from oil spills, the Wa hington Department of Ecology requires all crewmembers sailing aboard tank vessels in Wash ington state waters lo comply with stringent regulations that go hcyond federal maritime laws covering training and evaluation, work rules and drug and alcohol policies. In order to transport oil in state waters, operators of tank vessels must file an "oil spill prevention plan" and comply with the provisions issued by the department of ecology. The prevention plan must prove that the tank vcs ·cl meets certain standards regarding operation, crew, management, technology and information reporting. Such a prevention plan for a tank vessel must contain policies, procedures and practices that describe a program for evaluating members of the vessel's crew. The program also must include an evaluation committee headed by the vessel master to monitor the fitness-for-duty of all crewmembers. Any crewmember who is determined to be unfit for duty hall be immediately relieved. Additionally, any crewmember serving more than six months on vessels covered by the prevention plan will undergo a performance review at least annually. This STCW Amendments Reviewed Continued from page 3 earlier in 1997 of the school's deep sea and inland advisory hoards. Participants also heard from Chri~ Young, an information speciali~l al the Coast Guard who extensively took part in the international meetings leading to ratification of the amendments. Key Deadline One important deadline discussed at the meeting is August I, 1998. From that date forward, the new requirements for approved training and practical demonstration of competencies will apply. "Because the interim rule puts a quality standards system (QSS) in place after August I (used to regulate training and demonstration of shipboard competencies under STCW), it is strongly recommended that Seafarers possessing a TRB have section 2 of the book completed before that deadline," noted Eglinton . "Any licensed officer of 200 gross tons or more can make assessments to the competencies and tables for basic safety training without having to be under a QSS. Therefore, SIU members who have a TRB can have the officer sign off on the competenl'.ics in section 2. Once finished, they can have their STCW certi ticatcs updated by the Coast Guard to show they meet these requirements, and the updated certificate will be valid SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes participants to the STCW session. for five years." Guidelines for completing section 2 (which pertains to basic safety training) are published in the TRB. Eglinton emphasized that the August I deadline applies to how a mariner verifies fulfillment of the section 2 requirements. "It will be less complicated to do it before August I. After that, mariners will need either documentation of having successfully completed Coast Guard-approved basic safety training or have the competencies assessed under a QSS, in order to complete that section," he explained. "Without that documentation, after August I they are not permitted to be assigned certain shipboard duties" including pollution-prevention assignments. SIU Marches to Improve N.J. Communities With a common goal of improving the communities in Hudson County, N.J., more than 500 residents recently participated in a parade billed as the Labor and Church March. The fifth annual event took place in Jersey City, N.J. SIU official Ed Pulver (front row, second from right), who also is president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council, was one of the featured speakers. "It's sponsored by the labor movement and the Catholic church, but all religions are invited," noted Pulver. "The Filipino and Hispanic communities heavily participated along with other citizens. The idea is to strengthen our relationship so our communities will prosper.n 4 Seafarers LOG review must provide a job-performance evaluation and identify any training needed to ensure that the individual can safely and effectively perform his or her assigned duties. "In talks with SIU-contracted tanker operators, the union made sure that unlicensed crewmembers will have an active role in the performance review," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "To ensure fairness in the process, the ship's committee will be part of the evaluation panel." The state requires operators to document a comprehensive safety program for all vessels in their respective fleets. Operators also must maintain thorough and accurate training records for all personnel assigned to the vessel covered by a prevention plan. Each vessel entering Washington waters must keep a record of shipboard drills. A fire drill must be conducted weekly and an abandon-ship drill must be conducted monthly. Each quarter, crewmembers must participate in drills on oil spill response, emergency steering, loss of propulsion, loss of electrical power, emergency towing and man overboard. The regulations also state that the owner or operator of a tank vessel must have policies-consistent with state law-that ensure a person neither consumes nor is under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs on a tank vessel sailing in state waters. The operator must have a testing program in place for alcohol and drug use that is similar to existing federal regulations. Additionally, any crewmember sailing aboard a vessel into Washington state waters can be tested for drug or alcohol use if there is "reasonable cause to believe the person is under the influence." Furthermore, all personnel will ,be randomly chemically tested for the use of drugs or alcohol, the regulations state. Any navigation or engineering watchstander who remains employed aboard a tank vessel after testing positive more than once during the previous 12 months for drug or alcohol use must be reported by the company to state officials. This mariner can only return to employment aboard a vessel operating in Washington waters if he or she has undergone drug and alcohol screening and a medical professional certifies that the individual is drug and alcohol free. Al I operators of vessels that transport petroleum must file and obtain approval of an oil spill prevention plan in order to operate in state waters. If operators do not submit a plan or refuse to comply with the regulations, the vessel and operator can be banned from Washington waters. The waters of Washington include the territorial waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many tank vessels call on Canadian oil facilities along Puget Sound or navigate the Columbia River to reach ports in Oregon. The regulations were challenged by the maritime industry in a lawsuit filed against Washington in 1995. However, in November 1996, a U.S. district judge concluded that the Washington oil spill prevention statutes and regulations were constitutionally valid and legitimately protected the state's marine resources. In an effort to overturn that decision, the industry has filed an appeal. Protesting Unsafe Reflagging Seafarers last month joined hundreds of fellow trade unionists in protesting the reflagging of two U.S.-flag natural gas tankers to the Bahamian registry. In a vociferous demonstration outside the Coast Guard's Boston marine safety office, about 250 protesters declared the reflagging by North Carolina-based Duke Energy Corp-in which U.S. mariners were replaced by smaller, inexperienced Croatian crews unqualified to carry such volatile cargoes-as an unsafe move. The Croatians are being paid approximately onefourth the amount paid to the U.S. crews. U.S. Rep. Joseph Moakley (D-Mass.) said Duke is "gambling with the health and safety of everyone in the Boston area to save what amounts to pennies in the scope of their operation." Among those demonstrating against the reflagging are (from left) Chief Cook Manuel Taria, SIU New Bedford (Mass.) Port Agent Henri Francois, Rep. Moakley, retired SIU official Mike Orlando, Steward John Costa and (kneeling) AB Eugenio de Sousa. Philadelphia Shipyard Deal Settled Work to Reopen Facility Scheduled to Begin in September The final "t's" have been crossed and "i's" dotted in order to begin transforming the mothballed Philadelphia Naval Yard into a commercial shipbuilding facility. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge announced on December 17 that the transformation could begin as early as September 1998, according to the Congressional Information Bureau. The facility, which will be renamed Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc., is expected to create between 6,000 to 8,000 new jobs in the southeastern Pennsylvania region during the next five years. Since the announcement carried in the November 1997 Seafarers LOG that a tentative agreement had been reached by the commonwealth and Kvaerner ASA of Norway to reopen the yard, additional funding sources have come on line from private and public parties. K vaerner itself committed $165 million over 15 years to the project and agreed to buy the first three containerships built in the yard. Once the other financial considerations were locked up, Vice President Al Gore stated as much as $80 million in federal funds would be made available. Included in that total is $30 million from the Department of Labor to help in training, transportation assistance, day care and other matters. The remaining $50 million will come from Defense Department funds to assist the reopening and revitalization of the yard. Noting the yard had stood vacant for two years, the vice president declared, "Today, we're chasing away those cobwebs and launching what will be a thriving, state-of -the-art shipyard with new jobs for this city and new hope for America's shipbuilding industry." Gov. Ridge added, ''This agreement sends a strong message to the rest o.f the world. It says that commercial shipbuilding is back in the United States." Public-Private Financing With the announcement by Gore, the total public financing for the deal is $399 million. It includes dollars from the commonwealth, the city of Philadelphia, the Delaware River Port Authority and federal sources. Among the private sector companies involved in financing the agreement is CSX, which owns SIUcontracted Sea-Land Service. CSX Chairman John Snow called the arrangement "a forward-looking agreement with Kvaerner [offering] Jones Act carri-. ers and customers an opportunity to move a whole new technology base." SIU President Michael Sacco also praised the efforts undertaken to reopen the shipyard. "This will provide jobs for many men and women in the maritime industry," stated Sacco, who also serves as president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. "We look forward to working with the operators of the new shipyard so union members will be able to build and then sail these new vessels." Kvaerner said it plans to build nine containerships, but ultimately wanst to produce cruise ships at the facility. The company has shipyards throughout Europe producing luxury cruise liners, LNG carriers, oil-drilling rigs and support vessels. January 1998 �Latest Scene in Runaway Scam: 1 Sla11e 1 Mariners Illegally Handcuffed Captain, Others Escorted to Airport for Protesting Company Actions A newspaper reporter likened it to kidnapping. An inspector with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) described it as "slavery." Runaway-flag shipping strikes again. In separate incidents last September, three crewmembers from the Bahamian-flag, U.S.owned gambling ship Tropicana unjustifiably and illegally were handcuffed, taken to JFK Airport in New York and placed on flights out of the country. Fifteen other members of the multinational crew were fired and ordered off the ship-owned by South Carolina-based Collins Entertainment Corp.-without receiving the prepaid air tickets owed to them. (The crew numbered 79 and consisted of 24 nationalities.) Refusing Pay Cuts One mariner, 32-year-old Mark O'Dean of Guyana, was fired because he refused to accept a pay cut that violated Bahamian labor law. Despite a shipboard contract, O'Dean was ordered to go from earning $800 per month to $400. As with the firings, the unilateral pay cuts ostensibly were declared in part because of a delay in securing a license for the Tropicana to operate from New York. (The 31-year-old ship can carry 800 passengers and engages in cruise-to-nowhere gambling voyages. Because of U.S. laws and administrative rul ings, foreign-flag ships departing from U.S. ports must sail beyond U.S. territorial waters and return to the same port to discharge passengers-a practice known as cruises-tonowhere.) While O'Dean awaited payment of back wages and one month's compensation (owed to him per Bahamian Jaw), company president Fred Collins reportedly hired a private detective. The investigator boarded the ship, cuffed O'Dean and fulfilled Collins' demand to take him to the airport. By all accounts, O'Dean fully cooperated because he believed the private detective was a police officer. It is illegal for private detectives to handcuff anyone. "This is real slavery, illegal tactics like something from another century," said Spiro Varras, one of the Sill's ITF inspectors, who monitors complaints and upgrades conditions on flag-of-convenience ships in New York and New Jersey. The Tropicana 's captain, Tonci Matulina, protested O'Dean's treatment by signing off the ship. He then was illegally led away in handcuffs at l :30 a.m.. taken to the airport and placed on a flight to Croatia. A reporter for the Journal of Commerce pointed out that these incidents occurred near the Statue of Liberty, and described them as "a trampling of human rights." Following ITF intervention and peaceful protests by the SIU on the crewmerflbers' behalf (see sidebar), New York police met with ship managers to investigate the handcuffing incidents. The examination apparently was short-lived, however, perhaps in part because the offended parties were out of the country. m= Learns of Situation Varras first learned of the situation when Jose Larrea, a waiter from Peru, telephoned him September 3 from the airport. Like O'Dean, Larrea had been fired and handcuffed after refusing to accept a pay cut. (Varras went to the airport but could not find Larrea.) After contacting the other crewmembers, Varras discovered that half of them had been fired and escorted to airports because of the licensing delay, and several others were dismissed and forced off the ship (though not in restraints) for refusing pay cuts. The ITF inspector also found that safety routinely had been compromised aboard the Tropicana. For instance, one crewmember required hospitalization after sustaining injuries while working as an electrician-a position he was forced into by SIU Patrolman Sean Ryan (with bullhorn) and ITF Inspector Spiro Varras ride a picket boat to communicate with Tropicana crewmembers. January 1998 the company, even though he had no qualifications for the job and had been working in a different department. Another, OS Fernando Rodriguez Guillen, lost an eye from infection, and received medical attention only because of ITF intervention. "It also must be made clear that the crewmembers who remained, just because they stayed doesn't mean they like the situation," added Varras. "But they don't have another job lined up and so they feel they have no choice." Such is the case in the world of runaway-flag shipping, where an owner typically insulates himself from liability and turns a quick profit at the expense of the crew, environment and customers, be they passengers or business entities. This scam is accomplished by involving multiple parties from different nations. For example, a vessel may be owned by a Korean company, registered in Panama, use an Indonesian manning agent and hire crewmembers from any number of other countries, which usually do not have a traditional maritime background. The purpose of this practice is for greedy shipowners to escape the safety regulations, proce- dures, inspections, tax laws and higher wages of traditional maritime nations. Responding to this widespread problem, the Londonbased ITF is engaged in a campaign against runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-of-convenience shipping. The organization has 100 inspectors in 40 nations assisting in this fight. Overall, the ITF comprises more than 470 transport-related unions, including the SIU, in more than 120 nations. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section. SIU Protests Virtual Kidnapping of Foreigners New York-area Seafarers picketed the Tropicana from early morning until evening September 16-19. Upon learning of the mistreatment of mariners aboard the Bahamianflag gambling ship Tropicana, Seafarers (in photos above and below) protested the wrongdoing and helped inform the multinational crew that they had recourse against such abuse. Other maritime unions also participated in the protest, designed to call attention to the plight of mariners aboard the runaway-flag gambling ship and also to inform the crewmembers they had recourse against illegal treatment. Seafarers demonstrated along the pier and also crewed a picket boat. "It was very worthwhile," said SIU Representative Spiro Varras. an inspector with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) who helped organize the rallies. "The local authorities are alerted now to this situation, the shipowner also knows it, and the mariners realize they don't have to accept slave treatment. Before, the mariners didn ' t know they could do anything" in response. SIU Representative Sean Ryan, who took part in the pickets, pointed out that the Tropicana case drew media coverage. "Hopefully, our message helped show the public how badly mariners are treated on flag-ofconvenience vessels," he stated. Banner Shipping Season Sets on 6reat Lakes The 1997 season is winding down for Seafarers aboard Great Lakes vessels after another recordbreaking year of transporting iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the region. Many SIU-contracted companies have set winter layup locations and are considering tentative layup dates for the vessels. American Steamship Company (ASC) announced that all of its SIU-crewed bulkers will be docked in their respective winter ports by early January. The Indiana Harbor and H. Lee White will tie up for the winter in Duluth, Minn. while the Walter J. McCarthy and the John J. Boland are scheduled to lay up in Superior, Wis . Toledo, Ohio will be the winter berthing spot for the St. Clair, American Mariner, American Republic and Buffalo. The Sam Laud and Charles E. Wilson will sail to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. for the winter months. Meanwhile, the Great Lakes shipping season officially ends January 15, the date the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. close. The shutting of the locks brings the majority of shipping on the Lakes to a halt, since the locks are the only entrance into Lake Superior from the lower four bodies of water. Erie Sand Steamship Company, which operates the SIU-crewed Richard Reiss, John R. Emery, Day Peckinpaugh and J.S. St. John, will announce offi- cial layup dates within the first weeks of this month. The John R. Emery will lay up in Sandusky, Ohio and the Richard Reiss will stay the winter in Erie, Pa. Winter ports and official layup date£ for the remaining Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessels will be determined by the company early this month . As the Seafarers LOG went to press, other SIUcrewed vessels had already tied up for the winter. Seafarers sailed Cement Transit Company's Medusa Conquest into the port of Chicago late last month. Also at the end of December, the Medusa Challenger arrived in Milwaukee. The SIU-crewed Kinsman Enterprise sailed to Buffalo, N.Y. on December 13. Inland Lakes Management reports the Paul H. Townsend was scheduled for layup in the port of Milwaukee on December 31. The J.A. W Iglehart is tentatively due in the port of Detroit on January 2 while the Alpena is set to arrive in Cleveland for the winter on January 11. According to the Lake Carriers' Association, an organization of U.S.-flag ship companies on the Great Lakes, shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from Great Lakes ports were 119 .2 mill ion tons through October, an increase of 7.4 percent. That figure (without the November, December and January shipments) has already surpassed the postrecession record of 117 million tons which was set in 1996. Seafarers LOG 5 �Safety Stressed Aboard Steamboat Seafarers Continue Trahllng on American Queen Above: Posing for a photo following a class in infant and child CPR aboard the American Queen are (from left) Chief Purser Karen Littlewood, Executive Chef Hung Pham. Bar Steward Barney D'Angelo and Instructor Stormie Combs. Left: Crewmembers prepare for a U.S. Coast Guard firefighting drill aboard the American Queen. Above: During damage control training aboard the American Queen, crewmembers construct wooden patches to cover ruptures in the boat's hull. From the left are Deckhand Bryan Johnson, Deckhand Kenya Lewis, Engineer Randy Dominque and Deckhand Mike Ward. Above: The American Queen emergency squad includes (from left) Second Mate Mike Swigert, Deckhand Mark Ward, Watchman Harold Thornton, Lead Deckhand Greg Pratt, Deckhand David McKnight, Deckhand Hunter Smith, Captain Dave Davitt, Deckhand Leonard Price, Lead Deckhand David Hardesty, and First Mate Steve Setser. Above: After completion of an American Red Cross first aid course, American Queen crewmembers proudly display their certification cards. From the left (sitting) are Deckhand David McKnight, Watchman Dawnd Yamini, Watchman Harold Thornton, (standing) Instructor Stormie Combs, Purser Linda Engler, Purser John Schuler, Supervisor Tammy White, Deckhand Hunter Smith and Deckhand Vincent Bradford. Lead Deckhand David Hardesty practices using a dry-chemical extinguisher to put out a fire while the American Queen docks in Natchez, Miss. Also pictured are Deckhands Leonard Price (left) and Vincent Bradford. Learning how to snuff out small fires is important on any vessel. Above, Porter Jerome Jackson handles a fire extinguisher during a drill. 6 Seafarers LOG F rom refreshing basic firefighting skills to earning CPR and first aid certificales, SIU members who sail aboard The Delta Queen Steamboat Co.'s 418-foot overnight passenger vessel, the American Queen, joined instructors from Lhe Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.in successfully completing another series of on-site safety courses last year. Instructors Stormie Combs and Rick Redman conduclcd training sessions with the Seafarers beginning in February and ending in November. Safety training also took place throughout this year on the other SIU-crewed company steamboats, the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen. The 1997 session aboard the American Queen included infant, child and adult CPR as well as advanced first aid procedures. Other segments helped members learn how to identify and contain hazardous materials; water survival and rescue; confined pace safety; ba ic and advanced firefighting; and more. All crewmembers aboard the vessel took part in Lhe training, which included classroom and handson instruction. During the year, individual members received up to 230 hours of training. (Due to the complexity of their duties, the emergency squad, comprised of the master, two pilots, chief mate, third mate and deck crew, received the most training.) "The crewmembers are proud of how safe their boat is," noted Combs. 'They really work hard and get all that they can from our training." The first e ions of the year covered CPR and first aid. Crewmembers earned certification or recertification by passing practical and written tests. "Thi type of emergency training is vital to crewmembers aboard a passenger vessel," Combs recalled. "They must be prepared to treat the individual for a specific length of time until shoreside medical personnel can be accessed_ Thi length of time can vary, depending on where the boat is." Members also studied chemical safety, how to report and identify emergencies and how to care for someone until the shipboard emergency squad arrives. The next trip to the American Queen by Hall Center in tructors focused on damage control. Crewmembers made wooden patches to cover ruptures in various parts of the boat's hull. Additionally, crewmembers practiced using life rafts to shuttle other members (acting as passengers) from the boats to shore. They loaded and unloaded passengers and practiced evacuating passengers from the vessel in the event of an actual emergency. The final training segment aboard the paddlewheeler covered firefighting and g·eneral safety. During this section, Seafarers used fire hoses and learned the methods and agents of different types of fire extinguishers. The crew took part in drills simulating conditions of a shipboard fire and studied the behavior, prevention and chemistry of fires. Crewmembers also were instructed on how to use, clean and store a self-contained breathing apparatus. As has happened during previous training sessions, passengers cruising on the steamboat became the audience, stopping to watch the crewmembers in action. "The passengers seemed to enjoy witnessing the training," stated Combs. "One individual was a firefighter and took pictures of the crew during the training to show others when she got home. Seeing all of the safety training offered to American Queen crewmembers helps the guests feel that if something were to go wrong during their trip, they are in the afest hands available," he added. The American Queen offers three- to 16-night cruises departing from New Orleans, Memphis, Tenn., St. Louis, St. Paul, Minn., Chattanooga, Tenn., Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. At six decks high, the American Queen is the largest overnight passenger vessel built in a U.S. shipyard since the 1950s. It can accommodate 436 passengers and a crew of 170. The vessel is outfitted with a 1,400-horsepower steam engine that powers a pair of pistons to drive the paddlewheel. Supplementing that power are two modern diesel-electric systems and twin bow thrusters that bring the total horsepower to 3,500. The boat also includes surface-search radar, elevators, electronic fire-detection equipment, a computer that monitors 275 points in the steam propulsion system, an electro-hydraulic mechanism that can lower the pilothouse and more. Founded in 1890, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. is America's only operator of authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboats. With headquarters in New Orleans, the company offers cruises along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Atchafalaya and Arkansas rivers. Sharon Logiudice, a housekeeper aboard the vessel, practices using a fire hose. Testing one of the American Queen's fire hoses are (from left) housekeeping crewmembers Jude Vaughn, Tony Brennfeild and Mike Clarke. Deckhand Bryan Johnson uses a dry-chemical fire extinguisher during a practical training session held in Natchez, Miss. January 1998 �Hundreds Gather to Give Thanks At San Francisco's Annual Feast The SIU hall in San Francisco was the place to be on Tuesday, November 25, as 250 Seafarers, pensioners and their families and friends joined in the Thanksgiving Day festivities. This is the eighth year the luncheon has been held, and each year it seems to get better, according to San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celona. First, of course, there was the food. Several weeks of voluntary preparation by Seafarers and union representatives went into ensuring a delicious feast. Eighteen turkeys, nine 15-pound hams, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and numerous other vegetables rounded out the traditional holiday repast. New this year, to the delight of the guests, was the inclusion of salmon and shrimp cocktail on the menu. For dessert, Italian pastries supplemented the usual assortment of homemade pies-apple, pumpkin and pecan. Then there were the gue ts. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown was among those enjoying the lively afternoon. Also joining Seafarers for the festivities were representatives from other labor unions, including the Marine Firemen's Union, MEBA-District 1, Inland Boatman's Union, American Maritime Officers, Masters Mates and Pilots, and the United Food and Commercial Workers . Other invited friends included retired SIU Executive Vice President Ed Turner as well as several San Francisco government officials and local representatives from contracted shipping companies. Celona thanked SIU-contracted companies Matson, Sea-Land and APL for donating food for the celebration and Alioto's Restaurant for cooking the turkeys. "This celebration has gotten to be a real community event," the SIU official noted, as he welcomed the guests and gave thanks for the good year. A lot of effort went into making the 8th annual Thanksgiving Day luncheon a success. Instrumental in the food preparation are (from left) Chief Cook Burt Richardson, Chief Steward Eddie Gomez, Chief Steward Willie Madison, Chief Steward Steve Valencia and Chief Cook John Blasquez. Above: More than 250 people attended the holiday buffet luncheon, filling the San Francisco hall with good food, friendship and laughter. A friend of labor, San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (front row holding book) is welcomed by Seafarers. In the front row, shaking the mayor's hand, is Chief Steward Joseph Williams. Next to him is Steward Assistant Nunu Randle. In the back row (from the left}-are Chief Cook Donald Garrison. AB Willie Alututa. Steward Assistant Clifford Scott and Pensioner Pat Capitio. Right: San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celena welcomes guests to the festivities. With him are San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (left) and SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. Joining in the Thanksgiving holiday festivities are three good friends of the SIU. From the left are Frances Farruggia; her son, Charlie Farruggia; and Lillian A. Daldassari. SIU Baby Bond Program Still Going Strong The SIU Baby Bond Program is entering its 46th year of providing union-member parents with a special gift upon the birth of a child. As has been done since the benefit began in 1952, union members receive from the SIU a U.S. savings bond in the name of the newborn. The $50 bond is issued after confirmation of the birth is sent to the union and processed. An application for the bond may be obtained at any SIU hall or by writing the secretary-treasurer's office at the Seafarers International Union, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Applications also are mailed by the union when it is notified by the Seafarers Welfare Plan that a maternity payment has been filed. Information needed for the application includes the member's name, address and Social Security number as well as the baby's name, date of birth and social security number. (In order for a savings bond to be issued, the Federal Reserve Bank requires the Social Security number of the recipient.) Members also need to send a copy of the child's birth certificate with the application for a bond. Applications are collected by the union and taken monthly to the Federal Reserve Bank. It takes several months for the bank to return the bonds to the union. Once they are received, the bonds, along with a letter from the SIU president, are mailed to the member's house. January 1998 Celebrating the holiday with old friends are (from left) Theresa Madesti; retired Teamster member Rudy Themm; Betty Turner (wife of retired SIU Executive Vice President Ed Turner); retired SIU official Mel Madesti and Walter Chin, a friend of the union. Holiday Spirit in Houston Seafarers, SIU retirees and their families enjoyed a delicious meal and good company at the union hall in Houston one day before Thanksgiving. Retiree Theodore "Beau" James prepared the annual feast, a buffet which featured a traditional holiday menu. Retiree John Clarke (at right) was one of many who sampled dessert. Above, members and retirees dish up the main course. Seafarers LOG 7 �!1119..........................................._________________..._______~--~~~-----~~~·~~~~ --- Looking for a Voyage to a Brighter Future in 1998? ' The start of a new year brings many resolutions to improve ourselves in all sorts of different ways. Some people may wish to stop smoking or lose weight. Others may desire to help others. Still others may wish to better themselves by furthering their education hut don't have the necessary funds. Although no union can help everyone achieve success in all their new year's goals, the SIU can help seven deserving students attend college next fall. All Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children who would like to continue their education are encouraged to apply for one of seven scholarships being awarded in 1998 by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Three of the grants will go to SIU members; the other four will be given to spouses or dependent children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners. The scholarships may be used by the recipients for studies at either two- and four-year institutions of higher learning. Eligibility Requirements Eligibility requirements for Seafarers and their spouses and unmarried dependent children are spelled out in a booklet which contains a scholarship application. The booklet is available by filling out and returning the coupon below to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklet also is available at all SIU halls. Amount of Awards One of the scholarships reserved for SIU members is a $15,000 award to attend a four-year college or university; the other two arc $6,000 two-year awards to study at a vocational school or community college. Four scholarships in the amount of $15,000 each will be awarded to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers and SIU pensioners. Candidates should indicate on the application form whether they are planning to attend a twoyear or a four-year program. The $15,000 college scholarships will be paid at the rate of $3,750 per year over a four-year period. The $6,000 awards will be paid at the rate of $3 ,000 per year. birth certificates. The scholarship application must be completed by all applicants. It is easy to fill out. What may take some time, however, is collecting the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the form, including letters of reference and official copies of high school transcripts and certifications of graduation (which often take time to process) and certified copies of April 15, 1998 is the last day in which applications _are being accepted for this year's scholarship program. If an applicant sent in a form last year and was not selected for one of the awards, he or she should try again in 1998. The new year is here. Start the process going-now-and fulfill your educational goal for 1998. r--------------------------------------------------, I please send me the 1998 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying • and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code COMPLETE THIS COUPON AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207 46 8 Seafarers LOG This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completedform to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1/98 L-----------------------------------------------~--~ January 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1997 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SlDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia ·Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville S.an Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico 32 3 16 4 4 8 13 11 14 2 31 5 17 12 12 9 18 0 14 33 . 26 "· 20 28 17 23 9 0 5 4 4 l 3 l 9 11 0 14 7 10 12 0 5 4 23 9 14 33 13 3 11 11 1 5 2 4 13 9 6 2 4 1 22 18 7 17 2 2 0 18 14 41 3 2 0 107 392 2 3 1 8 10 3 4 I 6 17 28 29 22 3 10 ... 2 J 2 3 2 2 Piney Point Algonac Totals 0 0 257 4 J 0 0 2 4 0 154 59 211 3 113 2 0 41 Port Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jack:;onvilfo San Francisco :Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Loui'S 15 5 7 0 5 0 4 6 12 5 3 4 1 14 9 6 5 9 13 I8 7 13 3 6 17 ·1 Totals 4 ·New York Philadelphia Balli more Norfolk Mobile Orleans Jacksonvlile .San Francisco New Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston · SJ. J._Ql)iS . .Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Hom;ton SL Louis t>i ney Point 135 88 36 116 Totals All Departments New Orleans ............Tuesday: February 10, March 10 0 New York ................. Tuesday: February 3, March 3 6 2 2 3 1 2 2 211 0 5 2 6 4 1 6 15 12 13 8 7 12 21 6 13 2 0 0 1 20 so 183 131 25 .· .,. '1 9 .L 4 2 6 ·o 78 STEWARD DEPARTMENT '''".9. '''>7 . .J . 3 0 0 l I 0 0 0 19 1 1 4 J 0 2 15 5 ". t 13 14 7 9 9 I 2 1 25 .S 5 3 44 11 2 0 0 8 4 0 12 4 16 I 0 9 28 42 6 5 7 5 0 2 0 0 6 5 6 6 6 4 to 9 15 0 6 0 0 0 7 J 0 0 0 3 I l 0 45 12 5 2 0 I 150 57 28 0 4 8 17 9 14 23 7 14 7 27 d " 13 5 I 2 12 2 9 9 6 9 0 2 67 8 0 9 l 0 23 0 23 I I 0 52 192 155 594 491 263 0 3 0 100 460 354 164 i 39 9 3 0 4 ~1 0 I 2 0 6 0 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 67 257 94 21 224 Norfolk ..................... Thursday: February 5, March 5 San Francisco ........... Thursda.y: February 12. March 12 San Juan ................... Thursday: February 5, March 5 St. Louis ................... Friday: February 13, March 13 Tacoma .....................Friday: February 20, March 20 Wilmingcon ..............Tuesday: February 17* Monday: March 16 *Change due to President...~ Day holida)~ Personals 22 16 2 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 17 I 0 3 0 2 0 0 I 0 0 0 8 4 0 0 2 8 7 I 0 0 4 2 0 6 0 11 0 3 0 4 7 0 0 5 2 9 0 2 0 0 2 27 64 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 0 14 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 118 91 0 33 Mobile ...................... Wednesday: February 11, March 11 ·· o 4 2 12 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: February 18, March 18 ·' 1r 0 0 i 0 . Jacksonville .............. Thursday: February 5, March 5 Each part'• meeting darls at 10:30 a.m. o· 3 9 17 I& 27 1 3 4 0 10 16 ·3 s 1 Houston .................... Monday: February 9, March 9 11 0 3 5 7 0 LINDSAY EDWARD "JOHN" BASS Mark Scarborough is seeking information about his grandfather, Lindsay Edward "John" Bass, who was born February 25, 1908. He lived in St. Louis, Mo. in the 1930s, working as a merchant mariner for at least part of that time. If anyone has any information about Lindsay Bass, they are requested to contact Mark Scarborough at I 3 I Letendre Avenue, Port Edwards, WI 54469; telephone (715) 422-6728. TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS OF THE SEA Arthur N. Sjaastad, who sailed as an AB from the port of Honolulu. is presently incarcerated and would love to Mar from some of his former shipmates. His address is TDC #681264, P.O. Box 4500, 7-A-27, Tennessee Colony, TX 75886-4500. TO THOSE WHO SAILED THE BENJAMIN CONTEE Retiree George "Fuuy" Brannan would Like to hear from anyone who was aboard the SS Benjamin Contee (Liberty Ship), the third vessel in line for the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Please give him a call at (610) 485-0691 (Philadelphia area). JAMES FLUKER 12 0 47 24 0 4 2 3 3 1 8 4 20 10 6 15 35 20 4 20 18 8 13 4 20 29 35 20 23 6 IO IO 3 0 0 32 20 4 79 12 0 0 14 3 21 0 84 293 247 916 729 375 *"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. January 1998 5 2 7 68 0 6 II 0 21 I 0 2 0 7 Honolulu .................. Friday~ February 13, March 13 Philadelphia ............. Wednesday: February 4, March 4 5 5 3 6 3 6 3 0 24 I 0 .. 1 4 4 10 5 New Bedford ............ Tuesday: February 17, March 17 15 4 2 9 2 Algonac Total~ 17 2 2 0 7 0 3 10 18 13 0 6 2 5 21 4 0 3 3 0 7 5 .. '2.'. 0 25 8 9 22 0 ll 0 JI' 47 6 0 4 6 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: February 11, March 11 27 3 3 4 4 Baltimore .................Thursday: February 5, March 5 46 35 2 I 2 6 3 7 13 4 6 1 21 9 6 8 1 8 7 14 0 Algonac .................... Friday: February 6, March 6 50 14 3 .a 5 18 17 I 6 13 25 4 10 32 1 4 13 Port IO 9 15 7 13 .1 4 11 3 4 3 3 · ~ ·. 10 2 60 20 4 2 7 15 18 7 0 ii 16 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 12 6 0 7 3 0 0 5 6 1 5 0 0 Piney Point Algonac 5 7 Membership. Meetings <i' fl:fl!~;; $.ila, , .Lakes1:' lnland Waters PineJPoint ............... Monday: February 2, March 2 5 Honolulu Houslon St. Louis NewYork **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port :New York Trip Reliefs February & Wlan:h 1998 Please contact Terrie Overstreet at (757) 382-9228. Welcoming Apprentices on S-L Explorer A key part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's unlicensed apprentice program is a 90day shipboard assignment that provides students with hands-on experience. In the spirit of the Brotherhood of the Sea, Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Explorer recently welcomed two unlicensed apprentices. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Jerry Boruki, Chief Steward William Burdette and students Jason Strickler and Celina Ortega. Seafarers LOG 9 �The Year in Review For the SIU, 1997 stands as a year of substantial progress. The results of that advancement are numerous new job opportunities for SIU members as well as solidified support for the law which deals with the nation's freight cabotage. In another important development, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., overhaukd its curriculum to better serve upgraders and entrylevel mariners. The school also developed and issued a training record book that has been very well -received. The following is a look back on a few of the highlights of the year past. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs When the U .S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) in late July announced the awarding of a contract to Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. for the operation and maintenance of eight new prepositioning ships, it meant hundreds of new jobs for SIU members. Two of the eight roll -on/rolloff (RO/RO) vessels were christened last year at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, while one was brought out at NASSCO in San Diego. The rest of the Bob Hope- and Watson-class shipstwo to be built at Avondale, three at NASSCO-are scheduled for delivery on various dates between 1998 and 2000. Employment opportunities also came to fruition aboard other MSC ships, including three converted RO/ROs operated by Bay Ship Management. The USNS Yano, USNS Gilliland and USNS Soderman rounded out a group of five such ships formerly flying the Danish flag and now serving in prepositioning roles. In Mobile, Ala., Seafarers crewed the Sea Pride, a reflagged containership now serving MSC as an ammunition vessel. Early in the y~ar, SIU members climbed the gangway of the Harry L. Martin, another converted RO/RO that was the first vessel in MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Force (Enhanced) program. More new jobs were gained when Maersk reflagged four modern containerships to the Stars and Stripes and enrolled them in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). In March, Seafarers crewed the Maersk Tennessee and Maersk Texas; by mid-summer, they also had signed on the Maersk Colorado and Maersk California. The year began with APL inking a contract with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) to place nine containerships in the MSP, including four that would be reflagged from the Marshall Islands. Last month, the APL Singapore became the first of the four to hoist Old Glory. with the others slated to follow suit shortly. The SIU-crewed tanker fleet also got a boost in 1997, starting when Seafarers in June crewed two Crowley tankers, the Blue Ridge and the Coast Range. Late summer brought the announcement that Maritrans 10 Seafarers LOG agreed to acquire four tankers and a pair of tug-barge units, all to be crewed by Seafarers. SIU crews signed on the Allegiance and Perseverance in September; the other tankers will be sailing with Seafarers this year. Elsewhere, new Crowley tractor tugs went into service in Southern California, with Seafarers working aboard the boats Guard and Protector. And, there was good news for the U.S.-flag passenger ship industry when Congress approved a program designed to construct two American-flag cruise ships in U.S. shipyards. Additionally, the job security of Seafarers sailing aboard cable ships remained intact as the vessels remained under SIU contract after being sold by AT&T to Tyco. Jones Act Throughout the year, the union joined other backers of the nation's freight cabotage law to ensure it remains undiminished in its requirements that cargo moved between U.S. ports must be transported aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed, U.S.-built vessels. Rank-and-file Seafarers contacted their legislators in Congress and urged them to maintain the Jones Act, which protects America's national and economic security. The SIU also participated in and aided the efforts of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, a broad alliance of labor and industry representatives (including the Seafarers) focused on preserving the 1920 law. Shortly after the August recess on Capitol Hill, a majority of House members had signed on to cosponsor House Concurrent Resolution -65, which calls on Congress to preserve the Jones Act. Because of that majority, which continues to grow, as well as support in the Senate, legislative efforts to undermine the Jones Act-like the so-called Coastal Shipping Competition Act (H.R. 1991) or measures being considered in the Senateare not likely to be enacted during the 105th Congress, which ends this year. Enemies of the Jones Act wili not cease in their efforts to weaken or eliminate the law, however, and the SIU therefore will remain vigilant. SIU Higl Paul Hall Center Anniversaries often are times for reflection, but the Paul Hall Center, with its sights on the future, spent its 30th year making major changes and improvements. Representatives of the school developed and issued a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) designed to help Seafarers comply with new regulations stemming from international maritime treaties. The school also crafted an electronic method for maintaining and updating the training records of each Seafarer. RIGHT: The Coast Guard approval of self-certification courses such as water survival was one of many advancements made by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1997. Seafarers gained new job opportunities when four Maersk ships reflagged American, including the Maersk Colorado (above), the Maersk California (above right) and the Maersk Texas (second photo at right). From coast to coast, Seafarers maintained the unionists. Here, members demonstrate in supp January 1998 �LEFT: In March, the Maersk Tennessee reflags under the Stars and Stripes while the ship is docked in Port Everglades, Fla. BELOW: America's national security receives a boost as the USNS Gilliland is converted and ref lagged in Newport News, Va. ABOVE; Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Challenger meet with SIU President Michael Sacco and other SIU officials to discuss the purpose and proper use of the union's training record book. Boatmen at E.N. Bisso in June overwhelmingly ratified the first union contract in the 117-year history of the New Orleans-based company. Commemorating the pact are (from left) Chief Engineer Charlie Wilkinson, OS Chris Westbrook, SIU President Michael Sacco, Deckhand Robert Roberts and SIU Patrolman Steve Judd. Overall, the center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship rewrote much of its curriculum, in large part, as with the TRB, to help Seafarers meet requirements of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) and the International Safety Management Code (ISM). The school added an LNG recertification class, a tankerman (PIC) barge course and a revamped sealift class, among other new offerings. Also, instructors installed an almost entirely new steward department curriculum highlighted by modular training units designed to make it easier for Seafarers to attend upgrading courses. As has been the case for many years, the school continued providing on-site training for Seafarers. The 1997 sites included Jacksonville, Philadelphia, New Orleans, the SS Independence, the American Queen paddlewheeler, plus other locations. Early in the year, the center announced it had expanded and enhanced its program for entrylevel mariners. The new unlicensed apprentice program features an initial 12-week session in Piney Point, then a 90-day shipboard training assignment, followed by safety and department-specific training at the school. Though very challenging for students, the unlicensed apprentice program has received much praise from its participants, who cited the thorough instruction and practical experience as highlights. Both the TRB and the unlicensed apprentice program were brainchildren originating in meetings of the center's deep sea advisory board, which includes representatives from the union, the school and SIU-contracted companies and also typically features guest participants from the U.S. Coast Guard, MarAd and MSC. Similarly, the school is developing an apprentice program for inland Seafarers, as a result of the 1997 joint meeting of the deep sea and inland advisory boards. Other News ,..ai~. 's long tradition of backing fellow trade f California strawberry workers. January 1998 The ITF continued its fight against runaway-flag shipping which included gaining back wages for the crew of the Skvira. SIU ITF Inspectors Spiro Var~as (pictured here, wearing necktie), Edd Morris and Don Thornton brought a number of such ships under ITF contract while also securing a substantial total of back wages for many crews. Seafarers also were active in many other areas. Members and officials continued supporting the campaign of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) against runaway-flag shipping. Last year, they assisted mistreated crews from the Blue La.goon, Pacific Frost, Skvira, Seorax, Koktebel and many more. Edd Morris, Spiro Varras and Don Thornton, the SIU's ITF inspectors, secured approximately three-quarters of $1 million in back wages on behalf of the various crews. They also helped bring some of the ships under ITF contract, thereby increasing the chances for fair treatment of the crews. For the SIU, the year began with the tallying committee report announcing the results of voting for national officers of the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. Michael Sacco was reelected president. In August, delegates to the SIUNA convention also reelected Michael Sacco as president. They charted a course for the union that includes organizing, political action, building a stronger U.S. fleet, and fighting runaways. Officials of other maritime unions speaking at the convention stressed that unified action is one key to the industry's survival and progress. In keeping with tradition, Seafarers repeatedly demonstrated support of fellow trade unionists throughout the nation. They continued their backing of striking newspaper workers rn Detroit; farm workers rn Watsonville, Calif. ; striking Steelworkers at Wheeling (W.Va.)-Pitt Steel; striking UPS workers across the country; and Sprint workers in fired Washington, D.C., among others. Another tradition ably upheld by SIU members in 1997 was executing rescues at sea. Seafarers aboard the Sea Wolf, Gulf Star, USNS Kilauea, Niagara Falls, Osprey and Global link each helped save people in distress. So did the SIU crew aboard the tug Jesse B. Gunstream, which arguably took part in the strangest rescue of the year. They saved a woman in Port Arthur, Texas, after she was bitten by an alligator. The woman reportedly had attempted to swim across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway after a spat with her boyfriend. Most SIU contracts were ratified in 1996, but a few also were negotiated and approved in 1997. Boatmen at E.N. Bisso ratified an agreement after a long struggle to secure their first contract. Also approving pacts were Seafarers at Express Marine and Orgulf. To meet the growing needs of members from America's Last Frontier, the union opened a hall in Anchorage, Alaska on May 20. The opening coincided with the start of a ·program designed to facilitate entry of Alaskan youth into the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. In New Orleans and Houston, the Seafarers Welfare Plan opened new clinics for members and their families. Additionally, the union made its debut on the internet, starting a site on the world wide web located at seafarers.org. On the legislative front, the SIU opposed extending fast-track negotiating authority for international trade pacts. The union also continued its support of a bill designed to extend the cutoff date for veterans' benefits for World War II merchant mariners. At . the AFL-CIO convention, the national federation of trade unions reaffirmed its support for maritime. And, at the MTD conrepresentatives of vention, Congress, the administration and the armed forces reiterated that a strong U.S. fleet is vital to the nation's national security and economic stability. Seafarers LOG 11 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematianal Union Directory NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1997 Michael Sacco Presidem CL - John Fay E~ecutive Vice President Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts George McCartney Vice President West Coast Roy A. "Buck" Mercer Vice President Govemrnent Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron KeUey Vice President Lakes and lnland Waters Vice Dean Corgey Gulf Coast Pre~idenl ~ .. . HEADQUARTERS 520 I Auth Way Camp Sprfrt~. MD 20746 (301) 899~0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Or. Algonac, Ml 48001 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 10 0 10 5 0 5 0 0 27 21 Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 0 10 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 10 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 16 5 0 13 7 0 0 3 0 0 0 11 Totals All Depts 0 65 36 0 40 10 0 25 *"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. 16 26 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorag~, AK 99SO:J (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters .BALTIMORE NOVEMBER 16 - lll6 E. B~ltimore St. Baltimore. MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 DECEMBER 15, 1997 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE · 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (994) 353-09&7 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 0730Z .~20l) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 D{luphin 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 6 5 Fouttb Av~, Bmoklyn. NY 11232 (7 lS) 499-6600 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 4 26 2 0 2 0 0 32 2 6 0 3 9 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 l 17 0 0 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 2 3 6 10 0 0 5 8 17 4 14 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 J 0 3. 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 ~ 0 4 37 0 3 0 0 15 8 I 13 29 4 28 0 I 0 0 4 .12 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 4 0 0 8 0 8 --- 0 1 Totals All Depts 59 3 11 22 4 16 50 5 *"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. 33 NORFOLK l 15 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (7:57) 622~1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. PhiladeJphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 I) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTUKCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave,, Stop 16Yi Samurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Salvatore A. (Joe) DiMaggio of Scranton, Pa., was taken aboard the Steel Vendor (Isthmian Lines) in 1948 at Christmas time. In a note to the Seafarers LOG accompanying the photo, DiMaggio wrote, 'We were in Hilo, Hawaii on the 'pineapple run' at the time. I was the deck maintenance on the ship. ''This picture was taken in the crew's mess. Most of the ship's crew is in it." (DiMaggio, however, says he was sleeping when the photo was taken.) Pensioner DiMaggio joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Before rntiring in 1975, he sailed as a bosun aboard Sea Transport's Eagle Traveler. Brother DiMaggio, now 72, also is a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He would like to hear from some of his old shipmates. They may call him at (717) 346-8119. January 1998 �-------------------------------------------~---- · ~-·~ -~- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. wo recertified stewards and one recertified bosun are among the 16 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing more than 100 years of active union membership, Recertified Stewards Cleo Jones and Sek G. Wong and Recertified Bosun Gerald J. Corelli are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 12 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division and four navigated the inland T wati:rways. Of the retiring Seafarers, seven served in the U.S. military - four in the Navy and three in the Army. The oldest retiring members this month are Emilio F. Madara at age 72 and Jimmy Shuey Wong at age 70. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA BAYARDW. BALDWIN, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1963. During his union career, he served on both inland and deep sea vessels as a member of the deck department. Brother Baldwin's last sign-off was aboard the Liberty Sea, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. The Oklahoma native served in the U. S. Navy from 1953 to 1955. He makes his home in Houston. JUAN J. BARRERA, 48, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 in Port Arthur, Texas. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. A native of Texas, the deck department member upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Barrera signed off the Eric G. Gibson, operated by Maersk Lines, Ltd. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy. He has retired to Naples, Fla. ROYL. CARR. 57, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of Houston . Born in Kentucky, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Arctic. From 1958 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Carr has retired to Williamsburg, Ky. .---=-------. GERALD J. CORELLI, JERSONI. TORO, 65, Sherwood, operated by Moore McCormack. A native of Florida, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the USNS Antares as a chief electrician. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1964. Brother Hart calls Lakeland, Fla. home. WILMER JACK. 47, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1968. Born in Mississippi, he sailed in ====== both the engine and steward departments and upgraded to cook/baker at the Lundeberg School. Brother Jack last sailed aboard OMI Corp.'s Hudson. He has retired to Mobile, Ala. 62, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and =====joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. Brother Corelli began his career in the steward department but later transferred to the deck department. The New York native frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1979. His last ship was the Stonewall Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in Zephyrhills, Fla. KENNETH L. HART, 56, started his career with the SIU in SIU member Ahmed Sharif (right) not only took after his father when the time arrived to choose a career, but also enjoyed the opportunity to work with him on the same vessel. OMU Omar A. Sharif (left) and son recently sailed together aboard the Great Land, a Seafarers-contracted ship operated by lnterocean Ugland Management (IUM) for Totem Ocean Trailer Express. "It is not uncommon to have children follow their parents into a seagoing career, but it is somewhat unusual to have a father and son team working on the same vessel, and in the same department," observed IUM Assistant Vice President Bob Rogers. "The chief engineer, Don Clarke, reports that both are excellent workers and a pleasure to have aboard," he added. January 1998 ment. Brother Perez last sailed aboard the Overseas Boston. He calls Covina, Calif. home. 1966 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Robin CLEO JONES, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Polaris. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the steward recertification course in 1982. Brother Jones makes his home in Houston. .-------~ LUIS PEREZ, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York. His first ====~~ ship was the Cantigny, operated by Cities Service Transport Corp. Born in Puerto Rico, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck depart- began sailing with the SIU in 1984 from the port of Honolulu. His first ship was .____ _ _ ____, the S.S. Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A native of Ecuador, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Toro signed off the Overseas Harriette and has retired to Guayaquil, Ecuador. ANGEL TOUCET, 65, first sailed with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in China, he became a U.S. citizen in 1969. Brother Wong upgraded his skiJls at the Lundeberg School and successfully completed the steward recertification program there in 1987. He makes his home in Emeryville, Calif. INLAND EARLH. CANNON, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1949. Born in Virginia, he last sailed in 1986 ' - - - - - - - - - ' as a captain aboard Red Circle Transport Co. vessels. Boatman Cannon has retired to Tampa, Fla. CHARLESF. HODGES, with the SIU in 1967 aboard the Houston, a Sea-Land Service vessel. ====== A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department and was last aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Toucet has retired to Carolina, P.R. JIMMY SHUEY WONG, 70, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Steward (MC&S) Training School in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1966 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). The California native last sailed as a chief cook aboard the President Washington, operated by APL. Brother Wong calls San Francisco home. ...-------. SEK G. WONG,67, graduated from the MC&S Training School in 1968 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged ==::.___J 62, joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Texas native sailed as a captain and signed off the Philip K, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Hodges makes his home in Port Aransas, Texas. .----------. EMILIO F. ,---2 MACLARA, 72, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988. Born in Puerto Rico, he ==---=___.:== sailed in the deck department. Boatman Madara is a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. He calls Carolina, P.R. home. CONNIE O'NEAL PETERS, 57, began his career with the SIU in 1963. He · sailed as a captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. He last served aboard the Marrero. Boatman Peters has retired to Iota, La. Red Cross Thanks SIU When Hurricane Danny struck Mobile, Ala. last summer, the American Red Cross quickly began disaster-relief operations. The SIU immediately pitched in by donating use of the Mobile union hall to the Red Cross, which turned the facility into an administrative emergency headquarters. While the agency utilized the building to aid storm victims, the union's operations continued unimpeded. Seafarers took care of their business at the hall's counter, and job calls were held on schedule. Recently, the Red Cross thanked the union when Edward K. Patrick (left) of the AFL-CIO Community Services Department presented a plaque of appreciation to SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey during a membership meeting. . Seafarers LOG 13 - �Final Departures DEEP SEA VIRGIL S. ALFORD Pensioner Virgil S. Alford, 71 , passed away November 2, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the pan of New Orleans. Brother Alford sailed in the deck department. From 1951 co 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. He began receiving his pension in December 1987. L _ __ _ _ _ __ _ . JOHN CECERON .r Pensioner John Ceceron, 97. died November 5, 1997. He joined the Marine Cooh & Stewards (MC&S) , before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in the Philippine:>, Brother Ceceron was a resident of Sun City, Calif. He began receiving his pension in August 197 I . AMADA FELICIANO Pensioner Amada Feliciano, 90, passed away November 25. 1997. Born in Puerto Rico, he started his career with the L . - - - - - - - - - ' Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Feliciano sailed in the steward department. During his career, he wirn active in union organizing drives and beefs. The New Orleans resident retired in December I 972. JAMES M. FOSTER Pensioner James M. Foster, 74, died November 22, 1997. Brother Foster joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He ..____ _ _ _ ___, sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. He was a veteran of World War IL having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1943. A native of Alabama and a resident of Mobile, he began receiving his pension in December 1977. STANLEY A. FREEMAN SR. Pensioner Stanley A. Freeman Sr., 69, passed away November 20, 1997. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1952 from the <--..;...:;..-=::;.__;"--_ _J port of New Orleans aboard the William H. Carruth. Brother Freeman sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the steward recertification course in 1981 . A resident of Woodville, Texas, he retired in September 1989. EFRAIN GARCIA Pensioner Efrain Garcia, 66, died November 20, 1997. A native of Puerto Rico, he started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of San 14 Seafarers LOG Juan. His first ship was the Gateway City, operated by Sea-Land Service. Brother Garcia sailed as a member of the engine department and began receiving his pension in September 1996. He was a resident of Rio Piedras, P.R. MIKAL K. OVERGAARD Augusta Johnson, 77, passed away November 15, 1997. Born in Louisiana, he joined the MC&S in 1966 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Johnson, a resident of Gretna, La., retired in February 1984. Pensioner Mikal K. Overgaard, 63, passed away September 8, 1997. He began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of New York. His '-----=--=----=---' first ship was the Rebecca, operated by Maritime Overseas Corp. He sailed in the engine depanment and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Overgaard made his home in Chile and retired in January 1996. ARTEMI KANITS JOSEPH A. ROBERTSON Pensioner .- Artemi Kanits, 82, died November 6, 1997. Brother Kanits started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port ....____ _ _ _ ____, of New York. Born in Estonia, he sailed in the engine department. During his union career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Kanits, a resident of Long Island, N.Y, began receiving his pension in August 1980. Pensioner Joseph A. Robertson, 81 , died November 26, 1997. Born in Virginia, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Robertson sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1936 to I 938, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Robertson was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. and began receiving his pension in May 1981. AUGUSTA JOHNSON JOHN J. LESKUN Pensioner John J. Leskun, 71 , passed away November 28, 1997. He joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of Savannah, Ga. Brother Leskun sailed in the deck department and retired in July 1982. He was a resident of Pasadena, Texas. ROBERT P. MARION Pensioner Robert P. Marion, 73, died September 5, 1997. A native of Pennsylvania . he started his career with the ~~--=~~~!!!!!!::!Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Marion sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1983. A resident of Delisle, Miss .. he began receiving his pension in September 1984. FIDENCIO V. MARTINEZ Fidencio V. Martinez, 52, passed away November 25, 1997. Born in Honduras, he began sailing with the SIU in 1980 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Overseas Ulla, a Maritime Overseas Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Martinez was a resident of Kenner, La. JOHNW.NUSS Pensioner John W. Nuss, 80, died November 19, 1997. Brother Nuss joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the steward department. The Louisiana native was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. A resident of Diamondhead, S.C., he began receiving his pension in June 198 I. DAVID B. SACHER Pensioner David B. Sacher, 69, passed away October 3 I, 1997. Brother Sacher joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of '-----==-=~_J New York. A native of Connecticut, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1983. A resident of Las Vegas, he retired in April 1985. WALTER L. SWEDBERG Pensioner Walter L. Swedberg, 95, died December 1, 1997. Born in Illinois, he joined the MC&S , before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Swedberg lived in West Lafayette, Ind. and began receiving his pension in fay 1966. JACKM.SYMS November 8, I 997. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's =------==-i AGLIWD. Brother Wong, a resident of San Francisco, retired in January I 978. INLAND DEWEY C. SMITH INSLEY W. COFFEY fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii•iiiiiiiiiiil Pensioner Dewey C. Smith, 91, passed away July31.1997. He began sailing with the Seafarers from the port of < - - ---== = = - _ J Norfolk, Va. in 1963. Born in North Carolina, he sailed as a tugboat captain. A resident of Wilmington, N.C., he retired in September 1970. Pensioner Insley W. Coffey, 85, passed away December 3, I 997. A native of Texas , he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. Boatman Coffey last sailed as a chief engineer. He was a resident of Galveston, Texas and began receiving his pension in June 1977. . _ __ _ _ _ __ _ i GENARO A. DECOLA Pensioner Genaro A. Decola, 73, died October 22, 1997. Born in Massachusetts, he joined the SIU in 1946. During his career, Boatman Decola attended several educational conferences at the Lundeberg School. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments. A resident of Philadelphia, he retired in May 1993. WILLIAM MITCHELL Pensioner William Mitchell, 7 I. passed away November 17, 1997. Boatman Mitchell first sailed with the Seafarers in __::_.:_i 1943. Starting out as a deckhand, he worked · way up to captai · e of Pennsylvania. he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From I 944 to 1946, he served in the U.S . Navy. Boatman Mitchell began receiving his pension in February 1988. Pensioner Robert E. Parker, 79, died July 4, 1997. He joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the deck ---~~==-----' department. A resident of Perdido, Ala., Boatman Parker began receiving his pension in February 1984. ROBERT H. VOGT QUILLER D. RAGAN Pensioner Robert H. Vogt, 76, died November 21, 1997. He began his career with the MC&S in 1957 from the port of San Francisco. before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in New York. he made his home in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in October 1978. Pensioner Quiller D. Ragan, 77, passed away August 9, I 997. Born in Georgia, he started his career with the ..!!!~11111!!!!!111!!~~~ Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked as a barge repairer for Radcliff Materials from 1968 to 1984. Boatman Ragan, a resident of Mobile, retired in February 1984. __;;;,;;;.c ;.;;;;....__...;_____. JAMES H. WARD Pensioner James H. Ward. 85. passed away October 25 , 1997. A resident of Oakland, Calif., he joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Ward started receiving his pension in July 1971. NGAOWONG Pensioner Ngao Wong, 68, died HENRY J. TULEWICZ Pensioner Henry J. Tulewicz, 70, died July 25 , 1997. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Tulewicz sailed in the deck department and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1978. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Clementon, N.J ., he began receiving his pension in January 1990. JESSE E. WILLIAMS P..msioner Jesse E. Williams, 79, passed away July 27, 1997. Born in Maryland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port I..!!!!!!!;___::::.......:~=~= of Philadelphia. Boatman Williams sailed as a tug- · boat captain and retired in F ary m Cape 1983. He made his h Coral , Fla. L _ __ _ _ _ Pensioner Jack M . Syms. 75, passed away November 17, 1997. A native of South Carolina, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Savannah, Ga. He sailed as a member of the deck department and retired in October 1975. Brother Syms was a resident of Spartanburg, S.C. L _ __ Houston. A native of Texas, he sailed as a chief engineer. The World War JI veteran served in the U.S. Army from I 943 to I 945. L........:!~~::::___:.._=--:.J He made his home in Denton, Texas and began receiving his pension in March 1973. ROBERT E. PARKER WILLIAM J. SIMS Pensioner William J. Sims, 92, died September 26, 1997. Boatman Sims joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of DONALD M. MAY Donald M. May, 63, died July 5, I 997 . Brother May began his SIU career in 1969 from his native Alpena, Mich., where he made = --!..-.....1 his home. Brother May sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. ARANTIC FISHERMEN STEPHEN BIONDO Pensioner Stephen Biondo, 70, died November 14, 1997. Born in Detroit, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in I 981. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., he began receiving his pension in December I 988. RAILROAD MARINE JOSEPH J. FINLEY Pensioner Joseph J. Finley, 67. passed away November 13, 1997. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. During his union career, he sailed as a mate/deckhand and tloatman. From 195 l to 1953, the New York native served in the U.S. Army. Brother Finley, a resident of Brook· lyn, N.Y., retired in January 1991. January 1998 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the unions 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 tor publication. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Macrsk Lines), July 25- Chairman Mauriliu Zepeda, Si.:crdary Jose A. Rivera, Deck Delegate Ralph Kirby, Engine Dcli.:gatc Abdulla Mohsin, Steward Delegate Jose Guzman. Chairman stated ship scheduled to arrive in port of Houi-,ton on June 26. Crew requested patrolman tu 1111.:ct vessel upon arrival. Educational director urged mcmhcrs to take advantage or upgrntJing opportunides availnhlc al Lundcbcrg School. Deck, engine and Hteward delegates reported Lli:ipulcd OT. No Ot;Ofo reported. Crew rcquc:;tcd ice machine for mctiti hall. Crcwmcmbcr~ ex.tended vote or thanks to gal Icy gang for joh well done. Steward reminded crew to keep mess room clean. HM/ ASTRACHEM (Hv1uc Marine). October 30-Chairman Thomas Banks, Secretary Luis Escobar, Educational Director Nelson Lazo, Deck Delegate V. Beata, Engine Delegate Randell Porter. Chairman read letter from SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez to crewmemhcrs. who, in turn, thanked contracts department for quick reply to their questions. Chairman reminded member~ they arc required to have Training Record Books (TRBs) and noted TRBs soon will be mandatory for shipping. Bosun, secretary and educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Lundchcrg School. No hccfa or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested SIU apprentices he given copy of working rules before signing onto vessel so they can familianzc themselves with rl.!gulations. Chairman announced vessd scheduled for shipyard first week of December. Crew asked engine department members to refrain from using door on starboard side because noise disturbs those deck department members trying to sleep. Crew thanked steward department for "outstanding perfonnancc." Next ports: Guyama, P.R.; Freeport and Corpu Christi, Tcxa.. /TB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation). October 28Chai rm an Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Rayfield Crawford, Educational Director Stanley Sporna, Engine Delegate Shawn Tapp, Steward Delegate Alfonso Olguin. Chairman reported payoff in port of New York on October 31. Secretary urged memben; to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or di puted OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. OVERSEAS ARCTIC (Maritime Overseas), October 29-Chairman Roger J. Reinke. Secretary John M. Rapoza, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Deck Delegate Thames Solomon, Engine Delegate W.R. Hutchinson, Steward Delegate Purnell Cook. Chairman reported discussion with captain concerning new mattresses and furniture for crew members. He announced ship due to arrive in Valdez, Alaska on November 3. Bosun advised crew of Alaska's alcohol policy and noted port officials have authority to request breathalyzcr tests for crewmembers entering oil terminal whom they suspect may have been drinking. Educational director discussed upgrading at Paul Hall Center and advised members to submit applications for Training Record Books (TRBs ). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reminded crewmembers to contact chief steward for insect-control devices for their rooms. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska and Tacoma, Wash. OVERSEAS BOSTON (Maritime Overseas), October 24-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, HMI Astra chem Calls on Guayama, P.A. Aboard the HM/ Astrachem, AB Ronnie Norwood (left) and AB Lou Teferi lower the pilot ladder and make final preparations to secure the deck upon arrival in the port of Guayama, P.R. Santurce Patrolman Amancio Crespo met with the crew following payoff and sent the above photo to the Seafarers LOG. January 1998 Secretary Dennis Skretta, Educational Director Luong Ngo, Deck Delegate Jim Cunningham, Engine Delegate John Groom, Steward Delegate Heather Stilwell. Chairman announced new captain signing on and payoff scheduled upon arrival in next port. Bosun asked crewmembers to be respectfu I of one another, carefully dividing work fairly. He also reminded members to separate plastic items from other trash for proper disposal. He stressed importance of SPAD and discussed efforts by union to create more jobs and maintain job security. Crew requested repairs for toaster and Lwo l~aky faucels. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point Treasurer announced $250 in ship's fund. Engine delegate reponed disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Deck delegate requested additional coveralls for crewmembers who clean bilges. Chairman read letter from SIU headquarters concerning deck department duties during bunkering. Crew requested copy of company work rules. Crewmembers ex.tended special vote of thanks to Second Pumpman Kevin Hall for organizing movie fund. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Ferndale, Wash.; and Richmond, Calif. SEA-LAND ATLANTIC (SeaLand Service), October 26Chairman William Stoltz, Secretary Jonny Cruz. Crew noted TV sti II needs repair. Chairman praised crew for good trip between France and Boston and reported ship scheduled for shipyard in April 1998. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) booklets received. Members asked contracts department to look into increasing pension benefits in next contract. Crew asked for three mattresses and new TV and noted chairs in mess hall need to be reupholstered. from movie fund. He discussed new government vessels course now offered at Piney Point and new Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked galley gang for good food. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), October 31Chairman Jimmie Scheck, Secretary Edward M. Collins, Educational Director Dan John- OT reported. Crew asked that lounge refrigerator and freezer be fully stocked at all times. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND QUALITY (SeaLand Service), October 12Chairman Mike Carrano, Secretary Terry Smith, Educational Director Angel Hernandez. Bosun noted he will sign off for vacation following current voyage. Educational director discussed Crossing the Equator on the Julius Hammer if Crewmembers aboard Ocean Chemical's Julius Hammer adhered to the traditional "shellback ceremony" as they crossed the equator en route to Australia. They then settled down to a delicious deckside cookout, pictured above. son. Chairman announced payoff on Saturday, November 1 and advised crewmembers to apply for Training Record Books (TRBs). He also encouraged upgrading at Lundeberg School. Secretary asked crew to take dirty linens to third deck. Educational director noted purchase of new movies and discussed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Deck delegates reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Crewmembers reminded to place plastic items in separate disposal containers from other trash. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), October 26Chairman Terry Reynolds, Secretary Gregory Keene, Educational Director Rhonda Koski. Chairman thanked crewmembers for working well together and making voyage enjoyable. Educational director discussed importance of upgrading at Pau I Hall Center. Treasurer announced $900 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crewmembers to return all movies to movie locker after use and separate plastic garbage from regular trash. Crew requested LOG publish union hall fax numbers. Chairman urged members to submit applications for Training Record Books (TRBs) before January I, 1998. Crew asked contracts department for clarification of sick and emergency leave. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), October 22Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director Doug Greiner. Chairman reported payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. on October 24. He announced sailing schedule change from Rio Haina to Freeport, Bahamas and back to Jacksonville for two days. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point. He also noted many Christmas activities taking place in Washington, D.C., only a short drive from Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward extended best wishes for wonderful vacation to Bosun Edwards and Chief Cook Willie Grant. Bosun thanked galley gang for great meals, "Pizza Night" and shipboard barbecue. The deck day crew praised bosun for "his knowledge and professionalism. He is the best bosun sailing today." Steward reminded crewmembers to lock mess hall doors while docked in port. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), October 5Chai rman Willie Marsh, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore. Chairman reported new chairs ordered for crew lounge are scheduled to be delivered to ship in port of Houston. He advised crewmembers captain promised an early morning payoff in port of Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director noted new movies will be purchased in Houston using money SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land Service), October 22-Chairman Joe Artis. Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Jioia DeLeon. Chairman informed crewmembers payoff will take place upon arrival in next port. Educational director stressed importance of all crewmembers applying for a Training Record Books (TRBs). Deck delegate asked crewmembers to keep accurate record of scheduled days off. No beefs or disputed benefits of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crewmembers addressed OT issues during month of September. Steward delegate and crew talked about ways to improve menu and quality of stores. He noted top grade steak and lobster are not sent to vessel. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Houston; and Jacksonville, Fla. CHAMPION (Kirby Tankships), November 11-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director James McDaniel, Deck Delegate Kirk Jenkins, Engine Delegate Ismael Manley, Steward Delegate Obencio Espinoza. Chairman noted the ship may go into layup after two more trips. He stated he was aware of shipboard pest problem and asked crewmembers to help keep mess room clean. Educational director requested members return movies before anival in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. Bosun reminded crewmembers signing off to change linens prior to departing _vessel. Next port: Lake Charles, La. LNG AQUARIUS (ETC), November I-Chairman John Thompson, Secretary Jill Prescott, Educational Director M. Freeman, Deck Delegate William Steels, Engine Delegate Stephen Roberts, Steward Delegate Rafael Cardenas. Chairman noted letter received from union concerning questions raised by members during last union meeting. Bosun commended deck department for outstanding performance and for no lost time due to injuries during last two consecutive tours. Secretary advised crewmembers to make sure staterooms are in good order before signing off vessel. Educational director urged members to apply for Training Record Books (TRBs) as soon as possible. Treasurer announced $1,000 in ship's fund. Beefs reported by deck and engine delegates. No beefs or disputed OT reported by steward delegate. Crew noted concerns about timeliness of receiving mail while aboard ship. Next port: Arun, Indonesia. Seafarers LOG 15 -- �TRBs Are for All Seal arers r-------------------------------------, Training Record Book Application School Continues Issuing Booklets Last While priority for the issuance of training record books (TRBs) in 1997 hy the Paul Hall Center was initially given to Seafarers sailing in international waters, all SIU members need the U.S. Coast Guardapproved hooklet. ..The training record hook is not just for deep sea members," stated Byron Kelly, SIU Lakes and Inland Waters vice president. "Seafarers who sail on the Great Lakes, inland waters and harbors also need the hook to document their training and experience. That means that every Seafarer who has not already done so needs to fill out a TRB application as soon as possible." The SIU and the Paul Hall Center began issuing TRBs early last year. Initially, the TRB wa distributed to deep sea members. After those Seafarers were sent the booklet, the s<;;hool began processing the TRB apr>lications alphaheti<;;ally. TRBs contain personal identification as well as list all relevant training, drilL and exercises completed by individual Seafarers during their entire maritime career. The union developed the booklets to effi~icntly ~omply with existing and pending international maritime regulations demanding proof of an individual mariner's training and qualifications. The TRB helps standardize proof of documentation for pon state control under both the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Curlilicalion and Watc,;hkeeping for mariners (STCW). The TRB iti a member's personal propeny and is to be carried by the individual to hi:-; or her respective ships. The SIU is providing these hooks so members will not have to carry individual documents, certi firntc~ and other paperwork when they repon to their vessels. Original TRBs arc issued at no charge to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their applications. (There is a $25 charge for replacement hook5 if lost.) TRBs arc distributed via SIU halls and the Paul Hall Center to whichever port is designated by an individual Seafarer as his or her home port. Memhers will sign a receipt indicating they have received the booklet. Section I of the TRB is used to document training records. Sections 2 and ~ consist of tables indicating demonstration of job-related competencies. Training is verified hy certified instructors and assessors for the ~chool, while practical demonstration of skills is validated by the appropriate shipboard personnel. Any false information entered in the TRB will he considered falsification of a document. As reported in past issues of the Seafarers LOG, at this time there is no fixed date by which time SIU members must carry a TRB in order to sign on a ship. However, every Seafarer who sails deep sea, inland or Great Lakes should have a TRB. All members who have not submitted an application should do so as soon as possible. (Seafarers may use the application on this page.) - . SUMMARYANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN . ... This i$ a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001, for the period June 16, 1996 through December 31. 1996. The annual report has been filed with the Internal RevenuQ $Qrvice, as required under the Employee Retirement Jncome Security Act of 1974 (EAISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $7,615. These expenses included $7 r615 in administrative expenses. A total o1 3,255 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $568,467 as of December 31, 1996, compared to $0 as of June 16, 1996. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $568,467. Thjs increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $576,082, including employer contributions of $573,054 and earn· ings from investments of $3,028 First Date of Birth _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ Home Phone N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Street City 16 Seafarers LOG Hair Color _ _ __ Weight _ __ 0 Yes D No Have you ever attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses? 0 Yes D No Are you a graduate of the SH LSS entry level program? Book Number _ _ __ Home Port _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Eye Color _ _ __ Department (where you want book sent to) Along with your completed application, please send the following information: 1. Copy of USMMD (Z-card) front and back 2. Two (2) passport size photos 3. Copy of your STCW certificate {if applicable} 4. Copy of your SH LSS school card (if applicable) 5. Proof of any training received other than at SHLSS (certificates, cards, DD-214, etc.) (if applicable) Signature: ______ __ _ _____~~-~~ Send application to: SHLSS - ADMISSIONS Attn: TRB P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 ~ or give completed application to port agent If the above application is not filled out completely and the requested information sent, the application will be considered invalid and void. This blank form may be copied. L-------------------------------------~ Mariners Reminded to Ren-In order to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, all z-cards need to be updated by the end of 1999. Z-cards, also known as merchant mariner's documents (MMDs), may be renewed up to one year before they expire, and also may be renewed up to one year after they expire. The z-cards, however, are not valid for shipping once they expire. The renewal date depends on when the document was first issued. The renewal date is five years after the date the document was issued. If, for example, the z-card was issued in 1993, it will need to be renewed this year-1998. If a mariner's z-card expired in June 1997, he or she has until June 1998 to renew-although the person wiJI not be permitted to sail after June 1997 if the document has not been renewed. Moreover, if that mariner doe not renew his or her zcard by June 1998, he or she would lose the endorsements listed on the card. For example, if the person sailed as an AB, he or she would have to sit for the AB endorsement if the document was not renewed within a year after its expiration date. Renewal Date Date of 1997 1998 1999 1992 1987 1982 1977 1972 1993 1988 1983 1978 1994 1989 1984 1958 1959 1952 1953 1948 1943 1938 1954 Issue 1947 1942 1937 1949 1944 1939 Unlicensed Apprentices Join Their First Ships To help new seafaring students develop skills and identify the department for which they are best suited, the unlicensed apprentice program-including a 90-day shipboard training and assessment period-was developed at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. At left, SIU Honolulu Patrolman Jim Storm indicates on the shipping board that unlicensed apprentice Kyotaro Lopez has just been assigned to the Overseas Washington. Lopez is from a seafaring family living on "The Big Island" of Hawaii. Your Rights to Additional Information will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are turnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine ths annual report at the main office of the pfan (Board of Trustees, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor {DOL) in Washington, D.C.• or to obtain a copy from the U.S, Department of Labor upon payment ot copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Zip Code State Height (inches) _ __ You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1 . an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; and 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets;. To obtain a copy of the fuli annual report. or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees. Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Spring~~ MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The chargo to cover copying costs will M $2.10 for the full annual report. or 30 cents for any part thereof. You also have the right to rtiCQivg from the plan administrator. on request an,d at no charge. a statement of the asse1s and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expMMS of tM plan and accompanying no1es, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator. these two statement:;; and accompanying notes Middle SSN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ At right, Timothy Baldt (third from left) is the first unlicensed apprentice to join the MV Faust. Prior to the ship's departure from the Charleston, S.C. naval base, Baldt posed for this picture with (from left) Faust Captain Dean Kalumkos, Steward Stephen Bird and SIU Safety Director Pat Vandergrift. January 1998 �(Editor's Note: The Seafarers LOG resetves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) Seafarers LOG Shows How Times Have Changed I received my first copy of the Seafarers LOG and want to thank you for putting me on the mailing list. I read it twice before I put it down. The contents were very different 40-50 years ago. for the SIU was the Archers Hope, a Cities Service tanker running to Australia. Capt. Johnson received his full book in 1957. He sailed continuously through I 967 until retiring his book after receiving his mate's license. His last SIU ship was the Azalea City, a Sea-Land vessel on which he sailed as bosun. Capt. Johnson has been with Navieras de Puerto Rico for many years. He has the admiration and respect of all of us who have been fortunate enough to have sailed with him during the last 46 years. Henry G. Alder Arlington, Texas ... ... Mayaguez Crew Praises Retiring Captain Johnson Captain John Johnson is Mayaguez '.inilor who cnmc up through the hawscpipc. He tJtartcd going to sM in 1948 ns on ordinary seaman with the Army Trnnsportation Service (ATS). which is now the Military Sealift Command. He joined the SIU in 1951 when the union hall was still on Beaver Stn:ct in New York. His nm ship SUMllABY>IJNllll/~~ . llEPORT ·~; ......·:: FOR SEAFARERS WELFARE FUNBAND SUBSJDI. ,........... .., \(,,,.,,, .,., .. ,.,,,, ...,,.,,,.... . . This i~ ~ summary .of .the annual report for the SeafarQr~[~N9!@r~ .;tYIJ<!t. Sub~ld;ary, t::IN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, tor the penoo Jan~ry •:lr· ,1~§J,ryrgµgh Qep~mber 31. 1996- The annual report has been fifed wiP). . th~ , lnternfi! ·R~yenue S~l'\lice, ~s required under the Employee Retirement . . · ,,. ·. : lncome:.secufitY Act of197~f'(t:FUSAh · , Basic finan'Gi~t$tatement ·· . ...The value of plan assets1 .after-,subtfacting . liabilities of the ptan; was .:~~9·?11-,9.85. .as., qf,Jan_uaf.}'·:·,1.; .. 1. ~~9~·, PDf.lh{jth,~· plan ysar,_Jhe pl~n e)Cperi· . enced an increase in its net assets of $5,083,992. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $43, 726,063 including employer contributions of $42,672,895, realized losses of $156,950 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,196,517 and other · income of $13,601 . Plan expenses were $38,642,071. These expenses included $4,345,067 in administrative expenses and $34,297,004 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets hefd for investment; 3. loans or other obligations in default; and part 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call ths Board of Trustees, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover ·copying costs wm be .$1.80 for the full annual report, or 1o cents per page for ;:' any.part.thornof, · . ····: ::·:. Yo,~ i_il.~9. hc,iv~ th~ rl9hf t.o. ~ecehf@ from the plan administrator, on request . ~t:id at· np ,,ctiarg~. a statement qf.. the assets and iiabilities of the ptan and .,. a9c~mp~yto9 notes, or a $taUiment ot income and expenses of the plan and .·. ac.co.mpanying notes, or both. ·tf .you requet>t a copy of the full annual report ·: ;Jr.?m.!h~"pfan a9rryirii~trator. ,th;~s~ two siat@ments and accompanying notes ·:)~•U:.be. ·in¢1u<JGct as part of ttl~t report. The charge to cover costs givon above .: . do.es·:·hot incttide :a charge for the copying of these portions of the report be-cause portions are furnished without charge. ,you also have the tegaffy protected right to examine the annual report at the main-Office of the ptan {BQard ofTrustees, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (OOL} in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W,, Washington, DC 20210. January 1998 Fashion for a Good Cause Six Seafarers found a philanthropic way to take a break from recent studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Bosun Richard Higgins, ABs Ray Henderson, David House, Claudio Romano and Bobby Gaudreau and QMED Bruce Freitas took part in a charity fashion show intended to benefit a southern Maryland elementary school for handicapped children. Good-naturedly dubbed "Beauty and the Beast" by its local organizers, the show took place in late October in Lexington Park, Md. Pictured here are SIU fashion plates (standing, from left) Romano, Henderson, House, Higgins, Freitas and (kneeling) Gaudreau. Know Your Rights In top photo, John Johnson poses on the deck of the SS Transeastern in 1960. Thirty-seven years later, Capt. Johnson (left) thanks AB Frank Caceres (center) and Bosun Al (Gyrene) Caulder for building a new movie cabinet, book shelf and enclosed dart and game cabinet (in backgrouna) for the crew aboard the Mayaguez. ....and He has always been a sailor at heart, giving the same respect to licensed and unlicensed aboard his ships. His wonderful wife, Mary Beth, would often accompany him on his voyages. This was a treat for the crew as she was always cheerful and pleasant with encouraging words or compliments. They would often walk the deck at sundown, reminding us all someone is waiting for us at home. Capt. Johnson will be missed by all. We thank him for the many years he has been an SIU member and the years he has been there for us as captain. He has encouraged and pushed several SIU men to upgrade and get a license. Captain Johnson, the crew of the Mayaguez and all the SIU sailors everywhere want to say, "Bless you and your family, and have a wonderful retirement. Your leadership has been an inspriation to us all." Bosun Al (Gyrene) Caulder FINANCIAL REPORTS. The an SIU member works and lives constitution of the SIU Atlantic. aboard a ship or boat. Members Gulf. Lakes and Inland Waters should know their contract rights. District makes specific provision as well as their obligations, such as for 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 accoun- believes that an SIU patrolman or tants every year, which is to be sub- other union official fails to protect mitted to the membership by the their contractual rights properly, he secretary-treasurer. A yearly or she should contact the nearest finance committee of rank-and-file SIU port agent. members, elected by the memberEDITORIAL POLICY - THE ship, each year examines the finances of the union and reports SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers fully their finding and recommen- LOG traditionally has refrained dations. Members of this commit- from publishing any article serving tee may make dissenting reports, the political purposes of any indispecific recommendations and sep- vidual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from pubarate findings. lishing articles deemed harmful to TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds the union or its collective memberof the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes ship. This established policy has and Inland Waters District are been reaffirmed by membership administered in accordance with action at the September 1960 meetthe provisions of various trust fund ings in all constitutional ports. The agreements. All these agreements responsibility for Seafarers LOG specify that the trustees in charge of policy is vested in an editorial these funds shall equally consist of board which consists of the execuunion and management representative board of the union. The executives and their alternates. All expen- tive board may delegate, from ditures and disbursements of trust among its ranks, one individual to funds are made only upon approval carry out this responsibility. by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are PAYMENT OF MONIES. No available at the headquarters of the monies are to be paid to anyone in various trust funds. any official capacity in the SIU SHIPPING RIGHTS. A mem- unless an official union receipt is ber's shipping rights and seniority given for same. Under no circumare protected exclusively by con- stances should any member pay any tracts between the union and the money for any reason unless he is employers. Members should get to given such receipt. In the event anyknow their shipping rights. Copies one attempts to require any such of these contracts are posted and payment be made without supplyavailable in all union halls. If mem- ing a receipt, or if a member is bers believe there have been viola- required to make a payment and is tions of their shipping or seniority given an official receipt, but feels rights as contained in the contracts that he or she should not have been between the union and the employ- required to make such payment, ers, they should notify the Seafarers this should immediately be reportAppeals Board by certified mail, ed to union headquarters. return receipt requested. The propCONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS er address for this is: AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of Augustin Tellez, Chairman the SIU constitution are available in Seafarers Appeals Board all union halls. All members should 520 I Au th Way obtain copies of this constitution so Camp Springs, MD 20746 as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels Full copies of contracts as any other member or officer is referred to are available to mem- attempting to deprive him or her of bers at all times, either by writing any constitutional right or obligadirectly to the union or to the tion by any methods, such as dealSeafarers Appeals Board. ing with charges, trials, etc., as well CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU as all other details, the member so contracts are available in all SIU affected should immediately notify halls. These contracts specify the headquarters. wages and conditions under which EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, c>"r threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 17 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes S EAFARERS HARRY LUNOEBERG J 0): ~::~ ~ 1 ~~i ... -~i~~- SCHOOL LI FEBOAT CLASS 570 Trainee Lifeboat Class 570-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 570 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Jose Villafane, Brad Mohica, Raynd Lopez, Jesse Cornelison. Rohmy Butler, (second row) Larry Rich . Russell Horton, Michael Bowers, Sven Bigg , William Krostek, Dhati Baugh and Daryl Stewart. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant DL-Upgrading graduates of the November 4 tanker familiarization/assistant DL class are (from left, kneeling) Richard Hitchcock, Bartow Bridges, Kim Higgins, Lovell Smith, LaRon James, (second row) Norman Lund, Maurice Baptiste, Erik Bradshaw, Arthur Outlaw, Kenneth Wells, Jonathan Weaver, (third row) Mark Jones (instructor), Richard Higgins, Bruce Freitas, Donald Lumpkins and Allen Hamond . 1 l Advanced Firefighting-Receiving their advanced firefighting endorsements on November 6 are (from left, front row) Rick Redman (instructor) , Walter Ritvalsky, James Anderson, Mark Bosse, Robert Kendrick, (second row) John Leeter, John Dean , Steven Chapin, Sidney Horton , Dale Kirsch and Donnie Collins. Able Seaman-Marking their graduation from the able seaman class on November 12 are (from left, kneeling) Robert Etheridge, Wallace William, Teodoro Martinez, Tom Gilliland (instructor), Keith May, (second row) Raymond Henderson, Kevin Newsome, David Steinberg, Laurentis Colbert, David House and Stephen Roell. Advanced Firefighting-A second group receiving their advanced firefighting endorsements on November 6 are (from left, kneeling) Bobby Javier, Liberato Viray, Shawn Fujiwara, John Rawley, Michael Rueter, John Smith (instructor), (second row) Charles Williams, Jesus Gonzaga, Everette Sanders, Joseph Colangelo, Christopher Edyvean, Silvio Lino, Johnny Holmes, Christopher Kalinowski and Thomas Wybo. Hydraulics-SIU members completing the hydraulics class on November 13 are (from left, kneeling) Jeffrey Levie, Tesfaye Gebregziabher, (second row) Eric Malzkuhn (instructor) , Rogelio Ybarra and Michael Brennan. - LNG Recertification-The four-day LNG recertification course was completed on November 6 by the following upgrading students: (from left, first row) Michael Amador, Jon Beard, Les Farrell , Stephanie Hendrick, James White, (second row) Claudell Blakely Jr., Thalis Ealy, Gary Frazier, Sal Brahim, Stormie Combs (instructor), (third row) John Arnold , Kevin Conklin, Doyle Cornelius, Wagner Pellerin and Marcos Hill. 18 Seafarers LOG January 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the $Chedule for classes beginning in February, March and April at the Seafarers Harry Lundcberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime indu try. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict- the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lund\;bt;rg School ~ay call the adm i ions office at (30 l) 994-00 l 0. Safety Specialty Courses Start Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) February 2 March 2 March 30 April 27 February 21 March 21 AJ!ril 18 May16 LNG Familiarization April 20 April 24 Basic Firefighting February 9 February 23 Mar~h 23 April 20 February 13 February 28 March 28 April 25 Advanced Firefighting March2 April 6 April 20 March 14 April 18 March 9 March 30 April 20 March 27 April 17 May8 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date of Contpletion Date February 9 March9 April 6 March 6 April 3 March 23 April 3 . Marth 2 April 10 May 15 '• Mays . ~~b~uaryl6 February 20 March 7 April 4 May2 February 23 March 23 April 20 F\lbnuJry 16 ... ../JeJ;qqitication Programs Start . ·::.·F.ir~ma0/Watfl'J!?t.~11d~. r ·.::: Date of Completion Bosun Recertification February 23 April 6 LNG Recertification F~btua:ry February 13 April 3 February 23 & Oiler Refrigeration Systems ·& ·Main.tenance·· · · March27 May8 Po\\-Qr Plant Maintenance 9 Academic Department Courses April 24 March 30 Advanced Refrigerated Containers Date Start Course Date Date of Completion General Edu.caiton Courses March30 May8 Introduction to Computers Self-study March 27 February 16 ~teward Upgrading Courses Course ·.start ·{ )ates On y , February 9; · Fe·brtiar~r:: z3, . :i\f:are:h·:· 9; . . : . .~:. ~-.:~:<:.. ·· · · Certified Chief CookfChtef · Steward/Galley Operations March 23, April 6, Ap'ril 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the · year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient 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 indicatif}g your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your z-card as well as your Lunde berg School identification card listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member · BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book#----------- S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department U.S. Citizen : Yes 0 No D Horne Port Endorscrncnt(s) or Liccnsc(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ _ __ Arc you a graduaLe of Lhe SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo Date On : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYcs Do you hold •.he U.S. Coast Guard Lifehoatman Endorsement? No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - January 1998 DATE DNo If yes, coursc(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 1/98 Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan -page 16 Seafarers Welfare Fund and Subsidiary -page 17 Roger Horton Captures His Love of the Sea At Work, at Home and on Canvas For Captain Roger Horton, the sea has been a major part of his life. A Seafarer since 1971, the Crow Jey captain actually has been working on the water for all but 15 of his 55 years. His first job was as a commercial fohennan before serving in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps during the Vietnam War. After seeing time in Southeast Asia, Horton was assigned as an instructor in the Anny's deck officers' course at Fon Eustis, Va. because of his background aboard vessels. Union ROMI When his tour with the Army was completed, Horton headed back to the Gulf region and assisted in the SIU's effort to organize Moran of Texas. "I became involved and have stayed involved with the union because of the benefits and pay and because my father was a union member in the auto industry," Horton recalled. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, who has known Horton since their youth, said the boatman was instrumental in the Moran drive. "He was very active and able to talk to many of his fellow workers. He knew what unions are about, how they work and how they could help." After sailing with Moran until 1985, Horton moved on. and now is working aboard Crowley tugboats. Some of his assignments, including one late last year, have taken him across the Atlantic. "We just completed a 16,000-mile round-trip tow with oil rigs on the El Lobo Grande II," Horton noted. "We were at sea for 91 days and never were off the vessel . We even fueled offshore." The voyage took the SIU crew from November Surprise Russell was surprised in November to discover his father was upgrading at the Hall Center at the same time he was in the first trimester of the unlicensed apprentice program. "He told me he would come up to visit while I was in the school, but I didn't expect him to be a student." Captain Horton took advantage of time off his vessel to enroll in a oneday radar refresher course. He remarked on how much the facility had changed since his last visit to Piney Point, Md. about 15 years ago Captain Roger Horton (left) tours the Paul Hall Center's shiphandling si~~latcr with .his s~n. Russell, a st~oent in the unlicensed appren.tice program. The elder Horton surprised when, as fleet delegate for Moran his son by upgrading at the center at the same time Russell was training there during the Seafarers, he participated in contract month of November. --"°'~,,.,+,· ations. Jacksonville, Fla. to Corpus Christi, The subjects of his artwork range Both o aid they would like Texas to pick up the equipment. From from Viking and New World explothe opportunity to sat the other the Gulf of Mexico, the tug sailed to ration vessels to Revolutionary Warshould their career paths allow . Nigeria. era armadas to World War II battle Despite the many days he has spent scenes to modem day tugs and aboard vessels for work, Horton's love tankers. of the sea extends to his personal life Family of Seafarers as well. Several times his family has called a yacht, tug or houseboat home, As noted above, Captain Horton is according to his son, Russell, who is not the only member of the family training in the Paul Hall Center's unli- interested in working aboard tugs and censed apprentice program. There ships. Besides Russell, another son, even were times when the family Scott, has sailed as an AB with the would sail to a location in the Gulf or union and an uncle, Jimmy Cor.. •••r•L-Caribbean to meet the elder Horton also is an SIU a . while he was working. While he is preparing to be shipped aboard a deep sea vessel in the unliNautical Painter censed apprentice program, Russell Captain Horton also is an accomsaid he hopes to follow in his father's plished painter of maritime scenes. footsteps and become a tugboat capSeveral of his works hang in the tain. Houston SIU hall. "I know it will take a while, but I "I paint ships, tugs-anything on want to learn as much as I can," the the water," he said. "I'll paint while younger Horton stated. I'm home. I have done it at sea during He already has some shipboard my time off." experience, having worked on tugs in His work is so highly regarded that The photo above and two below are black his hometown of Pensacola, Fla. And, some of his original paintings have and white reproductions of some of the as a youngster, he sailed once with his nautical scenes painted by Captain Roger sold for several thousand dollars each. Horton over the years. Several of his works father from Florida to Columbia and hang in the SIU hall in Houston. back. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CONGRESSIONAL RECESS HALTS ACTION ON CARGO, PASSENGER CABOTAGE LAWS FTC UPHOLDS ‘MADE IN USA’ STANDARD U.S. FLAG RAISED ABOVE APL SINGAPORE MARAD PRAISES SIU-CREWED RO/ROS WASHINGTON IMPLEMENTS STRICT TANKER REGULATIONS PHILADEPHIA SHIPYARD DEAL SETTLED SIU PROTESTS VIRTUAL KIDNAPPING OF FOREIGNERS BANNER SHIPPING SEASON SETS ON GREAT LAKES SEAFARERS CONTINUE TRAINING ON AMERICAN QUEEN HUNDREDS GATHER TO GIVE THANKS AT SAN FRANCISCO’S ANNUAL FEAST ROGER HORTON CAPTURES HIS LOVE OF THE SEA AT WORK, AT HOME AND ON CANVAS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 1 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/704aa1ad45defd068d085ebc1dc87e21.pdf f68bdbf499eb4b1027f1a5d17b11d9bc PDF Text Text Important Z-Card Reminder for All Seal arers _ Volume 60 Page 20 Number 2 U.S. Needs 'Well-Trained Citizen Seafarers,' Says TRANSCOM's Kross General Declares Strang Sealift Capacity Vital New Jobs for Sealarers 3 More A l Rellag; Join Maritime Security p,, The APL Thailand, APL Philippines and APL Korea recently became part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Crewed by Seafarers in the steward department (including ACU Greg Rice, left, and Steward/Baker Don Dwyer, pictured aboard the APL Philippines) and operated by American Ship Management, the containerships are the newest vessels in the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Page 3 Seafarers Remember The Constitution In Farewell Tribute The SS Constitution's seagoing career officially ended late last year, prompting reminiscences by SIU members who sailed aboard the former cruise ship. At left, the "Connie," as she was known by many, docks in Hawaii. Page 8 �President's Report Fighting the Runaway Scam This year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Transport Workers Federation's (ITF) campaign against runaway-flag shipping. It is a fight in which the SIU actively and proudly participates through our own ITF inspectors and by other activities with the London-based federation. It is a fight in which much progress has been made during the past five years, as thousands of runaway- and foreign-flag ships have been brought Michael Sacco under ITF contract. As the ITF itself has stated, however, this is a time for quiet recognition and "re-launching our activities," rather than celebration. That's because this battle is a marathon, and it is far from finished. Figuratively (and in some cases, literally) speaking, thousands of runaway-flag vessels litter the oceans. They typically fly the ensigns of Panama, the Bahamas, Liberia, Cyprus, Malta or any of a number of other open registries. Most of these ships have multinational crews, many of whom are unqualified to work aboard merchant vessels. And many of them are grossly unsafe, as evidenced by the U.S. Coast Guard's monthly reports of ship detentions, which include details of widespread ineptitude aboard such vessels. In a cruel irony, the U.S. helped start today's trouble. During the 1920s, American businessmen created the Honduran and Panamanian registries-the former to save money, the latter to dodge prohibition. But it was during and after World War II that these flags-for-sale scams really took off. There has been no turning back, as shipowners and governments leap at the chance to turn a quick buck by participating in this modem piracy. In a nutshell, all the operator wants is a flag to nail to the mast so that he can sail his ships with little or no interference from civilized standards and conditions. He wants relief from meeting the rigid but appropriate standards of the legitimate maritime nations. Most of all, he wants the freedom to cut costs by exploiting desperate, untrained, hungry Third World pseudo-mariners. Countries like Belize, Liberia and others eagerly aid the cause, and in return they rake in relatively big money-in some cases, as much as 15 percent of their respective national budgets. The results include job losses in the true maritime states, and appalling conditions aboard many so-called flag-of-convenience ships. One ITF official recently described runaway flags as "real-life horror stories." Perhaps you have read about a few of them in the Seafarers LOG. In recent years, we have reported on dozens of such cases, many of which had sadly common threads like unpaid wages, rampant safety deficiencies, malnutrition, unsanitary conditions, untreated injuries and illnesses, and other problems. In fact, this issue of the LOG includes recent news about incidents involving runaway-flag ships, including an article on page 3 about the Bright Field disaster. Keep in mind, these ships-many of them American-owned-are all over the world. We only hear about a small portion of the abuse and mistreatment suffered by crew members just trying to earn a living. Clearly, though, there is hope in this fight. The ITF has 100 inspectors based in 40 countries dedicated to raising standards aboard runaways while working toward the long-range goal of eliminating these fraudulent operations. They, in turn, are backed by the more than 470 transport-related unions, including the SIU, which belong to the ITF. Plus, with the onset of new, tougher international regulations designed to increase shipboard safety and beef up port state control, the rule-breakers may have a harder time hiding from their responsibilities. From a U.S. perspective, the runaway situation has another notable aspect. I was reminded of it while watching President Clinton's State of the Union address last month. The president talked about America taking a leading role in international trade and other global issues. How can we have a say, how can we be a leader, he asked, if we don't participate? The same argument applies to runaways. How can America have one set of standards for promoting human rights, peace and prosperity here and around the world, while at the same time allowing runaway operations to flourish? By mostly ignoring this dilemma, the U.S. actually strengthens the grip of oppressive nations which rely on the registration fees paid to them by runaway-flag ship operators. I wonder how long we can live with this contradiction. In any case, I pledge that the Seafarers will do our part to continue this very worthwhile, very necessary fight well into the next century -and however long it takes to win. Volume 60, Number 2 lbe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~71 February 1998 The Seafarers WG (ISSN I 086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG America Must Maintain Pool of 'Well-Trained, Citizen' Mariners TRANSCOM's Gen. Kross Touts Industry Cohesion Citing the importance of maintaining a strong sealift capability, the head of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) said America must be able to call upon "well-trained, professional, U.S. citizen seafarers" in times of crisis, rather than being forced to rely on foreign crews. "I lived up close and personal with [use of] foreign-flag ships at critical times. And we don't ever want to visit that again," stated U.S. Air Force General Walter Kross, speaking last month at a meeting of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. 'The mariners sailing in the U.S.flag commercial fleet are our best, most cost-effective resource." "I lived up close and personal with [use of] foreignflag ships at critical times. And we don't ever want to visit that again. " -General Walter Kross Head of the U.S. Transportation Command Kross also noted the unprecedented level of cooperation between the U.S. government and the maritime industry. That cohesion, he said, has helped build a powerful and efficient American sealift capacity. Additionally, the head of the Department of Defense agency which oversees the worldwide movement of supplies for U.S. armed forces expressed strong support for the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program (MSP). Teamwork Benefits Nation "Together, we form a very remarkable team," Kross told the audience, which included representatives of maritime labor, the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Capitol Hill, ship operators and others. "A strong public-private partnership is being forged in peacetime and in war. There is no other country that does this and no other country that achieves the results we achieve. "And, consequently, we are preeminent in the world when it comes to deploying and getting to the fight .... Sealift is the bedrock and underpinning of all that." He further noted that America's sealift efficiency rating, determined partly through annual "no notice" exercises which began in 1992, "has never been any better than it is right now." Kross said that since those drills started, 60 ships (including SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force vessels) have been test-activated. Fifty-eight were ready on time, while the other two barely missed the deadline and were ready within 10 hours of the cutoff, the general reported. Sealift Is 'Vital' U.S. history is replete with examples of why the nation needs a viable sealift operation, including the Persian Gulf War, noted Kross, who assumed TRANSCOM's leadership in 1996. "Sealift is absolutely vital to our nation's national security. Consider that at the height of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, there were 217 ships on the high seas-132 en route, 57 returning, 28 on-loading and off-loading. We virtually had a steel br!dge across the Atlantic Ocean during Desert Shield, with one ship every 50 miles between here, the Persian Gulf and the ports on the other end," he said. "Sealift provides 90 percent of the total strategic lift capability for our country," he continued. "When we do our work, whether it is plane loads or ship loads, passengers or cargoes, we cannot supply the total need on the air side. Decisive long-term unit deployment, supplies, sustenance and re-deployment relies on the capabilities provided by a viable and vital American sealift program." Backs Jones Act, MSP Making key contributions to America's sealift strength are the MSP and the Jones Act, said the General Walter Kross says the Jones Act, MSP, a strong sealift capability and U.S. citizen mariners all are important to U.S. security. general. "MSP is important to TRANSCOM because it ensures that we'll be able to meet our sealift requirements without relying on foreign-flag ships or crews," he explained. "It ensures that we'll be able to project an American presence anywhere in the world. "And relying on the U.S.-flag fleet, the Defense Department receives, at no additional cost, access to total, global, intermodal transportation networks, which is very important to us. Thi's includes not only the vessels but also logistics management services, infrastructure, tenttinals, equipment, communications, cargo tracking networks-and, above aJI else, wen-trained, professional, U.S. citizen seafarers." Regarding the nation's freight cabotage law, Kross declared, "Our bottom line is this: The Jones Act is a proven performer that supports both our nation's military security and its economic soundness." Correction: Page 14 of the December 1997 issue of the Seafarers LOG erroneously listed the Paul Hall Center's radar observer inland course as a one-week class. The course, in fact, Jasts eight (8) days. The LOG regrets the error. Aquarius Captain Praises Reunited Rescuers Conversation aboard the LNG Aquarius recently turned to a dramatic rescue involving the Energy Transportation Corp. vessel that took place about two years ago. When Seafarers (from left) QMED James Perez, AB Cara Stinson, QMED Mark Francois and AB Scott Snodgrass signed on the tanker, it marked a reuniting of four crew members who played pivotal roles in the successful rescue of two Filipino fishermen approximately seven miles off the Philippine island of Mindanao. They and their fellow Aquarius shipmates overcame 20-knot winds, debris-filled waters and giant swells to save the fishermen. (See Seafarers LOG, March 1996.) In a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG, Aquarius Captain John Donahue noted, "These crew members are to be, and have been, acclaimed on board and publicly." He pointed out the crew received a plaque from the Propeller Club, which is displayed in this photo. February 1998 �3 More APL Ships Hoist U.S. Flag SIU Jobs Boosted as Vessels Enter Maritime Security Program Seafarers recently climbed the gangways to three APL containerships as the vessels were reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. The APL Korea and APL Thailand changed ensigns in late December in San Pedro, Calif. The APL Philippines reflagged January 3 in Wilmington, Calif. Along with last November's reflagging of the APL Singapore, this completes the process of bringing four more APL ships into the U.S. Maritime Security Program. All four vessels are crewed in the unlicensed departments by members of the SIU (steward), Sailors' Union of the Pacific (deck) and Marine Firemen's Union (engine). SIU President Michael Sacco said the ships "first and foremost represent new jobs for SIU members. That is wonderful news. "However, these vessels benefit not only Seafarers, but also the entire nation. The Maritime Security Program builds up national security, as its name indicates. America now has four more ships committed to that goal." All four were constructed within the last three years and formerly flew the flag of the Marshall Islands. Additionally, each of the ships is approximately 900 feet long and can carry about 4,800 20-foot containers. The Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines will in 42-day round trips between the U.S. West Coast and the Pacific. Scheduled ports include Los Angeles, Seattle, Hong Kong, Singapore and others. The Thailand was built in Germany, while the other three vessels were built in Korea. Each has a single screw powered by a Bermeister and Wain diesel Crew members aboard the APL Thailand prepare for a fire and boat drill. Bright Field's Owner Blamed tar Accident Runaway-Flag Freighter Had Chronic Engine Trouble Before New Orleans Crash One year after the runawaytlag freighter Bright Field crashed into a crowded New Orleans riverfront shopping complex, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have issued reports citing the shipowner for lax oversight which contributed to the accident. The detailed conclusions raise more concerns about the safety of runaway-flag vessels. (See related story on page 7.) In this case, the Liberian-flag Bright Field, owned by Cosco Shipping of Hong Kong, slammed into the Riverwalk Marketplace pier on December 14, 1996 after losing engine power. The impact resulted in more than $20 million in shoreside damage and injured approximately 100 people. (None of the crew was injured.) By most, if not all accounts, the mishap just as easily could have been far more catastrophic. The 735-foot Bright Field narrowly avoided two cruise ships docked nearby and then ran aground only 70 feet from a much smaller gambling boat with more than 600 patrons aboard. The cargo ship caused major damage to 10 stores, 40 hotel rooms and a parking garage, yet there were no fatalities. SIU-crewed Crescent tugboats were the first to arrive at the accident scene and provide assis- tance, which they did by pinning the Bright Field against the wharf, thereby preventing it from drifting into the casino boat. Days later, Captain William Wattigney, who had been sailing aboard the tug Louisiana, described the scene. The people on the gambling vessel were "running in hysterics on a walkway 12 feet wide .... All I could imagine was that big freighter hitting that little casino boat. It would have been like a person stepping on a roach. It would have gone right over it." 'Recurring Problems' Both the Coast Guard and the NTSB found that the Bright Field had significant maintenance problems for a full year before the New Orleans crash. Those reportedly included two other engine failures the day of the New Orleans incident and a similar breakdown that left the vessel adrift in the Indian Ocean for several days. The Coast Guard report contains a five-page appendix detailing the various engine failures and repairs that took place in the six months prior to the accident. The New Orleans incident occurred when "the Bright Field experienced an automatic trip of the main engine due to loss of main engine lubricating oil pressure," notes the Coast Guard summary. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, February 16, 1998 for the Presidents' Day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. February f 998 AP Photo/Dan Loh The runaway-flag Bright Field, owned by Cosco Shipping of Hong Kong, crashed into the Riverwalk Marketplace pier in December 1996 after losing engine power. Investigations into the accident-which resulted in more than $20 million in shoreside damage and injured approximately 100 people-concluded that Cosco is primarily to blame. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ship's records "indicate that many main engine components were failing at a rate greater than expected for this model of engine,'' states the agency's report. Built in Japan in 1988, the Bright Field had a direct drive diesel engine with 9,800-horsepower. "The root cause of this casualty was ineffective management and oversight of the vessel's machinery condition and operational and maintenance practices," continues the account. "Longstanding and recurrent problems with the main engine were not adequately diagnosed or remedied. . . . Shoreside managers failed to pay sufficient attention to the machinery performance and maintenance reports to assure that problems were corrected and that the vessel would perform safely." Similarly, the NTSB report concludes, "The Bright Field showed evidence of recurring engineering problems that affected vessel main engine reliability, and had all engineering systems been kept in good repair and regularly tested, the vessel may not have unexpectedly lost power during its voyage down the Mississippi River. ''The Bright Field's owners' oversight of testing and maintenance of the vessel's engineering systems was inadequate and led to unreliable performance of the engineering plant and contributed to the shutdown of the main propulsion engine on the day of the accident." Both reports contain numerous recommendations of actions by federal, state and local government agencies, in addition to private businesses, to prevent a similar occurrence. Among other proposals, the Coast Guard advised the International Maritime Organization to require vessels possessing automation equipment for periodically unattended machinery spaces to have on board integrated automation test procedures. The agency further recommended that the port of New Orleans remain on schedule to establish a vessel traffic system (a shipboard electronic system that transmits a ship's location) by the end of 1999. The NTSB investigators also found that the Coast Guard itself, as well as New Orleans port officials, did not "adequately assess, manage, or mitigate the risks associated with locating unprotected commercial enterprises in areas vulnerable to vessel strikes." According to news reports, the Coast Guard said that no criminal charges will be pursued in the U.S. because of the complexity of prosecuting non-residents. Seafarers LOii 3 �r - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - -- -- --- ---- - --- --~- - - --- Record Season Ends; Lakers Await Spring A hush has descended over the Great Lakes as SIU members from Oswego, N.Y. to Duluth, Minn. sign off their respective vessels following another banner year of transporting iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the Great Lakes region. One of the busiest SIU-contracted lakers this season was American Steamship Company's Indiana Harbor, which delivered a record-breaking 3.6 million tons of cargo before laying up in the port of Duluth for the winter. "It was an extremely good year," recalled Daryl Overby, a conveyorman aboard the Indiana Harbor. "We broke our own record. We were blessed with an exceptionally mild fall and early winter which contributed to our overall tonnage. We had no reason to delay our shipments. We just kept moving," said Overby, who joined the union in 1972. Floyd Larson, a gateman aboard the Indiana Harbor, noted, "It was non-stop from the time we fit out this spring until we brought her in for layup on January 7. We had a really good season. We had deep water and good weather and lots of cargo to deliver," said Larson, a 1979 graduate of the Paul Hall Center's trainee program. The Seafarers-crewed American Republic, American Mariner and Presque Isle were the last SIU-contracted Great Lakes ves- sels to come in for the seasonal layup. On January 15, the date the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. closed, the American Republic and American Mariner sailed into the port of Toledo for the winter while the Presque Isle sailed into Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The closure of the Soo Locks brings an end to most shipping in the region since the locks are the only entrance into Lake Superior from the lower four Lakes. The locks are scheduled to open for the 1998 sailing season on March 25. The Indiana Harbor was not the only Seafarers-crewed laker to have a busy year. According to figures released by the Lake Carriers' Association which monitors the action of U.S.-flag shipping on the Lakes, shipments of limestone and gypsum on the Great Lakes totaled 39,017,818 net tons in 1997-a new record for that trade. The previous peak, 35.1 million tons, was set in 1996. The 1997 total also represents the fourth consecutive year in which the Great Lakes stone trade has broken the previous mark. According to Algonac, Mich. SIU Representative Don Thornton, Great Lakes Seafarers are looking forward to the seasonal break. "After a busy season like this one, the time off gives them a chance to catch their breath. However, time passes quickly and before they know it, spring is here and fitout begins," said Thornton. Wiper Mike Kelly pulls inspection covers off one of the St. Clair's main engines. Securing the St. Clair's lifeboat for winter are Deckhand John Logan (left) and Gateman Scott Hoose. Before signing off the American Republic for the winter, crew members pose for a photo. They are (from left) Gateman lssam Hani, Watchman Eugene Repko, Deckhand Salah Ahmed, Deckhand Darren Lahaie and Deckhand Dan Grant. Conveyorman Marvin Schmitz communicates with crew members in the tunnel during layup procedures aboard the St. Clair. Delta Queen Crew Focuses on Safety Training Helps Advance Daily Shipboard Skills Moving a crane into place to lift a piece of machinery from the American Republic's engine room is Wiper Yahya Nasser. Before signing off in Toledo, Ohio, QMED Tracy Ribble cleans air boxes in the engineroom aboard the St. Clair. Smooth Sailing Aboard Bennett Seafarers are off to a good start aboard the Capt. Steven L. Bennett, which joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command's Afloat Prepositioning Force last November. The Bennett, which is nearly 700 feet long and has a top speed of 18 knots, carries ammunition and other materiel for the Air Force. Operated by Sealift, Inc., it is the first strategic sealift ship named after an Air Force war hero. Pictured on the Bennett's deck are (from left, kneeling) DEU Charlie Bibbs, Bosun Sam Bunch, OS Norman Williams, (standing) Steward/Baker Neville Johnson, OS Darryl Coale, Chief Cook Landa Bunch, QMED Gabriel Williams and SIU Representative George Tricker. 4 Seafarers LOG The SIU-crewed Delta Queen does not transport what most Seafarers would consider typical cargo: freight. Instead, each yeart thousands of passengers board the steamboat for cruises along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. But Seafarers working aboard the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. paddlewheeler have the same objective as fellow members who sail aboard containerships, tankers, towboats and all other SIU-crewed vessels. That ongoing goal is to transport its contents safely from one port to another. Whether it is the weekly lifeboat drill involving all the passengers and crew, a nightly fire watch detail or assisting passengers as they embark or disembark from the riverboat, Seafarers maintain a constant patrol for the well-being of their vessel and guests. Over the years, the Paul Hall Center has provided on-site lifeboat and first aid/CPR training for crewmembers aboard the Delta Queen and her sister ships the Mississippi Queen and American Queen. These classes always are scheduled while the steamboats are under way. They allow crew members to become more aware of the procedures to follow if an emergency takes place during a cruise. "Delta Queen crew members are very profi- Deck department members prepare for a lifeboat drill aboard the Delta Queen. Pictured from left are ABs Rick Welch, Steve Hetherington, Charles Meeks and Joe Collins. cient in their safety skills," stated Hall Center instructor Stormie Combs, who con- Paul HaJI Center instructor Stormie Combs (standing) instructs Delta Queen crew members on the proper use of fire extinguishers. ducted a number of training sessions aboard Delta Queen Co. steamboats last year. 'They are always very receptive to the training we offer and are always eager to Ieam more." SIU members aboard the Delta Queen perform a variety of tasks, from the cleaning of decks to keeping the engines running smoothly, and from preparing delicious meals to tidying the guests' quarters. Based in New Orleans, the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. passenger vessels travel the inland waterways throughout most of the year. Febmary 19911 �USCG Praises Swift Action ·an St. Clair Seafarers Quickly Conquer Potentially Lethal Shipboard Fire Thanks to quick reactions and professional seamanship skills, Seafarers aboard the Great Lakes self-unloader St. Clair escaped injury on August 14, 1997 when a fire ignited as the laker was offloading in a Lake Erie port. In a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG, QMED Rick Metcalf detailed the incident that earned the crew of the American Steamship Company (ASC) vessel high praise from the U.S. Coast Guard. "While unloading coal in Monroe, Michigan, St. Clair Wheelsman John Church spotted smoke issuing from the fantail scuttle hatch. Immediately, Conveyorman Marvin Schmitz and Gatemen Scott "Red" Coristine and Craig Fitzhugh secured the boat's unloading system," stated Metcalf. The source of the smoke, wrote Metcalf, was the conveyor belt and mechanism's motor Seafarers aboard American Steamship's St. Clair successfully extinguished a potentially lethal fire in less than 10 minutes. Pictured above, from the left, are Deckhand Mohammed Saadi, Wheelsman John Church, Gateman Scott "Red" Coristine, Conveyorman Marvin Schmitz, QMED Rick Metcalf and Watchman Tom Romero. which caught fire. "Extinguishing and cooling the fire was crucial since the coal could ignite and spread to the boat's remaining cargo. There was also the possibility of detonation of the coal dust, with catastrophic results." According to Metcalf, the fire alarm was sounded and Captain Ferris "J.R." Parsons ordered the crew into fire squads. "While one group doused the area from the cargo boom, another donned firefighting gear and advanced into Rep. Sanchez Commends Unions For Advancing Workers' Rights The political activities of trade unions, which greatly have benefited America's working families, must continue unimpeded by proposed legislation designed to obstruct labor organizations. U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (DCalif.) delivered that message during a recent hearing of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. During the December 11 session, the committee signed off on the so- Rep. Loretta Sanchez called Worker Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 1625), despite the strenuous objections of Sanchez and other pro-worker representatives. The full House has yet to act on the measure, which essentially would paralyze trade unions by imposing a multifaceted scheme whereby even the most rudimentary operations would require membership votes. Before addressing the bill, Sanchez noted the many positive, wide-reaching accomplishments of America's unions. "Unless you grew up in a union household, as I did, many Americans may not understand the huge advances in the workplace secured for all workers as a result of unions. If you have a pension, thank unions. Thank them also for the minimum wage. Thank them again for the eighthour day, the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, and compensatory time off. Thank unions for workplace safety, grievance procedures, and perhaps most impor- tant, health benefits. "Before unions, we did not have maternity leave, let alone paid leave and prenatal care, or even paternity leave,'' Sanchez continued. "These are just some of the improvements all working families enjoy because of the struggles by union families on their behalf. "Understand also that unions are one of the most democratic organizations known in our free society. Union leaders are selected by elections from the membership. Bylaws and policies are approved by majority vote by representatives elected to their posts through democratic elections." Turning her attention to H.R. 1625, Sanchez explained how the bill, among other drawbacks, would prevent union members from fully participating in the political process. "This bill makes no sense. It is an administrative nightmare,'' she stated. ''To illustrate my point, I have drafted a companion bill, virtually identical to the language U.S.-Flag Grain Carriers Available on Great Lakes Jones Act Supporters Respond to Remarks Made in House In response to a charge leveled during a congressional hearing, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force listed 11 SIU-contracted vessels within the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet as being certified and capable of carrying Midwestern grain from one port to another. The purpose of the task force is to support the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) and the Passenger Vessel Services Act (which deals with the movement of people from one domestic port to another). It is composed of more than 400 maritime and transportation-related organizations, including the SIU. During a November hearing conducted by the House General Farm Commodities Subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (RMich.) called for a waiver of the Jones Act on the Great Lakes February 1998 because of a shortage of U.S.-flag vessels to move grain. However, in a letter to the congressman, who is the sponsor of legislation designed to gut the freight cabotage law (H.R. 1991), the task force pointed out the Lakes fleet contains plenty of ships able to handle the job. Among the vessels listed were those sailing for American Steamship Company and Kinsman Lines, both of which are crewed by Seafarers. The letter to Smith also noted U.S.-flag companies whose ships can transport grain have made this availability known on several occasions. The battle over the Jones Act will remain an issue before Congress as it returns to work following its winter recess. H.R. 1991, known as the Coastal Shipping Competition Act, has acquired 15 cosponsors since it was introduced last summer. The House has not scheduled a hearing date for the bill. Meanwhile, House Concurrent Resolution 65, which calls for no changes in the Jones Act has 239 cosponsors-more than half of the members of the House. The SIU along with the Maritime Cabotage Task Force supports the resolution. According to the rules of Congress, a concurrent resolution is used to deliver a formal statement or opinion of the body. With bipartisan support for HCR 65 by a majority of House members, it is highly unlikely that any legislation designed to alter or eliminate the Jones Act would pass in the House of Representatives. belt machinery and compartment ventilation, deployed fully outfitted fire teams and applied cooling water to the conveyor space. These actions prevented full ignition of the jammed and severely overheated starboard conveyor belt and its cargo of coal. Proper compartment entry technique, atmospheric testing and setting of a reflash watch rounded out a textbook response to the crisis, all without loss of life, injury or environmental damage. "Frequent, realistic shipboard training coupled with a cool headed response enabled this potentially disastrous situation to be brought under control in less than 10 minutes. Your efforts are exemplary and set the standard for others to follow. Well done to all!" concluded McGowan. In addition to Metcalf, Church, Schmitz, Coristine and Fitzhugh, other Seafarers who helped extinguish the blaze include Deckhand Mohammed Saadi, Watchmen Tom Romero and Jeff Davis, Wheelsman Brian Waggoner, QMED Tracy Ribble and Wiper the conveyor spaces that were being cooled by the third group near the fantail scuttle hatch. Within minutes the fire was extinguished and the area cooled. ''There were no injuries and most of the crew was dismissed by the time the local fire department arrived," said Metcalf. Captain Parsons, an SIU hawsepiper, stated, "We had teamwork. All our training and dedicated work paid off." Following the fire, U.S. Coast Rear Admiral J.F. Guard McGowan wrote a letter praising the captain and crew of the laker. "I want to commend you for swift, effective action to prevent a major fire aboard the MIV St. Clair on the afternoon of 14 August, 1997 while discharging coal at Monroe, Michigan," McGowan stated. "Upon seeing smoke arise from the conveyor space, the crew immediately secured the cargo Mike Williams. in the bill before us. The only difference is that when [H.R. 1625] talks about unions, my bill substitutes the words Internal Revenue Service. ''The practical effect of my bill is to require the IRS to seek the permission of every taxpayer before spending any federal tax dollar on any policy or program of the government which that taxpayer does not support," Sanchez told the committee. "If you oppose the B-2 bomber, you can tell the IRS to refund you that portion of your taxes that would go to fund production of the B-2. "If you oppose AIDS research at the Center for Disease Control, order up your refund check from the IRS.. . . I hear some laughter. Of course you immediately understand this draft bill is unworkable. It is bad public policy. It would grind government to a halt." Sanchez concluded her remarks by stating it would be unfair to exclude unions from the political process. "I hope everyone understands that without unions representing American workers . . . the voice of workers in Congress will not be heard above the din of corporate lobbyists and cocktail receptions for business PAC directors. All sectors of our society deserve the chance to be heard." Boatmen Prep for Penn Contract Talks Seafarers aboard Penn Maritime tugs and barges are readying for contract negotiations. Last month, SIU members aboard the tug Lucia and barge Caribbean met with SIU Vice Presidents Jack Caffey and Dean Corgey in Corpus Christi, Texas. The boatmen received contract suggestion forms, nominated members for the negotiating committee and reviewed the latest union news. Pictured above with Caffey and Corgey are Seafarers Robert Kirk, Henry Gamp, Clifford Arnold, Donald Bond, Earl Isenhart and Gregory Lebel. Penn Maritime vessels transport oil and asphalt all over the world. The company in recent years has expanded from two tugs and two barges to seven tugs and nine barges, with two additional barges expected to join the fleet this spring. ~ -~ • •::,:,;_:; • ~- ·- ' . •M~: ' • - ---- ;;,< ;. ·:::::- JI Seafarers LOG 5 �... Aboard Allegiance Steward department members aboard the Allegiance took extra care to ensure that their shipmates enjoyed a special Thanksgiving Day at sea. From jumbo shrimp cocktail and Creole gumbo soup du jour, to lobster, prime rib, broiled flank steak and the traditional roasted turkey, Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte, Chief Cook Sherman Harper and Steward Assistant John Noel created a superb Thanksgiving feast that will not soon be forgotten. According to DEU Angel Figueroa, who sent a letter and photos of the holiday meal to the Seafare rs LOG, the steward department spent several days preparing for Thanksgiving. Other culinary delights served by the galley gang included shrimp salad, crab meat salad, baked smoked sausage in jackets, crackers and egg dip, sausage cheese balls, stuffed deviled eggs, tuna stuffed deviled eggs, baked mushroom turnovers, a watermelon fruit basket and a full salad bar. Additional entrees prepared by the galley gang included London broil, Texas smoked ham with fruit sauce, roast prime ribs of beef au jus, baked lobster tails and filet mignon. Vegetables included baked potatoes, Mexican style corn, stuffed potatoes, steamed broccoli, yams and more. Homemade pies like sweet potato, pecan, apple, pumpkin, blueberry and mincemeat, as well as assorted cookies and cakes and other desserts were enjoyed by the crew. "It was a nice day for the everyone," stated Figueroa. The Allegiance transports gasoline and diesel fuel among ports including Houston; Jacksonville, Aa.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Aruba and Panama. Formerly the New York Sun, the 34,000-ton tanker was purchased by SIU-contracted Maritirans, Inc. late last year. At right, steward department members Chief Cook Sherman Harper (left), Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte (center) and SA John Noel proudly display their dessert table. On Thanksgiving day, the Allegiance cre•:1 enjoyed a wide variety of culinary treats prepared by the galley gang. Posing for a photo following dinner are (from left, standing) SA John Noel, AB Dennis Zuniga, Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte, Chief Cook Sherman Harper, AB Arnold Neff, QMED Howard Allen, (seated) AB Omaha Redda, AB Matias Garcia, QMED Craig Perry, Bosun Samuel Porchea and AB Jennifer Averill. Chief Cook Sherman Harper shows off his appetizer table that included more than 12 selections. Homemade rolls were just one of the many baked goods prepared by Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte for the Allegience crew to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. • • • Aboard Sea-land Challenger Signing in for the union meeting on Christmas day :.> AB John Emrich. Chief Cook Lloyd Lawrence begins preparations for Christmas dinner aboard the SeaLand Challenger. 6 Seafarers LOG Steward Baker James Harper cleans the grill after a special holiday brunch aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. OMU John Coleman reports to the galley for payoff on Christmas Day. In the Challenger's crew lounge, DEU Nasser Shaibi relaxes during the Christmas holiday. Active and retired Seafarers, along with their families, friends and other guests, recently shared the spirit of Christmas at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. Turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie and other traditional delicacies were enjoyed during the December 13, 1997 gathering. In the photo above, the children and grandchildren of Seafarers join Port Agent Dave Carter (standing) in a photo with Santa Claus, who made a surprise visit to the Mobile hall during the event. Below, Seafarers and their families enjoy the special meal prepared by active and retired SIU members. Posing for a Christmas photo aboard the SeaLand Challenger are (from left) SIU Wilmington Safety Director Frank Gill, Engine Utility Leonard Viles and Bosun Roy Williams. Donning a Santa hat, SIU Port Agent John Cox (left) brings Christmas cheer to crew members aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. With him are AB Jim Elbe (center) and AB Amin Hussein. A man somewhat resembling Santa Claus was spotted climbing the gangway of the Sea-Land Challenger during the early morning hours of December 25 following the containership's arrival in the port of Long Beach, Calif. However, the person sporting the seasonal red cap was not jolly old St. Nicholas, but Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox, who boarded the vessel for a union meeting and crew payoff, "Safety Director Frank Gill and I met the Challenger when it docked on Christmas morning and spent part of our day with the crew," reported Cox, who captured the holiday visit on film for the LOG. During the union meeting, Cox answered questions from the crew members concerning the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, handled vacation and health paperwork and updated members on the latest maritime news. "Following payoff and the meeting, we enjoyed fresh kiwi, pineapple and bananas from Hawaii. Everyone was in good spirits, and the payoff certainly helped make the holiday a little brighter," he recalled. Cox commended the crew for being "hard workers and good SIU brothers." He added that the galley gang aboard the SeaLand ship is "top of the line. Chief Cook Lloyd Lawrence and Steward Baker James Harper are among the best." The 700-foot Sea-Land Challenger sails among the Pacific ports of Long Beach, Oakland, Calif. and Honolulu. It takes the vessel 24 hours to sail from the port of Oakland to Long Beach. The ship then takes about five days to sail to Hawaii, where cargo operations are completed in approximately two days. February 1998 �On the Cheap Runaway-Flag Balker's 'Routine' Deficiencies Reflect Dangers ITF Secures Back Wages, Brings Vessel Under Contract Opponents of extending fast"This case had a happy endtrack negotiating authority to ing in that progress was made," the president contend that such stated Thornton, based in a move would worsen the Algonac, Mich. "But what's disalready steady relocation of turbing about it is that the conUnited States manufacturing ditions these people faced are so plants overseas or south of the routine. This happens on hunborder. dreds, maybe thousands of runThe thinking-based largely away-flag ships around the on the massive job loss begin- world, every day." Before Thornton and Given ning in the early 1980s and continuing through the enactment demanded the signing of the of the so-called North American ITF contract, ABs aboard the Free Trade Agreement four Sea Pearl I/ (owned by Neo years ago-is that businesses Bulk Shipping) earned $11.16 eagerly will move to capitalize per day for 14 hours of work, on cheap foreign labor. which equals 79 cents per hour. For U.S. mariners, this may OSs earned around half that seem like a familiar fight. The amount. U.S.-flag maritime industry for The minimum daily rates decades has suffered from run- established by the ITF, includaway-flag (or flag-of-conve- ing overtime, are approximately nience) shipping, a sotm which $50 per day for an AB and $36 has drained American shipboard for an OS. employment opportunities Low wages and failure to pay while replacing them with low- crew members were not the only paying, often poverty-level jobs problems aboard the Sea Pearl I/. for foreigners. When the Filipino, Greek An example of the pitfalls of and Ukranian crew rode the vesrunaway-flag shipping recently sel into Canada, they contacted was uncovered in Windsor, the ITF and voiced concern Canada by the International regarding alleged mistreatment Transport Workers Federation by the captain. Thornton said he (11F). Don Thornton, an SIU later witnessed the captain verITF inspector, and Jim Given, bally abuse crew members, and an' ITF inspector from the SIU the company reportedly fired of Canada, in December assist- him. An inspection by Canada's ed the multinational crew of the Greek-owned, Malta-flagged Marine Safety Office pointed out another drawback of runbulk carrier Sea Pearl II. The inspectors secured more away-flag shipping. Namely, than $38,000 in back wages for that runaway-flag billets somethe mariners and also brought times are filled by unqualified the ship under ITF contract. The individuals desperate for any written agreement means a sig- employment. nificant boost in pay for crew Aboard the Sea Pearl II, members aboard the Sea Pearl Canadian officials discovered II, who had not been paid in sev- chemicals improperly stored in eral months. the engine room; improperly Another Perspective As the ITF assisted crew members aboard the Sta Pearl II, one of the mariners wrote a poem about life on the runaway-flag ship. Penned by wiper Ronald Jardeliza of the Philippines, and translated by Seafarer Bartolome Romero Jr., the missive reflects the desperation and difficulties undoubtedly felt by many mariners who sail on runaway-flag vessels. My House of Steel Voyages and adventures in the high seas are endlessly weary Sympathy and hard work throughout in hearts and minds Working harder for the fature of loved ones to prosper Offerings and sufferings are along with the waves Life in my house of steel is endlessly weary Body owed is sacrificed, sail to earn a living Oneness and togetherness upon command of divine Events and dangers are relied upon our God, the creator To journey the deepest and the widest of the oceans So the poor sailor could lift his living, which is his goal Left behind the loved ones, to find the richness so far to reach Everyone knows the loneliness and hardness of times at sea Solely praying of the destination anytime be reached Sailing unharmed, to the family be enlightened Oh, what difficulty of life at sea is explored The only appreciation to restore the hardship ls a little wages in the palm can be received Holy are you, oh Lord, your blessings on me are intent Like your well-founded sea when it's flowing You heard the prayers of a wanting son To be showed and be revealed toward a decent life Febmary 1998 secured fire extinguishers and life jackets; and potentially severe deficiencies in food storage and food handling. For example, galley personnel had kept cooked and uncooked meats together, failed to quickly dispose of rotten food, improperly stored leftovers, and did not use adequate sanitary practices. Other conditions cited by the government entity included an improperly stored forward life raft, a large quantity of paint stashed in the port side of the rope store, malfunctioning toilets, and various other equipment not stored properly. Those safety and health hazards were corrected before the ship was allowed to leave port. "Runaway-flag shipping is like a floating version of NAFTA or fast track. It's a valid comparison," Thornton observed. "I believe if a person spent time aboard one of these ships, then he or she would be leery of opening the gates for more and more companies to race to find the cheapest labor." As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, runaway-flag shipping is a scheme in which a shipowner insulates himself from liability and turns a quick profit at the expense of the crew, environment and customers, be they passengers or business entities. This scam is accomplished by involving multiple parties from different nations. For example, a vessel may be owned by a Greek company, registered in Liberia, use an Indonesian manning agent and hire crew members from any number of other countries, which usually do not have a traditional maritime background. The purpose of this practice is for greedy shipowners to escape the safety regulations, procedures, inspections, tax laws and higher wages of traditional maritime nations. Responding to this widespread problem, the Londonbased I1F is engaged in a worldwide campaign against runaway-flag shipping. The organization has I 00 inspectors in 40 nations assisting in this fight. Overall, 1he ITF comprises Plumbing problems (left photo), improperly stored equipment and general disrepair (right) were prevalent aboard the runaway-flag vessel. more than 470 transport-related unions, including the SIU and SIU of Canada, in more than 120 nations. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the.ITF's Seafarers . S~ction. Seafarers Pull Their Weight on Caribbean Run ' . Heavy loads are the norm for SIU members sailing Crowley tugs between Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, P.R. The vessels tow 730-foot, three-deck barges loaded with trailers and automobiles. During one of the recent runs, Captain Noel Lopez (at right in left photo below) of the tug Seminole met with SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez. Meanwhile, fellow Seafarers from one of the Caribbean Protector's (a Crowley refueling vessel) launch boats assisted the Seminole with refueling operations. Pictured from left are Engineer Paul Wylemski, Bosun Angel Charriez (handling fuel hose) and Assistant Mechanic Miguel Rodriguez. Seafal'ers LOii 7 �Aloha, Constitution, Mahalo for the Memories On November 17, the SS Constitution ended her long and historic career of carrying passengers on the high seas. As the former SIU-crewed cruise ship was being towed from Portland, Ore. (where she had been in layup since 1995) to Asia for scrapping, the "Connie," as the ship was known by many, began to list in heavy seas about 700 miles north of Honolulu. As the list became more severe, the tug crew cut the cables to the 682-foot ship and let her sink. The Constitution began service in 1951. She was built in the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Quincy, Mass. along with her sister ship, the SS Independence. The two vessels joined the U.S.-flag fleet in trans-Atlantic passenger service for more than 20 years. In 1974, the Constitution was sold at bankruptcy to a Liberian corporation, transferred to the Panamanian flag and towed to Hong Kong where she remained tied up until 1981. Following the successful 1980 launching of Hawaiian Island cruises by the Independence, legislation was passed in Congress to bring the Connie back under the U.S.-flag to rejoin her sister ship. After being refurbished and reThe once majestic SS christened in Taiwan by Princess Grace of Monaco, the Constitution set sail on her maiden voyage for American Hawaii Cruises with Seafarers crewing the unlicensed departments on June 6, 1982. She sailed around the islands for more than a decade before officially going out of service in 1995. While the Connie no longer sails, many of her memories still live on within the SIU. The massive knot board that hung in the ship's deck lounge now adorns a wall in the SIU Honolulu hall. Port Agent Neil Dietz noted crewmembers saved the board when the ship laid up in Portland, Ore. 'They didn't want it to disappear, so they brought it here," Dietz said. "We still don't know who made the board and are trying to figure that out." Another item that lives on is an early mascot"Connie" the lion. Retired steward department member Lois Olson still is taking care of Connie after receiving the three-foot tall stuffed lion from the crew when she signed off the ship in 1986. "The Constitution was my last ship before I retired," Olson recalled. "I served as the ship's chairman because of my history with the Marine Cooks and Stewards, then the SIU. "I taught the kids what the union could mean to them. They learned to stick up for their rights." Also signing on the vessel in the summer of 1985 when Olson began her tour of duty as a waitress was her husband, Fred, a bosun. Constitution carried passengers on the high seas from 1951 The couple met years earlier aboard the Mercedes, which was operated by Prudential Grace Lines. The SIU represented the unlicensed deck and engine members, while the MC&S had the galley gang. The two served as delegates for their respective unions and began working together to settle various beefs aboard the ship. In a few months, they were married. "People said we'd never get along coming from the two different unions," Lois recalled. "That was 21 years ago." While the Olsons ended their sailing careers aboard the Connie, many other Seafarers used the passenger ship as a stepping stone into their new profession. One of those members is Patti Geras, who sailed as a cocktail waitress from October 1994 until the ship's last voyage in 1995. "My baby Connie. She had class and style," Geras stated. "When I walked down her, I felt I was at home." Joining her with special memories for the Constitution was Sarah Canon. Canon, who sailed aboard the ship for 11 years, met her husband on the Connie in 1984. She and Shawn, an assistant head waiter, "have been together ever since, and it has been wonderful." In speaking of the Connie, Sarah said the ship had a "feeling of ohana-of family. Everybody was very close." She recalled the aloha ceremony held by members of the Independence crew when word of the Constitution's sinking reached the sister ship. "We were sad to see her go." Another Seafarer whose first ship was the Connie is John Holtschlag, who is upgrading to become a recertified steward. "I was tending bar in Honolulu and saw when the waiters and waitresses came in that they tipped good," Holtschlag remembered. "I asked how to get on the ship and they directed me to the union." Holtschlag originally signed on as an assistant waiter in 1983. He later moved up to waiter, then began upgrading at the Lundeberg School. After earning his cook/baker endorsement, he returned to the until 1995. ship to sail as a BR, signing off in 1987 to upgrade to chief cook. Holtschlag then started sailing aboard other SIU-contracted vessels. He considered the Princess Grace Room of the Connie as his favorite part of the ship. As noted earlier, Grace Kelley had a special connection with the Constitution. Not only did she re-christen the ship in 1982, she had sailed aboard the vessel to Monaco in 1956 to marry Prince Reiner. A writing room aboard the vessel was dedicated to her. It included a portrait of the late American movie star and photographs of her famous trip to Europe. Princess Grace was not the only famous person to walk the ship's decks. During the 1950s, the vessel hosted the crew from the "I Love Lucy" television show for their staged trip to Europe. The Constitution was featured in "An Affair to Remember" starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. In the 1980s, she was a setting for an episode of television's "Magnum P.I." And, of course, the hundreds upon hundreds of Seafarers who made each voyage special for the passengers. Memories from the SS Constitution include (clockwise from top left) lifeboat training drills, communications with the engine department, buffet dinner on the upper deck, preparing to depart from Kawiliwili harbor, and the deck department scrubbing the area for holiday sunbathers. B Seafarers LOG FebftlBl'J 1998 �PaW Hall Center Helps Q,MED Reach Career, Academic Goals Seafarer Praises Instructors, Curriculum at Piney Point QMED Samuel Garrett has sharpened his academic and vocational skills on shore as well as at sea. Above, Garrett waves from the deck of the OM/ Columbia. Editor's note: The following article was submitted to the Seafarers LOG by QMED Samuel Garrett of San Francisco. Garrett received his General Education Development (GED) degree from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1995. He also has completed numerous other academic department courses at the school, including several college preparatory classes. The GED program as well as the other academic courses at the Hall Center's Lundeberg School are available to all Seafarers. Since the high school equivalency course was developed by the school, thousands of Seafarers between the ages of 18 and 80 have passed the GED examination that earned them a Maryland State high school diploma. I came to Piney Point in 1992 to upgrade my skills in the engine department. While at the Lundeberg School, I decided to apply for the General Education Development (GED) course. With the help of the academic department instructors, my reading, math, social studies and English skills greatly improved. I am grateful for the dedication of the school's staff in preparing me for the GED examination. Unfortunately, I did not pass the entire exam the first time I sat II Thousands of Workers March To Reclaim Frontier Hotel On January 31, some 8,000 trade unionists and their families marched down the Las Vegas Strip to the doors of the Frontier Hotel, marking the end to the longest strike in recent history. For six years, four months and 10 days, the Frontier's 550 employees struck, without one worker crossing the picket line. Last fall the hotel was sold to Phillip Ruffin, an investor who quickly agreed to collective bargaining agreements with the workers. The sale became final at 12:01 a.m. on February 1. Frontier workers walked off the job when the hotel eliminated worker pension plans, slashed wages, cut health benefits and gutted job security protections. The strikers returned to the New Frontier Hotel with improvements in each of the respective areas. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard L. Trumka, who led last month's march, stated, "We're not just celebrating a win at the Frontier, we're pointing to what can be the future of working families in cities around the country. 'The Frontier shows that when workers and communities fight together, the fight is easier and the wins are bigger," Trumka said. Book Sellers at Borders Approve First Contract Workers at the Borders Books and Music store in Chicago's Lincoln Park ratified the first-ever union contract with Borders in October, one year after voting for representation by Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). The Chicago-based store is the first chain retail book and music store in the U.S. to organize as well as the first to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. Book sellers at the store voted by a 3-1 ratio to ratify the pact, which calls for an increase in the starting wage along with standard pay raises, a formal grievance procedure, and more. Following that contract ratification, workers at a Borders store in Des Moines, Iowa also approved their first union contract with UFCW Local 431. Workers at Borders stores in Bryn Mawr, Pa. and New York City's World Trade Center are in the process of hammering out similar agreements. Meanwhile, the UFCW has launched a national drive to get Borders to sign an "Employer Fair Campaign Practices Pledge." This agreement calls for Borders to discontinue use of its union-busting consultants and honor the right of employees to vote for or against joining a union. While the nationwide effort does not call for a Borders boycott, the UFCW is asking consumers to urge the chain not to interfere with the workers' right to organize. A group of renowned authors, scholars and artists initiated a national petition drive in October to build public support for the pledge. Writers involved in the drive include Michael Moore, Margaret Atwood and Norman Mailer. Febmary 1998 enrolled in English 099 with instructor Peggy Densford and in Math 099 with Rick Prucha. Both of the classes are college preparation courses. Rick also tutored me in general computer skills. Lynn Mack gave me special reading and writing assignments to help increase my reading speed and improve my understanding of what I had read. These skills have helped me pass my vocational and Coast Guard examinations. On my last ship, I took the refrigeration engineer and junior engineer exams. I have received many letters of recommendation from my superiors who encourage me to continue upgrading my skills. I got to know each of my instructors and they got to know me. Saying "thank you" does not seem enough for what they have given me. I went to the After successfully completing LNG Familiarization and a computer course, QMED Samuel Garrett displays his pleasure outside one of the Lundeberg School's academic buildings. Lundeberg School with a sixthor seventh-grade reading and math level. Now I have an 11thor 12th-grade reading and math level, and I am nowhere near finished! I recently completed the LNG course and I am currently taking the seven-day computer course. As long as there are instructors like those found in the academic program, I believe any Seafarer can achieve their goals here at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Settlement May Clear Path for Terminal in Long Beach Labor Briefs II for it. However, I did pass some of the test. In 1995, I returned to the Lundeberg School to attend a welding class. After completing my vocational course, I met with an academic department instructor, Betty Montgomery, who convinced me to retake the GED exam. Marge DiPreta, the heart of the academic department and the school's simulator operator, also encouraged me to continue my education. I began to prepare for the test again, this time with Betty, who devoted a lot of time to helping me. Thanks to Betty, my confidence really improved, which helped me get through the second GED examination. This time, I passed the entire test and got my high school diploma. In mid-1997, I returned to the Paul Hall Center to take the QMED exam. After academic counseling with Ed Fitzgerald, I As the Seafarers LOG went to press, newspapers in Long Beach, Calif. were reporting an imminent agreement between the city and preservationists regarding the future of the closed Navy station there. Such a settlement would end a lengthy dispute between Long Beach officials, who are anxious to replace the inoperative base with a large container terminal, and preservationists, who favor protecting Navy buildings that will be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. According to a report in the Long Beach PressTelegram, a negotiator representing the preservation group Long Beach Heritage said following negotiations on January 27, "We made a lot of progress. I believe that within the next few days we'll have a public announcement." Earlier in I anuary, following a public hearing on the issue, the Navy indicated it would announce in May its intentions for the station, which includes the base and an adjacent Navy shipyard. Their plan is unknown. The Navy could give the land to Long Beach with or without conditions for use, or could retain it. Last month, Navy officers heard from two sides with distinctly opposite ideas regarding the best possible use of the base's more than 500 acres. Port and city representatives want to build a terminal on the property, located in the middle of the nation's busiest container port. They say such a move is critical to the ongoing development and economic recovery of the region, which has suffered from base closures and layoffs since the mid- l 990s. Environmental and preservationist groups, on the other hand, suggest reusing the buildings as headquarters for local police and firefighting squads. They also have proposed a museum. The Press-Telegram reported that federal law dictates the Navy seek-though not necessarily achieve-a settlement between the city and preservationists summarizing how the loss of historic buildings would be offset. Hence, the negotiations. In fact, Long Beach port officials in 1997 had signed a lease with China Ocean Shipping Co. (Cosco) for the construction of a new terminal. However, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, who stated the city and port did not consider other uses for the area that would save the historic naval structures, halted the endeavor and voided the contract. Attention Seatarers: Our flag at sea is good for America ... and important to you. *'" Contribute to SPAD Seafarers LOG 9 �The family plays an important part in the lives of SIU members, who often are away from home for several months at a time. Pictured on this page are Seafarers who are getting married, showing off new family members or spending time with fellow mariners. As always, the LOG welcomes your photos and will publish them on a periodic basis. 10 Seafarers LOG February 1998 �Reiner Publishes New Novel Persian Gulf War Is Setting for AB's Fast-Paced Book Captain AJ Stacey rides the seas again in AB Larry Reiner's new action-packed novel, The Other Sha re. Scheduled for formal publication in May, Reiner's newest book is a fictionalized account of the crew aboard a U.S.-flag prepositioning vessel, dubbed the Tripoli Shores, as it heads for the Persian Gulf War. About 275 pages in length, the book is very difficult to put down. Settings for the intrigue and While serving aboard the SeaLand Producer in 1996, AB Larry Reiner gained new experiences and met new crew members-all of which may some day be incorporated in a new novel. drama include not only the Middle East, but also Germany and Stacey's hometown of Taos, New Mexico. Because of Reiner's writing style, this book will hold the interest of not just merchant mariners and those who are familiar with the industry, but also any other reader attracted to a top-rate action story. Reiner takes the time in his novel to explain various situations and conditions for the casual reader that merchant mariners take for granted. However, the way he offers the explanations do not take away from the pace of the book. An example found early in the book is the use of a conversation to explain what a military prepositioning vessel is. While many Seafarers already know from personal experience, Reiner has a character remind Captain Stacey that the ships are "'chartered to the Military Sealift Command. Privately owned and we operate them with civilian crews. There are three ships to a squadron, and each squadron can deliver and supply the needs of a full combatready Marine amphibious brigade for 30 days."' The author also provides the reader with a layout of the ship and possible means of escape from various locations. But Reiner is quick to point out the description is not entirely accurate. "I don't want someone to read the book and be able to sabotage a vessel," he noted. "So I took some liberties with the ship's layout and escape routes." Draws on Own Ufe Stacey is the only major returning character from Reiner's earlier work, Minute of Silence, which was published in 1990. The action in that novel took place aboard tankers, and Stacey was introduced as a 19-year-old ordinary seaman in the late 1940s aboard a vessel in the midst of a union organizing drive. He then climbed the hawsepipe to become a captain in the 1980s when that novel ended. Reiner, whose SIU career began as an organizer during the Cities Service tanker drive of the late 1940s, draws freely from his own experiences at sea to create his work. During the Persian Gulf War, he served as an AB aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, which is a prepositioning ship that carried equipment and arms to U.S. forces in the war. However, the coincidences between the real Lopez and the fictional Tripoli Shores end there. "I want to make sure everyone knows the crew members in the book and their actions are not based on the people I sailed with aboard the Lopez. They were a very good crew in the finest tradition of the SIU and the U.S. merchant marine. "My characters are based on the many, many people I've met throughout my life and from my imagination." Enjoys Writing about Maritime In 1991, Larry Reiner served as an AB aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S.-flag prepositioning vessel similar to the fictional Tripoli Shores in his latest novel. Reiner explained that he always has enjoyed reading and writing. In fact, the Seafarers LOG has published several of his journals and short stories over the years. His idea to write The Other Shore, Minute of Silence and the final part to Captain Stacey's trilogy (which is in the planning stages) came about because he could not find any books available that accurately describe the AB Larry Reiner's second novel, The Other Shore, is due out in May. state of today's merchant marine. "I want to tell something about what I've seen," Reiner explained. "Nobody gives a damn about us-the merchant marine. The good books like Moby Dick are about seafaring in the past. But somebody has to tell the story of the modem merchant mariner." And tell it he does. Many a mariner worries about his family when he or she returns to work. Reiner expresses those concerns through Captain Stacey throughout The Other Shore. The reader is a witness to the captain's anguish over leaving a loved one, his regard for his crew and his anxiety for the welfare of his ship. The reader also gets to know fellow crew members including the grandson of a character from Reiner's first novel and a naturalized American born in Palestine who sails in the engine room. Also involved in storytelling are Stacey's girlfriend, · who is left behind in New Mexico, as well as a variety of other people who cross their paths. This adds to the suspense created by the possible sabotage of the heavily laden munitions supply ship sailing into a war zone. Seafarers may order The Other Shore by sending a check or money order to Integra Press at 1702 West Camelback Road, Suite 119, Phoenix, AZ 85015. The pre-publication discounted cost is $20 (or $36 for the new novel and a copy of Minute of Silence). Reiner will autograph copies of the novel to SIU members and retirees who identify themselves as such when requesting the book. Deck Crew Displays Teamwork at Sea Aboard Liberty Spirit Bosun Terry Cowans gives the thumbs up sign following the refurbishment of the Liberty Spirit's bow. Seafarers completed the project while the bulk carrier was en route to Africa with a load of wheat. February 1998 Thanks to the hard work and dedication of deck department members aboard the Liberty Spirit, the bow of the Liberty Maritime Corp. bulk carrier has a new look. According to AB/Dayman Ronald Owens (who sent photos of the crew to the Seafarers LOG), deck department members brightened the bow of the 32meter-wide ship while sailing from Houston to the port of Maputo, Mozambique to deliver a load of wheat. "Under the leadership of Bosun Terry Cowans, the deck department turned a once oilyJooking bow into a brand-new looking bow," stated Owens. "It took a Jot of hard work from everyone, but with the bosun staying on top of the job and keeping everyone moving forward each day, the bow of the Liberty Spirit looks as it must have when she was first built," noted Owens. "As the pictures show, the deck crew was very proud of completing the task set before them during this Jong voyage," he added. In addition to Cowans and Owens, other deck department members who helped refurbish the ship's bow were ABs Doug Parman, Michael Riley and Michael Jackson as well as AB/Dayman Reginald Watkins. Deck department members (from left) AB Doug Parman, AB/Dayman Reginald Watkins, AB Michael Riley and AB/Dayman Ronald Owens proudly pose for a photo on the freshly painted bow of the Liberty Spirit. Seafarers LOG 11 �Presented on fhese two pages of the Seafarers LOG are handy tax lips that have been prepared especially tor mariners. Included are the new deduction amounts tor f 997, updated telephone numbers, a form for filing extensions and where ta get additional Information. STANDA• DEDUCTIO This is the standard deduction ' Chart for most people~ Ifa taxpay""' , , ~ is 65 or older or blind, there afe· · additional standard deductions. (Note that·tbe personal exemption deduction is $2,650~) HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1997 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form I 040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 62b, 62c and 62d on their Form 1040. Line 62b is for the bank's routing number. Line 62c indicates the type of account, and line 62d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronially, a refund will be received in about weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited irectly into a savings or checking ccount. For a charge, many professiontax return preparers offer electronic ling in addition to their return preparaon services. If an individual prepared is or her own return, a preparer or smitter in their area can file the tum electronically. For a list of who an file a tax return electronically in any ·ven area, call the IRS toll-free numr, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the lectronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS ersonal Exemption Amount: e deduction for each exemptionr the individual, his or her spouse nd dependents has increased to 2,650 per person. In 1997, the xemption deduction for high income payers may be reduced or eliminat- f2 Seafarers LOG ed if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box below to the right). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 1997, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Deducting Work-Related Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 31.5 cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Filing Standard Status Deduction Single .......................$4~150 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent children .............,... ...$6,900 Married filing Deducting Work-Related Meals When Traveling: Work- separate retum ........$lA50 Head of household ...$6f050 ers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $36 per day in the continental U.S. and $40 per day outside the continential U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $32. In some locations it is $40, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. a social security number (SSN) unless the dependent was born on or after November 30, 1997. Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 1997, itemized deductions WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP may be limited for individuals earning more than $121,200 of federal adjusted gross income (or $60,600 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EiC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 1997, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $9,770 and no qualifying children - $332 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $25,760 and with 1 qualifying child - $2,210 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $29,290 and with 2 or more qualifying children $3,656 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EiC to see if they are eligible for the credit. Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have WHERE TO GET INFORMATION General Information; 1-800-829-1040 can be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (JocaJ time). PubllcatJons: 1-800-829-3676 operators will take ordeJS fot publications. "#17 Your Federal Income Tax'~ and '~S2 Record Keeping for Indivi<lualsh are two publications that many people find especially useful. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office~ look in the phone book under "United States Government, Internal Revenue Service:• Telephone Help; The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency•s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele..Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829~4477 is the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phonet the letter <'R'' or number "7" will repeat the topic and the letter ·~en or number "2" will cancel the message. T-0 listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes1 dial 123. This telephone service is available from 7:00 a.m. until 11 :30 p.m. (local time). Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a social security number with the letter. Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person's last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 1997, the taxpayer's personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: • Benefits from government welfare programs. • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical costs. • Maintenance and Cure. • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance damages, etc. for injury or sickness. • Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans' Administration. • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. • Life insurance proceeds received because of a person's death. • Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. Febmary 1998 �WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation. capital gains. dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. • Endowments. • Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities. coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). • Accumulation distributions from trusts. • Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). • Earned income from sources outside the United States. • Director's fees. • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. • Embezzled or other illegal income. )OVERSEAS AT " TJIX Tlll!f~ ,·<5 0 s1l0utu a seaman · tirt\t ' fi~iniself , or her~tf oyerse~s and seeking IRS forms or assistance~ :c.t·S;'eriF ., ba§sies an'd consullites '¥ ate. ' equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Bonn, Germany • c:aracas, \lenezuela • London. England Mexico City, Mexico Nassau. Bahamas Ottawa. Canada Paris, France • • • • • • • • Riyadh. Saudi Arabi Rome, Italy Sao Paulo, Brazi Sydney, Australia Tokyo, Japan. Form I Part I I 1 U.SAlag ships. Specifially, the law [46 USCA 11108(11)] provides that "no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, offi~ ', oor or aiiy, 6th~rs¢@.i~ ~ho is'' a member of the crew on a ',:Vessel<erigage'(:L it} ,, d1e',:,t:fi)teigtk ,', ¢Oastwis~\ . ·interc.oastal, . interstate : or : nbfi-,contlguous~', tra<te shall re withbeld pursuant to the provisions of the Ul:x Jaws.of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, <>r a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in lhe coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer:· The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and locaJ taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state bas a set of criteria to determine whether an case before the California State Board of Equalization stat- ·ed tbata me.rchant:seaman-despite the fact that he was on .a sh~p;f9E~,~;f~~a~~ <>f the y~ar-was a resident of the state , Jo~,., t?~ : ppfflPsrs· the ooard took into consideration the fact that tbe~eaman owned a home in California and main- tained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states altow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the offi<re in the state in which, the) ~ide (see chart below). Louisiana ...... (504) 925-7418 Alabama ...... (334) 242-1055 Maine ......... (207) 626-8475 Alaska ........ (907) 465-2320 Maryland ...... (800) 638-2937 Arizona ........ (602) 255-3381 Arkansas ...... (501) 682-7751 California ...... (916) 854-6500 (800) 852-5711 Massachusetts .. (617) 887-6367 In State....... (800) 392-6089 Colorado ....... (303) 866-5565 Connecticut. .... (860) 297-5962 Delaware ...... (302) 577-3300 D.C........... (202) 727-6104 Florida ........ (800) 352-3671 Georgia ....... (404) 656-6286 Hawaii. ........ (800) 222-3229 Idaho ......... (208) 334-7660 Illinois ......... (800) 732-8866 Springfield Area (217) 782-3336 Indiana ........ (317) 232-2240 North Dakota ... (701) 328-2770 Ohio .......... (614) 466-2166 Residents Only . (800) 282-1780 Oklahoma ...... (405) 521-4321 Oregon ........ (503) 378-4988 Pennsylvania .... (717) 787-8201 Michigan ....... (800) 487-7000 Minnesota ...... (612) 296-3781 (800) 652-9094 South Carolina .. (800) 763-1295 Mississippi ..... (601) 923-7001 South Dakota ... (605) 773-3311 Missouri ....... (573) 751-4450 Montana ....... (406) 444-6700 Tennessee ..... (615) 741-2594 Texas ......... (512) 463-4600 Nebraska ...... (402) 471-5729 (800) 742-7474 Utah .... . ..... (801) 297-2200 Vermont ....... (802) 828-2501 Nevada . ....... (702) 687-4892 Virginia ........ (804) 367-2062 Rhode Island ... (401) 277-3050 New Hampshire . (603) 271-2191 Washington . .... (360) 786-6100 New Jersey Out of State ... (609) 588-2200 In State ....... (800) 323-4400 West Virginia .... (304) 558-2500 Wisconsin ...... (608) 266-1911 New Mexico . ... (505) 841-6200 Iowa .......... (515) 281-3114 Kansas ........ (913) 296-3909 New York ....... (800) 225-5829 Kentucky ....... (502) 564-4581 North Carolina .. (919) 733-3991 Wyoming. ...... (307) 777-5287 Note: States listed in italics do not require residents to pay state income taxes. HOW TO FILE AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A or Form 1040. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 1998 to file his or her 1997 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file his or her tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due (as noted on line 6 of the form below) . If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as ·~pplication for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a Jetter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Below is Form 4868 which may be used by Seafarers to file for an extension. This form will be recognized by the IRS. Additional copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests. That number is 1-800-829-3676 . Also, Form 4868 is available from all main IRS branch offices. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is important to bear in mind that the filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook from having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due the U.S. govemmentfrom the individualfiling the extension. The deadline for filing the form and any taxes due is April 15. , 1997, ending For calendar vear 1997, or other tax year beginning Part 11 I Identification Your social security number OMB No. 1545-0188 1997 '19 Individual Taxes 4 Total tax liability for 1997 .. . ...... $ 5 Total 1997 payments ............. 6 Balance. Subtract 5 from 4 ........ Part 111 I Gift/GST Tax - If you are not filing a gift or GST tax return, go to Part IV now. See the instructions. City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code I3 Spouse's social security no. This form also extends the time for filing a gift or generationskipping transfer (GST) tax return if you file a calendar (not fiscal) year income tax return . Check below if requesting a gift or GST tax return extension, and enter your tax payment(s) in Part Ill: D residency status. , For example, in California during the early 1970s, a STATE ...... LOCAL/TOLL-FREE # Your name(s) (see instructions) Yourself ..... a resident of that state. A& stare· tax office jf he or she is unsure';; atii>1'~ WHERE TO GET ADDITIONAL STATE TAX INFORMATION Address (see instructions) 2 individual is check with a Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return 4868 Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Federal law prohibitS employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of seamen working aboard Spouse ..... 0 7 Your gift or GST tax payment ...... $ 8 Your spouse,s gift/GST tax payment . Part IV I Total 9 Total liability. Add lines 6, 7, and 8 10 Amount you are paying ... . . .... $ ..... If line 1O is less than line 9, you may be liable for interest and penalties. See page 3. ISA STF FED5325F, 1 February 1998 Seafarers LOG 13 �~REEL IN A BETTER FUTURE Have your New Year's resolutions already been broken and forgotten? Do you feel stuck in a rut? Are you eager to move onward and upward? Well, there is still time to make this year a positive one... by applying for an SIU scholarship. The April 15 deadline is rapidly approaching, but with a little organization, enough time remains to fill out an application form, gather the necessary paperwork and mail in the complete application package. Since the SIU began its scholar- _ship program in 1952, many Seafarers and their family members have been awarded higher education grants and gone on to realize their educa~ tional goals. This year, as in the past, the Seafarers >, · Welfare Plan will present seven scholarships. · Three of the awards will go directly to Seafarers. \ One of these grants is for $15,000 for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. The other two awards designated specifically for SIU members are $6,000 each for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four grants will be presented to spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Each may be found in the 1998 SIU scholarof these scholarships is for $15,000 to study at a ship program booklet. Just fill out the four-year college or university. coupon below and mail it to the address listed. Program booklets also are availWho Is Eligible? able at all SIU halls. Scholarships are available to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children (pensioners are Materials Needed not eligible). Additional eligibility information In addition to the application form itself, other items are required of all applicants in order to be considered for a SLifm~HSHJP fl[ADl/Nf /S: ~U scholarship. These include transcripts and certificates of graduation; letters of recomendation from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's character, personality and career goals; scores from the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) exams; a photograph of the applicant; and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Deadline Nears The completed applications MUST be mailed ·~md postmarked ON or BEFORE April 15. Those who have applied for an SIU scholarship in the past and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. Good luck in 1998 ! r---------------------------------------, : P~r~e~::s~~::~~?J~gs!~ds~~~~a;:;~!r~~~~~a~~~k~~t;;hich contains eligibility information, APRIL 15!b. COMPLETE THIS COUPON AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Street Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completedform to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2198 14 Seafarers LOG ·1 I L---------------------------------------~ February 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea March & April 1998 Membership lfeeflags DECEMBER 16, 1997 - JANUARY 15, 1998 •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C . 19'". ', 7 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans :.Jacks~nv1ii¢''" 11 13 17 36 J~~~:~:~ . ~~ TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 23 9 ... 3 5 4 5 5 13 4 5 2 9 l 18 8 14 3 7 3 13 21 12 15 9 4 6 21 20 13 I 8 6 9 4 8 14 11 13 12 lO Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 29 11 15 17 2 21 3 11 3 3 11 1 9 8 11 2 ·Houston · 33 20 7 7 21 3 0 1 2 2 0 266 I 174 14 2 3 8 10 3 5 4 1 0 9 3 7 11 23 11 8 11 6 5 20 7 13 15 0 3 St. Louis .Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston s~ Loujs Piney Point Algonac Totals 20 14 7 0 2 3 1 0 0 I 14 0 0 I 60 171 119 43 90 7 3 2 5 4 4 3 6 4 5 10 3 10 15 8 3'.· 11 10 5';\, 6 4 1 8 1~ <f ' 1~ 0 4 0 0 4 1 ,Q 0 0 134 135 39 0 87 NeW:. Yotk 16 t1 Philadelphia 3 1 10 2 0 8 6 25 0 6 5 5 4 3 1 9 17 1 6 Piney Point. .............. Monday: March 2, April 6 : Algonac ....................Friday: March 6. April 18 23 33 61 43 37 51 15 18 48 426 3 2 0 o 9 7 1 23 7 28 15 4 7 21 14 23 3 238 Jersey City ..... ,......... Wednesday: March 18, Apri t 22 1 73 2 1 11 11 0 3 4 3 18 4 2 San Juan ............. 5 2 Jacksonville 23 San Francisco 39 18 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 1 2 5 24 9 2 6 0 5 5 3 2 7 7 1 0 26 0 52 209 160 52 Port New York Philadelphia Jacksonville San Francisco 16 33 9 8 3 1 0 0 22 19 7 7 0 0 12 2 0 9 49 25 46 1 0 1 1 0 2 4 5 8 2 2 7 9 23 6 8 4 0 0 2 0 108 0 3 0 50 0 0 0 9 6 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 80 279 81 21 20 3 44 0 2 14 30 4 20 3 9 22 16 5 15 8 0 I 59 15 0 1 9 18 5 2 20 6 2 6 5 6 7 7 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 3 0 2 3 6 4 10 27 l 2 12 5 13 16 16 6 9 Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 13 13 5 9 3 4 49 Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 0 4 0 Wilmington Houston St Louis 1 8 0 3 2 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 1 14 13 14 0 0 l 178 0 7 3 0 1 0 7 I 2 3 22 3 0 12 0 2 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 11 6 7 11 2 8 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 2 10 9 2 3 3 7 71 2 1 3 3 11 2 5 1 4 l 0 0 12 0 2 16 13 0 11 1 3 0 9 25 0 0 12 0 44 1 1 0 5 0 36 31 21 21 10 53 18 2 9 3 2 14 3 6 92 0 0 6 I 1 6 0 8 15 0 0 5 11 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 65 175 146 37 116 98 0 0 99 2 301 233 643 543 260 403 372 176 222 1013 780 379 4 11 0 I Totals All Departments *''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. February 1998 Personals l Q 5 3 3 0 2 Thursday: March 5, April 9 Wilmington ..............Monday: March 16, April 20 2 4 4 1 3 .... Tacoma ..................... Friday: March 20, April 24 0 3 H St. Louis ...................Friday: March 13, April 17 1 8 - Norfolk ..................... Thursday: March 5, April 9 San Francisco ........~ ..Thursday: March 12, April 16 ·''18 3 0 1 0 Ne'Y York .................Tuesday: March 3, April 7 3 1 Port Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans ~ Phiiadelp~ia ............. Wednesday: March 4, April 8 o' 87 Jacksonville ..............Thursday: March 5, April 9 New Orleans ....•- .....Tuesday: March 10, April 14 >W f"' ~ _, Houston ....................Monday: March 9, April 13 New Bedford ............ Tuesday: March 17, April 21 3 l Honolulu .................. Friday: March 13, April 17 Mobile ........•............. ~y: March 1 t, April 15 1 4 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: March l 1, April 15 18 6 19 3 3 0 JO Baltimore .................Thursday: March 5,April 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT - - - 26 5 9 l 4 6 6 8 14 Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C JAMES (RED) BRADY Anyone with information about James Brady, a seaman during WWII, is asked to write to G. Nicolich, 464 45th Street, Brooklyn, NY 112201202. GENE LATILERE The Pinto family is searching for Gene La.tile re, a merchant seaman who also served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Please contact Judy Pinto Ingram, 1151 Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn, NY; phone (718) 7455791or(718)748-8484. NICK MOCERI Ill Please contact Jesse Canales Jr. at P.O. Box 74513, Metairie, LA 70033; or call (504) 737-1141. WILLIAM HOWARD RILEY Please contact your daughter, Patricia A. Swayne, 1105 W Chase Ave., #27, El Cajon, CA 92020-5701. INFORMATION REQUESTED Anyone with information about any seamen or longshoremen who lived at 342, 344, 346, 348 or 350 West 28 Street, NY during WWII is asked to contact G. Nicolich at (718) 853-4419. (Ms. Nicolich's parents, Flo and Nick Lucchesi, owned a small hotel at 346 West 28 Street from 1938-1959.) THOSE WHO SAILED ON THE EDWARD ROWLAND SILL Lawton 0. Cahvert would like to hear from anyone who sailed on the Liberty ship Edward Roland Sill from January 18, 1943 to November 7, 1943. Please contact Cahvert at 359 Santa Fe Ave., Sp. 196, umg Beach, CA 90810; phone (562) 595-1524. THOSE WHO SAILED ON THE SS HALLEY Anyone who sailed on the SS Halley between October 21, 1943 and February 24, 1944 is asked to write to Erwin W. Wright, I 1273 San Juan Range Rd., Littletown, CO 80127. MEMBERS OF CLASS OF 3403E AT FORT TRUMBALL Joseph C. McDole would like to get in touch with anyone in the Class of 3403£ at Fort Trumball, a merchant mariner training facility in New London, Conn. Please contact him at 1315 La.wrence Steet, Rosenberg, TX 77471; phone (281) 342-3676. Seafarers LOii 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DECEMBER 16, 1997 - JANUARY 15, 1998 CL - Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP '· , t Jack Caffey · Vice President Atlantic Coast ' Byron Kettey Nite' Ptesident Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey .. · Vi~ President Gulf Coast ... HEADQUARl'ERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 l (8 l-0) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage. AK 99503 {907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 ./7 0 9 6 0 7 0 0 27 19 (713) 659-5152 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Mpntgotn~tY 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 0274-0 {508) 997.5404 ' NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 FourthAve. Brooklyn, NY 112.12 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (7S7) 622-1892 0 *TillAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT ()~ 7 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT DECEMBER 16, 1997 - 1216 E. Baltimore St. Houston, TX 77002 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 18 0 0 20 4 0 2 4 0 3 0 0 9 19 27 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 HOUSTON 122 l Pierce St. NP-Non Priority Totals All Depts 0 32 66 0 32 5 0 34 *"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. BALTIMORE HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 L-Lakes JANUARY 15, 1998 TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Region DECK DEPARTMENT Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Gulf Coast 3 I p 4 14 6 0 0 *'µde~§~ ~!~d~Wa~ll,x~l to""'%& '~2 ==·~ q. ""''.;\,, ~l ,{~~~ g~* West Coast 3 0 3 0 5 1 11 9 Totals 27 1 12 14 0 9 46 1 25 Region ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 () Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 O;, Gulf Coast 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 Q;k,;;\,"',;i"L, JJY&, . ~1l~\<§iln~::~!t~mm11~i,K~w1\::;,k;,;l14t!!, ~s1*111\'. &\t~,, ...;;''"""''·"'"'·'''""'''V''h-'·''''. West Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 14 0 2 1 0 0 0 6 Region STEWARD DEPARTMENT ·*-.;\lll ' •' 'H'WW' ""'-''Q'W'f'' 't~~f&W"" ""'*~~'ifi;{J)R""'(J"°'*FW Atlantfo Coa8t ~ ""''*.. ···'( f <> ·.~~ 0 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters l 0 West Coast Totals 0 10 0 0 0 ;- :. . ,:o o 1 0 0 0 0 9 0 2 0 0 9 0 ~ o ·s %;" o 0 1 1 Totals All Depts 51 1 14 17 0 9 64 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 0 1 1 32 Pl C-FROM-THE-PAST PIULADELPHIA 2604S. 4 St Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-Jgl8 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-00 I0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16~ Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752·6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG These two photographs, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Troy D. Smith of Summerville, S.C., were taken of and aboard the S.S. Steel Vendor (Isthmian Lines) in 1950 on an around-the-world run. (Smith does not appear in the crew photo above.) Brother Smith, who sailed as an FOWT/OMU, began his maritime career on December 12, 1945 and started receiving his pension in February 1989. During his sailing career, he made 24 trips on 12 different vessels operated by Isthmian. In a note to the Seafarers LOG, Pensioner Smith said he enjoyed looking back on old shipmates in the "Pie-from-the-Past" section. February 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inla.ml waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are seven Seafarers who have retired to the beach after many voyages on the world's oceans and waterways. Five of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division; the other two navigated the inland waterways. Three of the retiring merchant mariners sailed in the U.S. military-all in the U.S. Army. Paul L. Painter, at age 69, is the oldest member retiring this month. This month's favorite area for retirement is the East Coast, where six of the pensioners reside. One makes his home in the Midwest. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. J DEEP SEA BOBBYE. HARRIS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Harris last sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He makes his home in Moycock, N.C. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. EVERETT D.HUNTLEY, 58, first sailed with the SIU in 1963. Brother Huntley worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard SeaLand Service vessels. Born in North Carolina, he has retired to Teaneck, N .J. JOHNE. MARTELLO, 61, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department. His first ship was the Del Sud, and he last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Spirit in 1995. Brother Martello calls Gardnerville, Nev. home. PAULL. PAINTER, 69, started his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New Orleans. Born in North Carolina, he sailed in the engine department and No Bones About It Retired Seafarer Creates Clipper Models With Recycled Turkey Bones While it is not what most would consider a typical hobby, creating models of clipper ships from turkey bones has been an important part of life for SIU Pensioner Jacinto Guilles. Sailing aboard an Isthmian Lines vessel nearly 44 years ago, Guilles, who retired as a recertified steward, took up the unusual hobby to temporarily take his mind away from missing his wife and children. In a letter describing his unique talent, R.W. Odum, Guilles's daughter, wrote, "My dad says that every seaman should have a hobby to keep them from missing their families. He told us that making his turkey bone ships kept him from trouble and from missing us too much. Even though he retired in 1988, his heart is still on the ocean, and he continues making his special ships." "Every seafarer should have something to occupy their mind while away at sea," noted Guilles. "Some crew members took up reading, writing and painting. I just decided to make ships out of turkey bones. It was something to bide my time until I could return home." Guilles began crafting the ships in 1955. "I made my first model out of balsa wood; then a February 1998 shipmate suggested I try using turkey bones. I thought it was a pretty neat idea," he recalled. As a chief steward, Guilles began saving the bones from turkey dinners he made for the ship's crew. "It takes seven big turkeyslike 24- or 25-pound birds-and about four months to make one ship," stated Guilles, who joined the union in 1954 in the port of New York. "The first thing I do is boil the bones," he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "Then I soak them in bleach and let them dry until they turn white." Guilles designs the keel using seven breast bones. Next he ere- upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. In 1994, Brother Painter signed off the Jeff Davis, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He resides in Laurinburg, N.C. YO NUS YAFAI, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1970. He sailed in all three departments: deck engine and steward. Born in Arabia, he makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Yafai last sailed on the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. School. He last sailed as a captain. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Foltz signed off the Teresa, operated by McAllister Towing. He has retired to Clarksboro, N.J. WALTERG. POPPERWILLSR., 71, began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Popperwill sailed as a captain and has retired to Lowland, N.C. Correction: The December 1997 issue, of the Seafare rs LOG (page 19) contained incorrect informatiion about Pensioner Michael J. Carlin. Brother Carlin joined the SIU in 1949. On the Job With Higman Boatmen INLAND ROBERTW. FOLTZ, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Starting as a deckhand, the Pennsylvania native upgraded at the Lundeberg ates the body of the vessel from 13 turkey ribs and 17 wings. He uses the wishbone to make an anchor and crafts two lifeboats out of thigh bones. Guilles even carves a mermaid for the front of the ship. Once the body of the vessel is completed, he applies a clear coat of shellac to preserve it. Nylon fishing line is used to make the rigging, and sails are fashioned from white handkerchiefs. Guilles even inserts tiny lights into the ship's body for illumination. Because he completes each vessel from memory, Guilles doesn't follow a structured pattern or written instructions. "I have it all in my head," he explained. Guilles estimates that he has made about 12 ships. Each of his six children has one of the creations to remind them "of the love in his heart when he was sailing away from home," stated his daughter. His other ships went to fellow crew members and captains. For Seafarers aboard Higman Towing's tugboats and barges, work means transporting petroleum products primarily between Corpus Christi, Texas and Mobile, Ala. SIU members crew the company's 19 tugboats, which ordinarily operate on the lower Mississippi River. Pictured above, Relief Captain Joe Fabacher (left) reviews notes with fellow SIU boatman Floyd Bertrand, who is a pilot. In center photo, Tankermen Ellis Beshea (left) and Tankerman Roy Lafosse focus on the task at hand. Directly below that, Lafosse (seated) shares a laugh with Tankerman David Carriere. All three photos were taken aboard the vessel Mark Flynn. Seafarers LOG 17 �i- ---- t RUBEN AGUILAR Pensioner Ruben Aguilar, 65, passed away December 20, 1997. Born in Texas, he graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1967 and joined the MC&S, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Aguilar last sailed as a chief steward aboard Matson Navigation's Lurline. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954. A resident of Las Vegas, Nev., Brother Aguilar retired in 1997. LESLIE BURNETT Pensioner Leslie Burnett, 81, died November 28, 1997. Brother Burnett joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Jamaica, he sailed in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in July 1980, he signed off the 'Zapata Patriot. Brother Burnett was a resident of New Orleans. DEMETRIOS CALOGEROS Pensioner Demetrios Calogeros, 79, passed away December 30, 1997. He began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of Seattle. A native of Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the.Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where be graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Brother Calogeros began receiving his pension in December 1982. LORENZO CARRASQUILLO Pensioner Lorenzo Carrasquillo, 74, died December 25, 1997. A native of Puerto Rico, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Carrasquillo sailed in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in June 1979, he signed off the Del Sud, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. He was a resident of Chalmette, La. SIMON CHABAN Pensioner Simon Chaban, 85, passed away November 29, 1997. Born in Poland and a resident of l Houston, he ..._. joined the SIU '------"'----~--_,,in 1953. Prior to his retirement in July 1981, Brother Chaban sailed in the steward department aboard the Williamsburg. EDDIE CHENG Pensioner Eddie Cheng, 81, died October 25, 1997. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of San Francisco. 1B Seafarers LOii JOHN F. DICKERSON Pensioner John E Dickerson, 81, passed away August 4, 1997. Brother Dickerson joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Galveston, Texas. Born in West Virginia, he sailed in the deck department His last ship was the Williamsburg. During the war years of 1942 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Dickerson was a resident of Houston and began receiving his pension in August 1981. ,...........~~~~-..,-, LONNIE S. DUKES SR. Pensioner Lonnie S. Dukes Sr., 73, died October 24, 1997. Born in South Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Dukes last sailed in the steward department as a chief cook. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of China Grove, N.C. and began receiving his pension in February 1990. ELBERT J. HOGGE Pensioner Elbert J. Hogge, 79, died January 5. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1938. The native Virginian sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his sailing career, Brother Hogge was active in organizing drives and beefs. He retired from the SIU in April 1980. JULIO M. LAZU --~ Pensioner Julio M. Lazu, 74, passed away December 11, 1997. A native of Puerto Rico and a resident of San Juan, he joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Baltimore, sailing as a member of the steward department. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Lazu last sailed aboard the Bayamon, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. He retired in November 1985. NORMAN R. LEE Pensioner Norman R. Lee, 82, died October 15, 1997. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Lee began receiving his pension in July 1980. FANNIE C. MAIRE Pensioner Fannie C. Maire, 87, passed away December I 0, 1997. Sister Maire joined the SIU in 1952 in the port of New Orleans. Born in signed off the Del Oro, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he began receiving his pension in June 1982. Louisiana, she sailed in the steward department and started receiving her pension in April 1968. She was a resident of Knoxville, Tenn. Born in China, Brother Cheng sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in May 1978. CLETUS P. McHUGH LUIS L. RIVERA Cletus P. McHugh, 72, passed away April 2, 1996. Brother McHugh joined the SIU in the early 1940s in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the engine department. Brother McHugh was a resident of Philadelphia. Pensioner Luis L. Rivera, 82, " passed away December 27, 1997. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of New York. He sailed as a member of the engine department and started receiving his pension in May 1983. JOHN R. McINTYRE THOMAS E. SMITH Pensioner John R. Mcintyre, 70, died December4, 1997. Born in Alabama, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Houston. Brother Mcintyre sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in December 1991, he signed off the Spirit of Texas, a Seahawk Management vessel. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Mcintyre was a resident of LaPort, Texas. Pensioner Thomas E. Smith, 87, died November 30, 1997. Brother Smith first sailed with the SIU in 1950 as a member of the engine department. A native of Ohio, he retired in February 1975. PEDRO MORENO Pensioner Pedro Moreno, 90, died December 25, 1997. A native of Texas, he started his career with the Seafarers in J 1951 in the port of Houston, sailing in the steward department. Brother Moreno lived in Hitchcock, Texas. He retired in May 1968. JOSE ORTIGUERRA ' Pensioner Jose Ortiguerra, 87, died July 31, 1997. He was a charter member of the Seafarers, having joined the union in 1938 in the port 1 of New York. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the deck department. From 1928 to 1929, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Ortiguerra, who made his home in Bataan, P.I., began receiving his pension in October 1973. LOUIS C. PUGH Louis C. Pugh, 92, died October 20, 1997. A charter member of the SIU, Brother Pugh joined the union in 1938 in the port of Boston. ; He sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he began receiving his pension in July 1980. GRANT L. SAYLOR Pensioner Grant L. Saylor, 78, passed away November 4, 1997. Born in Iowa, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of New York. Brother Saylor sailed in the engine department and JOHN E. WELLS Pensioner John E. We1ls, 95, passed away November 12, 1997. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the ~-.L-J port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Rhode Isfand, he sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in May l 969!'prother We1ls was resident of Catonsvil1e, Md. a INLAND MARKL.GRAY Pensioner Mark L. Gray, 64, passed away December 9, 1997. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1961 from the port of Baltimore. A native of North Carolina, he worked as a tugboat captain. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Gray began receiving his pension in April 1995. ALLIE L. GUIDRY Pensioner Allie L. Guidry, 91, died November 14, 1997. Born in Louisiana, he joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Houston. Boatman Guidry sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Nederland, Texas and retired in 1971. GEORGE M. WHITE Pensioner George M. White, 87, passed away November 14, 1997. Boatman White started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of Virginia, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer. Boatman White was a resident of New Point, Va. and retired in May 1984. CARL E. WILKINS Pensioner Carl E. Wilkins, 75, died October 20, 1997. A native of North Carolina, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, '-"""-----' Va. Boatman Wilkins worked in the deck department, 1ast sailing as a captain. A resident of Belhaven, N.C., he began receiving his pension in February 1984. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. GREAT LAKES HUSAYN S.ALI Pensioner Husayn S. Ali, 66, passed away March 12, 1997. Born in Arabia, he started his career with the Sea, farers in 1970 in the port of Detroit. Brother Ali sailed primarily on vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management as a member of the engine department. He signed off the Paul Townsend and began receiving his pension in May 1996. Brother Ali was a resident of Sana'a, Yemen. WESLEY H. FOSTER Pensioner , Wesley H. Poster, 75, passed away December 1, 1997. A native of Georgia, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. Brother Foster sailed as a member of the deck department. A resident of Alto, Ga., he began receiving his pension in September 1987. ROBERT L. POWELL Pensioner Robert L. Powell, 68, died November 13, 1997. Born in West Virginia, he began sailing with the SIU in 1960 from the ._______........__ _--!port of Detroit. From 1946 to 1950, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Powell sailed as a member of the engine department and retired in January 1990. He was a resident of Mannington, W.Va. RAILROAD MARINE HARRY T. REYNOLDS Pensioner Harry T. Reynolds, 81, died August 11, 1997. Brother Reynolds started his career with the SIU in 1960 in his native New '----=:.....==~'-----' York. Brother Reynolds last sailed in the deck department as a mate. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. The Lindenhurst, N.Y. resident began receiving his pension in January 1976. February 1998 �or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate commended crew for good trip and asked contracts department to clarify OT rates for DEU. Crew requested new VCR or VCR!fV. Next port: Oakland, Calif. ·:, $.P.~~;fuWqi.!¥tiist are reviewed by the union~ contract department. .es requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union ijcelpt,otthe ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ,,,.... ····· to the Seafarers LOG for publication, COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum), September 21-Chairman John Mossbarger, Secretary Joan Fehling, Educational Director Alex Resendez, Deck Delegate Gilbert Costello, Engine Delegate Casey Barber, Steward Delegate Frank Martin. Chairman reported union and Crowley Petroleum Transport still negotiating memorandum of understanding. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members discussed vacation checks and job calls. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), September 29 -Chairman Mickey Noble, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Brian Connell, Deck Delegate Amin Hussein, Engine Delegate Nasser Shaibi, Steward Delegate Mario Firme. Chairman announced captain will conduct room inspections and advised crew to consult sailing board for sailing time changes. Secretary asked crew members to return movies as soon as possible after viewing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman announced copies of Seafarers LOG may be found in crew lounge. Crew members thanked galley gang for barbecues during last voyage. Crew also noted need for insect fumigation aboard ship. Steward delegate informed crew new linens available. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), September 14-Chairman K.C. McGregor, Secretary James E. Harper, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Raymond Vicari, Engine Delegate Steve Rollins, Steward Delegate Wilfredo DeLeon. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer urged members to continue writing Congress asking elected officials to support Jones Act. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman announced e-mail received from company allowing crew members time off while ship docks in Long Beach, Calif. Crew reported tiles in recreation room and DEU's room need to be replaced. Crew members discussed shipboard duties of wiper according to contract. Crew members thanked steward department and chief cook for "very good food and service with a smile." Next port: Long Beach. LNG TAURUS (ETC), October 19-Chairman Daniel Marcus, Secretary Francis Ostendarp, Educational Director Charles Pomraning, Deck Delegate John Ray, Engine Delegate Tim Van Pelt, Steward Delegate Brian McEleny. Chairman wished crew signing off a good vacation and urged those staying aboard vessel to keep up good safety practices. Treasurer announced $70 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate discussed using standard computer codes to validate overtime so that wording is changed in order to reflect payment for radio shack duties by steward assistant. Stew- February 1998 ard discussed setting up cleaning schedule so he is aware of those who want their rooms cleaned. Some crew members expressed displeasure with shipboard stores. Next port: Tobata, Japan. OM/ COLUMBIA (OM!), October 6-Chairman Greg Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, Deck Delegate Paul Sbriglio, Educational Director R. Gordon, Engine Delegate Gregory Stone, Steward Delegate Musleh M. Musa. Chairman reported crew still awaiting word from contracts department concerning pay in lieu of day off. He urged members to read President Michael Sacco's report in Seafarers LOG. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward reported new pillows and refrigerator are on order. Bosun extended vote of thanks to galley gang for "putting out good chow." He asked crew to fill out repair list. Next ports: Richmond, Calif.; San Francisco; Valdez, Alaska; El Segundo, Calif. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), October 27Chairman Monte Grimes, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Henry Paquin, Deck Delegate John Emrich, Engine Delegate Ricky Wjlliams, Steward Delegate Lloyd Lawrence. Chairman announced estimated day and time of arrival in Oakland, Calif. and noted ship will depart port for Long Beach, Calif. on same day. He reported vessel will adhere to this new schedule during next few trips. He also announced upcoming military exercise involving members of U.S. Marine Corps and Navy Seals and advised crew to stay tuned for further details. Secretary noted new movies will be purchased in Long Beach or Honolulu with money from movie fund. Educational director discussed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. He reminded crew to check Seafarers LOG for upcoming courses. No beefs or disputed ar reported by engine or steward delegates. Deck delegate reported disputed ITT concerning pay for crew members during lashing and securing for sea. Crew discussed creating sign to remind everyone to return movies after viewing. Steward department was thanked for good food and keeping ship clean. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), October 12Chairman Darrel Petersen, Secretary Guillermo Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn Ford, Engine Delegate Ronald J. Hutchison, Steward Delegate Mercy Abuan. Chairman thanked entire crew for job well done and galley gang for preparation of good meals. Secretary reminded members to rewind movies after each use. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point. He advised members to make sure their z-cards and other important documents are up to date. No beefs SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), October 26-Chairman Thomas Trehern, Secretary Adrian Delaney, Educational Director Mark Serlis. Bosun reported several crew members have not been permitted their contractual two days off during trip. Chairman reported smooth sailing and noted U.S. Coast Guard inspection scheduled in port of Long Beach, Calif. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. Engine and steward delegates reported beefs. Crew discussed licensed department members performing work of unlicensed crew. Bosun brought up letter from Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez concerning proper ar tracking when such incidences occur. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley Petroleum), November 29-Chairman Abdulla Alwaseem, Secretary Ronald Malozi, Educational Director Jack Singletary, Deck Delegate Tom Arriola, Steward Delegate Chris Boronski. Chairman announced payoff at end of month and reported ship scheduled for voyages to San Francisco, Vancouver, Honolulu and Long Beach, Calif. Secretary advised crew members signing off vessel to pick up clean linens from steward assistant for relief. Educational director urged all members to apply for training record books (TRBs) as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested copies of new contract and being paid upon arrival in port rather than day after arrival. Steward department thanked for enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner-"a good time was had by all." COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum), November 8-Chairman John Mossbarger, Secretary Hans Schmuck, Educational Director Craig Croft, Deck Delegate Charles Gordon, Steward Delegate Abdulalah Mohamed. Chairman reported memorandum of understanding between company and union still in negotiation. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested staterooms be cleaned once a week. Crew discussed having ship's agent provide transportation to and from vessel. Members also talked about purchasing ship's bicycle. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OM/ COURIER (OMI), November 19-Chairrnan George Khan, Secretary Joseph Miller, Deck Delegate Dock McGuire, Steward Delegate Luis Martinez. Bosun noted patrolman scheduled to meet vessel upon arrival in port of Los Angeles. Crew asked bosun to see about obtaining new furniture and VCR for crew lounge. Secretary advised crew members signing off to clean rooms and replace linens for next person. Educational director discussed importance of upgrading at Piney Point. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed ar reported by engine or steward delegates. Engine delegate urged members to donate to SPAD and upgrade at Lundeberg School. Crew presented steward with retirement watch and thanked him for his many years with the SIU. LNG GEMINI (ETC), November 30--Chairman R. Mohamed, Secretary K. Hopkins, Educational Director S. Hoskins, Deck Delegate Paul Jagger, Engine Delegate Tom Flynn, Steward Delegate Amy Ripple. Bosun discussed duties of DEU on sanitary. Secretary reported crew members voted to dispose of old clothing and personal items left aboard vessel by former crew members. Crew noted some gear was several years old. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. He noted all Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into improving pension plan in next contract. Bosun asked for clarification of SIU medical benefits. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Maritime Overseas), November 3-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director John Fleming, Deck Delegate Amante Gumiran, On Watch Aboard the 0/S New Orleans SIU members who wish to continue sailing aboard LNG carriers must take LNG recertification course and get.their tanker endorsement at the school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reminded to keep noise down on first and second decks. Bosun announced hours for weight room will be posted by master. Crew thanked steward department for jobs well done. Next port: Tobata, Japan; Arnn, Indonesia; Nagoya, Japan. OM/ COLUMBIA (OM!), November 1-Chairman Greg Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, Educational Director R. Gordon, Engine Delegate Gregory Stone, Steward Delegate Musleh M. Musa. Chairman noted response from headquarters not yet received concerning crew questions on trip rotation, days off and sanitary duties. He added Vice President Augie Tellez sent crew other requested contract information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate extended special vote of thanks to chief steward and galley gang for "good chow.'' Crew announced arrival of unlicensed apprentice. OM/ COLUMBIA (OM!), November 23- Chairman Greg Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, Educational Director R. Gordon, Engine Delegate Gregory Stone, Steward Delegate Musleh M. Musa. Crew still awaiting response from headquarters concerning previous meeting notes and payment of overtime to deck department members. Bosun advised crew members to avoid accidents by wearing protective foot gear when working. Secretary mentioned problems with water system aboard ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Engine delegate requested copy of memorandum of agreement between the SIU and OM! to clarify the duties of DEU. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Maritime Overseas), November 2-Chairman Marco Galliano, Secretary Joseph Brooks, Educational Director Billy Watson, Deck Delegate Raymond Leak, Engine Delegate Junious Williams, Steward Delegate James Jackson. Secretary and educational director discussed importance of upgrading at Paul Engine Delegate Dennis Cayan, Steward Delegate Jose Maglalang. Chairman reported captain has requested on/off vessel board located on main deck be used for fire and emergency material. He informed crew half of deck has been equipped with non-skid material and advised them to use caution on other half until completed. Chairman advised crew that beginning in 1998, those without Lundeberg School's tankerman operation/safety course will not be allowed to sail aboard tankers. He also reminded crew members to , apply for training record books (TRBs). Bosun extended special vote of thanks to crew members for helping keep crew lounge clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point. Treasurer thanked bosun for purchase of new movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun asked fellow union brothers and sisters to help new members who may be interested in or qualified to become deck department members. Chairman advised crew he is working on list that breaks down medical benefits covered by different companies. Crew thanked steward ~epartment for job well done. Next ports: Honolulu and Valdez, Alaska. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (Maritime Overseas), November 16-Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Mark Flores, Educational Director Wilmer McCants, Engine Delegate Wilbert J. Miles. Chairman commended deck gang on good voyage. Secretary and educational director recommended all members upgrade at Lundeberg School and apply for training record books (TRBs). Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Chairman discussed importance of SPAD contributions and urged crew members to donate. Crew noted new washer and dryer received. Crew requested new chairs for lounge and microwave for mess hall. Crew also noted new antenna for TV is needed and galley range needs repair. Steward thanked crew members for help in separating plastics from paper and cans. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla. and Baytown, Texas. Seafarers LOG 19 l j l �- ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS Check Your Z-Card; Your Job May Be at Stake Merchant Mariner's Document Must Be Renewed \'2.34S oos: os/07/0S According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. All mariners MUST possess a renewed zcard in order to sail aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of 1999. That means as of January 1, 2000, all active z-cards must have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expiration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to ship with an expired document. (Mariners may renew their z-cards up to one year after the expiration date. However, mariners lose their endorsements if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in two different locations: ( 1) near the mariner's photo on the front and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those zcards without an expiration date, the date of issuance is located on the back of the document beside the fingerprint. If you have any questions concerning the status of your z-card, contact your port agent or patrolman. Renewal 1998 Date 1999 2000 2001 2002 1993 1988 1983 1978 1973 1968 1963 1958 1953 1948 1943 1938 1994 1989 1984 1979 1974 1969 1964 1959 1954 1949 1944 1939 1995 1996 1997 Date of Issue (*See Below) Per the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Register of September 27, 1994, z-cards with an issuance date ending in the years 0 and 5 should have been renewed in 1995; ending in the years 1 and 6 should have been renewed in 1996; ending in the years 2 and 7 should have been renewed in 1997. *All z-cards have to be renewed every 5 years to remain active. U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination ,Centers t_)(p\res Ofifl9/94 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Fund. EIN 13-55602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 {ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $24,282,651 as of December 31, 1996, compared to $23,373,085 as of January 1, 1996. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $909,566. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the vafue of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $38,344,438 including employer contributions of $37,285,8555, realized losses of $84, 195 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1, 142,nB. Plan expenses were $37,434,872. These expenses included $3,819,733 in administrative expenses and $33,615,139 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof. on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for Investment; and 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees, Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.1 Ofor the full annual report, or 30 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annuaf report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees, Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 20 Seafarers LOG 510 L. Street Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 (907) 271-6733 or 6735 Customhouse Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 (410) 962-5132 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 (617) 223-3040 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 (803) 724-7693 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Room 1 Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 (808) 522-8258 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 210 Houston, TX 77017-6595 (713) 947-0044 2760 Sherwood Lane Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-5845 (907) 463-2450 Claude Pepper Building 51 S.W. First Avenue 6th floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 (305) 536-6548 1440 Canal Street Eighth Floor New Orleans, LA 70112-2711 (504) 589-6183 Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-1466 (212) 668-6395 6767 N. Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 (503) 240-9346 1222 Spruce Street Suite 211 St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 (314) 539-2657 Building 14 Coast Guard Island Alameda, CA 94501-5100 (510) 437-3092 or 3093 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802-1096 (310) 980-4483 or 4485 1519 Alaskan Way S. Building 1 Seattle, WA 98134-1192 (206) 217-6115 200 Jefferson Avenue Suite 1301 Memphis, TN 38103-2300 (901) 544-3297 Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 (419) 259-6394 or 6395 February 'f 998 �(Editor's Note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) Union in Good Shape; But Faces Old Problems It is gratifying to learn that my beloved Seafarers International Union is alive and well after all these years $ince I was actively involved. I was drafted into the United States Army from my AB's berth aboard the Waterman Steamship Co.'s C-2 Yaka in 1953 in San Francisco. I notice many of the problems still exist for seafarers that were common in the '40s and '50s such as runaway-flag vessels and violations of the Jones Act. I hope new political champions like the late Senator Warren Magnuson (D-Wash.) are protecting our vital interests in the industry. America's future as a maritime nation depends on it. I often wonder what happened to my many friends and shipmates who sailed the world with me from 1946 to 1953. Our industry was such that good shipmates, faraway places and unbelievable experiences ended at the payoff only to be renewed on the next voyage-a truly unique life! It appears that the union is in good hands with President Michael Sacco and his staff what with training centers, upgrade programs, pension plans, scholarships and stewardship of the industry. I am proud of my involvement. You are protecting a hard-won heritage. Russell G. Hinkel Bensalem, PA .. .. Farewell to 1997 Best of Luck in 1998 Happy New Year to all at the LOG. We love your publication aboard the Sgt. William R. Button. I'm enclosing a snapshot taken in Guam on December 11, 1997 (see photo below). The relief steward, Tony Curran, treated his department (and the DEU) to a thank-you and farewell dinner. Mary-Lou Lopez, SA Sgt. William R. Button . Thanks Beget Thanks Aboard Ship at Sea A word of appreciation is due to the steward department on the Manulani (voyage 686) for their generous support of the International Maritime Center in Oakland (Calif.) and the Apostleship of the Sea. The hat was passed on Christmas Day at sea and $460 was raised in donations. On behalf of Father Alvin Gomer [executive director and En_joying the thank-you and farewell dinner hosted by Tony Curran, the chief steward aboard the Sgt. William R. Button, are (from left) Curran, SA Mary-Lou Lopez, SA Nathalie Norie, Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag, DEU Adnan Nassar, SA Carlos Majao and SA Danielle Harvey. Computer Studies Lead to Certificates chaplain of the center] and all merchant seamen worldwide, thank you. Also, the Manulani galley, under the direction of Steward/ Baker Gerald Figg, put out a great spread on Christmas Day. The only complaint by anyone here is that they are gaining weight. Capt. J.W. Bert S.S. Manulani (Note: The crewmembers aboard Matson 's Manulani are members of the SIU as well as the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, Sailors' Union of the Pacific, Marine Firemen's Union and American Radio Association. They collected $460 as a thankyou for the thoughtful gifts provided to the vessel by the International Maritime Center, noting the many deeds and services the organizaion has provided to seafarers from all over the world.) FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary.-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommend.ations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Febmary 1998 The seafaring Smiths made it a family event when they participated in the Labor Day parade in Philadelphia last September. Bert Smith (left) and his brother, Harry (right), have retired from the deck department. Their nephew, QMED John Smith (center), joined in on the festivities, bringing along his sons, Joseph and Allen, to round out three generations of Smiths. Know Your Rights SIUPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: SIU member Leticia (Lee) Perales receives a certificate from Rick Prucha, academics instructor at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, for successfully completing the WordPerfect 5.1 course at the school's computer lab. She also was presented with a certificate for completion of the Introduction to Computer Basics course. Both computer programs are available to all students at the school. Labor Day Parade Is a Family Affair Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collec~ive membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG · policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, jo~ discrimination, financial reprisal, ·or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL LIFEB0:~ CLASS •• • 1 J Trainee Lifeboat Class 571-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 571 are (from left, kneeling) Tawnia Stucker, Russell Shaw Jr., Carmus Peet, Lawrence Sherinski Ill, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Damon Anderson, Al Greene, Jason Egleston, Eden Latta, Christian Andrews, Patrick Maldonado, Nathan Rippey and Teki Williams. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)-Upgrading graduates of the November 28 tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course are (from left, seated) Donley Johnson, Robert Gaudreau, William Horton, Jun Pogi Gimutao, (second row) Charles Donley, Pedro Ramos, Charles Dahlhaus, Edgardo Martinez, Kent Doctor, lsabelo Fernandez and Jim Shaffer (instructor) . Basic Firefighting-SIU members who graduated from the basic firefighting class on November 19 are (from left, front row) Rick Redman (instructor), Muhiddin Awale, Terry Allen, Ernie Gibson, (second row) Maurice Hetrick, Lara Evans, David Steinberg, David House, George Rofail and Faisal Alshaif. ~ ­ Upgraders Lifeboat-Marking their graduation from the upgraders lifeboat class on December 10 are (from left, kneeling) Linda McPhetridge, Terry Magno, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Knolly Wiltshire, Faisal Alshaif and Mariana Carpinteyro. Third Mate--Completing the third mate course on December 8 are (from left, kneeling) Steven Chapin, Sidney Horton, James Anderson, Lynn Melin (instructor), (second row) Donnie Collins, Robert Kendrick, John Leiter, Walter Ritvalsky, Dale Kirsch Jr., John Dean and Rick James. Not pictured is Todd Hileman. LNG Familiarization-Receiving their endorsements from the LNG familiarization course on November 21 are SIU members (from left, kneeling) Charles Booker, Michael Brown, Nicholas Lopez, Daniel Miller, Carlos Boiser Jr., Victor Frazier, Gary Mitchell, (second row) Michael Willis, Nestor Agcaoili, Charles James, Fernando Mesa, William Fielding, Jeffrey Levie, (third row) Chris Conway, Chris Cotterman, John Stephens, Jerome Torrence, Dennis Goodwin, John Smith (instructor) and Samuel Garrett. Not pictured is Reynaldo Gonzales. 22 Seafarers LOG February 1998 �:~ Safety Specialty,Courses Start Date of Date ,~o.nt.>leti.on . April 27 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) May25 Mayi6 June 13 LNG Familiarization April 20 April 24 Basic Firefighting March23 March 28 April 25 April 20 May18 May9 May23 Advanced Firefighting March2 April 6 · April 20 May18 March 14 April 18 Mays May30 Government Vessels March 9 March30 April 20 May18 April 17 Mays Junes Tank:erman (PIC) Barge Maytl May 15 Water Survival Marcb23 April 20 April 4 May2 May18 May30 May4 · Deck Upgrading Courses Date of Completion Start Date April 3 March9 April 6 Able Seaman MaylS April 3 March23 Radar @bserver/Unlimited Celestial Navigation April 10 March2 May4 Limited License June 26 Engl""' UJl1'4Jllnl(xCou~111 Course Start Date of Date Completion Recertification Programs Date of Completion Start Course ·Fireman/Watertender ~.Oiler , :}% ~.: :\::~: May8 Advanced Refrigerated Containers Mat'Ch..30 . April 24 Diesel Engine Technology March30 May8. Cr~e March27 (Sea-.Bandf Start Course Date Date of Completion General Education Courses March30 May8 Introduction to Computers Self-study ,t Maintenance Electrician :;.;.;: ~ Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Dates Only Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward/Galley Operations March 9, March 23, April 6, April 20, May 4,May 18 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. - -~ - - - UPGRADING APPLICATION Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient 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 Lunde berg School identification card listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B o o k # - - - - - - - - - ...., S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatrnan Endorsement? Firefighting: Primary language spoken February 1998 D Yes D No CPR: Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D No Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Yes D No 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674·0075. 2/98 Seafarers LOG 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT Seafarers Vacation Fund -page 20 SW Boat1nen, Pilots Push Safety in Mobile Article Shows Many Risks Of Docking Operations A recent newspaper account pinpoints safety as a key aspect of the work performed by Seafarers at Crescent Towing and the Mobile (Ala.) Bar Pilots Association. "There is no such thing as a little mistake," observes the Mobile Register in a lengthy and complimentary on-thescenes chronicle of pilot and docking operations in the Mobile ship channel. As with most other occupations, inland mariners usually do not receive publicity for routine, safe work. But in maritime, as in other transportation fields, mishaps may be disastrous and typically generate scrutiny. Though unaccustomed to notoriety, the SIU boatmen, who have an excellent safety record, welcomed the accurate observations of the Register's Roy Hoffman. "Everybody was pleased," said tugboat Captain Mike Deckhands Otis Woods (left) and Gerald Beuk are part of the SIU crew aboard the Crescent tug Mardi Gras. Moving cargo ships, tankers, military vessels, oil rigs and other types of ships is part of the routine for Mobile-based Crescent crews, including Seafarers (from left) Engineer Ricky Shumock, Deckhand John Wint and Deckhand Benny Tucker. avoiding pleasure boats, to name a few. "It's never really the same job twice," notes Captain Ron Walker, who joined the union 12 years ago. "It's basically piloting, pushing and pulling, but so much is dependent on the weather. "Plus, you have to be ready at all times, in case something goes wrong. A ship could lose an engine or lose steering." "No doubt, docking avessel is very dangerous," says Mobile SIU Port Agent Dave Carter. "Our members-tugboat crews and pilots-do a .great job, as indicated by their continually safe operations." For pilots, starting a docking job usually means springing from a launch to a rope ladder extended from the incoming ship while both vessels are under way. Here again, the task is routine and normally without incident. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be disastrous, as was the case two years ago when a Mobile pilot (who was not a member of the SIU) had a nearly fatal fall. The pilots deal with containerships, tankers, large tugs, Navy destroyers and frigates, oil rigs, "and anything else that needs a pilot," says Mark Collier, a member of the Seafarers for 24 years who is employed by the Mobile Bar Pilots Association. "Most of the captains (on the incoming ships) speak pretty good English, but when they don't, it's hard to communicate with them." The pilots and tugboatmen work in tandem, executing dozens of jobs daily. Vessels must be kept at proper speed-too slow means vulnerability to currents, too fast means a likely loss of control. For the four-man tugboat crews, preparation helps ensure smooth operations. Yarbrough points out that Crescent conducts quarterly safety meetings, and the crew members periodically do fire drills, man-overboard drills and other safety exercises on the boats. Safety meetings and exercises have helped enable SIU boatmen in Mobile, Ala. to maintain Yet, practice is not as vital as expe- an excellent safety record. Above, Engineer and Relief Captain Henry Tucker displays a life rience, believes ring on the Mardi Gras. Yarbrough. "The best way to learn is "Both the pilots and the tug hands-on experience which, crews understand the variof course, takes time. You ables and the potential danreally have to get out there gers," continues the veteran and feel it, because every job boatman. "Things can happen we do is different. That's why at the drop of a hat, which is you learn every day," he one more reason why everyasserts. body gives their best." Safety is the top priority in docking operations, say Alabama crew members (from left) Deckhand Steve Woods, Engineer Mike Hurst, Deckhand Dan Hanbury and Captain Mike Yarbrough. For many Seafarers, working the river channel in Mobile is a family tradition. Above, SIU pilots Mark Collier Sr. (left) and Tommy Wescovich (right) welcome Mark Collier Jr. for a brief visit aboard a pilot boat. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES AMERICA MUST MAINTAIN POOL OF ‘WELL-TRAINED, CITIZEN’ MARINERS TRANSCOM’S GEN. KROSS TOUTS INDUSTRY COHESION 3 MORE APL SHIPS HOIST U.S. FLAG BRIGHT FIELD’S OWNER BLAMED FOR ACCIDENT RUNAWAY-FLAF FREIGHTER HAD CHRONIC ENGINE TROUBLE BEFORE NEW ORLEANS CRASH RECORD SEASON ENDS; LAKERS AWAIT SPRING DELTA QUEEN CREW FOCUSES ON SAFETY USCG PRAISES SWIFT ACTION ON ST. CLAIR REP. SANCHEZ COMMENDS UNIONS FOR ADVANCING WORKERS’ RIGHTS U.S.-FLAG GRAIN CARRIERS AVAILABLE ON GREAT LAKES RUNAWAY-FLAG BULKER’S ‘ROUTINE’ DEFICIENCIES REFLECT DANGERS ALOHA, CONSTITUTION, MAHALO FOR THE MEMORIES SETTLEMENT MAY CLEAR PATH FOR TERMINAL IN LONG BEACH REINER PUBLISHES NEW NOVEL DECK CREW DISPLAYS TEAMWORK AT SEA ABOARD LIBERTY SPIRIT SIU BOATMEN, PILOTS PUSH SAFETY IN MOBILE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 2 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5d64ecaf8233fa7111108eda70d22f3e.pdf dbbc9c2f9814527a000e01b33f4c047c PDF Text Text Sealarers-Crewed Vessels Deployed in Exercises As U.S., Allies ld11d Up Forces Gulf . in P~rsian . I/ • TRANSCOM's Deputy Commander Thompson Praises Civilian/Military Effort to Deliver Materiel to Troops In the Middle East SIU members are doing their part to assist the U.S. Transportation Command in its buildup of troops and supplies in the Middle East in case military action is needed in Iraq. The command's second-in- charge, Army Lt. Gen. Roger Thompson, saluted the efforts of the mariners during an address last month in Washington. Among the Seafarers-crewed vessels involved in exercises in the Persian Gulf region are (from top, left) the SP5 Eric G. Gibson, 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, PFC William B. Baugh, USNS Walter 5. Diehl and USNS Catawba. Page 3 �President's Report Standing Up to Anti-Worker Attacks There is a very real and strong danger facing working people in this country. At this time all across America, anti-worker individuals, organizations and businesses are implementing a state-by-state campaign to silence the voices of working men and women. They literally are trying to keep average citizens-the mariner, the store clerk, the factory worker, the restaurant server-from having any say in political campaigns. How are they doing this? Through bills in state legislatures or ballot initiatives with such sweet-sounding names as "campaign finance reform" or "paycheck protection acts" or "giving union members a choice." Sounds too sinister to be true, doesn't it? Well, brothers and sisMichael Sacco ters, this is no fairy tale! This is real, this is serious and this is happening right now! We in the Seafarers know these anti-worker low-lifes well. These are the same people and groups who have been running overseas to take advantage of low-wage, poorly trained mariners aboard substandard vessels under the pretense of competitiveness. They aren't concerned about the welfare of the American working class. They're just seeking new ways to pad their bottom line. The main theme in all these so-called reforms and acts is to prevent the free flow of information to working class Americans. The sole aim of these bills and ballot initia- tives is to reduce the effectiveness of union members and labor organizations by restricting our activities in such a way that we couldn't participate in the political system. For more than 200 years, the strength of this nation's democracy has been the ability of all sides to express their points of view. All Americans have the right to speak up and be heard. Without this fundamental right, all of America would be weakened. Along these lines, it has always been vitally important for America's working men and women to know what is happening in the political process. The AFL-CIO as well as the SIU have a great deal that needs to be brought forward in the course of public debate so that workers are heard. Without the voice of working people, the national minimum wage would not have been increased, and even more jobs would be fleeing our borders had fast-track authority not been stopped, just to cite two examples of workers having effective input in this process. Sure, we don't win every battle we enter. But we do have a say in the outcome. That's what democracy is all about, and that's what these anti-worker bullies want to rob from us. The one sure way to stop these forces is for Seafarers and their families to expose these hucksters to their friends and neighbors for what they are-back-stabbing individuals, organizations and businesses who, in some cases, have already and would, if allowed, leave American workers with empty factories and no jobs in order to exploit low-wage, low-cost foreign employees. And once exposed, we must work together to defeat their anti-democratic bills and initiatives. Seafarers Show Solidarity with Washington Newspaper Workers SIU members last month joined more than 300 fellow trade unionists in a rally to demand a fair contract and affordable health care for the mail workers at The Washington Post, who are members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 14201. The lunchtime rally took place in Washington, D.C. in front of The Washington Post in the form of an informational picket. The February 13 event brought together workers from more than 15 unions to call attention to the plight of the mail workers who have been without a contract since June 15, 1997. CWA Local 14201 has been in negotiations with The Washington Post for months. CWA members and supporting local trade unionists have kept a vigil of four to six people marching outside the newspaper offices since the contract expired. The Post is demanding the option of taking away work from the mailroom employees and giving it to other workers at the paper or contracting it out. The company wants the right to hire temporary employees, implement a 35-hour work week with a 40-hour overtime provision and other concessions. The newspaper has a net worth of $I .5 billion with profits of more than $256 million in 1997. The purpose of the rally was to let The Washington Post know that its workers played a major role in making the paper such a successful company. Rally speaker Linda Foley, president of the Newspaper Guild, said, "The Washington Post just doesn't get it. A newspaper is a public trust. The first amendment of the Constitution allows them to publish and make the money they make. We expect The Washington Post to treat their workers fairly. The Washington Post does not live up to their business responsibilities. We stand behind [the mail workers] to get affordable health care and a fair contract. The Newspaper Guild says NO to a part-time throwaway work force." The cost of health care for the workers is a key issue in the negotiations. Many members of CW.P:s Local 14201 pay more than $100 a week for insurance premiums while Post management gets theirs free or at little cost. Also, the Post is demanding an unlimited supply of temporary workers at reduced wages. Following the march, several Seafarers talked about what the event meant to them. "We're all brothers and sisters. A company that makes millions of dollars in profits should do everything it can to help their employees. I hope [the mail workers] get what they want and settle,'' said steward department member John Holtschlag. "I hope the Post comes to real- Mail workers at The Washington Post, who have been without a contract since June 15, 1997, get support from Seafarers at a lunchtime rally. Leading the rally are SIU members Tommy Belvin, Angel Correa and Michael Baker. ize that it's the little guys that count. They are the ones that build up the company's empire. They [the ma1lworkers] need health care for their families," noted Steward Franklin Cordero. Michael Baker, also a steward department member, added, "It's good to be out there with the other unions fighting for the same cause. Working for the cause to benefit families." Other SIU members present at the rally were Kenneth Abra- hamson, Alan Bartley, Tommy Belvin, Robert Bradberry, Sergio Castellanos, Angel Correa, Matthew Harrison, Mike Hammock, Robert Kane, Joseph LeClair, Kenneth Long, Jose Majao, John Millward, Allen Ngoc, Melvin Ratcliff Jr., Noel Rodriguez, Adel Shaibi, Phillip Troublefield, George Villaba Jr. and Ed Winne. Steelworkers' Rally in San Francisco Draws Attention to CF&I/Oregon Strike Backing CWA Local 14201 by marching in front of The Washington Post are Seafarers (from the left) Matthew Harrison, George Villaba Jr., Robert Bradberry and Robert Kane. Volume 601 Number 3 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org March 1998 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month- ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art. Bill Brower; Administrative Support. Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers marched last month with hundreds of other San Francisco-area trade unionists to show support for 1,100 Steelworkers on strike against CF&I/Oregon Steel. The rally, in front of the Wells Fargo Bank in the heart of the city's financial district, was one of 11 held in eight states on February 13. The Steelworkers chose Wells Fargo for the informational picketing because the bank is one of several across the nation extending a line of credit to CF&I/Oregon Steel during the strike which began October 3, 1997. The I, 100 Steelworkers have been walking the picket lines in Pueblo, Colo., where the CF&I/Oregon Steel plant is located. "We want to show our brothers and sisters that they have support here on the West Coast," noted SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona. ''These people have been out of work for five months and something has to be done for them," added AB James Taranto. Other Seafarers taking part in the demonstration included Bosun Bill Dean, Bosun J.C. Dillon, Chief Cook Al Dixon, Chief Cook Ahmed Qoraish, Bosun Jim Rader, OS Ronald Rankin, AB Richard Smith and FOWT Robert Young. When the strike began, CF&I/Oregon Steel hired permanent replacement workers (scabs) to bust the union and keep the mill running. On December 30, the Steelworkers made an unconditional offer to return to work, but the company ignored it. The union is calling on the company, which has renamed itself Rocky Mountain Steel, tp remove the scabs, return to the bargaining table and sign a contract equal to those already in place with other large steel companies. Prior to the San Francisco demonstration, Steelworkers President George Becker briefed local union officials on what was happening in the CF&I/Oregon strike. Meeting in the SIU San Francisco hall, Becker told the officials that the Steelworkers were committed to regaining their jobs with a union contract. Joining Becker at the meeting were California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski, SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney and members of the San Francisco Labor Council. Bosun Jim Rader (with MTD sign) speaks with other trade unionists during a San Francisco rally for striking CF&I/Oregon Steelworkers. March 1998 �Seafarers Ready to Supply Troops in Event of U.S. Military Action Versus Iraq TRANSCOM General Praises Crew Efforts Seafarers are ready to deliver "the right things to the right place at the right time" as the United States and its allies move closer to a potential armed conflict with Iraq. Around the world, SIU members aboard various military supply vessels are standing by for word where and when to transport materiel needed by U.S. Armed Forces. Speaking in Washington, D.C. on February 19, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Roger G. Thompson Jr. praised the work of Seafarers in the preparation of a possible action in the Middle East. ''They are doing a fine job," the deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSOM) stated to a reporter for the Seafarers LOG following an address on what is happening in the Persian Gulf and what he sees as the future of military logistics before the Washington chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association. The general noted TRANSCOM has been working since Thanksgiving to make sure weapons, armament and other items are in place "in case diplo. macy fails." He told the audience U.S.-flag civilian-crewed military supply ships are involved in exercises in the Persian Gulf area. (Many of these vessels are crewed by Seafarers.) Thompson said how important it is for the troops to have "the right things in the right place at the right time" and how he has been "extremely impressed with the military-civilian cooperation." He further stated such cohesion provides needed confidence for the troops in the field to perform their mission to the best of their abilities. SIU President Michael Sacco said he was proud to hear the good report about Seafarers from Gen . Thompson . "The military knows that SIU crews will do whatever it takes to assist our troops," Sacco noted. "We were there in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield and we will be there if and when we are called upon should military action be required." As the Seafarq s LOG went to press, President Clinton had not announced any decision on whether to launch attacks on Iraq for failure to comply with United Nations inspections for weapons of mass destruction. The Middle East nation agreed to allow such inspections after being beaten back from Kuwait by U.S. and allied forces in the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. In late February, the Military Sealift Command issued a release showing more than 15 SIU-crewed vessels were involved in exercises in or near the Persian Gulf. Among these ships are five manned by members from the SIU's Government Services Division. They include the fleet oilers USNS Guadalupe and USNS Walter S. Diehl; fleet stores ship USNS Spica; fleet tug USNS Catawba; and fleet ammunition vessel USNS Kilauea. Five U.S. Marine Corps prepositioning ships, with Seafarers making up the unlicensed crew, were under way: the PFC William B. Baugh, Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr., 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips and Sgt. Matej Kocak. On station in the Arabian Gulf Lt. Gen. Roger G. Thompson Jr., the deputy commander of TRANSCOM, praises the logistical effort performed by civilian mariners, including Seafarers, during the recent military buildup in the Middle East. are four U.S. Army prepositioning vessels. They include the SIU-crewed USNS Shughart, USNS Yano, USNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland. On standby in the Pacific were the LTC Calvin P. Titus and SP5 Eric G. Gibson. And sailing in exercises to assist the U.S. Air Force is the Seafarers-crewed Buffalo Soldier. Coalition Formed to Block Proposed Navigational Tax A coalition of maritime unions (including the SIU), shipping companies, shippers, port authorities and others are working to stop implementation of a navigational assistance tax on the use of U.S. Coast Guard navigational aids. Included in the Fiscal Year 1999 federal budget released by the Clinton administration last month as a "navigational assistance fee," the proposed tax would be assessed on commercial vessels plying the domestic waterways. It is projected to raise nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in its first five years. The Coast Guard's justification for the levy is to fund certain services provided by the Department of Transportation agency including the placement and maintenance of buoys, and other shortrange aids to navigation, radio navigation and vessel traffic management. If approved by Congress, the tax could be in place as early as the summer of 1999. However, opponents of the proposed tax pointed to several factors that could make the new fee illegal even before it could be implemented. Since the Coast Guard has deemed the tax a "user fee ," fed eral law states that such fees may be imposed only for specific governme~t services to specific individuals' or companies, such as license applications. In this case, the coalition stated the tax is being applied generally, which federal courts have struck down in the past. SIU Governmental Affairs March 1998 Representative Terry Turner equated creating a tax on ships for use of the Coast Guard's navigational system to charging a user fee on car and truck drivers who use traffic lights . Additionally, the Transportation Institute, a trade association of U.S.-flag shipping companies, said others-including recreational boaters, fishing boats and passenger vessel operatorswould be exempted from the levy even though they use the aids. Therefore, the Coast Guard could not be taxing for specific services to specific companies or individuals. Instead, it would be charging one group to cover the costs of a system that benefits many. Another factor brought out by the Transportation Institute is the fact that foreign-flag vessels may not have to pay the fee because of existing treaties and other agreements. If this is the case, bringing forth such a levy would create an additional burden on U.S .-flag shipping. Finally, the association stated the Coast Guard has provided no justification for such a tax, claiming it would simply be a revenue raiser because the vast majority of the vessels who use the aids are exempted from paying the levy. Turner noted the coalition plans to work with members of Congress to remove the tax from the Fiscal Year 1999 budget as it makes its way through the legislative process. It also is looking into other actions, including legal challenges, to keep it from being implemented. The Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips is one of more than a dozen Seafarers-crewed military supply ships that have be~n c~lled into_exercises. in the Persian Gulf region as the United States and its allies began a military buildup in the Middle East m order to enforce U.N. weapons inspections against Iraq. SIU Gains More New Jobs American Steamship Co. Adds Ocean Barge Seafarers will crew the ocean tug that operates with the covered hopper barge acquired recently by American Steamship Company (ASC), the union announced last month. An ASC spokesman said the tug and barge should be in service by the third quarter of this year. Until then, the barge will undergo refurbishment, most likely in the Gulf, and the company will continue shopping for a new tug to sail with it. The unit will be named the American Freedom. ASC stated that it will use the American Freedom to carry dry bulk commodities, including coal and grain, in the Jones Act coastal trade. The company already operates an SIU-crewed fleet of 11 selfunloading vessels on the Great Lakes. Built in 1981 at Bay Shipbuilding Corp. in Wisconsin, the American Freedom (formerly the American Gulf V and the Energy Freedom) has four holds and 13 hatches (48' by 28'), with a gantry crane for the hatches. When fully loaded, the 33,700 dwt vessel travels at an average speed of about 9 knots. American Steamship Company aims to have the ocean tug-barge unit American Freedom operating along the U.S. coastline later this year with Seafarers aboard. Seafarers LOG 3 �Great Lakes Sailing Season Set for 1998 With several SIU-contracted companies expected to begin crewing their vessels for the 1998 sailing season later this month, Seafarers who ply the Great Lakes should contact the Algonac, Mich. union hall for fitout information. According to SIU Algonac Port Representative Don Thornton, some SIU-crewed ships have announced tentative fitout dates for March. However, Thornton noted, the dates are subject to change and Seafarers who sail on the Great Lakes need to keep in touch with the hall for information on when to report to their respective vessels. Engine and steward department members normally are the first to sign on the vessels as fitout begins. While the engine crew executes any needed repairs and refills pipes that had been emptied during layup, the galley Wheelsman Peter Nagowski performs some last-minute duties before signing off his vessel for the winter. First Phase at ISM Cade Takes Effect July 1 Interim Rule Says Tankers and Other Vessels Must Show Certification Before Entering U.S. The United States Coast Guard in late January began enforcing an interim rule that requires certain vessels calling on U.S. ports to provide their International Safety Management (ISM) Code certification 24 hours before entry. Intended to boost marine safety, the interim rule is a precursor to the July I deadline for shipowner compliance with phase one of the ISM Code. After that date, vessels covered in the initial phase that do not meet ISM Code standards face denial or detention in the ports of more than 100 nations signatory to the requirements. The first stage of the ISM Code (part of the 197 4 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS) applies to the following vessels engaged in international voyages: tankers, bulk freight ships, highspeed freight vessels of 500 gross tons or more, and ships transporting more than 12 passengers. According to the Coast Guard, if a vessel without ISM certification is found in a U.S. port after July 1, "it will be detained, its cargo operations will be restricted, civil penalty action will begin, and its flag state and classifica- tion society will be contacted." The agency in December began conducting what it termed a "pre-enforcement inspection campaign" to monitor industry preparation for compliance. They also used the information gathered to start a nationwide database listing ISM compliance and to begin allocating resources for its port state control programs. Phase two of the ISM Code takes effect July 1, 2002. It will apply to other freight vessels and self-propelled mobile offshore drilling units of 500 or more gross tons on international voyages. Code requirements include that companies develop, implement and maintain a safety management system that spells out a safety and environmental protection policy, plus instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of the ships and protection of the environment in compliance with international and flag state regulations. It also calls for, among other requirements, defined procedures for reporting accidents, preparing for and responding to emergencies, and management reviews of the safety system. Sea Lion Serves Roaring Good Meal Galley gang members aboard the Sea Lion brightened the Christmas holiday for their shipmates by preparing a special meal, noted Captain G.B. Hogg, who submitted this photo to the Seafarers LOG. Pictured -..._ • ~;,,with a sampling of · · the scrumptious feast aboard the Crowley vessel are (from left) Chief Cook Leonard Skipper, Chief Steward Pat Caldwell, SA Isaac Newsome and Unlicensed Apprentice Joshua Ryan. 4 Seafarers LOii gang orders stores and makes other preparations for the season. The deck department usually joins the ships within a few days after the other crew members. The vessels begin sailing two or three days after the arrival of the deck crew. The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.. located between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, are scheduled to open on March 25. The opening of the locks traditionally marks the date operations on all the Great Lakes resume. However, the opening of the Soo Locks is dependent upon weather conditions. According to the Lake Carriers' Association, which monitors the action of U.S.-flag shipping on the Great Lakes, 1997 was the most successful navigation season on the lakes since the boom economy of the 1970s. Preliminary totals for cargo movement on U.S.-tlag takers show the vessels that operated throughout the 1997 sailing season moved more than 125 million tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo. That total represented an 8 million ton increase over 1996 and qualified as a new post-recession peak for the Great Lakes Jones Act trades. The demand for commodities on the Great Lakes remains high following the seasonal shut down of shipping. Coal, iron ore and stone-which are required in steel production-are the highest volume commodities moved on the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes basin is home to nearly threefourths of America's steel-making capacity. BELOW: Steward department members are some of the first of the crew to sign on their vessels prior to fitout on the Great Lakes. Pictured in the galley during layup aboard the Medusa Challenger are (from left) Porter Adam Hassan, Porter Hussein Nasser and Second Cook Joel Markle. ~ AB Michael Cushman cleans the inspection plates on the deck of the Medusa Challenger during winter layup. Senator Boxer Discusses West Coast Maritime SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (right) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union President Brian McWilliams (center) speak with U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) about several issues affecting the maritime community. The meeting took place last month in San Francisco. SIU-Crewed MSC Ships Help Guam Recover From Typhoon Paka Three Military Sealift Command Pacific Fleet (MSCPAC) vessels-the USNS Kilauea, USNS San Jose and USNS Niagara Falls-c,rewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division helped make the Christmas holiday one that will not soon be forgotten by a few hundred residents of Guam. Before Super Typhoon Paka plowed through the tiny U.S. territory (the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands in the West Pacific) in midDecember, residents were ready for a restful holiday. The island, just like the U.S. mainland, was decorated for the season, and families were preparing for upcoming celebrations. Paka, however, had other plans. Packing winds of up to 236 miles per hour, it blew away most of the traditional look and feel of the holidays and caused more than $100 million in damages across the entire island. Crew members aboard the three MSCPAC vessels were ready to help salvage at least the holiday, if not the island itself. "Our ship made it possible to keep the real spirit of Christmas and the holidays for many, many people hit by the storm," said Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, commander of the Military Sealift Command. "The Niagara Falls, San Jose and Kilauea really went all out to make it special for the people who needed it most. I'm glad we could help." The three ships assisted in providing food, water and supplies for several homeless shelters and the local U.S. Navy base. In addition, the San Jose and Niagara Falls prepared traditional Christmas dinners for more than 200 people who had no place to go. Unlicensed crew members aboard the San Jose spearheaded the idea to host the homeless for Christmas. According to the ship's master, Capt. Karl Faulkner, they arranged for just about everything-from donation·s to pay for the food, to transportation to and from the ships, to making sure those needing an invitation got one. ''This was our way of helping out and providing a home away from home on Christmas Day," Faulkner said. The visitors were able to relax and watch videos and were treated to a tour of the ships. Because of its cargo of ammunition, Kilauea crew members were unable to host a dinner aboard ship. "We did everything else possible to help out," said the Kilauea's master, Capt. Dan LaPorte. ''These people were devastated, and we wanted to try to lift their spirits." Crew members from all three ships additionally assisted in providing medical, utility, cleanup, transportation and food services on the island. The Niagara Falls' and San Jose's crews continue to work on cleanup and rebuilding operations. Water hoses attached to the ships are available to anyone without drinking water. And other necessary services, such as removing debris and feeding people-both military and civilian-are two of the main ways the ships' crews are helping in the effort. The Kilauea is now on a mission in the Indian Ocean. "More than anything, this assistance helps provide some feeling of normalcy and security," added Perkins. "It's going to be a while before we see things as usual in Guam, but I'm very glad to sec our ships and people can help make a difference." March 1998 �Work Continues in STCW Implementation Tarpon Crew Game for Contract Input Seafarers Participate in Latest International Safety Meetings The SIU actively participated in the most recent meeting of the group tasked with continuing the development of rules to be implemented as part of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The union took part in the STCW subcommittee's meeting January 12-16 in London, attended by representatives of 57 countries, and also participated in a related conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) afterward. While many topics were covered, much of the STCW subcommittee's work focused on identifying the differences between shore-based and shipboard assessment required of mariners by the amendments, and defining how those distinctions should be factored into final, standardized rules covering such evaluations. For example, the group agreed that formal assessment of mariners' occupational competence must take place under authority of an approved center (presumably ashore), but that evidence of possessing proficiency in certain shipboard skills may be fulfilled from approved in-service work experience. In perhaps the most contentious issue tackled, the subcommittee debated the relevance of specific shipboard duties as applied to principles of safe manning. They did so in an unsuccessful attempt to update a resolution impacting numerous safety requirements included in the amendments. Reports from the meeting indicated the safemanning amendment will be a prominent item when the subcommittee reconvenes next year. STCW is an international treaty signed in 1978 that sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide and also is significantly impacting rules governing inland and Great Lakes mariners. The convention was updated in 1995, with more than 100 nations, including the U.S., signing onto the pact. Implementing the pact is proving challenging for several reasons. The original agreement was not fully enacted until 1996. By then, however, nations already had begun rewriting their respective regulations to comply with the 1995 amendments. The '95 changes started taking effect in February 1997. Two other important dates are August 1, 1998, by which time mariners entering the industry must meet all requirements from the 1995 amendments; and February 1, 2002, by which time the '95 amendments fully take effect and the 1978 convention is off the books. Adding to the implementation difficulty, more than 100 countries must establish regulations enacting (and enforcing) the amendments. That underscores the importance of the STCW subcommittee hammering out standardized guidelines and definitions upon which individual nation's laws will be based. Preparation for contract negotiations continues aboard SIUcrewed Penn Maritime tugs, with Seafarers identifying their top priorities for the next agreement. Recently, crew members aboard the tug unit Tarpon met with SIU Representative Kenny Moore in Houston, where they received contract suggestions forms, discussed various aspects of the current pact and talked about the latest union news. Pictured below (from left) are AB Jeffrey Cummings, Chief Engineer Alfredo Ruiz, AB Charles Springle and Mate Hubert (Mike) Lanham. Penn Maritime operates seven tugs and nine barges. Two more barges are slated to enter service this spring. NalfY League Head Calls tor Additional Support tar U.S.-Flag Merchant Fleet The national president of the U.S. Navy League has called for additional support for the U.S.tlag merchant fleet in the foreword to the league's January 1998 issue of Sea Power. Jack M. Kennedy-who heads the nationwide non-profit, civilian, educational organization based in Arlington, Va.-reminded the readers of his column that the merchant marine has served as "the vital fourth arm of defense" throughout the wars involving U.S. forces during the 20th century. After using earlier statements from former Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger that the U.S. commercial fleet has continually decreased since World War II, Kennedy cited several reasons for a renewed effort to maintain a strong merchant marine. ''An economically competitive U.S.-tlag merchant marine would pay immense dividends in terms of shipbuilding and seafaring jobs," Kennedy stated. "It also would significantly reduce the U.S. balance of payments deficits. "Most important of all, it would guarantee the continued availability of not only the sealift ships needed to sustain U.S. forces overseas in future times of conflict, but also the trained U.S. citizen seafarers needed to man those ships." Kennedy's remarks were contained in the annual review of the Navy as observed by the league's president. The review is published in the first issue of Sea Power each year. Kennedy's statement included observations on what is needed by the Navy, NY-NJ Dredging Program Approved Port authority officials in New York and New Jersey have approved a major dredging program that could begin as early as this fall. The $621 million federal project is expected to remove an estimated 10 million cubic yards of rock and sediment from area channels. Working in cooperation with local employees, ~he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will oversee the dredging at the East Coast's largest port, which could take up to six years. Based on a cost-sharing formula established by the federal government, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will pay $217 million into the under- March 1998 taking, intended to deepen the Kill Van Kull, Newark Bay and Elizabeth channels to 45 feet from their current depth of 40. Noting the major economic benefits that local port activity provides in New York and New Jersey, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD)-of which the SIU is an affiliate-is working to ensure that the dredging project takes place on schedule and in its entirety. The MTD believes this is only one step, albeit a big one, for port modernization projects in New York and New Jersey. "Considering that port activity generates about 200,000 jobs in the New York metropolitan area, along Marine Corps and Coast Guard as well as the merchant marine to remain a strong, powerful force worldwide into the next century. Within his remarks about the Navy, Kennedy expressed concern about the reduction of work in U.S. shipyards, which have seen fewer Naval vessels being contracted and built than 10 years ago. However, he pointed out domestic yards were building merchant ships again after years of no activity. ''Thanks to several 'revitalization' initiatives announced by the Clinton administration in October 1993, there has been a gradual recovery, and last year there were 19 ships on the commercial order book, the highest total since 1982," Kennedy said. with billions of dollars each year in business sales and local, state and federal taxes, this program clearly deserves full support," stated MID Vice President William Zenga, a driving force behind the dredging project. He added that there "must be continued efforts to streamline procedures for securing dredging permits, because the dredging indm:try is being revolutionized, and different methods of disposal are becoming available." The work is expected to benefit the Howland Hook container port on Staten Island, where business markedly has grown in recent years, as well as marine terminals in Elizabeth and Newark. "Dredging the channels to 45 feet will significantly improve the port, and increase our ability to I Labor Brief II Canadian Wal-Mart Workers Win First Contract Two hundred employees at a Canadian Wal-Mart (in Windsor, Ontario) have ratified their first contract, just 2Y2 months after the United Steelworkers-Canada was certified as· their union. This is the first time that any of the Arkansas-based discount chain's 2,600 stores has gone union. The Canadian members ratified their first contract by a wide margin on December 22. Terms of the 20-month pact include an increase in wages; grievance and arbitration regulations; secure holiday and vacation provisions; scheduling and work-hours controls, and prohibitions against harassment and discrimination. attract more cargo," said Lillian C. Newark Bay and the northern end Borrone, director of port commerce of the Arthur Kill. It serves major in New York and New Jersey. marine terminals in the port, The Corps of Engineers, the including the Port NewarkPort Authority and the states of Elizabeth Port Authority Marine New York and New Jersey are Terminal seaport complex, the also cosponsoring a harbor navi- Howland Hook Marine Terminal gation study which is examining in Staten Island and a variety of private petroleum facilities. what the harbor's future channel depth requirements will be. The Kill Van Kull is the waterway between Staten Island, N.Y. and Bayonne, N.J. The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Expedition traverses that link Upper Newark Bay, which will be deepened from 40 feet to New York Bay to 45 feet under a new dredging program. Seafarers LOG 5 �USCG Announces Change of Command President Clinton has nominated Vice Admiral James Loy as the next commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Loy will become the 21st commandant, the highest ranking Coast Guard officer, once the appointment is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He succeeds Admiral Robert E. Kramek, who is retiring. Loy has served as the chief of staff at the Coast Guard's headquarters in Washington, D.C. since 1996. In that capacity, he is responsible for the agency's management, administration and financial resources. Loy's background also includes command of the Adm. James M. Loy SIU Mourns Passing of Gomez, Walsh Andrea Gomez Andrea Gomez, who founded the Cannery Workers Union of the Pacific, passed January 27 in San Pedro, Calif. She was 97. She began working as an organizer in 1924. Gomez then established the union in 1933 and served as president from then until her retirement in 1965. The native of Mexico also was a vice president of the Seafarers International Union of North America, from 1942 to 1965. Even in retirement, Gomez remained dedicated to the labor movement. Among her other activities, she was part of a U.S. Department of Labor committee that helped establish a minimum wage for workers in Samoa. • • • Thomas Walsh Sr. Thomas Walsh Sr., president of the Industrial, Professional & Technical Workers International Union (IPTW), passed away January 2 in Downey, Calif. due to natural causes. He was 62. A native of Fairfield, Calif., Walsh was a shop steward at the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers. Altogether, he worked for several unions during his career, serving as everything from steward to representative to secretary-treasurer to president. Thomas Walsh Sr. In 1995, he received the IPTW charter from the Seafarers International Union of North America. A statement by the IPTW executive board noted, "Tom was truly proud and honored to have received this charter." Kirby Sells 7 Tugs, 7 Tankers Kirby Corp. this month is expected to complete the sale of seven SIU-contracted tugboats and seven tankers, three of which are under contract with the union. Hvide Marine Incorporated, also a Seafarers-contracted company, is purchasing the seven harbor tugs (currently operated by Sabine Towing) plus two tankers, including the SIU-crewed Willamette. H vi de Marine also is acquiring from Kirby a topside repair facility in Port Arthur, Texas. Completing the transactions, August Trading Co. is buying five tankers from Kirby, including the SIU-contracted Champion and Leader. "We are working to determine the status of existing contracts and jobs," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. ''The union, as always, will be working hard to protect the jobs of our members." Of the seven tugs being sold to H vi de, four are based in Port Arthur and two in Lake Charles, La., with the other operating as a support vessel for both areas. Hvide reportedly will pay $31.4 million for the tugs, tankers and repair facility, while · August Trading will pay $7.2 million for the five tankers. Completion of the transactions is subject to regulatory filings and approvals, although no major delays were anticipated. Coast Guard's Atlantic area and U.S. Maritime Defense Zone Atlantic in Portsmouth, Va. Additionally, Loy served as commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans and as chief of the office of personnel and training at the headquarters office. The admiral's awards are numerous, including three Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals and two Legion of Merit awards. Admiral Kramek was sworn in as the 20th commandant of the Coast Guard on June 1, 1994. The change of command ceremony is scheduled for May 29. IMO Regs Call for Ballast Control Program United States Likely to Adopt Worldwide Guidelines The dangers associated with the invasion of non-indigenous organisms-like the infamous zebra mussel-may be reduced as the United States considers adoption of an International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution on how to manage ballast water. The IMO guidelines, passed in November, are part of a worldwide effort to establish a uniform plan to stop the spread of harmful aquatic organisms carried and transferred by ships' ballast water. The rules will ~tandardize around the world the way ballast water is exchanged and how ballast tanks are cleaned. News reports have stated the United States could implement the IMO regulations sometime this year. One of the changes being considered calls for the voluntary exchange of ballast in all U.S. waters except for the Great Lakes and the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge (where it is already mandatory). · The guidelines also would require all vessels entering U.S. waters to report where and when ballast was taken on or discharged. The IMO additionally is seeking governments to inform vessels (and/or local agents) about areas where taking on ballast should be minimized. Such locations include those with known populations of harmful organisms or near sewage outlets. The regulations call on ships to avoid loading ballast in very shallow water where the propellers could stir up sediment. With regard to the cleaning of ballast tanks, the IMO recommends it be done in the middle of the ocean or under controlled situations in ports or dry docks. The IMO encouraged its members, which includes the U.S., to adopt measurers consistent with the new guidelines. ~e head of the U.S. delegation to the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee that drafted the resolution, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Larry Green, pointed out that the proposal is based on considerations of "what worked and what didn't work" in voluntary guidelines issued in 1991 by the IMO. The IMO committee will monitor the effects of the '97 resolution to draft proposals for adoption in the year 2000. Global Concern Studies conducted in several countries have shown that many species of bacteria, plants arid animals can survive in the ballast water and sediment carried in ships. The discharge of ballast water by ocean-going vessels entering the U.S. has resulted in the spread of various harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens that post threats to humans, animals, plants and the marine environment. For example, the invasion of the zebra mussel on the Great Lakes has resulted in billions of dollars in pollution control and the cleaning of fouled underwater structures and water pipes. The 6 Seafarers LOG arrival of zebra mussels in the lakes was traced to ballast water from Europe's Caspian Sea discharged by a European tanker in 1986. Within a few years, the zebra mussel had infiltrated all the Great Lakes. A 1997 study found that the mussels had spread to an additional 13 small lakes in that region and are now found in 92 U.S. waters. Zebra mussels have caused numerous difficulties, including disrupting navigation by causing marker buoys to sink, ruining fishing nets and grounds, fouling beaches with sharp shells, and blocking water intake systems of many municipalities, utilities and factories. The mussels impede ships by causing increased drag, thereby lowering fuel efficiency. In addition, they harm native mussels and fish by consuming large amounts of algae. Meanwhile, the problem is not limited to the U.S. Ballast water is blamed for the introduction of the American comb jelly to the Black and Azoz Seas that has caused a near extinction of the anchovy and sprat fisheries. Ballast also is blamed for the transfer of Southeast Asian dinoflagellates, which have caused paralytic shellfish poisoning in Australian waters. The dangerous effects of contaminated ballast have also been recognized by the World Health Organization which is concerned about the role of ballast water as a medium for the spreading of epidemic disease bacteria. Burial at Sea for Bosun Kingsley Latest Federal Statistics Show Union Members 1 Earning Power The latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a decided edge in earning power for union members compared to unrepresented workers. In a breakdown by occupation and industry, union employees earned more in 1997 than non-union workers in 33 of 35 categories. Often, the difference was substantial. For instance, union workers in transportation fields earned an average of nearly $200 per week more than unrepresented transportation workers. The two exceptions were commissioned sales occupations and one industry category listed as "finance, insurance and real estate." Construction, farming, forestry and fishing featured some of the widest earnings gaps, with union members grossing anywhere from $215 to $287 more per week. Adm. Robert E. Kramek 1,.;1S ;~~-~~~~;f~~~;;'S Tt<£ ~:~:~~;2~:~.~t~,1~~ ~-~ ,,.:ft~~-~1~~~.~,~~tC!~~U· M....,ff'!"\.j"'H"l".cl..f'..U:fV'iY ..C~~.U!.~fi.A"'~l•.A !M:;S<::.J!t;)t.~.(".' ~ _i.,l;Al ~(~ ~l~t~~ii~~~~J:f,~!;~f \•I.A At 1400 on September 26, 1997, the cremated remains of Brother Jack Kingsley were committed to the deep three miles west " of the Golden Gate Bridge from the deck of the SeaLand Explorer. A moment ' of silence was observed in his memory. Pensioner Kingsley died June 18 at the age of 63. A native of Indiana, he began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Kingsley worked in the deck department and had served as a bosun on the Sea-Land Explorer. A resident of Fairfield, Calif., he retired in September 1996. In photo above, crew members from the Sea-Land Explorer attend the shipboard memorial service. At left is the urn in which his cremated remains were held prior to being scattered upon the waters. March 1998 �ITF Sunteys Sunken Remains Of Panamanian-Flag Vessel Ta Assist Victims' Relatives The sinking of the Panamanian-registered Cordigliera off the coast of South Africa and the loss of her crew of 29 was a tragic event on November 13, 1996, but until this year, no one seemed to know the cause, and no compensation has yet been paid to the crew's dependents. The vessel, built in 1979, was carrying general cargo, including granite blocks, wire coils and wood pulp from Durban to other African ports en route to the Mediterranean. The crew was unable to send out a distress message, indicating that the ship sank quickly. The London-based International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), of which the SIU is a member, has been fighting since 1948 to bring the conditions found on all vessels sailing around the world to minimal standards for wages and safety. It is too late now to help the Cordigliera's crew members, but the ITF is trying to assist the relatives of those who died by helping them receive some sort of compensation from the vessel's owners and insurers, as well as any unpaid wages owed the crew of 29 Indian mariners and a South African technician. In order to do this, the ITF has financed a $200,000 survey, in collaboration with the South African Department of Transport, to explore the wreckage of the ship and determine the cause of its loss. Mark Dickinson, assistant general secretary of the ITF, said it was important to find out exactly what happened to the Cordigliera-why it sank suddenly after taking water in the vessel's No. 1 hold in bad weather. "This joint expedition is being undertaken because it will benefit not only the families of the seafarers whose lives were lost, but also send a clear message to the shipping industry that it cannot escape its responsibilities and liabilities." Brian Watts, chief director of the Shipping Directorate in South Africa, said the Department of Transport was pleased to collaborate with the ITF. "Our priority is to determine more precisely why the Cordigliera sank and in doing so determine if any lessons can be learned." The 10-day survey was completed in late January and consisted of sonar scans and a remotely operated vehicle equipped with video and photographic equipment, taken in a number of deep water dives. The expedition concentrated on how the vessel was foaded and shows extensive structural damage to the ship in the region of the No. 1 cargo hold. It also examined the likely risk of further pollution damage from the wreck. Dickinson was delighted at the success of the diving mission. "There are always risks involved in diving in 300 feet," he noted, "but we have been lucky with good weather and sea conditions. We shall now pass all the evidence to our lawyers and other experts and are confident we will be able to say how the ship was lost." It is hoped that evidence from the survey may be used by the families and dependents of the ship's crew in a compensation case against the Cordigliera's owners. Many of the crew members' families lost not only their husbands, sons and fathers in November 1996, they also lost their only rrieans of livelihoodand have received nothing from the vessel's owners and insurers. The only financial assistance thus far has come from the ITF, which has paid $10,000 to dependents to relieve their hardship. Thus far, lawyers representing Sinha Shipping, the vessel's owners, have made an offer in "full and final settlement" to the crew's relatives. It was the equivalent of about two years' wages-just a fraction of what the ITF believes the relatives should be paid under contract and in full compensation. The case of the Cordigliera is not an isolated one. The ITF has a caseload of more than 300 seafarers who have been killed or seriously injured but for whom compensation has not been paid or is inadequate. Solidarity for Australian Stevedores AFL-CIO Urges Actions to Protect Workers In Environmental, Communications Markets During a recent two-day meeting in Washington, D.C., the AFL-CIO Executive Council adopted several resolutions dealing with international situations that could affect working people in the United States and around the world. The council, which serves as the national labor federation's governing body between biennial conventions, is composed of President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and 51 vice presidents. SIU President Michael Sacco has served on the council since being elected to it in 1991. Adopted during the gathering were statements regarding the recent Asian financial crisis, an international treaty on the environment (known as the Kyoto Protocol) and a proposed merger between the second and fourth largest telecommunications companies in the U.S. In each case, the council pointed out concerns that could result in job losses, reduced services or other problems for working people. · Regarding the Asian financial situation, the AFL-CIO demonstrated that downturns in the economies of South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand have brought increased pressure on the international banking community to bail out their problems. The primary source for help is the International Monetary Fund (IMF), of which the U.S. is a major contributor. The AFL-CIO statement noted past IMF actions in bailout situations have called on governments to slash public spending while weakening labor laws to induce massive layoffs and deep wage cuts. The executive council urged Congress to seek assurances from the IMF that the institution would gain commitments from countries Labor Brief New Orleans to Host 1998 Union Industries Show Featuring more than 300 unions and companies with union-represented employees, this year's AFL-CIO Union Industries Show will be held at the convention center in New Orleans, April 17-20. The 1998 exhibition will be the largest showcase of skills and services provided by union workers as well as union-made, Americanmade products. Included among these are promotions for the SIUcrewed Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, as well as goods produced by the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (rum, salsa, home and industrial products). Those attending the free exhibition can find out what it is like to be a firefighter, an astronaut, a welder or a bricklayer. They can also view union-made goods and products on display--everything from cereal products and ice cream to household appliances and motor vehicles. And many items will be given away as prizes to some lucky attendees. Young people will find the 1998 Union Industries Show to be one of the largest job fairs in the country-and a great place to get a firsthand look at the wide range of good American jobs and learn what is needed to prepare for them. Produced by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, this year's show is getting additional support from the Louisiana AFL-CIO, the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO Council, individual New Orleans-area unions, and employers large and small. March 1998 wanting assistance to enforce international labor and human rights standards, work toward political and economic democracy and ensure those who had a hand in the economic downturn help pay for its recovery. In its statement dealing with the Kyoto Protocol, the AFL-CIO noted a resolution passed by delegates to its convention in September 1997 that the federation be involved in the issues dealing with global climate change so the concerns of workers would be addressed. However, the executive council pointed out the Kyoto Protocol, which was negotiated in December 1997, could mean the elimination of nearly one million jobs by the year 2005. (This figure was provided by the Clinton administration to the U.S. House Commerce Committee in July 1997.) The council called on President Clinton not to sign the protocol and, instead, work with the American people and elected officials to develop an environmental program that would help meet the goals of reduced pollution without forcing workers from their jobs. Finally, the AFL-CIO noted more than 75,000 jobs could be lost over a four-year period if a merger of telecommunications giants MCI and WorldCom occurs. At the same time, senior executives of the two companies would collect more than $320 million in annual bonuses. Such a merger also would result in the one company controlling more than 50 percent of the Internet backbone, creating the potential for higher prices and discriminatory access policies. The executive council called on federal and state regulators to reject the merger because of its possible negative impacts on consumers, workers and the telecommunications industry as a whole. More than 100 inspectors and coordinators attending the International Transport Workers Federation's (ITF) worldwide inspectors' seminar last month in London demonstrated outside the Australian Embassy, condemning the union-busting practices of the Australian government, Patrick Stevedores and the National Farmers' Federation aimed at destroying the ITF-affiliated Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). Among those participating in the peaceful rally were the SIU's ITF inspectors, Edd Morris, Don Thornton and Spiro Varras. The ITF declared an international campaign of support for the MUA, which in December overcame an attempt by Asian investors to train 70 scabs in cargo-handling in order to break the union. Pictured in photo directly below are (from left) ITF Inspectors Roberto Alarcon of Argentina, Jim Given of the SIU of Canada and Thornton. In photo at bottom of page, Varras is shown holding banner at far left. Seafarers LOG 7 �Upgraders Say Training Highlights Gov't Vessels Course Upgraders enthusiastically are responding to the revamped government vessels class offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Formerly known as sealift operations and maintenance, the three-week government vessels course is open to all Seafarers. It emphasizes practical training and also includes classroom studies. "The hands-on training is really valuable. You have to do these things to understand them," noted SA Jon Rolston, who recently completed the class. "It's definitely worthwhile and the material is well-presented. There's a good mix of hands-on and classroom work." Rolston added that "at first, it didn't seem to make sense to have the steward department taking this class. But once you start damage-control training, you understand. You're not going to be hanging out in the galley if the ship is sinking!" "The whole course is good and very interesting," agreed Richard Jefferson, who recently graduated from the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. He cited damage control as the highlight. "Water was shooting out everywhere, but it was fun. Everyone will be involved if there's an emergency, so it's important to practice these operations," said Jefferson. Restructured and updated last summer in order to ensure the SIU continues supplying fully qualified manpower for its military-contracted companies and for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the class is presented in three one-week, standalone modules . This means they may be taken in any order, which is intended to make it easier for Seafarers to fit the class into their respective upgrading schedules. The course begins with overviews of MSC and the U.S. Maritime Administration, along with assessments of how militarycontracted ships differ from other Seafarers-crewed vessels. This section includes comments from SIU members and armed forces personnel who have sailed aboard military support ships. From there, upgraders learn about and practice damage control. "They do patching, plugging, communications, emergencyparty organization and other activities," noted Mark Cates, who teaches the government vessels course. "This section is like the rest of the course-there's a lot of material," continued Cates, formerly a rated damage-control person in the U.S. Navy...It mainly deals with equipment orientation and usage-de-watering practical equipment and pumps, applying patches, principles of shoring (reinforcement of weakened structures). . . . People spend years and years learning how to do these things, but this is a good sampling and overview." The rest of the first module includes hazardous materials (hazmat) familiarization, forklift operations, cargo handling and safety methods. Week two focuses on underway replenishment (unrep), vertical replenishment (vertrep) and helicopter operations. Cates explained that "unrep involves using synthetic highline rigs to transfer everything from cargo to fuel to personnel between two ships while the vessels are sailing. l\ ·A '.!. \'*1:1. ··~: ,··.·.·l.· II l ! ! < \ fJ Kyotaro Lopez (left) and David Arczynski practice damage control. Vertrep basically is the same operation, except between a helicopter and a ship, and it's mainly used for stores and cargo." The helicopter operations section covers flight deck safety and signaling for underway and vertical replenishment. Finally, upgraders during the third module practice and study crane operations, with practical training in the center's Hagglund crane. "Working on the crane was very educational," said Annie Nodd, another recent graduate of the unlicensed apprentice program. "With all of the hands-on training in this class, you can see the potential danger and the need for safety." For more information about the government vessels course, contact the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center at (301) 9940010, extension 5202. I Ii I i i I ' I •• t"'"'Z& Jon Rolston takes part in a damage-control drill at the Paul Hall Center. The Paul Hall Center's government vessels course features hands-on training in a number of subjects, including Hagglund crane operations. With superv1s1on by instructor Mark Cates (left), students David Arczynski, Annie Nodd, Kyotaro Lopez and Richard Jefferson learn about pumps, patches and more. Plucking Danger from Chicken Stewards Complete Ice Carving Seminar Methods Olfered by Chef AUan To Promote Safe Handling of Food Editor's note: The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Sherwin has a videotape available on preventing food-borne illness aboard ship. If representatives of SIU-contracted companies would like a copy of the tape, they may contact him at (301) 994-0010. Chicken is becoming more popular every year. It is more cost-effective than beef and has less cholesterol, plus allows greater variety in recipes. According to the March 1998 issue of Consumer Reports, each American consumed an estimated 74 pounds of chicken in 1997, up from 58 pounds per person a decade earlier. Unfortunately, during that same time, there also has been a substantial increase in cases of foodpoisoning resulting from contaminated foods, including chicken. About 500,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year from food-poisoning . The number of unreported cases is far greater-estimated in the millions. Salmonella, a bacteria found on seven out of every I 0 chickens sold, is the main culprit. But, other organisms like campylobater and E. coli also may be present. All of these entities are tasteless, odorless and colorless. There are several steps you can take to prevent these B Seafarers LOG organisms from making you ill, including the following: • Keep all poultry chilled under 40° F. The colder the environment, the slower the organisms will multiply. Do not accept poultry if the temperature is greater than 45° F. • Always store chilled poultry in your coolers on the bottom shelf to prevent juices from draining on other foods, especially foods such as fruits and vegetables which will not be cooked. Here again, remember that the bacteria is tasteless, odorless and colorless. • Cook all chicken to a minimum of 165° F and make sure that the juices run clear. Cook turkey to a minimum of 180° F. The salmonella organism will be killed at this temperature. • Sanitize your cutting board if processing raw poultry. Do not use the same cutting board for raw poultry and cutting vegetables for the salad bar. Try color-coding your cutting boards, if possible. • Sanitize your work station and all knives used to process raw poultry. Cross-contamination, or using an improperly sanitized cutting board or utensil is a prime cause of food-poisoning. • Wash your hands frequently when processing raw poultry. Contaminated hands used to open doors and handle plates and pans can cause illness. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that salmonella causes up to 7 million food-borne infections per year. By following some simple guidelines, you can ensure that you and your crew are protected against potential food-borne outbreaks. Chief Steward McKinley Jones (above) and Certified Chief Cook William Churney (right) proudly stand behind their ice carvings of a sailfish. The ice carving seminar is one of the courses in the steward upgrading program at the Lundeberg School. March 1998 �Bosun Donates Frontier Mementos To Paul Hall Memorial Library Collector Dan Marcus Notes Historic Aspects of Strike Thanks to Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, the Paul Hall Memorial Library contains memorabilia from one of the longest, most-publicized strikes in recent history. Marcus sent a colorful poster, button and small flag from the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas to the library, which is part of the training facility for SIU members located in Piney Point, Md. The items were produced by members of the five unions who struck the hotel from September 21, 1991 until January 31, 1998. "Being a collector, sometimes you recognize history in the making-the significance of an event," stated Marcus, a 26-year member of the SIU and frequent upgrader. "But what really sparked me (to acquire the mementos) was the Paul Hall Library. Certainly it's a maritime museum first, but if you read the cards and materials, there's a lot of information about organized labor as a whole. Looking through the archives, you can read about other historic strikes." Union members recently won the long battle at Frontier, which The 44-year-old Marcus, who sails from the port of Baltimore, had been aware of the strike almost since it originated. "I periodically go to Las Vegas for vacation , so I saw the picket line. And I also had seen Joey's photo in the Seafarers LOG," recalled the bosun, referring to an early 1992 article about Seafarers (including the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco) marching with the strikers. Strike Ends Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus donates memorabilia from the Frontier Hotel strike in Las Vegas to the Paul Hall Memorial Library. "Being a collector, sometimes you recognize history in the making," said the longtime Seafarer. began after management eliminated pension plans, reduced wages and health benefits, and severely weakened job security protections. Some 550 workers remained on strike, and none crossed the picket line. Ultimately, an investor recently purchased the hotel and quickly reached a contract with the striking union workers, who secured improvements in each area the previous ownership wanted to slash. Late last month, Marcus returned to the city for some time off and to run in a race. "It just so happened the strike ended on January 31, when I was there. It was an historic event for organized labor because it's the longest strike in U.S. history that ended favorably for the workers," he explained. About 1,500 union members, their families and friends and other supporters from the community joined in a rally on the Las Vegas Strip to celebrate the strike's successful conclusion. They escorted the first shift of Frontier Hotel employees back to work. The next day, Marcus visited with Jim Arnold, the president of Local 226 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (whose members engaged in the job action). Arnold had designed a poster honoring the strikers, featuring their rallying mantra, "One day longer!" As a collector of union and sports memorabilia as well as stamps, Marcus has an eye for keepsakes. He noted his appreciation of the poster to Arnold, and promptly received an autographed print of the banner along with a button and miniature flag. Marcus then combined the three items and shrink-wrapped them for display at the library. "Jim said they couldn't have stuck it out without support from the other unions," observed Marcus, who most recently sailed aboard the LNG Taurus. "They all did at least 30 hours a week on the picket line, plus many of them worked part-time for at least 30 hours a week. And it lasted for so long. That's at least 60 hours for six-and-a-half years." He added that he believes the Frontier strike poster will "go along well" with the World War II merchant marine poster collection normally housed at the library. Currently, that display is undergoing refurbishment. SIU Affiliate Supports Special Session So V.I. Can Honor Contract The United Industrial Workers, an affiliate of the SIU, recently hosted a political forum as part of an ongoing effort to spur the U.S. Virgin Islands' legislature to identify funding to implement the terms of the contract covering thousands of territory government workers-all of them represented by the UIW. Several members of the legis- lature participated in the January 16 event on St. Thomas, where they answered questions from UIW members and officials. They discussed possible funding methods as well as indirectly related issues about various aspects of the government's operations. Meanwhile, members of the UIW's legislative and political action committee in the territory (which organized the forum) continued developing strategies to facilitate funding. After the forum, they met with the union's legislative affairs director and laid out a plan of grassroots mobilization. ''The members are extremely determined," said Amos Peters, vice president of the UIW's Caribbean region. "They and their families know the issues, they're registered to vote, and they're going to be heard." The latest efforts include UIW members individually contacting V.I. legislators and circulating a petition for delivery to those same representatives urging the convening of a one-day special session to pinpoint revenue sources. A number of senators have said they support calling a special session of the legislature for this intent. "It's good to know that at least some of the senators are thinking along the same lines that we are," added Peters. "But the ultimate objective remains the same: Funding the master agreement. The legislature must take mean- March 1998 ingful actions to that end." V.I. Senators Stephen Frett, David Jones and Celestino White took part in the event, as did a representative for Senator Holland Redfield. Tito Morales, president of the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands, also made remarks. Representing the UIW as panelists were members of the political action committee including Wingrove Creighton, Karen Encarnacion, Sheena Conway, Arlene Kelly and Samuel Harvey. Gov't Signed Contract Ray Martinez, UIW, assistant vice president in the Caribbean region, pointed out that last July UIW workers and the V.I. government's chief negotiator each signed off on a three-year contract. Under the master agreement's terms, UIW members responded to the government's claims of financial problems by voting to make significant concessions on back wages and to streamline the territory's payroll system. In return, the members received improved benefits and job classification "step increases" which effectively are pay raises. However, despite the facts that the contract would mean substantial savings for the financially strapped government, and that the administration's chief negotiator signed it last summer, the pact has not been enacted. Governor Roy Schneider delayed approving the contract for several months, while the 15-member legislature has yet to reach consensus on how to fund the agreement or even whether to approve it. (In fact, Schneider did not sign the contract until November-after UIW workers unanimously voted for an emergency job action intended to force action on the contract.) During the forum, Martinez and the panelists also frankly reminded the senators that 1998 is an election year, and-considering that UIW members and their families in the Virgin Islands represent a substantial and very active percentage of potential voters-the elected representatives seemingly should have plenty of incentive to enact the contract. "We are te11ing you from now, if you don't support us, we don't support you," Martinez declared. "The union is on the right track," said White, who has made numerous proposals for economic enhancement of the territory, which would help enable contract funding. White's recommendations include installing a parking-meter system, passing a cigarette tax, utilizing interest earned on real estate, and-perhaps most significantly-reducing some of the various tax exemptions currently enjoyed by many businesses on St. Thomas, St. · Croix and St. John. In some cases, those exemptions are 100 percent. "With this one item of step reductions of [certain business] benefits, in 10 years the total that will be realized will be $103 million," White stated. "It's incumbent on you and your membership to lobby for passage of these measures, because it's clear that the revenues that we can generate and will generate is an enormous amount of moneys." Frett said he has urged his colleagues to convene the special session "so that we can help raise revenues for the government to meet its obligations not only to the private sector, but also to our [government employees]. ... Let's sit down and go over every one of [the proposals], and then the consensus that is derived, that's the direction we will go." Frett's suggestions included an unusual sales tax that he said would not affect the cost of living in the territory because of an adjustment of gross receipts designed to encourage businesses to lower prices. He also challenged the other senators to actively pursue funding of the master agreement. 'Very Understanding' Jones marveled at the patience of UIW members in the territory, but said it is time they received their due. "You all have been very understanding and · accommodating. You've been helping the government to make it through these difficult times. Now, we should do everything within our power to make sure that whatever contract you successfuJly negotiate and our government signs into law, that those terms and conditions-particularly the economic conditions of that contractshould be honored," he said. Additionally, he noted that many of the 3,200 territory government workers earn $15,000 per year or less, further exacerbat- ing the need for funding the step increases. "That (the salaries of less than $15,000) is criminal," he said. One of Jones' ideas for generating revenues is a proposed joint public-private venture that would create a telecommunications corporation he described as a "quasigovernment agency." He also wants to promote the territory as an attractive location for manufacturing plants of U.S.-based corporations. The final speaker, Morales, put it bluntly: "We want the contracts implemented, or else we are going to the street. And we are going to the street before election day." He also noted that the stagnant wages in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the 1990s effectively have equaled pay cuts for government employees, because of cost-ofliving increases. Lastly, Morales emphasized the need for union members and all other workers to hold elected representatives accountable. "We've had enough of it. And we are going to fight our enemies and put 'them out," he stated. 6 LNGs Extended to Year 2010 Six SIU-crewed LNG ships will sail at least until the year 2010 following a shift in ownership of the vessels. Two remaining LNGs are contracted to sail until 2001 and 2002. Energy Transportation Corp. (ETC) remains the operator of the vessels. Since 1989, the fleet jointly has been owned by Burmah Castrol, UK; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL); and Nissho Iwai Corp. (NIC). Last month, those companies announced that MOL and NIC had acquired Burmah Castrol's interests in the fleet. They also reported the extension to 2010. "The continuation of six ships until 2010 means job security for Seafarers. For that reason, we welcome this announcement," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. All of the vessels were built in Massachusetts during the late 1970s. They transport liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Japan. Seafarers LOG 9 �Meeting with Seafarers Around Norfolk 0 0 © Members at the Norfolk SIU hall listen to a response from SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (standing), answering a question about z-card renewals. Taking part in a question-and-answer session aboard the Flickertail State is Electrician Mann Aroon. Bosun Stella Zebrowski (left) welcomes SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez aboard the Flickertail State. 0 0 0 Crew members aboard the Cape Ray discuss eligibility requirements for upgrading, the battle to maintain the Jones Act and other key issues pertaining to the SIU and the entire U.S. maritime industry. Prior to the commencement of the meeting aboard the Flickertail State, Steward/Baker Keith Mayer checks the news in the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG. Bosun Edward Brinn (left) and Electrician George Wallis await the start of the meeting aboard the Cornhusker State. Seafarers aboard ship and ashore in the port of Norfolk, Va. met last month with SIU officials to catch up on the latest news affecting their livelihoods. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, SIU Assistant Vice President George Tricker, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Jim Malone and SIU Representative Leo Bonser met with Seafarers at the Norfolk union hall and aboard the USNS Altair, Comhusker State, Flickertail State, Cape Race, Cape Rise and Cape Ray. Topics covered during the meetings included the need for Seafarers to update their z-card; various aspects of the contracts covering Seafarers-crewed military ships, including the Ready Reserve Force and prepositioning ships; upgradinr opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md.; new jobs the union has gained during the past year, plus prospects for other new employment opportunities; the ongoing fight to maintain the Jones Act, which is vital to Seafarers' job security as well as to U.S. national and economic security; activity in U.S. shipyards, and more. Article Details Union Busters Tricky Tactics 1 Companies Spend Billions Trying to Quash Pro-Union Workers When workers at the Borders Books and Music store in Chicago late last year ratified the first-ever union contract with the company, it marked the culmination of an intense struggle. As is often the case nowadays in organizing campaigns, the employees at Borders faced a well-financed, extremely aggressive effort by the company to thwart their attempt to secure representation by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). This included the company's hiring a union-busting law firm (New York-based JacksonLewis) which peppered workers with propaganda during the months before the vote. An article in a recent issue of the UFCW newsletter spotlights the Borders case and exposes many of the tactics used by such firms. The piece points out how U.S. labor laws arguably are stacked against employees simply attempting to exercise their legal right to join a union. Moreover, the article explains that union-busting quietly has become a billion-dollar industry in America, with anti-labor firms raking in big bucks for their polished, intimidating attacks. Companies resisting employees' efforts to organize is nothing new. But, "in the computer age, psychological warfare has 10 Seafarers LOG replaced physical intimidation," notes the UFCW. "Instead, slick consultants and lawyers, skilled at stepping around the law, create a climate of fear and misinformation to defeat union drives. And when that fails, they initiate one legal battle after another to frustrate and deny through court action what they couldn't defeat at the ballot box." As spelled out in the article, an employers' campaign typically begins with attempts to isolate and frighten workers who favor representation. This involves not only management, but also antiunion employees. At Borders in Chicago, as in most company campaigns, it was the high-priced, union-busting lawyers orchestrating the mental assault. "They manipulated people," one UFCW member told the union. "They worked as puppeteers, directing local and upper management. They told them what to say, whom to talk to, and what to write. As we got closer to the vote, certain assistant managers walked around with glazed eyes, as if their souls had finally had enough." The Borders case included all of the usual elements. Among them were the initial intimidation, then an appeal for company loyalty that supposedly precludes securing union representation. From there, managers-following the union busters' script --<;ozied up to pro-union workers, assuring them they were part of a happy family and ostensibly soliciting their input regarding workplace issues. Next, workers were subjected to captive-audience meetingsconducted on the clock, with mandatory attendance. Anti-union videos were shown, and lectures were given by management. Flyers and newsletters written by the lawyers were distributed. Losing Focus Specific content varies with each case, but the lawyers' primary aim usually is the same. Namely, to distract workers from the real issues through a barrage of negative, confusing and generally inaccurate information about a particular union and union representation as a whole. Their hope is that employees will forget about the problems at their workplace and instead focus on innuendo or outright lies about the union. Says a Borders worker subjected to the Jackson-Lewis campaign, ''The goal of union busting is to tum you upside down and confuse you. Make you doubt your own good sense. Union busters will do anything to make you believe the opposite of what a union really means." Although such tactics sometimes are effective, they easily can be seen through when workers know the facts. For instance, employers often warn that joining a union inevitably means going on strike. In truth, the vast majority of union contracts-98 percent-are settled without a job action. Similarly, companies routinely claim that if workers vote for union representation, it may put them out of business. Yet, according to data used by the government to measure workplace productivity, union shops (and, therefore, the companies they work for) are decidedly more productive than unrepresented shops. As many an organizer has pointed out, it follows common sense that employees who feel they have a real voice in the workplace and therefore receive fair treatment, will be more productive. Another tired argument used by union busters is derisively telling employees they don't need a "third party" such as a union. "Most of those same companies belong to trade associations, elect officers, pay dues, and hire lobbyists, all for the purpose of improving their business standing and advancing their political agenda," explains the UFCW. Indeed, as union members know from experience, a trade union is not a "third party," but rather a vehicle for workers to improve their working conditions. Hurts All Workers When a union-busting campaign achieves its goal, all workers suffer. Even though union members on average earn more money and have better benefits than unrepresented employees (see article on page 7), non-union shops drive down wages and benefits on the whole. This effect is similar to what happens when a U.S.-based manufacturing plant must "compete" with operations in Third World countries. How can workers who want representation fight back against union busters? At Borders, as in other campaigns where a majority of employees voted to join a union, the answer is to focus on the real issues and the facts. "Unions raise wages and benefits and provide employers a stable, productive, and trained workforce," concludes the UFCW. "Unions strengthen the economy while helping employers compete on the basis of quality, customer service and productivity." As one Borders worker put it, "A union is meant to empower, not overpower; help, not hinder. It takes some effort to make it work, but I believe it is worth it. I believe we are worth it." March 1998 �From San Diego Shipyard to Spain USNS Soderman Stands Ready to Support U.S. Troops It did not take long for the USNS Soderman to show why backers of the U.S. fleet emphasize the need for strong sealift capacity. Late last year, the converted roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel sat in a San Diego shipyard, undergoing the last of its refurbishment. By early 1998, the Soderman stood ready to enter the latest potential fray in the Persian Gulf. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the SIU-crewed ship was stationed near Malaga, Spain as part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron No. 1. Should a conflict involving the U.S. take place in the Middle East, the Soderman likely will be among the first vessels to deliver materiel supporting American armed forces. After a recent shipboard meeting, John Cox, SIU port agent in Wilmington, Calif., stated that Seafarers clearly understand their roles aboard the prepositioning vessel. ''They all take it very seriously, and they know there's no room for error," Cox reported. "When you see a volatile situa- "--::-. . , ;_]~-~ ..... tion like the one that's happening now in Iraq, ifs easy to understand why these ships must be kept in peak condition and readiness at all times." The Soderman, renamed last year at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), is the last of five former Maersk ships converted and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes for operation by SIUcontracted Bay Ship Management for MSC. Those vessels are part of a 19-ship program designed to beef up American sealift capacity, in accordance with findings of a congressionally mandated study that followed the Persian Gulf War. The Soderman is 907 feet long, with a maximum beam of 105 feet, a 35-foot draft and a full-load displacement of 55,123 tons. It can reach 24 knots and possesses cargo space described by MSC as "equal to nearly six football fields." Within that area, the Soderman can carry "an entire U.S. Army armor task force, including 58 tanks, 48 other track vehicles, plus more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles," MSC noted. The vessel can be fully loaded and offloaded in 96 hours, ·and also includes helicopter pads. ~. SA Walter Moore copies a list of stores aboard the Soderman. Members of the deck gang get ready for ship docking. Part of MSC's prepositioning fleet, the USNS Soderman is stationed in the Mediterranean. March 1998 Showing off his spotless reefer box is Chief Steward Charles Brooks. Carefully working with winch controls is OS David Joseph. Converted in San Diego, the USNS Soderman possesses plentiful cargo space. Seafarers LOG 11 �~----------------- - Anti-Worker Forces Launch Cam California Set as Latest Battleground With Initiative on June Ballot 1886 Corporate Politlcal Contributions vs. Union Political Contributions (In Millions of Dollars) hen one group spends $653 million to make sure its views are known in a federal election cycle, while another group spends $58 million to present its concerns during the same period, which side might be expected to have legislation drafted to reign in its spending? In more than a third of the states in the U.S., it's the side that spent the $58 million, which reflects the amount of money spent by unions in 1996. (The $653 million is the amount spent by businesses and corporations during the same time period, according to figures compiled by the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics.) Anti-worker corporations and individuals have launched a nationwide effort at the state level to limit-if not eliminate-the voice of labor unions from the political process. They are using whatever means they believe best suits their interests. In some states, voters are contemplating ballot initiatives with such titles are "campaign finance reform," "paycheck protection act" or "giving union members a choice." In other states, measures have been submitted and are being considered by the elected officials in state houses. No matter how the legislation is drafted or titled, its one consistent goal remains cutting back on the ways unions can participate in the political process. ne example that is catching the attention of working people across the country is Proposition 226 in California, which will appear on that state's ballots during the June primaries. Thanks to clever drafting, the proposition leads off with a ban on contributions to California campaigns by foreign nationals. This is the hook for getting support for the measure, touted as "campaign finance reform." However, what the initiative's supporters are not saying is donations to California campaigns by foreign nationals ALREADY are illegal. The line is a feel-good statement that does nothing to change California law. What comes after that line is what Proposition 226's backers hope no one will go on to read and consider. If passed by the voters of California, Proposition 226 would prevent unions and employers from using dues, agency and other fees for political contributions or expenditures without yearly written 0 12 Seafarers LOG approval on file with the state on a government-issued and approved form from each member. It would keep an employer from collecting payroll deductions if he or she "knows or has reason to know" that any of the moneys would be used for political purposes. And it would allow the state's Fair Political Practices Commission to review union and employer records of all authorizations and deductions. If passed, the proposition would go into effect on July 1. However, the state has said authorization forms would not be available until 1999. Under that scenario, no union funds-although legally collected prior to the passage of the initiative-could be used during the 1998 state elections for governor, lieutenant governor, state assembly and other races. On the other hand, anti-worker forces in California would have no such constraints. Also under debate in states where such anti-worker initiatives are being considered is what exactly is meant by political expenditures. ome legal scholars have said the initiatives and legislation are limited to campaign expenditures only. Others have pointed out that more items could be included. Among these are labor's ability to participate in get out the vote drives, telephone banks, voter guides and even lobbying. The AFL-CIO has been monitoring the measures to see what specific constraints the anti-worker forces are seeking to impose. The national labor federation also has been tracing the funding sources for supporters of these anti-worker initiatives. They include a health insurance company that stands to gain if medical savings accounts are implemented. (The AFL-CIO is opposed to such accounts replacing the present Medicare system.) Two other organizations involved in the campaign are the American Legislative Exchange Council, which develops antiworker legislation for use by elected officials, and Americans for Job Security, a group spearheaded by the insurance industry which announced in January it plans to raise and spend $20 million against union efforts. As of early 1998, the AFL-CIO was able to show that nearly $150 million is being gathered from anti-worker businesses, corporations, groups and individuals to support measures to limit the effectiveness of unions. S SOURCE: Federal Election Commissi Difference Between B While pointing their fingers and screaming about the amount of money organized labor contributed during the 1996 election calendar, anti-worker forces outspent unions by an incredible 11 to 1 margin. Figures compiled by the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics reported businesses and corporations put more than $650 million into campaigns in 1996. Unions, on the other hand, donated $58 million. To show the imbalance in another way, total contributions for the 1996 election period amounted to $1.6 billion. Of that total, corporate interests provided 40 percent of the funding while unions gave less than 4 percent. So, why do anti-worker businesses and individuals feel the need to restrict the political activities of unions? A look at the recent track record provides a clear answer: • Working people convinced a Republican-majority Congress that it was time to raise the national minimum wage. March 1998 �1aign to Shackle Political Efforts States Considering Anti-Worker Political Measures Total Corporate and Union Contributions (Hard and Soft Money in Millions of Dollars) State - Corporate Union 8877 S&O S48 1992 1994 1996 Legislation Alaska ~ Arizona ~ California 8483 Initiative ~ Colorado ~ Florida ~ Georgia ~ Maryland ~ Massachusetts ~ Michigan ~ Minnesota ~ Mississippi ~ Missouri ~ Nevada ~ Oregon ~ Pennsylvania ~ South Dakota ~ Utah ~ Vermont ~ Wisconsin ~ and Center for Responsive Politics siness and Union Donations Continues to Expand • Working people stopped legislation to extend fast-track trade authority. In the case of NAFTA, such legislaion has led to the closing of American factories as businesses sought to take advantage of low-wage workers outside the U.S. • Working people stopped legislation which would have cut Medicare funding. • Working people stopped legislation which would have allowed companies to create in-house sham unions. • Working people stopped legislation which would have created a national (so-called) right-to-work law. Anti-worker forces have not been able to push their agenda through Congress. Despite the overwhelming difference in spending during elections, these businesses and corporations have not silenced the voices of working people. Thus, they are seeking a new way to keep working people from being involved. Because of their lack of success in Washington, D.C., the antiworker forces have taken their case to the state capitals. As of midFebruary, a total of 19 states either were considering legislation or Man:h 1998 were presenting ballot initiatives to curb the involvement of labor organizations. These measures range from placing more restrictions on how voluntary contributions could be collected from members to the elimination of dues checkoff to the prevention of unions from providing any information to their members other than updates on collective bargaining. Speaking recently in response to the new attacks on working people, AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka said, "They knocked us down a hundred times and we've gotten back up. And now we're going to kick their butts!" The differences between unions and business in campaign contributions are nothing new. In fact, since the 1992 election cycle, the margin between the two has grown. For the 1992 elections, businesses and corporations outspent labor by a 9 to 1 margin. The figures show businesses poured out $447 million compared to the union contributions of $48 million. Two years later, the margin increased to 10 to I as corporations provided nearly $493 million while labor gave just over $48 million. Seafarers LOG 13 �Past Scholrsbip Winners: Where Are TbeJ Now? Seafarer Moves on to Law School In 1993, when he was 28 years old, Seafarer Neil Simonsen was awarded one of the three Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarships set aside for SIU members. He was sailing as an AB aboard the Sugar Islander at the time. Simonsen joined the SIU in 1985 upon graduation from the trainee program at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. He spent a few years sailing aboard the SIU-crewed SS independence and Constitution around the Hawaiian Islands and aboard LNG vessels on the Japan to Indonesia run. He also spent some time in Tokyo and supported himself by teaching conversational English-and, in turn, was able to pick up the Japanese language. With this experience behind him, Simonsen was ready to continue his formal education. He already had earned a number of credits at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif. and the University of Hawaii's Kapiolani Community College. In a letter written last year to the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Simonsen reports on his progress. "!am writing to your office and to my brothers and sisters to thank you for your assistance in granting the [2-year, $6,000] scholarship to me in the spring of 1993. Four years later, I am completing my undergraduate college career and am slated to embark on the study required for the law school examinations. Following law school, I hope to pursue a career in international law, either in the private sector or with the State Department. "The assistance rendered to me through the SIU scholarship fund allowed me the luxury of spending a greater degree of time on my studies, enabling me to graduate within the top 2 percent of my class. For this, I wish again to thank my brothers and sisters at sea as well as the staffs at both Piney Point and Camp Springs. "Although I will, unfortunately, not be shipping again, know that my thoughts will always be with you and that my 10 years at sea provided me an education unavailable within institutions of higher learning. "My advice to fellow seamen is that if you are interested in education, take advantage of the facilities at Piney Point and pursue courses through local colleges between ships." Sincerely, Neil Simonsen Dependent Also Follows Legal Path In 1979, the 27th year of the Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship program, Maria Kaduck (now Kaduck-Perez) of Miami was one of four children of SIU members to benefit from the $10,000, four-year award. (The amount has since increased to $15,000.) The 17-year-old high school senior is the daughter of SIU pensioner Raymond Kaduck, who sailed in the engine department from 1955 until his retirement in 1978. (He died in 1989.) The scholarship enabled Kaduck-Perez to obtain her B.S. degree with honors in business administration from the University of Florida. "It helped so very much," she recently told the Seafarers LOG, "and I would like to personally thank the SIU scholarship program for helping me in my educational endeavors." Following graduation, she worked for two years as a management associate at Barnett Bank of South Florida and then decided she needed an advanced degree in order to move upward. Through a combination of her high grade point average at college and her exce11ent work experience, she was accepted at the University of Florida College of Law, from which she graduated in 1989 with a J.D. degree. That year was a big one for Kaduck-Perez. Not only did she 14 Seafarers LOG Maria Kaduck-Perez graduate from law school, but she also was married (to another attorney). Additionally, it was the year her father died. Kaduck-Perez studied hard for the Florida bar exam, which she took and passed in 1990. She then was hired as a lawyer with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Miami. Now 36, Kaduck-Perez continues her work with the NLRB, which administers and enforces the National Labor Relations Act, the nation's primary labor law. The NLRB has two main functions: (1) to conduct secret-ballot elections in which employees vote on whether they want to be represented by a union for purposes of bargaining collectively with their employer about wages, hours and working conditions, and (2) to investigate, prosecute and remedy unfair labor practices. '98 Scholarship Deadline Nears April 15, 1998 is one month away! That is the date by which all completed applications for this year's Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship must be mailed. As in past years, seven scholarships are being offered-three to Seafarers and four to dependents of SIU members. But with the deadline just one month away, time is of the essence. One Seafarer will be eligible to receive a $15,000 grant for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. Two other Seafarers will have the opportunity to be awarded $6,000 grants for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four scholarships will be presented to the spouses and dependent children of SIU members. Each of these $15:000 awards is for use at a four-year college or university. Because the Welfare Plan receives many applications for the grants, it is sometimes very difficult to determine the seven rec1p1ents for the scholarships. Therefore, all applicants should fill out the application form as thoroughly as possible and provide all the requested information by the due date. Some of the items that must accompany the written application form are transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recommencation, scores from college entrance examination tests, a photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Also, those who have previously applied for a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. (Eligibility requirements are spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. To receive a copy of this booklet, fill out the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklets also are available at the SIU halls.) Don't forget this date: APRIL 15, 1998. It is the last day applications can be postmarked for consideration in this year's scholarship program. The Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship is a great financial opportunity for all Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next fall. Since the program began in 1952, the SIU has awarded more than 200 scholarships to its members and their families to help them reach their educational goals. From these ranks have come doctors, lawyers (see articles at left), teachers and many other careers. Some members have used the program to improve their own job skills as Seafarers. .· Whatever your reason for wanting a scholarship, now is the time to complete your application form and send it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The application forms must be mailed and postmarked on or before April 15 in order to be considered. r-------------------------------------, lease send me the 1998 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility infor- P mation, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _______________________ Street Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completedform to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 3/98 L-------------------------------------~ March 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 +TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SillPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port -i i New York 19 Philadelptiia<. 6 3 Baltimore 5 4 11 10 14 ·:.i,l'·)·· Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 13 6 21 Jacksonville 20 · San Francisco . 18 Wilmington Seattle - · 31 11 5 31 Puerto Rico Honolulu Houst-On 12 0 7 30 1 4 7 3 7 z 4 0 14 . 0 9 0 8 3 3 31 12 3 0 2 0 2 0 0 112 32 1 56 Port New York 2 7 3 9 149 2 10 12 JO 30 7 0 Piney Point Algonac 11 21 24 21 4 2 3 240 4 23 2 DECK DEPARTMENT 16 5 ~ 3 0 8 0 8 3 5 l 10 7 3 0 0 St. Louis Totals ht r. 12 4 1 8 FEBRUARY 15, 1998 2 0 209 Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point. ..............Monday: April 6, May 4 9 31 7 Algonac .................... Friday: April 10, May 8 0 0 5 8 3 Baltimore .................Thursday:April 9, May 7 18 10 9 0 2 22 1 13 30 61 6 12 5 45 40 3 6 1 12 0 51 0 0 58 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 9 1. l 0 2 l 0 3 3 1 4 1 5 6 2 Jacksonville ..............Thursday: April 9, May 7 Jersey City .••....~ ....... Wednesday: April 22, May 20 Mobile ......................Wednesday: April t 5, May 13 2 14 12 4 43 36 6 l 11 2 0 1 0 1 237 1 90 12 ,, ....,,.,,3 "' """"'' 3(f''''·'"' Baltimore 11 3 6 6 1 4 2 1 l Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 5 8 10 6 10 11 4 0 Jacksonville 10 7 7 7 5 9 15 7 10 3 8 17 5 2 3 l 0 1 I 1 1 1 1 0 0 90 33 75 21 31 200 150 56 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 8. '1sO ~;, ,9 ·23 Philadelphia San Francisco W,ihn~~t2n ., Seattle Puerto Rico 4 3 1 116 2 2 3 Port NewYdtk 15 3 5 Philadelphia Baltiml>re Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco 6 5 5 12 22 Wilmington 8 Seattfo Puerto Rico Honolulu 23 7 15 Houston St. Louis Piney Point 14 1 6 Algonac 0 Totals 147 6 0 0 4 ·Philadelphia iB~!im<2re 1 3 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 15 17 4 0 11 1 24 1 2 0 0 1 3 1 0 10 1 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 8 1 4 6 0 0 0 47 0 17 120 23 IO 6 0 2 2 1 0 0 2 Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 12 1 10 9 3 24 14 1 32 I 24 0 52 170 555 456 6 4 0 72 9 0 5 13 1 0 0 0 , Norfolk .....................Thursday: April 9~ May 7 '~ t>niladelµhia .............Wednesday: April 8, May 6 ,.;:,San Francisco ...........Thursday: April 16, May 14 2 I San Juan ...................Thursday: April 9, May 7 1 St. Louis ................... Friday: April 17, May 15 9 6 0 3 12 21 11 19 1 6 2 1 2 5 24 16 13 20 15 17 17 13 8 3 4 5 6 3 Tacoma .... /;........':_. .....Friday: April 24. May 22 Wilmingtoµ ..............Monday: April 20, May 18 Personals ~· 1g,; 5 2 0 0 ;; 0 1 14 11 2 0 3 4 8 12 1 1 8 9 3 4 5 2 8 0 1 5 23 52 7 l 20 40 7 26 24 1 4 2 4 , 1 3 8 13 0 0 39 0 267 1 89 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 15 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 8 0 0 43 0 6 18 17 18 0 4 10 2 4 4 2 13 4 9 5 0 5 2 1 6 8 2 8 13 0 30 0 0 0 IO 0 0 50 1 I 4 0 10 4 ' "1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 5 4 12 II 0 0 0 15 8 10 31 16 16 11 42 0 7 21 0 0 26 0 6 0 0 0 22 23 4 1 TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS OF THE SEA Arthur N. Sjaasta.d, who sailed as an AB from the port of Houston, is presently incarcerated and would love to hear from some of his former shipmates. His a.ddress is TDC #681264, P.O. Box 4500, 7-A-27, Tennessee Colony, TX 75886-4500. LIONEL MEEKER Please contact Murray Meeker at 6313 Hillcrest Place, Alexandria, VA 22312. WILLIAM DELBERT PARRISH Please contact your son, William J. Parrish, at 1012 Rowland Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23324; or telephone (757) 543-5753. ELWOOD JAMES WIGGINS Please contact your daughter; Katrina Hill, at 6492 Heatherwood, Memphis, TN 38141; or call her at (901) 362-6230. ABig Fish Story 6 12 6 7 111 15 l 0 31 0 1 1 155 38 117 89 0 0 90 1 294 261 460 332 154 128 965 770 440 0 IRVIN GLASS Retiree Arthur McGinnis would like to get in touch with Irvin Glass. Anyone with information may call Brother McGinnis at (504) 838-9541. 27 3 17 17 23 0 272 0 *"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. March 1998 New York .................Tuesday: April 7, May 5 4 9 Totals All Departments New Orleans ···~······ ..'l)iesda{': Apri,~" 14~ May 12 JOSEPH DUNN Please contact Paul Dunn at (800) 236-0421. 2 0 2 5 Totals 6 1 1 1 2 2 '" Wilmington Algonac 4 7 8 1 P!ney Point 13 4 11 2 0 I 0 5 8 5 1 5 Houston St Louis 8 8 3 4 9 4 0 1 14 2 7 2 6 0 3 2 2 6 6 4 1 8 8 14 Il Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco 12 v; New ,Bedfqrd.•...~:...•..Tp.esda)': April 21, May 19 2 5 8 '~lO 9 ''\; Port :New York 0 6 2 5 10 Honolulu ..................Friday: April 17, May 15 Houston .................... Monday: April 13, May 11 17 408 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: April 15, May 13 This 98-pound halibut was caught in Alaska's Prince William Sound by Leslie Cope, chief pumpman on the Overseas Washington. Thanks to Bosun Jay C. Dillon for sending the photo to the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes ·1eatil1vts lntemational Union Directory JANUARY 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Ex.ecutive Vice Pr~i4enJ · David Heinl!~ · ,( Augu$0n Tellez Vice President Contracts Roy A. "Buckn Mercer Vice President Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast ~ ~ HEADQUAKfERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port AJgonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 30 3 0 9 5 0 7 0 0 26 14 L-Lakes NP-Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Secretary:Treasurer · · George McCartney Vice President West Coast Company/Lakes FEBRUARY 15, 1998 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 30 3 0 9 5 0 7 0 0. 26 14 22 72 0 0 22 0 0 72 0 Totals All Depts *"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. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (9(fl) 561 -4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (21S) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478--0916 NEW BEDFORD 48Union St. New 8edford, MA 02740 (SOS) 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 l15Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia. PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point. MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 p0RT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. FL Lauder<lale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fre.JilQnt St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543.5g55 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE I057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l 6Yl Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63 I l6 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 341 l South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 -- 16 Seafarers LOG Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JANUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region 0 Atlantic Coast 3 Gulf Coast Lakes~ Inland Waters 23 3 West Coast Totals 29 Region Atlantic Coast 2 1 Gulf Coast ,16 kak~?.W~")V~yrs 0 West Coast 19 Totals Region 1 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Wate~s,. 3 0 West Coast 4 Totals TOTAL SffiPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 0 0 3 0' 8 0 8 16 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 O· 0 0% 0 0 3 3 Q( 1 1 ,..;.;.;. 0 k 6 '" 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 3 32 12 47 8 4 0 14 3 12 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 ,, 0 2 lQ. ,9 ·.;$i'" 0 0 0 1 13 2 5 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 o)fa 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 4 12 0 ·•"F'"Q 1 5 20 32 '""'*! ~.,·-· 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 7 65 17 17 3 21 52 4 Totals All Depts *"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. . 1 3 .~. o 0 4 0 0 0 6 6 42 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by QMED Marcus Perry of Pahoa, Hawaii, was taken aboard the SS Matsonia. The year is not certain. It is of his father, Eddie "Shorty" Perry, shaking hands with none other than "The King"-Elvis Presley-during a voyage from San Francisco to Honolulu. Perry was sailing as bosun at the time. "That's the good thing about being in the deck department," wrote the younger Perry. "You get to see what's happening up on deck." He noted that his father sailed with the Sailors Union of the Pacific and retired after 45 years at sea. He then went on the waterfront with the stevedores and "now calls the Big Island of Hawaii home." As for QMED Marcus Perry: He says that "out of nine brothers, six of us sail-but I choose to be down in the hole!!" Perry also says to be sure to note that his father is wearing "the Lundeberg stetson" while Presley has on a Harley-Davidson cap. March 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A mong the 16 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are one recertified bosun and one recertified steward. Representing 55 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Richard S. Bynum and Recertified Steward Joseph F. Miller graduated from the highest level of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified graduates, eight of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division; five worked on the inland waterways; two plied the Great Lakes; and one sailed as a commercial fisherman. The favorite retirement region this month is the East Coast, where eight pensioners have settled. Four reside in the Midwest; three make their homes in the Gulf Coast; and one has retired to the West Coast. Eight pensioners served in the U.S. military-four in the Navy, two in the Marine Corps and one each in the Army and the Air Force. The oldest retirees this month are inland member Mabel I. avis and deep sea member Oliver P. Oakley. Both are 69. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. LAWRENCE J. BERKLEY, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. In 1980, Brother Berkley last signed off the Franklin J. Phillips, operated by Extender Transport Corp. He has retired to Auburn, Pa. JOSEPH F. MILLER, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1961. A native of New York, he worked early in his career in the deck department before settling in the gaJley. Brother Miller upgraded at Lundeberg School, where he completeo the steward recertification course in 1985. During his career, he sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Miller last sailed aboard the Courier, operated by OMI Corp. He lives in Jacksonville, Fla. both the deck and steward departments. Brother Oakley last sailed in 1987 as a chief steward aboard the Denebola, a Bay Tankers vessel. He has retired to Olyphant, Pa. , RICHARDS. BYNUM, 67, began sailing with the SIU in 1978 from the port of Seattle. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Sea-Land Express. Brother Bynum makes his home in Seattle. SERVANDO J. CANALES, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of New Orleans. The .____ _ _ ___,Louisiana native sailed in the deck department as a bosun. His last ship was the Mayaguez, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Canales caJls Metairie, La. home. RAUL A. GOTAY, 56, first sailed with the SIU in 1969 from the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg Kansas Mariners Dedicate Memorial The Kansas chapter of the United States Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II recently informed the Seafarers LOG about a memorial built in Wichita to honor U.S. merchant mariners and members of the U.S. Navy's Armed Guard who served during the war. Dedicated at a reunion nearly two years ago, the memorial briefly but powerfully notes the vital contribution of the World War 11 merchant marine, including the fact that the all-volunteer service's casualty rate ranked second only the that of the U.S. Marine Corps-by a mere 1 percent. The 30 or so chapter members each year have a reunion with other members from neighboring states. This year's event will be the eighth such meeting. March 1998 School. He last sailed as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Gotay has retired to Gainesville, Fla. JOHN W. MORRIS, 65, joined the SIU in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. The New York native sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He signed off the USNS Assertive, a U.S. Marine Management vessel. Brother Morris makes his home in St. Petersburg, Fla. OLIVERP. OAKLEY, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1946 aboard the Blue Ridge Victory, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in BOBBYE. STEARMAN, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1966. Born in Georgia, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief electrician. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Global Mariner, operated then by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. Brother Stearman calls Brooksville, Fla. home. INLAND MABEL I. DAVIS, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1988. Born in Missouri, she sailed primari==--.:= :____ ly aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transportation Co. as a member of the steward department. Sister Davis makes her home in Piedmont, Mo. ____J ROBERT JARDELL, 63, began sailing with the SIU in 1961. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the deck department and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1984. Boatman Jardell last sailed as a captain aboard a Higman Towing vessel. He has retired to Orange, Texas. HUGHL. PREWITT, 66, began hs seafaring career in 1951 from the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he last sailed as a captain aboard a National Marine Service vessel. Boatman Prewitt lives in Nederland, Texas. JAMES E. STEWART, 67, started his career with the SIU in 1979 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first and his last vessel was the Sugar Island, operated by NATCO. A native of Maryland, he worked as a member of the steward department. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Boatman Stewart makes his home in Yulee, Fla. WILLIAM E. WALES, 55, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1964 aboard the Johnny Brown, operated by Slade, Inc. and signed off as a captain aboard the Jared M., a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Boatman Wales attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1977. A native of Louisiana, he has retired to Canon City, Colo. GREAT LAKES YEHIAA. SAEED, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed as a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Saeed last sailed in 1995 aboard the Walter J. McCarthy Jr., operated by American Steamship Co. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. - ROBERTR. WILLIAMSON, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Brother z ,, Williamson ~ sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing vessels and worked in both the engine and deck departments. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Williamson has retired to his native Milwaukee. ARANTIC FISHERMEN JAMES REED, 62, joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1953 before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Massachusetts, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Reed last sailed aboard the FN Cape May as a member of the deck department. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Marines. He makes his home in Gloucester, Mass. Still Going to Sea Isidore Dongen retired from the SIU in 1979 but still enjoys an occasional sail. The former engine department member recently took the helm of a sailboat during a relaxing afternoon near his home in Mobile, Ala. Dongen, 84, visits the SIU hall in Mobile several times per month, according to SIU Port Agent Dave Carter. Seafarers LOG 17 - �union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Hawaii, he signed on the Marine Shark and last sailed aboard the Santa Maria, both vessels operated by American President Lines. A resident of Galt, Calif., Brother Santiago retired in January 1973. Alabama native worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard Mariner Towing vessels. Boatman !ackson began receiving his pension m November 1989. A resident of Slidell, La., he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. RAIMONDO J, SORBI LEE C. LANDRY Pensioner John F. Hester, 86, died December 23, 1997. Brother Hester first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951 . A native " of Pennsyl' - - - - -""'-"' °' .""'. .,.= · -=-:::::.:1 · vania, he sailed in the steward department. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Brother Hester retired in May 1976. Pensioner Raimondo J. Sorbi, 81, died October 31, 1997. Born in California, he started his > f career with the MC&S in 1959 · .,,. in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Sorbi sailed in the steward department as a chief butcher and was anl MC&S instructor at the time of the SIU/MC&S merger. Brother Sorbi retired in September 1980. Pensioner Lee C. Landry, 87, died December 4, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Landry sailed in the deck department. He began receiving his pension in February 1974. WARREN J. LIESEGANG DIMITRIOS STIROS Pensioner Paul Chaney, 92, passed away January 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Cuban-born Seafarer sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and strikes. Brother Chattey started receiving his pension in July 1971. Pensioner Warren J. Liesegang, 69, passed away January 9. He started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. His first ship was the New Yorker, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A native of New Jersey, Brother Liesegang sailed in the engine department. From 1950 to 19~5, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Fort Pierce, Fla, he began receiving his pension in July 1993. Pensioner Di mi trios Stiros, 73, passed away December 24, 1997. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952 aboard the ' Mobilian, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1946. Brother Stiros began receiving his pension in April 1985. WINSTON DODSON GEORGE H. PADON Winston Dodson, 43, died December 23, 1997. Brother Dodson graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training ~----;;,.;;..;_ · --.1 program in 197~ and jo~ned the SIU in the port of Pmey Pomt, Md. A native of Arkansas, he sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1972 to 1975, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Dodson was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. Pensioner George H. Padon, 70, died November 6, 1997. He graduated from th~ Andrew Furuseth Training School m 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Seatrain Georgia, operated by Seatrain Lines, Inc. The Mississippi native sailed in the deck department. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Padon last sailed aboard the Newark, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Portland, Ore., he retired in December 1996. JOSEPH BADYK Pensioner Joseph Badyk, 85, passed away January 18. Brother Badyk first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952. Born in Poland, he was a member of the ?~ck department. During his mar1ttme career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Badyk began receiving his pension in October I 979. JOHN BISCHOFF Pensioner John Bischoff, 87, died October 16, 1997. He joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in Illinois, he retired in April 1975. PAUL CHATTEY RUBEN H. DOLLAR Pensioner Ruben H. Dollar, 59, passed away December l, 1997. Born in Arkansas, he graduated from the MC&S . training school m Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in 1962 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He first sailed on the Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Dollar upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification course there in 1992. He began receiving his pension in March 1996. - EUGENE GREAUX , Pensioner Eugene Greaux, 77, died January 12. A native of the Virgin Islands, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1940 in the port of New York. Brother Greaux sailed in the deck department and retired in 1980. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Tomas Gutierrez, 72, passed away December 9, 1997. Born in Texas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1954 from the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Steel Ore. Brother Gutierrez sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in April 1985. JOHN F. HESTER JOHN R. ROBERTS Pensioner John R. Roberts, 84, passed away January 8. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Miami. The Florida native worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. Brother Roberts was a resident of Mobile, Ala. and began receiving his pension in September 1972. ALVIN A. SELICO Pensioner Alvin A. Selico, 79, passed away December 30, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of ~-___, New Orleans. Brother Selico sailed as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Gretna, La. and began receiving his pension in July 1973. JOHN SANTIAGO Pensioner John Santiago, 74, died November l, 1997. He began sailing with the MC&S in 1945 from the port of San Francisco, before that . ,_;;·yi JOSEPH A. TAGLIAFERRI Pensioner Joseph A. Tagliaferri, 71, died December 19, 1997. Brother Tagliaferri first sailed with the SIU in 1956 from the . _ __ _ _ _ __J port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Prior to his retirement in July 1989, he last sailed on the Long lines, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. From 1948 to 1952, Brother Tagliaferri served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Dundalk, Md. CHARLES H. BONNIWELL ·- Pensioner Charles H. Bonniwell, 51, died December 14, 1997. A native of Maryland, he began his career with the SIU in 1969. Boatman Bonniwell sailed as a tugboat captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed on the Prevail operated by Gulf Marine Transport ' Co. A resident of Tangier, Va., he retired in September 1997. ERNEST A. JACKSON Pensioner Ernest A. Jackson, 72, passed away December 10, 1997. He joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. The GREAT LAKES ERNEST F. DEMERSE Pensioner Ernest F. Demerse, 70, died December 14, 1997. A native of Michigan, he began sailing with the SIU in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother Demerse worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Dunbar & Sullivan vessels. A resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., he retired in July 1986. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Air Force . LEOM.DERRY Pensioner Levy T. Lawrence, 74, passed away December 14, 1997. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. B?atman Lawrence sailed as a cap~m and began receiving his pension m July 1970. He was a resident of Norfolk, Va. Pensioner Leo M. Derry, 83, passed away November 21, 1997. He joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Alpena, Mich. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department. Brother Derry began receiving his pension in December 1974. BRYANT J. LeBLANC JAMES J. GIERKE Pensioner Bryant J. LeBlanc, 72, died November 14, 1997. Born in Louisiana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman LeBlanc sailed in both the deck and engine departments. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Loranger, La. ano retired in November 1987. James J. Gierke, 62, died January 16. Brother Gierke joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Alpena, Mich. A native of that state, he sailed as a member of the steward department. LEVY T. LAWRENCE HUGH PHILPOTT Pensioner Hugh Philpott, 69, passed away December 24, 1997. He began sailing with the SIU in 1963 from the port of St. Louis. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the engine department. From 1950 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Philpott, a resident of Louisville, Ky., began receiving his pension in February 1990. FRANK J. RALEIGH INLAND U.S. Navy. Boatman Rowell started receiving his pension in August 1988. ---. Pensioner Frank J. Raleigh, 88, died January 9. Boatman Raleigh joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed as a captain. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Boatman Raleigh retired in August 1980. He was a resident of Yeadon, Pa. GROVER C. ROWELL Pensioner Grover C. Rowell, 71, passed away October 29, 1997. Born in Alabama, he started his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1945 to 1948, he served in the WILLIAM R. HEISCHMAN Pensioner William R. Heischman, 80, died January 4. Brother Heischman • started his career with the · ' SIU in 1954. .__,=--=--·=--~ ...;;:·u the port of Elberta, Mich. A native of Ohio, he sailed in the steward department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1941 to 1945. Brother Heischman retired in October 1974. ·.; .tl PAUL J. ONUFER Pensioner Paul J. Onufer, 79, passed away December 15, 1997. Born in Indiana, he joined the SIU in 1953. Brother Onufer sailed aboard deep sea and Great Lakes vessels, working in both the deck and engine departments. He upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in June 1992, he sailed aboard the St. Clair, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Onufer was a resident of Reno, Nev. DEWEY J. SACK Pensioner Dewey J. Sack, 75, died January 2. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Born in Ohio, he =-~~~~=~ sailed in the engine department. A member of the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 and a resident of Toledo, Ohio, Brother Sack retired in April 1988. GORDON SANDBORG Pensioner Gordon Sandborg, 82, passed away August 29, 1997. Brother Sandborg started his career Continued on page 20 March 1998 �bers discussed shorter meal hours while vessel is in port. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship), November 30-Chairman Bobby Riddick, Secretary Thomas Guthrie, Educational Director Emmette Neathery, Deck Delegate Bernard Wilson. Treasurer announced captain approved purchase of new VCR in Morehead City, N.C. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew asked contracts department to look into revising shipping rules and vacation pay schedule. Chairman reminded crew members to attend regular shipboard union meetings and fill in all information on crew lists. SEA FOX (Crowley American Transport), November 23-Chairman Robert Richer, Secretary Samuel Raines, Educational Director Fitzroy Jackson. Chairman and crew discussed overtime for deck department members working in tanks. Crew requested information on SIU medical benefits. Crew also asked contracts department to clarify wage rates. Educational director urged membe o upgrade at Lundeberg chool. No beefs or disputed OT reported. egates reported beefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine delegate. Crew asked contracts department to clarify new shipping rules. Crew members discussed showing respect for one another. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), November 20Chairman Francisco C. Munoz, Secretary Julio Roman, Educational Director Richard Risbeck. Chairman and secretary urged crew members to donate to SPAD and upgrade at Lundeberg School. Educational director discussed importance of taking tanker operation/safety course at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done and thanked Chief Cook Richard Casuga for outstanding meals. Crew members wished Casuga well upon his departure in port of Oakland, Calif. and noted, "We are going to miss his cooking!" Next ports: Honolulu; Guam; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), November 9Chairman John Ellias, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore, Educational SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE · Director Dennis Baker, Deck (Sea-Land Service), November Delegate Mark Anthony Holman. 19-Chairman Terrance Murphy, Chairman reported two new reclinSecretary Aubrey Gething, Eduing chairs received in port of tional Director William PinkHouston. Bosun announced ship is ham, Deck Delegate Michael changing to northern run beginning Anderson, Engine Delegate next voyage. Chairman reported Crescencio Suazo, Steward smooth sailing and noted U.S. Delegate Said Abdullah. ChairCoast Guard inspection scheduled man informed crew members new in port of Houston. Crew discussed issues of Seafarers LOG available purchase of new movies and donaand announced payoff upon arrival tion of old tapes to Houston Seain next port. No beefs or disputed man's Center. Educational director OT reported. Electrician requested announced training books and clarification of contract issue. videos on IMO regulations are Crew asked for information conavailable and noted shipboard cerning job duties of SIU apprendemonstrations and drills will be tices. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. conducted weekly. No beefs or disSEA-LAND CHALLENGER puted OT reported. Crew members (Sea-Land Service), November discussed Seafarers Money Pur24-Chairman Monte Grimes, chase Pension Plan (SMPPP). Secretary Donna J. Clemons, Bosun reported a full article on Educational Director Henry SMPPP appears in recent issue of Paquin, Deck Delegate John T. Seafarers LOG. Crew thanked Emrich, Engine Delegate Ricky Chief Cook John Platts for mornWilliams, Steward Delegate Lloyd ing coffee in lounge. Crew noted Lawrence. Bosun reported schedburial at sea of Bosun H. White uled military exercises were canand observed a moment of silence celed. He announced estimated day in his honor. Next port: Jacksonof arrival in port of Oakland, Calif. ville, Fla. and noted payoff will take place SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (Seathe following day. Secretary Land Service), November 23reported $40 in movie fund and Chairman M. Gutierrez, Secretary discussed purchase of movies in Guillermo Thomas, Educational port of Long Beach, Calif. EducaDirector Elwyn Ford, Deck tional director stressed importance Delegate Acylee Brooks, Engine of upgrading at Paul Hall Center Delegate Ronald Hutchison, and advised members to review Steward Delegate Mercurion scheduled classes in Seafarers Abuan. Chairman thanked crew LOG. No beefs or disputed OT for job well done and advised them reported. to be aware of safety at all times. SEA-LAND DEVELOPER (SeaSecretary praised galley gang for Land Service), November 20job well done. Educational director Chairman Dana Cella, Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Frank Sisson, Educational Paul Hall Center as often as possiDirector William Hatchel, Engine ble. He noted increasingly strict Delegate Jan Haidir. Educational maritime regulations and stated delegate encouraged members to best way to be prepared is through donate to SPAD and upgrade at continued education. No beefs or Piney Point. Deck and steward del- disputed OT reported. Crew mem- March 1998 SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), November 22--Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Ed Ombac, Engine Delegate Beckett Young, Steward Delegate Bob Racklin. Chairman announced payoff in port of Tacoma, Wash. and discussed safety of lifeboat grips. He reported room inspections went well. Educational delegate noted advantages of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun gave special vote of thanks to galley gang for its "extra efforts on Thanksgiving Day." He noted crew members enjoyed wide variety of food, homemade cakes and pies. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), November 2-Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Coy Herrington, Deck Delegate Brian Bassett, Engine Delegate Dan Fowers, Steward Delegate Mila Clark. Chairman reported ship scheduled for dry dock in South Korea. He advised crew call-backs will take place around Christmas and reminded them to stay in touch with union and company for information on when to report back to vessel. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $300 in ship's fund and noted ·new shelves for videos were purchased. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crew to take all valuables out of cabins when vessel goes into drydock because rooms will not be secured in shipyard. Crew members commended SA Clark for her hard work. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), November 12Chairman Stephen Garay, Secretary Emanuel Douroudous, Educational Delegate Larry Cline. Chairman noted crew dryer has been repaired and laundry floor will be be taken care of soon. He thanked DEU for keeping area clean. Bosun informed crew new issues of Seafarers LOG received in Guam and reported a letter was received from SIU headquarters concerning questions raised during last union meeting. Educational director discussed recent Journal of Commerce article concerning maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into expediting vacation pay process. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Crew also saluted the two unlicensed apprentices on board. CAPE MOHICAN (OMI), December 8-Chairman Bill Lough, Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Hal Puckett, Deck Delegate Roy Mitchell, Engine Delegate Ted Hawkins. Chairman discussed ROS status of vessel and reminded crew members to work together to get jobs done and keep vessel clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Crew members discussed issues and concerns related to maritime industry. Bosun noted new issues of Seafarers LOG on board and advised crew on the importance of attending regular union meetings. Crew asked contracts department to clarify sick days and vacation days. LEADER (Kirby Tankships), December 13-Chairman Patrick Rankin, Secretary Eva Myers, Educational Delegate Richard Gracey, Deck Delegate James Bishop, Engine Delegate James Beatty, Steward Delegate Fausto Aranda Valerio. Chairman reported -payoff in port of Lake Charles, La. and noted ship will remain at anchor for a few days before beginning new charter. Educational director advised members to apply for training record book (TRB) and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew extended vote of thanks to machine does not produce ice when ship rolls. Chairman urged members to read Seafarers LOG as soon as new issues arrive. He reminded crew to pay special attention to SIU President Michael Sacco's report. Bosun added that a lot of new and important information is contained in each LOG. He advised crew members to keep crew lounge clean at all times. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Captain, Crew Praise Consumer Galley Gang - In a recent letter to the Seaferers LOG, the captain and crew of the Sea-Land Consumer praised the hard work and dedication of their galley gang. The letter, signed by the entire crew, stated, ''Thanks to special efforts by steward department members, the Consumer crew enjoyed a great Christmas feast and celebration at sea." Pictured above, from left, are SA Angel O'Neill, SA Luis Lopez, Chief Cook John Foster (seated) and Chief Steward Richard Seligman. DEU for keeping vessel clean and to galley gang for excellent baked goods. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), December 8Chairman Rick Burgess, Secretary Harry Lively, Educational Director M. Powell, Deck Delegate B. Pinion, Engine Delegate A.S. Mugalli, Steward Delegate Mohammad Shibly. Chairman announced ship due to arrive in port of New Orleans on December I 0 with payoff scheduled at that time. He reported ship will lay up for a short while and reminded crew to turn in room keys and safety equipment at payoff. Bosun thanked deck department for excellent work and advised members to contribute to SPAD. Crew requested clarification of overtime for steward department members. Educational director urged members to take advantage of educational facility available to them in Piney Point, Md. Steward delegate reported beef. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or engine delegates. Crew thanked galley gang for wide variety of food and special meals for individual crew members. Bosun noted, "This has been a good voyage and everyone has been a joy to sail with. Merry Christmas to all and a very happy New Year. See you next year!" MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines), December 26-Chairman Robert Johnson, Secretary Dwight Wuerth, Educational Director Joseph Cirafisi, Steward Delegate Glenn Bertrand. Crew requested new ice machine to keep up with demand for ice during each meal. Crew also noted Educational director also stressed importance of upgrading and reported new Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) booklets have been mailed to members' homes. Treasurer announced $486 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted everyone needs to have a 1KV converter in their staterooms in order to use USA appliances. Next ports: Houston; Port Everglades, Fla.; Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Maritime Overseas), December 4-Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Sorianos Grande, Educational Director Dimarko Shoulders, Engine Delegate Conrado Martinez, Steward Delegate Joseph F. Laureta. Bosun reminded crew members to sign on and off vessel. He announced payoff in Honolulu and discussed ISO/ISM safety management tips. Chairman thanked deck department and unlicensed apprentice for outstanding job in pump room. Secretary reported steam table, steamer and cabinet need repairs. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Lundeberg School and apply for STCW identification certificates and training record books (TRBs). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun encouraged members to read Seafarers LOG to keep up with latest news in maritime industry. Crew discussed Chevron shipyard policies and alcohol observation procedures. Crew thanked Steward/Baker Grande, Chief Cook Laureta and entire galley gang for "good and exotic meals." Seafarers LOG 19 �- ........_ ~II~~M=ar=itim=e=B;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;rie;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;fs~~ll ~!!~~~I~~d;'o~~J~~~~~~~~~ President Declares 1998 Year of the Ocean To encourage a worldwide partnership to protect the oceans' resources, President Bill Clinton declared 1998 the "Year of the Ocean." The presidential proclamation, published in the January 30 Federal Register, states, "We must strive together-at local, national and international levels-to preserve the oceans' health, to protect the marine environment, and to ensure the sustainable management of the myriad resources the ocean contains." The proclamation is part of a worldwide effoRt leD by the United Nations which also has declared 1998 as the "International Year of the Ocean." In 1998, governments and organizations are expected to offer activities designed to raise public awareness of the vital role the ocean plays in human life and the role humans play in the life of the ocean. Piracy Continues To Torment High Seas A recent report from the International Marine Bureau (IMB) shows piracy continues to be a problem on the high seas around the world. The latest figures released by the IMB reflected a total of 229 reported pirate attacks during 1997. (This is an increase of one over the number of incidents reported during 1996.) The statistics compiled by the IMB include actions taking place both under way and in port. An IMB official noted piracy not only jeopardizes the crew members of the ships involved but also others who may get in their way. "Pirates endanger navigation by leaving vessels, including fully laden tankers, under way and not in command, dramatically increasing the risk of collision or grounding," an IMB spokesperson noted in releasing the annual report. During the attacks which took place last year, a total of 51 mariners were killed while another 30 were injured. In nearly two of every five attacks, the pirates were armed with either guns or knives. Even though the number of incidents remained almost identical from 1996 to 1997, the number of seafarers taken hostage during attacks more than doubled. The IMB counted more than 400 crew members were held against their will in 1997. The 1996 figure showed 194 held hostage. More than 160 ships actually were boarded by pirates last year while another 26 vessels sustained some type of weapons fire. Additionally, 14 ships were hijacked. The highest risk area was the Indonesia region. Pirate attacks there numbered 47, down 10 from 1996. Other areas in Southeast Asia reporting piracy included Thailand and Sri Lanka, where 33 crew members and shore workers were killed by Tamil rebels. Also of importance was a vast reduction in incidents around the Philippines. While 38 piracy attacks were listed in 1996, only 15 took place last year. The IMB noted the greatest increase in the use of weapons was in Brazil. The report cited a need for increased coast guard activity in the South American nation's waters. Final Departures Continued from page 18 with the SIU in 1955 in the port of Elberta, Mich. The Michigan native sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of '------=-----'World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Brother Sandborg was a resident of Frankfort, Mich. and began receiving his pension in July 1981. ROBERT H. TWITE Pensioner Robert H. Twite, 65, died January 9. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1956 from the port of Alpena, Mich. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in March 1995, he worked aboard the J.A . W lnglehart, an Inland Lakes Management vessel. Brother Twite was a resident of Alpena. DEWIGHT R. wmTMORE Dewight R. Whitmore. 39, passed away October 23. 1997 as a result of an auto accident. A native of Georgia, he sailed with the Seafarers from 1977 to 1988 in the deck department. Brother Whitmore was a resident of Chickamauga, Ga. Merchant Mariner's Document Must Be Renewed According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. All mariners MUST possess a renewed z-card in order to sail aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of 1999. That means that as of January 1, 2000, all active z-cards must have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expiration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to ship with an expired document. (Mariners may renew their zcards up to one year after the expiration date. However, mariners lose their endorsements if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in two different locations : (1) near the mariner's photo on the front 20 Seafarers LOG 1999 2000 2001 2002 Date of Issuance 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1988 1983 1978 1973 1968 1989 1984 1979 1974 1969 1964 1959 1954 1949 1944 1939 1963 1958 1953 1948 1943 1938 *AU z·cards have to be renewed every 5 years to remain active. ID0 BUY I L '.n the United States by employees working under ( nion-, • •• ade Cars, Vans, Pickups ~~,~~:J nited Auto Workers \\') con tracts. 1odels that are assembled only in the .S. are listed separatel from models that are assembled both In the U.S. and another countr . t ake and model not II ted are imported or are a embled in the U.S. by nonunion workers. The Ii t i adapted fro m information compiled by the UAW. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••• ••••••• Cars Oldsmobile UNION· MADE IN THE U.S. Achieva Aurora Cutlass Cutl ass Supreme In trigue Olds 88 Buick LeSabre Park Avenue Riviera k lark UNION-MADE IN THE U.S. & IMPORTED AM General Hummer Chevrolet Cadillac Saturn DeVille Eldorado Sevi lle Saturn EV! Dodge Cars UNION·MADE IN THE U.S. & IMPORTED Dodge eon (also Mexico) Dodge Ford AnANl'IC FISHERMEN venger tra tu Viper Contour FRANK CONSIGLIO Pensioner Frank Consiglio, 90, passed away November 22, 1997. Brother Consiglio joined the Atlantic Fishermen 's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Sicily, he sailed as a fishing captain and began receiving his pension in April 1973. Brother Consiglio was a resident of Gloucester, Mass. Eagle Jeep Cherokee Grand Cherokee Wrangler Lincoln avlgator Mazda B-Series pickup@ Chrysler Town & Country (also Mountaineer \"illager Dodge Nissan Ca ravan/Grand Caravan Canada. union) Quest@ Ford Oldsmobile erostar EconolineJClub Wagon Expedition Explorer Ranger Bravada ilhoutte GMC (also Canada. union) Escort (also Mexico) Mercury Mexico) F-Seri e pickup (also Canada [union]. & Pontiac Tran Ram pickup (also Ford port 1exico) Toyota Tacoma pickup Ji mm Safari avana Sonoma pickup Chevrolet CJK pickup (also Canada. union) Suburban (also Mexico) Tahoe (al o Mexico) Mercury Dakota Durango (al o fexico) Talon GMC Sierra pickup (also Canada, union) • Production or th I modrl ha ended. but some ma1 be a1ailable at dealers. # Production or a nr" model Cougar is t-0 i><'gin earl~ in 1998. + \l ade b' G~ l @ \ ladr b1 Foret. Suburban (also Mexico) Yukon (also Mexico) Plymouth Vo ·ager/Grand Voyager (also Canada. union) 1ysttque Ford (al 0 Me}{iCO) Mustang Probe* Taurus Thunderbird * Tracer (also Mexico) Mitsubishi Galant (also Japan) Lincoln Plymouth 'eon (al o Mexico) Conti nental l\1a rk viii Town Car Pontiac Sunfire (also Mexico) Mazda 626 Mercury Toyota Corolla (al o Canada fnonunion/. & Mexico) Cougar# able Mitsubishi Eclip e UNI O N UNION·MADE IN THE U.S. Astro Blazer E.xpre S-1 0 pickup Venture Bonneville Grand Am Grand Prix Corvette Geo Prizm Ma libu Light Trucks &Vans Plymouth Pontiac Chevrolet Light Trucks Isuzu Hombre pickup+ &Vans Breeze Prowler Cirrus ebring Coupe See page 23 for a listing of courses ava11able through June. (*See Below) Per the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Register of September 27, 1994, z-cards with an issuance date ending in the years 0 and 5 should have been renewed in 1995; Those cards expiring in the years 1 and 6 should have been renewed in 1996; Those expiring in the years 2 and 7 should have been renewed in 1997. Chevrolet Cavalier (also Mexico) ~ is 1Hf 11/t\c sr.:HooL. tto" LI~ • uttotaERG ... cerning the status of your zcard, contact your port agent or patrolman. 1998 Renewal Date Chrysler .. 10 oJIGRAf>f ument beside the fingerprint. If you have any questions con- isted here are 1998-model cars. light trucks and vans that are assembled 1X6* AT The .. and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those z-cards without an expiration date, the date of issuance is located on the back of the doc- LABE L AND To Be Certain, Check Labels! here are two label to check on a ne\ car. light truck or van to be certai n where it wa a embled. imple t and quicke L i the "Parts Content In fo rm ation.. sheet required b law to be di pla ed on eac h new ve hi cl e old in t he nlted tate . That label lists. among other thing . the location or the "fi nal a embl poi nt" of each vehicle on \\.hich it i di played. The econd label to check is the Ve hicle Identifi cation umber T SERV I CE TRADES (VI ). If the first character of the 17-character VI i a 1 or a 4, the vehicle wa a embled in the nited tates. The VI is sta mped i n to a small metal pl ate attached to each vehicle's dashboard on the dr iver's s ide, most often near where th e das hboard and th e wind hield meet. Here I what some of the other I fir t character mea n: 2. Canada: 3, Mexico: 9, Braz il ; J . Japan: K. Korea: , England: W, German ; Y, weden; Z. Italy. DEPARTMEN T. AFL - C I O March 1998 �Letters to the Editor (Editor's Note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) Ten Years with SIU Were Happy, Rewarding I dropped out of college to enter the union in 1975. I graduated from class 189 at Piney Point in the winter of 1976 and shipped out as an OS on an old Waterman vessel. After that, I shipped as a messman and one time in the engine department as a wiper. From then on, I sailed in the deck department as an OS and AB. In 1983, I returned to the Lundeberg School and got my third mate's license. My favorite ships were the old boom-type freighters because they gave us lots of port time and allowed me to see a bit of the world. I would like to add that the 10 years I spent sailing with the SIU were some of the happiest and most rewarding years of my life. Going to sea was a great confidence builder for me, and meeting and working with men and women from all walks of life gave me the understanding and people skills that I find useful in my career today. I have made my living as a realtor with Long & Foster in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. since leaving the union in 1985. I also have gone back to college at the University of Maryland to complete my degree with honors in history. I would like to pass on my best wishes to all the brothers and sisters whom I had the pleasure of knowing while sailing with the union. Ross Sutton Silver Spring, Md. In 1979, Sutton was aboard the Mohawk when it sailed with a load of grain to Alexandria, Egypt. Kneeling in front of the Sphinx are Sutton (right), his brother (left) and AB Burlin Pinion (who was, according to Sutton, "without a doubt the finest sailor I ever met.") The Mohawk, a C4, was on its last voyage before going to the boneyard. Know Your Rights LOG-A-RHY1HM The Visitor by Harry T. Scholer A dark April night on the Gulf of Mexico In the sky off to starboard was a bright light aglow We were steering a course past a Florida reef When this outer space visitor first appeared to the chief The men gathered quickly lined up at the rail It was a comet alright with a long icy tail Hale-Bopp we were told to give them their due What a wondrous sight for myself and the crew Night after night as we watched in awe It streaked 'cross the sky then was gone evermore A sailor is witness to some sights while at sea But this comet is one that is special to me For when I was home with my family at night I saw it again what a wondrous sight (Harry T. Scholer of Orlando, Fla. sails as a second mate/barge captain for Maritrans on the tug Independence. This poem is dedicated to all his seafaring brothers and sisters.) March 1998 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, - Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds . SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job _discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 - �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG LIFEBOAT .. SCHOOL CLASS 572 Trainee Lifeboat Class 572-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 572 are (from left, kneeling) Philip Mannino, Thomas Tobin, Latoniay Jackson, Wilbur Williams, Michael Mccasland Jr., Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Donald Williams Jr., Wincell Hightower Jr., Matthew Laughter, Joshua King, Robert Kennedy, Roderick Frazier, James Porchmont, Christopher Jones and Courtney Price. Tanker Familiarization-Upgrading graduates of the January 14 tC)nker familiarization class are (from left, kneeling) Timothy Flynn, Jason Strickler, Richard Jefferson, Heather Tripp, Garth Beattie, Terrance Maxwell, David Arczynski, (second row) Yakov Shubov, Nicole Farrell, Celina Ortega, Curtis Richardson, David DeHart, Joel Patzer, Deronja Clark, (third row) Stephen Stukes, Annie Nodd, Kyotaro Lopez, Carlos Lewis, Jay Manzi, Greg Guay, (fourth row) Mark Jones (instructor), Timothy Kemper, Jon Ledford, Earnest Dillard, Paul Phaneuf, Jeffrey Pope and Jon Folston. Upgraders Lifeboat-SIU members completing the upgraders lifeboat course on February 4 are (from left, front row, sitting) Alton Glapion Jr., Jonathan Driggers, David Puher, (second row) Ronald Johnson, Brian Talley, Ernest Guy, Gene Butson, Jason Monroe, Michael Seyler, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (third row) Marvin Spears, Wesley Daggett, James Orlanda and Woodrow Brown. Radar-Instructor Casey Taylor (left) congratulates students in the radar class ending January 16. From the left next to Taylor are Jeffrey Russo, Stanley Williams and Wendell Kidd. Advanced Firefighting-Earning their advanced firefighting endorsements on February.-5 are (from left, kneeling) John Kelly, Brandy Sheffs, Cara Stinson, Mark Stewart, Lawrence Kunc, James Walker, Kenneth Steiner, Richard Paturel, (second row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Arthur Sheffs, Anthony Jacobson, Alan Less, Jeremie Riehm, Chad Cunningham, Patrick McCarthy, Jill Prescott, John Alamar, (second row), Frank Messick, John Thompson, Steven Hoskins, Charles Lore Jr., Troy Fleming, Charles Clausen, Thomas Flynn and Wendell Kidd. LifeboatJerry Bell (left) is congratulated by his instructor, Ben Cusic, upon completion of the lifeboat class on January 6. Tanker Assistant-Receiving their endorsements from the tanker assistant course on February 20 are SIU members (from left, sitting) Lawrence Banks, Johney August, Jorge Mora, Tyron Dortch, Jim Shaffer (instructor), (second row) John Penrose, Daniel Fowers, Jaime Velasquez, Joseph Colangelo, Lauro Mangahas, Fernando Guity, Robert Johnson, (third row) Chris Amigable, Sirio Centino, Eddie Ebanks, Robert Seaman, James Kelly and Paul Sullivan. 22 Seafarers LOG Romeo Lupinacci, corp. executive chef, is flanked by , two students who completed the chief steward course: Terrance Stowall (left) and McKinley Jones. March 1998 �. Li.!NJlfl~fll,.~~oa~ . "'<• · · ~·.· •.. Safety Specialty Courses ·1998-URliRAOING :COURSE.SCHEDULE ·. ·. Stari D~te - April 27 May2S June 22 April 20 April 24 April 20 April 25 May9 May23 June6 June 20 May4 May18 Junel June 15 April20 May18 .... June 21' 2 ···. May30 July3 April 20 May 18 June 15 Junes July 2 Tankerman (PIC) Barge · Mayll May 15 Water Survival April20 May18 May2 May30 Det:kl/pgrad/ag Courses Start Date Date of Completion April 6 June 1 July 10 Celestial Navigation May4 June 12 Limited License May4 June 26 Course April 18 May5 April 6 ·Advanced Fitetighting Government Vessels May 15 Mays Recertification Programs Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date of Course Date Completion LNG Recertification May4 Fireman/Watertender &Oiler June 12 Steward Recertification June 1 July 10 May18 May29 Date of Completion May4 Jp.peJ. May8 Junes June29 August3 Department Courses S~rt Date of'lf' Date Completion Jones Joly 17 lligh School Equivalency Program (GED) September 12 Juie.15 Joly 10 English as a Second Language (ESL) June 15 or Adult Basic Education (ABE) Joly 24 ·General Education Course8 June29 August7 Self-study Stewarll:-J/pgrading Cours8", Course Start Dates Only' Introduction to Computers Certified Chief Cook/Chief April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15, June 29 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses• Steward/Galley Opel-ations . Ac~demic Start Date - -~ - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _· - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient UPGRADING APPLICATION time to qualify yourself for the course(s) requested. You also must submit a COPY of Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 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 {-card as well as your Lundeberg School identification card Listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Firefighting: Primary language spoken March 1998 D Yes D No CPR: Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D No Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Yes D No 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 3/98 Seafarers LOG 23 �SID Scholarship Program One month remains until the April 15 deadline for scholarship applications. See page 14 to read about previous scholarship winners and how Seafarers and their dependents can attain their educational goals. Aptly Named Global Link Handles Worldwide Work Seafarers Aboard Cable Ship Emphasize Need for Political Activity A recent visit to the cable ship Global link found Seafarers readying the vessel for relocation to a new home port. Formerly based in Baltimore, the vessel was scheduled to sail to St. Croix late last month . No matter where the ship is based, however, it will continue its cable-laying and repair jobs all over the world. "Very often, the jobs take a long time," noted Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda. "We did a six-month cable lay in 1996, then followed up with a repair off Montserrat where a volcano was erupting. More recently, we've done projects between India and Malaysia, plus a repair off of Africa." An 18-year member of the SIU, Maeda added that Global Link crew members are quite mindful of the need for Seafarers to remain active in grassroots political activity. He took the recertification course two years ago while proponents of the U.S .-tlag fleet, including the SIU, were working for passage of the Maritime Security Act. "It was a big relief when the program became law, and I congratulate [SIU President Michael Sacco] for his role in its passage," Maeda stated. "It was a great victory for Mike and the entire industry. "Politics does rule our world, which is why SIU members should support SPAD and get involved in campaigns like the one for the Maritime Security Program." Meanwhile, crew members said the transition of the five SIU-contracted cable ships to Tyco International has gone smoothly. Tyco bought the Global Link and its sister shipsthe Charles L. Brown, Global Mariner, Global Sentinel and Long Lines-from AT&T in 1997. The vessels remain under SIU contract, with an agreement that lasts untii 2001. Deck department members helping prepare the Global Link for its move to a new home port include (from left) Bosun's Mate Bernardo Gruz, AB Robert Bakeman, AB Michael Warren, OS Jose Calix, and ABs Terrence Carmody, Lyle Davis and Sal Gilardi. ABs Sal Gilardi Bakeman bring stores cable ship in Baltimore. Cook/Baker Willie Crear busily serves lunch. SA Tofiq Kennedy keeps the galley shining. PurchasedlastyearbyTyco, the Glob~I - -,=~ g on his work is Link does cable-laying and repair work Chief ook Anthony Bach. all over th~ world. .. Wiper Ruben OeJesus, a 30-year member of the SIU who has 20 years' sea time, says he will retire this summer. Political activity is an indispensable· part of being a Seafarer, states Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda. Bosun Brian lsenstadt demon strates safety on the job. Scrubbing the galley is SA Jarrell Wadsworth. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER WORKERS STEELWORKERS’ RALLY IN SAN FRANCISCO DRAWS ATTENTION TO CF&I/OREGON STRIKE SEAFARERS READY TO SUPPLY TROOPS IN EVENT OF U.S. MILITARY ACTION VERSUS IRAQ COALITION FORMED TO BLOCK PROPOSED NAVIGATIONAL TAX AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CO. ADDS OCEAN BARGE GREAT LAKES SAILING SEASON SET FOR 1998 FIRST PHASE OF ISM CODE TAKES EFFECT JULY 1 SIU-CREWED MSC SHIPS HELP GUAM RECOVER FROM TYPHOON PAKA WORK CONTINUES IN STCW IMPLEMENTATION SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN LATEST INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MEETINGS NAVY LEAGUE HEAD CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT U.S.-FLAG MERCHANT FLEET NY-NJ DREDGING PROGRAM APPROVED USCG ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF COMMAND IMO REGS CALL FOR BALLAST CONTROL PROGRAM KIRBY SELLS 7 TUGS, 7 TANKERS LATEST FEDERAL STATISTICS SHOW UNION MEMBERS’ EARNING POWER ITF SURVEYS SUNKEN REMAINS OF PANAMANIAN-FLAG VESSEL TO ASSIST VICTIMS’ RELATIVES AFL-CIO URGES ACTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL, COMMUNICATIONS MARKETS UPGRADERS SAY TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS GOV’T VESSELS COURSE PLUCKING DANGER FROM CHICKEN METHODS OFFERED BY CHEF ALLAN TO PROMOTE SAFE HANDLING OF FOOD BOSUN DONATES FRONTIER MEMENTOS TO PAUL HALL MEMORIAL LIBRARY COLLECTOR DAN MARCUS NOTES HISTORIC ASPECTS OF STRIKE SIU AFFILIATE SUPPORTS SPECIAL SESSION SO V.I. CAN HONOR CONTRACT MEETING WITH SEAFARERS AROUND NORFOLK ARTICLE DETAILS UNION BUSTERS’ TRICKY TACTICS COMPANIES SPEND BILLIONS TRYING TO QUASH PRO-UNION WORKERS USNS SODERMAN STANDS READY TO SUPPORT U.S. TROOPS ANIT-WORKER FORCES LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SHACKLE POLITICAL EFFORTS DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BUSINESS AND UNION DONATIONS CONTINUES TO EXPAND APTLY NAMED GLOBAL LINK HANDLES WORLDWIDE WORK Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 3 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e09aacbbcf68213d317a0639a2f39e94.pdf ef22c4a5691780ba3d3f92a9e8af9769 PDF Text Text SIONA, NMU Talks Under Way to Broach Alf iliation NMU Holds Convention at Piney Point NMU San Francisco Port Agent Rusty de Rousset (right) thanks Paul Hall Center Safety Instructor Jim Hanson for his presentation when NMU convention delegates toured the facility last month. Looking on is Nick LaForge, who heads the NMU's training programs. Page 3. MTD Calls for Defeat Of Anti-Worker Measures Initiatives and Legislation Pose Major Threat To Unions' Political Action, Exec. Board Warns SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) welcomes AFLCIO President John Sweeney to the meeting last month of the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board. Sweeney, who heads the national federation of trade unions, and Sacco, who also is president of the MTD, sounded critical warnings regarding anti-worker measures which threaten to cripple unions and remove rank-and-file workers from the political process. The board also addressed a number of other topics, including the need for a strong U.S. maritime industry. Pages 3, 7 and 8. MSC Okays Paul Hall Center's Damage Control Curriculum ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page4 �President's Report An Historic Opportunity In this issue of the LOG, there is a very important, historic announcement-that talks are under way for the possible affiliation of the National Maritime Union with our union. This is not a matter to be taken lightly. Throughout the 60 years the SIU has been in existence, our primary rival for jobs and contracts has been the NMU. The members of our unions have fought each other on the docks, in the streets and in the conference rooms to gain an advantage and secure jobs. Now, after this long period of time, there is the Michael Sacco opportunity that all of the unlicensed mariners will be under one international banner. Our two unions are now closer to this goal than at any other time in our history. The talks between the SIU and NMU began several months ago. This is not the first time our two unions have sat down and looked into the possibility of becoming unified. Many of our members will recall reports from as far back as the 1960s with news that SIU and NMU officials were seeing if there was a chance for maritime unity. But these discussions never went very far. However, this new situation is showing signs of change. Last month, the NMU held its 1998 convention at the Paul Hall Center and I addressed the delegates. I reminded them of the rough times our unions had been through and what we could have done if we had been fighting the enemies of U.S.-flag shipping rather than each other. The delegates responded by passing a resolutio11 calling for maritime unity. Brothers and sisters, now that we have announced these talks are taking place, I can tell you what is being discussed. We are looking into bringing the NMU into the ranks of the Seafarers International Union of North America as an affiliate. The example we are attempting to follow is the one used by the Marine Cooks and Stewards in the 1950s. Like the MC&S, the NMU will remain an autonomous union. Just as it does now, the NMU will handle its day-to-day operations and elect its own officials. The only change would be the NMU would come under the protective banner of the SIUNA. And, as the MC&S did in I 978, the NMU would be extended the opportunity to merge if and when all involved believe the time is right. For those of us in the SIU and NMU, this is a remarkable time. It has been a goal many felt could never even get this far. Unfortunately, there are those who would not like to see this happen because they fear the possibilities of a unified unlicensed mariners' union. Such a union would allow us to link arms and fight together for more job security on new ships built in U.S. yards. It would help us move toward safer working conditions and better benefits-not just for American mariners, but for seamen all around the world. Instead of battling each other, our resources, manpower and dollars could be used to fight those who want to sink the U.S.-flag merchant fleet; to destroy our nation's cabotage laws and to scuttle America's security. The SIU is strong and secure for the future. As you have seen in the LOG, we consistently have been adding new jobs aboard new vessels for our membership. And it is with that strength and security that we are sitting down with the NMU and talking about affiliation. I will keep you updated on the progress of these talks. No matter what happens, the best interests of the SIU absolutely will remain my top priority. Listening to the Proceedings ' Among the many officials and guests attending the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting last month were three retired SIU members. Seated from the left are Lois Olson, who sailed in the galley gang; her husband, Recertified Bosun Fred Olson; and Joe Morrison, also a recertified bosun. 1 Volume 60, Number 4 .. April 1998 lbe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN l 086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Progress Continues in ITF Fight Against Runaway-Flag Shipping Cockroft: Publicity May Help Maritime Safety Safety at sea wi11 be improved by boosting the maritime industry's notoriety and establishing minimum standards for ship registers, said the highest ranking official of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, declared the Londonbased alliance of more than 470 transport-related unions throughout the globe, including the SIU, will call attention to the industry by soon launching a British-flag merchant ship that will sail to numerous ports around the world. The ITF planned to acquire a vessel late last month, then send it on a one-year journey coinciding with the 50-year anniversary of the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. "It will be a floating exhibition of the life of seafarers. It's intended to raise the profile of the campaign, but also raise the profile of the entire industry," Cockroft stated at a March meeting of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. Publicizing merchant shipping is vital to improving safety, Cockroft said, because the industry currently suffers from a lack of public awareness. "No stone is left unturned to find out why an airplane crashes. We believe that when seafarers die, when ships disappear and people don't know why, that it should be dealt with in exactly the same way as when an aircraft crashes and people don't know why," he said. Illustrating the point, Cockroft cited the 1996 sinking of the Panamanian-registered cargo ship Cordigliera off the coast of South Africa and the loss of its crew of 29 mariners. For nearly two-anda-half years, the case was not investigated and no compensation was provided by the shipowner or insurer to the crew's dependents. The ITF recently initiated a joint survey with the South African Department of Transport to pinpoint why the vessel sank and spur remuneration to crew members' families. The I 0-day investigation yielded substantial evidence, and it is hoped the case will be solved and the surviving families compensated. "If governments won't do the job looking for those casualties and finding out why, then we're going to shame the governments into doing the job properly," declared Cockroft. He added that the Cordigliera is not an anomaly; the ITF has a caseload of more than 300 mariners who have been killed or seriously hurt but for whom compensation has not been paid or is drastically inadequate. Another focal point for the ITF is working with the International ITF General Secretary Maritime Organization (IMO) to David Cockroft establish rules governing the actions of ship registers. three years, as a starting point," "We don't believe that ship- Cockroft said. "I believe that's the ping registries should be busi- direction in which the IMO is nesses," Cockroft flatly stated. going, supported by the United "We don't believe it should be a States, the European Union, of making money. Canada, Japan, Australia and othway Registering a vessel, regulating a ers." vessel, determining the condiHe acknowledged that while tions and the environment of the the campaign "hasn't achieved its vessel-that is a job for govern- ultimate goal, progress has been ments. It's a regulatory job." made." For example, more than Backing his position, Cockroft 5,000 ships today are covered by described the Liberian registry as ITF contracts which spell out "demonstrating beautifully the minimum standards for wages ludicrousness of the system. This and working conditions. That repis a system where a non-existent resents better than a 150-percent government of a state in a six- increase in the last five years, as year civil war can be one of the fewer than 2,000 vessels were prime maritime nations in the covered in 1993. world-go to IMO meetings, et Moreover, the International cetera, and present their views in Safety Management Code and the context of national sovereignty of 1995 amendments to the InterLiberia. When everybody knows national Convention on Standards [the Liberian registry] is a corpo- of Training, Certification and ration based in Reston, Va. The Watchkeeping for mariners "are system is wrong!" steps in the right direction" The endeavor to implement toward bolstering maritime safety standards that would eliminate, or while penalizing those who break at least radically alter, registries the rules. such as Burma, Vanuatu, St. In addition, Cockroft emphaVincent and many others is only sized that although runaway-flag one part of the ITF's campaign shipping is a "fact of life today," against runaway-flag shipping, the ITF and its affiliates are deteralso known as flag-of-conve- mined to continue making nience (FOC) shipping. Other progress against the scam. elements include the use of more "We think the system stinks," than I 00 ITF inspectors world- Cockroft asserted. "Between the wide (including three SIU repre- nationally based ideal of 100 persentatives), political activity, cent (flag-state ownership, crewing enforcing minimum wages and and earnest regulation) and the working conditions at sea, and mess we've got today, I believe more. there has to be a middle way. There "In an ideal world, I'd like to m·ust be minimum standards and see all FOCs put out of business. everybody has to stick to them." But I'd settle for half being put Continued on page 10 out of business in the next two or Double Eagle Tanker Program Restructured SIU to Crew 4 New Vessels; Shipbuilder Will Exit Commercial Work Under a restructured agreement, Hvide Marine Inc. will acquire four double-hulled tankers constructed at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding, instead of the originally planned five vessels, the company and the shipyard announced last month. Two of the four SIUcrewed "Double Eagle" tankers are scheduled for delivery later this year, while the other two are slated for 1999. Overall, Newport News Shipbuilding will construct six of the nine vessels initially called for in February 1996. (Four originally were earmarked for a Greek company.) When the last tanker is delivered, the yard is quitting the commercial shipbuilding business. It will continue military-contracted work, which currently accounts for a $2.9 billion backlog at the Virginia facility. "We're pleased to have the opportunity to crew four new tankers," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "Considering the entire program at one point appeared in jeopardy, the union's position is that four new ships are a lot better than none." The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) issued a statement noting that the shipyard's decision to exit commercial business due to cost overruns "does not affect the rest of the American shipbuilding industry, which remains interested in and fully capable of doing commercial work." MarAd pointed out that there are $2.3 billion in loan guarantees already approved for commercial ships and almost another $1 billion in pending applications. Meanwhile, Floridabased Hvide said that its four new tankers "will give us the preeminent fleet of new, double-hull petroleum product carriers which respond to the mandate of Congress to ensure the safe transportation of petroleum products in U.S. coastal waters." (The doublehull requirement is a result of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.) The four ships will carry petroleum goods along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Each will be 620 feet long and 120 feet wide, with a speed of 16 knots. April 1998 �2nd Watson Ship Christened New job opportunities for Seafarers continued to arise as the fourth in a series of prepositioning ships being readied for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) was christened February 28 in San Diego. SIU members will crew the USNS Sisler later this year, when the Watson-class vessel joins MSC's Afloat Prepositioning Force. The 950-foot, roll-on/roll-off vessel (RO/RO) will bolster national security as part of a 19ship fleet designed to increase America's sealift capacity. Of those 19, SIU members wi11 crew four Watson-class ships being constructed at NASSCO in San Diego, including the USNS Sisler and the USNS George Watson, which was christened last fall; and four Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, including the USNS Fisher and the USNS Bob Hope, both christened last year. Maersk Limited will operate those eight ships for MSC. Additionally, Seafarers are sailing in the unlicensed positions aboard five converted RO/ROs already in service which are part of the same prepositioning fleet. Those vessels are operated by Bay Ship Management. Meanwhile, charters have not been awarded for the remaining six new builds that are expected to round out the group by the year 2001-three more Watson ships designated for San Diego, and three Bob Hope vessels slated for New Orleans. Speaking at the USNS Sisler christening, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, MSC comContinued on page 5 MTD Urges Members to Repel Attacks Against U.S. Workers Two-Day Board Meeting Deals with Broad Range Of Issues Affecting America's Working Families Calling the campaign being waged by anti-worker forces across the country on a variety of issues an effort "to silence the voice of working people," AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) President Michael Sacco called on the MTD executive board as well as the members of its 32 affiliated unions to fight on to victory "because there's no guarantee we'll get a rematch." Sacco, who also serves as SIU president, opened the annual winter meeting of the MTD executive board, held in Las Vegas on March 16 and 17. He told the board there is a group of lobbyists, businesses and others who "want to knock workers from the political process so they can take even more of the purse for themselves." The board also heard from legislators from both political parties, union representatives, a shipping official and others who provided insight on a variety of issues affecting the lives of working people. Nationwide Fight The MTD president pointed out more than half the states in the country are considering legislation or initiatives designed to limit how unions can participate in elections as well as lobby for their members. ''They're really being sneaky about it. They're calling their legislation 'payche.ck protection' or 'campaign finance reform' or 'giving union members a choice,"' Sacco told the board. ''Those names are a bunch of bull! When you cut through all the tricky titles and look at the facts, you're left with Big Gephardt added, "If the other side can take the voice of working people out of the political process, then they will run it lock, stock and barrel." The board later in the meeting unanimously supported a resolution calling on all union members to defeat such legislation at the local, state and national levels. MTD President Michael Sacco tells members of the MTD executive board that they must repel the anti-labor forces trying to implement laws designed to silence the voices of workers from the political process. - -----Business trying to put a muzzle on rank-and-file workers who are speaking up through their union." AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (DMo.) in separate speeches reminded the board that the recent successful effort to raise the national minimum wage while at the same time defeating measures designed to allow sham company unions and fast-track trade negotiations without labor and environmental concerns, had placed labor squarely in the sites of its enemies. "We have our work cut out for us because we know there are no truth-in-advertising laws when it comes to politics," noted Sweeney. "What we . must do is inform and educate our members and the public about the common characteristics of these initiatives if we are to defeat them." For additional MTD coverage. see pages 7, 8. Other BatUes Ahead But that was not the only issue dealing with working families addressed at the meeting. The executive board urged federal and state governments to consider the economic effect on employees as well as the general public when dealing with utility deregulation. It cited the need for stronger labor laws to protect workers' right to organize after reviewing the five-year battle at the Avondale (La.) Shipyard following the overwhelming support of the employees to unionize. It called on Congress to provide adequate funding for the nation's highways, ports, bridges and other infrastructure to keep America's transportation network in peak condition. Other resolutions adopted by the MTD executive board dealt with maritime safety, the sealift charter and build program, Medicare, workfare and the need to further raise the national minimum wage, the international battle to end runaway-flag shipping and the need to defeat the merger of telecommunications giants MCI and WorldCom. The 32-member unions of the MTD represent approximately 8 million working men and women in maritime-related jobs. With balloons and streamers flying, the USNS Sisler, the fourth in a series of prepositioning ships being readied for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, rolls off the dock into the water at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif. during christening ceremonies. SIU-contracted Maersk Limited will operate the vessel. SIONA, NMU Announce Initial Talks Under Way Aimed at Affiliation Maritime history was made last month on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education when the presidents of the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) and the National Maritime Union (NMU) announced initial talks were under way to affiliate the NMU with the SIUNA. Since the founding of the NMU in 1937 and the SIUNA a year later, the statement marks the closest the two organizations have ever come to establishing their ultimate goal of one union representing all unlicensed mariners. It is an outgrowth of a resolution passed March 27 by NMU convention delegates calling for maritime unity. That one-page NMU document acknowledged previous calls over the years for unity among the seagoing workers and noted "some form of affiliation eventually leading to merger with another maritime union would be in the best interest of the membership." In his remarks before the NMU convention (which took place at the center in Piney Point, Md.), SIUNA President Michael Sacco reminded the officials and delegates how the SIUNA and NMU had been fighting each other for decades, while the enemies of the U.S.-flag fleet were taking apart the industry. "Imagine the resources we would have had to fight them if we had not been so busy going at each other," stated Sacco. NMU President Rene Lioeanjie informeq the SIUNA president and the delegates that the convention would include discussions about where the NMU and the U.S.-flag industry were headed in order to ensure a solid future. The convention announced its vision through the resolution entitled "Maritime Unity." After the resolution had been Continued on page 5 Sacco Reaffirms U.S. Ships Ready to Assist Troops When Needed During his opening remarks to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department's (MTD) executive board meeting, MTD President Michael Sacco reaffirmed the organization's commitment to work with the U.S. armed forces whenever and wherever they are ca11ed to duty. "I want to state for the record that I support President Clinton's actions during the current crisis involving Iraq," Sacco, who also is SIU president, said on March 16. April 1998 "More importantly, the affiliates of the Maritime Trades Department are ready, willing and able to deliver the goods to our troops and provide whatever other help is needed, as soon as the word is given. "So, Mr. President, the message is: We're ready when you are!" As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the possibility of hostilities had quelled. However, Seafarerscrewed vessels around the world remained ready in case they were called to assist U.S. troops. SIUNA President Michael Sacco discusses the need for the Seafarers and National Maritime Union to work together to help the U.S.-flag fleet, during his remarks to the NMU convention. Listening is NMU President Rene Lioeanjie. Seafarers LOG 3 �MSC Approves Damage Control Curriculum at Paul Hall Center Kyrm Hickman (right), MSC's training administrator, takes a firsthand look at the Paul Hall Center's damage control training February 18 in Piney Point, Md. At Hickman's right is Bill Eglinton, the center's director of vocational education. Joining them is Mark Cates, instructor of the damage control class. Capt. Pr~ises B~~a. Cre~ Soderman Aids Prepositioning Ship Noteworthy seamanship and fortuitous timing helped two SIUcrewed Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels make the best of a challenging situation. On November 5, 1997, the prepositioning ship 2nd Lt John P. Bobo ran aground off the coast of Spain after being hit by what MSC described as a sudden and "extremely strong storm." "In the days following the grounding, the deck department, engine department and steward department performed feats of seamanship and showed a dedication to duty that was beyond belief," noted Bobo Captain John F. Maytum, an SIU hawsepiper. He specifically cited the quick, safe · transfer of materiel ashore and to another ship chartered by MSC, plus a similarly well-done movement of ballast to refloat the Bobo. (See Captain Maytum's letter to the editor, page 21.) MSC pointed out that because the ship, which needed hull repairs, had been "working as an integral part of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron One carrying U.S. Marine Corps supplies and equipment, Bobo needed fast, readily available storage for its cargo." Once the Bobo 's ammunition had been moved to the chartered Univalle, a Dutch-flag cargo ship, and the rest of the materiel had been transferred ashore, the agency focused on finding a longer-term solution. Enter the USNS Soderman, a newly converted roll-on/roll-off vessel ready for full activation. "By sailing Soderman to Spain, the vessel would get a better shakedown as well as save the costs of leasing Univalle," MSC said in a news relea5e. "Due to security and readiness concerns, the operational commander in Europe preferred having (all ot) Bobo 's equipment stored aboard a ship. · "In addition, several of the upcoming large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships, or LMSRs, are coming on-line a few months ahead of schedule. The first group will be used to preposition U.S. Army equipment and supplies afloat. Thus, MSC saw a way of using Soderman to everyone's advantage and without interfering with the current Army load-out plans." ''We saved money, we did a much more intensive work-up period with Soderman and we ensured proper storage of U.S. military equipment aboard a U.S. ship," stated John Henry, MSC's Army Prepositioning Project officer. The Soderman sailed to Spain in January and by January 24 had taken on all of the Bobo's materiel. Meanwhile, the Bobo is expected to return to service by next month. The 2nd Lt John P. Bobo, an SIU-crewed Military Sealift Command vessel, is expected to return to service next month following hull repairs. 4 Seafarers LOG Following a thorough analysis, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) formally has approved the damage control class offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This authorization will help enable Seafarers to meet the training requirements for sailing aboard military-contracted vessels. In a letter confirming the approval, MSC Director of Personnel Chuck Schoen told Paul Hall Center officials, "My representatives were most impressed by all the efforts the SIU is taking in regard to the training of your mariners." J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, pointed out that MSC's approval is retroactive to the fall of 1997. Therefore, any Seafarers who have taken damage control at the Paul Hall Center since that time, either as part of the government vessels course or as a stand-alone module, meet the damage control certification requirement for mariners sailing aboard military-contracted ships. MSC officials inspected the school twice and also conducted The school's damage control curriculum includes plenty of handson training (photo above and at right), as demonstrated by Seafarers who took the course earlier this year. off-site meetings as part of the agency's review of the damage control program. The Lundeberg School's damage control training blends classroom instruction with hands-on exercises. Included in the curriculum are definitions and explanations of watertight integrity; identification of responsibilities and procedures for care of injured personnel; descriptions of the typical structure for a repair party; weighing the pros and cons of different sound-powered circuits; preventive maintenance of watertight components; vessel compartment identification; use of pumps and smoke-removing gear; patching and plugging; shoring, permanent and temporary pipe repairs, and more. Sealarers Start Lakes Season s c Fo 11 owmg . the most success- ful Great Lakes sailing campaign since the 1970s, Seafarers last month signed on a number of vessels as the 1998 season got under way. Fitout for some of the ships began in mid-March, near the end of a mild winter. Other SIUcrewed vessels operating on the Great Lakes tentatively were scheduled to begin crewing anywhere from early this month to early June. Seafarers who ply lakes Michigan, Superior, Erie and Ontario aboard lakers should contact the Algonac, Mich. union hall for fitout information. Last month, SIU members signed onto American Steamship Co.'s Walter J, McCarthy, American Mariner, H. Lee White, Buffalo, Charles E. . , n d.cana rrc 1son, t. 1acr, Harbor, American Republic, Sam wud and John J. Boland; Erie Sand's Richard Reiss; U.S. Steel's Presque Isle; and Inland Lakes Management's Alpena and Iglehart. Seafarers also signed on board Cement Transit's Medusa Challenger April 1. Traditionally, engine and steward department members are the first to climb the gangways as fitout begins. The engine crew carries out any needed repairs and refills pipes that were emptied during layup, while the steward department orders stores and handles other preparations. Deck department members usually sign on within a few days, and the vessels get under way two or three days later. 11,. Aii m . ct·1cat1ons . are that the new sailing season will see continued strong demand for commodities on the Great Lakes. Last year, vessels moved more than 125 million tons of cargo, representing an 8 million-ton increase from 1996. The total marked a 20-year high for the Great Lakes Jones Act trade. The highest-volume materials moved on the Lakes typically are coal, iron ore and stone, which are utilized in steel production. Almost 75 percent of the nation's steel is manufactured throughout the Great Lakes basin. During layup, several Seafarers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. (see page 9). Avondale CEO Must Apologize to Workers NLRB Orders Shipyard to Pay $3 Million in Back Wages The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last month ordered the head of Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans to personally read a cease and desist order to 4, l 00 current and former shipyard employees, rehire 28 fired workers, rescind disciplinary measures taken against 15 others and pay more than $3 million in back wages. Received by the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, the 700-page order covers hundreds of actions by Avondale since workers at the shipyard voted in June 1993 to be represented by unions. Subsequent to the election, Avondale has used stalling tactics and other maneuvers to deny representation to its employees, even though the prounion vote was 1,804 to 1,263. Besides what is covered in the recent NLRB ruling, the AFL-CIO (the national federation of trade unions, of which the SIU is a member) notes that many other charges of firings and various inappropriate disciplinary actions against union supporters are impending in the NLRB and in the U.S. Court of Appeals. Altogether, this is the largest case in NLRB history. The attorney handling the case for the Metal Trades Department, Bill Lurye, said the NLRB decision "affirms what we have alleged all along-that the company has violated the law in just about every conceivable fashion." John Meese, president of the department, said that although he is heartened by the NLRB ruling, further penalties are needed to provide justice for the shipyard workers. "If [Avondale CEO Albert Bossier] were held personally and financially liable for the damage he has done, we would probably see an end to this reprehensible behavior," Meese stated. "As long as Avondale gets away with spending government tax dollars to frustrate the organizing rights of its workers, Avondale is going to continue breaking the law with impunity." The department has urged Congress and the U.S. Navy to explore Avondale's alleged use of funds from Navy shipbuilding contracts to resist pro-union activities at the facility. According to published reports, Avondale has more than $10 billion in such contracts. In issuing the NLRB ruling last month, Judge David L. Evans cited Avondale's "egregious misconduct, demonstrating a general disregard for the employees' fundamental rights .... The quality and severity of unfair labor practices found herein, combined with [Avondale's] simultaneous refusal to bargain with the union ... requires special remedies." April 1998 �West Coast VP McCartney to Retire; Board Names Nick Marrone to Post George McCartney, the only West Coast vice president in SIU history, informed the union he will retire July 1. He will be succeeded by Nick Marrone, who has served the union in many capacities, the SIU executive board announced. "I wi11 remain available to help the SIU any way I possibly can, and will continue working with the California Labor Federation, the San Francisco Maritime Port Council, the American Merchant Marine Veterans, the San Francisco Labor Council and other associations," said McCartney, 67. A native of New York City, McCartney worked as a longshoreman before starting his SIU sailing career in 1948. He helped organize Cities Service and served as department delegate aboard most of the ships on which he sailed. McCartney sailed in all three departments, though most frequently in the engine department. His last ship was the SS Frances in 1960. Later that year, he came ashore as a patrolman in New York. Subsequently, he worked in a number of jobs for the SIU, including port agent in New York, Seattle and Wilmington, Calif. In 1980, he was elected as headquarters representative, and a year later became the union's first West Coast vice president. McCartney was appointed to that position by the late SIU President Frank Drozak; had the appointment approved by the SIU Executive Board; and has been reelected to the post a number of times. "George is 100 percent SIU. He is extremely dedicated to the membership, and I'm glad he will remain available to assist us, even in retirement," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. Like McCartney, Marrone has held a variety of The Military Sealift Command has imposed a mandatory requirement that all merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag military vessels deployed to the Persian Gulf must receive anthrax vaccinations. The vaccination is a series of six shots given over an 18-month period. Following announcements by the union's executive board, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Paul Hall Center Acting Vice President Nick Marrone (right) congratulate SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (center) on his upcoming retirement. Marrone will succeed McCartney this summer. positions within the union. Marrone graduated from the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. in 1975, then sailed in the deck department until the late 1970s. He became a Lundeberg School instructor, then served as a patrolman in St. Louis and as port agent in Paducah, Ky. and Piney Point. Later, Marrone headed the SIU's legislative affairs department. From 1990 through 1995, he worked as the administrator of the Seafarers Welfare, Pension and Vacation plans. He has spent approximately the last two years serving as the acting vice president of the Lundeberg Schoo], located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Navigational Tax Hits Congressional Hazards Senate and House members have expressed concern during U.S. Coast Guard budget hearings last month about a proposed navigational assistance tax that would be placed on commercial vessels plying the domestic waterways. The SIU is part of a coalition of maritime unions, shipping companies, shippers, port authorities and others opposed to the tax, which is estimated to raise $750 million in its first five years. The coalition has pointed out several factors that could make its ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS ABOARD SIU-CONTRACTED MILITARY VESSELS implementation illegal, including the Coast Guard does not have the authorization to propose the tax. During a March 5 hearing of the House Appropriations' Transportation Subcommittee, Chairman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) specifically questioned the agency's ability to impose t~e tax. Two other subcommittee membersReps. Sonny Callahan (R-Ala.) and David Obey (D-Wis.)-noted they would have trouble supporting the tax. The Coast Guard's proposal met similar resistance on the other side of Capitol Hill. Chairman Richard Shelby (RAla.) of the Senate's Appropriations' Transportation Subcommittee said during a March 20 hearing he "was not interested in enacting any new user fees," as the Coast Guard is calling the tax. A week earlier, Chairman Olympia Snowe CR-Maine) stated her worry for the proposal during a hearing before the Senate Oceans and Fisheries Subcommittee, claiming the tax would "raise the cost of maritime transportation." These shots will be administered by the OPP Medical Officer. A similar order regarding military personnel already is being implemented. Further details have been sent to ships' chairmen aboard SIU-contracted military vessels. USNS Sisler Christened Continued from page 3 mander, expressed confidence in the men and women who wi11 sail aboard the massive vessel. "The American merchant mariners who will crew the USNS Sisler will steam this aircraft-carriersized ship hard on every mission. They will take her into harm's way if need be, as our merchant mariners have done since the Revolutionary War. ... This ship will make a difference," stated Perkins. According to MSC, the newly christened vessel can exceed 24 knots, has a maximum beam of about 106 feet and possesses nearly 400,000 square feet of cargo space-an area greater than eight football fields. It can transport "an entire U.S. Army Armored Task Force, · including 58 tanks, 48 other tracked vehi- cles and more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles," the agency reported. Estimated time needed both to load and unload the ship is 96 hours. As with the other 18 ships in or scheduled for the strategic sealift program, the USNS Sisler is named in tribute to a U.S. Anny Medal of Honor recipient. First Lt. George "Ken" Sisler in February 1967 was a platoon leader in Vietnam when the enemy attacked. He bravely aided two injured members of the platoon, at one point single-handedly thwarting a heavy attack by a superior enemy force. He continued moving about the field directing air strikes on enemy positions until he was mortally wounded. Lt. Sisler's widow, sister and granddaughter participated in the christening ceremonies. Initial Talks Under Way ta Affiliate SIUNA and NMU Continued from page 3 adopted and released, Sacco said officials from the two unions have been talking with each other about the NMU affiliating with the Seafarers International Union of North America. "What this would mean, if the NMU affiliates with the SIUNA, is the NMU would remain an autonomous union-running its daily operations and electing its own officials. They would come under the umbrella of the SIUNA," Sacco pointed out. During the three-day NMU convention which convened March 25, that union's officials and delegates stayed in the center's hotel, toured the facilities of the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (which is located within the center) and talked with upgrading Seafarers. "For most of the delegates and officials, this was the first time they had seen the Paul Hall Center," Sacco noted. "They were very impressed with the facility, with the training that is offered and with the way our members conducted themselves both in and out of the cJassrooms." "These brothers and sisters from the NMU said it was better than anything they had heard," he added. As noted earlier, some form of talks to bring the SIUNA and NMU together have taken place at various times since the American NMU delegates and officials tour the SIU's manpower office located at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth (right) explains how the office works. April 1998 Federation of Labor (AFL) merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1955. Prior to 1935, a11 labor unions were affiliated with the AFL. However, John L. Lewis of the Mine Workers resigned from the federation when delegates to the AFL convention failed to adopt a resolution calling for the creation of industry-based rather than craft-based unions. Lewis formed the CIO with the support of about a dozen other unions. During this time, mariners were affiliated with an organization known as the International Seamen's Union (ISU), which at its height after World War I was headed by Andrew Furuseth. After having more than I 00,000 members within its ranks, the ISU had fallen to less than 3,000 in the 1930s. In 1937, the ISU disbanded. The National Maritime Union was created in its wake and affiliated with the CIO. The AFL formed a temporary seaman's union, which in 1938 was chartered under the leadership of Harry Lundeberg as the SIUNA. Through the decades, the two unions have battled on the waterfront to obtain jobs aboard U.S.flag vessels for their members. John Mason from ASTI welcomes NMU officials and delegates, including V.P. Kate Hunt (seated right), to the Paul Hall Center's firefighting and safety classroom. Many a confrontation was fought with fists, bricks and bats. But through it all, the SIU and NMU were able to work with each other on some issues, including the international effort to expose runaway-flag shipping which was taking American maritime jobs overseas. In the 1960s, '70s and '80s, under the tenure of Paul Hall and Frank Drozak, the SIUNA engaged in preliminary talks with NMU officials to bring the unions together. NMU Executive V.P.rrreasurer Nero Threat (left) and V.P. John Cameron look at some of the maritime records displayed in the Paul Hall Center's library. Seafarers LOG 5 �Recertif i~d Stewards Assume Leadership Roles 11 Recent Graduates Are Ready to Disseminate Knowledge at Sea With support from their families, friends and fellow Seafarers, 11 SIU members who successfully completed the five-week steward recertification program received their diplomas at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Sailing from eight different ports across the country, the 11 stewards are now "the eyes, ears and voice of the union at sea," touted Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, who presented the graduation certificates to Ngoc , r. I the port of Norfolk, is now looking forward to returning to a ship to show M!., ,- ·~· , what he has learned. 1 I" Ti U1 ' Edward Winne is certain that the skills and knowledge he has gained from the program will help him aboard ship in so many ways. The 58year-old was a member of the Marine Cooks & Stewards union in 1964, some I 4 years before that union merged with the SIU. He now sails . from the port of New York. "I would recommend this school to Allen, Michael L. Baker, Alan W. anyone who wishes to make shipping Bartley, Tommy Belvin, Sergio his or her career," Winne stated. "The Castellanos, Franklyn J. Cordero, days of wooden ships and iron men Angel B. Correa, Michael F. are gone. Today and in the future, we Hammock, John Holtschlag Jr., Meeting with SIU President Michael Sacco (fifth from right) on a visit to the headquarters building in will need double hulls and educated Kenneth Long and Edward C. Camp Springs, Md. are members of the recertified steward class who received their graduation certifi- men and women to crew the ships. cates at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. From the left are Michael F. Hammock, This school can give the education that Winne. "Every ship has a committee with a Edward C. Winne, Alan W. Bartley, Ngoc T. Allen, Franklyn J. Cordero, Tommy Belvin, Kenneth Long, is needed." In words of encouragechairman and delegates," Tellez con- Sacco, John Holtschlag Jr., Sergio Castellanos, Angel B. Correa and Michael L. Baker. ment to the unlicensed apprentices, tinued. "And what we try to do in this Winne said, "When you join the SIU, program is help the recertified stewards upgraded at the Lundeberg School. She has why Seafarers need to maintain the highest you join a family, a family that cares about learn how to become leaders aboard ship sailed from the port of Mobile since 1988, level of education offered to us here at the you." by promoting unity and exchanging ideas." and recommends returning to Piney Point Paul Hall Center-to ensure that our jobs During the five-week session, the I I Upon receiving their diplomas, each of to all those members who want to learn and continue to set an example to merchant recertified stewards received more than just seamen around the world of the highest new recipe ideas, sanitation methods and the students had an opportunity to say a achieve job security. standards of safety and job training." Michael Baker said he was very proud few words to the audience of fellow union modern cooking techniques. Refresher to reach this point in his career and also to Castellanos gave special recognition courses in CPR, first aid and firefighting members, upgraders and unlicensed apprentices. All expressed their utmost represent the port of San Francisco. "I have and thanks to his wife, Jioia de Leon, also were required of the students in order to thanks to the union and its officials, to the had the opportunity to be taught by a fine an SIU member, for her strong support. successfully complete the program. They school and its instructors and especially to instructor," the 36-year-old noted. "Chef Of great importance to Franklyn also received training in the school's comAllan [Sherwin] has been very motivating Cordero, 44, was the instruction he puter center, which will assist them in Chef Allan Sherwin for his guidance. Ngoc Allen, 47, believes that, with this and willing to share his knowledge. I hope received from Chef Allan in cooking preparing menus and ordering stores, and training, she will be able to do her job bet- I can take this experience with me and preparation and sanitation basics, but he visited the union's headquarters in Camp ter. She especially found the computer become a better Seafarer." also found the classes in social responsibil- Springs, Md., where they met with repreThis is the third time Baker has come to ity and union affairs to be very informative. sentatives of the SIU's contracts, commuclass helpful and knows it will be of great the school for upgrading since he joined This was the third time Cordero has nications, government affairs and welfare, use in preparing shipboard menus. This is not the first time Ngoc has the union in 1986. He says, "Piney Point upgraded at the school since joining the training, vacation and pension fund departhas given me the opportunity to further my SIU in 1972 in New York. ments. goals. Without upgrading, your choices It was a "job well done" for the I 1 new For Angel Correa, who joined the union and job security are limited." in Philadelphia in 1966 and now sails from shipboard leaders who graduated last Alan Bartley, who sails from the port of month from the bosun recertification proHouston, started his SIU career as a trainee the port of Jacksonville, the opportunity to gram-the highest curriculum available at upgrade to recertified steward was in 1981. This is the seventh time the 37extremely rewarding. "I always work hard the Paul Hall Center for Seafarers who sail year-old has been at the Lundeberg School and try to do the best job I can," the 54- in the steward department. These men and to upgrade his skills. "I would like to thank year-old stated, "because I like what I do." women are now better prepared for their all past and present staff members of the Correa found the refresher courses in jobs and more knowledgeable about their Harry Lundeberg School," he stated, "for CPR and first aid to be useful, and he is union, and are ready to pass on what they all I have learned here." Of special interest anxious to return to sea to show off some of have learned to their fellow shipmates. to Bartley this time was learning how the his new recipes and new ways of cooking union works and interacts with Congress. that he learned with Chef Allan. And he looks forward to returning to the Additionally, Correa urged the unlischool. censed apprentices and other SIU members Tommy Belvin, 47, expressed his deep to attend upgrading classes in Piney Point satisfaction at accomplishing a goal. "This is our day," he said to his fellow graduates. because "the better job we do on the ships, Belvin, who sails from the port of the more we keep what we have and the Tacoma, thanked the seven members of his more new jobs we get." Michael Hammock, 41, noted that his family who attended last month's ceremofive weeks of class was one of the best ny for their support and gave his best wishtimes he has had. "I learned a lot of differes to the unlicensed apprentices who will ent ways to cook," he said, "but the people soon follow in his footsteps. in my class made the real difference. They "The most important lessons I will take were great to learn with ... You're never too with me and which will have the greatest old to learn." impact when I return to work," stated 37This was the third upgrading course for year-old Sergio Castellanos, "are the new Hammock, who joined the SIU in 1973 in Ngoc Allen (above) evenly slices the mushtechniques, recipes and galley sanitation New York. rooms needed for her recipe, while Tommy guidance that we learned in Chef Allan's Belvin (below) uses the proper procedure to Refresher courses in CPR and first aid are John Holtschlag, 55, dedicated his class." filet a fish. part of the steward recertification curricudiploma from the steward recertification Castellanos, who joined the SIU in St. lum. Above, Michael Hammock practices class to his mother, who died last his resuscitation technique while being Louis and now sails from Tacoma, also November just as he received word that he prompted by instructor Stormie Combs. noted that the "STCW class helped explain had been admitted to the program. He joined in SIU in July 1983 in Honolulu and has returned to Piney Point twice before to attend upgrading classes. "This is one of the happiest days of my life," he told the audience upon receiving his diploma. "There have been a lot of changes since I was here 10 years ago," he said, specifically mentioning the computer center and culinary lab. To the trainees in attendance, he said, "For better jobs and job security, I would recommend returning to Piney Point the first chance you get." Kenneth Long, 39, thanked "the caring people" at the Lundeberg School for the opportunities he was afforded during the Training in the Lundeberg School's computer center will assist the recertified stewards in recertification class. Long, who sails from preparing menus and ordering stores while aboard ship. 6 Seafarers LOG . . , ,J . J' l . . April 1998 �MTD Speakers Hone Consistent Theme: Anti-Worker Campaign Measures Must Be Defeated Nationwide With more than half the states considering some type of legislation that could limit the ability of working people to participate in politics or government affairs, the executive board of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) called on its 32-member unions, through a resolution , to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters in the labor movement in fighting all attempts by business groups to put a muzzle on the legitimate voice of American workers." MTD President Michael Sacco noted the seriousness of this issue when he devoted most of his opening remarks at the MTD's winter executive board meeting to the campaign being waged in Washington, D.C. and in various state capitals around the country to defeat measures that would place limits or restrictions on how union money could be used in the political process. "It boils down to this: Antiworker corporations, businesses and lobbyists have launched a vicious nationwide effort to silence the voice of unions in the political process," Sacco stated at the start of the two-day meeting in Las Vegas. "When you cut through all the tricky titles and look at the facts, you're le ft with Big Business try ing to put a muzzle on rank-andfile workers who are speaking up through their unions. These antiunion extremists want to gag the voice of working people, including those right here in Nevada and next door in California," he added, mentioning two of the 29 states where legislation has been filed or where ballot initiatives are being sought. By the end of March, forces friendly to working people had .., defeated anti-union measures in Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia. Focus on California However, as several speakers noted during the board meeting, the prime battleground is California, where a statewide ballot initiative (Proposition 226) will be voted upon June 2. Attacking the 'innocent' sounding name of Proposition 226 (the Paycheck Protection Act), House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) mockingly asked, "Who's not for protecting paychecks? "But, if you read the fine print, you find out this is clearly designed by the other side to take you out of the process," stated the highest ranking Democrat in the U.S . House of Representatives. "This is a fight about who gets the money-a political fight. If the other side can take the voice of working people out of the political process, then they will run it lock, stock and barrel," Gephardt declared. Seek to Cripple Unions AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the filing of these measures was the way the antiunion corporations and lobbyists "thanked" working people for fighting to increase the national minimum wage and to defeat bills that would have allowed phony company unions to be recognized and permit fast-track trade negotiations without including provisions for workers and the environment. Sweeney noted the real focus of the many measures-no matter if they are called 'paycheck pro- ~ MTD President Michael Sacco (left) and House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt confer before the congressman urged the MTD executive board to defeat anti-worker campaign spending proposals. April 1998 Calling anti-worker legislation a "dishonest proposal," AFL-CIO Asst. to the President Gerald Shea tells the MTD executive board the labor federation is working across the country to stop these bills. tection,' 'campaign finance reform ' or 'choice for union members ' -is "to single out the unions and cripple our legitimate right to use union dues money for legislative and political action." The head of the national federation of trade unions went on to say, "For maritime unions, these proposals would deny us the clout we need to defend everything we cherish from the Jones Act to OSHA (the Occupational Health and Safety Administration), Medicare, Social Security and the list is long. They certainly would dilute our ability to muster votes for issues." Adding to Sweeney's remarks was Gerald Shea, who serves as the assistant to the AFL-CIO president for government affairs. "This is a dishonest proposal. It doesn't protect people's paychecks. It eliminates the only organization that consistently and with a loud, steady voice speaks for working families. "Only unions have the resources to do it on a consistent and persistent basis. And this would take our organizational ability to do that out," Shea stated. Workers 'Underestimated' U .S. Senator Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.) urged the MTD executive board members to battle against these measures just as their predecessors had fought for workers' rights. He pointed out the voice of working people is needed to set the national priority of rebuilding America's infrastructure, such as AFL-CIO President John Sweeney notes maritime unions would be hard hit if measures like California's Proposition 226 pass. ports, roads, bridges and schools. Noting some early polls showing the anti-union measures are ahead in some states, Torricelli stated, "Working people have been underestimated so very many times. This country is ours." Former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh called on the executive board to rally its members into the 1998 political process. Bayh, who sailed with the SIU in 1976 aboard the Sea-Land Resource, reminded the audience that those proposing the legislation "want to roll back the clock on the rights of working men and women across the United States. That's one of the reasons this election is so vitally important because if we lose this one, our ability to fight for those things that we believe in for the men and women who count on us to represent them would be hamstrung for years and years to come." Utility Deregulation Needs to Include Concerns of Workers and Consumers The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board called on state and federal legislators to carefully consider the consequences on workers as well as consumers when drafting and adopting measures to deregulate the utilities industries . The board, meeting March 16 and 17 in Las Vegas for its winter session, heard from James L . Dushaw, who serves as utility department director for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), one of 32 unions within the MTD. Following his remarks, the board adopted a resolution urging trade unionists and utility consumers to be aware of what governmental bodies are considering for the industry and to defeat measures that will harm workers and consumers. Dushaw pointed out that since Congress allowed the states to look into deregulating the electric power industry in 1992, "industry has downsized to this date about 25 percent of the people involved in electricity operations ." If this trend continues, he said, consumers cannot expect the same high-quality service they have been used to receiving. The IBEW official stated the issue of utility deregulation is "an extremely complex subject." While all the details have not been worked out, he noted the utility industry is going to change. In the states where deregulation is taking place, Dushaw said energy companies are displaying their own studies that show it will save consumers money. However, . srritJJ..~ rrtffl. 61~ ~I> . ~~ p$tC1'Y, i!fJil AiiiCt JitlflW'ticfd , ~ M1lel'6 ftttlflrlel ~Ct Hct.d EiTy Holding a brochure that describes what could happen to America's electricity consumers should utility deregulation occur without regard to safety and access, IBEW Utility Dept. Director James Dushaw urges the MTD executive board to fight for legislation that will protect workers and those who depend on the power at home and in their businesses. he referred to an independent study-conducted by the Research Data Institute of Denver, which deals strictly with statistical information on utility and power supplies-that concluded prices for consumers will increase an average of 3 to 5 percent within five years of deregulation's implementation. (To date, that is the Ione independent study on this issue.) Dushaw declared the campaign being waged to convince those who use electricity to support deregulation because of its supposed cost savings will be "one of the biggest scams perpetrated on the American consumers and we need to do something about it." He thanked the MTD for already being involved in the Alliance to Protect Electricity Consumers-a national coalition of industry, labor and consumer organizations to ensure the positive resolution of consumer issues related to electric industry deregulation. In its resolution, the MTD executive board stated "any changes must be made slowly and with due consideration to safety, reliability, universal access and adequate staffing." The resolution further noted, "The preponderance of initiatives on the state and federal levels are being driven by greedy, self-serving interests. When primary investment considerations become profit driven, safety and reliability are bound to suffer." In closing his remarks, Dushaw added, "Reliability could be jeopardized without a we11trained and rewarded workforce." Seafarers LOG 7 �MarAd, Shipping, Elected Officials Pledge To Continue Fight for Strong U.S. Fleet The head of the U.S. Maritime Administration, the president of BP Oil Shipping Co., USA and the chairman of the House Resources Committee were among those who addressed the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board's winter meeting last month, pledging to continue the fight for a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine. While presenting different maritime concerns to the board, which is composed of officials from the MTD's 32 member trade unions (including the SIU) representing approximately 8 million workers, John Graykowski, Steve Marshall and Don Young (RAlaska) all said work must continue to keep the U.S.-flag commercial fleet strong and viable into the next century. ''There are a lot of people out there who believe as I do in the value of this industry and what we mean to the country," Graykowski, the acting Maritime Administrator, told the board. He blasted those who would "replace U.S. taxpaying-citizen jobs-skilled labor folks who have built their entire lives, and spent many generations in some cases, building businesses-with foreign crews and foreign companies competing on a totally different scale, subsidized by God knows how many tax breaks and labor breaks and every other break you can get. "They are gambling with the future and security of this country," Graykowski added. He charged the executive board to work with the Maritime Administration to carry the message to the country that the U.S.flag fleet is strong, vital and needed so that new maritime policies that will help the fleet can be proposed and enacted. Like Graykowski, BP's Marshall also spoke of a partnership that is helping the U.S.-flag fleet. He told the board how his company worked with the SIU and union-contracted Maritime Overseas Corporation to obtain passage of legislation allowing the export of Alaskan crude oil aboard U.S.-flag tankers, which brought back to life tankers that had been tied up. "We haven't stopped there," Marshall noted. "We've built on that success and today our partnership with the Seafarers is The enemies of the U.S. merchant fleet "are gambling with the future and security of this country," Maritime Administrator John Graykowski tells the MTD board. Steve Marshall, president of BP Oil Shipping Co., USA, praises the ability of the maritime businesses and labor to work together for the benefit of the industry. While showing the audience his speech will be short, Rep. Don Young's address was long on the value and need for a strong U.S.flag fleet. stronger than ever. To me, this is a very positive commentary on how far we've progressed together." In his remarks, Representative Young addressed how the maritime industry has moved forward by working with others to not only secure the Alaskan oil bill but also preserve the Jones Act and pass the Maritime Security Program. He asked the audience to imagine what would happen if the nation's cabotage laws were repealed and "a bunch of rustbuckets from China or Panamanian area" sailed into Alaska's waters and lost their cargo. "Who would they respond to?" the congressman queried. Young said the citizens of Alaska have benefited from maritime laws like the Jones Act, which ensures "having Americanmade ships, built by American people, with American crews sailing aboard those ships." The only licensed merchant mariner serving in Congress then noted the commercial fleet is an important part of America's infrastructure which needs to be rebuilt along with the ports, roads, bridges, schools and other facilities. "America was made great by the working sweat and blood of the men and women of this country. That's where our strength comes from. We must go forward in this society, not backwards,'' Young said. The urgency for dredging can be found in all major U.S. ports, according to Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.). MTD Vice President William Zenga reports dredging will begin soon in the port of New York and New Jersey. International Unity Brings Successes In ITF's Runaway-Flag Campaign While the battle to expose and eliminate runaway-flag shipping has been waged for 50 years, the general secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) told the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department executive board during its winter meeting last month that some victories are being scored. David Cockroft, who heads the London-based organization which consists of more than 470 transportation-related unions (including the SIU) from approximately 120 countries, noted these triumphs against shippers from one nation who fly the flag of a non-traditional maritime country and use crew members from still other lands in order to avoid the tax, labor and safety laws of their home nation, could not have been obtained without international solidarity. · "Runaway-flag shipping was the world's first global industry," stated Cockroft. "We are trying to spread now the knowledge and experience that we've worked for 50 years of dealing with global employees in a global industry where a stroke of the pen can change the nationality of a ship and can change the nationality of a crew." He reminded the board of statements that the ITF campaign against runaway flags would be a waste of time. "In the last five years, we have moved from under 2,000 ships under ITF-approved collective agreements to over 5,000 ships. Even when we were told we couldn't do anything about raising the level of ITF minimum wages, we've gone from $1,000 a month for able seamen as the minimal benchmark for a seaman worldwide to $1,200 and in [the next] two years' time $1,400." During this same period, the ITF has shown its resolve to aid the world's mariners by more than doubling the number of ITF General Secretary David Cockroft urges the MTD executive board to continue its international solidarity to improve the lives of all mariners worldwide. Bringing greetings from the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union is its general secretary, Thomas Tay. B Seafarers LOG inspectors worldwide, including new ones in Russian and Romanian ports, to more than 100. "There are no safe ports for runaway, flag-of-convenience operators today. We have an effective network of inspectors doing their jobs," Cockroft announced. Through international solidarity, the ITF general secretary stated, the organization is launching a campaign to ensure the safety of mariners at sea. "We are determined to show that when a ship sinks and people don't know why, the governments are prepared to put as much effort and as much money into finding out the causes of these accidents as they're prepared to put into it when an aircraft crashes. Because seafarers are people, too, and they deserve the same kind of treatment as airline passengers." During his remarks on unions from around the world working together, Cockroft noted Thomas Tay, the general secretary of the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union, was sitting in the audience. Tay, a member of the ITF's executive board, was invited to attend the MTD executive board meeting by its president, Michael Sacco. Following Cockroft, Tay spoke to the board, praising the members as "fighters for a good cause; fighters to embrace the workers' social and economic status and the welfare of the workers and their families. "I must admire your leadership," Tay noted. "Your unity gives you strength. I am confident what you're fighting for will be successful because of your unity." Zenga Tells MTD Board Maritime Needs Dredging The need to rebuild the nation's infrastructure was a theme presented by several speakers before the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board during its winter meeting last month in Las Vegas. But it was the MTD's vice president who reminded the board of one particular need upon which all of maritime depends. William Zenga, who also serves as the business manager for Local 25 Marine Division of the International Union of Operating Engineers, recalled his more than five decades of work to promote the importance of dredging America's ports, which will allow the free movement of ever-larger cargo ships. "We are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel," Zenga informed the board. "There are new proposals for dredging and new technologies that are changing the nature of the dredging industry." Zenga updated the board on the agreement approved earlier this year to begin dredging the New York-New Jersey harbor. That program (see March 1998 Seafarers LOG, page 5) followed many years of work involving maritime labor, the shipping industries, the port authority and governors of the two states and eventually Vice President Al Gore. Work could begin as soon as this fall. The impact of dredging also was brought forward by Senator Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.) during his remarks on America's infrastructure needs. He pointed out that "great ships coming into the port of New York offload their cargo onto barges because we didn't dredge it for a decade. We haven't done what our parents did in keeping the country modern and efficient." Torricelli said dredging is needed in all the major ports around the country in order to allow them to participate in international trade. April 1998 �Paul Hall Center and AB Course Commended by Lakes Seafarers Describing the experience as challenging but worthwhile, nine members of the SIU's Great Lakes division last month completed a special AB course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The course is tailored to suit the work schedules of Great Lakes Seafarers, who typically have a fairly brief time off between sailing seasons. It compresses all the studies from the school's regular six-week AB course into three weeks. Meeting the challenge of that full schedule were Richard De Witte, Paul Eich, Donald Gimpel, Daniel Grant, Gregory Kennedy, Matthew McNally, Mark Nicholson, Donald Olson and Scott VanEnkevort. "The union has gone out of its way to accommodate Great Lakes members with this class," stated DeWitte, who sails with Medusa Cement Co. "It's intense and there are many details, but it's geared for us because of our short winter season. If we had to take the [longer version of the] class, it would leave very little time for us to spend with family. "I think this school is the greatest educational opportunity in our industry. It's a first-rate facility and I look forward to coming back next year," he added. While DeWitte previously had upgraded at Piney Point-he completed the welding course in 1997-this marked the first time Grant attended the school. "The facility is more modern than I expected. It's like a college campus. I'm impressed with it," said Grant, who sails with American Steamship Co. Like his classmates, Grant said the three-week course "is great for guys on the Lakes, but you really have to be ready for it. The school sent water-survival manu- "This school is the greatest educational opportunity in our industry." - AB Richard DeWitte als to our homes before the class, and that helped. Plus it's good to not take time off the ships." Formerly a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Grant praised instructor Casey Taylor and added that the course highlight was "meeting Students in the three-week AB class join instructor Casey Taylor (left photo, standing) in examining how maritime regulations are proposed and published by the federal government. guys in the class and learning how they do things on the job. We have people here from different areas and different companies, so it's been educational to talk with them." VanEnkevort, who sails with Upper Lakes Barge Lines, expressed surprise upon reviewing samples of maritime regulations in the Federal Register along with the corresponding changes in the Code of Federal Regulations. He said the massiveness of the rules governing the industry heightens the need for Seafarers to upgrade their skills. "You learn a lot here at the school," VanEnkevort continued. "Everything I've learned here will be helpful when I get back to work." As in the six-week class, the three-week AB course covers deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, firefighting, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation. On-Site Class for Crowley Boatmen Marks Continuation of Joint Efforts 'Chemical Warfare' in Galley Procedures Presented to Promote Primary Shipboard Goal: Safety Editor's note: The follow- ing article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. It is part of a series of columns intended to promote safety, efficiency and allaround good habits aboard ship. Newspapers and television programs regularly expose the dangers associated with chemical and biological warfare. These hazards received particular attention earlier this year, when the threat of armed conflict with Iraq seemed nearly certain. However, Seafarers should be aware that the threat of chemical poisoning is not only from an adversarial nation or some terrorist organization, but also is present in the chemicals we use each day aboard ship and at home. Cleaning solutions, polishes, detergents and all types of chemicals used in the galley and elsewhere on vessels are extremely poisonous and never should come in contact with food. Serious illness can be the result of accidental poisoning from foods contaminated with paint remover, oven cleaners and other chemicals used in the galley. In fact, the Center for Disease Control reports that thousands of people annually are poisoned from food contaminated by common chemicals. Lead poisoning from water pipes that are corroded and contact with lead-based paints are com- Upgrader Muthana Serves With a Smile The certified chief cook curriculum apparently agrees with Seafarer Billy Ahmed Muthana, who is all smiles while recently upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Here, Brother Muthana serves prime rib in the center's main dining room. April 1998 mon. Copper poisoning from corroded copper pipes on soft drink dispensers and improper storage of chemicals that have contacted with dry goods are frequent culprits in incidences of food-borne contamination. The following are procedures that are guidelines for safe chemical use: • Store all chemicals in a separate locker with a current list. Make sure that the locker is separate from all food production areas. • Insure that you have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used. This must be kept on file where all crewmembers have access. • Train all galley personnel in proper use of each chemical, and be aware of the precautions listed on each product. For instance, some chemicals specifically list items like "do not mix with any other chemical." • Make sure that protective equipment is used. Gloves, goggles and wiping rags should be available. Proper disposal of the soiled rags is important. Along those lines, some chemicals are highly flammable, and placing them in dryers could result in shipboard fires. • Prevent possible chemical contamination by proper hand-washing after using chemicals or paints. Crew members should be alerted to possible contamination if they do not wash hands prior to entering the galley. Most food-borne contamination occurs due to improper personal sanitation. Handwashing is essential. Observing an exercise that involves use of splints and slings are SIU boatmen who took part in on-site training conducted last month at the union's Jacksonville, Fla. hall. Among those pictured are Joe Meuser, Chester Stephens, Willie Pettway, Steve Williams, Dominic LaSenna, Jerry Smith, John Gates, Michael Sanchez, Darrel Koonce, Phil Robinson, Don Smith and James Jackson. (Editor's note: Casey Taylor, instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., wrote the following article and taught the on-site course described herein.) Last month, the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School hit the road for the fifth straight year, delivering environmental health and safety training in Jacksonville, Fla. for Seafarers who sail aboard Crowley Marine Services tugboats. Eighteen SIU boatmen participated in the four-day session, which covered hazardous-materials training, use of protective gear, first aid, emergency response plans and decontamination, general safety topics, government regulations applying to hazardous-materials handling, and more. The course took place at the SIU's Jacksonville hall. Completing the course were Seafarers·· John O'Neal, Philip Robinson, Chester Stephens, William Meuser, Michael Sanchez, Raymond Zacke, Walter Hansen, Donald Smith, Dominic LaSenna, Steven Williams, John Gates, Darrel Koonce, James Jackson, Willie Pettway, Jerry Smith, Eddie Williams, Doug Craft and Elijah Seals. Additional courses for Crowley Seafarers are scheduled for June 811, August 17-20 and November 9-12 at the Jacksonville hall. Last month's training was a continuation of a joint venture with SOS International of Sherman Oaks, Calif., a Crowley training provider and database maintainer. The first shared training effort between the Lundeberg School and SOS supported cleanup efforts following the Morris Berman spill in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1994. In the aftermath of the Berman spil1, more than 300 SIU members were trained in hazardous waste response (hazwoper) and spill response. Manuals were translated into Spanish, and bilingual classes were conducted. Crowley played a pivotal role as an oil spill response contractor in this major cleanup. The cooperative effort between the school, Crowley and SOS has continued with training in Jacksonville and San Juan. Additionally, the SIU and SOS are electronically formatting and transferring Crowley Seafarers' training records for the union's training record book (TRB). Crowley is the first SIU-contracted company to develop these formats and transfers, which are important to the quality control of documents under new international regulations such as the International Safety Management Code, ISO 9000 and the AWO Responsible Carriers Program. Mike Godbey, manager of training for Crowley, pointed out that the next step in the process involves verification of data. "Each CMS marine employee will receive a copy of their training history to review and update as the first step toward issuing the TRBs," he noted. Seafarers LOG 9 �NTSB's Hall Outlines Various Factors Leading ta Accidents Wllrld War 11-Merchant_Marine Posters·· Cites Bright Field as Recent Example Reflecting Several Problems The head of the independent federal agency that investigates major transportation accidents, such as the December 1996 Bright Field incident in New Orleans, told a Washington, D.C. audience that the cause of most accidents can be traced to one of several factors, or a combination of them. Speaking before the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on March 11, James E. Hall , chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said his agency has discovered five basic reasons for a transportation mishap at sea. in the air or on land. "First is the belief that the absence of accidents is indicative of the presence of safety," stated Hall, who added this simply is not the case when a solid safety plan is not in place. The next item he listed is the belief that technology is infallible. He noted there must be an appreciation of the human role in a highly technical system. Another reason for problems Hall said his staff has discovered is "the lack of avenues for divergent opi~ions." He pointed out companies' representatives and employees must be able to communicate and express their point of view to ensure a safe work site. A fourth factor is "the arro- gance, many times, of management that believes in its inherent superiority to government regulations and sound operating practices." Hall noted such regulations are in place for a reason, generally because of past accidents, and they are designed to keep them from happening again. Finally. he listed the practice in some businesses of letting safety suffer for revenue's sake. The NTSB chairman told the gathering of maritime industry officials, labor representatives and government personnel that the investigation into the Bright Field accident revealed many of the above factors as being present before the Liberian-flag, Chinese -crewed bulker lost power going down river and slammed into a New Orleans riverfront shopping complex. (The February 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG published a story of the NTSB and Coast Guard investigative reports.) "The severity of the accident was a result of a combination of failures, none of which should have been a surprise," Hall said. Included in the NTSB report as reasons for the incident were the failure of the ship's main engine and automation system , the lack of a port risk assessment within the port of New Orleans, the neglect of the pilot and crew Pictured here at the opening of his poster exhibit in 1995 in Piney Point, Md., Rendich Meola sailed as a member of the Seafarers during World War II. Former Seat arer Meola Passes Away at Age 82 James E. Hall, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. explains to the Washington. D.C. Propeller Club how most accidents can be traced to one or more of several factors. to communicate during the emergency, and lack of emergency preparedness and evacuation plans for passengers aboard a nearby docked passenger casino vessel. Hall stated it is the intention of the NTSB not to point the finger of blame in its reports, but to find ways to keep a similar accident from happening again. "The board is the eyes and ears of the American people at major transportation accidents. It has played a major part in the development of the safest transportation system in the world," the chairman declared. Staying Informed Aboard HMI Astrachem According to ship's minutes and patrolmen's reports, smooth sailing has been the norm aboard the HM/ Astrachem, where crew members stay abreast of the latest news affecting their livelihoods. During shipboard meetings earlier this year, Seafarers on the Astrachem discussed upgrading at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, making certain their z-cards are renewed, keeping their training record books up-todate, understanding new international maritime regulations and more. Pictured here during a call in Mobile, Ala. are Chief Cook Luis Caballero (below left) and (in photo at right) OMU Kevin Samuels (left) and SA Kenneth Seals. ITF Continues Fight Against Runaway-Flag Shipping Continued from page 2 Cockroft also stated that although there are many facets of the ITF's campaign against runaway flags, the immediate goal boils down to "trying to raise the level of conditions in the industry. We believe seafarers deserve a good deal. We don't believe that shipowners should have the freedom to shop around the world, finding the cheapest labor they can possibly find, bringing it on board the ship, using it for a few months and then throwing it away when another nationality comes on the market that looks a little cheaper." 10 Seafarers LOG Similarly, the prevalence of runaway-flag ships threatens the national security of traditional maritime nations because it dwindles their respective fleets, Cockroft added. "National security is one reason, though not the only reason, to maintain a strong domestic fleet," he concluded. "You wouldn't accept (the runaway-flag scenario) if it were a bus operating in New York City. You wouldn't accept it if someone could hire Burmese to drive the buses, pay them what they were getting in Rangoon, let them drive around for eight months and then send them home." Rendich Meola, the former Seafarer who donated his collection of World War II merchant marine posters to the Paul Hall Memorial Library, passed away February 22 in his native Middletown, N.Y. He was 82. Meola sailed as a deck engineer with the SIU for three years during the war. He later went ashore and enjoyed a long, successful career in real estate. In fact, Meola worked until shortly before his passing. He began collecting war-era merchant marine posters in 1988, the year civilian mariners who sailed in World War II finally received veterans' status. Openly fervent about the posters, Meola in July 1995 donated 25 of them to the library in Piney Point, Md. A well-attended ceremony marked the exhibit's opening, with thenU.S. Maritime Administrator Al Herberger the featured speaker. A champion amateur tennis player, Meola later donated six other posters to the display. One month before he died, Meola contacted the SIU and told the union he had secured three more posters that were to complete the exhibit. Those posters will be added to the collection in the near future. The rest of the array currently is undergoing refurbishment that includes new frames, and is expected to be hung sometime this spring. Overall, the collection is believed to be the largest of its kind. Poster art was a popular means of communication in America during World War II, but only a tiny percentage of those produced by the Allies pertained to the merchant marine. During a visit to the library in fall 1996, Meola underscored his hope that students attending the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education would examine the poster collection, which includes explanatory text. "World War II is a major part of the history of the U.S. merchant marine. If a person is joining this industry, he or she should know about the heritage, those who went before them," he explained. "I also believe the posters serve to remind today's Seafarers that they may be called on in similar fashion." Survivor's include Meola's wife, Jeanette; his daughter and sonin-law, and two grandsons. San Francisco Labor Leader Jimmy Herman Dies at 73 A member of the San Francisco Port Commission and a former president of the International Longshoremen 's and Warehousemen's Union (ILWU), Jimmy Herman died March 21 in San Francisco following a heart attack. He was 73. Protecting the rights of maritime workers was a driving force in Herman's life. Having dropped out of grammar school in his native Newark, N.J., he joined the merchant marine at 15 (lying about his age) and continued sailing through World War II. He then headed several local unions before succeeding Harry Bridges at the helm of the ILWU in 1977. In 1983, Sen . Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif\ who was mayor of San Francisco at the time, appointed him to the Port Commission, a position he held through 1994. He was later reappointed under Mayor Willie Brown in 1996. Following his retirement from the ILWU in 1991 , Her- man continued to work on behalf of the maritime industry. He was always on the lookout for ways to keep ports competitive and preserve maritime jobs in the Bay area. One of his most recent accomplishments was helping spur the port of Oakland to dredge deeper into the Bay, thus allowing larger ships with heavier cargo to enter the port rather than load and unload elsewhere. Known for his terrific sense of humor and great oratorical style, Herman devoted both in his fight for the rights of men and women. Brian McWilliams, ILWU's current president, noted that Herman had carried on the union's long battle for social justice. "He had energy and strength and kept people focusing on issues of workers' rights and civil rights." Herman, who . had lived in San Francisco since 1947, is survived by two brothers, Rodman C. Herman and Milton M. Herman Jr., both from Irvington, NJ. April 1998 �Local AAA ~ne Promotes Cruising Aboa.M Independence Anyone who has had the opportunity to visit the soth state knows how incrediby beautiful the Hawaiian Islands are. From lush vegetation, an erupting volcano and sandy beaches to misting waterfalls, majestic mountains and crystal clear blue waters, Hawaii has just about everything a vacationer could want And the best way to take in all that the Aloha State has to offer, according to an article by Jill M. Landsman in the March/April 1998 issue of Car & Travel, the official publication of the American Automobile Association's (AAA) Potomac region, is by boarding the SIU-crewed S.S. Independence for a weeklong island cruise. The Indy, as the American Hawaii Cruises' vessel is affec- The American Hawaii Cruises' S.S. Independence sails on week-long voyages to five ports of call on four of the Hawaiian Islands. Eighth Christmas at Sea tionately called, is the only U.S .flag cruise vessel presently in operation. The chief advantage to seeing the Hawaiian Islands by ship, according to the article, is that the passenger needs to unpack just once. Touring the islands by ship (more than 785 nautical miles on the Pacific Ocean) also maximizes what the visitor can see in just one week. "We offer one of the most unique sailing experiences available in Hawaii, a geologically and geographically beautiful place," states Linda Paavola, guest relations manager at American Hawaii Cruises. "When the week has passed, [our guests] do not want to go home." The article describes the many things to do while cruising aboard the 682-foot Independence. There is a little something for everyone. Each time the vessel docks in port, shore excursions are available-the USS Arizana memorial at Pearl Harbor, kayaking in Kauai and bicycling down Maui's Haleakala Crater, just to name a few. Or vacationers may choose to relax and soak up the sun on the ship's pool deck or take class- Crewed in all departments by members of the SIU, the S.S. Independence, shown above in Kahului, Maui, sails 785 nautical miles on its week-long cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. es in such things as lei-making, ukelele playing or hula dancing. Food choices also are bountiful, and vacationers "may indulge at all-you-can-eat buffets for breakfast or lunch and again at semi-formal dinner seatings." "Memories of Hawaii's captivating islands will anchor in your heart, leaving you wanting more," the article concludes. One thing the article does not mention, however-something Seafarers already know-is that the ship is in the best hands possible-those of the professional and highly trained members of the SIU. Merchant Marine Veteran Writes Book Chronicling World War ll Adventures From Edward P. Dunn, chief steward aboard the OOCL Innovation, come these festive Christmas Day menus (below). Above are his fellow galley gang members, who helped make the day a memorable one for all those aboard the vessel during the holiday, spent in the port of Rotterdam, Holland. From the left are Chief Cook Domingo Decosta, Dunn and Steward Assistant German Solar. This past Christmas was the eighth one at sea in a row for Dunn. "Each of us oldtimers has a favorite story ... or seven ... about our sailing adventures in the merchant marine during the war years," wrote 79-yearold Pete Peterson to the Seafarers LOG, "and we've probably all said that we'll write it up. But we never do." Peterson bucks that trend in a new 280-page book called "They Couldn't Have Won the War Without Us," featuring stories told by merchant mariners who sailed the ships during World War II. Peterson was in college when WWII broke out, and he joined the merchant marine, first sailing as an OS and then as an AB. He later went to an officers' training school in New London, Ct. and continued sailing, this time as a second and third mate. "They Couldn't Have Won the War Without Us" features the stories of 20 members of the Midwest Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (19 former merchant seamen and one Naval Armed Guard sailor). Peterson spent hours with each of his fellow members, taking down oral accounts of their adventures aboard ship and ashore. They sailed from Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coast ports as wipers, chief engineers, messmen and captains. Even a King's Point deck cadet was included. Their experiences included all theaters of the war as well as the Murmansk run, Normandy invasion and voyages to China, India and Australia. More than a few were torpedoed, and two of the storytellers were drafted after the war. "It's a book that's long overdue," Peterson notes, "because it tells about the war from the individual seaman's point of view. It's a story that really needed to be told." One chapter in the book explains what the merchant marine is, why these men joined the merchant marine and what the various jobs are aboard a merchant ship. Peterson hopes that others who sailed during the war will compare their experiences with those of the men chronicled in the book. Perhaps some SIU members might have traveled in one of these men's convoys and visited the same ports and had the same scares during U-boat or plane attacks. Some of the former mariners may have been shipmates of SIU members. 'They Couldn't Have Won the War Without Us" is published by Lead Mine Press and may be ordered directly from the publisher for $14.95 plus $1.50 shipping and handling. For a copy, write to Pete Peterson, Lead Mine Press, 809 Spring Street, Galena, IL 61036; or telephone/fax (815) 777-4243. Harriette Delivers Farm Belt Corn to Far East With Pusan, South Korea in background, Recertified Bosun Cesar Gutierrez (photo below) helps ready the Overseas Harriette tor its return trip to the United States. Also eager to kick off the voyage stateside (left photo, pictured from left) are AB Fred Santorelli, Recertified Bosun Clyde Smith and AB Don Martin. The ~hip had delivered a load of corn in Korea. April 1998 Seafarers LOG 11 �One of the most precious rights we, as Americans, have is the right to vote. And our votes determine who our lawmakers will be. This November 3 is a general election in which the American people will elect all of the members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate. Also scheduled on the same dates in many stales will be elections for governors and legislatures. Jn order to vote, however, you must be registered. The chart below lists the dates of the primaries in each stale as well as the deadlines for registratWn for both the primaries and the general election. State Primary Date Primary Registration Deadline General Registration Deadline ALABAMA June 2 May22 October23 ALASKA August 25 July 26 October 4 ·ARIZONA September 8 August 10 October 5 ARKANSAS May 19 April 20 October 5 October 5 CALl~ORNJA June 2 May4 COLORADO August 11 July 13 October 5 CONNECTICUT September 15 September 10 October 20 DELAWARE September 12 August 22 October 13 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA September 15 August 17 (tentative deadlines) October 5 FLORIDA September 1 August 3 October 5 GEORGIA July 21 June 22 October 5 September 19 August 20 October 5 May26 May 1 (also at polls with ID) October 9 March 17 February 17 October 6 IN DIANA ILLINOIS Mays April 6 October 5 IOWA June 2 May23 October 24 KANSAS August 4 Jufy 20 October 19 KENTUCKY May 26 April 27 October 5 LOUISIANA October 3 September MAINE June 9 MARYLAND September 15 August17 October 5 October 5 a October 9 Election Day registration permitted MASSACHUSETTS September 15 August 26 MICHIGAN August 4 Jury6 October 5 MINNESOTA September 15 August 25 October 13 MISSISSIPPI June 2 May2 September 30 MISSOURI August 4 July 8 October 7 MONTANA June 2 May4 October 5 NEBRASKA May 12 May 1 October 23 NEVADA September 1 August 1 October 3 NEW HAMPSHIRE September 8 August 29 (also at polls) October 24 NEW JERSEY June 2 May4 October 5 NEW MEXICO June 2 May 5 October 6 NEW YORK September 15 August 21 (tentative deadlines} October 9 NORTH CAROLINA Mays April 10 October 9 NORTH DAKOTA June 9 No registration required OHIO May 5 April 6 October 5 OKLAHOMA August 25 July 31 October 9 OREGON May 19 April 28 October 13 PENNSYLVANIA May 19 April 20 October 5 RHODE ISLAND September 15 August 15 October 3 SOUTH CAROLINA June 9 May 11 October 5 SOUTH DAKOTA June 2 May 18 October 19 TENNESSEE August 6 July 7 October 2 TEXAS March 10 February 8 October 5 UTAH June 23 June 3 October 14 VERMONT September 8 August 29 October 24 VIRGINIA June 9 May 11 October 5 WASHINGTON September 15 August 29 October 20 WEST VIRGINIA October 5 May 12 April 13 WISCONSIN September 8 Election Day registration permitted WYOMING August 18 July 17 (also at polls) ---- October 2 Please note that while local election officials have confirmed the above deadlines, some states and counties set different dates for mail-in and walk-in voter registration deadlines. Additionally, some offer weekend and other registration opportunities. You may wish to check with your local voter registration office. SOURCE: International Labor Communications Association 12 Seafarers LOG . April 1998 �Tug Crew Credited for Aiding Shipmate Safety Training Helped Save Injured Deckhand's Life Five SIU boatmen recently were honored by the Long Beach, Calif. Fire Department for their roles in rescuing a fellow Seafarer. Captain Jimmy McNutt, Mate Gary Smith, Second Mate Ed Brooks, Deck Utility Milo Banicebic and Engine Utility Dave Walblon received certificates of recognition for aiding Deckhand Tony Amalfitano following a shipboard accident when all six were sailing aboard the Crowley tug Sea King in the Long Beach anchorage. "The fast and fitting actions of [Amalfitano's] crew mates surely saved his life," reads the certificate, presented during an awards luncheon February 17. Amalfitano, who had his leg amputated at the knee because of injuries sustained in the December 1996 accident, also attended the ceremony. "I just wanted to thank those guys for helping me," said the 13-year member of the SIU. "At least I'm alive. It's more or less a miracle that I'm even here." McNutt, who stated that the crew's safety training proved invaluable in responding to the emergency, emphasized he was very uncomfortable receiving recognition in light of Amalfitano's injury. "I hate to even think about the certificate, but at the same time, the entire crew really did an excellent job reacting to the situation. The Long Beach Fire Department a1so should be commended, because they arrived at the scene quickJy," he said. "We were all glad to see Tony at the luncheon," McNutt added. Meeting with Seafaren On West Coast Ships 8 0 0 Aboard the Beaver State are (from left) Bosun Glenn Ray Christianson, Chief Steward Darlene Cherry, QMED Robert Layko and DEU Moses Shaibi. Meeting with SIU Assistant Vice President Bob Hall (center) on the Overseas New York are Chief Steward Nancy Heyden and Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro. Three SIU hawsepipers work aboard the Green Mountain State, including Chief Engineer Dave Garrity (left) and 1st Engineer G. Fain, both graduates of the trainee program in Piney Point. A potential armed conflict against Iraq topped the list of subjects covered during recent meetings aboard three SIU-crewed vessels. On the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships Green Mountain State in Vancouver, Wash. and Beaver State in Portland, as well as aboard the tanker Overseas New York in Astoria, Ore., Seafarers in February met with Bob Hall, SIU assistant vice president. They discussed the situation concerning Iraq; various aspects of the Seafarers Welfare Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; the training record books being issued through the Paul Ha11 Center for Maritime Training and Education, and more. 0 SA Calvin Williams, Green Mountain State; 0 Chief Pumman John Fleming, Overseas New York; © Chief Steward Eric Manley, Green Mountain State; April 1998 (:) Bosun John McMurtray, Green Mountain State; 0 Oiler Christopher Davis, Green Mountain State; and 0 3rd Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Pete Oram, Green Mountain State. Tony and brought him around. He was helping us, conscious and talking the whole time. We floated the basket underneath him, while the other guys pulled the lines and got him onto the main deck." 'I just wanted to thank those guys for helping me.' -Deckhand Tony Amalfitano There, the crew secured a splint on Amalfitano's leg and treated him for shock. Rescue units arrived shortly. While again stressing that the crew's overriding concern was for the well-being of Amalfitano, Brooks said their emergency-response training proved beneficial in this case. He and Smith have taken numerous upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, and all of the crew members regularly take part in shipboard safety drills. He also credited Crowley with being "very big 'on safety training. These things are discussed and practiced," Brooks noted. "We have weekly safety drills, we watch safety videos, we have training at the Seafarers' school. It comes down to familiarity and repetition, having a game plan. With Tony, we had a we11-coordinated rescue plan." Renowned Sculptor Honored by SIU • Also attending shipboard meetings with Asst. VP Hall are: Brooks, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., echoed the thoughts of both Amalfitano and McNutt. "It was so unfortunate and yet it was a miracle (that Amalfitano survived)," he said. "It's amazing how Tony was able to help us .... His faith carried him through. I think most sailors can appreciate that." The accident occurred as the Sea King moved constructionzone buoys which are used as anchors for dredging operations and as markers. As noted on the certificates issued by the fire department, "These arc not ordinary buoys. They are about I 0 feet high and weigh thousands of pounds." Amalfitano became pinned between the Sea King and a buoy and then was knocked overboard. The severity of his leg injury meant that he could not climb back aboard the tugboat; and, although he wore a life vest, he remained at risk of being pinned again. Somehow, Amalfitano mustered the presence and strength to swim away from the buoy to the side of the boat. At the same time, McNutt contacted local authorities for help, Banicebic tossed a life ring to Amalfitano, and Walblon grabbed his fallen shipmate and held on. Brooks and Smith "rigged a ladder over the side and put a Stokes basket into the water," Brooks recalled. "I got behind The internationally acclaimed artist who crafted the sculpture located at the entrance to Seafarers Haven cemetery recently received an honorary SIU book, as approved by the membership. Mykola Holodyk (pictured above at right with SIU official Ed Pulver), who has produced art and architecture throughout the world, accepted the award earlier this year. "He was very appreciative and excited," stated Pulver. "Very few honorary books have been given over the years, so he recognizes that this isn't an everyday gesture on the union's part." Holodyk created the unnamed concrete and metal sculpture (pictured at left) at the cemetery, which overlooks the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Unveiled in September 1996, the piece represents a deep sea mariner standing at a ship's wheel. The 73-year-old native of the Ukraine has remained active since then, most recently decorating a church in Prague. Seafarers LOG 13 �I I I t UNION llEllBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.40/day Spouse 9.45/ day Child 9.45/ day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above indude all meals. ------------------------------------------,: SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Social Security number: ____________ Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 1 I I I Address: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone n u m b e r : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 4/98 L----------------------------------------------------~ Seafarers LOG 14 For up to two weeks, Seafarers and their families may enjoy a vacation like something from a travel brochure. Comfortable accommodations, teruUs courts, health spa, olympicsize swimming pool and three fabulous meals each day are just a part of the full vacation package, as are fishing, swimming, sunning, boating, picnicking and just plain relaxing. As many SIU members already have discovered, the Paul Hall Center, located in historic St. Mary's County in Southern Maryland, encompasses 60 acres of waterfront property. With the Potomac River to the west, the Chesapeake Bay to the east and the Wicomico and Patuxent rivers splitting it in the middle, Southern Maryland is ruled by a life and love of the water. There is little need to journey outside the peaceful site, but that is an option. Numerous recreational and sightseeing opportunities exist withID dose proximity of the Paul Hall Center. One need only step outside the facility's gates to discover the beauty and splendor the region has to offer. The counties of the area, St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert, boast many summer festivals, celebrations and exhibits not to be missed by vacationing Seafarers and their families. While Southern Maryland may capture the hearts of Seafarers and their families when enjoying a vacation at Piney Point, there still are many more sights (both historic and current) to take in which may be reached in a short drive by car-Baltimore and Annapolis, Md., Arlington and Alexandria, Va. and, of course, the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Don't let your summer holiday be lost in dreams. Start planning now for a memorable vacation at Piney Point by mailing your completed reservation form at left. April 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port · NewYork Philadelphia 33 ' 4 5 ·. ·· 15 4 5 4 2 1 11 5 6 7 4 14 2 3 5 23 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C , . 53 3 9 2 I 1 7 6 23 15 4 9 6 6 3 8 21 14 4 17 11 1 6 28 ·:·:·:. :·:·:s an,Francisco 39 22 19 14 IO 1 17 10 6 I 17 26 6 7 1$ 4 6 5 3 6 10 7 78 40 :.:.:.: . '\Yilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 4 15 24 12 14 7 3 10 13 2 10 2 5 3 0 2 1 2 1 235 143 61 173 106 33 77 13 3 7 4 5 1 . t5 ' 2 0 7 12 11 8 2 4 0 3 14 14 6 San Francisco 11 5 0 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 4 15 1 2 8 2 Houston 15 7 4 3 8 St. Louis 4 J. Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 0 3 2 8 0 2 6 121 0 83 0 34 8 9 10 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 5 7 0 2 1 0 2 0 4 3 1 3 8 8 4 9 5 10 10 3 6 0 1 4 l 5 16 16 14 14 4 11 '1 3 1 6 3 9 12 8 5 1 0 Q 0 3 8 5 13 14 22 14 18 1 9 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 ' ' "" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 0 3 4 0 4 3 4 3 l 0 2 0 2 5 12 19 7 6 0 3 7 0 2 0 52 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 15 16 2 0 0 0 0 96 33 3 0 1 1 3 3 3 11 3 7 7 4 2 25 5 4 17 0 2 10 3 3 12 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 3 6 0 7 0 5 3 2 27 11 65 5 St Louis 0 0 Piney Point 1 126 2 5 8 0 4 8 28 6 6 0 4 6 Philadelphia ...... :'. ..... Wednesday: May 6, June 10 1 1 · 0 0 213 158 52 21 14 3 0 'l 0 0 1 9 3 1 3 0 1 4 4 4 14 9 16 4 3 15 7 2 8 22 4 5 3 0 10 0 13 50 8 1 24 38 4 6 23 4 5 3 7 5 21 12 0 0 0 49 1 7 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 12 1 1 0 259 90 23 0 6 46 19 0 0 I 6 0 6 18 12 22 4 28 2 8 6 0 13 2 20 12 12 12 4 5 1 3 4 3 7 IO 8 32 26 19 5 3 0 51 3 9 1 16 7 0 0 I 0 14 1 136 0 0 27 23 17 0 49 5 0 166 0 113 531 444 252 372 317 18 5 3 2 4 3 5 6 19 9 17 19 9 21 5 10 8 7 114 20 13 0 0 0 5 5 45 0 0 0 2 0 94 17 I 98 0 0 11 0 281 257 162 150 991 767 437 2 0 Totals All Departments *"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. April 1998 St. Louis ................... Friday: May 15, June 19 Wilmington .............. Monday: May 18, June 22 Eaclf pod's meeting stans at 10:30 a.m. Personals BOSUN EDMUND (RICK) BRAND Bosun Randy Garay, who is currently aboard the Voyager, would like to hear from you. Write him at 521 W Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814; or telephone (208) 664-1308. MATT BUCARETTI Please get in touch with Miriam Duncan at (254) 699-2098 (Texas). WILLIAM (BILL) H. HAMBY Please call Hubert E. (Santa Claus) Jackson collect at (910) 594-0127. KARL HAROLDSONN Please call Mary at (860) 666-9874. 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 San Francisco ........... Thursday: May 14, June 18 0 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Totals Tacoma ..................... Friday: May 22, June 26 5 3 0' Norfolk ..................... Thursday: May 7, June 11 2 2 3 7 0 ""'}'()' "'"' New York ................. Tuesday: May 5, June 9 8 11 15 15 24 3 8 0 0 24 5 2 New Orleans ............Tuesday: May 12, June 16 San Juan ................... Thursday; May 7, June 11 5 26 0 2 Mobile .... :·................ .Wednesday: May 13, June 17 3 1 0 5 19 New Bedford ............Tuesday; May 19, June 23 Jacksonville ...... ,. ......Thursday: May 7, June 11 13 2 7 8 8 17 22 1 0 6 4 13 Houston .................... Monday: May 11, June 15 29 3 65 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: May 20, June 24 Honolulu .................. Friday: May 15, June 19 105 3 I 16 10 Duluth ......................Wednesday: May 13, June 17 238 5 76 27 21 4 Baltimore .................Thursday: May 7, June 11 425 8 2 0 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston . . . o' 12 0 0 3 14 5 l 19 36 .0 .l . 1 0 0 28 6 10 17 7 21 11 4 ::" Algonac .................... Friday: May 8, June 12 7 4 0 9 1 8 15 43 8 1 26 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonvilte San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 2 Port ewYork 5 2 : -: : ·"Piney .J?piiif··:t:·:·:·:': . ·..:. New York Philadelphia .Ba,ltim.9.rn Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville 43 60 2 . . sFLouis Totals 5 0 1 10 2 13 0 1 0 ·. Houston Algonac 25 8 0 5 15 May & June 199~ Membership Meetings · · Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Walen Piney Point... ............ Monday: May 4, June 8 2 4 2 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . :.: :.)~rikson.v..~lte · ' ti LOG-A-RHYTHMS by Marie Gray Joe is the name by which you are known. Over the earth you have often roamed Sailing as a Seafarers International Union man Enjoying the sights on sea and land. Parent of seven Husband who made earth Heaven. Loving Excelling Respectful Outgoing Youthful Generous as this earth you trod Ready to journey home to God Answering His call You are loved by us all. Twelve-thirty your time had come. Your work on earth was now done. You had a smile on your face, So I know you went to a better place. May God bless each and everyone, Who added to your life some fun. Gratefully, Your wife, Marie (This tribute was written by Marie Gray to her husband, Joseph L. Gray, whose obituary may be found on page 18.) Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes SeafaretS lntemalianal Union Dlrectorr . .. FEBRUARY 16 - Michael Sacco . MARCH 15, 1998 ······ ·PiesideriF ..... .· . CL - ·· John Fay .·.·.....· .•.... Ex.ecu4y~ Vic;e. Pre~i~n.t. *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port ........ · ""'"' .............. • '' Company/Lakes ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way "'"Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 0 29 3 0 7 2 L- Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 29 3 0 7 2 9 0 27 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac 0 Port Algonac 0 9 0 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 17 0 Totals All Depts 72 0 0 0 0 72 *'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. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. ' Algonac. Ml 4SOOI (810) 794·4988 17 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame Sf., #IC Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE FEBRUARY 16 - 1216 E. Baltimore SL Baltimore, MD 21202 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (41()) 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 Pierre SL Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty si. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. JeJSey 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 Javkson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70 t 30 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 f011rtb Ave. Brooklyn, NY 1123'2 (718) 499-6600 _f Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast ; Lakes, lnJat)(i Water~ West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Jn~and Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 2 ,29 2 3 9 0 2 0 5 33 5 14 0 MARCH 15, 1998 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 2 9 0 0 7 1 2 17 1 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 1 39 8 48 0 3 0 3 6 0 <r 1 0 0 0 0 17 0 15 32 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 20 0 20 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 7 t) 0 0 1 0 0 T; 0 8 0 0 7 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 1 8 0 10 o- 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 Totals All Depts 15 1 66 5 6 66 6 *"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. 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 38 NORFOLK 115Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PfilLADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont SL San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division {415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16V:t Samun:e, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST These photographs, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Ted Lewis of Severna Park, Md., were taken in 1947. That year, Lewis obtained a '1rip card" and signed on the S.S. Fort Donaldson, a WWI I T-2 oil tanker. He shipped as an OS from the SIU union hall in the port of New York, which was on Beaver Street. 'We first sailed to Aruba," Lewis stated in a note to the Seafarers LOG which accompanied the photos. "Then we filled up with bunkers and dropped them in Gibraltar. From there, we shuttled oil from Kuwait and Bahrain in the Persian Gulf to Europe. "After a few trips through the Suez Canal, I was taken off because of jaundice and spent a few months in a 'hospital' in Port Said, Egypt. The photos show me on the fantail of the tanker lying off Port Said and also in front of a statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built the canal. A few years later, his statue was taken down by President Nasser and put in storage ... probably never to be seen again! "Although more than 50 years have passed, it almost seems like yesterday." April 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. 0 ne recertified bosun and one recertified steward are among the seven Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing more than 75 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Clarence E. Pryor and Recertified Steward German Rios are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD) . He last sailed in 1993 as a ' - - -- =<---=---' chief cook aboard the Kainalu, operated by Matson Navigation. Born in Mexico. Brother Murillo makes his home in Paramount, Calif. upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program '--------'---'in 1994. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Charleston, operated by Westchester Marine Corp. Brother Rios makes his home in CLARENCE Leviuown, P.R. E. PRYOR, ALFREDO C. VARONA, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. The Alabama native last sailed aboard the Humacao, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Pryor has retired to Citronelle, Ala. graduates, four of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division; two navigated the inland waterways and one shipped aboard Great Lakes vessels. Five of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deck department and two in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA GERMAN RIOS, 58, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Seatrain New York. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and ALEJANDRO S. MURILLO, 65, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1965 and joined the MC&S, before that union merged pon of San Francisco, sailing aboard the Overseas Ulla . Born in the Philippines, he worked in the deck department and signed off the Sea-La,nd Innovator. Brother Varona calls San Francisco home. GREAT LAKES ALEXANDERF. McDONALD, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Huron. Born =====:;;J in Canada, he sailed in the deck department. Brother McDonald last sailed in 1976 aboard the Sam la,ud. He calls Tempe, Ariz. home. Chef Lupinacci Honored by Fellow Chefs INLAND JAMES C. SMITH, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1966. The Ohio native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard vessels operated by Crowley Marine FOOD & BEVERAGES CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES Table grapes that do not bear the UFW label on their carton or crate llJi. Farm Workers DIAMOND WALNUT CO. • MACON L. SQUIRES, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The deck department member last sailed as a captain, signing off the Valour, operated by Mari trans. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Squires makes his home in Tampa, Fla. BOYCOTTS NATIONAL AFL·CIO 63, joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the Services. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Smith has retired to Daytona Beach, Fla. • Diamond brand canned and bagged walnuts and walnut pieces llJi. Teamsters FARMLAND DAIRY Milk sold under the Farmland Dairy label in stores in Connecticut. New Jersey and New York llJi. Teamsters Romeo Lupinacci (center), corporate executive chef at the Paul Hall Center, shows his most recent culinary award to SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Nick Marrone, acting vice president of the Lundeberg School. Lupinacci went to San Francisco last October to receive the Antonin Careme medal, which is awarded annually by the Chefs Association of the Pacific Coast to a chef who "has made outstanding contributions to the culinary profession, education, the advancement of gastronomy and the culinary arts." He is only the ggs chef to be so honored. ''This is the ultimate," Lupinacci said, referring to his latest award. ''They don't come any higher than this." FURNITURE TELESCOPE CASUAL FURNITURE CO. MARCH / APRIL 1998 ................................. BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS Lawn, patio, other casual furniture. Brand name: Telescope llJi. Electronic Workers Showing Their Pride TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL AL/TALIA AIRLINES BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps ..,. Machinists Air transport for passengers and freight ...,. Machinists BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT ROME CABLE CORP. Cables used in construction and mining ..,. Machinists Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney Wor1d, but separately owned and operated ...,. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees SOUTHWIRE CO. CROWN CENTRAL PETROLEUM Commercial and industrial wire and cable; DoltYourself brand homewire 11Ji. Electrical Workers Gasoline sold at Crown, Fast Fare and Zippy Mart stations and convenience stores ...,. Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Hotel in Waterbury, Conn. llJi. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees CLOTHING MASTER APPAREL Men's and boys' pants. Labels include Botany 500, and Hills and Archer ..,. Electronic Workers KAUAI RESORT Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii Longshore & Warehouse Union 11Ji. MICHELIN ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION Michelin brand tires llJi. Steelworkers BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN BET cable television, Action pay-per-view, Bet on Jazz .,.. Electrical Workers Hotel in downtown Los Angeles ..,. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees OGLEBAY PARK Wheeling, W.Va., park/resort/recreation complex ..,. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees REGAL CINEMAS Chain of 250 movie theaters in 22 states: "Regal Cinemas" & "Cobb Theaters" ..,. Stage Employees & Moving Picture Technicians UNION April 1998 LABEL ANO SERVICE OTHERS R.J . REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. Cigarettes: Best Value, Camel, Century, Doral , Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products .,.. Bakery, Confectionery & Tobacco Workers TRADES DEPARTMENT , AFL · C I O Unlicensed apprentices from classes 572, 573 and 574 wanted the world to know what they think about the program offered at the Paul Hall Center that trains young men and women to become merchant mariners. Last month, the apprentices spent a week of their own time creating the above pictured sign as well as landscaping the grounds outside their dormitory. Three of the apprentices who helped in the project include (from left) John Millward (class 574) from Brookville, Fla., Latonia Jackson (class 572) from Jacksonville, Fla. and Phillip Troublefield (class 574) from Houston, Texas. Seafarers LOG 17 - �Final Departures DEEP SEA ARTHUR M. ALSOBROOKS Pensioner Arthur M. __ Alsobrooks, 76, passed away February 16. A native of Texas, he start· ··· ed his career with the Sea· '-------~ farers in 1945 in the port of Houston. Brother Alsobrooks sailed in the steward department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. He was a resident of Houston and LOUIS D. CHAPPETTA DAVID H. HURT INEZ N. WEBBER MELVIN F. TEASENFITZ Pensioner Louis D. Chappetta, 64, passed away December 19, 1997. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Starting out in the steward department, he later transferred to the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. His first ship was the Tra11shaueras and he last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Chappetta, a resident of San Francisco, retired in July 1996. .....--------..., Pensioner David H. Ikirt, 77, died February 17. Born in Ohio, he began sail· ing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the '--------~port of Phila· delphia. Brother Ikirt worked in the deck department and retired in August 1986. He was a resident of Dayton, Ohio. JOSEPH F. CRAGE FRANK KON Pensioner Inez N. Webber, 82, passed away January 5. Sister Webber joined the MC&S in 1958, before that union '-----=-----'merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. She signed on the Maisonia, operated by Matson Navigation and last sailed aboard the Monterey, a Pacific Far East Line vessel. She was a resident of Nevada, Mo. and retired in September 1974. Pensioner Melvin F. Teasenfitz, 76, passed away February 6. He joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. ' - - - _ _ _ ; : ; : = ' - - - - - - - ' A native of New Jersey, he sailed in the steward department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. Boatman Teasenfitz was a resident of Mays Landing, N.J. and started receiving his pension in July 1984. WALDO A.H. WU CHESTER VIKELL Pensioner Waldo A.H. Wu, 86, died January 19. Born in China. he began sailing with the MC&S in 1947 from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. His first ship was the Marine Fox, operated by Isthmian Lines. Prior to his retirement in January l 97'J, he signed off the President Monroe, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Wu was a resident of San Francisco. Pensioner Chester Vikell, 70, died February 7. Boatman Vikell began sailing with the SIU in 1956 from the .___ _ _ _ _ _f_, port of Baltimore aboard vessels operated by Baker-Whiteley. The Maryland native sailed in the deck department as a mate. A resident of Baltimore, he retired in November 1984. began receiving his pension in December 1983. ROBERT W. ARLEQUE Pensioner Robert W. Arleque, 74, died February 4. Born in Massachusetts, he joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of "'-"'---""---'--"""-' Boston. Brother Arleque sailed in the deck department. A resident of Baltimore, he started receiving his pension in December 1981. WILLIAM E. BABBITT Pensioner William E. Babbitt, 69, passed away January 12. Brother Babbitt first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959. A native ==:::::;;.;...._____, of Indiana, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1979. From 1945 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Babbitt was a resident of Pocono Summit, Pa. and retired in March 1995. OTILLIO V. BELISARIO Pensioner Otillio V. Belisario, 85, passed away December 27, 1997. A native of the Philippine Islands, he began his ====.;..;____,career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1945 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Belisario was a resident of San Francisco and retired in May 1975. Pensioner Frank Kon, 78, passed away January 27. A native of Massachusetts, he joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Pensioner Joseph F. Crage, 69, died September 23, 1997. Born in New York, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Crage sailed in the deck department. From 1946 to 1947 and from 1949 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in December 1992. ==:...____.;;::~'--==Boston. Brother Kon sailed as a member of the deck department. A resident of Reno, Nev., he began receiving his pension in June 1983. CALVIN K. LAKE Thomas W. Dodson, 45, passed away January 25. A native of Louisiana, he graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Overseas Dinny. Starting out in the steward department, he later transferred to the engine department and upgraded ar the Lundeberg Schcvl. Brother Dodson was a resident of Amite, La. Pensioner Bak Fan Young, 79, passed away November 2, 1997. Brother Young joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of San '------="'-=--~ Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in China, he was a resident of Daly City, Calif. and retired in July 1973. JOSEPH L. GRAY CHARLESJ.MITCHELL INLAND Pensioner Joseph L. Gray, 71, passed away January 22. He joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia, sailing aboard the Globe Progress. Born in Pennsyl· vania, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Brother Gray last sailed in I 982 aboard the Patriot, operated by Ocean Carriers. From 1943 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of East Elmhurst, N.Y. and retired in August 199 l. r-~~~~,--, HENRY J. GROMEK .----===:,...----, Pensioner Pensioner Charles J. Mitchell, 87, passed away December 13, 1997. A charter member of the SIU, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Mitchell was a resident of Spanish Fort, Ala. and began receiving his pension in July 1975. JOHN NOVAK li Pensioner John d Novak, 82, passed away December 27, 1997. He joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New York. During ~~"---~~....!•=-_J his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Novak started receiving his pension in December 1983. Pensioner Guido Berdan, 92, died January 18. Born in Italy, he joined the MC&S in 1944, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLlWD. A resident of Van Nuys. Calif., he started receiving his pension in March 1974. Henry J. Gromek, 73, died January 20. Born in Maryland, he started his career with the Seafarers in ==::......:::::..:=.;=== 1950 in the port of New York. Brother Gromek sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in January 1993. He was a resident of Baltimore. FREDERICK BOYNE STEVEN C. HAWKINS MICHAEL M. SPORICH Pensioner Frederick Boyne, 79, died January 4. A native of England, he joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Boyne sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in February 1983. He was a resident of Liverpool, England. Steven C. Hawkins. 39, died September 14, 1997. Brother Hawkins first sailed with the Seafarers in 1990 from the port of Houston. Born in New Mexico, he worked in the engine department and upgraded to QMED at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Katy, Texas. .....----------, Pensioner Michael M. Sporich, 81, died January 3. A native of Missouri, he joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, Brother Sporich began receiving his pension in May 1981. He was a resident of St. Louis. GUIDO HERDON 18 Seafarers LOG BAK FAN YOUNG Pensioner Calvin K. Lake, 72, died December 21, 1997. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Seattle. Born in South Dakota, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Lake was a resident of North Bend, Wash. and retired in October 1997. THOMAS W. DODSON JAMMIE M. DANIELS Pensioner Jammie M. Daniels, 77, died February 2. Born in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1956 from the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Daniels last sailed as a tugboat captain. He was a resident of Belhaven, N.C. and retired in June 1983. EDWARD HOLT Pensioner Edward Holt, 80, passed away February 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of St. Louis. The Tennessee native sailed in the deck depart· ment. Boatman Holt lived in Tiptonville, Tenn. and began receiving his pension in November 1979. L...__ _ _ _ _ _ _ , ALBERT M. PIETROWSKI Pensioner Albert M. Pietrowski, 67, passed away January 22. A native of Pennsylvania, he first sailed with the Seal...---"'---'""'--""'--- farers in 1949 from the port of Philadelphia. Starting out in the deep sea division aboard the Fairland, he later transferred to inland vessels. Boatman Pietrowski sailed as a chief cook and began receiving his pension in August 1992. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Vienna, Va. GREAT LAKES SILVESTER BLAZIK Pensioner Silvester Blazik, 69, passed away January 16. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother Blazik worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Kinsman Lines. His last ship wa the WA. McGorgle. A resident of Kingston, Pa., he began receiving. his pension in February 1989. HASSAN N. MADRY Pensioner Hassan N. Madry, 73, died December 22, 1997. Brother Madry joined the SlU in 1965 in the port of Detroit. =::.=..---'::...=== Born in Yemen, he sailed in the deck depart· ment. He was a resident of Yemen and retired in February 1986. WALTER L. MERO JR. l~iiiiiii~I Pensioner Walter L. Mero Jr., 79, died December 7, 1997. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Ashtabula, Ohio, ==-"-'-----"-.....::..;.:.....;..;.:;..= sailing as a member of the deck department. During World War II, the Ohio native served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Ashtabula, he retired in 1981. JOHN G. STIRTON Pensioner John G. Stirton, 80, died October 5, 1997. Brother Stirton started his career with the SIU in 1957 in the port of ===;;;;;.._______. Detroit. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the A.E. Cornell, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of Ontario, Canada, he retired in December 1981. Aprll 1998 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard 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 tor publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (SeaLand Service), July 7-Chairman Monte Grimes, Secretary Robert Castello, Educational Director Larry Holbert, Deck Delegate Frank Cannuso, Engine Delegate Ramona Gayton, Steward Delegate Nario Firne. Chairman reminded crew to separate plastic items from regular trash. Educational director emphasized need to attend tanker course at Piney Point in order to continue working aboard tankers. No beefs or disputed ar reported by department delegates. Steward department thanked for efforts in keeping ship clean and providing good food. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND ENDURANCE (SeaLand Service), December 21Chairman James Foley, Secretary William J. Bunch, Deck Delegate Earl F. Sparkes, Engine Delegate W.E. Ballard, Steward Delegate Julio Paminiano. Chairman reported job well done on sanitary inspection; rooms immaculate. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), December 5Chairman Jim Scheck, Secretary Edward Collins. Chairman reported ship scheduled to pay off in Jacksonville, Fla. December 7. He urged crew members to donate to SPAD and to help movie fund. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported by three department delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department. HM/ ASTRACHEM (Hvide Marine), January 28-Chairman Tom P. Banks, Educational Director Ronald Phcneuf, Deck Delegate W.D. Brinsen, Engine Delegate Randell Porter, Steward Delegate Luis Catalleo. Secretary advised crew that 45 days' worth of stores will be ordered in next port. Educational director advised crew members to get training record books (TRBs) now and have Section 2 filled out aboard ship He noted Seafarers LOG contains articles about TRBs. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Crew requested new fans for several rooms, asked patrolman about 100 percent reimbursement for medical claims and suggested contracts department review pension plan so Seafarers can retire at any age after fulfilling seatime requirements. OVERSEAS JOYCE (Maritime Overseas), January 28-Chairman J.W. O'Ferrell, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Willie Slan III, Deck Delegate Douglas C. Tuten, Steward Delegate Carmelo DeLaCruz. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading classes at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Question raised as to whether contract for Overseas Joyce covers Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. New movies requested by crew. Members also asked that slop chest sell postage stamps. April 1998 SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), January 19-Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary Richard Riley, Engine Delegate Curtis Barnett, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Secretary urged crew members to attend Piney Point classes to upgrade skills. Treasurer announced $145 in ship's fund. Disputed ar reported in deck department, and steward department raised questions concerning ITT. Next port: Honolulu. CPL LOUIS J. HAUGE JR., (Maersk Lines), February 8Chairman Andre Bennett, Secretary Victorino Vincecruz, Deck Delegate Keith Williams, Engine Delegate James Snyder, Steward Delegate James McLeod. Vessel headed for Persian Gulf. Crew members reminded to keep clean shaven in order for gas masks to fit properly. Chairman reminded crew to separate plastic items from regular trash. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of educational opportunities at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer noted Martin Luther King's Day beach party was very successful. Department delegates reported no beefs or disputed ar. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Special vote of thanks given to SA Abdul Mutliki for being an outstanding messman. Steward department thanked rest of crew for help in loading stores aboard ship in rain during emergency deployment to Persian Gulf. Crew members also thanked for helping Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet Admiral Archie Clemins's visit go so smoothly aboard Hauge (see photo this page). Next port: Baghdad, Iraq. LNG CAPRICORN (ETC), February 22-Chairman S. Ibrahim, Secretary D. Cunningham, Educational Director G. Sheppard. Chairman announced vessel going into shipyard March 10 for two months. He thanked everyone for good work. Secretary has plenty of SIU forms available for those in need. He requested everyone leave staterooms clean. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Treasurer announced $260 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food, especially to Chief Cook Udjang Nurdjaja. Thanks also given to SA B. Miangolarra for keeping ship clean. Next port: Tobata, Japan. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Maersk Lines), February 15-Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Grant Armstead, Educational Director D. Hastings, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Engine Delegate Carlos Dominguez, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Bosun reminded crew of possible cargo handling and additional duties while en route to Guam. Chairman noted phone calls can be made from ship's radio room, however, since all calls are monitored, everyone must speak English. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade at Piney Point. Deck delegate raised question about wage payments. Crew requested more books for ship's library. Fans are now available for every room. Transformers have been ordered. Steward department given round of thanks for job well done. Request made for slop chest to be resupplied with cigarettes and sodas. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Lines), February 8- Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Dien Short, Steward Delegate Edward Fuller. Educational director advised eligible Seafarers to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $80 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ITT reported by department delegates. Crew asked contracts department to consider filing for vacation after completing rotation (crew rotation is presently 105 days, not enough to file). Crew asked for small ice box for ice cream. Also requested books for library and transformers for crew rooms. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), February 12-Chairman Robert Hess, Steward Delegate Josue Iglesia Jr. Chairman informed crew members about upcoming payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary noted importance of donating to SPAD and backing union in all activities. He also gave vote of confidence to SIU President Michael Sacco and staff in new year. Educational director reminded crew to practice safety at all times, especially on deck. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Crew noted one washing machine not enough; requested second. Strong vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Steward thanked crew for helping keep messhalls clean in bad weather. Next port: San Juan, P.R. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (Maritime Overseas), February I-Chairman Stephen Herring, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational Director Wayne Roberson, Deck Delegate Lawrence Zepeda, Engine Delegate L. Reynolds. Chairman reminded crew members to bring all business up to date since payoff scheduled for February 4 in Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary welcomed new mariners aboard and reminded them to turn in shipping cards to department delegates. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Letter received from headquarters advising crew members that consideration being given to crew's concerns regarding vacation pay. Crew requested new furniture for crew lounge. SEA-LAND CONSUMER (SeaLand Service), February 24Chairman F.C. Adams, Secretary D.A. Brown, Educational Director R. Hamil, Deck Delegate Juan Ayala, Engine Delegate A. Gonzalez. Chairman gave vote of thanks to all departments for fine job and for helping secure ship during storms. Secretary has all union forms, including change of address. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD for stronger union. Educational director reminded everyone to get TRBs and upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), February 26-Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director Doug Greiner. Chairman reported payoff in port of Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director reminded all hands to upgrade whenever possible and get TRBs. Treasurer announced $100 in ship's fund . No beefs or disputed ITT reported by department delegates. Steward department thanked for great meals. Next ports: San Juan, P.R., Rio Haina, Dominican Republic and Jacksonville. SGT MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship Co.), February 15Chairman Anjelo Utri, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director J. Graham, Engine Delegate Robert Hines Jr., Steward Delegate Clarance Robinson. Crew requested information on amount of time it takes for company to send seatime records to headquarters. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (Sea-Land Service), March 3-Chairman Mark Lamar, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Rod Clark, Engine Delegate E. Harkins Jr., Steward Delegate Ralph Morgan. Chairman stated new VCR received and new dryer on order. Secretary reminded crew members of necessity of obtaining TRBs and of taking upgrading classes at Paul Hall center. Educational director advised crew to Admiral Shows Appreciation on Hauge On January 28, Captain Paul Zubaly hosted a luncheon for Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet Admiral Archie Clemins, USN, aboard the CPL Louis J. Hauge, Jr. as part of his command briefing on strategic sealift. After a luncheon of beef wellington and lobster thermidor aboard the Maersk Lines ship, the admiral posed for a picture with members of the steward department as a show of appreciation for the outstanding meal. From the left are Chief Steward Victorino Vincecruz, Chief Cook James Mcleod, Admiral Clemins and Messman Jack Mohamed. Chairman announced ship heading to Persian Gulf. Will relay other information as it comes in. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and get TRBs as soon as possible. Beef brought up in deck and steward departments as to dispensing of medicines. No beefs or disputed ITT reported in engine department. Reminder given not to put work shoes in washing machine. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals. HM/ PETRACHEM (Hvid~ Marine), March 8-Chairman Kenneth McLamb, Secretary Colleen Mast, Educational Director Tracy Hill, Steward Delegate H.M. Saleh. Everything looking good. Chairman said sailing board should be put up on regular basis. Educational director questioned paucity of movies. Treasurer said pilot pool to be put together to get funds for movies. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Crew members reminded to check z-cards and make sure they have STCW endorsement. Ship heading to Oregon. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship Co.), March 5-Chairman Eddy E. Stwaeard, Secretary R.K. Bright, Educational Director David Gordius, Deck Delegate B. Pinion, Engine Delegate Ryan Neathery, Steward Delegate Ralph Edmond. Chairman thanked crew members for working well together and making voyage enjoyable. He announced upcoming payoff in port of New Orleans. Secretary stressed importance of applying for TRBs and of upgrading at Lundeberg School. He also thanked galley gar:ig for job well done. Educational director echoed secretary 's sentiments about attending classes at Piney Point and gave vote of thanks to steward department. Treasurer announced $450 in movie fund . Some disputed ITT reported in deck department regarding duties of helmsman; no beefs or disputed ar noted in engine or steward departments. Crew members would like to see change in vacation requirements aboard Waterman ships. Chairman stated that no mail is to be opened by office~s or crew until received by him. check expiration dates on z-cards and, if necessary, get them renewed. Some disputed ITT and beef reported in steward department; none in deck or engine departments. Members of ship's crew wrote letters of thanks to Tacoma and Vancouver missions for their gifts and thoughtfulness at Christmas. All those getting off ship reminded to leave rooms clean for next crew members. Vote of thanks given for job well done to steward department. Thanks also given to deck department for their work throughout voyage. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), March I-Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Ed Ombac, Educational Director Mohamed Alsinai, Deck Delegate Norman Taylor, Engine Delegate Richard E. Raulerson, Steward Delegate Bob Racklin. Chairman announced $300 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to buy cassette player for gym. Educational director reminded crew members to check Seafarers LOG for Lundeberg School course schedule and upgrading opportunities. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Thanks given to steward department for great food, including delicious salad bar and for keeping messroom and recreation area clean. WILLAMETTE (Kirby Tankships), March 8-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Steven Wagner, Educational Director Major Smith, Deck Delegate Charles Foley, Engine Delegate Ed Krebs, Steward Delegate E. Batiz. Chairman explained ship is sold, effective March 9 or 10. Because of this, captain is checking about travel money at payoff. HM/ Defender will be new name. Information received regarding new pay scale and vacation days per month. Chairman reminded crew members to check z-cards for expiration date, explaining that without renewal up to one year after expiration date, all ratings are lost. He thanked deck department for job well done. Education director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Lake Charles, La. Seafarers LOG 19 �Labor sners II II L;;;;;;;;;;;;AF=L-c-==1o=Lis=ts=ao=yco=tt=Aea=in=stR=eg=a1=cin=em=as====.1 Regal Cinemas, the third largest movie-theater chain in the U.S., has just been added to the AFL-CIO's "Do Not Buy!" list. The boycott was launched by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE) to counter Regal's attack on the jobs of its unionized projectionists. According to IATSE President Thomas C. Short, Regal forced projectionists in Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio to accept large pay cuts in order to save some of their jobs. The company is seeking "systematically ... to replace family-wage jobs that have provided health and retirement benefits with part-time, low-wage positions offering neither fringe benefits nor job security," Short said. Regal Cinemas, headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., operates more than 2,000 screens in approximately 250 locations in 22 states. It also goes under the name of Cobb Theaters. Child Labor Violations Revealed in U.S. Nearly 300,000 children were illegally employed in the United States last year, according to a recent story published by the Associated Press. Many farmers and factory owners feel free to exploit children because they know that existing child-labor laws are rarely enforced, the news service stated. Recent statistics released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reveal that 70 children were killed on the job last year, and another 200,000 suffered workplace injuries and related health problems. President Clinton alluded to the problem in his State of the Union Address, at which time he promised to introduce legislation to deal with this national disgrace. Labor Campaign Launched in Texas The latest television ad in the AFL-CIO's national campaign to improve the image of unions recently was launched at an elementary school in San Antonio Texas. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson, who herself rose through union ranks in San Antonio before attaining national office, said of the ad campaign, "We just haven't bragged enough about the good that unions do. We need to bring the voice of unions to working people who haven't had the opportunity to join a union." Produced in both English and Spanish, the ad features Mary Huerta, a kindergarten teacher from San Antonio, who also is a member of the American Federation of Teachers. She is shown with her c]ass, explaining how belonging to a union encourages her to stand up for what she believes is right for children. Within the next couple years, the $40 million campaign is expected to expand to a dozen cities. Another TV ad features a nurse, construction worker, hote] food worker and Harley-Davidson plant worker, all explaining how union membership has helped them succeed in their careers. New Maritime Museum Dedicated to Great l,akes There are many maritime museums across the country, but the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum, located in downtown Sebewaing, Mich (along the shore of Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron), is the only one created and dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Great Lakes shipping industry. The museum was founded by Ed Brklacich who, as a boy, lived in the downriver area of Detroit. Besides a fascination with boats, he had little to do with them until later in life, following his retirement from the public school system. He then set up a frame shop in Sebewaing where, among other items, he stocked and sold maritime prints. His fascination with ships, lighthouses and maritime history soon developed into a personal collection of Lakes memorabilia. Brklacich was asked by the local arts council to help create a display of the history of those who spent their lives on the water. "After we did the art council displays, we also got into doing some nautical exhibitions," he said. "It was then I realized the enormity of it all." Brklacich began showing his exhibit to the public and then took it on the road to other port cities along Lake Huron. Eventually, he decided there was a need for a permanent place to store his growing collection of seafaring artifacts and memorabilia. In April 1995, the former Sebewaing Masonic Temple was up for sale. He purchased it and put a lot of work into its refurbishment. The 2,000 sq. ft. museum opened in July 1996. Much effort also went into Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Department 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r-------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 4;9s Ed Brklacich (at podium) officiates at the dedication of the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum on August 8, 1997. With him are (from left) Chuck Horn, Capt. Pat Owens and Ed Little, all retired from Great Lakes fleets. collecting the artifacts for the displays, and Brklacich traveled many miles, conducting interviews and asking for support. Boat captains, mates and other seafaring people have contributed to the vast collection. It includes personal effects, pictures, licenses, letters, personal stories and many other items either donated or on loan by various mariners. The emphasis, Brklacich noted, is on recognizing the men and women who have worked on Great Lakes ships. He added that the Great Lakes Lore museum is unique because it deals mainly with the people who sailed the Great Lakes, not just the boats. Great Lakes Lore (G.L.L.) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the lives, stories and memories of those individuals who worked aboard Great Lakes ships. Each year, a number of sailors are inducted into the G.L.L. The inductees have a pictorial/informational display containing a list of the ships on which they served, the years worked on the Lakes and some memorable events in their careers. There also is a video library in the museum and a reading and research room. A yearly luncheon is held for retired mariners to get together and share stories of their lives on the Lakes, and a quarterly newsletter is sent out to the membership. "I have such a deep respect for these men and women," Brklacich said of Great Lakes mariners, many of whom live in the immediate area. "I only hope once some of them see what what we are trying to do, they will join us." Brklacich added that the G.L.L. is always looking for people who have sailed on the Great Lakes. Those who would like to contact him may call (517) 883-9093. (Please Print) AFL-CIO Union Industries Show Name: I _ _ _ I _ __ Social Security No.: D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. This year's AFL-CJO Union Industries Show, featuring more than 300 unions and companies with union-represented employees, will be held at the convention center in New Orleans, April 7720. Those attending will enjoy free admission, samples, gifts, prizes, demonstrations, exhibits and much more. L-------------------------------------------------~ 20 Seafarers LOG April 1998 �Letters to the Editor (Editor's Note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Captain Proud to Serve With Bobo Seafarers In the middle of the night of November 5, 1997, the crew of the 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo was called out to assist in getting underway from Rota anchorage during a sudden and violent storm that eventually drove the vessel ashore. In the days following the grounding, the deck department, engine depart- ment and steward department performed feats of seamanship and showed a dedication to duty that was beyond belief. In the deck department, Bosun Bill Bratton and ABs Roy Conn, Brian Post, Bill Michael, Mike Conley, Darryl Atwood and Bill Kosonen, assisted by Chief Steward Rich Gray and the SAs on tag lines, managed to discharge two LCM-8s and six pieces of lighterage. This task is usually performed by about 60 military personnel. The QM/ pumpman, Victor Mull, also put in long hours transferring ballast to accomplish the refloating. All this was done with no complaints and a high degree of professionalism. The SIU can be proud to be Picking Up a Good Book able to supply men of this level of competence and their actions under adverse conditions were in keeping with the long tradition of seamen being able to accomplish any task, under any conditions. Other crew I have not mentioned also contributed to this effort. I am proud to have been able to serve with these men, and as a former SIU member of 13 years, I can honestly say they were equal, if not superior, to any of our brothers who served our profession in the past. The ship was finally refloated on the night of November 10, thanks in great part to their efforts. Capt. John F. Maytum Master, 2nd 11. John P. Bobo .. . Pension Bonus Is Greatly Appreciated I want to thank you and the pension plan for the $500.00 Christmas bonus this past year. You have no idea how that makes the new year seem brighter. I am one of the oldtimers on a $300.00 permonth pension. It gets harder all the time to make ends meet. I used to walk the Isthmian Steamship Co. picket lines. Hang in there! I know it gets harder all the time to hold it all together. I just had to sit down and twofinger this letter to you with my thanks. Richard J. McConnell Long Beach, Calif. Inland Seafarer Martha "Marty" Smith recently received her SIU book at the union hall in St. Louis. A cook who sails with Orgulf, Smith served on the negotiating committee which helped deliver the contract overwhelmingly approved by the boatmen late last year. Sister Smith enthusiastically described the experience of picking up her book as "cool." Se farer Do s As Movie Extra SIU member Tom Gingerich (left) joins actor Bill Paxton on the set of "A Bright Shining Lie," filmed In Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Gingerich-a long-time SIU member-with the actor Bill Paxton. Tom was an extra in a made-for-TV movie (HBO) entitled "A Bright Shining Lie," recently filmed in Kanchanaburi, Thailand (Gingerich played a soldier). Gingerich has been sailing as a chief cook since leaving the S.S. Independence in 1995. Don and Vicky Irvine Sparks, Nev. Retiree Thanks Union For All Efforts I would be less than grateful if I didn't thank the trustees of our welfare plan for their efforts on behalf of myself and my fellow retirees when circumstances permit. It seems we are all very much concerned about El Nino, and rightly so. I realize it's a threat to everybody who is faced with the bad weather caused by it, especially Seafarers. Enclosed is a recent photo- I only thank my lucky stars graph [at top of page] of Tom that it didn't happen when I was on active duty, which included World War II. Even then, we had enough to put up with. including air raids and sinkings of our cargo vessels by subs and bad weather, as well as the accidents while in port and burials at sea. Now that I look back on my time with the union, I'm very thankful for the cooperation I received from all hands in time of need. Clarence L. Cousins Butler, Pa. ... ... Pie-from-Past Elicits Recognition Regarding your "Pic-from-thePast" on page 16 in the June 1997 LOG-I was a member of the SIU from 1953 until 1961. When I joined the MEBA, I was on the S.S. Ines from June 8, 1953 until September9, 1953 as an oiler. The ship ran from the East Coast to San Juan, Mayaguez and Ponce. Hope this information helps. Daniel B. Stutzman Havertown, Pa. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times. either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and condi- April 1998 tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) .on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an sru patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the sru unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color. sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political c~didates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A inember should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Ir--- -~~-~-Lundeberg School Graduating Classes 1 HARRY SCHOOL j LIFEBO:~a CLASS ~~;--:'~, .. J~~- ;Yt~~~~ Trainee Lifeboat Class 573-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 573 are (from left, kneeling) Al Seay II, Cory Moran, Marcus Ross, John Stusnick, Brian Kimbrough, (second row) Ben Cusic (instructor), Adam DesRosiers, Eldon Palmer, Jason Roberts, Jason Kennedy, Nigel Jefferson, Shane Clarke and Donald Ippolito. Inland AB-Upgrading graduates of the inland AB class on March 3 are (from left, kneeling) Casey Taylor (instructor), Richard DeWitte, Donald Olson, Matthew McNally, (second row) Daniel Grant, Donald Gimpel, Mohamed Said, Paul Eich, Gregory Kennedy, Scott VanEnkevort and Mark Nicholson. Upgraders Lifeboat-Certificates of training were received by the following SIU members, who gradwd@d from th@ upgraders lifeboat class on March 4. They are (from left. front row) Lauro Mangahas, Denis Co:;:;io, Bonnie Spivey. Said Abdullah, Ben Cusic (instructor). (second row) Porfirio Alvarez, Christopher Gibson, David Kuithe and Tom Komenda. Basic Firefighting-SIU members completing the basic firefighting class on February 25 are (from left, kneeling) James Grant, Larry Bosworth, Antonio Francalancia, Melvin Hite, Sirio Centino, Eddie Banks. (second row) Yahya Mohamed, Ali Mohamed, Allan Rogers II, Paul Sullivan, John Penrose, Robert Laidler, Jaime Velasquez, (third row)""RJ. Johnson, Jeff Lill, John Walsh, Jerry Smith and John Smith (instructor). Able Bodied SeamanSeafarers graduating from the able bodied seaman class on March 3 are (from left, kneeling) Shawn Tapp, Brian Talley, Marcos Rivera, Alton Glapion, Godofredo Milabo Ill, Tom Gilliland (instructor). (second row) Steven Thomas, James Orlanda, Ronald Johnson, Gene Butson, Ernest Gay, Jason Monroe, William Tripp, David Puher, (third row) Marvin Spears, Wesley Daggett and Woodrow Brown. 22 Seafarers LOG April 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING .COURSE SCHEDULE Safety Specialty Courses . . ......... The followingfa di~~HheduleJJi· G)is&es beg!rihihg in May, June and July at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School oLSpamansbip located at the Paul Han Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers ancLto promote the American maritime industry. Please note. !l}{tt this. ~ctiedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and..;;:.;;...in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course~s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ May25 July 20 June 13 August 8 LNG Familiarization July6 July 10 Basic Firefighting May4 May18 June 1 June 15 July 20 May9 May23 June6 June 20 July 25 Assistant (DL) .· . Seafarers wJio have any questions regarding the upgracling courses offered at the Lundeberg S~hool may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start May18 May30 June22 July 27 July 3 August 8 Government Vessels May18 June 15 July 13 Junes July 2 July 31 Tankerman (PIC) Barge Mayll May 15 May18 · May30 July 25 Advanced Firefighting · ·course Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June 1 July 27 July 10 September 4 ·Radar Observer/Unlimited July 13 July 24 Celestial Navigation May 4 June 12 Bridge Management July 27 August 7 .7 Start Water Survival July 13 Recertification Programs Date of Completion Course Start Date Date of Completion LNG ·Recertification May 18 June5 : : :- :-:·: -·:. :· ·:·: : : : : ::-fif~~~~~-•· •~· · ~~~~s :9/1Jrl/icb#._ng)·•=2£ :. September8 J~.me August 3 29 English as a Second Language {ESL) June 15 or Adult Basic Education (ABE) July 24 Augusf7 June29 Start Dates Only ~all~y . Operations/Certifi<'.'1 Chief · COOk/Advanced Galley Opera• tions/Chief Steward . ... ~ ~ · ~.:-:~ ~ . ~ Introduction to Computers May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15, June 29, · July 13, July 27 . _- _. .=. . . Self-study In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses• ·~"· ~·"· :._·:· UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient 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 Lunde berg School identification card listing the course( s) you have taken and complet ed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE D Lakes Member END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone---------....--Deep Sea Member BEGIN DATE D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#__________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes Endorsement(s~ D No D Home Port or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL:---~----------- Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? No Firefighting: Primary language spoken April 1998 D Yes D No CPR: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Yes D Date Off: D Yes DNo 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 4/98 Seafarers LOG 23 �Vacation at Piney Point Now is the time to start thinking about a summer vacation. The Lundeberg School can provide you and your family with all the ingredients for a memorable summer holiday. For additional information and rates, see page 14. it.h Airtight Execution A layman probably would consider it an extraordinary feat to assemble a 106-foot, 15-ton defusing pipe and then install it in the ice-laden Detroit River in January. But to the Seafarers employed at Luedtke Engineering Co. who completed the job earlier this year, it qualified as a relatively brief and uncomplicated assignment. "It took nine days," recalled tugboat Captain Fran Bellant, one of four SIU members who participated in the task. "This was a very short job. Many others last for months or entire seasons." Still, it involved 10- to 14hour days in freezing temperatures, including many hours of underwater work by Divers Chad Mills and Scott Barnes. Bellant kept the tug and derrick barge steady agajnst ice floes and stayed in constant communica- For divers like Chad Mills, working underwater usually means zero visibility. tiOn with the <livers when they were down. All four Seafarers, including Welder Bud Cropek, helped assemble the massive pipe, which was lowered by crnnc into the river. "We dug the hole for the pipe, assembled the pipe and then attached it'' to an existing piece on shore at the Great Lakes Steel plant, located along the river just south of Detroit, noted Be11ant. The purpose of the job essentially involved aesthetics. Reddish material from the taconite used in making steel had been quite evident in that area of the river, causing consternation among local citizens and, eventually. the Environmental Protection Agency, even though the dye was harmless. ''That's a high-traffic area for pleasure boaters and fishermen. People thought the taconite material was toxic waste," explained Don Thornton, Algonac, Mich. SIU representative, who provided the photos accompanying this article. Seafarers successfu11y installed the pipe approximately 15 feet beneath the surface, and the new equipment diluted the taconite coloration as planned, so that none remains visible. Afterward, company officials praised the SIU members for their efficient work. "They did a terrific job, which is typical," said Project Manager Tom Zakovich. "All of our SIU guys are we11trained and good workers. That's a big reason why we're able to "You just work by feel," says Scott Barnes of his beneaththe-surface tasks. ··; ~ Captain Francis Bellant says there are two keys to withstanding winter on the Great Lakes: "dress appropriately and drink plenty of coffee!" do so many different types of jobs," stated Paul Luedtke, secretary-treasurer of the Frankfort, Mich.-based company. Indeed, Luedtke tackles a wide range of marine construction jobs throughout the Great Lakes region, including dredging harbors and installing breakwalls, among many other chores. "Anything in marine construction, they'll dig into it," observed Bellant, who joined the Seafarers in 1957. He cited the difficult and complicated bridge repair job completed a year ago by Luedtke Seafarers (see April 1997 Seafarers LOG, page 8) as a prime example of the crews' versatility. That assignment involved building and installing a replacement joint on the Norfolk Southern railroad bridge, just outside Detroit. SIU members literally worked around-the-clock for six weeks to get the job done. By comparison, the recent pipe installation was simplealthough it featured the added element of underwater work. "It's actually safer under water in some ways, because people are very mindful to take precautions and make sure everything is done right," said Barnes. "You get tired a lot quicker from moving in the water, but basically you use hand tools in the same way you would on the surface." While protective suits enable Seafarers to work in frigid underwater conditions for several hours at a time, one of the biggest challenges of such work is the characteristic lack of visibility. Divers in that region usually have zero visibility and almost never more than a foot or two_ "You just work by feel," explained Barnes, who has worked at depths of up to .150 feet. But no matter the job, the season or the location, Luedtke Seafarers keep the company's tugboats, launches, dredges, derricks and other floating equipment at the ready. "It's not like working on a production line, where your environment is controlled by heating or air conditioning and you basically stay in one place all the time," observed Reliant, who has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. "But the members here are up the task." Using an angle iron to weld a lift support is Seafarer Bud Cropek. Based in Frankfort, Mich., Luedtke Engineering Co. handles all kinds of marine construction jobs. SIU boatmen maneuvered against ice ffoes (here and in lower Jeft photo) throughout the pipe instaUation assignment. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PROGRESS CONTINUES IN ITF FIGHT AGAINST RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPPING COCKROFT: PUBLICITY MAY HELP MARITIME SAFETY DOUBLE EAGLE TANKER PROGRAM RESTRUCTURED 2ND WATSON SHIP CHRISTENED MTD URGES MEMBERS TO REPEL ATTACKS AGAINST U.S. WORKERS SIUNA, NMU ANNOUNCE INITIAL TALKS UNDER WAY AIMED AT AFFILIATION SACCO REAFFIRMS U.S. SHIPS READY TO ASSIST TROOPS WHEN NEEDED MSC APPROVES DAMAGE CONTROL CURRICULUM AT PAUL HALL CENTER CAPT. PRAISES BOB CREW SEAFARERS START LAKES SEASON AVONDALE CEO MUST APOLOGIZE TO WORKERS WEST COAST VP MCCARTNEY TO RETIRE; BOARD NAMES NICK MARRONE TO POST NAVIGATIONAL TAX HITS CONGRESIONAL HAZARDS MTD SPEAKERS HONE CONSISTENT THEME: ANTI-WORKER CAMPAIGN MEASURES MUST BE DEFEATED NATIONWIDE UTILITY DEREGULATION NEEDS TO INCLUDE CONCERNS OF WORKERS AND CONSUMERS MARAD, SHIPPING, ELECTED OFFICIALS PLEDGE TO CONTINUE FIGHT FOR STRONG U.S. FLEET INTERNATIONAL UNITY BRINGS SUCCESSES IN ITF’S RUNAWAY-FLAG CAMPAIGN ZENGA TELLS MTD BOARD MARITIME NEEDS DREDGING PAUL HALL CENTER AND AB COURSE COMMENDED BY LAKES SEAFARERS NTSB’S HALL OUTLINES VARIOUS FACTORS LEADING TO ACCIDENTS FORMER SEAFARER MEOLA PASSED AWAY AT AGE 82 SAN FRANCISCO LABOR LEADER JIMMY HERMAN DIES AT 73 LOCAL AAA MAGAZINE PROMOTES CRUISING ABOARD INDEPENDENCE MERCHANT MARINE VETERAN WRITES BOOK CHRONICLING WORLD WAR II ADVENTURES TUG CREW CREDITED FOR AIDING SHIPMATE SAFETY TRAINING HELPED SAVE INJURED DECKHAND’S LIFE MEETING WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST SHIPS LUEDTKE CREW PIPES UP WITH AIRTIGHT EXECUTION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 4 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4b57b0da8881ef7480aa599af96b001c.pdf dae5c46cc9cd0536ad86ff23725f0c89 PDF Text Text Ill I anne ru1ses II SIU Will Crew 5 Delta Queen Ships; First Scheduled for Year 2000 Higman Boatmen Lauded for Safety Captain Leroy Lepretre is one of a number of Seafarers hon· ored la.st month by Higman Barge Lines for safe operations in 1997. ''We always emphasize teamwork and safety, every sin· gle day," Lepretre said following the presentation of the company's annual safety awards. Page 4 Late last year, the SIU-crewed LNG Virgo saved 18 people stranded for five days in the Celebes Sea, beginning with the rescue of the two individuals pictured above. This dramatic story is recounted on page 24. Lakes Seafarers Fired Up tor Fitout Aboard the Iglehart, Watchstander Paul Gosda takes aim at another record sailing season on the Great Lakes. Fitout began in mid-March, and early indications are that this will be another strong year for Lakes shipping, on the heels of a record-setting campaign. Page 9 SIU Members, Pensioners Slated for New Rx Program _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 3 Coast Guard Opposes Solo Bridge Watch ---------Page 3 �Continued Cooperation Needed to Keep U.S.-Flag Fleet Strong in Next Century President's Report Stop the Trend, Before H Starts Next month the voters of California will cast their ballots on an initiative that carries dramatic implications for all working men and .------------ women across America. On June 2, the people of our nation's most populated state will decide if Proposition 226 becomes law. Proposition 226 is the latest scam created by anti-worker forces to limit the voices of working people from the political process. Using the innocent-sounding name of "campaign finance reform," these anti-worker advocates want the voters of California to say it's okay to limit unions' ability to Michael Sacco participate in state elections and other political processes-but let Big Business run wild. They have chosen California because they think it is easier to sneak this long-winded initiative past the voters rather than deal with it through open debates in the legislative process. Research already shows Big Business outspent labor unions by an 11-to- l margin during the 1996 election cycle. An 11-to-1 margin! The difference in terms of dollars spent is so wide, it is hard to comprehend, so I'll try to demonstrate this in another manner. Imagine being on a football field all by yourself and the 11 members of the Super Bowl-champion Denver Broncos are lined up against you. What do you think your chances of stopping them would be?! Yet, this is what organized labor faced two years ago-and we held our own. Now, the anti-worker corporations and lobbyists feel that was unfair to them. They want to change the rules and tilt them even more in their favor. They don't even try to hide what they are doing. In a recent nationally broadcast news report, one of the people who wrote Proposition 226 told a pro-business group: "Imagine what would happen in your legislative, in your business agendas if the amount of money opposing you every year was reduced by 80 percent, what could you do?" Business already outspends labor 11-to- l and now they want to dramatically widen that margin! It's critical to note that at first glance, Proposition 226 doesn't appear to deal with labor unions. Its first sentence calls on the voters of California to ban foreign money from the political system. Who isn't for that?! In fact, it already IS illegal for foreign money to be used in California political campaigns. What these anti-worker groups are counting on is voters will see only that part of the measure. They figure the voters will be too busy with the other elections on the ballot to read the rest of the initiative. The rest of Proposition 226 demands union members sign an annual statement issued by the state to give their unions permission to spend dues money for items other than those directly related to collective bargaining. If passed, the law would take effect on July 1. Another catch to all of this is state officials have said there is no way they could implement the law before 1999. Therefore, unions would for all practical pl.lrposes be eliminated from participating in the foll elections. How democratic does that sound? Big Business would be allowed to spend whatever it wants, while unions wouldn't even be able to produce a voters' guide to inform the electorate who is standing up for working people. Despite the fact the election is taking place in California, the results of the balloting will be felt across the country. As has been pointed out in this issue (as well as previous issues) of the Seafarers LOG, the effort to reduce the influence of working people in the political process is a national campaign being waged at a state-by-state leve1. The anti-worker forces are looking for any hook, any angle, any way to make their views the law. Of the 29 states where such measures have been offered, 12 state legislatures already have said their working men and women deserve respect and the right to be heard. But that hasn't stopped Big Business. While the challenges are taking place all over the country, the real prize for the anti-worker forces is California. They know California is a trend-setting state- that ideas accepted on the West Coast will malce their way cast. The battle lines have been drawn. Proposition 226 is a lousy initiative because it stands against a value that all Americans hold dear-the right to express yourself freely. It would keep working men and women from gaining valuable information on the candidates and their positions. It would keep unions from standing up for working people when legislatures are in sessions. It would allow Big Business and its allies to call the shots without meaningful opposition. Anti-worker measures like Proposition 226 should be stopped in California on June 2. There is no justifiable reason for them to be,ome law anywhere. 2 On a day in which a stand-in speaker was needed to deliver the annual Paul Hall Memorial Lecture, the immediate past head of the U.S. Maritime Administration informed a Washington, D.C. audience of maritime industry officials, labor representatives and military officers that there is no substitute for a U.S.-flag merchant strong marine. Albert J. Herberger, who retired as the U.S. Maritime Administrator last year, was scheduled to deliver the annual lecture on April 15. Unfortunately, he was unable to be in the nation's capital due to a death in the family. As his address already was prepared, Emanuel Rouvelas-a longtime U.S.-flag advocate-stepped in at the last minute and delivered Herberger's remarks. Vast Maritime Experience To prepare his address, Herberger called upon his vast experience in the U.S. maritime industry. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. and sailed aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels prior to joining the U.S. Navy in 1958. He worked his way through the ranks, serving aboard and commanding warships as well as gaining executive experience involving the managing of manpower resources which included recruiting, training, education, distribution and logistics. By the time he retired from the Navy in 1990, the Albany, N.Y.-native had obtained the rank of vice admiral and served as the deputy commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command, which oversees the movement of materiel and troops for the U.S. military. After Herberger did a brief stint in private business, President Clinton nominated him to be the maritime administrator in 1993. During his four years at the helm, he steered the Maritime Security Program through Congress (gaining passage for it in 1996). jumpstarted commercial shipbuilding in U.S. yards and made sure maritime interests were included in national transportation policies. He now serves as vice chairman for SIU-contracted American Ship Management. Strong Relationship As delivered by Rouvelas, Herberger pointed out the rela- Representatives from the maritime industry, labor, government and military listen as Emanuel Rouvelas delivers the 1998 Paul Hall Memorial Lecture as written by retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger. tionship between the commercial maritime industry and the Department of Defense (DoD) is the closest "in more than 40 years. As a result, strong publicprivate partnerships are being forged in peacetime rather than during war or national emergency." He noted that throughout the nation's history, the maritime segment tended to be ignored until it was immediately needed. He cited examples from the War of I 812 to World War I and World War II as proof. But, Herberger wrote, the cooperation that developed during the Persian Gulf War laid the groundwork for the maritime measures being enacted during the 1990s. From the JO-year Maritime Security Program has developed the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) in which companies with ships contracted in the program not only make their vessels available to the military in times of conflict or emergency but also their terminals, intermodel systems and other services. "Within the framework of VISA, a Joint Planning Advisory Group was established to identify potential problem areas for sealift and develop appropriate solutions. This joint industry and DoD executive-level group. cochaired by the U .S. Transportation Command and the Maritime Administration, is charged to ensure a clear understanding of sealift requirements and capabilities so that all participants are better prepared to take action when needed," he stated. "The importance and value of the commercial merchant marine has received strong words of support by senior DoD officials in both public and official statements in recent times. This visible recognition from the national security arena had been absent for much too long in the debate May 1998 MSC Head Perkins Confident In U.S. Merchant Mariners The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO: 520 l Au th Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD AH Rights Reserved. The head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command recently voiced his confidence in American merchant mariners. Speaking April 23 to the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James B. Perkins, commander of MSC, described the merchant marine as America's "secret weapon" for quick sealift deployment. Perkins further praised America's civilian mariners as "absolutely magnificent professionals." And, answering a question regarding merchant mariners' willingness to sail into danger zones to deliver materiel for U.S. troops, he emphatically responded, "The answer is, hell yes, they will go! They will go like they've gone in every conflict that the U.S. has participated in since the Revolution." llolume 601 Number 5 Tiie SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~16 Former MarAd Chief Herberger Prepares 1998 Paul Hall Lecture Seafarers LOG regarding the national need for a U .S. merchant marine," the retired admiral added. Continue Cooperation He called for continued unity in the industry and ongoing cooperation between the industry and military which will help keep the fleet strong. "My personal assessment is that the U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth. Both the international and domestic fleets, along with revitalized ports and waterways, will be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security." To back up this point, Herberger listed several areas where he believes the U.S.-flag fleet will play a vital role in the upcoming century. Future Growth "Changing trade patterns, technology development and marketplace demands, both at home and abroad, will create opportunities for the waterborne transportation industry. U.S. trade is projected to double or triple by the year 2020 with the increasing globalization of the world economies. "New domestic markets will emerge for maritime services, particularly in the carriage of leisure and commuter passengers and the movement of freight along our coasts." In hypothesizing about the future, Herberger said he sees coastal shipping being used effi ciently to reduce congestion on highways and railroads. He called for support to rebuild America's port facilities-from dredging to highways-to meet the needs of growing trade. Herberger also stated how important it is for the country's shipyards to be active in the construction of commercial vessels. "We cannot, as a nation, continue to relinquish industrial design and manufacturing industries to foreign competitors." In closing, the former maritime administrator urged those attending to "promote the value of this industry to the general public. This great nation must continue to be a 'maritime' power for our own interests." Delivered each year since 1987, the lecture is funded by the Paul Hall Memorial Endowment at the University of Southern California. It was created by the friends and associates of the late SIU president, who served as the union's principal officer from 1947 until he died in 1980. May 1998 �Delta Queen Announces Fleet Expansion SIU Will Crew 5 New Coastal Cruise Ships Starting in 2000 SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company has announced its intention to build in U.S. shipyards five new passenger vessels to ply America's ocean coastlines. Seafarers will crew the ships when they are ready to sail. Bids for the five ships-which will carry between 200 and 225 passengers each-have already been requested. The company expects to sign a contract in September, begin construction for the first vessel around January 1999 and be ready to sail by the spring of 2000. Construction of the next ship will begin when the first is launched. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the SIU and the whole U.S.-tlag maritime industry," stated Seafarers President Michael Sacco. " These five ships represent new jobs for SIU members. Because Seafarers have demonstrated their ability and compe- Seafarers Rally in N.O. For A11ondale Workers SIU members and officials last month took part in a ra11y near New Orleans for Avondale Shipyard workers. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka spoke at the April 16 event, conducted at a local church, to show support for the 4, 100 shipyard workers still awaiting their first union contract. Both officials pledged the federation's continued full backing of the workers. Avondale employees voted in June 1993 to be represented by unions. However, the company since then has used one stalling tactic after another to deny representation to the workers and evade negotiations for a first contract. In fact, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in March ordered the head of Avondale to personally read a cease and desist order to the current and former shipyard employees, rehire 28 fired workers and rescind disciplinary measures taken against 15 others, and pay more than $3 million in back wages. Besides what is covered in the NLRB ruling, the AFL-CIO (the national federation of trade unions, of which the SIU is an member) notes that many other charges of firings and various inappropriate disciplinary actions against union supporters are impending in the NLRB and in the U.S. Court of Appeals. Altogether, this is the largest Continued on page 10 New Prescription Program Announced far Pensioners Agreement Eliminates Out-of-Pocket Expenses The Seafarers Welfare Plan recently announced a new prescription program for SIU pensioners that is designed to make it more convenient and cm:t-effectivc for retirees to secure needed medications_ This program also is expected tc be available for active Seafarers later this year. Accardi ng to Lou Delma. administrator of the Seafarers Welfare Plan1 the plan has signed an agreement with National Prescription Administrators, Inc. (NPA) to provide managed care pharmaceutical services to its eligible pensioners. "We expect this program to save money for SIU pensioners, SIU members and the plan itself," Delma stated. "It also is intended to eliminate out-of- pocket expenses when members or retirees pick up their pres~riptions, and it should significantly cut down on paperwork, too." Eligible pensioners wi11 have the option of purchasing prescription drugs from a network of mon; than 50 000 participating pharmacies. PhMmacy chains such as CVS. Rite Aid, Eckerd, Giant, Kroger and Revco are incJuded in this program . A more detailed list of participating pharmacies will be provided to eligible participants_ Additionally, for the first time, pensioners will have the ability to order their medication through a pharmaceutical mail service 1 May 1998 provider. This is expected to help people who take certain prescription medicines on an ongoing basis. NPA has been administering pres~ription drug benefit programs for more than 18 years. Currently the company serves more than 3 500 clients, representing 7 million covered participants. "NPA brings to the Seafarers a quality program which will allow pensioners access to a huge pharmacy network and other administrative services_ The plan also will benefit from this arrangement as NPA has negotiated with the network pharmacies to reduce the cost of prescription medications," Delma pointed out Pharmacies who participate in this network will recognize SIU peMioners by a special card. Qualified pensioners will no longer have to pay for their prescriptions and wait for reimbursement from the plan. This new program offers electronic processing capabilities which will greatly assist pension· ers in reducing paperwork for prescription claims _ The target date for this new program for pensioners is July 1998. The plan will send eligible pensioners detailed information, and additional related news will appear in future Seafarers LOG articles. Additionally, a participant mailing is being planned for the near future_ 1 tence for years on Delta Queen's three riverboats , the company knows it will have the manpower to crew these new ships in the way the company and the passengers expect. "But, even more , Delta Queen's announcement demonstrates the company's confidence in the domestic maritime program," Sacco continued. "These ships will be built in American yards, taking advantage of the latest technology, to call on American ports." SIU members already sail aboard the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen. The trio of steamboats carries passengers along the Mississippi River and its tribu taries. The company is a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages. Among American Classic Voyages' other holdings is American Hawaii Cruises, which operates the SIU-crewed SS Independence on seven-day voy- ........................ _...._.....,· More jobs for Seafarers, like Housekeeper Gwen Gibson of the Mississippi Queen, are on the horizon as the Delta Queen Company announces plans to build five new coastal cruise vessels. ages around the Hawaiian Islands. Under the plans announced by Delta Queen, the vessels would cruise along the Pacific Northwest and northern California to such locations as the Columbia River, Snake River, Napa Valley and San Francisco. Eastern seaboard destinations will include Boston Harbor; New York; Chesapeake Bay; the nation's capital; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Florida coastal cities . The ships will be 300 feet Jong and diesel driven. They will be designed to resemble coastal steamers that sailed along America's shores nearly 100 years ago. For the passengers, they will feature period furnishings, four-star amenities and the latest in safety technology. Delta Queen expects to complete the launching of the new vessels in seven to IO years. SIU Members In Gulf Buildup Are Eligible for 'Danger Pay1 Seafarers who sailed on vessels deployed to the Persian Gulf during the recent military buildup in that region are eligible for imminent danger pay, according to a communication issued by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The eligibility period began February 7 and still was in effect as the Seafarers LOG went to press in late April. "On applicable contracts, Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) mandated by collective bargaining agreement is reimbursable to the contractor for payments made to the contract mariners on board MSC vessels operating in certain zones of the Arabian Gulf," reads the memorandum from MSC. '"Any reimbursement of IDP is limited to the amounts that would be payable under applicable laws and regulations to U.S. civil service mariners in the employ (of) MSC in a similar port, place, zone or route .... The current zones for IDP in the Arabian Gulf include the sea areas within the Arabian Gulf." SIU members who believe they qualify for IDP and who have signed off their respective vessels should contact the companies operating the ships on which they sailed, according to MSC. Seafarers still aboard ships deployed in the Gulf are not instructed to contact the companie . The buildup took place in preparation for a possible armed conflict between the U.S. and its allies against Iraq. More than 15 SIU-crewed ships were involved in exercises in or near the Gulf as part of that preparedness. Although the likelihood of impending conflict diminished with Iraq's initial and ostensible cooperation with United Nations arms inspectors, the situation seemingly is far from fully resolved, according to news reports. Coast Guard Backs SIU's Position Against Solo Navigational Watch Agency Will Take Case to International Safety Session Consistent with the SIU's position, the U.S. Coast Guard during upcoming international maritime safety metings will oppose solo navigational watch at night, according to a report by the agency. As permitted by the international convention on Standards of Training . Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. several countries have con· ducted years of trials involving solo bridge watch in periods of darkness. Based on studies of the documentation of those trials, the Coast Guard at the 69th session of the international Maritime Safety Committee (scheduled for May 11-20 in London) will recommend discontinuation of such experiments. It further will advise that solo night watch not be included in any amendment to the updated STCW convention _ In a letter earlier this year to Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert C. North, assistant commandant of marine safety and environmental protection, SIU President Michael Sacco reiterated the union's "total opposition to the operation of ships with the officer of the navigational watch acting as the sole lookout in periods of darkness. We believe that a solo bridge operation compromises safety at sea and, as such, it is an unacceptable and unnecessary measure." The SIU challenged the contentions of nations including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and oth.e rs that such a watch is safe. Sacco noted that in studies conducted by such nations, "their supporting analysis is usually unpersuasive and contain many misleading comparisons, incomplete analysis and undefined terms." In an executive summary of its findings, the Coast Guard argued that solo night watch violates existing regulations that cal1 for a continuous lookout. The agency pointed out that trial results indicate periodic lapses-sometimes greater than 10 minutes-have occurred during navigational watches at night. Moreover, a substantial number of officers interviewed as part of the trials reported that keeping a proper lookout in addition to other duties was "sometimes" difficult, while some stated it was "often" difficult. "Solo watchkeeping should not be taking place under conditions where risk of collision is likely to develop," the Coast Guard noted. "Furthermore, the indication that detection will be more rapid when the watch officer has access to high-grade detection equipment only supports the need for promoting the introduction of such equipment to reduce risk on a11 ships, rather than the elimination of the lookout on some ships." The Coast Guard therefore will urge the committee to discontinue solo navigational watch at night and to not amend the STCW convention in that regard. Seafarers LOG 3 �Higman Boatmen Earn Safety Awards Seafarers Honored for Year of Accident-Free Operations SIU boatmen sailing with Higman Barge Lines were honored last month for outstanding safety achievements in 1997. Seafarers earned the annual safety awards in individual and boat categories. Higman, based in Orange, Texas, has presented the plaques since the start of this decade. "We always emphasize teamwork and safety, every single day," said Captain Leroy Lepretre, whose work helped the tug Preston Shuford win one of the boat awards. "With what we're running, oil barges, everybody's got to be on their toes and be extra careful. Really, it's all about teamwork." In order to receive an individual safety award, boatmen must work at least 224 accident-free days in a calendar year. For the boat awards, "They must operate without an oil spill, a personal injury, collision, allision-zero incidents," explained company spokesperson Ginger Norwood. Earning the 1997 awards were the John T. McMahan and the Preston Shuford. The McMahan also won in 1995 and 1996. Additionally, Higman has a "500 Day" award for boatmen who compile at least 500 consecutive working days (as scheduled) without an accident. Approximately half of the 120 or so boatmen employed at Higman have earned the 500 Day award. Many others are on pace to receive it. Seafarers sailing aboard Higman's 18 boats regularly conduct shipboard safety drills and also participate in quarterly safety meetings directed by the company. Lepretre, whose son Cody sails as an OS in the SIU's deep sea division, commended both the company and the crews for their commitment to safety. "I know we always take extra precautions while loading and offloading, for instance," he concluded. "When you empty those barges, they're pretty potent. That's just more incentive to be careful." Honored along with Lepretre from the Preston Shuford were Relief Captain Walter Evans, Pilot Michael Rogers, Tankerman James McCullough and Deckhands Michael French and '97 Financial Records Okayed By Rank-and-File Committee The committee of rank-andfile Seafarers who last month reviewed the union's financial records has reported that it found the SIU's finances are in good order. The financial review committee will submit its report to fel low Seafarers during thi~ month's membership meetings across the country. Such action is required by the SIU constitution under Article X , Section l 5: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an e.\amination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall reporL fully on their findings and recommendations." Seven Seafarers were elected by fellow SIU members during the April membership meeting at Piney Point, Md. to serve on the ~ommittee: Mechanic Thomas J. Burns, who chaired the group; Bosuns James Recertified Deano, David GarQutte, Louis Sorito and Jame~ Souci: QMED Ramon Cnmncho; and Meehan· ic John Gallagher. "The records look very good," said Camacho, who sails from the port of Philadelphia. "We checked them very closely, and everything was fine." Adjourning from their work as members of the annual financial Mmmittee are (from left) James Deano, David Garovtte, John Gallagher, Thomas Burns, SIU Secretary-Treti.5urer David Heindel. Raml'.ln Camacho. James Souci and Louis Sorito. Accepting the annual safety awards on behalf of their respective crews are (photo above) Captain Leroy Lepretre of the tug Preston Shuford and (below) Tankerman Randy Odom of the John T. McMahan. SIU boatmen recently earning safety awards from Higman Barge Lines include (above) Tankerman Randy Odom, Captain Tommy Adams, Captain Calvin Hatfield, Captain Joe Fabacher, Pilot Floyd Bertrand, Relief Captain James Lafleur, Captain Chris Spivey, Relief Captain John Anderson, Tankerman Grayson Skaggs, Pilot Billy Fisher, Relief Captain James Chatlosh, Tankerman Ray Sergent, Captain Elton Jeansonne, Relief Captain Ross Burton and Tankerman Ted Campbell. Wade Greer. Receiving the award for safely operating the John T McMahan were Captains Roy Lunson and IMO Warns That Fifth of World Fleet Will Not Meet July 1 ISM Deadline The International Mari- administer a safety managetime Organization (IMO) ment system that specifies a recently estimated that about safety and environmental 22 percent of the world's protection policy, along with affected vessels will not meet · instructions and procedures the July 1 deadline for com- to ensure safe operation of pliance with phase one of the ships and protection of the International Safety Manage- environment in compliance with international and flag ment Code (ISM). If the code is enforced as state regulations. expected, then non-compliant Other requirements inships either will be denied clude developing defined port entry or will be detained procedures for reporting acciin port and have their cargo dents, preparing for and operations restricted. Civil responding to emergencies, penalty action (a $5,000 fine) management reviews of the also will be imposed against safety system that will be the shipowner, charterer, subject to outside audit, and a agent or master. planned maintenance system The first stage of the ISM for all on-board equipment. Code (part of the 197 4 Vessels passing through International Convention for this rigorous audit by classifithe Safety of Life at Sea, or cation societies such as SOLAS) applies to the fol· American Bureau of Shiplowing vessels engaged in ping or DNV of Europe will international voyages; tank- receive certification, and the ers, bulk freight ships, high- vessels involved will receive speed freight vessels of 500 "Documents of Compliance." gross tons or more, and ships Properly implemented, transporting more than 12 ISM will improve company passengers. response to vessel equipment It calls for companies to casualties and ensure correc- Senate Passes Shipping Relorm Bill Measure Would Extend Cutoff Date for WWII Veterans' Status The Senate on April 21 approved legislation which would change federal regulation of the ocean shipping industry by amending the Shipping Act of 1984. Passed by a vote of 71 -26, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act now is expected to go the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Some backers of the bill, however, reportedly are pushing for a straight yes-or-no 4 Seafarers LOG vote by the full House, with no rewrite of the measure. The Senate bill (S. 414) also includes language extending the cutoff date for veterans' status for World War II merchant mariners from August 15, 1945 to December 3 I. 1946 (the date officially declared by President Harry Truman as the end of hostilities). The SIU strongly supports extending the cutoff date. "With the help of all the Mike MaNeely, Pilot Tommy Donati, Tankerman Randy Odom and Deckhands Kevin Jacks and Gordon Campbell. friends of the merchant marine, both in World War II and presently, there is finally realization that there should be a viable sailing fleet today, but also recognition for the men who sailed," stated Mark Gleeson, vice chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, which for l 0 years has worked to extend the cutoff date. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, the son of a union shipyard worker and a strong advocate of the U.S. merchant marine, pointed out that mariners who began their service between August 1945 and December 1946 "did so with pride, professionalism and a dedication to their country. They deserve this simple, proper recognition." S. 4 J4 preserves the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as an independent agency, although it eliminates tariff-filing with the government, thereby allowing importers and exporters to keep their contracts with ship operators confidential. Earlier versions of the measure-from early 1994 to tive actions to non-conformities reported under the system. ISM will begin to identify and discipline those substandard vessels in foreign trade. The second phase takes effect July 1, 2002. It will apply to other freight vessels and self-propelled mobile offshore drilling units of 500 or more gross tons on international voyages. ISM will increase the potential liability of operators of non-compliant ships by establishing a discoverable link between non-conformities on board operating vessels and the upper management of the company responsible for their Safety Management System. It generally is recognized as fact that ISM in concert with emerging STCW regulations constitutes the most significant change in the accepted conduct of commercial vessels implemented in this century. 1997-had called for eliminating the FMC altogether or merging it with the Surface Transportation Board. Proponents of S. 4 l 4 say the bill's main purpose is to facilitate increased contracting flexibility by allowing importers and exporters to ink confidential agreements with individual shipowners, instead of working through ocean shipping cartels (which jointly set rates). Additionally, although carriers would not be required to file rate changes with the FMC, they would be responsible for making such data readily accessible. May 1998 �Big Business Admits Effort Dedicated To 'Undermining Labor1s lnfluence 1 Anti-Worker Initiative Faces California Voters June 2 Anti-worker forces are pulling out all the stops to implement legislation that would silence the voices of working people from the political process. So far this year, 29 states are considering or have considered measures that would limit the ability of unions to provide political donations, lobby for the causes of working people or even offer voter guides for pro-worker candidates. These efforts have been repelled in 13 states thanks to Seafarers joining with other working men and women to inform their elected officials that bills with such names as " paycheck protection," ..campaign finance reform" or "giving union members a choice" actually are badly disguised attempts to squelch the concerns of working people. Attention Goes West Despite these victories, which have taken place in states from the Atlantic to the Pacific (see chart), national attention is being drawn to California, where that state's voters will decide if what has been dubbed "campaign finance reform" is needed. California holds primary elections on June 2. But included on the ballot will be a number of initiatives including Proposition 226. The authors of Proposition 226 are hoping people will be too busy to read the whole initiative. They wrote the measure to take advantage of the national concern over the possible use of foreign money to influence political races. The first line of Proposition 226 on the ballot asks the voters to outlaw the use of such money in state campaigns-which already is illegal in California. The proposition then spells out in technical language how the initiative-if passed-would not allow unions to use dues money for campaigning , lobbying or other purposes outside of collective bargaining without the annual written permission of uniM members on forms provided by the state. The measure would start July 1, a month after the election. However, California officials have said they will not have the paperwork and bureaucracy in place to implement the lnw until cnrly 1999. This would effectively eliminate unions from standing up for their members and interests during the 1998 statewide elections, which include the governor's seat. Wants tu Eliminate Oppo5ition During an April 3 report broadcast by National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," a co-author of Proposition 226 was heard addressing the Associated Builders and Contractors: "If you can imngine what would happen in your legislative, in your business agendas if the amount of money opposing you every yettr was reduced by 80 percenc. what could you do?!" Frank Uri asked the industry group. For his speech, Uri received a. $5,000 check from the group to help pass Proposition 226. The story's reporter, Steve Rosenfeld, described Uri 's efforts in the following way: " ... he said the bmLOm line was undermining labor's political influence." Uri then drew Rosenfetd•s attention to the state of Washington, where voters passed a similar measure in 1992. Uri said union politi~al contributions have fallen by more than two-thirds. A review of Wa~hington's records revealed in l 992 an almost 2-to- I majority of elected officials in the state ;· .··· . ..... .. .. .. ... . . .!! :<W.h;~~:;.~~u.:;· ~:~ .: aa .: :1hi$ii~· ~·tAt~ ·1~· #ijti!ti.,:;: .: .... · . · . · . '. :t(:.:wh.f~. can or ·~i~ii ·ll~h:. ln~~rm .your legi~l~tor why such :a:):¥l'$~~ur0 'iS bad"frir .aw~.~·frkin'g people. .' ! .<M~ql .::V-'.ith ..frienQ8 •. :· 1.~mify : ~.nd .neighb,grs. Let them know how these bills hurt them and ask them to contact th~f~··. ~1eoted. officials. · .ff ·YPUJJ!tate is having an initiative: . house who supported the agenda of working families. Since the measure was passed, those who are supported by anti-worker forces now control the body hy a nearly identical 2-to-1 margin. 'Bully vs. Average Guy' Adding to the call to defeat the anti-worker measures is AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. During the same MTD executive board meeting, Sweeney noted, "For maritime unions, these proposals would deny us the clout we need to defend everything we cherish from the Jones Act to OSHA (the Occupational Health and Safety Administration), Medicare, Social Security and the list is long." The head of the national federation of trade unions declared these measures are the way corporations, big business and other anti-worker forces are fighting back because working people were able to convince Congress to pass an increase in the national minimum wage, to defeat legislation that would create sham company unions and to reject fast-track trade negotiations that did not include measures to protect workers and the environment. "Maybe we should be flattered that our recent victories on working family issues have spawned so many attacks," added Sweeney. "Clearly we have them worried . They should be concerned because they're not going to win. Working families will not be ~ilenced ." ·· · /(your.$tate is not listed: as it harms all working people. May1998 possible initiative California ....... ..... ....... on ballot June 2 Colorado .................... defeated in legislature, Florida ................. ...... .pending in legislature Georgia .. ........ ... .. ...... .defeated in legislature Hawaii ........................ defeated in legislature Kansas ....................... defeated in legislature Maryland .................... defeated in legislature Massachusetts ........... pending in legislature Michigan .................... pending in legislature Minnesota .................. pending in legislature Mississippi ................. defeated in legislature Missouri ..................... pending in legislature New Mexico ............... defeated in legislature Nevada ...................... initiative pending Oklahoma .................. pending in legislature Oregon ......... .............. initiative pending Pennsylvania ............. pending in legislation Rhode Island ............. defeated in legislature South Carolina ........... pending in legislature South Dakota ............. defeated in legislature Tennessee ........ ... .. .... pending in legislature Utah ........................... defeated in legislature Vermont ..................... defeated in legislature Washington ................ defeated in legislature West Virginia .............. defeated in legislature Wisconsin .................. pending in legislature Wyoming .. ..... ............. passed annual PAC checkoff Congress: Action pending in both House and Senate Please note: The rules in some legislatures allow a defeated bill to be offered again in an altered version or amended to an entirely different measure. It is best to remain alert while legislatures are in session. SOURCE: AFL-CIO Department of Field Mobilization (H11rd 11nd Soft Money Contributions in Millions of Dollars) - Corporate $448 Union 1992 $483 1994 · · •.: -:. ;,B.~mtnd your tagtsJator their is no need for such legis· ~atlon Arizona ...................... pending in legislature, How Big Business Outspends Labor in Politics . • : ·: Register to vote, then vote againsflt. : :. .;:.:Ufge ... your friends, family and .neighbors . to do the san.1~·~ Alaska ........................ pending in legislature possible initiative Noting what has happened and what could happen if measures like Proposition 226 are passed, SIU President Michael Sacco, in his opening remarks to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board meeting in March, stated the anti-labor forces "want to knock out workers from the political process so they can take even more of the purse for themselves. They want to bury unions in red tape and paralyze our operations with bureaucracy." Sacco, who also is the president of the MTD, reminded the board (composed of representatives from the MTD's 32 affiliated unions) that campaign spending records have shown big business in 1996 provided its friends with $653 million while unions contributed $58 million to its supporters. "What our enemies won't say is that they outspent labor in the '96 elections by 11-to- l !" Sacco pointed out. "Anyone can see this is a case of the big bully versus the average guy. The bully couldn't beat us when we played by the same rules, so now he wants to hurt us with a cheap shot. "Well, as in the case of the Tyson-Holyfield match, the bully has bitten off more than he can chew!" Sacco stated. Urges Workers to Fight On Actions Taken Around the Country On Anti-Worker Legislation (as of mid-April) $677 1996 $60 SOURCE: Federal Election Commission and Center for Responsive Politics Seafarers LOG 5 �Teamwork Is Key for Newest Class of Recertified Bosons Speaking directly to the unlicensed apprentices, Garoutte stated that being a _S~afarer can be an exciting and rewarding career. One thing everyone should not be afraid of is to ask questions, he added. 'That's the only way to learn." Sailing from the port of San Francisco, James Souci noted that since arriving at the school, he has met many fine mariners who have shown him their friendship. "Nothing has prepared me better," the 55-year-old Seafarer remarked. Although they come from diverse backgrounds and sail from different ports across the country, the eight Seafarers completing the bosun recertification program last month at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. know the meaning of teamwork. For the six weeks leading up to their graduation ceremony at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Mohamed Ahmed, James L. Deano Jr., David J. Garoutte, Mark A. Holman, James J. Keevan, Roger Reinke, Louis F. Sorito Jr_ and James Souci worked and studied together to complete the highest curriculum available at the Lundeberg School for those members who sail in the deck department. The eight Seafarers developed a real sense of camaraderie during their weeks together and plan to take what they have learned back to their respective ships. 'Union-Like Team' "Our union is like a team," stated 46-year-old Roger Reinke, after receiving his graduation certificate. "All of us are important players on that team, with SIU President Michael Sacco as our captain." Reinke, who sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash., cautioned SIU members that "we're only as strong as our weakest players. It is our duty to support and guide our team and help those who are struggling." He also affirmed that another way to help the team on its winning streak to job security is by donating to SPAD. Reinke thanked his fellow dassmates for their friendship and abo thanked his wife, Antoinette, for believing in him and supporting his career choice. The bosun recertification program is designed to update Seafarers who sail as bosuns on trend~ in the maritime industry, including changing 5hipboard technology and the latest seamanship t~chnique~. Additionally1 the bosuns· curriculum further prepares the seamen for leadership roles among fellow crew members. When at sea, it is the job of the bosun to serve as chairman of the ship's committee, a group of crew members who help keep shipboard life running smoothly. (It is to this group that any problem Renewed Appreciation /Ji Following the April membership meeting at Piney Point, the recertifi~d b~suns p~sed for_ a group photo with several SIU officials. From left (front row) are Lundeberg School Acting Vice President ~1ck M~rrone, J~mes Souci, Mohamed Ahmed, SIU President Michael Sacco, David Garoutte, Rog~r Remke, V1~e President Contracts Augie Tellez, James Deano, Louis Sorito, (second row) SIU Representative George Tricker, James Keevan, Mark Holman and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. aboard a vessel initially should be taken.) Need to Upgrade James Keevan, who had previously worked with the Teamsters for 20 years, expressed his gratitude to the SIU for giving him a good job, union backing and an education. The 49-year-old, who joined the union in 1990 in Norfolk, Va. and now sails from the port of Houston, realizes that in order to succeed in this industry, a mariner has to boost his education and hone his skills. And he noted that the Lundeberg School provides a means to do both. He agreed that teamwork is an important aspect of shipboard life. "Other Seafarers [at the school and aboard ship] are your family when you 're away from your own home. When one succeeds, it motivates others to do the same. Their success is our success." One of the required courses in the bosun recertification program deals with social responsibilities and is designed to improve communications between crew member~ and officers aboard ship. Louis Sorito found that course particularly useful. "It taught me how to deal with people and how to handle problems when they arise,}) stated the 44-year-old bosun, who sails from the port of Jack~onvilk, Fla. An SIU member since 1987, Sorito was grateful to the SIU for the opportunity to upgrade his skills. He said it was "a real honor" to be graduating from the bosun recertification course and thanked his wife, Ann, for her support and encouragement. Directing his remarks to the unlicensed apprentices in the audience, Sorito unequivocally stated, 'This school has everything and more." Upgrading is a very important part of the job, he noted, "because in the business we're in today, we have to be the best in our field and learn new things every day. The Lundeberg School helps Seafarers succeed in their jobs." Mark Holman graduated from the entry-level trainee program 18 years ago. Since then, the 37year-old has seen key changes in the industry and in the training offered at the Lundeberg School. He learned about the unli- censed apprentice program and thought it was a great idea that young men and women would gain experience in all departments before deciding which area mMt suited them _ He also expressed his thanks to the academic staff at the school for their help and to the officials of the union for "keeping us up to date on changes in the industry. You have all done an excellent job of securing our future." Holman, who also sails from the port of Jacksonville, told the unlicensed apprentices that "the window of opportunity is wide open, and if you apply yourselves, the sky's the limit." He concluded with, "Keep our engines full ahead inco che 21st vers, damange control procedures, forklift handling and Hagglund crane operation-and refreshed their firefighting and emergency first aid skills. In each class, the bosuns had to complete the course work and pass either a written exam or a demonstation dri11 or both. The bosuns also WP,re updated by SIU officials on the union's latest efforts to ensure job security for all Seafarers and met with representatives from each department of the union at the SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. From these meetings, the bosuns took with them, among other things, a greater understanding of effective contract enforcement and the union's health, vacation and pension programs, which they can clarify for their fellow shipmates at sea. This was the fourth time back at the school for David Garoutte, 46, who graduated from the entry-level trainee program in 1972 and now sails from the port of Tacoma. I am very happy to be here today," he told the audience, "and I am proud to be part of the SIU." Garoutte noted that learning about some of the recent legislative procedures helped him more fully appreciate what kind of presence the union has on Capitol Hill. He now will be able to keep his shipmates informed about changes and u~oming programs they need to be aware of. He also stated the firefighting, safety and splicing courses are a great way to brush up and hone those necessary skills that do not often get a lot of use. Following his six weeks of study, Souci said he gained new appreciation for the labor movement and the SIU's role in it"from the Seamen's Act of 1915 to today's legislation." The recertified bosun has felt the energy and enthusiasm of the SIU officials in keeping the union on the right track, and he said they have been an inspiration to him. Souci welcomed the unlicensed apprentices into the SIU family and reassured them, "The SIU will help you get where you want to go. You have an occupation to be proud of." He also stressed the need to "upgrade, upgrade, upgrade." James Deana walked away from the bosun recertification program with new appreciation for the educational opportunities available at the Lundeberg School. He thanked the instructors for their "undying patience and knowledge" and the union officials for their "foresight and determination" in keeping the maritime industry alive and growing "as we sail with heads high Continued on page 10 0 century, and keep teamwork the number one priority." Thankful to Union Ad~~~~ed wiresplicing was one of the courses required to complete the bosun recertification program. 6 Seafarers LOG Mohamed Ahmed, 41. who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif agreed that the bosun recertification course was indispensable in helping him achieve a leadership role aboard ship. "I learned things to help me in my job, and I am very thankful to the SIU for what it is today." Through a combination of hands-on exercises and classroom work, the bosuns completed advanced classes in wiresplicing and navigation. They utilized the Paul Hall Center's simulator, did in-depth work in areas critical to the nation's military sealift operations-'--such as helicopter maneu- Louis Sorito prepares cargo to be lifted by the Hagglund crane. May199B �Detentions Spotlight 'Scary Regularity Of Safety Problems on Runaway-Flags 1 Broken or missing equipment. Crews that can't do a fire drill. Insufficient food and water. Crews that are not paid. As illustrated by the U.S. Coast Guard's compilation of ship-detention reports for February, these conditions are commonplace aboard runaway-flag vessels and on some foreign-flag ships that are not runaways. From inoperative firefighting gear to lifeboats that won't launch, and from dangerously unclean living conditions to leaky fuel tanks, safety problems are the norm aboard many such vessels. "What's truly frightening is how widespread these conditions are," noted Edd Morris, one of the SIU's inspectors for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), which for 50 years has fought against the scam of runaway-flag shipping. "You can see it every day in ports all over the United States where these vessels dock. The problems exist with scary regularity." The Coast Guard reports spell out deficiencies found aboard the 28 ships they detained in U.S. ports this past February. Among the summaries: • Crew members on the Greek-owned, Cyprus-flag Alba Sierra were subjected to shortages of food and water, and were not being paid. The emergency fire pump was inoperable, as was the lifeboat's motor. The agency also reported "vital piping systems in the engine room [are] severely deteriorated." • The Greek-owned, Liberian-flag Ellie was a floating fire hazard, with exposed electrical wiring in the lower level of the engine room; improperly stored combustible and flammable material; and "excessive" leaks in the cooling pumps for the main engine and Nos. 1 and 2 ship service generator prime movers. Coast Guard inspectors also reported "excessive hydraulic oil leaks" from the anchor windlass and the steering mechanism. • The onset of stricter documentation requirements for mariners and vessels apparently did not phase the Destinee, where Coast Guard personnel discovered no minimum safe manning certificate. The Belize-flag vessel also was missing the safety equipment it ostensibly possessed, according to an inaccurate certificate. Video Examines FOC Campaign The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) plans to release a ' video documentary this summer examining the first 50 years of the organization's campaign against runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-ofconvenience or FOC shipping. The ITF literally sent a film crew around the world to compile profiles and interviews for the video, which is expected to be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour long. One of the stops in Murch wn:s SIU hcndqunrlur5 in Camp Springs, Md., where SIU President Micha.el Sacco shared some of his views on the cam· paign. "In th~ lat~ 1800s and early 1900s, Am«::ri<;an seafarers went through the same abuses faced by today's FOC crews/' Sattl"> told _journalist Terence Hughes, who conducted the it\terview...That's why my organization, the Seafarers International Union, wn::i formed. Wt', w~re founded be~ause seamen deserve dignity and fair treatment on the job. Our members have that because of their hiring hall system and all the other rules spelled out in the union constitution. Now, we must repeat history by securing fair conditions for all mariners around the world." The video is part of the ITF's newly increased effort to publicize the runaway-flag campaign among the general public. David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, recently asserted that such exposure is vital in fighting the fraud of runway-flag shipping. Sacco echoed those sentiments while being interviewed. uone reason that more people don't know about it is that the problems usually occur far away from the public eye," he pointed out. "Earlier this year, a runaway-flag ship literally broke in half in the middle of the ocean. If a similar accident had occurred with an airplane t'.'.>r a bus, it would have been all over the news. Yet this ship barely got any mention. The only way that's going to change is if the ITF and all of its affiliates work to publicize the issue." Additionally, firefighting outfits were missing required equipment, and the rescue boat had inadequate gear and an inoperable launching device. • Straight from the report on the Egyptian-flag Domiat, detained in New York: "The main engine was leaking large amounts of fuel oil. This resulted in excessive amounts of oil in the bilge, piping and deck plates. The vessel tank leaked approximately four gallons per minute of fuel oil into engine room bilge." • Crews on at least a dozen ships failed to execute routine drills to fight fires and abandon ship. They included the Liberianflag, Japanese-owned Atlas the Cyprus-flag, Highway; Greek-owned Captain George L.; and the Panamanian-flag, Taiwanese-owned Ever linking. • Aboard the Panamanianflag, Turkish-owned Goodpal, ship's officers were "unfamiliar with the operation of auxiliary steering." The engine room was polluted with "excessive oil throughout," and crew members failed to correctly perform safety drills. • The Germaine, flying the flag of Belize, had an inoperable main steering gear and was not manned in accordance with its safe-manning document. The ship also had inoperable firefighting equipment. • There were no emergency steering instructions posted aboard the Panamanian-flag Sea Express I. Crew members did not complete emergency steering drills. The ship's portable fire extinguishers had not been serviced; release mechanisms for the engine room co 2 system were not connected; ana the discharge valve for the cargo area co 2 system was found in the open/discharge position. Runaway-flag shipping is a scheme that involves multiple parties from different nations in the operation of vessels. Greedy Penn Crews Maximize Preparation hipowner part1c1pate in the scam to escape the safety regulations, procedures, inspections, tax laws and higher wages of traditional maritime nations. Leading the fight against runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-of-convenience shipping, is the ITF. Recently, David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, said the London-based alliance of more than 470 transport-related unions around the world, including the SIU, will call attention to the industry by soon launching a British-flag merchant ship that will sail to numerous ports around the world. The vessel will take a one-year journey coinciding with the 50year anniversary of the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. "It will be a floating exhibition of the life of seafarers. It's intended to raise the profile of the campaign, but also raise the profile of the entire industry," Cockroft stated at a March meeting of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section. Seafarers sailing aboard Penn Maritime tugs and barges continued their thorough preparation for contract negotiations right up until the talks began in mid-April. Prior to that, on April 2, SIU members met with Jack Sheehan, the union's safety director for the port of New York, aboard the tug Eliza in Staten Island. They extensively discussed different parts of the existing contract and possible improvements. Pictured in top photo (from left) are First Mate John Harvard, Second Mate Michael Modzelewski and AB Lee Henry aboard the Eliza. In the next photo are AB Edward Whitfield (left) and AB Tankerman William Matthews, who also is pictured below. The tug was pushing the barge Atlantic when it tied up in New York har· bor. Penn Maritime operates seven tugs and nine barges, with two more barges scheduled to enter service in the near future. SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping during a filming last month at union headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. May 1998 Seafarers LOG 7 �Upgrader Touts Apprentice Program Bosun Lewis Commends Apprentice Stucker Paul Hall Center Offers 'Tremendous Opportunity' Last year, the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education painstakingly restructured its entry-level program, laying out a challenging but potentially rewarding initial career path for aspiring merchant mariners. Joseph Riccio says he knows firsthand that the new system is working. Riccio last month became the first graduate of the revamped unlicensed apprentice program to return to the center's Lundeberg School for an upgrading course. He graduated in Class 560 last November, then sailed for four months as an OS aboard the Independence . After signing off the American Hawaii Cruises vessel, he immediately went to Piney Point to upgrade to AB. Riccio also signed up for LNG familiarization and advanced firefighting. "The less time you have to wait to upgrade, the better," notes the 21-year-old Seafarer. "We're lucky to have this great educational establishment and this tremendotJS opportunity. "It's not easy, but I'm going to be rewarded. I'll make good money, see the world and have a lifestyle most people just dream about." The unlicensed apprentice program consists of three segments: an initial 12 weeks at the Paul Hall Center including classroom work and handson training; a 90-day shipboard assignment during which students divide their time working in all three departments; and department-specific training back at the school. "The unlicensed apprentice program really helped me get my life in focus," explains Riccio. "It gave me goals, initiative and a whole new way of thinking. "It's hard, but [students] have to know there's a light at the end." The shipboard training is particularly valuable, says Riccio, because it helps students make an informed decision about the department in which they wi 11 sai 1. Joseph Riccio says the unlicensed apprentice program is challenging but worth the effort. He also notes that the Seafarers he sailed with during phase two were consistently helpful and supportive, "showing the ropes" to the unlicensed apprentices on the HM/ Petrachem. Recertified Bosun Sonny Pinkham in particular "was a big help. He really took me in and showed me that it's all done by hard work." In addition to the unlicensed apprentice course, the Paul Hall Center offers dozens of upgrading classes to SIU members. The school also features academic courses as well as a program in which Seafarers can earn an associate's degree. A schedule of upcoming courses appears on page 23 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, detailed course descriptions and the schedule for the remainder of 1998 are featured on the union's internet web site, located at http://www.seafarers.org. Catch of the Day: Safe Seafood Proper Selection, Star~, CaOking Are Vital for Fish Ediwr's no1e.- The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary ~ducation at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Educmion in Piney Paim, Md. It is pan of a series of columns iniended w promote safery, efficiency and ullaround good habits aboard ship. Fish and other seafooa are popular menu items that offer many nutritional benefits. Fish is low in saturated fat and contains Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce harmful cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels. Thi;re arc few United States government inspections of fish, although new lttws are scheduled to be implemented lt1.tcr this year to regulate the 4uality of fish sold in America. Despite the current dearth of regulations. there are several things to look for when shopping for or cooking with fresh fish . They include the following; • The best indicator of freshness is bright red gills_ As rhe fish ages, the gills turn from bright red to dark purple. Of course, you must purchase the fish with the head on to make this determination_ • Clear eyes_If they eyes are sunken or dull. it probably is old. • The scales should be on tight, rather than loose. • The flesh should be firm to the touch. It should be resilient and not soft and mushy_ • The fins should be flexible and moist and not dried out. • The fish should have no unpleasant or "off' odor. 8 Seafarers LOG • The skin should be glossy and moist, not dried out • The cavity should be clean and show no signs of "belly butt\," which looks like freezer burn _This is caused by the fish nor being cleaned quickly after being caught, leading to the enzymes in the entrails deterioraring the flesh. Regarding storage, keep fresh fish on shaved ice with the belly down_ Change the ice daily. Never leave the fish in liquid greater than 33 degrees Fahrenheit; frozen fish should be kept at 0 degrees or below. Additionally. when defrosting fish, defrost in the chill box or reefer_Never defrosr at room temperature. When it's time to cook, remember that fish is very delicate and cooks fairly quickly. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel generally do not fry well _Baking. grilling and broiling are the best methods for chem. When the flesh is opaque and flakes easily, it is done_Do rtot overcook_ Lean fish such as perch and whiting are suitable for pan frying. A light coating of half cornmeal and half cracker meal works well after dredging in seasoned flour and egg diluted with milk or water. Finally, do not consume raw oysters or clams unless you are assured that they are harvested from government inspected beds. Many bootlegged oysters and clams come from contaminated water. If they are consumed raw, illnesses such as hepatitis may be the result. (There are many bacterial toxins and heavy metals such as mercury present today in uninspected waters.) Consumption of raw seafood and fish is not recommended unless you are confident that the restaurant or supplier is reputable. Bosun James H. Lewis recently presented a certificate of recognition to Unlicensed Apprentice Tawna Stucker (second from left in photo above, also pictured at right) for her work aboard the Westward Venture. "It has been a pleasure helping in her training. Tawna's attitude and performance have been excellent!" Bosun Lewis noted in a letter to the Seafarers LOG. He enclosed these photos of crew members preparing the ship for its annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection. The unlicensed apprentice curriculum is an entry-level program offered by the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. It includes shipboard training in all three departments. Official Observes School's Record-Keeping Part of the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention calls for companies to occasionally monitor the record-keeping systems documenting various safety training undergone by mariners sailing aboard their ships. Along those lines, Michael Koppenhaver (right), Manager of STCW/ISM Processes at Transoceanic Cable Ship Co., last month inspected the cataloguing procedures of the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Specifically, SIU Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth (left) and Admissions Director Priscilla Dement showed Koppenhaver the training records of some of the SIU members currently working aboard the company's cable ships, and explained how individual records are updated. "I was very impressed," stated Koppenhaver. "There is a very good process in place." Transoceanic is a subsidiary of Tyco Submarine Systems, Ltd. May 1998 �Strong Start for Seafarers on Great Lakes Ice-Free Sailing Helps Continuation of Cargo Boom For Seafarers on the Great Lakes, the initial weeks of the 1998 sailing season have been an extension of last year's record-setting success. Fitout began in mid-March, with SIU members reporting to numerous vessels. According to the Lakes Carriers' Association, nearly 4 million net tons of dryand liquid-bulk cargoes were moved before the month ended. Boosted by substantially increased quantities of iron ore and stone cargoes compared to the same time last year, the total is believed to be among the largest ever for March on the Lakes. SIU Port Agent Tim Kelley, who provided the photos accompanying this article, reports that Lakes Seafarers "are very optimistic about another strong year. They also were happy about the fact there was no ice this early in the season." RIGHT; Chief Steward Mark McDermot makes sure the galley is properly equipped. Keeping overhead area clean i~ Wip~r Ahmid Hizam aboard lh'J Am~rl~~n R~pvblir;. Deckhand Abdul Said helps prepare the American ReJJublio during fitout. LEFT TO RIGHT'. Getting the job done aboard the Amt;rk;~n R~public are Deckh~nd Moh~~n Massad, Se cond CMk Herry Peterson and Deckhand Ali Ali. Cleaning the meat slicer on the Iglehart is SecOl'ld CMk Ali Musleh. AMERICAN REPUBLIC Conveyormen Ricky Couillard (foreground) and Tcm Palaski inspect safety gear. A 20-year member of the SIU, Wa.tchstander Paul Gosda gives the cameraman a friendly scare. J.A.W. IGLEHART ABOVE: Stowing a ladder is Watchstander Roland Lindemuth. AB James Werda coils rope on the Alpena. Cleaning hatch covers is Deckhand Robert Said. RIGHT: Conveyorman Ed Derry welcomes the start of a new sailing season. ALPENA May 1998 Seafarers LOG 9 �AFL-CIO Council Renews Organizing Call; Receives White House Pledge of Support The executive council of the AFL-CIO reaffirmed its call for member trade unions to continue organizing those workers who do not have a collective bargaining agreement. The council-composed of President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and 51 vice presidents, including SIU President Michael Sacco-met in Las Vegas on March 19 and 20. The group serves as the national trade federation's governing body between biennial conventions. The two-day meeting was held in Las Vegas to emphasize the organizing efforts being waged in that city. A total of 15 unions have more than 100 organizers working together as the Building Trades Organizing Project. In separate addresses, both President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore told council members they will oppose efforts being considered by anti- worker forces to hamper the ability to organize workers. The two, in separate visits, met with rankand-file members to see how they are involved in making their work sites safer and better. Among the other actions approved by the body was a membership mobilization resolution committing affiliates to educate and mobilize union members around proposed legislation and ballot initiatives designed to silence the voices of working people in the political process. A total of 29 states have considered or are looking into such measures. The state of Nevada is contemplating placing the issue before its voters in the form of a ballot initiative. The council also saluted the determination and persistence of Frontier hotel workers who remained strong and united during a six-year strike, which ended in January when a new owner bought the Las Vegas casino and signed a collective bargaining agreement. Appeals Board Issues Actions Dealing with Seniority and Returning Jobs to Hiring Hall The Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) has issued two separate actions: one deals with seniority while the other concerns returning a job to the hiring hall in a timely fashion. The first action, numbered 393, amends the section on "A" seniority by adding a new subsection concerning rated "B" seniority members who sail aboard large medium-speed roll-on/rolloff (LMSR) vessels that will permit them to acquire their "A" books if they work on any of these ships for 24 months within a consecutive 48-month period. Among the vessels included as LMSR are those which recently were reflagged and converted such as the USNS Soderman, USNS Yano, USNS Gordon, USNS Shughart and USNS Gilliland; the Watson-class ships including the USNS Watson and USNS Sisler; and the Bob Hope-class vessels such as the USNS Bob Hope and USNS Fisher. In the other action implemented by the board, action number 397 amends rhe section dealing with the: return of a registration i;ard to a member who either quits or is fired from a job on the same day in whi~h Lhe member reported to thr; ship. The n~w acticn calls for the member to return the job to the hall on that day in a timely fashion in order to keep the vessel frl'.'lm ~Ailing ~hort, so he or she can reclaim the regisLralion card. The SAB is composed of representatives from the: union and its cctttra.ctcd cpera.rors. The complete text of each action 1s printed below. Action #393 Whereas, the Union has made successful submissions in response to government RFP's for the operation of vessels with military charters awarded by MSC and, Whereas, the Union recognizing the critical nature of the operation of these vessels plays in the national security of our country and, Whereas, the Union and the Companies acknowledge the importance proper manning plays in the successful operation of these vessels, agree to the following. Now Therefore, the Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby amends the Shipping Rules to provide for the following seniori· ty class under J, Seniority, B. ( 1), ( e).; ..Any class ·n· seniority sea- between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. The following provision of the Shipping Rules, Section 2, Shipping Procedure, subsection D, shall be amended to read as follows. "A seaman who quits or is fired from a job during the same day on which he reports for such job shall retain his original shipping registration card provided he has received no compensation for such day's employment and promptly notifies the hiring hall dispatcher in sufficient time to fill the job and prevent the ship from sailing short handed." Continued from page 3 case in NLRB history. "I really hope the workers get their contract," stated OMU James Brown, a 24-year member of the SIU, following the: rally. "They've been trying to go union for a long time." "These people really want a Collective Bargaining Agreement Philly Yard Agreement Riveted By Kvaerner, Gov't Entities Europe's largest shipbuilder recently signed a long-term lease as part of the company's plan to build and operate a modern commercial shipbuilding facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Kvaerner, ASA of Norway had signed the initial agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia late last year. That pact stipulated that the parties had until April I of this year to resolve a number of outstanding issues, and it took until the deadline to conclude several of those matters. Describing the arrangement as a "complex transaction," Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge said the lease means "all of our collective energies now can be focused on creating good jobs, building the new yard and building ships." The transformation of the dormant yard into a state-of-the-art facility is expected to generate as many as 8,000 new jobs during the next five years. Kvaerner plans to start construction of the yard this September and to complete its first ship by the year 2001. union at Avondale, for equal rights and fairness on the job," agreed Bosun James Keith, a 29year Seafarer who also participated in the peaceful demonstration. "They voted for it and they should have it. What the shipyard has done is unfair." Approximately 300 people attended the rally at the First King QMED Moses Mickens, pictured at the SIU's St. Louis hall, has discovered an interesting way to contribute to his community while spending time on the beach. The lifeb()atman endorsement, who has sailed twenty-/our (24) months within a consecurive forty-eighr (48) monch period on rhe LMSR ships." Aution #397 SIU Port Agent Francois Appointed to N.E. Council Henri Francois, SIU port agent in New Bedford, Mass., recently was appointed as an advisor to the New England Fishery Management Council's scallop committee. "I'm happy to be appointed because it gives me an opportunity to amplify the SIU's voice with the council," stated Francois. In a letter congratulating Francois, Paul Howard, executive director of the council, noted, "A well-qualified group of advisors with Henri Francois various experiences and areas of expertise will be a great asset to the council as they develop fishery management plans." Francois for years has promoted fishermen's issues at the local, state and federal levels. Seafarers Join Avondale Workers in Rally man with a rating above entry level and a U.S. CCJast Guard The Seafarers Appeals Boara ac1ing under and pursuant to the Maritime Briefs longtime Seafarer _ _..__ __..._occasionally works as a substitute English teacher at Central High School in his hometown of Helena, Ark. Above, Mickens, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, picks up his training record book and registers in St. Louis. Solomon Baptist Church in Bridge City. Joining Brown and Keith were fellow Seafarers AB Mike Keith, AB Juan Salgado, DEU Arturo Rodriguez, OMU Jean Couvillion, OMU William Kelly, Chief Cook Norman Jackson and Chief Cook Pat Herron. Also in attendance were SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and retired SIU officials Joe Perez and Jim Martin. Besides Avondale's exploitation of legal loopholes to delay negotiations, another focal point in this case is the shipyard's $10 billion in government contracts. The AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department has urged Congress and the U.S. Navy to explore Avondale's alleged use of funds from Navy shipbuilding contracts to resist pro-union activities at the facility. 8 Seafarers Graduate As Recertified Bosons The students get hands-on experience working the de-watering pump, one of the prerequisites to completing the damage control class. This course is vital in kMping abreast of current shipboard operations. 10 Seafarers LOG Continued from page 6 into the next millennium." Deano, 3 7, who sails from the port of New Orleans, was particularly impressed with learning about the union's history. "Most members know very little of our beginnings," he stated. He also believes that the discussions about the new international treaties will help him more fully explain their significance and need for compliance to his fellow crew members. In his remarks to the unlicensed apprentices, Deana proudly added that "with perseverance and determination, you, too, may one day stand here." The recertified bosuns take turns practicing their CPR skills. A refresher course in first aid and CPR is required for graduation in the recertified bosun program. May1998 �Port Arthur Welcomes Apartment Complex Seafarer Oubre Helps Spur Renovation of Housing for Retired Mariners It took longer than first planned, but Father Sinclair Oubre believes the newly opened low-income housing complex for retired citizens in Port Arthur, Texas was worth the wait. On hand in Port Arthur, Texas to commemorate the start of renovations that eventually resulted in housing for retired mariners are (from left) QMED Eldridge "Smitty" Smith, Father Sinclair Oubre, SIU Assi tant VP Jim McGee and Patrolman Mike Calhoun. Smith and Oubre played key roles in the project. Residents moved into the renovated building in March, marking the culmination of a $1 million project which began slightly more than four years earlier. Known as The Savannah House apartments, the facility features 20 subsidized housing units-10 of which are set aside for retired mariners, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Oubre, an SIU member who is a priest at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur, helped found the Savannah Housing Corp. several years ago. He currently is president of that organization, which oversaw renovation of a 60-year-old local school that had not been used since 1988 into the apartments. "Initially, I thought the whole project would take about six months," recalled Oubre. However, the housing corporation faced various delays in its planning and funding. And when full funding finally was in place, the job was postponed further due to a backlog of local construction projects. Nevertheless, the end result has been well-received in the community, observed Oubre, who commended the ITF and John Fay (SIU executive vice president and chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section) for being "very instrumental in bringing this about." The apartments "are the cornerstone of other developments taking place in that area designed to revitalize it as a working-class neighborhood. For instance, 13 homes are being built for qualifying low- and moderate-income families," added Oubre. Occupants of The Savannah House apartments must meet certain income restrictions and be at least 65 years old, due to the complex's subsidy from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Individuals seeking one of the apartments reserved for former mariners must show proof that they sailed throughout their adult lives. (Mariners with spouses may apply, but no other dependents may reside in the complex.) Applications may be obtained by writ- ing Ms. Pat Reed, Savannah Housing Corp., P.O. Box H, Port Arthur, TX 776411056, or calling (409) 982-5200 and leaving a message. Although the 20 units (ranging in size from 374 square feet to 858 square feet) are occupied, Oubre emphasized that applications still are being accepted. "We are maintaining a waiting list, so it's important that interested mariners get their applications on file as soon as possible. In that way, they already will be part of the process when an opening arises." The unfurnished apartments are located on a bus line and near senior centers, shopping, a community health center and churches. 'Premium Accolade' Goes to Obregon Steward Department Holiday meals provided by steward d~partment Seafarers Halloween decorations, as shown aboard the PFC Eugene Obregon were tretttly appreciated, as evi- in two of the photos; recently sent to the Seafarers LOG. denced by a recent entry in tho ~hip'~ minutes. the galley gang. Obregon ..A premium accolade to the i>teward department for those incredible feasts they presented at Thanksgiving, Chri~tma~ and on New Year's Day," reads the shipboard mr;i;ting report of Jam.my 26. Besides providing ex~ellent menus throughc'.'lut thnse holiday~, the ~t~wa.rd departmenr also livened the galley with In addition to commending crew members also discussed the need for all SIU members to apply for a training record book (TRB) as soon n.s possible. Th~y also emphasized the importance of upgrri.ding at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime !raining and Education in Piney Point. Md. and pointed om that upgrading helps increase a Seafarer's earning power. The Obregon is a T-AKX ves- sel operated by Waterman. Working up a big but healthful app~tite a.re AB Charles Frisella (foreground) and Bosun Henry Bouganim, chipping the deck in front of the Obregon's h~licc'.'lpter pa.d in preparation for painting. Cheerfully arranging a table for Christmas dinner aboard ship is SA James Reid. May 1998 Recertified Steward Patrick Helton pitches in with food preparation. Halloween decorations notwithstanding, there is nothing scary about the fruit, salad items and desserts set out by SA Mauricio Castro (left photo) and ACU Faith Downs (right photo). Seafarers LOG ff �Maritime Policy: AlbertJ. fferberger, Reti I Albert J. Herberger The author of the 1998 Paul Hall Memorial Lecture was Albert J. Herberger, who retired as U.S. Maritime Administrator in 1997. Herberger is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N. Y. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 after sailing aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. The Albany, N. Y native served in many positions at sea and ashore during his 32-year military career. His 18 years of sea duty included being commander of a destroyer escort, guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron. a cruiser-des1royer group and a carriu battle group. Prior 10 reliring from the Navy in 1990, Herberger was the deputy commander-in-chieffor 1he U.S. A1lamic Fleel, lhen held the same position with the US. Transportation Command, which oversees logistics mLJvements for all U.S. miliiary forces. After serving as vice presidl!nt for marine affairs at the lncernaiional Planning and Analysis Center, Herberger was nominated by President Clinton in 1993 to become the US. Maritime Administrator. During his tenure as the head <1/ the U.S. Maritime Administration, the I 993 National Shipbuilding lniiialive and Maritime Sernrity Act of 1996 were implemented. The Maritime Security Act, which covers a ]{}year period. helps provide funding for nearly SO U.S.jlag militarily useful commercial vessels. In exr;hange, th£ companie1 which receive the funding agree to make not only the hips but also the c<1mpanies' infrasiruciure available to the military in times of war <1r national emergency. This part of ihe act is known as the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). Several months following his retiremem as mariiime administrator in J997, he was named vice chairman of American Ship Management. Because of a death in his family, Herberger was unable M be in Washington, D. C. lO deliver his address in person. The Paul Hall Memorial Lecture honors the memory of the late SI I.) president, who served as the union's principal officer from 1947 until his death in 1980. Hall believed in and fought for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet. He worked with Congress to pass many maritime bills, including the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. Friends and associates in organized labor and the maritime industry created the endowment in his name at the University of Southern California in 1981. The endowment honors distinguished contributors to marine transportation by bringing to the public their thoughts in the form of an annual lecture. The first was delivered in 1987. 12 Seafarers LOG t is a distinct pleasure to deliver the Paul Hall Memorial Lecture this year. I am very honored to join the distinguished group of lecturers who have preceded me starting with Herb Brand in 1987. I did not have the opportunity to meet and know Paul Hall, but I admire and respect his legacy. Since I left the Maritime Administrator's office last June, I have had time to reflect on what happened during my four years, as we attempted to bring about long overdue maritime revitalization. I am not going to recite the trials and tribulations of that effort, as lessons learned for future use, because they would not read well. I will discuss briefly some of the thoughts I have regarding changing U.S. maritime policy, the impact of the new government programs and challenges for the future. From colonial times to now, the threshold of the 21st century, ocean transportation has always been vital to the well being of the United States. The maritime industry has had profound impacts upon international trade, nationa1 defense and domestic economic expansion. U.S. maritime policy has reflected the changing needs and priorities of the nation throughout its history in a pattern of "feast or famine" approaches: strong action and support followed by a period of almost nonsupport. Throughout our early history, our shipping fortunes flourished and waned, and policy changes came about generally because of wars-our own and those invo1ving other world powers-and technology changes. The War of 1812, the era of clipper ships, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and the advent of iron and steel steamships all brought changes, some good and some bad. By 1914, as World War I broke ouc in Europe, the country was not prepared for the shipping crisis it was facing. It took two years to re~pond. After many debates, Congress enacted the Shipping Act of 1916. In 1920, Congress for the first time formally stated as a matter of national policy that the United States needed a strong merchant marine for national defense purposes as well as for carriage of peacetime cargoes. It was the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, however, that set the course for U.S. maritime programs for the next 60 odd years. Its enactment followed more than five years of hearings and debate. The history of World War II clearly shows how indispensable a strong merchant marine and shipbuilding industry was in bringing about victory. or a while after the war. the U.S. shipping industry prospered and our large inventory of vessels, both active and in the reserve fleets, were sufficient to respond to the needs of Korean War, Vietnam and other Cold War requirements. The Mer~hant Marine Act of 1970 brought a brief period of activity but fell well short of its stated goals. This was followed by a lengthy period of relative inactivity, confusion, disarray and endless procrastination regarding maritime issues, until October 8, 1996, when President Clinton signed into law The Maritime Security Act of 1996, which established the Maritime Security Program. Major policy changes occur when we are in an extreme condition and not before, despite all the studies and evaluations by expert committees and commissions with dire warnings and recommendations for corrective action. Additionally, to succeed, F all major sectors of the industry must be reasonabl unified behind a proposal. The administration an Congress respond to that united industry effort, whe pressured. This critical mass brings about correctiv action. New Government Programs The Maritime Security Program assures that th United States has a fleet of U.S.-flag commercia cargo vessels and skilled mariners needed to ca critical supplies during times of national emergen cies or war. The new law stipulates that companie operating vessels in the Maritime Security Progra must enter into an Emergency Preparednes Agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD to make available their origin-to-destination systems including terminal facilities and intermodal systems tracking and management services. This is no called the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreemen (VISA) and was formally approved by Secretary o Defense William Cohen on January 30, 1997. he VISA program also includes non-Maritim Security Program participants. Within th framework of VISA, a Joint Plannin Advisory Group (JPAG) was established to identify potential problem areas for sealift and develo appropriate solutions. This joint industry and DoD executive-level group, co-chaired by the U.S. Transportation Command and the Maritime Administration, is charged to ensure a clear understanding of sealift requirements and capabilities sq that all participants are better prepared to take action when needed. Tests and exercises are part of the program. This is the closest working relationship between ocean transportation providers and the Department of Defense in more than 40 years. As a result, strong public-private partnerships are being forged in peacetime rather than during war or national emergency. The new approach lends itself perfectly to what DoD will need in times of crisis, when there is an urgent requirement to send a large military force somewhere halfway around the world, and keep them supplied with beans, bullets and spare parts. We no longer have to stockpile as much as we did before. This looms large in the future, because constrained defense budgets are likely to limit stockpiling large inventories of these supplies. We can depend on "Just-in-Time" logistics support provided in a fluid worldwide origin-to-destination capability in the commercial systems. Because sealift and airlift are the pivotal elements in the shift of U.S. military posture and strategy, the new MSP and VISA programs are prudent steps that provide insurance against not having the sealift capacity and capability, nor the civilian mariners when needed. Although such insurance is certainly not free. it is a relatively inexpensive way to manage risk in an uncertain environment. The importance and value of the commercial merchant marine has received strong words of support by senior DoD officials, in both public and official statements in recent times. This visible recognition from the national security arena had been absent for much too long in the debate regarding the national need for a U.S. merchant marine. Billions of dollars have been expended for the buildup of the government-owned fle~t, and millions of dollars more are spent each year to maintain this T May 1998 �Feast or Famine? •ti Maritime Administrator fleet in a state of readiness. This is the most expensive form of strategic sealift. By default the DoD is assuming increased responsibility and costs of very expensive sealift programs while the commercial industry receives minimal support. 1 I1 uch assessment and judgment of relative cost and benefit values in government programs is a serious matter. When a range of options is considered, implementation is often fragmented and uncoordinated because of overlapping jurisdictions and no clear process for balancing alternatives. An example: at the same time the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a DoD program for 19 large roll-on/roll-off sealift ships (LSMRs) at a cost of $275 million to $300 million per ship, it decided on a tonnage fee increase as a funding source for the Department of Transportation's maritime revitalization program. As you would expect, this proposal received heavy opposition, particularly in Congress. The new program start was delayed until a different funding source was used, with a 1V2-year delay. If Paul Hall were here today, what would he think about the condition of the U.S. maritime industry? I will presume he would have the following general assessment and guidance: You have stopped the loss of the entire international fleet, temporarily . . . You have, at long last, caught up with reality regarding the transportation evolution and today's conditions and are going to take advantage of the new capability the industry can offer ... You have retained a modest number of modem competitive vessels as a core fleet ... You have saved a modest number of jobs for skilled mariners. This is particularly critical, at this time, because of the growing demand for sailors for the government- s owned strategic sealift fleet . . . You have reestab- the "Jones Act" industry and initiatives for shipbuilding. In fact, there has been an enduring intent of the Congress to foster and maintain a U.S. maritime industry. At times, policy development turns into a series of unrelated decisions [because of divided jurisdictions], crisis oriented, ad hoc and after-thefact in nature. It is not perfection by any means. Changing trade patterns, technology development and marketplace demands, both at home and abroad, will create opportunities for the waterborne transportation industry. U.S. trade is projected to double or triple by the year 2020 with the increasing globalization of the world economies. New domestic markets will emerge for maritime services, particularly in the carriage of leisure and commuter passengers and the movement of freight along our coasts. Coastal shipping, as well as inland waters shipping, with larger and faster vessels are viable, cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative means to handle the massive increases predicted in both passenger and freight transport requirements for the future. I envisage increased use of coastal shipping to relieve the congested roadways and railways we have today, such as the Interstate 1-95 corridor. Historically, trains and trucks displaced much of the waterborne transportation along our coasts and waterways, but it is time to bring that service back. I see waterborne transport of trucks, freight, automobiles and passengers in a complementary partnership with t~ucking and railroads. he U.S. waterborne transportation system is in urgent need of attention again after a long period of neglect. Many of our ports and waterways are becoming congested and undersized T lished a positive and productive partnership with the with infrastructure deteriorating and channels and DoD. berths unable to take fully loaded, larger modern vessels due to insufficient dredging. Rc,ently the Department of Transportation announced an effort to bring visibility and focus on this area_ The stated goal of the initiative, to be co-managed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration is to ensure that U.S. Marine Transportation.· Waterways, Ports and Their lntermodal Connections meet our nation's future needs_ Action co correct the deficiencies will be brought about only if all the stakeholders support and participate in the initiatives. A critical mass will be needed. I have not discussed shipbuilding today only because of time constraints. It is a vital part of the U.S. maritime industry chat needs continued attention. I am hopeful that some ongoing initiatives, such as the U.S. Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, the DoD's effort to build the next generation of fleet logistics vessels under a Charter-and-Build program and many MARITECH projects are successful. We cannot, as a nation, 'ontinuc to relinquish industrial design and manufa~turing industries to foreign competitors. In closing, I have a final plea for all those in the industry. Let us say the "glass is half full and not half empty" regarding the U.S. maritime industry condition. Actively promote the value of this industry to the general public. This great nation must continue to be a maritime power for our own interests. Can anyone imagine the world's only superpower and greatest trading nation without its own maritime industry? Thank you for this honor and your attention. However, you have not removed the tax rf!gimf! and all the unnecessary regulatory requirements that are placed on US. shipping companies in competition with foreign companies that have no similar coscly burden_ You muse concinue co oppose efforts co amend reservacion laws char supporr US.-flag shipping carriage in both international and domestic trade. While you have attention being given to maritime issues. keep the industry united,· work with the administration and Congress to take further action to strengthen our status as a maritime nation. WellJ I will stop invoking the spirit Paul Hall into today's scene. The Future My personal assessment is that the U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth_ Both the international and domestic fleets, along with revitalized ports and waterways, will be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security capability. The industry's challenges and opportunities are many and must be pursued. Unfortunately, there will e no specific "enduring" maritime policy to be followed. There will be the federal government's commitment to maintain a commercial maritime industry to meet the needs of our nation. Recent proof of this is the action from the administration and, in particular, from the bipartisan support by Congress for the Maritime Security Act of 1996, continual backing for May 1998 1 'My personal assessment is that the U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth. Both the international and domestic fleets, along with revitalized ports and waterways, will be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security capability. 'Can anyone imagine the world's only superpower and greatest trading nation without its own maritime industry?' -Albert J. Herberger Emanuel L Rouvelas Standing in for retired Maritime Administrator Albert J. Herberger was Emanuel L. Rouvelas. Rouvelas, a partner in the Washington, D. C. law firm of Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP. is a longtime advocate of the US.-flag merchant fleet. After graduating from the University of Washington and Harvard law School, he served as a counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee and chief counsel to its Merchant Marine and Foreign Commerce subcommittees from 1969 to 1973. In 1973. he opened his law firm which has grown to more than 80 partners and employees. It represents 111Lljor companies and associations in shipping, surface transportation, computer software, telecommunications, high-technology, aviation, insurance, natural resources and other industries. Rouvelas is a recognized authority in ocean shipping law. He is a director of OM/ Corp., an SIU-contracted company. He also worked with the late SIU President Paul Hall on a variety of maritime issues. From left, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, head of the U.S. Military Command, and Judy Broida from the University of Southern California's Washington Center congratulate Manny Rouvelas after he delivered the 1998 Paul Hall Memorial Lecture written by retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger. Seafarers LOG 13 �Planning a Summer Yacati-n?~ ~ -···" ~-.- . - , ~ ·f <ffi"'a. . .~~ ;o, • • ; For up to two weeks this summer, Seafarers and their families can enjoy a memorable summer vacation , at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. As many SIU members have already discovered, Piney Point offers just about everything you could find somewhere else-and at a better value. The center is located in historic St. Mary's County in Southern Maryland. I - f it's life in the big city you want, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md. are only a short drive away. If it's sandy beaches you crave, or fishing and boating, there are plenty of opportunities as well, using Piney Point as your base. There is truly something for just about everyone in the family within easy traveling time. The Paul Hall Center itself has a health spa, tennis courts, olympicsize swimming pool and plenty of picturesque space for peaceful picnics, walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. Add to that the affordable accommodations and satisfying meals and you get an ideal escape from vacation-time wor- tz,~ ~ H o n o I u I u ~ Washingt~n 9 «0,t foir~, not to be mi:t:scd by 0 / rineJ roint \ri~ \' \ Calvert-boast many summer festivals, celebrntiom nnd 0 Philadelphia ne~any Seafaring families, however, want to explore the surroundings. During the summer months, the counties of the area- St Mary's, Charles and DC YllCil· . tioning Seafarers and their families. A (rip to the m1tion 1 s capital is always a treat And there's so m~c;h to si;i;, Thi; Smithsonian Institution holds hundreds of exhibits (all free) and provides hour of fun for the entire family. Thi: Museum of Americ;an History is known as the "nation's attic" be('1use everything is there- from Fonzie's leather jacket in "Happy Days" ro Dorothy's ruby slippers in the "Wizard of Oz." Or catch the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards-also just a short drive from Piney Point. This benefit is available only to Seafarers and their families . It's not co late co make your reservations now. Just fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed. Happy vacation! UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES <J:ii:i.ca,~C> New \'ork City n~@Jn~ wtrPJccJni .----------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per family. Member Spouse $40.40/day 9.45/day Child 9.45/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. 14 Seafarers LOG Name: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number:--------Address: ------------------~~~~~~~~~~~~ Telephone n u m b e r : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 5/98 ~----------------------------------------------------~ May 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea June & July 1998 MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1998 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York 31 Philadelphia 3 Baltimore I 18 4 8 16 3 12 8 4 2 5 JO 6 8 Jacksonville 14 15 17 % San Francisco 25 16 14 9 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 27 11 26 10 9 6 5 Houston St. Louis 29 2 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 3 7 17 0 3 0 244 2 2 II 4 7 2 2 0 144 85 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville 25 13 4 7 4 5 5 14 8 10 15 3 9 6 San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 13 14 1 7 8 3 6 19 2 2 8 13 0 3 l 6 0 2 4 3 5 0 I 125 107 32 8 Philadelphia · · 17 4 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 4 8 8 2 2 2 0 0 0 Algonac Totals 0 5 Port New York 0 3 28 12 6 14 7 13 1 4 14 3 6 9 5 5 1 5 4 12 14 0 I 0 37 4 2 0 104 1 0 32 0 21 27 2 6 28 187 2 2 2 3 3 19 27 30 8 8 15 12 74 28 28 48 20 44 25 15 6 14 51 17 30 0 2 0 I 3 88 425 244 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 4 0 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 3 6 4 0 6 4 29 4 5 8 20 0 7 13 8 13 3 4 1 135 5 2 3 7 1 6 4 3 3 2 0 6 9 8 2 3 14 18 3 0 7 2 8 31 14 16 11 10 22 14 14 4 I 2 28 3 7 33 10 6 IO 17 3 2 2 4 4 6 3 2 0 3 6 15 5 8 9 1 1 7 6 9 1 5 4 4 7 2 0 0 5 0 0 8 0 0 0 85 74 27 42 4 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 5 0 8 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 5 4 2 I I 0 0 23 24 ·\v1.Imirigton......:.'. : ....... 13 6 6 2 10 20 2 9 2 0 1 7 3 0 1 0 I 0 158 46 24 16 1 5 2 0 0 6 l 14 11 14 8 3 4 8 0 3 · · · ·· '5 ··· ...... · 1 31 6 5 2 1 44 0 3 0 4 0 0 I .:::~;;:::;:::::::;;~;J;:t ,,13 12 I 10 2 8 8 l 17 ; "' 19 40 1 4 I 3 9 19 7 4 2 5 1 0 Algonac . 153 Tobi~ 0 2 ""()'""'""""" " 0 44 32 8 0 0 49 264 0 84 29 0 56 30 19 103 ts 1 1 0 .. ... . 4 0 1 12 2 6 1 7 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 8 3 0 10 6 13 7 0 6" 21 26 7 2 11 0 0 0 0 29 3 9 16 10 0 0 0 15 22 5 9 9 8 3 43 119 19 Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT ::N~ii:::Y.Qrk. · · . . . .6 . . . 28 .: :~lj:O~delphia . :· ":· .· . o"·: . . :. : : . . . . " 2 .... . . .: :.: . . . . :. . . o . . ·3" :.H.?.ilihcicir.~ Norfolk 0 Mobile 0 7 New Orleans 10 1I ·1 Q '" 0 2 7 7 2 3 2 2 1 1 Honolulu 6 68 2 41 Jl'Qli'~'to~ 3. 9 0 0 28 7 0 0 . PoinJ. "A'lga·~~~ .. Totals Totals All Departments 0 o '"',"''"'"':;,9 ,.,.,.',''".. " ......... J "::·> 0 .1o ·::::·:::....... ::::."rI 0 0 1 0 0 t1 17 5 23 2 6 19 1 0 0 14 20 1 7 6 1 71 0 0 0 0 0 0 103 286 280 138 179 1011 772 490 52 178 146 26 574 473 282 401 319 Baltimore ................. Thursday: June J I, July 9 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: June 17, July 15 Honolulu ..................Friday: June 19, July 17 Houston .................... Monday: June 15, July 13 Jacksonville .............. Thursday: June 11, July 9 Jersey City ............... Wedne day: June 24, July 22 M<>bile., .................... Wednesday: June 17, July 15 New Bedford ............Tuesday: June 23, July 21 New Orleans ............Tuesday: June 16, July 14 New York .................Tuesday: June 9, July 7 Norfolk .....................Thursday: June 11, July 9 Philadelphia ............. Wednesday: June 10, July 8 San Francisco ...........Thursday: June 18, July 16 San Juan ...................Thursday: June 11, July 9 St. Louis ................... Friday: June 19, July I 7 Tacoma ........ .,.. , ..... ,..Friday: June 26, July 24 Wilmington .............. Monday: June 22, July 20 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals RUSSELL LEE Hey Lee! I would like to hear from you sometime soon. Please drop me a note. I'll be at the fallowing address until July. Leo A. Castro, c/o /TB Baltimore, PO. Box 127, King Hill State Hovic., St. Croix, USVl 00850. JOHN FRANCIS ROBERTS Gail Roberts is trying to locate information about her grandfather (John Francis Roberts) whom she has never met. Her grandfather sailed as a merchant mariner in 1932 and was still sailing in 1961. John F Roberts had a son, also John Francis Roberts but known as "Sonny." Ms. Roberts would like to hear from her grandfather or anyone who knew him. Please contact Gail Roberts at 30 Fawn Grove, Greenwood. DE 19950; or telephone (302) 3370350. DURWARD STORY Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Durward (Doug) Story is asked to contact his daughter, Norma Langsev, at (320) 762-0546. Story, who was still sailing from the port of Baltimore as chief bosun in the 1950s, worked aboard Isthmian and Alcoa vessels. TOM WOERNER Please write your good friend, Thomas Curley. He is on the Westward Venture. The address is: Westward Venture, TOTE Ocean Trailer Express Inc., 500 Alexander Ave., Tacoma, WA 98421. 11 21 0 *"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. May 1998 19 0 0 109 0 """' 3' 2 11 Puerto Rico : .g.i.;:. Louis 2 ....... ""'' 5 ... 1 Algonac .................... Friday: June 12, July IO 9 1 l "'~ifi~y r.Q1~t Piney Point ............... Monday: June 8, July 6 8 219 ·st'Louis ;:·:~~·~b'. 19 3 2 8 3 9 18 8 16 8 1 Seattle 55 4 34 6 7 ·Jacksonville 3 1 9 ll 3 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C II 4 11 II 7 7 . San Francisco Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 12 18 3 10 3 1 6 2 2 6 8 3 7 6 3 0 2 0 Houston St. Louis Piney Point TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Keeping the Members Informed Aboard the /TB Baltimore, Steward Leo Castro prepares the menu for the next day's meals. The vessel is currently running from St. Croix, USVI to New York. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MARCH 16 -APRIL 15, 1998 Mich~~ $a~co · Presiden( j~nFay CL - Executive Vice President David Heindel ,Augustin Tellez NP - Non Priority **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts George MeCartney Vice President West Coast ,; · ....•. RoY. A. ;'Buck'' Mercer .. Yic;e P.reS-tdent Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley · Vi~~ ·President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey . .. Vice President Gulf Coast HEAllQVAR'tERS . . L-Lakes TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Sec~-Treasurer . Company/Lakes Port Algonac Port Algonac Port ·Algonac Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 5 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT I '> 2:.' 0 2 0 0 12 2 0 5 2 0 23 2 0 10 2 ·o 3 0 17 15 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Totals All Depts 0 67 21 0 14 1 0 53 *"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. (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 l 20 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St.. #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Battimore St. MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1998 Baltimore, MD 21202 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Region Atlantic Coast 0 2 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 24 2 West Coast 28 Totals Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston,. 'l'X 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 073'02 (201) 435-9424 0 5 0 1 6 0 9 0 5 14 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 21 0 West Coast 0 0 0 0 21 0 Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 0 0 Lakes, Inland Waters .6 ..... West Coast 0 6 Totals (334)478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Uni-0n St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS oJO Jqc~son Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT .o 0 0 0 4 7 0 l 32 0 13 0 5 10 1 8 41 23 2 15 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 l 0 0 8 0 8 0 0 2 0 0 9 10 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 :'.o J.:•.. .~.': 5 ';; Q 3 8 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts n. 0 11 0 6 0 3 9 0 . 0 0 0 0 6J~ fioµrm Ave. brooklyn. NY 112"2 (718) 499-6600 L2 33 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 .0 '. o~ o 55 6 18 41 2 16 61 9 *"Total Registeredu 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. NEW YORK 0 21 0 0 36 11 NORFOLK 115Third Sl. ' Norfolk. VA 23510 · PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622~ 1892 :: :. ·: .." ·..: / .: : ,·: . .. ·P HlLA.t>tt.tJt4 .: . , . . " "" ;l604 S. 4 St. ·. · Philad~lprun, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 , PINEY POINT HO. 8()~ 7~ Piney Poim. MD 10~14 (301) 994-0010 0 T JtVERGLADES I~;l J s. Andrews Ave . . " ·:·· "Fl. L11udcfdfile."FL 333'16 ::, ':· " ' (954) 522.7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremonl St. $an Francisco, CA 94105 ' (4 ($) $4~~5$55 Govemmem Si:rvii;;~s Oivh;ion {41J) 861-3400 SANTORCE F~rnuodez J11ncoi;: Av@., Stop " ' S~llll.l~~I p~ 009()1 10'7 l6V1 t7S7) 721-403) ST. LOUIS 458 I Ornvois Ave. St Louis, MQ 63119 (314 }'752-.6500 TACOMA 341 I South Union Ave. T11comn. WA 98409 (;l5~).?12- 777 4" WILMINGTON · ·. 510 N. Btotid Ave. WHmington. CA 90744 (310) .549-4000 - 1B Seafarers LOii This photograph, given to the Seafarers LOG by Vice President Contracts Augustin Tellez, was taken aboard the SS Kathryn in the 1950s. On that particular voyage. the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Munoz Rivera, was on board. He is the one in the center, standing behind the life ring. Immediately to his right (in the second row) is Tellez's father, Augustin Tellez. And in the back row, behind the governor's left shoulder, is George "Whitey" Burke. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership. it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Adaire last worked on the Sam Houston, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He has retired to Mandeville, La. F ourteen Seafarers are announcing their retirements this month. Among this group arc two recertified stewards, George H. Bryant Jr. and Leonard M. Lelonek, and one recertified bosun, Andrew C. Mack. The three Seafarers are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments. respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 10 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, three navigated the inland waterways and one shipped on Great Lakes vessels. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. GEORGEH. BRYANT JR., HARRING· TONH. ALEXANDER, 65, started his career with the SIU in I 961 in the port of New Orleans. His first vessel was the Robin Trent, operated by Moore McCormack Lines. The Texas native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard Sea-Land Service vessels. Brother Alexander makes his home in Staten Island, N.Y. DEEP SEA JERRY L. BOYCE, 62, JAMES R. ADAIRE, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Penn Exporter. A native of Ohio, he worked in the deck department. From 1959 to 1962, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of San Francisco. The '--"---~=~----' Virginia native sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He also sailed aboard inland vessels. Brother Boyce last sailed as an AB on the Sea King, operated by Crowley SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE . . '. :. X.'. Thi·s is a P, C/FIC DJ. 1i tc P.'E~rS/4rJN summary of th~ annualrepoit ·for the SIU Pacific Dislrkt Pension "' . ,. Towing & Transportation. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. He has retired to Wilmington, Calif. .. •Plan.{Bmployer ldentiftcatiot} No.. 94-606192~. Pla,n Nq, 001] for tlte year ended . .. '3·L· t997. the annual report has been filed With the fotenfal 'Revenue Servi~i:-:;:· a.; rcquirtd ufili6ttht. Erripfoyee 'Reifrement Income Security Acl of . 1974 (ERISA). BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENT . Benerici\foae~ the pi~h·:·:dre:· ~rovlde.d .:.by a U'USl arrangement. Plan expen es wet~ $14,.592,06 7.' i'htac ~xptn~~ ·ifichidcif$616;8'06.Jn ·a:amiil'istf.iluve:•expens· · e~. $289,873 in investment' expe{\ses and $13;685;388 in benefits paid. to partic* :;·:".~~~tj'ts ·and · ben~liciarks. A total ·:o f ·5:•f>?:4:: pcrsoris ·were 'j:Jiif.HcJp4r!§.:1'!:fa~K: ~~~~fk · : ·:·:91.Artu\ 9f:.t.~~:·: B!.M::.nt Jh9 end of the plurt.: y~.% .a,!t~~mgh not all ·of:these persons.:: ::'hpd ·ycttnfi"t'~::.~.~. ¢ : ~:i~µJ; t.9:~~<?,q,r;r~ benefits. · ·<·::':::":::·:::::·::::::.::. ::: . . . .. · . · ·:. "" ".:·: ·::·"" '.: ·::·"::·:.,.:::.The · ·valub"'qf' :plii~·:·: ·:.il.~~¢{~:.:: ..~.H~~. . s.ub.t radini liabilit~C,~·:·:. 9f.... ~h.P. plan. was :-<:$.1.54.916,757 a5 of J'uly31 '; ".:; J99.7'~ ".c6mpar~d to $147,627,328 ·a s.,: oLJuty 31, ":;:199&. ·(Jutrn~ the 111nn ~iear, ptilfr"oxt}eii:en«:e.ctan .increase in its riet "uss.~is · Qf.:' {$.?:; i~9.4i9~· ~'hi~ l~crc~sc 1Qdu~ed un(h~n~bif)~frfo~.&fo~t!il.~ . 91' depreciation fn :. :i th,e,y~Jue Ot pfari ~i's.m~:. ~hat.is, 1h~ tJiff~ri:n~i: ll~lw~~[j ·.m~::v~hi~:f pf th.e:.: plan's :"~·~.~~!$ nt the i::nd, tCif tM. ;--91,l:t: J1l'l,d. ~M v.4.1!-H~; M the Mscrn ac the·beginning :.of the . · . · . · ·. : ;:iY:e.tli,<Sr' th~ ~Q J c;if ?li!i~l~ ·~c;'tjiJi.tt9 gy{in,g Jij¢ y,e:~r, .. :· . . . :.. /{::::· JhQ::P.!~:'1:· ~~a., u foriil:'1rfoome or s21.8S 1.49<f:'inclLi'ufog·employ~r ~omribµ~ rrie :·::t.it;j~~ L1f $28;;<17p., t.ar\li:1~ri· fr~m investment~ .M $11.837.9b'f :'filtcics1 nnd. stock ii ?,~Y:i.~~nds Qf $10,-007.~4~:, ar:id Qt~er ipc0..rti.1::·9f $7,580. Employees 'i'.16 n·,;;t:'c.:91,1 ~ : . 59, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1960 aboard the Galloway. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Andrew Furuseth Training School in Philadelphia. He also upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to his retirement, Brother Bryant sailed aboard vessels operated by Sea-Land Service. He makes his home in Seattle. WILLIAM H. GRAY, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Houston. Brother Gray sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last worked aboard Sea-Land Service vessels. The West Virginia native served in the U.S . Army from 1957 to 1958. He makes his home in Houston. LEONARD M. LELONEK, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of New Orleans. A native of New York. he worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundebcrg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1988. Brother Lelonek last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. He calls Gardnerville, Nev. home. i j'.();~ t:':'P thi• pion. . Mlll~~fbllb;NG STAllllAROS !:'i:'i:3f::.Y:6~ '!:6~~¢ '.';t,h~;; !~ight" to rccc>vc ;i!r~.~f&Qfii!9~ !.f:~qµ~~t. the items · :; ·: :J ; '.'. 1';n .f!\.:i;:~.~·i:IP.!.~F~ ,report; \=opy of the full nrifiut'.11 l'"~j'lOrt or any part !isled below ure includ~d in thm report: i.l i:i: fa;.:;p~s~e~§: h~1ifit6f:.im,~stmt:ms; ... ·);:iit:!'jj6,~·~f.iX1:i1hrritMdil6n:: ~e(lurdlncr~ rh~:· tundinn or ihe pt n· !!T!4:: ·: f~al)~a4tfg~f:1~::g~c~~·fj ¢f .five (51 perccm of plan assets; and ! :;\:;'$'.": Fidu~illfj ·11l.(6~·1h~ti6.rl 7 including transtictiM~ b~tween the plan and parties/~~ ::1~t\1rest [\h~\ fo1::'pers.oll:'s ::~ho have ~~n~i.n rebtiomhlps with the plan) . ::L·:;::,;:;to. obt:iin a copy'.Ofme:f.ulhinouut repon. o.r ~iny part thereof, write or call :jh~<~i'fitt of thd .~1:lih' .:~a~~!fi5ifg~~r, SIU P~ctfic ·District Pension Plan, 522 11_'.0l"o l ' . ·"· "'•' 111 1 .o< 11·,u.. _1 1_11 " '·•"·"''·•''"·" ,:·;.J-:tpr4'ii;9n S(r~et, $;.in '•" ,, Cl r 1 , .f!j 0 M J Rrqnci~rio , . CA 9d 105; telephone number (415) 495-6882. fllSO have lhe right reee,.ive from tile plun adminiMralor, on request .:.:~11.4 t1t M , char~e. a stntemcnt of the aM~ts and liabilities of the plun qnd uccorn: . p41,.~yi~g f:lotes, or a s.t ntement of ·inco~t::. ~\!'id expenses of.the plan and accompa- <:::: .:YOU ·lo ·: 1iying notes, or both. If you request a full annual report from the plan adminis- . t~·llt(!r. these two statements will be included as part of that report. : <.... :Yo~ also have the legally protected right' to examine tbe Annu~I report at the '.. J.1)£l.i.t1 office of the plan, .522 Harrison Sm~el. San Francisco, CA 94 I 05, and al ""Jry~ . u,s, Departmc~t of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C. o.r to obtain ;:: f:(~rfi n copy me u.s-, Ocp~rcmcnc of Labor upon payment or copying costs, Requem to . ,.the DOL ·should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room. N4677 , Pension and .: Wetf;lrn Benefit Adrninii;tration, U.S. Department of Labor. 200 ConstituCion ·::1'~~.~ue, N.W., Washington, DC 20216. May 1998 WILLIAMSON, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Seattle, sailing L---~~'---......J aboard the Choctaw Victory. He worked in the deck department and last signed off the Sea-land Voyager. The California native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1966. Brother Williamson makes his home in Vancouver, Wash. GEORGET. WINFIELD, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1993 aboard the Cape Horn, an IOM Corp. vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S . Army. Brother Winfield has retired to Norfolk. INLAND ANTONIO ADORNO, 51, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 from his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He worked FRANKE. ARTHUR, started his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Virginia, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman Arthur last worked as a chief engineer aboard the M. Jean Dudley, operated by Piney Point Transportation. He has retired to Denton, Md. WILLIAMF. ~MILES, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The =-___;,,;;:..:::.....___:= =Florida native worked primarily for Dravo Materials. Boatman Miles makes his home in Argyle, Fla. GREAT LAKES FREDERICK A. BIESECKER, 74, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987 from the port of Duluth, Minn. His first vessel was the Presque Isle, operated by Litton Great Lakes. Brother Biesecker worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Medusa Challenger, a Cement Transit boat. Born in 111inois, he makes his home in Appleton, Wis. Letter to a Retiring Shipmate joined the SIU in 1977 in the 1967. port of Norfolk, Va. ':??V;::?:;::.<:{:i;::;:,:!:t:!::. . YOUR Rl~H.T$ TQ llDDfnONAL INFORMAnON JOHN F. primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. Boatman Adorno makes his home in Toa Baja, P.R. I'd Like to say goodbye to an old friend, Ken Riley, who retired as an AB/Watchstander on April 18, 1998 from the Sea-Land Quality. Ken sailed with me on my first ship in 1978, the S.S. Transcolumbia. I was an OS and Kenny was an AB. After that, we sailed many times together on all kinds of ships. That gives us a lot of sea s1ories we can tell together. Ken Riley was born in New Jersey and went into the Navy in 1952, just one year after I was born. He then joined the SIU in ANDREWC. MACK, 55, '.:.:.;,f_:::«::/'·:.our:. actu~ry·s Statement .ShQWS lha.t l;!TIQugb m9ney was contributed to the· }~f~rjJ:~.!:~~.tr it fu11&d lfi. ~~d~i:dnncc wHh the minimum funding standards of 1 ::ir;~:· :~!~ 1i :!/.:.· :i ::·. . . department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Orta last sailed aboard the Cape Farewell, operated by Sawgrass Marine Crewing. Born in Mexico, he has retired to Houston. He first sailed;:~ aboard the ... ·· Potomac, operated by Ogden Marine Corp. The North Carolina native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1989. Brother I sailed with Ken on my first ship and now we're sailing together on his last ship. So good luck, Ken. Enjoy your retirement, and I hope to see you around. Your friend, Bosun Mike Carrano Sea-land Quality Mack makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. FRANCISCO P. ORTA, 65 , first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 aboard the Avenger, a Marine Carriers Corp . vessel. He sailed in the deck ""' !,:. ,. ~ l .A · Bosun Mike Carrano (left) gives AB Ken Riley a break from the wheel aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Seafarers LOG 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA and began receiving his pension in July 1971. LEO S. BAPTISTE Pensioner Leo S. Baptiste, 89, died February 3. Born in Louisiana, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1946 in the port of New Orleans, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in January 1971 . SAM H. BOYKIN Pensioner Sam H. Boykin, 76, passed away February 6. He started his career with the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Texas, Brother Boykin was a resident of Oakland Calif. and retired in April 1970. THOMAS B. DUNCAN Pensioner Thomas B. Duncan, 75, died February 8. Brother Duncan began sailing with the Seafarers in 1949 from his native New York. He worked in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Duncan was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., he began receiving his pension in July 1968. JOHN D. MORGAN Pensioner John D. Morgan 90, died February 9. Brother Morgan first sailed with the Seafarers in 1943 from the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department and retired in October 1972. He was a resident of Mobile. 1 HERBERT D. NIXON Pensioner Herbert D. Nixon, 67, passed away February 7. He began his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Andrew Furuseth Training School. Brother Nixon last sailed in 1989 aboard the OM/ Sacramento as a chief cook. From 1951to1953, heservedinthe U.S. Army. A resident of Mobile, he began receiving his pension in September 1995. THOMAS L. OLDFIELD Pensioner Thomas L. Oldfield, 71 , passed away February 13. A native of Oklahoma, he started his career with the MC&S in 1944, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Oldfield resided in Granite, Okla. He started receiving his pension in November 1973. OLIVER HADLEY Pensioner Oliver Hadley. 76. passed away January 29. A native of Louisiana, he joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of .__~====----'Seattle. before th;lt union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother adley lived in Oak1and 1 Calif. and retired in Se,Hemb~r t 99d. ii5iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil Pensioner William H. HAtttby. 77 . died February 14. He joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the pon of Mobile. Ala. He sailed in the ~---"-"'----' stewti.rd depru't- menr and began receiving his pension in Mar'h 1984. Brother Hamby was a resident of Toxey, Ala . ARMON HIGHAM =~== Pensioner Armon Higham, 89, ' pai;i;ed away February~ - A · chaner member - of the SIU, he , jr>ined the "j 1,1nion in 1938 ~--'---__J in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in New York, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing dr1ves and beefs and attended an educational conference in 1970 at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Higham was a resident of Houston 18 Seafarers LOG PETER ORISCHAK - l Peter Orischak, I 57, died ' February 2. He graduated from the Andrew Furuscth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Yorlc. A native of New Jersey 1 he sailed in the deck depart· ment and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Orischak was a resi dent of Toms River1 NJ. HERMAN PEDERSEN Pensioner Herman Pedersen. 71 . died February 24. Born in Nebraska. he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the ===---==:c.__-== port of New York. Brother Pedersen sailed in Che deck department. He last worked aboard the Sea-land Liberator. A resident of Lake Havasu City. Ariz .. he began receiving his pension in August 1983. ANDREW R. PIMENTEL Pensioner Andrew R. Pimentel, 84, passed away November 27 , 1997. A native of the Philippines, he joined the MC&S in 1946, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Pimentel was a resident of Santa Maria, Calif. and retired in September 1976. KASSIM B. SAMAT Pensioner Kassim B. Samat, 81, passed away February 21. Brother Samat started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and strikes. Born in Malaysia, he L-;;=.-"'=='--..;.._--' was a resident of Edison, NJ. and started receiving his pension in December 1981. GEORGE A. SCHUJ George A. Schuj, 50, passed away February I 1. Born in Germany, he began sailing with the Seafarers in ======= 1979 from the port of New York. Brother Schuj worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of San Francisco. JACK SOMMER Pensioner Jack Sommer, 74, passed away March 11. Brother 1 ' Sommer began sailing with the Seafarers in 1961 from the port of New York. Born in Czechoslovakia, he was a member of the engine department. Brother Sommer resided in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in May 1988. 1942 from the port of New York. Brother Valles was a member of the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. A resident of Spring Hill, Fla., he began receiving his pension in January 1972. INLAND JOSEPH F. BACHMANN Pensioner Joseph F. Bachmann, 71, passed away February 26. A native of New Jersey, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Bachmann sailed in the deck department, last working aboard vessels operated by Taylor & Anderson. A resident of Fairless Hills, Pa., he began receiving his pension in July 1988. JOSEPH M. PERRY Pensioner Joseph M. Perry, 75, died February 23. Boatman Perry started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed as a captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Suffolk, Va., he retired in January 1987. WALTER G. POPPERWILL BUEFORD E. STOCKMAN Pensioner Bueford E. Stockman, 76, passed away February 9. Brother Stockman started his career with the Seafarers in ====i 1955 in the port of Lake Charles, La. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 19d1 to 1946. A resident of Melbourne, Fla., he retired in February 1985. LAWRENCE E. TEFFT Pensioner Lawrence E. Tefft. 70, died February 9. He began sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of New York. A native of Connecticut, he worked in the steward departme!"lt and upgraded at the Lundcberg School. During his career, he was acLive in union organizing drives and strikes . Prior to his retirement in February 1993, he signed off the Aries, operated by Energy Transportation Co. Brother Tefft was a resident of Wolcott, Conn. MINES THOMAS Pensioner Mines Thomas. 87, passed away February 4. Born in Texas, he joined the MC&S in 1948 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Thomas was a resident of San Francisco. He retired in December 1973. ISIDORO VALLES Pensioner Isidoro Valles, 86, died February 3. A native of Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the Seafarers in Pensioner Walter G. Popperwill, 71, died February 23. Born in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Popperwill worked as a captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by Express Marine. He was a resident of Lowland, N.C. and retired in January 1998. ELMER F. PRESSLEY Pensioner Elmer F. Pressley, 75, passed away February 6. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of St. Louis. Born in Kentucky, he sailed as a deckhand. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Portsmouth, Ohio, Boatman Pressley started receiving his pension in November 1985. GREAT LAKES ABDULWALIN.ELGAHMI Pensioner Abdulwali N. Elgahmi , 55, clied February 11 . Brother Elgahmi staned his career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed in both the engine and steward departments.The Dearborn, Mich. resident retired in May 1990. ANDREW KOZAK Pensioner Andrew Kozak, 79, passed away February 9. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of Detroit. A member of the engine department, he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Brother Kozak was a resident of Plains, Pa. and began receiving his pension in May 1978. ======= RICHARD J. LUOMA Pensioner Richard J. Luoma, 57, died February 24. The Michigan native joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Detroit. Brother Luoma sailed in the deck department and retired in February 1997. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of Sioux Falls, S.D. WILLIAM J. MAURER William J. Maurer, 62, passed away March 11. Brother Maurer started his career with the afarers in 19 the port of Detroit. e sailed in the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From I 956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Maurer was a resident of River Rouge, Mich. DONALD McEACHERN Pensioner Donald .,.,, Mc em, 72, ssed away February 15. Born in Canada, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother McEachern was a member of the engine department. A resident of Grosse Pointe, Mich., he began receiving his pension in January 1988. PAUL D. MORRIS :' Pensioner Paul D. Morris, 78, passed away January 21. A native of Maryland, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother Morris sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Sheffield Lake, Ohio and started receiving his pension in December 1977. RAILROAD MARINE WILLIAM P. CHARNOCK Pensioner William P. Charnock, 78, passed away February 18. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department, working primarily for Penn Central Railroad Co. Brother Charnock, a resident of Exmore, Va., began receiving his pension in January 1982. May 1998 �overtime for crude oil washing machine. Chairman stressed strict no-alcohol policy aboard ship. He also reminded crew members to return video movies when through The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of unio_n shipboard with them. Secretary advised everyone to be considerate of othminutes as possible. On occasion, because of space ers regarding noise and in keeping limitations, some wfll be omitted. messhall and lounge clean, especially in port. Educational Ship$ mlifutes reviewed by the union's contract depattment.< · · directorwhile advised members to have Those issuesrequiriog attention or resolution are addressed by the union TRB signed by June or they will upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded not get credit for onboard drills. If to the Seafarers LOG for publication. anyone does not have a TRB, he should send in application immediately. He also stated that starting June 1, all crew members on OM/ COLUMBIA (OMI Corp.), PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON tankers will be evaluated by their February 24-Chairman Greg (Waterman Steamship Co.), depanment heads regarding job Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, January 26-Chairman Henry performance. No beefs or disputed Educational Director Ronald Bouganim, Secretary Patrick D. OT reponed. Next ports: Valdez, Gordon, Steward Delegate Larry Helton, Educational Director Alaska and El Segundo, Calif. Robert A. Farmer, Deck Delegate Lopez. Treasurer announced $25 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputCharles J. Frisella, Engine OVERSEAS WASHINGTON ed OT reported. All communicaDelegate Ronald F. Lucas, (Maritime Overseas Corp.), March tions from headquarters read and Steward Delegate Rudolph 15-Chairman Robert Natividad, Xatruch. Chairman reminded crew posted on bulletin board. Three Secretary Alphonso Davis, crew members purchased members to apply for training Steward Delegate S. Perdikis. weightlifting set for all to use. record books (TRBs) as soon as Bosun announced receipt of mesDonations accepted to help defray possible. Secretary stressed imporsages from contracts department. cost. Vote of thanks given by tance of contributing to SPAD and Secretary noted TV needs repair; it MDL Educational director advised bosun to galley gang for job well gets only one channel. No beefs or done. Chief steward thanked chief all hands to upgrade skills ar Paul disputed OT reported. Next port: cook and GSU for great job under Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Richmond, Va. adverse conditions. Next ports: El No beefs or disputed OT reponed . Segundo, San Pedro, Richmond Vote of thanks given to steward SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean and San Francisco, Calif. department for culinary efforts, Ships, Inc.), March 15-Chairman especially during holidays. K. Koutouras, Secretary Tom CAROLINA (NPR, Inc.), March Barrett, Educational Director 25-Chairman James Brown, CHAMPION (Kirby Tankships), James Cleland, Deck Delegate Secretary Hasan Rahman, February 15--Chairman Stephen Paul Moss, Engine Delegate Educational Director John Argay, Secretary Charles Scott, Kristof Zschaler. Chairman Thompson. Chairman announced Educational Director Larry announced payoff on March 20 upcoming payoff in port of Phillips, Deck Delegate Thomas and stated back pay from last year Philadelphia, Pa. He noted ship's Howell, Engine Delegate August should be in mail. No disputed OT food has been very good. No beefs Rodil, Steward Delegate 0. reported by department delegates; or disputed OT reported. Espinoza. Chairman reminded some beefs noted in engine and crew members about keeping plassteward departments. Crew memLAWRENCE H. GIANELLA tic refuse and regular trash in sepabers reminded of no smoking poli(Ocean Ships, Inc.), March 9rale containers. Educational direccy during meal hours. Clarification Chairman Donald J. DeFlorio, tor stressed need for crew to attend needed regarding day off or extra Secretary James E. Lewis, Lundeberg School and to apply for Educational Director Tedd R. pay for every 60 days of duty. TRBs soon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Avey, Deck Delegate e nald Gonzales, Engine Delegate Ernest SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), March 15HM/ DYNACHEM (Hvide Lacunza Jr. Secretary announced Chairman Mickey Noble, receipt of nine new movies aboard rine), February 28-Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary ship. DispuLed OT reported in deck Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Larry Ronald Tarantino, Educational depanment; no beefs or disputed Director Peter Joseph, Deck Holbert, Deck Delegate John OT reported in engine or steward Delegate Ti.:rran(e Boney, Thomas Emrich, Engine Delegate departments. Engine delegate Steward Delegate James Harris. reminded crew members to close John Coleman. Steward Delegate Chairman informed crew of ship's Joseph Laureta. Chairman doors gently at night when others arrival and payoff in Texas City, announced payoff upon arrival in are sleeping. Motion made and Texas. He also relayed vote of Long Beach, Calif. on March 19. seconded to establish permanent thanks from licensed officers to all Crew roster and repair list posted. file with ship·s secretary containdepanmems for tine job. Educaing minutes from previous meetMovie fund now contains $10. tional director sugge&ted crew ings and other SIU-related busiSteward is accepting donations to ness. SuggesLion made to have members cake actvamage of upfill coffer. Educational director grading i;oursc~ at Lundcbcrg mot'c cMiccs on brea.kfast menu advised crew to take advantage of School, donate to SPAD and supupgrading opportunities at Lundeand co leave juice ouc all day for port MDL. Department delegates crew. Ne.x.l port; La Spczia, Haly. bcrg School. No di5puted OT rereported no beefs or disputed OT. ported. Beef pending in deck departRequed made to find out about LIBERTY SUN (Libeny Maritime ment whi~h will be brought to attentransportation money from tion of patrolman. Steward departCorp.), March 18-Chairman Tyron~ Burrell, Secretary K. Houscon co Texm:i Cicy. Crew nmed ment thanked for good meals and DeWitt, Educatic.">Ml Director new chairs needed for mes$ and clean ship. Clarification requested Nathaniel Gaten, Deck Delegate lounie. regarding longshore holiday in Omaha Redda. Engine Delegate port. Next port: Oakland, Calif. Wayne Watts. Chairrn~n reminded crew members tl'> check z-cards for SEA-LAND DEVELOPER (Seaexpiration dare. Educational direcLand Service), March 25-Chair· man Dan Cella, Secretary Frank tor advised all hands to continue to Sison, Educational Director practice safety aboard ship and to attend union's upgrading classes in William D. Hatchel. Deck Piney Point. Suggestion made to Delegate Michael Watson, Engine create recrtatil'>t\al and movie fund Delegate S. Bigelow, Steward aboard ship. Steward delegace Delegate Pat Conlon. Bosun read report from union regarding vesreported dispmed OT; no beefs or disputed OT recorded in other sel's layup. Educational director departments. Clarification requestsuggested crew members upgrade ed from headquarters on rime off skills al Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Washing for day workers. ma.thine on third deck needs OVERSEAS NEW YORK repair. Steward thanked GSU Conlon for job well done. Next (Maritime Overseas Corp.), March 1-Chairman Carlo~ Loureiro. port: Tacoma, Wash. Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director John S1=A-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service ) March 22St@ward Calvin Hazzard preFleming, Deck Delegate C. Kiley, pares lunch for crew members Engine Delegate D.A. Cayan, Chairman Don White, Secretary aboard the USNS Algol. Ths Steward Delegate Jose P. Vainu'u Sili. Educational Director Bay Ship Management vessel Maglalang. Letter of clarification David Bavtista, Deck Delegate rscsntly held a payoff in the received from Vice President R.J. Sagadraca. Steward Delegate port of Mobile, Ala. Contracts Augie Tellez regarding Jimmy Williams. Chairman Digest of Shipboar:d Union Meetings iirstaiii Lunch on the Algol 1 May 1998 reported all running well aboard ship with no beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer announced $30 in ship's fund. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), March 8Chairman Thomas A. Trehem, Secretary Edward P Herrera, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Guy PollardLowsl, Steward Delegate Brad- SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), March 22Chaiiman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn McCluskey, Deck Delegate Walter Price, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate J.F. Manandic. Payoff scheduled in Tacoma, Wash. on March 28. Chairman led general discussion of shipping. He also advised members to keep doors locked when in port and to help keep TV lounge clean. Anyone Capricorn Crew Members Celebrate Holiday From John Thomas, an AB aboard the LNG Capricorn, comes this photo of the vessel's crew members during the Christmas holiday. In the front row (from left) are Bosun Sal Ibrahim, SA Chris Guglielmi, QMED Robert Rice, Chief Cook Udjang Nurdjaja, DEU Lavon James, SA David Wakeman and AB Richard Lewis. In the second row are Third Engineer Steve Radzik, Chief Steward Dana Paradise, First Engineer Taylor Bradstreet and Third Mate Gerard Dundon. ford Mack. Chairman noted good trip and thanked steward for great food. He stated ship scheduled to arrive in Long Beach, Calif. March 11 and asked everyone to stay on board for boat drill. Disputed OT reported in deck depanment. No beefs or disputed OT reported in engine or steward departments. New VCR received and installed. Thanks given to day man for job well done. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), March 10- Chairman Jim Carter, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director David King, Steward Delegate Virgilio Rivera. Chainnan reminded everyone to check z-cards for expiration date and make sure drug screens are up-ro-date. Secretary stated that in order to be aware of what is going on in maritime industry and within union, Seafarers should read LOG and, when possible, attend union meetings in port. Educational director stressed importance Qf supporting SPAD. He also noted that key to job security is upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed or reported. New TV received aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward depanment for job well done. Next ports; Elizabeth, N.J.; San Juan, P.R. and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), March 29Chainnan Joel G. Miller, Secretary G.F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn Ford. Need for new mattresses and additional washing machine brought up by many crew members. Educational director happy to hear so many members going to Piney Point for upgrading. He recommended everyone continue to make use of union's educational facilities in order to better job and financial opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Next port: Oakland, Calif. needing new mattresses should order them through steward. Educational director stressed that job security and advancement is available through upgrading programs at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $38 left over from movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Based on articles in Seafarers LOG, discussion held about runaway-flag shipping and the ITF campaign against it. Vote of thanks given to steward department for well prepared meals. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), March 13Chairman Perry H. Greenwood, Secretary Gene Sivley, Educational Director A. Jarmillo, Steward Delegate R.C. Telmo. Chaimia~. announced payoff on March 14 in Tacoma, Wash. All crew members asked to have rooms clean before leaving ship. Department delegates reported no beefs or disputed or. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean Ugland), March 29-Chairman James H. Lewis, Secretary John Holtschlag Jr., Educational Director Chris W. Cunningham, Deck Delegate George Vukmk, Engine Delegate Howard Bryant III, Steward Delegate Gary W. Loftin. Chairman advised crew members of payoff in Tacoma, Wash. on April 1. Educational director noted importance of donating to SPAD, reading LOG and upgrading and Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Crew of Westward Venture mourns loss of shipmate Harry Huffman. "Everyone loved him as a friend and shipmate. May he rest in peace:· Seafarers LOG 19 �Labor Briefs Hannah Crews Cruise With Crude UAW, Caterpillar End Labor Dispute Following a bitter six-and-a-half-year labor dispute, United Auto Workers (UAW) union members recently ratified a new contract with Caterpillar Inc. The previous UAW contract with the Peoria, 111.-based Caterpillar, a heavy-equipment maker, expired in 1991, making this one of the longest labor disputes in UAW history. Since then, there have been a lockout and two strikes, the most recent of which ended in December 1995 after 17 months. The approval of the six-year pact by a 54 percent majority, which is effective until April 1, 2004, came just one month after union members had rejected a similar proposal, largely because Caterpillar would not automatically rehire all 160 workers the union said were illegally fired during the dispute. Under the new agreement, which covers approximately 13,000 UAW members in Aurora, Decatur, Peoria and Pontiac, IlJ. as well as members in York, Pa., Denver and Memphis, Tenn., the 160 workers will be rehired. In addition, the contract includes wage increases, improved retirement benefits and a moratorium against closing most plants. UAW President Stephen P. Yokich stated, "This new agreement is the culmination of outstanding solidarity to UAW-Caterpillar workers throughout seven years of struggle. The agreement represents economic progress, security for the future, and, perhaps above all, justice and dignity. I applaud every union member, and every one of their equally brave and supportive family members, for their great perseverance and commitment in the struggle to attain this agreement." Kroger Pledges Support to Strawberry Workers The United Farm Workers' (UFW) drive to organize strawberry pickers in the Watsonville, Calif. area just got a boost with pledged support from Kroger Co., the largest supermarket chain in the country. More than 6,000 supermarkets now support the UFW pledge, including Safeway, American Stores and A&P supermarkets. The pledge endorses the right of strawberry workers to organize and bargain collectively without fear of retribution. It does not, however, endorse a boycott of berries. The labor movement and the workers hope that such pledges, coupled with the UFW's organizing campaign, will convince the big corporations that control the strawberry industry to treat the workers fairly. Most of California's 20,000 strawberry workers, who harvest about 80 percent of the nation's strawberries each year, earn about $8,000 annually, with no health insurance or other benefits. Additional assistance is being given to the cause. Last month, legendary folk singers Peter, Paul and Mary performed a benefit concert to support the California strawberry workers' fight to organize under the UFW banner. Also last month, feminist Gloria Steinem joined a march in New York of more than 1,000 people to protest what she called cirminal conditions in California's strawberry fields. Other marches are scheduled in San Antonio, Texas; San Francisco and Chicago. With their spirits buoyed by unseasonably warm weather, Seafarers aboard the tug and barge Mary E. Hannah (top photos) returned to work last month after winter layup, transporting asphalt, oil and other petroleum products throughout the Great Lakes. The Mary E. Hannah is one of three oil-carrying units operated on the Lakes by Hannah Marine. Its ports of call include Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Toledo, Ohio, among others, and it can transport almost 50,000 barrels. When SIU Patrolman Don Thornton met the vessel during fitout March 6 in Toledo, crew mem from left} Deckhand Addison sel for the season's first Bell, Cook Robert P. Hiel and Tankerman Kenton Henry were preparing th trip. Other fitout photos can be found on page 9. Visit the SIU's Web Site at htt~://w History of First Kings Point Class Available on CD-ROM In order LO keep the memories and knowledge gained by the fim graduating «;lass of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy nlivc fer generations LO come. the surviving members of the class of 1942 have i;reated a 900-page volume of stories. photos and other memorabi1 ia. Original1y published in I 992, it is now available on CD-ROM. In describing the mammoth work, Andrew J. Snider III told the Seafarers LOG that the class, of whi~h he was a member, wanted to offer somethin,Q; to lhe a~ademy on their sotfi anniversary . ..The 126 personal histories of our class of 1942 recount life in Che merchant marine prior to World War II, through the war years and into the post~war years/' Snider sttl.ted. 'This is an era we shared with many members of the SIU. "An example is my father who went to sea at the age of 50-a month after Pearl Harbor- and who in 1953 was written up in the Seafarers LOG for his activity as an orga· nizer for the SIU when he sailed for Cities Service." 20 '1 " Seafarers LOG (Snider's late father, A.J. Snider, sailed for ma11y years in the steward department. Prior to World War I, he ~erved in the Navy, then signed up with the Army et the outbreak of that war. After years ashore working in restaurants, he returned to sea in 1943 aboard a Standard Oil tanker and remained with the SIU until his retirement.) As n6ted earlier, 126 surviving members of the classincluding retired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirklandrelated their memories of the school and their tales of the sea for the volume. Ic is the first such work presented LO th~ academy by any graduating class. The book may be found at the academy's library in Kings Point, N.Y. It has been accepted by the U.S. National Archives as an historical document. Copies of the CD-ROM are available through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Foundation, Babson Center, Kings Point, NY 11024-1699 for $25, of which $15 is tax deductible. May 1998 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Stronger U.S. Fleet Equals Lower Deficit Without a doubt , a stronger U.S. -flag merchant marine would significantly reduce America's trade deficit. That is a deficit that mainly reflects the loss of U.S. seafaring jobs and shoreside jobs. too. For many years , I have tried to increase people's awareness of this problem. Clearly, our nation needs to achieve trade-deficit reductions. Keep 'em sailing and rolling under the American flag . Peter T. Katlen Fairborn, Ohio ~ .... Total Veterans' Status Still Not Accorded Our president proclaimed May 22 as Maritime Day, but we have yet to see our American flag raised by the state of Pennsylvania. During World War JI, lhe news media was gagged by our government, claiming national security. As we were denied veterans' status and the G.I. Bill until I 988, Congress waited 43 years until most of us were dead . They even denied our widows and children compensation , pen ion and college. But hear this- World War II a declared war. The U .S. mere ant marine was the only all volumeer scrvicc- rccruired and trained l>y the U.S. Coast Guard. Records show that 866 ships were lost in enemy action, 31 ships disappeared without a trace, and at war's end, the merchant marine lost more (in percentages) than all armed forces combined. The Battle of the Atlantic was won with heavy losses by our U.S. merchant marine, keeping England and Russia supplied with arms. Four hundred U.S. merchant ships were sunk on the eastern seaboard by German submarines while Americans watched from shore. If our merchant marine would have failed in the Battle of the Atlantic, our Congress now would be speaking German. We now have only a small group of survivors living in the Pennsylvania area, but we are still waiting for our World War II state war bonus. Peter Salvo McKeesport, Pa. .. Remembering Happier Days Someone recently gave me a copy of the Seafarers LOG and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story of Roger Horton (January 1998) was great. I attended the SIU school in New Orleans in 1968. Although it has been several years since my last shipping date, I've always missed the brotherhood and the thrill of going to sea. My first ship was the SS Yaka. We ended up in Vietnam. I've lost track of everyone I knew during those treasured years because of my circumstances. I would appreciate hearing from fellow seamen who might care to write. James D. Holland #391218 P.O. Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, TX 75886 4 • Enjoy Reading The Seafarers LOG OMU Rafael Comesana (left) and AB Robert Thompson stand on the Osprey's deck (with Istanbul. Turk@y in the bai;kground). for a while. Greg enjoyed bringing in the harvest fresh from the garden. He had not been home in more than 10 years, so I showed him all the different things that were new in Greenfield, Mass. Jeanne Rice Greenfield, Mass. ~ .. Osprey Captain Praises Crew I'm pleased to provide the following photographs of the SIU crew members of the SS Osprey [all photos on this page]. The Osprey is on a liner service from the U.S. East Coast to Russia and Ukraine, with a few other ports in the Mediterranean and Black Sea thrown in from time to time. These pictures were taken during our most recent voyage. The crew members are all a good bunch of sailors; people Aboard Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management's SS Osprey are deck gang members (from left) AB Ronald Makowiecki, AB Miguel Castro, AB Mike make the ship. Borders, Bosun Robert Lindsay Jr. and AB Robert Thompson. Not picCaptain J.M. Torjusen SS Osprey tured is AB Enrique Bravo. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers. they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail , return receipt requested. The proper address for I look forward to reading the Seafarers LOG. I was unaware of piracy o n the high seas until I read the article, " Piracy Continui:s to Torment Hi gh Seas" (M;ir~h 1998. p, 20). What can seamen do to prote~t themselves in this case? I nl so e nj oyed the article " Pre ~id e tH D e~ lnres 1998 Year of the Ocean " (nlso in M arc h edi- this is'. tion). Last year, my seaman son, Gregory R. Rice. was home for a Full copies of contracts as referred to are avail able to members at all times. either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. visit. I sure enjoyed his being here Augustin Tellez. Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages ancl conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contrttct rights, as well as their' obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If. at any time. a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained The steward departm@nt on the SS Osprey is made up of (from left) Chief Cook Steve Dickson. Steward/Baker Justo Lacayo and SA Saleh Abdulrab. May 1998 from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional pores. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. . PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOii 21 J I �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes Trainee Lifeboat Class 574-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 574 are (from left, kneeling) Adel Shaibi, George Villalba Jr., Jose Majao, John Millward, (second row) Robert Kane, Robert Bradberry, Matthew Harrison, Kenneth Abrahamson, Torrey Manning, Joseph LeClair, Phillip Troublefield, Melvin Ratcliff Jr. and Ben Cusic (instructor). Chief Cook-John Casey, who sails out of Port Everglades, Fla ., is a graduate of the chief cook class on March 27. Refrigeration Systems & Maintenance-Completing the reefer course on March 26 are (from left, kneeling) Troy Fleming, George Habiger, (second row) John Fichter, George Phillips, Jaime Landeira and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Not pictured are Daniel Gibbons, Henry Paquin, Kevin McCagh, David Vega and Stephen Roberts. t ..... Power Plant Maintenance-Upgrading graduates of the March 26 power plant maintenance class are (from left) Ron Oyer (instructor). William Summers, Steven Hoskins, Troy Wood, Stephen Harrington and Thomas Flynn . Not pictured is Richard King. Upgraders Lifeboat-SIU members completing the upgraders lifeboat cours n March 27 are (from left, kneeling) Eric Overby, Patrick Maher, Ben Cusic (instructor), Clarence Fortt, (second row) Steve Winton, Elmo Davis, Ismael Manley and Yahya Mohamed. Government Vessels-M~rking their' grMuation from the government vess~ls class on M~rch 26 are (from left, kneeling} Marcos Rivera. Shawn TGipp, William Tripp, Godofr~do MilttM Ill , (second row) Mark Cates (instructor), Steven Thomas, Alan Bartley, Ja~on Pechette Md Woodrow Brown. Tankerman Assistant-Receiving their endorsements from the tanker assistant course on March 12 are SIU members (from left, seated) Ismael Manley, Yahya Mohamed, Brian Wilder, Herbert Scypes Jr., (second row) Amy Rippel, Brandy Sheffs, Rick Riley, Skip Herrmann, Greg Carroll, Jim Shaffer (instructor), (third row) Paul Dellorso, Jose Castillo, Patrick Maher, Paul Jagger. Dacu Sodusta and Bruce Perry. Advanced Firefighting-Earning their advanced firefighting endorsements on March 11 are (from left, kneeling) DiMarko Shoulders, Wilbert Miles Jr., Paul Wade, (second row) Daniel Fowers, loan Socaciu, Joseph Butasek. Alfonzo Bombita Jr., Salvador Villareal, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Joel Spell, Matthew Holley, Ronald Corgey and Georgiy Pochuliya. QMED-Completing their QMED training on March 26 are (from left, kneeling), Diosdado Retiro Jr., Delson Richardson, Nestor Martinez, Patrick Carroll, Louis Santiago, (second row) Stephen Stepanski, Charles Brockhaus, Evaristo Ginez, Gabriel Williams, (third row) Luis Almodovar, Ursel Barber, Robert Dennis Jr., Joel Trotter and Charles Skeen. 22 Seafarers LDG ~, May 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning in June> July and August at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime'fraining and Educatiqp in Pihey Point~ Md.,A.11 programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Pleas~ not~ that t~i~ s~h~dule may change to reflect thv n~eds of the lllem~r~pip, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation;s security. ···· · · ' Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their coursers ..sW:rtd(\te. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start ·date$; . : . Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Ll,ltjd~be!g School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) July 20 August 17 August 8 September 5 LNG Familiarization Joly6 July 10 Basic Firefighting June 1 June 15 July 20 August 10 June 20 July 25 August 15 Advanced Firefighting June22 July 27 August 3 August 31 July 3 August 8 August IS September 12 Government Vessels June 15 July 13 August 10 July 2 July 31 August21 !Jeck Upgrading Courses Start Date Course Date of Completion . J.~p~J.,..... ·. July 10 September 4 ··.~~ilf27 June6 Jy.~2~&~:'.~~~~~:f;~I~0)Acf:}~ki~~;~j~~;4;&'.~'.••~ . July 13 August 24 July 25 August 22 Date of Completion Start · n~t~ . Date of Completion July 27 September 4 " Maril~¢ ~lect.rical M~intenance I June 1 July 10 · Marine E c..:tdcal Maintenance II July 13 August 21 · Dasie Electronics August 10 September4 July 20 August 28 Ju~ls July 17 Course August 7 High School Equivalency Progr.al!l • (GED) .Fireman/Watettend~~·' & Oiler ... +~ ·~ < . ..· . ' July l3 Bosurt Recertification July 27 September 8 Steward Recertification June29 August 3 LNG Recertification August 17 August 21 Academic Department Courses Start Date Date of Co~pleti()n 'September 12. · · E~gli$~ '.~s :~ ·:~¢~4)~~.·~aJ1guiige;(it$i} July 24 ·or.Adult Basiflt.ducaiion "(ABE) · General Education Courses August 7 June 29 .:Self:-s.tµ(:ty .. ·~.,':i~('.~d~jtion,· basic -vocational support p~~ral11 · ~~~rses are offered throughout the :£L:yii.a.tl:P!'i.¢ :~~~k.:. P!'i()~:: to. the i\B, QMED, FOWT~ Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and "Watei:survi\:ilitc6urses. . · :. ·' . , · ·.: . .:·. . :'. . :·: · Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _~ Address~=~~---------------------- With this applica tion, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient time to qualify yourself for the course( s) requested. You also must submir a COPY of each of the following: the firsr page of your union book indicaring your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your i.-card as well as your Lunde berg School identification card Listing the course( s) you have taken and complet ed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you unzil all of 1he above are received. COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sc:n Mcm bcr D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If che following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. So~ial Sc~urity # Book# -------~--- Seniority------------- Deparrmem U.S. Citizen; Yes D No D Home Port Endorscmcnt(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Arc you Lt graduLtte of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo Date On'.--~--------- Dare Off: If yes, ch1ss # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes If yes, course(~) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken May1998 DNo CPR: DATE DNo Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifcboatman Endor~ement? DYes SIGNAWRE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 0 Yes CJ No 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 5/98 Seafarers LDG 23 �I l ·~ SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT The summary of the annual report for the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan may be found on page 17. LNG Virgo Rescues 18 Adrift 5 Days The followmg article recounts. in the words of Ismail Shekem, master aboard the SIUcrewed LNG Virgo, the events that occurred on December 26, 1997, resulting in the rescue of 18 persons from a disabled interisland ferry. Whereas it is very tempting to embellish on the facts in order to create a "sea story" worthy of telling, the simple truth in this particular incident, as is often the case, serves to reflect on the actions of well trained, highly motivated men attending to their good work, uniting with the forces of nature, the quirks of coincidence and the mysteries of fate, in ultimately providing for the safe deliverance of 18 individuals standing in peril in the sun-baked reaches of the Celebes Sea. The LNG Virgo departed the port of Bontang, E. Kalimantan, Indonesia, on Christmas Day, bound for Inchon, Republic of Korea, with a full load of liquefied natural gas. At the onset of the voyage, due to operational requirements. th~ ship diverted slightly from the usual navigational trnclc. First survivors Sighted Dawn of the mrnt morning, December 26, found the vessel in peculiarly calm seas and light winds. Shortly after daybreak, at 5:55 a.m ., the ship's lookout, po ted on the bridge wing, s;ighted two men adrifl atop what appeared to be tl 4 ' x 6' plywood sheet. He duly notifi~d the second ml'.l.l~, who wns the wmch officer, who in turn immediately commenced maneuvering the ship while notifying the captain and other crew members as to the situation _ The ship's main engine was brought down to maneuvering speed by 6:00 a .m., and the Virgo was brought about quickly while members of the crew commenced preparat10ns to cm bark the two men in the water. By 6:36 a.m., in position 03-51 North 123-28 East, the ship was brought upwind, upcurrent, and was favorably positioned to enable a heaving line to be hurled down to the men. Also by this time, the ship's crew had prepared the lee-side gangway, hung off cargo nets down at the water's edge as well as life rings attached to long lanyards. The vessel's midship stores crane was also cleared in case it was necessary to retrieve the men in that manner. The men on the plywood sheet (which turned out to be a makeshift raft constructed from a pallet), were gently heaved alongside to the ship's gangway platform and made their way up on deck, where they received immediate attention for exposure and dehydration. They related that they had been aboard a small inter-island ferry named the MIL Sarah, which had departed Sangihe Island (115 miles south of Mindanao, Philippines) on December 21 on an intended voyage to Davao City, Mindanao, P.I., with a total of 18 persons on board. During the passage, while in the near vicinity of Mamre Island (45 miles south of Mindanao) their craft suffered a broken tailshaft. Not having any equipment on board that would enable them to communicate with authorities ashore, the craft's captain and one crew member decided to paddle ashore on the raft, in hopes of getting assistance for their disabled vessel. Unfortunately, they apparently had not taken into account the Mindanao current, which flows to the southwest at two or three knots, and they were soon swept away approximately 120 miles into the Celebes Sea before they were sighted and rescued . At 6:50 a.m., while the two men were being treated and their story ~assed on to the bridge. the ship was being slowly brought up lO speed when a small craft was spotted approximately seven miles distant to westward. The ship's head was brought in that direction. and the vessel duly stc;tmc;:d toward the craft . Bosun Mohamed Rawi helps with the safe embarKation of survivors from the stranded ferry. The small craft, at first glance, when at three or four miles off, appeared to be the typical wooden craft often seen in these waters, with no indication of being in any difficulty. However, upon making a closer approach, and well within two miles, it turned out to be the MIL Sarah, with her entire complement on deck waving their arms and displaying a white cloth sheet with the words: We need help. Others Brought Aboard At 8:00 a.m., the ship again commenced maneuvering in order to make a safe approach to the Sarah, the first line sent out from the lee side at 8:38 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., the gangway was lowered and two men from the boat embarked the ship to speak with the captain. Their story was the same as that told by the first two survivors, and needless to say, having earlier lost sight of their two companions on the raft, and having presumed they had perished, they were stunned to hear of their survival and rescue. In view of the boat's apparent lack of emergency provisions, equipment and communications gear, and considering their perilous situation, it was decided to embark all crew and passengers from the Sarah and, hopefully, convey them to Davao City, where they could be disembarked onto a Philippine coast guard or naval vessel. Thus, at I 0:41 a.m., with crew and passengers embarked aboard the LNG Virgo, the MIL Sarah was abandoned and cast off, and the ship set course for the Davao Gulf where, on December 27, 1997, at 2:25 ;, -·-···'"·',..._-.,··--·."''-''=' - Two men aboard a make-shift raft (right) were the first to be rescued. They told of 16 others on the MIL Sarah, an inter-island ferry (above) which had suffered a broken tailshaft and was adrift in the Celebes Sea. The LNG Virgo maneuvered in the craft's direction and brought all survivors to safety. p.m., in a position 10 miles south of Davao City, all were de i r safely onto the Philippine Navy patrol craft BRT Manuel Gomes. There were no heroes in this tale, no heroics to speak of, only good men doing their good work, doing their best to assist those in need. It gives me great satisfaction to state, as is always the case, that every member of this ship crew turned-to, unbidden, to unite their efforts and talents during the incident. Having said this, and in all sense of fairness, the following individuals should be recognized and highly commended for their actions: Crew Commended AB Greyson Brantley, lookout on duty, in carrying out his duties in a most capable and diligent manner, in sighting the survivors and keeping them in sight while the ship was brought about; Second Mate Paul Greubel, watch officer, in the very professional manner by which he commenced maneuvering rhe ship and arranged for additional assistance; Second Engineer Michael Collinsworth and Chief Engineer Frank Hicken, on duty in the engine room, who did their utmost in responding to the SBE request from the bridge and very quickly prepared the ship's main engine for immediate maneuvering, thus enabling the survivors to remain within sight at all times: Chief Mate James Blanton and Bosun Mohamed Rawi, for takAssisting in lowering the ship's gangway is QMED ing charge of the deck in an Randy McKenzie. efficient and judicious manner, arranging for all equipment to be made ready for use in a very short time, and safely embarking the survivors; QMEDs Ralph Gosnell and Randy McKenzie, who happened to be out on deck for their morning jaunt, and who imm ·the ately commenced to pr ship's gangwa:x ssisted in every J'O way; eward Zein Achmad and his gang, who provided stretchers, blankets, sustenance to the survivors, as well as graciously making room for the 18 "guests" who dropped in unexpectedly to share in the ship's traditional Christmas meal at sea, which had been. postponed until December 26 due to the ship's stay in port. [Other SIU crew members aboard the LNG Virgo at the time of the rescue were Chief Cook Michael Amador, AB Othman Chik, AB Bobby Branham, SA Dennis Burke, AB David Caudill, SA Kenneth Epps, QMED Richard Harris, AB Daniel Kayser, DEU Eric Orscheln, AB Plese Russ, SA Paul Russell, SA Desmond Torres, AB Charles Touzet and Chief Cook Cindy Winter.] The story of the rescue is being submitted by Energy Transportation Corp. (ETC)for the Ship Safety Achievement Awards given by the Chamber of Shipping of America and the National Safety Council. ETC also will nominate the rescue to the National Women's Propeller Club for an additional award. Photos on this page were taken by DEU Orscheln. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW SHIPS PLANNED FOR COASTAL CRUISES DELTA QUEEN ANNOUNCES FLEET EXPANSION SEAFARERS RALLY IN N.O. FOR AVONDALE WORKERS SIU MEMBERS IN GULF BUILDUP ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ‘DANGER PAY’ NEW PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR PENSIONERS COAST GUARD BACKS UP SIU’S POSITION AGAINST SOLO NAVIGATIONAL WATCH HIGMAN BOATMEN EARN SAFETY AWARDS ’97 FINANCIAL RECORDS OKAYED BY RANK-AND-FILE COMMITTEE IMO WARNS THAT FIFTH OF WORLD FLEET WILL NOT MEET JULY 1 ISM DEADLINE SENATE PASSES SHIPPING REFORM BILL BIG BUSINESS ADMITS EFFORT DEDICATED TO ‘UNDERMINING LABOR’S INFLUENCE’ TEAMWORK IS KEY FOR NEWEST CLASS OF RECERTIFIED BOSUNS DETENTIONS SPOTLIGHT ‘SCARY REGULARITY’ OF SAFETY PROBLEMS ON RUNAWAY-FLAGS VIDEO EXAMINES FOC CAMPAIGN UPGRADER TOUTS APPRENTICE PROGRAM STRONG START FOR SEAFARERS ON GREAT LAKES AFL-CIO COUNCIL RENEWS ORGANZING CALL; RECEIVES WHITE HOUSE PLEDGE OF SUPPORT APPEALS BOARD ISSUES ACTIONS DEALING WITH SENIORITY AND RETURNING JOBS TO HIRING HALL PORT ARTHUR WELCOMES APARTMENT COMPLEX ‘PREMIUM ACCOLADE’ GOES TO OBREGON STEWARD DEPARTMENT MARITIME POLICY: ALBERT J. HERBERGER RETIRED MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR HISTORY OF FIRST KINGS POINT CLASS AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM LNG VIRGO RESCUES 18 ADRIFT 5 DAYS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 5 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c196e1cf6b6024f15667605b05f7b66b.pdf ad5eb2dd7eff40e5821409fa7cb5e111 PDF Text Text SIU Tells Congress Of Gro h Opportunity In U.S. Cruise Sector IMO Rules Against olo Bridge Watch Committee Backs U.S. Position _ _ l'age3 Maritime Day 1998 D.C. Ceremonies Honor Merchant Marinen; Speaken Cite Need to Maintain Strong Fleet J Union Announces Scholarship Winners - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - P a g e s 2, 9 Backing Fellow Trade Unionists New York-ttrea Seafarers recently rallied to support members of the Stage Employees Union Local 829. The Stage Employees, whose members include arena workers, is protesting the closing of the New York Coliseum. The building has beeh shut down since early January, while its sale is pending. Pictured above are AB Abdulla Saeed, Chief Cook Hector Gilbes, SA Gary Dottino, Bosun Jimmy Hassan, Recertified Steward Eddie Haber and Chief Cook Charlie DiCanio. The SIU took part in several Maritime Memorial Day ceremonies May 21 in Washington, D.C., including one at the U.S. Navy Memorial (pictured above) and another conducted by the U.S. Maritime Administration (below). Speakers representing maritime labor, shipping companies, government and the armed forces strongly echoed the belief that the best way to honor those mariners who sacrificed their lives in service to their country is by maintaining a powerful U.S.flag presence on the high seas. Pictured below (from left) are speakers from the MarAd ceremony: Vice Admiral James B. Perkins, head of the Military Sealift Command; U.S. Trans· portation Secretary Rodney Slater; SIU President Michael Sacco; acting Maritime Administrator John Graykowski; and Sea-Land Vice President Peter Finnerty. Page 24. �ITF Ship to Sail in July . President's Report Global Mariner Spotlights Campaign vs. Runaways Globally Active Seafarers are politically active for one simple reason. We know that when it comes to protecting our interests and advancing our issues, we cannot rely on anyone else. That same thinking applies to the SIU's activities at the international level. For decades, but particularly in the 1990s, the union has been very involved in international forums that impact our industry. Through the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as Michael Sacco well as the International Transpon Workers' Federation (ITF), the SIU has fought for job security, safe working conditions, fair regulations and environmental protection for all the world's mariners. I'll be the first to admit that it can become confusing. ILO, IMO, ITF. Throw in STCW and ISM, and it sounds like a bad can of alphabet soup. But it is important for Seafarers to understand how these organizations and treaties affect their livelihoods. And it is vital that the SIU maintain a high profile on the international stage. A recent example of this circumstance took place last month during a meeting of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee in London. Prior to that conference, the SIU vigorously argued against the practice of solo bridge watch at night. This issue affects the safety of everyone aboard ship. Our position is that solo watchkeeping is unsafe, unnecessary and unacceptable. The U.S. Coast Guard agrees with that stance, and it successfully argued the case in London, where the SIU also was represented. In particular, Rear Admiral Robert North, speaking for the U.S. delegation, refused to back down in the face of vocal and emotional opposition from several other nations. He gave a clear presentation and battled for it, and the IMO, an agency of the United Nations, ruled in our favor. Earlier this year, the SIU represented U.S. maritime labor at a joint ILO-IMO conference on minimum rest hours and maximum work hours. Around that same time, the ITF issued a report, details of which will appear in next month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, that supports many of our arguments regarding safe crewing requirements and regulations. Similarly, the union has worked closely with the Coast Guard, the IMO and other nations in helping ensure timely, evenhanded implementation of the rules stemming from the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention. In fact, we've been there every step of the way, starting years before those revisions were ratified by the more than 100 nations who are signatories to the pact. One tangible result of such participation is the Coast Guardaccepted training record book jointly developed last year by the union, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and a number of SIU-contracted companies. We took the lead in producing this document, which will aid individual mariners and ship operators alike in verifying their compliance to port state control officials around the world. From reading the LOG, you also may be aware of our constant involvement in the ITF. A federation of more than 470 transportrelated unions worldwide, the ITF is unsurpassed in the global fight against runaway-flag shipping. It is a difficult fight, and we have a long way to go. But the effort will be that much stronger because of the SIU's willingness Lo fight the scam and stand up for better shipboard living conditions and safety standards for all mariners. In short, globalization is fairly new for many industries, but not ours. Shipping always has been the most international of trades. I believe that. as in politics, standing idly on the sidelines of worldwide maritime forums means we'll be dealt out. With that in mind, whenever we believe our livelihoods may be affected. the SIU will continue as a strong voice and an active presence-no matter where we have to go. Volpmf 60, Number 6 June 1998 The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) next month will launch a refurbished general cargo ship to call attention to the organization's 50year-old campaign against runaway-flag shipping. The Global Mariner (formerly the Lady Rebecca), flagged to the United Kingdom, will sail to ports around the world for up to a year and a half. Its first stops are in Europe, with initial visits to the United States tentatively slated for this fall. Recently refitted to house an exhibition that will be open to the general public while the ship is docked, the Global Mariner now includes new staircases and walkways . Built in 1979, the vessel "has been upgraded to the highest standards," the ITF said in announcing the exhibition. Mark Dickinson, assistant general secretary of the ITF, stated that the Global Mariner "will throw a spotlight on the issue of globalization and spell out its adverse impacts to the wider public. For the first time the public will experience the true meaning of 'flags of convenience' -a ratcheting down of standards that must be stopped." The SIU is one of the more than 470 transportrelated unions around the world that comprise the London-based ITF. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section, and the SIU also supports the runaway-flag campaign via its own inspectors. Also known as flag-of-convenience shipping, the runaway-flag scam has resulted in human suffering, environmental damage and other problems while being characterized by "lies and hypocrisy," the ITF noted. Yet it continues because some shipowners can turn quick profits through the exploitation of crews and the shoddy maintenance of their vessels. Earlier this year, ITF General Secretary David The ITF has assumed the role of shipowner in its latest effort to publicize its campaign against runawayflag shipping. Cockroft noted that while the campaign includes many aspects, the immediate goal is "trying to raise the level of conditions in the industry. We believe seafarers deserve a good deal. We don't believe that shipowners should have the freedom to shop around the world, finding the cheapest labor they can possibly find, bringing it on board the ship, using it for a few months and then throwing it away when another nationality comes on the market that looks a little cheaper." Similarly, the commonness of runaway-flag ships threatens the national security of traditional maritime nations because it dwindles their respective fleets, Cockroft explained. "National security is one reason. though not the only reason, to maintain a strong domestic fleet," he said. "You wouldn't accept (the runaway-flag scenario) if it were a bus operating in New York City. You wouldn't accept it if someone could hire Burmese to drive the buses, pay them what they were getting in Rangoon, let them drive around for eight months and then send them home." Committee Selects 7 Scholarship Winners The Seafarers Welfare Plan has announced this year's SIU scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. Cindy Marie Winter, who sails as a chief cook, was awarded a $15,000 scholarship. She has been admitted to Century College in Minnesota as a student in their medical imaging program. Two scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each were awarded to deep sea members Keith Wayne Finnerty and Andre D. Carriere. Finnerty, who already has earned his bachelor's degree from George Washington University, now plans to return to school for a master's degree and seek a career in the information systems industry. Carriere is in pursuit of his associate of arts degree in business administration as well as an associate of science degree in air conditioning and refrigeration. Four graduating high school seniors were selected to receive this year's $15,000, four-year scholarships for dependents of SIU members. They are Gerard Patrick Quinn, grandson of Recertified Bosun Peter Loik; Members of the selection committee met in Boston last month to judge the scholarship applications received on the basis of scholastic ability, character, high school grades, college board exams, letters of recommendation and participation in extracurricular activities. Gregory G. Rice, son of tugboat captain Henry R. Rice Jr.; Ivana Odak, daughter of inland member Dragi K. Odak; and Michelle C. Golla, daughter of deep sea member Gregory Keene. This year's selection committee, as in the past, was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The panel was comprised of the following scholars and academicians: Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary's College of Maryland; and Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago. Also on the scholarship selection committee were Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio, and Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. (Unable to attend the meeting in Boston was Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County [Md.] Community College.) For a more in-depth look at each of the scholarship winners, see page 9. Discusses Maritime With Senator llle SIU on line: www.seafarers.uru The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and ac additional omces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG , 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director. Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production , Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brow~r; Administrative Support, Jeanne Tator. Copyright© 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD SIU President Michael Sacco (right) meets with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) during the Propeller Club of the United States' annual Salute to Congress dinner, held in late April. The association recognized Inouye for his many years of support on Capitol Hill for the U.S.-flag merchant marine. All Rights Reserved. 2 seafarers LOG June 1998 �New Builds, Projected Growth Show Strong Market for U.S.-Flag Cruises The SIU joined with other maritime-related unions, domestic shipbuilders, U.S.-flag maritime operators and a member of Congress to call for support of the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry before a hearing of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee last month. The hearing was summoned by Chairman Wayne Gilchrest (RMd.) to see if any changes or amendments to the 1886 Passenger Vessel Services Act are needed. The SIU, along with the others, informed the subcommittee of recent announcements to build two new U.S.-flag large cruise ships as well as up to five smaller coastal cruise vessels in domestic yards. New Jobs Terry Turner, the union's government affairs director, testified before the subcommittee, informing the elected officials that the nation's passenger cabotage law provides for the national defense, a tax-base, jobs for Americans and much more. ''We believe that the goal of increasing the U.S. coastwise passenger trade, with the laudable aim of bringing more economic benefits to American port cities, can be accomplished without wholly sacrificing other worthwhile goals and interests," Turner stated. He pointed out projects-such as the ones recently announced by American Classic Voyages, which operates the SIU-crewed SS Independence, Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen-will provide thousands of jobs for American workers in both the construction and sailing phases. He added that as the ships are being built, American yards will be able to take advantage of the latest construction techniques which then can be passed on to military vessels. ..The SIU respectfully urges Congress to devise a solution that promotes legitimate U.S.-flag interests while meeting the needs of U.S. port ~ities," Turner noted. Fleet Expansion More details on the prospective growth of the U.S.-flag passenger fleet were provided by the head of American Classic Voyages, Phil Calian. He pointed out the program to build two new cruise ships for the Hawaiian trade would create "more than 5,000 new U.S. jobs." While the ships are being built, a foreignflag cruise ship will be reflagged with the Stars and Stripes, brought up to U.S. standards and sail with American crews. He said the interim ship could be on line as early as next year. "The interim vessel will employ nearly 800 U.S. seafarers on board the vessel and hundreds of other shoreside workers. U.S. shipyards predict the need for approximately 2,500 new shipyard employees for the construction of the two new vessels, and an additional 2,000 seafarers will be needed to crew these new state-of-the-art cruise ships," Calian told the subcommittee. "All of these jobs will generate income, as well as federal, state and local tax revenues-rippling throughout the economy." Regarding the company's announcement earlier this year that it is going to build up to five coastal cruise vessels, Calian said that project is on target. "The cabotage laws of the United States are the cornerstone of the U.S. maritime industry," he informed the elected officials. Additional Benefits Adding to Calian's remarks was retired Coast Guard Admiral William Kime, vice president for Totem Resources Corporation, which operates several SIUcrewed roll-on/roll-off ships on the West Coast. He pointed out how foreignflag companies have been taking advantage of sailing from U.S. ports, boarding primarily Americans as passengers. Yet these vessels "create no shipbuilding or seagoing jobs, collect no taxes and only swell our ever-growing trade deficit." Kime listed several ways the country would benefit through a rebirth of the U.S .-flag passenger ship trade. Among the advantages would be • "billions of dollars of construction and tens of millions of work-hours for U.S. shipyards. the construction industry and American corporations supplying the materials and parts for construction and outfitting; • thousands of jobs at sea; • generation of hundreds of millions of dollars annually in state and federal taxes; • stimulation of hundreds of millions of dollars of econom- Listening to testimony on the nation's passenger cabotage law are (from left) House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommitt@@ Chairman Wayne Gilchrest (A-Md.) a.nd Rep. Bob Cl@m@nt (D-Tenn.} . June 1998 ic activity annually from regular American-flag cruise service; and • a positive contribution to our national balance of trade by garnering a portion of the billions of American passenger dollars currently paid to foreign-flag cruise lines." The admiral then told the subcommittee, "America's shipyards, construction companies and marine suppliers are today preparing and equipping themselves to build passenger ships for American-flag operations." Yards Are Ready Supporting his remarks was Cynthia Brown, president of the American Shipbuilding Association, which represents major shipyards in the country. She stated America's yards need the new commercial work to stay abreast of the latest shipbuilding technology that can be used in military vessels. This type of construction has waned in recent years. "To this end, our industry has been investing in its facilities, technology and in our people to enhance our efficiencies and competitiveness in the construction of commercial ships. The market we are targeting first is the U.S. domestic coastwise trade for both passenger and cargo ships," Brown told the subcommittee. U.S . Representative Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) reminded his fellow legislators how the foreignflag cruise ship operators sailing out of ports in Florida, California and other locations use America's assistance without providing the funds to meet those expenses. "When they need help, they don't call Panama," Taylor said. "And there is no Liberian Coast Guard. "They call the U.S. Coast Guard and benefit from U.S . services while paying no taxes." SIU Gov't. Affairs Director Terry Turner tells the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee the U.S.-flag cruise industry will be growing in the coming years. Among those testifying before the subcommittee in support of the U.S.flag cruise industry are (clockwise from top left) Rep. Gene Taylor (DMiss.); Cynthia Brown, president of the American Shipbuilding Association; retired Coast Guard Adm. William Kime, vice president of Totem Resources Corp.; and Philip Calian, president and CEO of American Classic Voyage. IMO: Stop Solo Bridge Watch Safety Committee's Ruling Backs U.S. Position During a meeting last month of the International Maritime Organization's Maritime Safety Committee in London, the IMO called upon flag states to revoke or cancel authorizations pennitting solo navigational watch at night. The decision followed a lengthy and often contentious debate that pitted the United States, France and their many atties on this issue against Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Vanuatu. Consistent with the SIU's position, the U.S. delegation, represented by the Coast Guard, staunchly opposed solo navigational watch at night. They argued that solo bridge watch in periods of darkness is unsafe and violates existing regulations that call for continuous lookout. (See related article, page 4.) A substantial majority of the Maritime Safety Committee agreed. As permitted by the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners, several countries have conducted years of trials involving solo bridge watch in periods of darkness. Such trials must adhere to IMO guidelines. which now have terminated the trials and call for revoking of any trial authorizations. · Continued authorizations based on trial results are pennitted under STCW regulation 113-though only until the committee decides whether to amend the STCW convention. This determination now has been made, and the position against solo navigational watch will be issued in an IMO circular. Based on studies of the documentation of solo watch trials. the U.S. during the committee meeting (which took place May 11-20) recommended discontinuation of such experiments. It further advised that solo night watch not be included in any amendment to the updated STCW convention. In a letter earlier this year to Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert C. North, assistant commandant of marine safety and environmental protection, SIU President Michael Sacco reiterated the union's "total opposition to the operation of ships with the officer of the navigational watch acting as the sole lookout in periods of darkness. We believe that a solo bridge operation compromises safety at sea and, as such, it is an unacceptable and unnecessary measure." In an executive summary of its findings, the Coast Guard argued that solo night watch violates existing regulations that call for a continuous lookout. The agency pointed out that tria] results indicate pericxlic lapses-sometimes greater than 10 minutes-have occurred during navigational watches at night. Seafarers LOG 3 �Delta Queen Provides More Info on New Coastal Ships The Delta Queen Steamboat Company-which operates the Delta Queen, SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen and American Queen-continues to release more information on the construction of up to five cruise vessels designed to sail along America's coastlines. In April, the company announced its intention to construct the ships, each designed to carry 200 to 225 people along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts as well as some inland locations, as the Seafarers LOG reported in its May issue. Last month, Delta Queen Company released an artist's rendition of the vessel design. The "Coastal Queen," as the concept has been called, will be 300 feet long. While featuring the latest in maritime and safety technology, each vessel will adopt an architectural style resembling an 1910era coastal steamer. Designed to sail along the seaboards on each side of the country, the boats will be small enough to ply such rivers as the Columbia, Snake and Willamette in the Pacific Northwest. Testifying before the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee in late April, Phil Calian-president and CEO of Delta Queen's parent company, American Classic Voyagestold the legislators the company's expansion plans were progressing well. The three steamboats sailing under the Delta Queen banner ply the Mississippi River and its tributaries in the heartland of the country with stops in 16 states. With the additional vessels, the Delta Queen will build the "Coastal Queen" series of vessels to resemble 1910-era coastal steamers. The first is expected to sail by the year 2000. company would expand its itinerary to another 16 states. (American Classic Voyages operates the SIU-crewed SS Independence which sails around the Sea Waif Crew Honored far 191 Rescue The SIU-crewed Sea Wolf recently received an award for its April 1997 rescue of six people stuck in a disabled sailboat off the coast of North Carolina. Crowley American Transport, which operates the Sea Wolf, announced that the Women's Propeller Club of the United States presented the Mary Patten Valiant Ship Award to Captain Gary deVries, who accepted it on behalf of the crew members and company. "The award honors Captain deVries and the officers and crew for their unselfish act of bravery and seamanship," Crowley reported. Last year, the U.S. Coast Crew members aboard Crowley's Sea Wolf happily pose for a photo last year, shortly after they successfully rescued six boaters off the coast of North Carolina. Guard described the endeavor as "an extraordinary display of seamanship" and a "nearly impossible rescue." The Sea Wolf overcame 30-foot seas and 50-knot winds to save the individuals stranded aboard the 34-foot sloop about 280 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. The sailboat had been en route from Charleston, S.C. to its home port in Annapolis, Md. when a storm rendered it lame. The Sea Wolf was under way from Rio de Janeiro to Philadelphia before the Coast Guard diverted it to the rescue site. Another merchant ship tried unsuccessfully to rescue the boaters before the Sea Wolf saved them. There were no serious injuries reported by the crews of the Sea Wolf and sailboat. A full account of the rescue appears in the May 1997 issue of the Seafarers LOG and also is available on the SIU's web site, located at: http://www.seafarers.org. islands of Hawaii.) The company has issued bids for the construction of the ships. It expects the first vessel to be ready to sail by the year 2000. Pakpahan Released from Prison In Wake of Indonesian Upheaval Trade unionists around the world welcomed the news that imprisoned Indonesian labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan was released late last month. Pakpahan and several colleagues who also are members of Indonesia's independent trade union federation were freed from Cipinang Prison in Jakarta on May 26. These actions followed the overthrow of the Suharto regime. "Union members in America and everywhere are overjoyed that a long nightmare is ending for our courageous brother, Muchtar Pakpahan, and that he will soon be reunited with his family. His release is a signal that there is hope for democracy and freedom in Indonesia," stated AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Mr. Pakpahan was arrested, falsely charged and imprisoned for championing the creation of a representative, independent and unified union movement for the workers of his country-a movement that is essential to reform of the Indonesian economy and political system," he added. Pakpahan, chairman of Indonesia's All Prosperity Workers Union, spent two years in prison and faced a possible death sentence because of charges by the Suharto dictatorship described by the International Labor Organization as "unjustified and deriving from legitimate trade union activities." The AFL-CIO, America's federation of trade unions (including the SIU), actively had campaigned for Pakpahan's release and recognized him with a human rights award last year. MERPAC Studies STCW Assessment, Solo Bridge Watch Editor's note: Father Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member who is a priest at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur, Texas, wrote the following article regarding a March meeting of the U.S. Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee, of which he is a mem· ber. The muting took place in Washington, D. C. Over a day-and-a-half, members of the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) reviewed numerous issues including STCW implementation and a proposal by some countries to the International Maritime Organization to allow solo bridge watch during hours of darknt!;!; _ With full implementation of STCW around the corner, MER- PAC members raised concerns that much work remains to develop methods for assessing the pro· ficiency of mariners. For instance, during the last few years. the industry mainly has focused on the anticipated impact of the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention on U.S. mariners already at sea. However, in the next few years. those who enter the industry must comply with all of STCW's requirements, as there will be no ..grandfathering ... 4 Seafarers LOG The new requirements say a mariner must demonstrate proficiency in performing a specific task. His or her performance would be evaluated by a certified, trained assessor who would determine if the seafarer properly demonstrated the specific skill. In order to carry out this process, standards for assessors, certification of assessors and methods of testing proficiency must be developed so that the U.S. wilJ be compliant with STCW-and so the mariner will have a definite measurement by which to be judged, regardless of the location for assessment or the assessor. To assist the Coast Guard in developing model performance measures for proper assessment of proficiency. MERPAC established a special task group headed by Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. During the next few months this task force will work with the maritime training centers and other interested persons to formulate suggestions for the Coast Guard. Salo Bridge Watch A bad idea that seemingly wouldn't die was solo bridge watch during hours of darkness. (See related story, page 3.) Championed by the Danes, the Germans and a handful of other maritime countries, it has been touted for the last few years as a means of either reducing crew sizes (the Danish position) or more effectively using the unlicensed members of the crew as day workers (the German position). A few years ago, in accordance with a proposed amend- Building of each successive vessel will start when the previous one is launched. The company plans to have all five in service within seven to 10 years. ment, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) allowed experimentation with the practice in specially designed ships. However, at the end of 1997, the IMO recommended an end to such experimentation. Nevertheless, Germany, Denmark and a few other countries continued the trial runs. At MERPAC'S fall 1997 meeting, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert C. North asked Continued on page 7 Welcoming Maritime Officers from Singapore Please be advised that · SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls* will be closed on Friday, July 3, 1998 for the Independence Day holiday (unless an emergency ·-arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. * The hrring haH in Honolulu wilt be closed Monday, July 6 instead of Friday. July 3 Officials from the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union last month visited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and EducatiM, located in Piney Point, Md. With an eye toward ensuring their organi· zation meets the many new training and certification requirements facing merchant mariners worldwide, they met with Paul HaH Center instructors and officials, examined various course curriculums, learned about the school's U.S. Coast Guard accepted train· ing record book, and more. At left, SIU Headquarters Representative Carl Peth (right) reviews the center's system for electronically updating the TRBs. June 1998 �. Clinton Taps Hart To Head MarAd President Bill Clinton has nominated Clyde J. Hart to head the U.S. Maritime Administration. Hart serves as the senior Democratic counsel for the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee. He will succeed retired U .S. Navy Vice Admiral Albert Herberger, who resigned as maritime administrator at the end of June 1997. Since that time, John Graykowski has served as the acting administrator. The New Jersey native joined the subcommittee staff in 1994. During his tenure on Capitol Hill, he worked on the Maritime Security Act of 1996 and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which is designed to smoothly link the nation's various transportation modes. From 1980 to 1994, he held a variety of positions with the Interstate Commerce Commission, including counsel to Chairman Reese Taylor from 1983 to 1986. He earned a law degree from Catholic University and a master' s degree from George Washington University. General Robertson Takes U.S. TRANSCOM's Helm As General Kross Retires Clyde Hart The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is expected to hold a confirmation hearing for Hart during the first week of June. If approved by the committee, his nomination would go to the full Senate for final approval. General Charles T. Robertson, Jr. will succeed General Walter Kross as the commander in chief of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and Air Mobility Command, Secretary of Defense William Cohen announced last month. Earlier, Kross had announced he will retire September 1 at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Robertson's career has featured various assignments, including duty as director of personnel plans at Air Force headquarters. A 1968 graduate of the Air Force Academy, he also served as an official for the joint chiefs of staff. His promotion to general coincides with the appointment to TRANSCOM. Kross assumed the leadership of TRANSCOM in October 1996 when he succeeded General Robert Rutherford (who also retired). In that role, he has been a strong advocate of the U.S. merchant marine. TRANSCOM oversees the worldwide movement of goods for the U.S. armed forces. Civilian-crewed U.S.-tlag merchant ships and vessels of the Ready Reserve Force are among the modes of transportation available to the command. America Needs an Effectiue Maritime Policy The following is the "President's Message " as published in the May 1998 issue of Sea Power magazine, the official journal of the U.S. Navy League. Jack M. Kennedy-the national president of the non-profit, civilian, educational organization located in Arlington, Va-calls for an all encompassing maritime policy to ensure America's security. This is not the first time Kennedy has used his column to promote the U.S. -flag commercial fleet. Jn January, he wrote, "An economically competitive US.flag merchant marine would pay immense dividends in terms of shipbuilding and seafaring jobs." The Seafarers LOG ran excerpts of his column in the March issue. Kennedy 's column is reprinted with permission from the U.S. Navy League. The United States is the largest trading nation, by far, in all world history. Each and every year, hundreds of millions of tons of cargo enter and leave the United States-almost all of it by sea. And almost all of it carried by foreign-flag ships. U.S.-tlag ships, according to data compiled by the Maritime Administration (MarAd), carry less than 4 percent of America's two-way foreign trade. And that translates directly into the payment of billions of dollars annually to foreign ship operators, a corresponding increase in the perennial U.S. balance-of-payments deficit, th~ loss to the U.S. treasury of additional billions in uncollected tax revenues, and the export of thousands of U.S. seafaring jobs. This is a national disgrace! It also is economically indefensible and, from a national security point of view, dangerous in the i;:drcmc. Over the past two cen• turies, the U.S .-flag merchant marine has played an essential role in every foreign war in which American forces have been involvec;I, but now may no longer be able to do so. The Gulf War is the most recent example of the combat contributions made by the U.S.· flag fleet. During that brief, spec- tacular and highly successful conflict, ships (including a number of foreign -flag ships) operating under the jurisdi~tion of the Navy's Military Sealift Command June 1998 (MSC) carried literally millions of tons of cargo across an 8,700mile oceanic lifeline to support U.S. and allied personnel stationed on the Saudi peninsula and in the ships offshore. Among the militarily essential cargo carried during this greatest sealift in history were thousands of tanks, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, bulldozers, cranes and other outsized equipment. All of the transport aircraft of all of the nation's armed services could have carried only a small fraction of that cargo during the same time frame-and the cost would have been exorbitant! Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska has stated that, because of the precipitous downsizing of the U.S. armed services in recent years, the United States could not today carry out another major military operation of the same scope and magnitude as the Gulf War. The same is true, only more so, of the unprecedented sealift effort made by the U.S.-tlag fleet. Ten years ago, there were 366 ships in the active U.S .-flag fleet, according to MarAd. Today, there are fewer than 260, and there will be even fewer next year, and the year after, if Congress and the Executive Branch do not take the politically difficult but absolutely mandatory actions needed to keep the American merchant marine from vanishing into history. That would be a calamity of the greatest magnitude-and unimaginably expensive in tenns of dollars, jobs, national pride and, most important of all, national security. There is no other segment of the U.S. economy, and no other component of America's defense infrastructure, entrusted almost totally to the goodwill of other nations. To put that statement in perspective, consider the national outcry that would result if, for strictly budgetary reasons, the Department of Defense were to use foreign carriers to meet all but 4 percent of its wartime airlift requirements _ Of if, also for bud· getary reasons, and with no quid pro quo required, the Department of Commerce permitted the virtu· al1y unlimited import into the United States of foreign-built automobiles, refrigerators, television sets and other manufar;tures. But this is exar,;tly what we are doing with our merchant marine~ not even selling, but giving, the franchise to foreign-flag ship operators who have no allegiance to the United States and wh~ this has been proven several times in recent years-might in times of conflict simply refuse to carry the weapons, fuel, ammunition and other supplies and equipment needed by U.S. forces in the combat zone. What must be done to remedy this dangerous situation? Several things. The first is to provide the appropriations needed to fund the Maritime Security Program, which supports the bare minimum number of ships, and of American seafarers, that would be needed to sustain U.S. forces overseas during times of war or other international crises and periods of global instability. The second is to reject once and for all any changes to the Jones Act that would further weaken the U.S.-flag fleet. The third is to authorize a Charter and Build program that would permit, at reasonable cost, the building in U.S . yards of additional militarily useful ships that also could be used to meet our defense sealift requirements. These steps alone would strengthen the defense industrial base immensely, pay huge dividends by creating thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of new American jobs, and ameliorate considerably our current dependence on foreign-flag shipping. Nonetheless, they still would be only palliatives. What is needed most of all is not more lip service, not more half steps and short-term legislative tourniquets, but a true long-term national maritime policy that will: (1) postulate, by statute, that the maintenance of an internationally competitive U.S .-tlag merchant marine is essential to national defense and to continued U.S . economic prosperity; and (2) assign, to the president and the Congress, joint responsibility for ensuring that the U.S.-flag merchant fleet is capable at all times of meeting all reasonably foreseeable defense sealift needs and of carrying an equitable share of the nation's two-way commercial cargo. Here, a reasonable and easily achievable goal over the next l 0 years would be to double, perhaps even triple, the U.S.-tlag share of America's two-way cargo tonnage. Let there be no mistake about it: The U.S.-tlag merchant fleet is in extremis-<:apsized and in danger of sinking. Neither the legislative branch of government nor the executive branch has been able to save it. But maybe, just maybe, the American people, united and determined on this important national issue, will be able to do so. It is appropriate in that context, I think, to close with a relevant quote form former Maritime Administrator Vice Adm. Albert J. Herberger, who, in comments prepared for his Paul Hall Memorial lecture last month, said that "This great nation must continue to be a 'maritime' power for our own interests [emphasis added]." He then asked this rhetorical but highly relevant question: "Can anyone imagine the world's only superpower and greatest trading nation without its own maritime industry?" Jack M. Kennedy Fate of Shipping Reform Bill Still Uncertain Amendment Would Extend Dates for WWII Veterans' Status As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the House of Representatives had not taken action on a bill that would amend the Shipping Act of 1984 as well as extend the cutoff date for veterans' status for World War II merchant mariners. News reports have speculated that the Ocean Shipping Refonn Act-passed on April 21 by the Senate- also will pass in the House if it is subjected to a straight yes-or-no vote. If, however, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee or its Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee conduct hearings on the measure for possible amendment, it appears very unlikely the bill will become law during this session of Congress. A decision on whether to hold such hearings or send the legislation to the full House may come early this month, according to one published repon. In any case, this bill has been years in the making, dating to early 1994. Its proponents say that the measure primarily focuses on increasing contract flexibil- Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott introduced the amendment to extend the cutoff date for WWII veterans' status from August 15, 1945 to December 31, 1946. ity by allowing importers and exporters to ink confidential agreements with individual shipowners, instead of working through ocean shipping cartels (which jointly set rates). The bill passed by the Senate also preserves the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as an independent agency, although it eliminates tariff-filing with the government, thereby allowing importers. and exporters to keep their contracts with ship operators confidential. Prior versions of the legislation had called for eliminating the FMC or merging it with the Surface Transportation Board. Similarly, the amendment to extend the cutoff date for veterans' status comprises language long fought for by merchant marine veterans groups. Recently, a spokesperson for the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, which for I0 years has worked to extend the cutoff date, expressed cautious optimism that the bill will ber;ome law. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, a longtime supporter of the U.S. merchant marine, introduced the mariners' amendment, which would change the cutoff date from August 15, 1945 to December 31, 1946 (the date officially declared by President Harry Truman as the end of hostilities). The SIU advocates extending the cutoff date. At the end of May, a majority of House members were on record in support of the extension. Seafarers LOG 5 �National Coalition Exposes Hazards of Oil Pipelines Group Claims Maritime Hurt by Lack of Regulatory Enforcement The companies operating oil pipelines across the country are taking away jobs from the maritime sector because they do not have to abide by the same environmental regulations faced by tanker and barge operators, stated the head of a national pipeline watchdog organization. Speaking May 7 before the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club, Bob Rackleff, president of the National Pipeline Reform Coalition, told the audience of maritime and government officials that the pipeline industry has been enjoying "the phony reputation for being the safest, least environmentally harmful mode of transporting oil" while spilling on average the equivalent of an Exxon Valdez disaster every year since 1970 in reported accidents. He stated that since 1982, the amount of petroleum products moved by pipeline has increased from 46 percent to 61 percent, while the amount carried on tankers and barges has dropped from 51 percent to less than 35 percent. Less Restrictive Rackleff-whose group m- eludes environmentalists, state and local governments, unions and maritime businesses-noted a major reason this has happened is the pipelines are taking advantage of a less restrictive atmosphere as compared to the maritime industry. One way he showed this is the fact that the U.S. Transportation Department's Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) does not require that industry to report all spills. "Unlike (U.S.) Coast Guard regulations that require marine carriers to report all leaksbeginning with a sheen on the water-OPS requires reporting of only those pipeline accidents that exceed 2, 100 gallons," he said. "It doesn't require reports on smaller spills-or of spills of any size pipelines exempt from federal regulations. About a third of all pipelines are exempt." As an example, Rackleff, who lives in Florida, talked about a pipeline that crosses the Everglades. Since 1974, that line has experienced 154 spills, totaling 160,000 gallons, as reported to the Coast Guard and Florida agencies. However, the OPS has Alaska Apprentices Tout Training Program on TV When prospective Seafarers enroll in the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program, they are told to be prepared for most any challenge that could face them in their new career. The curriculum includes work in all three departments, basic firefighting, life-saving techniques, vessel familiarization and other courses needed to be a merchant mariner. However, two apprenticesboth from Alaska-discovered they needed to develop their public relations skills when they received a special request from their congressman. Ronald Holland of Fairbanks and Jesse Sharp from Willow became television stars last month when U.S. Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) invited the two as well as Anchorage SIU Port Representative Harold Holten and Apprentice Commandant Bob Day to appear on his public service show, "The Alaska Report," which is broadcast throughout the state. Neither apprentice figured they would receive such an assignment when they enrolled in the program. "This was my first time on TV," Sharp said after the 30minute taping which took place April 29 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. "I was nervous at first, but then got excited." Holland noted he had been on local television in post-game interviews after playing football, "but it was nothing like this. It went a lot faster than I thought it would." The show was filmed in one take without commercial interruptions. Both apprentices praised Congressman Young for making them feel very much at ease. In fact, Young is very familiar with the program at the Paul Hall Center. He is the only member of Congress to hold a merchant only one spill on its records, he stated. Based on his review of records, Rackleff calculated a total of 301 million gallons of oil have leaked from pipelines between the years 1970 to 1997, which "comes to an annual average of almost 11 million gallons in those 28 years-or the equivalent of an Exxon Valdez every year-year after year." He told the Propeller Club the OPS fields a staff of 40 inspectors to review and investigate the nation's 1.7 million miles of oil and natural gas pipelines, compared to the more than 42,000 uniformed and civilian personnel in the Coast Guard who help enforce maritime regulations. "In fact, the OPS itself has no map of the oil pipeline system it's supposed to regulate because it has never required companies to submit these maps," he added. Lack of Line Testing "OPS regulations do not specify any periodic inspection by pressure testing, internal inspection devices, or any other means, except for visual surveillance of mariner's license. Along with the state's two senators (Ted Stevens and Frank Murkowski), Young has been a major booster of the apprentice program for Alaskan residents. He devoted his entire show to encouraging other Alaskans to learn more about becoming an unlicensed apprentice. Since last year when the Anchorage hall opened, the union has been working with the state's congressional delegation and governor, local government officials, SIU-contracted companies who sail into Alaska and others to recruit Alaskans to serve aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. Sharp stated he learned of the program through a newsletter issued to constituents by Young. "This has been a very successful effort," noted Holten . "We see an increasing number of people interested in this as the word gets out. Congressman Young's show will help this process even more." Both Holland and Sharp came to the program with previous sea experience. Holland served in the U.S. Navy while Sharp was a commercial fisherman "looking for a new profession." the right-of-way." Rackleff then noted regulations require high-pressure water pipes to be thicker than those carrying oil. While the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90), which was enacted after the 1989 accident of the Exxon tanker in Valdez, Alaska, mandated the use of double-hull tankers and other changes within the maritime industry, very few-if any-new regulations are implemented in the pipeline industry after spills, Rackleff reported. "OPA '90 achieved its intended consequences-improving the environmental record of marine carriers. But by raising costs of marine carriers-and leaving pipeline companies untouchedit also achieved the unintended consequence of giving a far more environmentally hazardous industry an even greater competitive edge." Rackleff told the audience the National Pipeline Reform Coalition intends to expand research and communications efforts to create a greater awareness of the environmental prob- lems created by the pipeline industry. It will also work with local, state and federal authorities to adopt stricter regulations and enforcement procedures . "In the case of the maritime industry, accomplishing regulatory parity of pipelines with other modes of transporting oil would help reach the overall goal of improved environmental protection-and the more immediate goal of a more level competitive playing field for marine carriers." The unlicensed apprentice program is divided into three phases. The first, which lasts 12 weeks and takes place at the center in Piney Point, Md., combines classroom and hands-on training to offer basic seamanship and familiarization skills to the apprentice. Phase II sees the apprentice serving aboard U.S.-tlag merchant vessels for a minimum of 90 days to learn about life at sea and work in the deck, engine and steward departments. The apprentice then returns to Piney Point for the final phase, which involves depart- ment-specific trarnmg. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordinary seaman, wiper or steward assistant. Holland is in Phase III of his training. He plans to sail in the engine department with a goal of becoming a licensed engineer. He called his trial aboard the Great land (operated by TOTE) "a great learning experience. It was a wonderful crew." Sharp will be leaving the Paul Hall Center later this month to begin his Phase II studies. Bob Rackleff, president of the National Pipeline Reform Coalition, tells a Washington audience the maritime industry has a better safety record of moving oil than pipelines. Parent Thanks Congressman Young For Info on Apprentice Curriculum The family of an SIU unlicensed apprentice felt so strongly about the program that they sent a letter to U.S. Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) thanking him for bringing it to their attention. In a letter dated April 14, Rocky Latta-father of Apprentice Edan Latta-told the elected official how the program has helped his son. Dear Representative Young: I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for letting us know about the seamanship program through the Seafarers International Union. Last summer while reading your newsletter I noticed information on working in the merchant marine industry. My 21-year-old son was having difficulty finding a place for himself having dropped out of the University of Alaska at Anchorage on two occasions. I showed him the phone number from your newsletter at which time he contacted Harold Holten, a representative for the Seafarers International Union. Since then, it has been a real sue~ cess story for my son. He has finally found something he really enjoys doing. He is confident, motivated and really feels great about himself. Thanks again for the outstanding job you do as our representative. This serves as only a small example of how you help individual Alaskans help themselves. Additionally, please let Mr. Holten know of his fine efforts. This is a wonderful program which offers bountiful rewards to those willing to make the eftort. Sincerely, Rocky Latta Anchorage, AK U.S. Rep. Don Young (right) talks about the SIU's unlicensed apprentice program with his guests on "The Alaska Reporf' television show. From the left are Unlicensed Apprentices Ronald Holland and Jesse Sharp, Apprentice Commandant Bob Day and Anchorage Port Representative Harold Holten. Ii Seafarers LOG Edan Latta recently completed his Phase II training aboard TOTE's Northern lights. The unlicensed apprentice program is open to all men and women between the ages of 18 and 25. For more information on the program or to acquire an application, contact the nearest SIU hall or the admissions office of the Paul Hall Center at P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. A list of halls is one page 16. June 1998 �San Jase Named Tap Logistics Ship The USNS San Jose, a vessel crewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division, was recognized by the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet as the ship that contributed the most to fleet material readiness among all its vessels in 1997. The 7th Fleet's Logistics Excellence award was presented to the Military Sealift Command Pacific Fleet (MSCPAC) vessel on February 14, 1998. "The 7th Fleet area of responsibility is one of the most complex, challenging and dynamic maritime environments in the world," noted Vice Adm. Robert J. Natter, USN, Commander, 7th Fleet, in announcing the honor. "Excelling in this arena reflects superior operational performance by all award winners and exceptional team and personal excellence." In additional to logging 46,492 nautical miles in support of 5th and 7th Fleet units, the San Jose conducted 155 replenishment operations, including 89 vertical replenishments, 48 underway replenishments and 18 connected replenishments. Sometimes acting as a substitute oiler, it transferred 290,000 gallons of fuel to alongside customers and 2,952 tons of provisions. In its primary resupply mission, the San Jose's transfer performance statistics are also staggering, having moved 586 pallets of general stores, 1,223 pallets of frozen cargo, 1,075 pallets of chilled cargo, 1,476 pallets of dry cargo, 892 pallets of ship store stock, 863 pa1lets of fleet freight/mail-for a total of 6, 115 pallets. While the combat stores ship's reputation for customer service is unsurpassed, the vessel also was involved in a great humanitarian effort last December, helping make the Christmas holiday one that will not soon be forgotten by a few hundred residents of Guam who were hit by Super Typhoon Paka (see March 1998 Seafarers LOG). The San Jose joined two other MSCPAC vessels, the USNS Kilauea and USNS Niagara Falls, in providing food, water, batteries, laundry facilities and supplies for several homeless shelters on the island as well as to the local U.S. Navy base. Unlicensed crew members aboard the San Jose spearheaded the idea to host approximately 200 homeless people for a Christmas dinner and arranged for just about everything-from donations to pay for the food, to transportation to and from the ships, to making sure those needing an invitation got one. The crew members then continued to assist in providing medical, utility, cleanup, transportation and food services on the tiny U.S. territory. In whatever task the San Jose was called upon to do, it surpassed its goals. There is no doubt the combat stores ship earned its place at the top. Training &. Education Portend Strong Future For SIU, Bosun Says Bosun Mike Davis recently contacted the Seafarers LOG with a greeting and a message for fellow SIU members regarding the future of the union. ·~s long as the Seafarers International Union continues to supply quality men and women for these jobs, not only will we be the leader in the U.S. marine industry, but we also will be a force to be reckoned with worldwide," wrote the 18-year Seafarer. Davis noted that while recently sailing aboard the oceanographic surveillance ship USNS Littlehales, he saw vivid examples of how "education, training and creating union awareness" are crucial to the smooth operation of any vessel. "The requirements and performance levels are very demanding" aboard oceanographic surveillance ships, and crew members therefore must be thoroughly prepared, he stated. The bosun concluded by urging all unrepresented mariners to secure union representation. Similarly, he encouraged mariners who have the benefit of a union contract to assist those unrepresented workers in gaining representation. "Going non-union leads to lower wages and less or no bargaining power for all of us," he observed. I Lab,o r Bdefs UAW Local 1832 Rejects Peterbilt's Final Offer Representing 1,230 workers at the Peterbilt truck assembly plant in Nashville, Tenn., UAW Local 1832 rejected the company's final contract offer and went on strike. Key issues in the dispute are retirement security and health care. "Given Peterbilt's record profits and strong position in the heavy truck market, the company's numerous demands for health care takeaways are nothing less than a slap in the face," the UAW Local 1832 bargaining committee stated in their report to the membership. The strike also halted a major construction project, as members of the United Steelworkers Union refused to cross the picket line. They removed their construction cranes and other equipment from the complex. Questions Remain Regarding Chrysler-Daimler Merger The merger of Chrysler Corp. and Germany's Daimler-Benz AG, formally announced last month, raises many questions for labor. However, UAW President Stephen P. Yokich and Vice President Jack Laskowski, who directs the union's National Chrysler Department, mostly see it as positive news for UAW-Chrysler workers. "Although we are optimistic that the merger will strengthen Chrysler, enhance the job security of UAW-Chrysler workers and create jobs for younger workers, there are many questions that still need to be answered," Yokich said. Under the deal, Daimler (which makes Mercedes-Benz luxury cars) will acquire the No. 3 U.S. automaker, Chrysler (which is best known for its Jeep Cherokees and Caravan mini-vans), for more than $36 billion, with Daimler shareholders owning 57 percent of the new company-to be called DaimlerChrysler. It also would unite two of the world's largest labor unions-the Detroit-based United Auto Workers union and Germany's IG Metall-under the same corporate structure. The merger still must be approved by the shareholders of both companies. Sea-Land Crew Honors Brother Pedersen Ready to tackle the next assignment aboard the USNS Littlehales are Bosun Mike Davis, Captain Pete Wilisch, OS Bryan Gaddis, QMED John Valle, GVA Carlos Rodriguez, MOR Clyde Plunkett, AB Felix Suralta, Cook Rene Rodriguez, GVA Earl Thomas, GVA Paul Williams, Storekeeper Luis Burgos, AB Donald Hutchens, AB Joe D'Enrico and OS Glen Liddle. Committee Reviews Solo Bridge Watch Issues Continued from page 4 the committee to advise him on this issue. A special task force was established and examined this issue in early March. Though the task force was made up of a crosssection of the industry, it unanimously agreed that solo bridge watch at night was a dangerous practice. As Captain Andy McGovern of the Sandy Hook Pilots remarked, "Why must technology replace the human in the system, while possibly only maintaining the same level of safety when technology along with better qualified human beings will increase safety?" AB Oubre, the unlicensed deck department member of the committee. said. "In reading the reports chat have been submitted supporting solo watchkeeping, the assumption is made that the AB makes no contribution to the safe operation of the vessel. Instead he is only two eyes, with no brain, who can be replaced by good radar. This neglects the real life activity of bridge watch. A good AB can cover for a bad mate, and a bad AB can cause the best mate to lose his or her license." He also stressed the fact that the living environment on board ship has moral implications. "We are social beings. When a shipping company or an inter- national organization allows ship crews to be reduced to the point that it is not possible to have social interaction, then when a seafarer signs articles he or she is being forced into solitary confinement June 1998 which is neither healthy nor respectful of the dignity of the human person." The work group developed a list of concerns which was approved by the whole committee. These issues were relayed to Rear Admiral North, who cited them at last month's meeting of the IMO. The committee's final statement read: "MERPAC believes that the concept and practice of solo watchkeeping during periods of darkness is inconsistent with the International Maritime Organization's role of improving safety and the protection of life, property and the environment. After reviewing documents submitted to MSC 69, MERPAC is convinced Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) require special procedures, training and watchkeeping arrangements but do not eliminate the need for a separate designated lookout in periods of darkness." The next MERPAC meeting is scheduled for September 2-3 in Washington, D.C. Topping the agenda will be a five-year plan for the future of the Coast Guard and further developments in the agency's plans to overhaul the licensing and documenting processes. Both of these topics will have a tremendous impact on the individual merchant manner. If one would like to review the minutes of the most recent meeting or the agenda of the next MERPAC meeting, they are posted on the MERPAC web site at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/advisory/merpac/merpac.htm. Fulfilling the wishes of Brother Herman Pedersen and his family, SIU members aboard the Sea-Land Defender recently scattered the ashes of the late deck department member at sea. The ceremony took place March 29 near San Francisco. Brother Pedersen, whose obituary appeared in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, sailed with the union from 1944 to 1983. In photo above, Captain Vincent Platero and crew say a prayer for Brother Pedersen. Below, Bosun William Dean scatters the ashes at sea. Seafarers LOG 7 �Boatmen Terry LeJeune (left) and Ryan Riggins work together on a plotting activity. Hands-on training is a crucial part of many courses available at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School. In two photos above, Seafarers perform practical fire training exercises designed to enhance safety aboard tugs and barges. Moran Safety Training Is Expanded 22 Boatmen Complete In-Depth Course at Paul Hall Center In a successful effort to more fully take advantage of the vocational schooling opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Moran Towing of Texas this year expanded its student base to include not only captains, but also engineers, tankermen, able seamen and licensed officers. The center, located in Piney Point, Md., has provided specialized safety training for Moran boatmen for the past five years. Previously, only captains of the company's tugs were eligible to attend. This year, 22 Seafarers employed by Moran completed the intensive, one-week course in late April. The class included hands-on exercises and classroom instruction. "We covered the use of portable fire extinguishers and other firefighting topics, first aid and CPR, department-specific topics such as licensed radar renewal for deck officers and a rigorous EPA-certified refriger- ants class for engineers," noted Casey Taylor, who along with Rick Redmond taught the class. 'The whole group participated in vigorous dialogue covering basic accident awareness, fatigue issues and root cause investigation, voyage planning, substance abuse awareness, and union education." Additionally, Moran company policy was addressed in detail and a new company newsletter was introduced. ''There's a tremendous amount of material to cover in one week, but all of it has value," observed Captain John Sanborn, who previously had upgraded at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. "Guys are clearly getting a lot out of the course. We belong here." He added that participating in the class "definitely is worthwhile. We get to break down the new regulations and rules in black and white. And when we 're reviewing fundamentals, I think the repetition helps. You can't have too much safety." Captain Lou Barra also is a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. He commended Taylor and Redmond for helping him stay abreast of the many regulations faced by inland mariners. "There's almost constant change in the requirements from the Coast Guard and the company, so this is a good review for me every year," Barra stated. "My main thing is keeping up with those requirements, doing what I'm supposed to be doing." Completing the class along with Sanborn and Barra were fellow SIU boatmen Dennis Johnston, John Sparks, Todd McDonough, Terry LeJeune, Mike Croft, Bernard Taheny, Bill Allbritten, William Honeycutt, Charles Nichols, Paul Joiner, Bill Palmer, Jim Moran, James Fleming, Wallace Ashwood, Lamar Nelms, Ryan Riggins, Darrell Mcintyre, Eddie Kilbury, Larry Eaves and Igor Loch. SIU boatmen employed by Moran Towing of Texas recently completed a rigorous one-week safety course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Pictured above are class members John Sanborn, Lou Barra, Dennis Johnston, John Sparks, Todd McDonough, Terry LeJeune, Mike Croft, Bernard Taheny, Bill Allbritten, William Honeycutt, Charles Nichols, Paul Joiner, Bill Palmer, Jim Moran, James Fleming, Wallace Ashwood, Lamar Nelms, Ryan Riggins, Darrell Mcintyre, Eddie Kilbury, Larry Eaves and Igor Loch. School Produces Shipboard I/ideas to Help Enable STCW Compliance Films Promote Safety, Vessel Familiarization It is a cliche that a picture is worth a thousand words, but that saying perhaps best captures the usefulness of a new series of unique shipboard familiarization and safety videotapes recently produced by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The center and its Lundeberg School of Harry Gieske of the Paul Hall Center has worked with s@v@ral SIU-contracted companies to produce shipboard familiarizatiM ana safety videotapes. B Seafarers LOG Seamanship has created such ship-specific videos for SIU-contracted Bay Ship Management and Crowley American Transport, with a tape also planned for Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. late last month. "The impetus was to help companies meet the vessel familiarization requirements of STCW," noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. ''This also partly resulted from last year's deep sea advisory· board meeting," an in-depth conference among representatives of the SIU, the school and union-contracted companies. John Torgersen, director of quality and safety at Bay Ship, stated, "This works very well, and it's really good when a company and the union representing workers can get together and produce something that benefits both parties. We jointly came up with something that makes our ships The UNSN Gilliland is one of the SIU-crewed vessels for which the Paul Hall Center has safer and better." · The tapes average about 40 minutes in produced a safety video. training-where the fire stations are on that Torgersen, whose company operates length, although they take approximately two days apiece to shoot and one to two several vessels for the U.S. Military Sealift particular ship, where your lifeboat station weeks to finalize. Harry Gieske, head of the Command (MSC), said that Bay Ship also is, et cetera," he observed. "Without the school's audio/visual department, does the has used the tapes "to introduce crew mem- video, you'd need an instructor aboard camerawork and production, including nar- bers to the people of the company as well every ship. This helps the company and the ration, adding computer graphics and titles. as the customer, which is MSC. Admiral officers because they don't have to walk and also completing scripts. Company rep- (Jim) Perkins has a message on these tapes, each individual around the vessel, yet which I believe reinforces the message of questions still can be addressed." resentatives direct the filming on site. Focusing on another aspect of adhering "Our mission is to create video pro- company and customer to the people on the grams to familiarize new crew members ship .... We actually use the tapes in a lot of to the 1995 amendments to the with the layout, safety systems and operat- different ways and places than we imag- International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping ing procedures aboard a particular ship," ined when we first made them." Still, Wiegman believes the biggest ben- for mariners, the school this summer plans explained Gieske, who has shot footage in Houston, New Orleans, Baltimore and efit of the videos is that they're economical to produce a videotape covering shipboard and effective. "It's all about ship-specific assessments. Norfolk, Va. June 1998 �Scholarships Awarded ta 3 Seafarers, 4 Dependents ard work, initiative and determination paid off for three deep sea members and four dependent children of Seafarers and pensioners who last month received notification that they are the recipients of monetary awards totaling $87,000 from the Seafarers Welfare Plan's scholarship program for 1998. They were selected by a panel of educators who thoroughly evaluated the applicants' forms, letters of recommendation, grades and extracurricular activities. (See story on page 2.) What follows are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and goals of each of the collegebound students. H C INDY MARIE WINTER is the recipient of the $I 5,000, four-year scholarship for an SIU member. The 31-year-old deep sea member spent the first 20 years of her life in New Jersey. She graduated from Parsippany HiHs High School in less than the usual four years and then relocated with her family to Florid, where she helped run a profitable restaurant and night club business. During this time she became interested in the SIU. "I suspect I inherited some interest in seafaring from my grandfather who was a merchant mariner earlier in this century," she wrote in her application form. Following her graduation from trainee class 506 in I 992, she began working aboard LNG tankers but kept returning to Piney Point to upgrade her skills, completing the assistant cook, cook and baker and certified chief cook courses as well as receiving her LNG and tanker operations endorsements. During her six-year career as a Seafarer, Winter decided to pursue her formal education. She enrolled in Inver Hills Community College in Minnesota where she completed classes in chemistry, mathematics and English, receiving top grades in all. She then enrolled in biology, physics, philosophy and interpersonal speech communications, and has maintained an "A" average while tutoring other students in chemistry and mathematics. Continued on page 14 A Marine Force. His unit was often assigned to rotational marine amphibious unit duties, which allowed him to travel on U.S. Navy vessels. Here, he first experienced life aboard ship and learned the true meaning of teamwork. Before leaving the Marines he often thought of what employment he could pursue. "The United States merchant marine and the Seafarers International Union," he decided, was the obvious choice-the very same career and union of his father. When his active duty with the Marines ended in 1984, Finnerty was accepted into the trainee program. He learned fast and exceJJed in alJ he needed to know to start working at sea. "I began my career at sea shortly after graduation and loved every moment of it," he wrote in his scholarship application. "I worked hard and saved any extra income as best I could for several years. I had yet another objective in mind-college." Continued on page 14 T he second $6,000 award was presented to AND RE D. CARRIERE SR. who graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, Calif. in 1980. Like the other two Seafarers who were awarded scholarships, Carriere attended the Lundeberg School's trainee program. Since then, he has upgraded to FOWT and QMED and, in 1996, obtained his third engineer's license. sailing on approximately 30 different ships in the past 13 years. In pursuit of his associate of arts degree in business administration, the 35-year-old Carriere plans to attend West Hills College in Lemoore, Calif. this fall. He also will attend the College of Sequoias to acquire an associate of science degree in air conditioning and refrigeration. After completing his educational goals, the highly motivated Carriere intends to start his own business in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Carriere and his wife, Joyce, have three children. Since Joyce, who is in the U.S. Navy, is currently on sea duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, it is up co him to care for Cindy Marie Winter $15,000 Keith Wayne Finnerty $6,000 Andre 0. Carriere $6,000 the children (one daughter, age 8 and twin boys, age 2). He enjoys being a member of the ParentTeachers Association and volunteering his time for his daughter's school activities. "This scholarship," Carriere wrote in his application form, "will enable me to pursue some of my future educational goals, provide me with a vehicle to acquire the necessary ski11s to conduct a successful business and, overall, enrich the quality of living for my family and myself." things, including his mother's death and his grandmother's bout with cancer, have, he believes, made him a stronger person. At first they got him down. Now he realizes that "if these events had not taken place, I would not be the person I am today. I am proud to be the person I am today." in intemationa] affairs. She credits much of her love for learning to her two hardworking parents, who came to American from Croatia for greater opportunities. She is the daughter of Dragica and Dragi K. Odak. Her father, who joined the SIU in 1984, sails as a utilityman/cook in the inland division, most recenly working aboard Crowley Marine Services boats. Odak graduated from Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro, Calif. last montheighth out of a class of 75. She obtained many scholastic achievements, including the National Honor Society. She also received special recognition as the top junior in the Spanish program at her high school. But what has shaped much of Odak's outlook on life is ''the horrifying tragedy of war." The genocidal civil war in Croatia six years ago "exploded in our Jives and changed us all." She did not know if her grandparents were alive, killed or tortured. Fortunately, it ended well for her family. Her grandparents managed to escape and came to live in America temporarily. (They have since returned to their rebuilt home on their farm in Croatia.) "All these experiences, positive and negative, have helped me become a stronger person," Odak wrote in her application to the scholarship committee. "Those most trying experiences have not weakened me. Rather they have inspired me to want to do something good for this planet." G I t 35, KEITH WAYNE FINNERTY already has accomplished more than many people even dream of. And now the recipient of one of the two $6.000 scholarships for Seafarers wants to return co school for a master's degree. Imm~diatcly following his graduation from Pntapsco High School in Patapsco, Md., Finnerty joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing boot camp and infantry training school he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan where he began his tour as a marine infantryman in the Fleet June 1998 Gerard Patrick Quinn $15,000 G REGORY G. RICE, 18, has committed himself to a lifetime of learning. "Making the most of the lifetime learning experience is what I have made as my goal," he stated in his The fallowing four dependents scholarship application form. He of SIU members or pensioners graduated from Pamlico County each received a four-year schol- High School in Bayboro, N.C. arship award in the amount of earlier this month. Rice is the son of Ruth T. and 15,000 to pursue their studies. Henry R. Rice Jr. His mother is ERARD P. QUINN, 17, a teacher; his father is a tugboat would like to positively captain who has been a member affect other people, to of the SIU since 1966. have an influence on someone Throughout his education, else's life. That is the legacy left Rice has received a lot of support to him by his mother, a teacher, from his parents, other family who died when he was in the members, church and school and has been motivated to excel in eighth grade. Following her death, his everything he does. He began taking piano lessons grandparents became his legal guardians. His grandfather, at the age of 4 and continues Recertified Bosun Peter Loik, those lessons today. Music has joined the union in 1955 in become a large part of his life. He Baltimore and retired in 1993 at has accompanied countless numbers of musical groups, filled in at the age of 66. Quinn graduated from Loyola- his church, served as the Sunday Blakefield High School in school pianist, and accompanied Towson, Md. early this month. He his school's chorus. Rice worked hard in school. did well in school, taking a number of advanced placement cours- And even taking the · most chales (literature, European history, lenging classes offered, inc1uding government and politics and four advanced placement courses, Spanish honors). He also served his class rank has remained at as vice president of the Spanish number one throughout his high club; was a member of the school career. In addition to his heavy workBlakefield Players, a drama group; tutored underclassmen; load at school and his numerous worked for Habitat for Humanity; awards and honors, Rice has participated in a number of food worked for the Pamlico County drives, and was a member of the Parks and Recreation DepartSt. Vincent DePaul Society. After ment. He also was repeatedly his junior year, the scholarship called on to fix computer probwinner began working at a local lems throughout the school buildgolf and country club, serving ing and has been employed by the food and tending to the needs of Pamlico County School system to club members. After the summer set up computer hardware and season ended, he was the only install computer software. "The summer employee kept on for the more time I spend with computwinter and then was promoted to ers, the more interested I become with them," he said. He has his assistant manager. Quinn plans to attend own Internet web page and has Cornisius College in Buffalo, designed web pages for other N.Y. in the fall, majoring in histo- people as well. Continued on page 14 ry/European studies with a minor in communications. VANA ODAK, 18, has aspi"My life has hardly been perrations of becoming a diplofect," Quinn noted in his scholarmat or a lawyer specializing ship application form. Many Gregory G. Rice $15,000 Ivana Odak $15,000 Continued on page 14 M ICHELLE GOLLA knows that obstacles are always present in achieving one's goals-but that anything is possible. In her scholarship application form, the 17-year-old relates that in her vi.Jlage in the Philippines, her dream was of going to America where she could have an unlimited education. Her dream came true in 1990 when her parents, Teresita and Gregory Keene, moved to the States. Her father has been a deep sea member of the SIU since 1978. The graduate of Mountlake Terrace (Wash.) High School hopes to become a doctor (dental or pediatrician). She knows that achieving this goal will take a lot of hard work, patience and dediContinued on page 14 Michelle C. Golla $15,000 Seafarers LOG 9 �:-------•w-...w_...____""'!!w-...+- - - - . ..........- -........ ---.--...-,------~-- ------- - _ All Seafarers Must Have TRBs By August 1 ~-- r-------------------------------------, Training Record Book Application Last First Date of B i r t h - - - - - - - - - - - - Middle SSN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Home Phone N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street City Height (inches) _ __ Zip Code State Weight _ __ Hair Color _ _ __ D Yes 0 No Have you ever attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses? D Yes D No Are you a graduate of the SHLSS entry level program? Examining the training record book aboard the Antares are (clockwise, from front left) Bosun's Mate Thor Young, AB Thomas Moore, AB Dennis Danforth and First Officer Brian O'Hanlon. Book Number _ _ __ Home Port _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Eye Color _ __ Department (where you want bock sent to) Along with your completed application, please send the following information: 1. Copy of USMMD (Z-card) front and back 2. Two (2) passport size photos 3. Copy of your STCW certificate (if applicable) 4. Copy of your SHLSS school card (if applicable) 5. Proof of any training received other than at SHLSS (certificates, cards, DD-214, etc.) (if applicable) WHEN: As of August 1, 1998, every Seafarer who sails deep sea, inland or Great Lakes should have a training record book (TRB). WHAT: TRBs contain personal identification as well as list an relevant training, drills and exercises completed by individual Seafarers during their entire maritime career. It helps standardize proof of documentation for port state control under both the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). WHY: The TRB is a member's personal property and is to be carried by the individual to his or her respective ships. The SIU is providng these books so members will not have lo carry indi- vidual documents, certificates and other paperwork when they report to their vessels. HOW: TRBs are distributed via SIU halls and the Paul Hall Center to whichever port is designated by an individual Seafarer as his or her home port. Members will sign a receipt indicating they have received the booklet. Original TRBs ai:e issued at NO CHARGE to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their applications. (There is a $25 charge for replacement books if lost). All members who have not submitted an application should do so as soon as possible. (The application form at right may be cut out and used as an official application.) The chart below indicates how the different sections of the TRB are used. Signature:------------------ Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Send application to: SHLSS -ADMISSIONS Attn: TRB P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 ---.. or give completed application to port agent If the above application is not filled out completely and the requested information sent, the application will be considered invalid and void. This blank form may be copied. 6/98 L-------------------------------------~ In addition to jointly creating the training record book (TRB) in cooperation with the SIU and its contracted companies, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education developed a database for recording members' training, which in turn is used to update their respective TRBs. Here, SIU Headquarters Representative Carl Peth and Paul Hall Center Admissions Director Priscilla Dement bring the database up to date. PaulHallMatilim/J C/JRllJI Ttaining R/JCO/dBook TAB SECTION MEMBERS AFFECTED PURPOSE OF ENTRIES SECTION ONE: Training Record Pages ALL MEMBERS (Deck, Engine and Steward Departments) The Paul Hall Center has entered all training on record into these pages. Any future training received (shipboard, Paul Hall Center or other schools) will be put into the TRB by the instructor. Members receiving training (lectures, drills, exercises) must request either a certificate, letter or attendance roster in order to document this training at the Paul Hall Center. The Training Record Pages provide documented evidence of STCW Convention and ISM Code compliance, continuous revalidation of STCW Chapter VI training, receiving training for Coast Guardapproved programs and increasing professionalism. SECTION TWO: Competency Tables for: Chapter V - Tankers (Oil, Chemical and Gas) and Passenger Ships Chapter VI - Basic SA ALL MEMBERS (Deck, Engine and Steward Departments) This section contains the 1995 amended STCW tables of minimum standards of competence for Chapter V: Special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships and Chapter VI: Familiarization and Basic Safety Training. When members are observed correctly demonstrating any of the proficiencies (skills) listed in the first column (knowledge, understanding, proficiency), the designated instructor/examiner will sign off into the TAB. When all proficiencies are signed off, members will have documented evidence of having met these training requirements. Note: Chapter VI training must be revalidated every five (5) years. Now until August 1, 1998, any licensed officer can make these entries without having to meet certain other requirements. SECTION THREE: Competency tables for certification as Third Mate and Third Engineer DECK AND ENGINE DEPARTMENTS ONLY This section contains the 1995 amended STCW tables of minimum standards or competence for those members seeking licenses for Third Mate, Master/Mate of 500/1600 gross tons • Ocean and Near Coastal Waters or Third Assistant Engineer. When Deck and Engine Department ratings are observed correctly demonstrating any of the proficiencies (skills) listed in the first column (knowledge, understanding, proficiency), the designated instructor/e)(aminer will sign off into the TRB. Note: The Paul Hall Center has submitted for U.S. Coast Guard approval, several programs for meeting the new 1995 amended STCW Convention requirements. Until such approvals are granted, no entries are to be made into this section of the TAB. Members will be notified as to the approval date. SECTION FOUR: competency tables tor certification as ABs, FOWTs and QMEDs (plus all the remaining competency tables for the STCW Convention) DECK AND ENGINE DEPARTMENTS ONLY This section contains the 1995 amended STCW tables of minimum standards of competence for AbleBodied Seamen and FOWTs/QMEDs. When Deck and Engine Department entry-level personnel are observed correctly demonstrating any of the proficiencies (skills) listed in the first column (knowledge, understanding, proficiency), the designated instructor/examiner will sign off into the TAB. Note: The Paul Hall Center has submitted for U.S. Coast Guard approval, several programs for meeting the new 1995 amended STCW Convention requirements. Until such approvals are granted, no entries are to be made into this section of the TAB. Members will be notified as to the approval date. (The remaining tables in this section are not applicable to our members.) 10 Seafarers LOG June 1998 �Paul Hall Center Training Helps Apprentice Mohica Tackle Emergency at Sea Captain, Company Praise Actions Aboard OMI Columbia After completing phase one of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's unlicensed apprentice program earlier this year, Brad Mohica quickly put his schooling to good use. While sailing aboard the OM/ Columbia for phase two of the entry-level curriculum, Mohica provided much-needed medical help to an officer suffering from heart problems. "Mr. Mohica's assistance during a recent medical emergency on board the vessel was invaluable. He is to be commended for his valiant and dauntless efforts," stated Melanie M_ Seay, OMI's assistant manager of marine personnel, in a recent letter to the SIU. Seay also forwarded a copy of Captain Burckhard V. Schultz's account of the situation, which follows . "We recently had an incident where we had to medivac the chief engineer on board the OM/ Columbia [due to] heart problems. Brad Mohica turned out to Brad Mohica be a most valuable asset to the vessel due to his [first aid and CPR] training. "Things became very sticky for a couple of days as we were unable to rendezvous with the helicopters due to passing from one storm right into the next storm. Mr. Mohica's medical training became invaluable when vital signs were needed. He was nothing short of poetry in motion, with his professional expertise freeing myself and others to concentrate on the task of keeping the ship out of harm's way .... "Brad's bedside manner also was commendable, since he kept the chief as calm and comfortable as was possible under very trying circumstances. In the three days that it took to have the patient taken off by helicopter, Brad was there whenever or wherever he was needed. "His professionalism reflects on the SIU training program as a whole in continuously bringing a new breed of person into this industry. Hopefully, the [unlicensed apprentice] program will generate more people of Mr. Mohica's caliber to the deep sea fleet "On another note, two days after the medivac operation, the chief engineer had quadruple bypass surgery, just in the nick of time. He is recovering at home and should be back at work soon." For more information on the unlicensed apprentice program, contact the Paul Hall Center's admissions office at (301) 9940010. Proper Hygiene, Sanitation Are Essential 3 Strains of Hepatitis =Serious Threats Editor's note: The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary educarion ac rhe Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Educaiion in Piney Point, Md. It is part of a series of columns intended to promote safety, efficiency and allaround good habits aboard ship. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus and affects the liver. More than 130,000 people in the United States are infected with hepatitis A each year, and the risk especially is great for persons who travel extensively. High-risk areas include Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean basin, eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated water and improper personal sanitation that is spread from hand to food to mouth . The most common cause is improper hand-washing after utilizing the restroom. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue , stomach pain, jaundice (yellow coloring of skin and white of the eyes), and dark urine. Persons may experience al I or none of these conditions, which typically last for about a month, then disappear, then stan again. Because hepatitis is a virus, like the common cold, there is no medication for treatment. The body must use its immune system to combat the disease_ Moreover. infected individuals may carry the disease without showing any symptoms. Hepatitis B also is a virus that affects the liver and can survive for up to 10 days in dried blood, clothing and mher surfaces. Incredibly, it is I 00 times more contagious than HIV. The virus is found in infected blood, semen and body secretions and fluids. It can be passed through sexua.l relations and needles. As with hepatitis A, symptoms may be very June 11198 mild and can be carried to others without either party's knowledge. However, in some cases, the patient cannot walk and joints swell. Death can result from severe cases_ Short of a terminal condition, full recovery may take many months. The liver may suffer permanent damage, and risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis greatly are increased. Overall, more than 5,000 people in the U.S. die each year from hepatitis Brelated diseases. Hepatitis B is most likely to be passed through needles, cuts or exposures to bodily fluids, whereas the A strain primarily is passed through contaminated water, food or person-to-person via unclean personal hygiene_Cooking of foods can destroy the virus, but foods that are served uncooked (such as raw oysters, clams, fruits and vegetables that are in contact with contaminated water) are high-risk items. Although there is no cure for hepatitis A or B, vaccinations are available and recommended by many health experts for protection against those strains. Please consult your doctor before taking such vaccinations, however. Less common but also fatal to as many as I 0,000 Americans each year, hepatitis C accounts for more than two-thirds of the nation's 5.2 million chronic hepatitis cases. The number of deaths caused by this strain is forecast to triple in the next I 0 to 20 years. Hepatitis C is caused by sharing of contaminated needles and contaminated blood transfusions and is sexually transmittable as well. Widespread drug use in the 1960s and 1970s commonly is blamed as the primary means of transmission. There is no vaccine for this incurable strain, and the only effective treatments have been ribavirin and interferon. Remarkably, hepatitis C often takes 20 years or longer co cause symptoms similar to the other strains of the disease. All strains of hepatitis affect the liver, which detoxifies poisonous substances in the body, converts nutrients into usable forms, regulates energy and fat storage, metabolizes alcohol and controls hormone production. Pictured in three photos above are many of the Crowley boatmen who recently completed the Paul Hall Center's eight-hour HAZWOPER refresher course in Long Beach, Calif. Crowley Boatmen Ace Refresher Course More than 50 SIU members sailing for Crowley Marine Services in Long Beach, Calif. recently completed an on-site course provided by the Paul Hal] Center for Maritime Training and Education. Instructor Mark Jones in late April took the center's eight-hour hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) refresher class to the West Coast. "The training was well-received," he reported. "It was a wonderful demonstration of mutual cooperation among the union, the school and Crowley for the benefit of the boatmen." Jones noted that in addition to teaching the class, he accepted an invitation to ride on Crowley's modern harbor tugs, which he described as "technologically advanced." He took notes and shot photographs which the Paul Hall Center will utilize in updating many of its curriculums. The following is a list of Crowley boatmen who completed the refresher course: Captain Steve Warford, Captain Bert Thompson, AB Michael Restivo, Captain William Privette, Captain Jim Penny, AB Mike Privette, Engineer Jimmy Nguyen, AB John DiMeglio, Tankerman David Breuning, Engineer Albert Cvitanovich, Cook Larry Jamieson, Engine Utility David Walblom, Cook/Utility David Verschoor, Mate F.C. Mountford, Mate Richard Cavalier, Mate Rick Crowley and Mate Les Stravers. Also successfuJly finishing the class were Mate Ed Brady, Engineer James Gray, AB Mike Schmidt, AB Melvin DiBiasi, Engineer Tom Crowley, Captain George Esponge, Utility Dragi Odak, Captain John Rakyta, AB Chad Macaulay, Mate John Zarroli, Engineer John Tipich and Tankerman Craig Melwing. In addition, others concluding the training were Captain Scott Linsley, Captain Jimmy McNutt, Engine/Utility Deso Hrboka, Mate Michael Wilson, Engineer Hugh Wain, Engineer David Delbuono, Mate Gary Smith, AB Gregory Jarvis, . Mate Wayne Berry, Deckhand George Cox, Deckhand Henry Scott, Utility Doug Colby, AB Barry Schuffels, Captain William Hunter, Mate Edward Brooks, Engineer Bob Bouton, Cook Thomas Humphry, Utility Mike Stravers, Captain Steve Province and Cook John Ivankovich. Lakes Trades Muscle Their Way to Strong Start AB Dave Millen, pictured aboard the Kinsman Independent, smiles at the prospect of another strong season on the Great Lakes. Through April, shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 20.2 million tons, an increase of 27 .3 percent tor the same period in 1997. Seafarers LOG 11 �Visitors aboard the Cape Wrath (left) got an excellent view of the start of the eighth leg of the Whitbread 'Roundthe-World yachting race (above). Seafarers aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) cargo ship Cape Wrath are always at the ready to provide emergency sealift support for U.S. military forces, but on Sunday, May 3, they provided aid of a different kind. More than 200 elementary and middle school students from Baltimore, Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. area sailed aboard the 697-foot roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel and experienced a day at sea filled with both educational and recreational activities. The highlight of the day was watching the restart of the Whitbread 'Round-the-World yachting race. First run in 1973, the Whitbread is held every four years. It is a demanding ninemonth race aboard 65-foot monohull racing machines that requires technology, endurance, weather strategy and meticulous preparation. After sailing seven legs of the race, the boats had been docked on the Annapolis waterfront for a week and were to begin their eighth leg of the trip-to La Rochelle, France, before returning to their starting point in Cowes, England. The students had been following Chessie, the first-ever Maryland entry in the grueling 32,000-mile competition. "The Maritime Administration Whitbread Day" was hosted by the acting administrator of the Maritime Administration (MarAd) John E. Graykowski, through the Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation. An invitation to several schools to attend the shipboard adventure was extended by the Whitbread Chesapeake Organization, a non-profit group responsible for race planning, organization and operation while the fleet is in the region. The Cape Wrath, one of eight MarAd RRF ships stationed in Baltimore, left its berth and positioned itself about a mile below the (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge, a good vantage point for the students and other visitors to observe the parade of the nine racing yachts and then che resrarr of the race itself. It was joined by 5,000 other water craft, including the Liberty ship, John L. Brown, also berthed in Baltimore, and a fly-over salute by the supersonic Concorde. Graykowski welcomed the students aboard the RRF ship and said he hoped they had a lot of fun as well as a great learning experience. Various activities were planned for the children throughout the day which were aimed at introducing them to the many different career opportunities available in the transportation industry. I2 seafarers LOG The students were encouraged to talk to the crew members aboard the Cape Wrath and ask them about their jobs. Members from the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the activities, speaking with students about onthe-water safety, route and position location. The crew of l 0 who remain aboard the Cape Wrath while in reserve status was augmented, mainly in rhe steward department, by many other Seafarers who came from all ports. There were hundreds of sandwiches to be made for lunch, and fruit, snacks and drinks were available throughout the day. Tents were erected for shelter from the rain or sun, tables and chairs were set up and rails were installed around areas which visitors were not to enter. Trash buckets had to be continuously emptied and people constantly needed directions as to how to get to various activities on the many decks on the ship. QMED Carol Thifault, who has sailed with the SIU for almost nine years and who is one of the 10 crew members aboard the Cape Wrath while it is berthed in Baltimore, said it felt wonderful to be sailing again, even if just for the day. The husband and wife team of Chief Steward Robert Maiello and Steward Assistant Tracy Maiello offered their services for the event. They traveled from North Carolina, where they work aboard the Cape Lobos. "It's great," said Tracy of the Whitbread outing. "We love to help out." AB Juan Salgado, who flew from New Orleans to assist in the activities, enjoyed the part he played in making the day a memorable one for all the schoolchildren. The skies looked threatening in the morning when the Cape Wrath left the pier, but by afternoon, the sun was out, the water calm and it was a perfect day to watch a race. Looking off the ship's starboard side at the John L. Brown at anchor, Recertified Steward Ivan R. Salis was pleased to see the Liberty ship still able to be a part of the fleet of spectator vessels. Two hundred children plus parents, teachers, guests and members of the media are a lot of people to have aboard a ship, yet they all but got lost on the American Overseas Corp. vessel. The Cape Wrath is equipped with 13 decks (including six hoistable decks) and two angled stem ramps with the ability to carry all kinds of heavy rolling cargo. (It previously operated as a car carrier under foreign registry, at which time it could transport 6,000 cars to the U.S. from overseas.) Whipping up a quick soup for the crew is Chief Cook Erik Loret. Mar Ad acquired the Cape Wrath in 1993 for its Ready Reserve Force (RRF) of 96 ships which are retained in reserve status for use by the Department of Defense in times of war or other emergencies. RO/RO ships like the Cape Wrath are ideal for transporting oversized military vehicles- and other equipment that will not easily fit in commerce vessels. From March 1994 until November 1996, the vessel participated in the United States Army's Interim Afloat Prepositioning Program, operating for 981 days and maintaining an overall readiness rate of 99.8 percent. But for this one day of sailing. it was preparedness of a different nature, and the crew of the Cape Wrath came through again with flying colors. AB Bosun Joseph Arnold takes a turn at the wheel. June 1998 �The sailing board reveals a long day in the making for those who were invited aboard to watch the restart of the Whitbread yacht race. Rhory Anthony, now a lieutenant commander, USNR, sailed as a wiper with the SIU in 1977-78. With his airhorn, he assists in mobilization aboard the Cape Wrath. OS Joseph Lackey helps set up one of the beverage stations on deck. Acting MarAd Administrator John E. Graykowski welcomes the students and other guests aboard the RAF vessel. SA Tracy Maiello and her husband, Chief Steward Robert Maiello, traveled from North Carolina to help with the day's event. Bosun Tony Trikoglou, who is currently working aboard the Cape Washington, joins in as part of the Cape Wrath's crew for the day. SAs Bruce Milburn (left) and Ida Joan Batain helped make hundreds of sandwiches for the ship's guests. Stopping by the mess hall for a break are (from left) Bqisun Tom Grosskurth and ABs Mike Mayo, Joseph Arnold, Juan Salgado, Mike Dempster and John Durhkoff. June 1998 Chief Steward Carlos Sierra, who has sailed with the SIU for eight years, makes sure the water coolers are filled. An SIU member for nine years, QMED Carol Thifault was happy to assist the guests aboard the Cape Wrath. Wiper John Mclain (left) and Steward Donald Mann review the schedule of events. AB William Thomas, who sails from the port of Baltimore, stays on the Cape Wrath tor the day's sailing . . Pitching in to ensure a smooth visit for the ship's guests are Charles Collier (left) and Ivan Salis of the galley gang. Seafarers LOG 13 �SIU Crews Play Big Part in liult Support Seafarers from the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and Government Services Division remain on call in and around the Persian Gulf, due to the unstable situation there. As noted in a recent report by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), merchant mariners are playing a significant part in the military buildup responding to che latest tensions between America and Iraq. Of the 43 U.S. Navy ships assigned to the Gulf, 23 are MSC vessels. Eighteen of those ships are crewed by Seafarers (see chart). "We're carrying a heavy load over there, and I'm doing what I can to make sure MSC is recognized for the job it's doing in this crisis," said Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, commander of MSC, according to the agency. The United States early this year mobilized naval forces to the Persian Gulf in preparation for what seemed a likely armed SIU-Crewed MSC Vessels Deployed in Guff Buildup Ocean Stirvey Ships USNSKane USNS John McDonnell USNS Bowditch Fleet Ocean-Going Tug USNS Catawba Ammunition Ship USNS Kilauea- Roll-on/Roll-off Ships MV American Falcon MV Buffalo Sol.dier MV LTC Calvin P. Titus LMSRs USNSYano USNS Shughart USNSGordon USNS Gilliland Preposffioning Ships Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, commander of MSC, recently pointed out that civilian-crewed ships are providing substantial support to American armed forces in the Persian Gulf. The SIU-crewed RO/RO Calvin P. Titus (pictured here) is one of these vessels. conflict against Iraq. Since then, SIU-crewed MSC ships have provided food, fuel, equipment and ammunition to Navy air- craft carriers, amphibious assault vessels and others in the American armada. Oceanographic survey ships, combat stores ships, fleet oilers and prepositioning vessels are among the civilian-crewed components of this effort. ~~" MV PFC William B. Baugh ' ~':··;'.,.MV:GPL Louis J. Haugs Jr. 'c; MT 151 LT Alex Bonnyman -SS SGT Matej Kocak - MV PVT Franklin J. Phfllips Tanker MV Richard G. Matthiesen Source; U.S. Military Sealift Command 3 Seal arers, 4 Dependents Win 1998 SIU Scholarships Continued from page 9 Winter Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn. has admitted Winter as a student in their medical imaging program (which will enable her to become an X-ray technician) that begins this fall She expects to complete the program in two years, graduate with an associ- ate degree in applied science and then continue her education at The College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. where she will complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in sonography. Finnerty In the spring of 1988, Finnerty began school full time at Community College in Baltimore, Md., graduating with an associ- Seafarer Ramon Suarez keeps up the good work aboard the Crowley tug Republic while the boat is in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Suarez sails as an AB/tankerman. Piney Point.· AGood Vacation Choice A fun-filled family vacation does not necessarily have to be expensive, especia1ly for Seafarers who have access lo a beautiful facility with aJI the amenities of a fine resort. The Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. offers Seafarers and their families affordable rates and exciting activities that are sure to capture the interests of children and adults alike. The cost is $40.40 per day for the SIU member and $9.45 per day for a spouse and for each child. These prices include all '14 Seafarers LOii meals. (Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger.) This year, create your own unique vacation by planning a getaway to Piney Point. Clip the coupon at right and mail it to the Paul Hall Center to secure your reservation for this summer There is something for everyone in Piney Point and the surrounding area-swimming. boating, fishing, sight seeing, relaxing-you name it. And it is a benefit available only to Seafarers and their families, ate's degree, a high grade point average and scholarship opportunities to several universities in the area. He accepted the offer from The George Washington University. well known for its foreign affairs school, which he hoped would lead to an opportunity in the U.S. foreign service. He was awarded a bachelor's degree and passed the foreign service exam but found it most difficult to obtain work in his field of study. He began sailing again in the engine department to help financial ends meec and also began studying-entirely on his owninformation systems network technology. Again he excelled and was selected as the information systems manager for The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, a highly acclaimed nationwide television news production. He covered both the Democratic and Republican conventions in 1996 and then felt somewhat at a dead end. With a wife and baby daughter at home, Finnerty again began sailing, and that was when he found out about the Seafarers scholarship program. "When I had discovered the program through a grateful past recipient on one of my last ships, I became excited at the fact that my always supportive union had a program for individuals like myself who had the desire to achieve." With the scholarship monies, Finnerty will seek to obtain his MS/MBA degree and pursue a hi-tech management career in the information systems industry. Rice Rice will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next year. He plans to major in computer science and then obtain his master's degree in that field as well. Following graduate school, he plans to seek a computer science-based job in the area of systems and hardware. "I am interested in this field because of my love of computers and also because of the wide range of opportunities that happen to be growing at an exponential rate." Odak With the advantage of being fluent in English and Croatian, the young woman has been active in community service. She has worked at a rest home, helping disabled elders, and at the Croatian Consulate doing odd jobs. She was recognized by the Lions Club of California with the "Junior Citizen of the Year Award." She realizes how lucky she is to be an American citizen and to live in the United States. She would like to help her country in some way. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is her role model. Toward this end, she has applied to a number of schools in California, including the University of California in Los Angeles and in Berkeley. Odak believes that there is no better way she can contribute to her education and her country than by "learning, helping and loving." Golla cation, but believes she has ..developed these characteristics due to all the obstacles that I have overcome throughout the years of my studies." She also credits the guidance of her parents for her motivation in doing her best. "My father has been a merchant seaman for 18 years. and although he is sometimes thousands of miles away, he still manages to give my sisters and me support and care while at the same time being dedicated to and loving his job." Golla has continued to get good grades while still being very active in school. She has been a member of the Filipino Club, French Club, Honor Society and a dance drill team. She has applied to Shoreline Community College and University 'of Washington, both in Washington state. Receipt of the scholarship, she wrote, "wi11 really make it possible for me to pursue my education in order for me to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming somebody who plays an important role in molding the society into a better place-which in this case, is becoming a doctor. r-------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number: Address: Book number: Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) 3rd choice: _ __ _ Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center. P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 6198 L-------------------------------------------------~ June 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port 9 ] 5 4 10 27 2 14 15 2 6 15 2 6 23 10 11 16 2 6 Jacksonville San Frandsco Wilmington 30 25 St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 26 35 3 20 4 0 5 0 238 155 6 2 6 Philadelphia. Baltimore 3 4 5 . Jacksonvme I3 . San Francis<:;o . ,. 5 Wilmington 3. Seattle 9 Puerto Rico 8 Honolulu Houston . -- ·st. Louis Piney J:>~int. Algonac Totals Jacksonville ..............Thursday; July 9, August 6 41 13 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: July 2~ August 19 49 19 5 18 3 11 l 13 14 43 4 0 2 134 6 2 3 0 0 195 102 0 1 4 21 36 5 5 2 77 410 257 6 0 51 3 I3 · 0 6 9 8 15 3 9 0 I 2 0 1 1 ·c 5 4 5 5 15 6 14 3 2 1 3 ' I· , 6 11 6 0 2 6 4 13 0 3 2 6 7 t 27 1 1 0 I l 96 120 26 I 0 6 26 15 · 4 1 5 2 4 l 1 7 0 0 6 6 7 2 2 3 0 4 6 IO 13 1 9 3 2 5 16 5 5 2 0 New Orleans 6 1 4 Jacksonville 15 · San Francisco 2J 13 4 15 2 6 2 3 ...WHmt~gton. . . . Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu i Houston "St. Louis ' Piney Point Algonac Totals 16 l 5 5 5 0 44 70 180 0 4 · ~ .:.:' 7 1 1 7 13 1 5 2 0 0 2 3 1 5 2 1 0 3 7 15 14 7 3 4 3 2 2 0 0 7 13 3 5 0 3 8 0 0 13 4 1 21 4 I l 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 6 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 131 54 20 111 28 18 177 47 <N~w.York 21 i!'PhHadelphia 7 0 !::Bilicirricfre 2 0 5 5 0 4 7 12 8 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans It 2 5 9 4 20 0 11 12 10 12 3 l9).Vtlmtngton ·seattle · · 9 6 fr 13 6 Puerto Rico 3 2 26 69 · Houston 3 11 3 :·:s l Louis O :'J~!.~~y ·P.oint Algonac . Jacksonville ,. SarrFrancisco Honolulu Totals 0 3 0 0 8 9 7 6 1 12 6 28 7 46 6 23 34 3 15 17 5 5 4 2 5 0 4 0 0 10 12 2 9 0 (} 1 0 9 0 ·o 60 237 92 33 2 . .. 1 o 5 6 0 2 17 0 4 6 1 3 0 9 48 32 0 0 0 l 2 4 5 8 2 8 5 0 5 12 12 10 14 22 1 14 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 23 29 30 16 1 0 0 8 8 9 2 3 5 0 0 2 2 New Orleans ............Tuesday: July 14. August t 1 . New York .................Tuesday: July 7. August 4 N?rt.C>~.~-~·~········ ......... Thursday: July 9, August 6 Philadelphia ............. Wednesday: July 8, August 5 San Francisco ... ,:,··· .. ,Thurs~-ar July 16, August 13 · San Juan ............ ~.'~·; ~ ..Thutsd~y;)tity 9, August 6 St. Louis .............. ~ .... Friday:l,}J.~y 17, Augtist 14 Tacoma .....................Friday~ July 24, August 21 5 7 14 3 8 9 6 21 6 0 0 5 2 9 28 6 11 8 2 0 9 25 5 50 6 0 13 43 111 0 0 0 0 4 20 12 10 1 274 488 13 0 3 I. 0 0 21 5 2 I 0 16 1 64 169 145 49 125 0 100 529 498 267 465 325 176 0 13 9 4 1 0 0 Personals CHRIS CHRISTANSON Please contact Eric Partika in Arnold, Calif. at (209) 795-1517. STANLEY DARANDA Please call your daughter, Standreka, at (504) 246-4425. ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port 18 1 5 9 6. 0 2 3 21~August EadJ pod's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT 13 5 ; "'c =o , . 7 3 8 New Bedford ........ ~ ...Tuesday: July (change created by Paul Hall birthday lwliefay) 16 110 Mobile ....................... Wednesday~ July 15, August 12 ·Wil.mi!}g1on ...... ~ ........ Monday: July 20 Tuesday, August 18* 13 6 17 ]1 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: July 15, August 12 Houston .................... Monday: July 13, August 10 8 4 5 2 Baltimore .................Thursday: July 9, August 6 18 3 14 0 0 76 2 4 12 32 21 14 6 7 0 8 10 13 Honolulu .................. Friday: July 17. August 14 3 3 5 3 29 5 4 7 2 Algonac ....................Friday: July 10, August 7 6 8 13 22 11 5 32 29 27 5 11 3 49 16 7 11 3 Piney Point.. ............. Monday: July 6, August 3 26 66 49 0 8 10 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port ··New York Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 5 8 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 26 9 .5 3 2 1 4 3 6 I1 2 II 21 ·9 10 9 13 . Houston TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 7 12 Mobile New Orleans Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 13 4 10 5 9 4 MAY 15, 1998 July & August 1998 llembershilf Meetings , Deep Sea, La/ces; Inland Wat~ 0 0 100 15 1 277 181 927 803 JUDE KOMYATTE Please contact Victor at (415) 285-1744. RUSSELL LEE Hey Lee! I would like to hear from you sometime soon. Please drop me a note. /'LL be at the following address until July. Leo A. Castro, clo /TB Baltimore, P.O. Box 127, King Hill State Hovic., St. Croix, USV1 00850. JOHN FRANCIS ROBERTS Gail Roberts is trying to locate information about her grandfather (John Francil Roberts) whom she has never met. Her grandfather sailed as a merchant mariner in 1932 and was still sailing in 1961. John F. Roberts had a son, also John Francis Roberts but known as "Sonny." Ms. Roberts would like to hear from her grandfather or anyone who knew him. Please contact Gail Roberts at 30 Fawn Grove, Greenwood, DE 19950; or telephone (302) 3370350. WILLIAM BRIGHT SIMMONS Anyone knowing the whereabouts of William Bright Simmons is asked to contact Dena Hall. Jn 1958 and 1959, Simmons lived at 415 West 24th Street, NYC. His mother lived in Manchester, N.H. Anyone with information may write Ms. Hall at 4605-A South Second Street, Austin, TX 787452102, or telephone (512) 447-6005. ANGELOURTI Please contact your mother as soon as possible. Totals All Departments *"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. June 1998 Seafarers LOG 15 �..... -------._..______ __ ___ .............. ~ .._.. ,.._ _..,,.....__..~-------~- - - ---- - - APRIL 16-MAY 15, 1998 Michael Sacco Pre~ident CL - Jolin Fay Executive Vice President . · David - Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes seafarers lntemational Union Directory .. . Hehidl:l · · ... :.:.·:.. ; ~¢~ll.O'.~T.r~~~rer.: .·· .: ; . Avgustin.T~Hez Company/Lakes NP - L-Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups All Groups Class CL Class CL Class NP Class L Class L Non Priority **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP 0 23 4 0 12 0 0 6 ·3 ·. . .,., ViceJ>.residehf Coil rrac1.s Port AJgonac HEADQUARTERS Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 27 0 13 0 7 0 28 4 DECK DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 1 .. "'J). ,: STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 I o· ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 8 0 · 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301} 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. . . Algonac, Ml 4800 I Totals All Depts 0 75 31 0 14 4 0 61 *"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 . 27 (8t0) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 72l Sesame St., #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561 -4988 D ispatchers' Report for Inl a nd Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 1998 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED DULUTH ~G~~ ~G~~ 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, H1 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. HOU$tl;m, TX . 77002 (713) 6s9-sis2· JACKSONVJJ;.LE . 3315 LibertfSt. .. Jacksonville, R 32206 (904)353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City.~ ~J. 07302 .'<'' {201) 435-9424 MOBILE ·1640 D.aupMn Island Pkwy. Mobile. AL 36605 .. '{334) 478~0916 ....... NEW BEDFORD 48 Union S1. New Bedford, MA 02740 {508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 JackSOl't Ave. Class A Class B Region Atlantic Coast 0 0 Gulf Coast'. 6 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 2 2 0 0 35 2 9 0 0 0 0 '.!Ak~s:)nl,and\Vaters ., 27 0 ~es, Jnl~~.W~~rs 24 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast .. 0 0 0 0 .,. : o . 0 Class B All Groups Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 3 0 I 0 16 0 1 7 17 2 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 6 0 0 0 Class A Class B Class C 0 6 50 3 11 24 ~,, ·v·-...;• ·o :.: : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Class A 0 Q ., 0 24 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 9 0 West Coast 9 Totals ·oulf Coast Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH 0 12 1 12 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT O· 0 0 6 0 0 Q,. 0 8 0 3 0 0 14 3 8 0 0 Q., 0 0 0 0 0 New Orleans. LA 70130 {504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 .Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 {718) 499-6600 76 3 14 37 2 9 2 Totals All Depts 68 *"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. 29 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Notfolk, VA 23510 {757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215)336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point. MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andtews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 {954) 521-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St · San Prancisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5S55 Oovemmem SeTvices Division (~IS) .8<51<~400 SANTURCE - lOS7 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16% ... Santurce, PR 00907 {787) 721-4033 ST. LQ\JJS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 . . (314) 752-6500 ' TACOMA 34 l l South Union Ave. Thcoma, WA 98409 (253) 172-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington', CA 90744 ... . (3 IO) 549:..4000 16 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Frank J. Schumacher of Evansville, Ind. was taken off the coast of Portuguese East Africa in the spring or summer of 1949. Schumacher is the person at left holding the chain and hook. "I was either the saloon mess or the galley man," he wrote in a note accompanying the photograph. "I have no idea who any of the other people are." Back in those days, much of the garbage was thrown from the stern . Schumacher writes, "Each time I dumped the garbage over the stern, these sharks came calling. The next time I dumped it, I had the hook tied in with chicken guts." Anyone who recognizes himself or one of the other crew members is asked to let the Seafarers LOG know and we will pass the information on to Frank Schumacher. Brother Schumacher, 71, joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. He retired April 1, 1982, having last sailed aboard the Mt. Washington. He also is a veteran of the U.S. Army in the Korean War. If anyone has a vintage union-related phDtograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. June 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. wo recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 75 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns William Cooper and Nichalos Nagy and Recertified Steward Robert L. Maddox are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 10 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division; six worked on the inland waterways; and one plied the Great Lakes. This month's pensioners are scattered throughout the country: six on the East Coast, five in the Gulf states, two on the West Coast and two each in the midwest and in Puerto Rico. On this page the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA WILLIAM COOPER, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the; bosun recertification program in 1981. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Massachusetts native last sailed in 1996 aboard the Nedlloyd Holland, operated by Sea-Land Service. Brother Cooper resides in Rochester, N.H. IGNACIO FLORES, 53, joined the Seafarers in 1971 in his native Puerto Rico. Brother Flores sailed in the engine department and worked as a crane maintenance electrician. He last worked aboard NPR, Inc. vessels and makes his home in Carolina, P.R. ROBERTL. MADDOX, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1979 from the port of New : York. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1990. The Tennessee native last worked aboard the Overseas Boston. From 1950 to 1971. he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Maddox has retired to Everette, Wash. JULIAN S. MENDOZA, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1961 June 1998 in the port of Houston. The Texas native worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he also served in the deck department. Brother Mendoza signed off the Cleveland, a Victory Marine vessel. He calls Laredo, Texas home. CARLOS MIRANDA, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Gateway City, operated by SeaLand Service. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Cape Wrath, an American Overseas Marine vessel. Brother Miranda makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. MOHAMED MOHAMED, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. Born in Arabia, the engine department member upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed in 1995 aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Brother Mohamed has retired to Brooklyn, N.Y. JOHNM. MOORE, 53, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1978 from the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native worked in the steward department and signed off the Sam Houston, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Moore makes his home in Norfolk, Va. he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1985. Brother Nagy climbed the ladder to become a licensed officer in 1987. From 1958 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Nagy makes his home in Temecula, Calif. CHARLIE M. STANFORD, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1971 aboard the Overseas Alaska. Born in Mississippi, he ·worked in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Stanford last sailed in 1986 aboard the Ogden Champion. He calls New Orleans home. INLAND TOMM. CAMPBELL JR., 63, started his SIU career in the port of Houston. After a 20-year stint in the U.S. Army, the Texas native joined the Seafarers in 1978, sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Marlin, operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Campbe11 has retired to Killeen, Texas. LONNIE L. DAIL, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1958. Born in North Carolina, he worked in both the deck and engine departments, last sailing as a captain. Boatman Dail upgraded at the Lundeberg School and signed off the Triumph in 1996, operated by Piney Point Transportation. From 1952 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Boatman Dail makes his home in Salisbury, Md. WILLIAML. GILMORE, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988. The Alabama native sailed as a captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last worked aboard the Sea Robin, operated by Allied Towing Corp. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Gilmore lives in Andalusia, Ala. CLAUDEW. SANKEY, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1982. The Wisconsin native worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Sankey became a licensed master. His last vessel was the Mark Hannah, operated by O.L.S. Transport. He makes his home in West Allis, Wis. JOHN C. TANNER, 70, started his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. He first sailed aboard the Peggy S., a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. A native of Illinois, he worked in the engine department as a chief engineer and signed off the Triumph, operated by Piney Point Transportation Co. From 1944 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Tanner has retired to Portsmouth, Va. CHARLESR. . WILLIAMS, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969. The Louisiana native sailed primarily aboard Dixie Carrier vessels as a member of the deck department. From 1955 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Boatman Williams makes his home in Bogalusa, La. GREAT LAKES LESTERW. JACOBSON, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. The Minnesota native sailed in = = = = the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Jacobson last sailed in 1993 aboard the Kinsman Enterprise. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Duluth, Minn. WWII Mariners Thank SIU OTILIANO MORALES, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Morales last sailed aboard NPR. Inc. vessels. He catts- Las Piedras, P.R. home. NICHALOS A. NAGY, 56, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 sailing aboard Great Lakes vessels and later transferred to the deep sea division. The Michigan native worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where Members of the Michigan Chapter of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II recently donated a plaque to the SIU's Algonac, Mich. hall recognizing the union's efforts on behalf of the war-era merchant marine. "They said they wanted to thank us for our assistance in helping them secure recognition as war veterans, and for our current efforts to extend the cutoff date for veterans' status for World War II mariners," noted Algonac Port Agent Tim Kelley (second from left). "The plaque also is a tribute to those mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war." It reads, "In Memory Of Our Shipmates In The U.S. Merchant Marine And U.S. Navy Armed Guard Who Lost Their Lives In World War II." The plaque has been mounted at the front of the union ha.II. Pictured above with Kelley are (from left) Michigan chapter members Al Bolia, Walter Dunn and Rudy Radmonovich. Seafarers LOG 17 �Rn,at Departures DEEP SEA Rico, he worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Lunde berg " School. He last sailed in 1996 aboard the ROBERT C. ADAMS Pensioner Robert C. Adams, 73, passed away March 17. Born in Ohio, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1943 aboard the Joseph E. Brown. The deck department member sailed from the port of Jacksonville Fla. and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Augusta, Ga., Bro~her.Adam.s began receiving his pension m Apnl 1994. SAMUEL H. BEATTIE Pensioner Samuel H. Beattie, 67, died April 6. Brother Beattie joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Born in Scotland, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the L~ndeberg .s~hool, last sailing as a chief electnc1an. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Beattie started receiving his pension in Jul~ 1.989. He was a resident of Westm1mster, Calif. JOHN M. BERGERIA Pensioner John M. Bergeria, 69, passed away March 25. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1946 in Port Arthur, Texas. Brother B.ergeria sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School , where he graduated from the bosun recertification course in 1975. From 1951 to 195.3, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Philadelphia, he retired in January 1986. ~----::---=--- • r=:====== THOMAS E. BEWLEY Pensioner Thomas E. Bewley, 74, died March 1. He began sailing with the SIU in 1953 from the port of Baltimore. The "'. Ohio native worked in the deck department. Brother Bewley was a resident of San Francisco. He retired in December 1989. SIDNEY BROWN l--:iijiiiiijiiiiiiiii"I Pensioner Sidney Brown, 84, passed away January 14. Born in England, he joined the Marine Cooks . and Stewards ti,,..S.". (MC&S) in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis[rict (AGLIWD). His first ship was the Lurline, operated by Matson Navigation. Brother Brown was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. and began receiving his pension in June 1978. FELIX CAMACHO Felix Camacho, 60, died January 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1979. A native of Puerto 18 Seafarers LOG "'"----'-~ Nedlloyd Holland a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Camacho was a resident of Arecibo, P.R. RAYMOND R. CRANE ..----===---:=;;;;----: Pensioner Raymond R. Crane, 68, died February 25 . A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port ~~====~ ofNewYork. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From 1948 to 1951 he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Crane was a resident of Philadelphia. He retired in February 1995. ALBERTO CRUZ Pensioner Alberto Cruz, 79, passed away February 16. Brother Cruz started his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of ~~"'---' Seattle. Born in China, he sailed as a member of. t~e deck department and began rece1vmg his pension in December 1982. LEON D. DOZIER Pensioner Leon D. Dozier, 81, died January 10. Born in Arkansas , he joined the MC&S before that union merged with the t___ _ _ _ _ , SIU's AGLIWD. The Oakland, Calif. resident . started receiving his pension in Apnl 1974. JACOB E. DUSICH ---===:-----,Pensioner Jacob E. Dusich, 73, passed away April 26. He began his career with the MC&S in 1956 from the port of Seattle before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. At the time of the merger, Brother Dusich was an official for the MC&S and then became an SIU representative. He last sailed aboard the .Ma~u­ Lani, operated by Matson Nav1gat1on Co. Born in the Philippines, Brother Dusich was a resident of Seattle. He retired in December 1985. ROBERT J. EDWARDS Pensioner Robert J. Edwards, 68, died April 22. A native of California. he started his career with the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of San Francisco. Sailing in the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where h~ graduated from the bosun recertification course in 1983. Brother Edwards was a resident of Los Angeles. He began receiving his pension in January 1993. COLIMERIO FERNANDEZ Pensioner Colimerio Fernandez, 78, passed away March 27. Brother Fernandez, who was born in Portugal, joined ~~====....-.... the SIU in 1955 in the port of New York . D~ring his career, he sailed in the engme department and was active in union organizing drives . The resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. retired in December he began sailing with the SIU in 1955 from the port of Lake Charles, La. During his career, he sailed in the engine ~, department as an oiler, pumpman, machini.st and deck engineer. A resident of Porter. Texas, Brother Jones retired in February J982. ~--====---.Kansas, HOWARD O. LEVINE ~---==--:::::::::-i 1981. COSTELLO FISHER Pensioner Costello Fisher, 81, died January I 0. He started his care~r with the MC&S before that umon merged with the SIU's A~LIWD. Born in Georgia and a resident of San Leandro, Calif.• Brother Fisher started receiving his pension in October 197 4. ROSS J. FOLDS Pensioner Ross J. Folds, 78, passed away February 14. A native of . California, he joined the MC&S 1.n 1946 before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Fold's first and last ship was the Monterey. He was a resident of Oakland, Calif and retired in July 1974. RAYU.HART Pensioner Ray U. Hart, 67, died December 17, 1997. Brother Harl began his career with the Seafarers in 1962 from the port of New York. Born in Finland, he became a U.S. citizen in 1967. Starting out in the deck department, he later transferred to the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Hart, a resident of San Andreas, Calif., began receiving his pension in November 1995. CHARLES E. HILL , Pensioner Charles E. Hill, 70, passed away March 16. He ;; started his career with the SIU in 1947 in .: the port of - ' Houston. The Texas native sailed in the deck department and upgrar ·j at the Lundeberg School where he completed the bosun ~ecer­ ti fication program in 197.4. Du~mg his career, he also sailed m t~e mland division and was active in union organizing drives. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. ~avy. Brother Hill, a resident of Kingwood, Texas, retired in April 1986. RICHARD H. HUFFORD Pensioner Richard H. Hufford, 69, died March 3. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Hufford worked in the steward department and upgrad~d at the Lundeberg School, last sailing as a chief cook. From 1951 to 1953.• he served in the U.S. Army. A res1.d7nt of New Orleans, he began rece1vmg his pension in September 1990. THEODORE JONES Pensioner Theodore Jones, 92, passed away April 13. Born in Howard 0. Levine, 48, passed away January 26. He graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the SIU in the port of New Yo~k. B.orn in Austria, Brother Levine sailed m the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School and attend~d an educational conference there m 1970. FRED N. (BULL) LINDSEY Pensioner Fred N. (Bull) ~ Lindsey, 58, .. !~ died March 24. " Brother Lindsey graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1960 and joined the Seafarers in the poi: of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked in the steward department, . last sailing as a chief steward. A resident of Mobile, Brother Lindsey retired in May J994. THADDEUS J. LOBODA Pensioner Thaddeus J. Loboda, 84, died January 21. Brother Loboda started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port ~~=== of New York. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Loboda began receiving his pension in_June 19_76. He was a resident of Ph1ladelph1a. MICHAEL MACHUSKY iiiiiiiii\:""l Pensioner Michael Machusky, 66, died January 21. "" Brother Machusky started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port _ of New York. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department. From 1948 to 1950 he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Machusky was a resident of Liberty, Texas. He retired in 1996. WILLIAM F. O'BRIEN l-.iP"lll••I Pensioner William F. O'Brien, 72, passed away March 3. Brother O'Brien started his career with the SIU in f, 1943 in his ~,c..1.:. native New York. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School where he graduated from the bosun ;ecertification course in 1974. A resident of Clearwater, Fla., he began receiving pension in May 1991. TERRY W. PRESTON iiiiiiiiia.-· Terry W. Preston, 50, died November 29, 1997. Born in Ohio, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Seafarer. Brother Preston sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of St. Petersburg, Fla. INLAND BAYARD BRITTON - - - - - - - . Pensioner Bayard Britton, 69, passed away April 9 . He first sailed with the SIU in 1976. Born in Nicaragua, he sailed in the steward L__ _ _ _ ___, department. A resident of Riverview, Fla., Boatman Britton began receiving his pension in July 1991. IDLAIRE J. CLAVETTE ~--;:;;;;~Uii Pensioner Hilaire J. Clavette, 63, died March 14. Born in Massachusetts, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. Boatman ~--~ Clavette worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard Crowley Towing ~nd Transportation vessels. A_ res1.dent of Livingston, Texas, he retired m 1996. KERMIT C. GREEN Kermit C. Green, 58, pa sed away April 1. A native of Florida, he started his career \ with the SIU in ' 1967 in the port ~~~~====.:ii of Wilmington , Calif. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the towboat operator course. Boatman Green sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation. From 1963 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a reside~.t of Jacksonville, Fla. WOODROW W. PARRISH Pensioner Woodrow W. Parrish. 81, . passed away t '\'~ October 17, ~ 1997. A native of Missouri, he started his career with the ~~~:.......!...-___:= SIU in 1962 in the port of St. Louis, sailing as a mate in the deck department. From 1944 to 1945, he served in the U . s. Navy. The resident of New Madnd Mo. retired in June 1979. GREAT LAKES JAMES S. GIRGA James S. Girga, 55, passed away March 20. He started his career in 1992 in the port of Duluth, Minn . Born in Illinois, he sailed in both the deck and engine departments. From 19?3 to 1967 he served in the U.S. Alf Force. Brother Girga was a resident of Keystone, Wis. June 1998 �GUAYAMA (NPR, Inc.), April 20-Chairman Richard G. Kidd, Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Ronald C. Smith. Chairman announced payoff in Philadelphia. Reminded crew members to keep plastic items in yellow can, separate from other trash. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs noted. New VCR requested for crew lounge as well as change of locks on crew mess hall and crew laundry room. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), March 26-Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary D. Cunningham, Educational Director Ramon L. Borrero. Chairman reported on meeting of department heads to discuss possible purchase of satellite TV. More information needed before final approval can be given. Educational director reminded each Seafarer to get training record book (TRB). He also stressed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. Treasurer announced $770.50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked steward department for "their usual great performance." Food is "too good." After a stop in San Juan, P.R., vessel will sail to the Dominican Republic and then to Jacksonville, Fla. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), March 29-Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director Jerald R. Graham, Deck Delegate Charles Simmons, Engine Delegate Ro ert C. Hines, Steward Deleate Clarence Robinson. Bosun reported on talk with captain regarding length of stay in Persian Gulf. Captain stated ship will be there until May 6 with payoff in Crete on May 22. No beefs or dis- puted OT noted. Steward delegate stated there are four extra men in sceward department this run because of 81 U.S. Marine Corps and Navy personnel aboard. Everything running smoothly. Bosun reminded everyone to keep doors closed in air conditioned areas, especially in the Gulf zone, where it gets very hot. Request made to have more crew members assigned to locker during fire and boat drills to help carry gear. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), April 3-Chairman Luis Ramirez, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Sherman Hudson, Engine Delegate Ali S. Mohsin, Steward Delegate Kenneth Bethea. Secretary announced ship scheduled for two weeks in shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Most crew will be laid off. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and apply for TRB. New movies just purchased with money from ship's movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla. and Charleston, S.C. '":.::,:.:.::::.·:::·· ..... :...·::...... . .............. .: ::.'::i.:·:'.O:T:tirn.:is:.:a summary of the annual report for the SIU PD Supplemental Benefits . ·' J?ti'~a;':·'liiif·TE'.inployef" Identification No. 94-1431246, Plan No. 501] for the year ended July 31. 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 . . ·(ERiSA), . . . .. . . . .:· ... . ·,..,:; . The SIU PD Supplemental'l~eneftts Fund, Joe. has committed itself to pay benefit claims. . focuned .under the terms of the plan. BASIC FINANCIAL STAUMEtfJ Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust arrangement. Plan expenses were $6342,372. These expenses included .$515,912 in administrative expenses and $.5,826.460 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 960 persons . were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although :·:·:. ~i>La!~ Qf these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. ":: "': : :: The value of plan assecs, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $3,097,064 ~· of July 31, 1997, compared to $3,071,986 as of the beginning of the plan year. · During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $25,078. The plan had a total income of $6,367 ,450 including employer contributions of ::::$5;838. 714, earnings from investments of $182,758, receipts from other funds as · · reimbursement for pro-rata share of joint expenses of $288,635, and other income of .J51,343. Employees do not contribute to this plan. YOUR RIGHTS TO ADDmONAL INFORMATION .... You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: l. An accountant's report; 4. Assets held for investments; Transactions in excess of five (5) percent of the fund assets; 4. Fiduciary information, including transaction between the plan and parties-in- ... interest [that is, persons who have certain relationships with the plan]. .... To obtain a copy of thG full annual report or any pan rhereo(, wrile or call the :. ·~ffice of the plan administrator, . SIU PD Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., 522 ·/Hamson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105; telephone number (415) 495-6882. ·You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at .:· no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying riores. or a statement otincome and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or ·:·:. both. lf you request a full .annual report from the plan administrator, these two staters will be included as pan of that report. . . You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report ar the main . . .office or the p1an, 5111-farrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94!05, and at the U.S . . :)~'kpartment Of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D,C. or co obtain a copy from rhe U.S. ·: 'J).¢prutmcnt of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be . : · addressed to; P1.1blic Disclosure Room, N4677, Pension and Welfare Benefit '.'." 'Administration, U.S. Deparlmeni of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue. N.W., : . ::W~hin~ton. DC 2021 O. :·men June 1998 MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lines), April I I-Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Sal Torneo, Educational Director E. Snow, Deck Delegate Frank R. Cottongin III, Engine Delegate Scott P. Brady. Chairman reminded crew members it is their responsibility to check expiration date on z-cards. He also spoke of benefits of contributing to SPAD. Secretary added to this by advising Seafarers to keep updated on all SIU political activities. Educational director stressed need to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced gym equipment purchased in Miami for $343. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted need for new transformers (from 220 to 110 volts) and strip plugs for each room. They added that rugs nee-0 professional cleaning or replacement. All previous remedies have not succeeded in getting them clean. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Lines), April 5-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna De Cesare, Educational Director Calvin Fairbanks. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Charleston, S.C. He reminded crew members to check z-cards for expiration date and attend shipboard STCW classes. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School whenever possible. Treasurer announced $73 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested larger ice machine; present one does not keep up with demand. Also asked for refrigerators for rooms, especially for South American run, and transportation to ship when joining or rejoining. Next port: Bahamas. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), April 12Chairman Roy Williams, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Brian Connell, Deck Delegate Monte Grimes, Engine Delegate John Coleman, Steward Delegate Joseph Laureta. Members were informed of toll-free number for Money Purchase Pension Plan (MPPP) and of available form for voluntary contributions. MPPP statement to come out soon. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary noted 20 movies added to video library. Movie fund is now empty. Beef reported by steward delegate. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or engine department. SEA-LAND ENDURANCE (SeaLand Service), April 26Chairman Robert J. Trainor, Secretary Ray A. Garcia, Educational Director Robert Flesey, Deck Delegate E. Malabad, Engine Delegate Leonardo Papa, Steward Delegate John F. Bass. Chairman noted departing crew members have ample time to clean rooms and leave fresh linens for next person. Secretary reminded everyone to check seamen's documents for expiration dates. He also stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and of contributing to SPAD. Educational director echoed sentiments on upgrading and making sure paperwork is up to date, including applying for TRB. He also thanked bosun for coffee-time videos. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked Capt. R.J. Becker for his help in making this a great trip. Vote of thanks also given to steward department for fine work. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. Delegate Richard Ehlert, Engine Delegate Robert Rush, Steward Delegate Lito Acost~. Chairman announced change of run. Ship will put into Kaohsiung and Kobe instead of Hong Kong. He also reminded crew members of need to get TRBs and STCW endorsements before it is too late. Enforcement of new maritime regulations will take place soon; those who do not have necessary documents will not be able to sail. Reliance Holds First BBQ Ever Due to the design of the Sea-Land Reliance, throwing a barbecue for the crew is a lot of work. Since the only place on the ship suitable for a cookout is the bridge deck, and since there is no elevator or dumbwaiter aboard, everything has to be hiked up five decks. But with a little teamwork, the crew pulled it off. The engine department made the grill and tables from scratch; the deck department hauled up 20 chairs and most of the food from the mess deck, and the steward deparment went all out in their barbecue fare, offering four different entrees. From the left are Chief Steward Jeff Smith, Steward Assistant William Wales and Chief Cook Julito Crodua, who made sure the meal was first rate. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), April 2-Chairman Elex Cary Jr., Secretary Julio Roman Jr., Educational Director Ray L. Chapman. Chairman reminded crew members to be familiar with all fire stations and equipment on board ship. He also reminded them to apply for TRBs, upgrade at Lundeberg School and donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported by three department delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and keeping ship clean. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; and Taiwan. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), Apri 1 I 6-Chairman Terry Reynolds, Secretary W. Burdette, Educa~ tional Director Guy PollardLowsley, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate J. Paminia, Steward Delegate Bradford Mack. Subject of telephones in port was brought up, this time between benefits of Korean Telecom vs. AT&T. Also discussed need for crew members to be responsible for returning movies to crew library when finished with them. Educational director reminded Seafarers to attend courses offered at Paul Hall Center while on the beach. No ship's fund exists but there appears to be interest in starting one, especially for purchasing extra movies or stamps. No beefs or disputed OT reported . Discussion held on need for revision in shuttle schedule for Pusan service. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done: "She's a feeder!" Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), April 5-Chairman Kenneth C. McGregor, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris Earhart, Deck Unlicensed Apprentice Christopher Scott Jones was voted "shipmate of the voyage." Secretary thanked chairman, ABs and galley gang for maintaining cleanliness in crew lounge and mess halls. He praist!d unlicensed apprentice for installing new tiles in captain 's office (and will retile crew mess, saloon and four cabins next voyage). He also urged members to contribute to SPAD. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and being prepared for stricter maritime regulations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Serv~ce), April 12Chairman l>ennis Brown, Secretary J. Smith, Educational Director A. Jaramillo, Deck Delegate Dennis J. Goodwin, Engine Delegate Eric L. Campbell. Engine department reported beef, otherwise everything running smoothly. Crew made request for new mattresses. Steward department complimented for job well done. Text port: Tacoma, Wash. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship), April 13Chairman Carl Lineberry, ·secretary L. Frazier, Educational Director F.C. Quebedeaux. Chairman reported all departments completed lots of work this voyage. Ship expected to arrive in Morehead City, N.C. April 16. Fresh provisions will be loaded at that time. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of courses at Lundeberg School to better seamanship abilities, job skills and security. Treasurer announced $185 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate reminded crew members to maintain safety procedures at all times. Seafarers LOG 19 - �Merchant Mariners Remembered For Service in Foreign Conflicts 0 CALENDAR ..Q a ~ : . Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (RTexas), head of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee, reaffirms her support for the U.S.-flag fleet. Opening the Maritime Administration's National Maritime Memorial Day ceremony is the agency's acting director, John Graykowski. ~- June - The Ladies Federal Labor Union Number 2703 was granted acharter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1888. Women from a wide range of occupations-clerks, bookbinders, candymakers, typists, dressmakers, music teachers, gum makers, laundresses, and others-were organized into the Illinois-based union. Its members were successful in coalescing women's groups interested in suffrage, temperance, health, housing, and child labor reform to win state legislation in these areas. The International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union was founded in 1900 when delegates met, selected the union's name, picked out a union label, and elected officers. 3 The newly built AFL-CIO building, situated in full view of the White House, opened its doors in 1956. 4 Calling U.S. merchant mariners a valuable asset in the war against drugs is retired U.S. Army Gen. Barry Mccaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Speaking at the MarAd event, Sea-Land VP Peter Finnerty reminds the audience the U.S.flag merchant fleet is as vital today in peace as it was in times of previous conflicts. Continued from page 24 ed out. "U.S. merchant mariners remain trained and ready to respond to future emergencies aboard the U.S. merchant fleet. "It is absolutely essential that our government and our industry do not waiver in seeing to it that that capability is maintained." ment in the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (S. 414) which now awaits action by the House of R~presentatives. The chair of the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee predicted the full bill could be passed without any other amendments sometime in the summer. Hutchison reaffirmed her solid backing for the U.S.-flag commercial fleet by stating she "would never do anything that isn't a benefit to our industry." Sealift Remains Vital Speaking on behalf of the U.S.-tlag maritime companies, Sea-Land Vice President Peter Finnerty said the industry has to "remain on guard" for any attacks against it. "Sealift is just as crucial and just as ~ritical today as it was during World War II and other national emergencies," he point- Seafarers LOG women than men for the same job, was signed into law. In 1904, 50,000 members of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen employed in meatpacking plants walked off their jobs. Among their demands was equalization of wages and conditions throughout U.S. plants. 12 Eight local unions organize the 16 International Fur Workers Union of U.S. and Canada in 1913. The union later merged with the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen. Twelve trade unionists met in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1936 to launch a drive to organize all steelworkers. This effort marked the birth of the United Steelworkers of America, then called the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC). By year's end, more than 125,000 joined the fledgling union, rallying to the $5-a-day wage demand. 17 In 1942, the Ford Motor Com19 pany recognized the United Auto Workers. The antiworker Taft-Hartley 23 Act was passed in 1947 over President Truman's veto. The act weakened unions and allowed states to exempt themselves from union requirements; 20 states immediately enacted antiunion open shop laws. Agnes Nestor, president of 24 the International Glove Workers Union in 1913 and longtime leader of the Chicago Women's Trade Union League, was born in 1880. She began working in a glove factory at age 14, working 10-hour days, six days a week. At the urging of black labor 25 and civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph, who saw jobs opening up in defense plants but not being offered to blacks, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order barring discrimination in defense industries in i 941. Industrial Workers of the 27 The World was founded in 1905. Anarchist, feminist, and labor activist Emma Goldman's 27 birthday, in 1869. New Orleans Seafarers Support Shipyard Workers ::::::::::::::.::=,.:; ---- if troops overseas. "When the U.S. defends its obligations in global communities like Cuba and Somalia, when we do heavy lifting, we do it with the merchant marine," McCaffrey noted. "Without a question, if you deploy the military power of the U.S., you do it by sea and that means the U.S. merchant marine." Members of the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice classes serve as an honor guard for the U.S. Navy Maritime Memorial Day service in Washington, D.C. 20 In 1963, the Equal Pay Act, 10 which prohibits employers from paying different wages to strike against Pullman Co.,the union was defeated by the use of injunctions and by federal troops sent to the Chicago area. Debs was imprisoned for violating the injunctions. In 1979, the historic founding President Cleveland signed The American Railway Union, 7 convention of the United Food 28 the bill making Labor Day a 20 headed by Eugene Debs, was and Commercial Workers Internanational holiday in 1894. founded in 1893. The next year, in a tional Union brought together the War on Drugs Another effort employing merchant mariners is the battle being waged on the seas to curtail shipments of illegal drugs into the United States. The nation's drug czar, retired U.S. Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who heads the Office of National Drug Control Policy, praised the work of ships like the joint U.S. Navy and SIU-crewed USNS Indomitable for intercepting and capturing vessels attempting to bring illegal substances into the country. The former military officer then saluted merchant mariners for their roles in supporting U.S. Retail Clerks International Union and the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America. SIU members and officials in April participated in a rally near New Orleans for Avondale Shipyard Workers. Pictured from left to right, Chief Cook Pat Herron, OMU James Brown and OMU William Kelley prepare for the demonstration in ~upport of the 4, 100 shipyard employees, who still are awaiting their first union contract. Avondale workers voted in June 1993 to be represented by unions, but since then have faced constant obstructions by the company to sidestep negotiations for a first contract. ILA's Bowers Honored for Years of Service SIU President Michael Sacco (right) congratulates ILA President John Bowers after the head of the longshoremen's union received the Port Everglades (Fla.) Seafarers' House Golden Compass Award. The honor is presented to individuals who dedicate their lives to improve the well-being of workers in the maritime industry. Sacco served as the master of ceremonies for the April 25 event. June 1998 �Letters to the Editor Yearly Event Showcases Union Quality More than 200,000 visitors, including 11,000 local students, attended the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show April 17-20 in New Orleans, and many of those guests visited the booth sponsored by the SIU and its affiliate, the United Industrial Workers (UIW). Hosted by a different city each year, the event showcases the outstanding quality of unionmade goods and services through product samples, demonstrations, literature, prizes and more. Cruises on SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co. vessels and numerous UIW products were featured at the SIU/UIW booth. Pictured in inset are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, UIW National Director Steve Edney and UIW Great Lakes Region Vice President Bill Dobbins. Next year's show is scheduled for Atlantic City. (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Retirement Wishes To George McCartney Congratulations to George McCartney on his upcoming retirement. For those of us who have worked with and know George, his presence will be sorely missed. I am sure George will enjoy himself Again, let me add my congratulations to the many others he will receive. He deserves them all. The best to him. Paul J. McGaharn Drexel Hill, Pa. .. .. Hawsepiper Praises Quality of SIU Members The last ship I was on, I lost 20 pounds. Now, I am gaining it all back on the HM I Petrachem. Chief Steward Colleen Mast runs a fine galley. We have had Suzanne Cake on here as chief cook; now it is Loicy Jones. They all do an excellent job. I've seen these steward department members go way out of their way to please the officers and crew on here, and I haven't had a bad meal yet. In the deck department we have Kenneth McLamb as bosun. The star ABs are on my watch: Jun Sambo and Ismael Castillo. We've had some pretty good pumpmen as well, including Tracy Hill and Jimmie Thomas. It makes me proud to be an SIU hawsepiper when I see people as capable and diligent as the ones on this ship. James Hoban, Third Mate HMJ Petrachem ..... ,...,. . . . ·;: · fACt:.'.:+-he anthra)(··vaccine.was .deveJop~d .in Jhe U.S. and >:::l,;tj~,m~nd during the 1950s and ~a·r1y 1960s. · ·::::: E.~.t;T;, The.. . ~nthrax vaccine is licensed by the U.S. Food and · ·:. :J~.~~g·.Adminisfiatfon·; . ·manufactured in the u.s., and has been ·given:r outinety and ·safely since 1·970. . FACT: Since 1971, the Food and Drug Administration h;Js .received onJy ONEE (1.) report of an adverse reaction. This : : : :J~.~~ri~D. wa~ traced to an lnfectton caused by use of a dirty ·: ·:·heedle "when the vaccine was injected. . ~~CT: The most common side effects of the vaccine are mild discomfort at the injection site, joint aches. and-in a few · · :Qa.~fo~-nausea, appetite loss and headaches. Most people . experience more side effects from common flu shots than ·:. trom anthrax vaccines. . . . r~CT:The anthrax vaccine is administered through six shots ·"over.an 18~rnonth period, followed by annual booster shots. ;. FACT: The · anthrax vaccine is administered by the OPP .,.Medical Officer. FACT: The anthrax vaccine is mandatory-except for those . . . .g,r.~w . :.gl~rnqe.-r$ .and ships leaving the Persian Gulf area in 30 :-: : oays AND NOT PLANNING TO RETURN, In other words, the . . .y~ccine wm not be provided to crew members scheduled to ·:.:·: ~ig;n Qff the ship and leave the Gulf within 30 days of arrival. · ·SimifarJy, ships scheduled to remain in the Gulf Jess than 30 ·.days ~Ince. arrival.wi~l .(lot b~ scheduled for immunization vis· ":"n$·~ ···-.:: .:":·:!\lso . excused from taking the vaccine are those who are : '.' ." pf~gn~nt or hav~ immune deficiencies or are over the age of .: · ~~ The va9cination· has neither been te$ted nor FDA... .: , . . ~p.ifroved, .f9r..these groups. June 1998 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of his committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds . SffiPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get co know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to arc avai table to members at a11 times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guarant~ed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �HARRY ~~..,~ t. .~r:;;~:;. , " LIFEBOAT 575 CLASS ~~~-;:::.:v~.:;::_:~~-;i~~' ~.'ii<'· .'" -1_1:m . ~ ft~-.~~ EPA Trainee Lifeboat Class 575-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 575 are (from left, kneeling) Richard Delacruz, Jesse Sharp, Reese Kruse, John Arguello Jr., Jennifer Cronin, (second row) Anthony Reynolds, Erik Haik, Ameon Fuller, Steven Cluff Jr., Charles Valencia , Shane Landon, Andre Terrell, Peter Malone and Ben Cusic (instructor) . Diesel Engine Technology-Marking their graduation from the diesel engine technology class on April 28 are (from left, kneeling) Greg Shepard, William Summers, Jesus Pilare, John Schafer, (second row) David Vega, Troy Fleming, Richard Presson, Brian Wilder, Thomas Flynn, (third row) Al Herrmann, Ron Oyer (instructor), Stephen Roberts and George Phillips. Advanced Refrigeration-Upgrading graduates of the April 23 advanced refrigeration class are (from left, kneeling) Jorge Bonelli, Stephen Harrington, (standing) Paul Pagano, Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Brian Sengelaub and Nathan Hollander. Able Seaman-Completing the AB class on April 2 are (from left, seated) Bonnie Spivey, Sanyboy Whiting, (second row) Scott Helgevold, Thomas Higgins, Christopher Gibson and Tom Gilliland (instructor). Upgraders Lifeboat- SIU members completing the upgraders lifeboat course on April 29 are (from left, kneeling) Abdulla Saeed , Christopher Amigable, Sindy Davis, Erni Lizada, Ludivico Castillo, (second row) Nasser Hussain, David Heim, Donald Lumpkins, Othman Saleh, Scott Helgevold, Cecil Husted, Michael Williams, Monell Liburd and Ben Cusic (instructor) . - Advanced Firefighting-Completing the advanced firefighting course on April 16 are (from left, kneeling) Louis Santiago, Mark Stabler. Patrick Carroll, Eddie Ponteres, Gary Hirsch, Monte Cross. (second row) Charles Brockhaus, Nestor Martinez, Patrick Maher, Joseph Welle 111 , Cynthia Caster, Peter Westropp, Charles Skeen , (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor) , Ursel Barber. Bernard Baker, Jeannie Wilson, Robert Goodson and Robert Hryuze. 22 Seafarers LOG Certification-Earning their EPA certificates as part of the Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations class, the following Seafarers graduated on March 26: (from left, kneeling) Troy Fleming, John Fichter, Jaime Landeira, Evaristo Ginez, (second row) Steven Hoskins, George Habiger, George Phillips, Joel Trotter, Thomas Flynn and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Government Vessels-Receiving their endorsements from the government vessels course on April 22 are (from left, seated) Sanyboy VVhiting, Gabriel Williams, Ronald Miller Jr., Jerome Dooms, Kim Tye, Fernando Ortega, (second row) Thomas Higgins, Joshua Faughn and Thomas Hale. FOWT-Earning their FOWT endorsements on April 2 are (from left, kneeling) Victor Carmon, John Flavin, Jerome Dooms, Ronald Miller Jr., Angelo Valente, Asher Liss , Jimmy Rich , Michael Seyler, (second row) Chrispin Smith, Ricky Regenold , Wayne Peffer, Fernando Ortega, Thomas Hale, Mark Mosher, Mark Jones (instructor) , (third row) Joshua Faughn , Jonathan Driggers, Phillip Dennis, James Van Dyke and Bryson Cutler. Not in the photo is Adnan Nasser. Tanker Assistant DL-s1u members completing the tanker assistant DL course on April 9 are (from left, front row, sitting) Sara Barahona, Patrick Cleveland, William Maggio, Daniel Pappas, Tom Shaffer (instructor), (second row) Adam Hansen, Christopher Swanson, Hiawatha Williams. Davin Gillespie , Jose Zapata , Lewis Findley, Joshua Ryan , Dennis Maguire, (third row) Manuel Little, Ronald Holland , Abedon Lujan , Noah Bradford , Janaro Jackson Sr., Samuel Taylor Ill, Jeffrey Hardy, Keith Manzano Jr., (fourth row) Lewis O'Neal. Anthony Neathery, Tony Olaya, Linnell Coleman , Leporte Jasper, Richard Williamson. (fifth row) Randy Pasquarella, William Taylor, Matthew Delang, Benjamin Vernon, Michael Scheir and Sean McDavitt. June 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COORSE SCHEDULE The foUo~ing is the schea41~ fordasse~ beginning in July. August and September at the SeafarersHarry Lundeberg Schopl of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training . and EdU¥!tion ·Jn ·Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improvethejob skills of Seafarers 'and to promote the American maritime industry. Pl~e note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership. the Safety Specialty Courses Start Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) July 20 August 17 September 14 Augusts Septembers October 3 LNG Familiarization July6 July 10 July 13 August 10 September 7 September 21 July 18 · maiIHm~··.tt~dustiji·:::arit':f:·::·.:· jfrtimes · of conflict-the nation's security. any Students attending of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the . . start dates~ . . . . . . . .. .. ......sea~eii:::W:ho have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the . Lun4.~§Crg ·school may call the admissions office at (30 I) 994-0010. (includes 2 weeks offirefighting, beginning June 22) Basic Firefighting Deck Upgrading Courses Course Date Date of Completion Able Seaman July 27 September 21 September 4 October 30 Radar Observer/Unlimited July 13 August24 September 28 July 24 September 4 October 9 Start Advanced Firefighting August 15 September 12 September 26 July27 Augusts 15 September 12 August) . August 31 Government Vessels ~August July 31 August28 September 25 July 13 August IO September 7 August24 . . . . . . JuJy·lJ,;D·Q:<'.: . Engine ilpgralling·cou"iSif ·September ·'7. · Date Date of Completion July 27 September 21 September 4 October 30 September7 November27 Start · July 25 <:Ault.st io August22 ...... $eptember 19 Recertification Programs or Start Date Completion July 27 Septembel"8 September 21 December 12 Septembers October 16 September4 SNttem~i1 October 2 July 20 August28 ~ptember7 Octoberl6 Bosun Recertification Setr-stutlf·'.:. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient 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 1he from and back of y our "Z·card as well as your Lundeberg School iden1ifica1ion card listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department - - - - - - - - - U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsemenr(s) or License(s) now held -------'-------- -- - - -Rating: - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: If yes, dass # _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting; [j Yes Primary language spoken June 1998 D No CPR: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE DNo D Yes D No 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 f or Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 6198 Seafarers LOG 23 �SEAFARERS Have you planned your summer vacation yet? The Lundeberg School can provide you and your family with an excellent vacation site. For details and rates, see page 14. Ensure a Strong Future U.S. Fleet To Repay Those Who Sailed Before Maritime Day Speakers Look Ahead While Honoring the Past Looking ahead to the next century of U.S.-tlag ships sailing on the high seas served as the central theme at Maritime Memorial Day gatherings in Washington, D.C. on May 21. The annual ceremonies to honor those merchant mariners who lost their lives in service to the country were conducted by the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and U.S. Navy while a Capitol Hill luncheon featuring the chair of the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee was sandwiched in between. ''The proudest honor we can pay those who have gone before us is to make sure America has a strong, viable U.S.-flag merchant marine in the next century," stated SIU President Michael Sacco, one of four speakers during MarAd's event. Sacco pointed out how all aspects of the U.S.-flag maritime industry-MarAd, the Department of Defense, private industry and labor-are working together to provide a strong commercial fleet in the years to come. 'Renewed Excitement' "In fact, although we face many obstacles, this is truly a time of renewed excitement and opportunity in the shipbuilding and seafaring industries/' he told the audicn~c of governmct'\t officials, military officers and industry personnel. He pointed out how American shipyards are again building commen;ial vessels, with con· tainerships. tankers and cruise vessels on their drawing boards. ''Also, in the past year, we have seen on several occasions a sight many believed impossible in the late 1990s. This is commercial vessels taJdng down their foreign flags and replacing them with the Stars and Stripes," he added. Gathering around MSC Commander VADM James Perkins, SIU President Michael Sacco and DOT Secretary Rodney Slater, are members of the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice classes. "We are making slow but steady progress. And with every step we gain, the nation as a whole benefits." Continue to Coopera e Following the same theme, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater first paid his respects co those who died serving America aboard U.S.-f1ag merchant ships. Then, he also called for continued ~ooperation among all aspects of the transportation industry for the nation to compete successfully in the global economy. "It is important for us to rdkct on the past and the strong foundation on which we stand," stated the secretary. "But it is also important for us to gaze ourselves toward a future and the limitless pM~ibilitie~ yet to be realized." He noted the country's growth from its beginning has been directly related to the nation's growth in waterborne commerce. "And it is said that in but two decades our waterborne commerce will more than double," Slater said. "As we prepare to A permanent marker (inset) beneath an evergreen tree in Arlington National Cemetery pays tribute to the nation's merchant mariners. meet America's mobility needs in the 21st century, we remain committed to a robust maritime presence." He reminded the audience of the U.S.-tlag commercial fleet' ties to the military. "Sea power is as vital to America's defense today as it was at the birth of the nation. The Ready Reserve Force is more ready than ever before to meet the surge of sealift requirements whenever such a requirement is necessary. The Maritime Security Program ensures that we will continue to have loyal, well-trained merchant mariners to answer the nation's call by providing for the continued U.S.flag presence in our commercial trades." Support for Military The he of the U.S. Navy's Military Sea1ift Command (MSC) recounted several extraordinary stories of mariners who served above and beyond the call of duty during World War II, including a great uncle of his who sailed multiple times on the Murmansk Run. "That merchant marine performance, those heroic traditions, those high standards, that work ethic continues today," declared Vice Admiral James B. Perkins, MSC commander. "American merchant mariners are making a difference. American merchant mariners are critical to our national defense and to this maritime nation. They are a national treasure." He went on to say, "We cannot let them become an endangered species. They are a resource which must be nurtured and sustained. And that nutrition and sustenance must cause us to rise above our individual agendas and parochial interests and pull together to get the job done." Like Sacco, the admiral equated ensuring a strong merchant marine in the future as repayment for the jobs performed by those who sailed before them. Veterans' Status Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) reminded the Capitol Hill audience of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Pro Clu that1:h enate recently recognized mariners who sailed between August 15, 1945 and December 31, 1946 for veterans' status. She praised Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) for his work to include the amend- Continued on page 20 Presidential Proclamation for National Maritime Day 1998 The United Srates is and has always been a maritime naticn. Our history wtied talhe sea - fr()m the Santa Maria ttJ the MilyRC'~r, from the dipper shipJ M the '1eean liners, from the liberty ibips c1 WorlirWar II to the h11ce, effkient C'1nWfnershlps of the 199& - and our development as a nation has paralleled the growth of waterbome commerce. As we look forward to the challenge of tlte 21st CMtury, we cqntinue /Q rely on our nation's maritime industry and the U.S. merchant marine ta keep America competitive in iln mcre.asingly gloh~I economy_ Ships and harps carry more than ()ne hi/lien tons ofcommerdal cargo annually between ports within our nation. lnttmati<Jnally. more-than OS percent of our imports and exports by weight are transported on water - a total of more than one billion metric tons of cargo each year. We AIS£1 depend en Americ.i smaritime industry and merchant marjne to fill a crucial role in protectinc our natii:Jnal interests and the security ofqur allies, ThrQughovt our history, in times olcc.mflict or crisis, the owners, operators am/ crews of US. .flag- cammercial vessels have provided vital seal/ft capaMity in support of our armed forces, advancinc defense, peacel<eepint and humanit3rlan missions across the globe. Our maritime industry has made many important contributions to the economic strength and deknse capability of our nati()n, and my administriltion has worked with the Congress to implement new approaches to ensure the industFy's cantinued viability. Our National Shipbuilding lniliatives are helping to improve the competitiveness of America$ milr' itime industry by S«klnt tv eliminate foreign subsidies, assisting the industry's intemationa/ marketin9 efforts, eliminating unneaSSCJry government re1ulations .Jnd enhifncing privilte sec1"r financing ofshipbuildint through federal loan fllarante~. Under the Maritime Security Program, the federal govemment contracts with owners and operators olllS. · Oat vessels to supplement our militJry Wilfiff cilpability and gains access to a Reet ofmodem commercial ships i111d the sophistieared intemwdal transportation system that supports it. fopther. these pro;rams protect our nation$ econom· k interests and our national security by ensurin& t/J4t U.S. ·flilg vessels will always sail in the sea li111es ofthe world In recogmfion of the imporliJnce ()f the U.S. me/Thant marine, the Ccngress, by '1 joint resalution approved May 20, 1911, has desiznated May 22 as "National M.Jritime Day" and has authorized and requested the president to issue ~nnvally a pr<Xlamatian calling for its appropri.ite ob~·ervance. NOW, THEREFORE; I, Will/AM J. QINTON, president of the United Stales ofAmerica, do hereby proclaim May JJ, I998 aJ National Maritime Day. I utge all Americans to observe this day with ;1ppropriate programs, ceremonies and activities ilnd by displaying the Rae ofthe United Stale$ at their lwf11ei ;md in their communiti~. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on thill day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my ha!Uf this twenty-first day ofMily, in the yeilr of our lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, tJnd althe Independence ofthe Unired States ofAmerica the two hundred and twfnty-seeond. William J. Clinton May}/, 199$ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF SHIP TO SAIL IN JULY GLOBAL MARINER SPOTLIGHTS CAMPAIGN VS. RUNAWAYS NEW BUILDS, PROJECTED GROWTH SHOW STRONG MARKET FOR U.S.-FLAG CRUISES IMO: STOP SOLO BRIDGE WATCH SAFETY COMMITTEE’S RULING BACKS U.S. POSITION DELTA QUEEN PROVIDES MORE INFO ON NEW COASTAL SHIPS SEA WOLF CREW HONORED FOR ’97 RESCUE MERPAC STUDIES STCW ASSESSMENT, SOLO BRIDGE WATCH CLINTON TAPS HART TO HEAD MARAD GENERAL ROBERTSON TAKES U.S. TRANSCOM’S HELM AS GENERAL KROSS RETIRES AMERICA NEEDS AN EFFECTIVE MARITIME POLICY FATE OF SHIPPING REFORM BILL STILL UNCERTAIN NATIONAL COALITION EXPOSES HAZARDS OF OIL PIPELINES ALASKA APPRENTICES TOUT TRAINING PROGRAM ON TV SAN JOSE NAMED TOP LOGISTICS SHIP TRAINING AND EDUCATION PORTEND STRONG FUTURE FOR SIU, BOSUN SAYS MORAN SAFETY TRAINING IS EXPANDED SCHOOL PRODUCES SHIPBOARD VIDEOS TO HELP ENABLE STCW COMPLIANCE TACKLE EMERGENCY AT SEA CAPTAIN, COMPANY PRAISE ACTIONS ABOARD OMI COLUMBIA CROWLEY BOATMEN ACE REFRESHER COURSE CAPE WRATH JOINS IN WHITBREAD YACHT RAISE SIU CREWS PLAY BIG PART IN GULF SUPPORT MERCHANT MARINERS REMEMBERED FOR SERVICE IN FOREIGN CONFLICTS ENSURE A STRONG FUTURE U.S. FLEET TO REPAY THOSE WHO SAILED BEFORE MARITIME DAY SPEAKERS LOOK AHEAD WHILE HONORING THE PAST Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 6 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c505ff64677477dce3c9a73948d041c2.pdf e2ce8b497ca3dafd2fd00164e8ddfc9a PDF Text Text New Company Boosts U.S.-Flag Tanker Fleet Announcement Signals Job Security In Alaskan North Slope Oil Trade Page 3 Sealarers Sign On New Crowley Tug Representing new employment opportunities as well as a chance for SIU boatmen to work with the latest marine technology, the 105-foot Master officially joined Crowley Maritime Services' fleet last month during a ceremony in Long Beach, Calif. It is the first of six new "Harbor-Class" tractor tugs Crowley is slated to operate. Page 3. Demonstrating that an SIU ship is a safe ship, the LNG Taurus recently reached 900 consecutive days without a lost-time injury-leaving ABs Ken Steiner (left photo) and Kimberly Clark as well as their shipmates with smiles. For details, look inside, on page 14. RUNS SAFETY RECORD TO Philly Action: From Tugs to Deep Sea Business is on the upswing in the port of Philadelphia, and SIU crews are doing their parts to ensure efficient operations there, including (below) Chief Cook Michael Harris, pictured aboard the deep-sea vessel Carolina; and (photo at left, from left) inland boatmen Deckhand Ed Devine, Deckhand Ted Rozier and Captain Jeff Parkin, shown at the McAllister pier. Pages 12·13. New Prescription Program For Pensioners Kicks Ott Bisso, Hvide, Moran Crews Approve 3-Year Contracts MarAd Awards Pacts For Re~dy Reserve Force Working Families Rally, Defeat Proposition 226 �Clinton Announces New Program To Fund Dredging in Nation's Ports President's Report A Tremendous Win for Workers Last month, our brothers and sisters in California proved once again that there is strength in unity. When the defeat of the anti-worker initiative known as Proposition 226 was announced, all working people scored a tremendous victory because union men and women stood side-byside to deliver one of the biggest campaign reversals in recent times. At the beginning of this year, polls showed Proposition 226 was headed for a landslide vicMichael Sacco tory. Anti-worker forces had done their homework and prepared Californians for a ballot measure they called "campaign finance reform." Who wouldn't be for that? Whenever you tum on the news or read a paper, there are stories about the constantly climbing costs of running for political office. In fact, three out of every four voters initially said they favored what they had been told about the initiative to reign in campaign spending. Union families even supported what they had heard about the measure by the same margin. Then, the actual language of Proposition 226 was released. The fancy talk of "campaign finance reform" was a flat-out lie. Union members discovered Proposition 226 was a slick attempt to keep them out of the political process-from campaigning for pro-worker candidates co lobbying elected officials. So, the union men and women of California-including Seafarers-knew what they had to do. Working men and women banded together to launch a major statewide grassroots effort. They made phone calls. They wrote letters. They posted yard signs. They passed out leaflets. They talked with family, friends and neighbors. They reached people with the facts. Without the voice of working people in the political process, such issues as environmental protection, public school funding and safe work sites that are taken for granted may be endangered. Union members got this message through to the voters loud and clear. Meanwhile, the anti-worker forces thought their lead was solid. They had written off labor and didn't think anybody could mount a successful campaign in just four months. But working families-the same folks who, against tough odds, have won organizing campaigns and beaten back attempts by union-busters-knew better. Gradually, the polls showed the number of people supporting Proposition 226 was shrinking. Less than two weeks before the ele,tion, the first independent polls showed more people opposed the initiative than supported it. During the early morning hours of June 3, the results came in. Those opposed to Proposition 226 got 53.5 percent of the vote-a clear, solid come-from-behind victory for working people. Exit polling revealed seven our of every l 0 union households voted against the proposition. · Everyone who worked and voted against Proposition 226 is to be congratulated. No one gave working people a chance to even make this race close. But once again, union members have shown they don't understand the word "impossible." If there is any glimmer of hope, they will find it and make it glow brightly. That is why anci-worker forces have been defeated in 23 of the 31 other states where they have introduced legislation similar to Proposition 226. But the battle continues. The anti-worker faction has vowed to push forward their effort to silence the voice of working people in the political process. They don't care that independent agencies who monitor campaign spending have shown big business outspent labor 11 to 1 during the 1996 election cycle. They simply want it all for themselves and have said as much. That is why working people must remain united and vigilant to future attacks on their rights. It is a fight that must be and will be President Clinton has pro·posed a new funding program to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of America's ports into the next century. Called the "Harbor Services Fund," the program would replace the Harbor Maintenance Tax which was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in March. The president first mentioned the creation of the Harbor Services Fund in a speech before the National Oceans Conference, delivered June l 2 in Monterey, Calif. In his remarks, Clinton said the nation "must create sustainable ports for the 21st century." He noted international trade will double within the next 20 years, "and more than 90 percent of this trade will move by ocean. I propose a new Harbor Services Fund to help our ports and harbors remain competitive in the new century, by deepening them for the newest and largest ships, and by providing state-of-the-art navigation tools for preventing marine accidents." During the same address, Clinton announced he had pledged extra dollars to help in the maintenance dredging project for the port of New York/New Jersey. Immediately after his speech, the White House released some more details concerning the new fund, which would raise $800 million over the next five years. The money would be co11ected from a new user fee and be used to finance harbor dredging, port construction activities and navigation safety improvements. However, as the Seafarers LOG went to press, specifics on the new user fee had not been released. The SIU is studying all information available on the proposed program. Others in the maritime industry already have expressed concern and are urging port work be funded through the U.S. gener- AP Photo/Reed Saxon As Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Vice President Al Gore applaud, President Bill Clinton announces the administration's call to maintain and improve America's harbors and ports so they will be able to compete in the 21st century's global market. al treasury as was done prior to 1986. "Unless our ports are prepared by deepening channels to accommodate larger cargo ships, American consumers will pay more for imported goods, and American businesses wil1 pay higher export costs," according to the statement from the White House. As noted earlier, the Clinton administration has been working for several months to replace the Harbor Maintenance Tax because of the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court in killing the measure. The nation's highest court ruled the tax is not a true user fee and was applied unconstitutionally against exports. It had been created in 1986 to fund the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which paid for the operation and maintenance of harbors and channels. When it was first implemented, the tax was set at a level that collected 40 percent of the cost thought to be required to cover maintenance dredging. However, the tax was tripled in the 1990 budget agreement and has produced a surplus. Prior to 1986, funding for harbor and channel maintenance came from the nation's general treasury. In fact, among the initial measures considered and passed by the first Congress was authorization in l 789 of navigation channel improvement projects. This is not the first time the Clinton administration has been involved in finding a solution to the dredging problems facing the nation's ports. Vice President Al Gore last year worked with representatives from maritime labor, the shipping industry, the port of New York/New Jersey, and government officials from that area to come up with a program to dredge that harbor and its channels. Work is expected to start later this year to deepen the channels to 45 feet, thus permitting the larger ships to sail into the harbor without lightering. Maintenance dredging has taken place recently in the port of Oakland, Calif. keeping its channels open for containerships and other vessels. Last month, the port of Boston awarded a contract to begin maintenance dredging later this year. Academy Honors SIU President won. llulume 601 Number 7 July 1998 1he SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auch Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy presented SIU President Michael Sacco with an honorary degree, the first in the school's history, June 15 during graduation ceremonies at the Kings Point, N.Y. facility. After accepting the marine science diploma, Sacco told the academy graduates, "You picked the right time to enter the U.S. merchant marine, and I know you will help us continue the resurgence of our industry." Pictured with the SIU president are Rear Admiral Thomas Matteson (in uniform), superintendent of the academy, and Dr. Warren Mazek. Photos: Brian Ballweg July 1998 �New Company Formed To Move Alaskan Oil BP, MOC, Keystone Jointly Operated Fleet Will Provide Job Security for Sea/arers BP Shipping, Maritime Overseas and Keystone Shipping announced in a statement last month they have reached an agreement in principle to form a joint operating company to manage the fleet that moves BP's Alaska North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska. This will provide job security for SIU members who sail aboard tankers. "We welcome this announcement because it ensures the U.S.flag tanker fleet will have a strong presence well into the next century," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "This means a continuation of good jobs aboard modern tankers." The present fleet of tankers will continue to operate as is until the new, unnamed company is formed, according to SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Vessels not sailing in the Alaska trade will not be affected, he added. The primary focus for the new company-to be located in the Pacific Northwest-will be to further enhance the quality of operations, safety and environmental performance as well as adoption of the highest standards from each of the participating companies, noted the release issued jointly by all three companies. "During the past several months, we have worked closely with the leadership of our existing unions to assure that our existing crews will be emploJed into the next century and that the new company, with the full support of its unions, will provide a stable source and supply of the highest quality shipboard personnel to meet the crewing demands generated by the advanced design of the new vessels as they are brought on line," stated the release. BP has new tankers scheduled for delivery beginning in 2001. BP also announced it would increase production in Alaska by 100,000 barrels a day over the next three years which will ensure employment for Seafarers for many years to come. The Seafarers LOG will provide more information on the new company as details become available. SIU-Contracted Companies Ta Manage 55 RRF Ships In a statement released by the Department of Transportation, seven SIU-contracted companies were awarded a total of 55 ships from the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet to manage over the next five years. The companies which were awarded contracts are Apex Marine Ship Management of Lake Success, N .Y.; Interocean Ugland Management Corp. of Voorhees, NJ.; Ocean Duchess, Inc. of Houston; Patriot Contract Services of Walnut Creek, Calif.; Pacific-Gulf Marine of Gretna, La.; Sea-Land Scrvi~c of Charlotte, N.C. and V Ships Marine of Mineola, N.Y. The vessels in the RRF fleet are used when the nation's armed fon;es require ~urge shipping, such as during the Persian Gulf War. The ships are owned by the government and operated by pri· vate shipping companies using American merchant mariners. The fleet is maintained in various states of readiness. Some vessels are ready to sail at a moment's notice as prepositioning ships. Others stand in reserve operating status (ROS). ready to be crewed and deployed in five days or less. RRF Ships to Be Managed Crowley Marine Services last month christened the first of six new "Harbor-Class" tractor tugs in a Long Beach, Calif. ceremony which signified new job opportunities for SIU boatmen. The 105-foot Master, featuring state-of-the-art equipment throughout, joins Crowley's West Coast ship docking operations. ''These are very high-tech boats, so proper training is vital," observed the SIU's Wilmington, Calif. port agent, John Cox. "They're very different from other tugboats. It's a great opportunity for SIU members to work with the absolute latest technology." As will be the case with its sister ships, the Master is equipped with a computer that allows frequent communication with Crowley's port offices. It is outfitted with Voith Schneider propulsion units, powered by two Caterpillar 3516-B engines and possesses 4,800 horsepower. With that equipment plus cycloid propellers, the 360degree thrust "enables these tugs to perform a variety of maneuvers without changing position," the company pointed out. In announcing the christening, Crowley also noted that the Master "has an indirect bollard pull in excess of 120 tons at 10 knots .... In addition, the unique hydrodynamics of the hull result in increased tons of steering and braking force." Crowley added two other tractor tugs to its tleet last year, and those also are crewed by Seafarers. by SIU Companies La$t month, the Maritime Administration announced .seven SI LI-contracted companies will manage 55 Ready Reserve Force vessels during the next five years. listed befow are the companies awarded C()ntracts and the ships they wilt oversee. . . . Apex Marine (11) .... , Cape.Jacob:.. Cape Jol'\n Gopher State _;: Meteor . · Ses-LJJnd (9) · Wright Diamond State Equality State Guff Sank9r GUif Trader IUM Corp. (12) Cape Fear Cape May cape Mendocino Cape Mt'lhican Cape lnscripti_on Cape Intrepid Cape Johnson Cape Juby Cape Taylor Cape Texas Cape Trinity Oaean Duch•n (3) Alatna Chattahoochee Nodaway Patriot (6) Cape Isabel Cape Island Cape Race Gape Ray Cape Aise Cape Washington Cape Wrath ~pe Brttton Cape Gibson Cap8 Gir8rdeau VShips (10) American Osprey Cape Farewell Cape Flattery Gape Florida Chesapeake Comet CornhuskAI' State Courittr Gem State Grand Canyon State Keystone Stattt Curtiss Pioneer commander Mount Washington Pioneer Contractor Potomac Cape Nome Flickertail State - Cape Blanco Cape Borda Cape Bover Pacific-Gulf (4) Banner The rest of the fleet operates under 10-to-20-day activation status. Among the types of bottoms in the RRF fleet are tankers, roll-on/roll-offs, breakbulk, auxiliary crane ships and barge-carrying vessels. In releasing the list of con- Slater Backs Reform Bill Transponation Secretary Rodney Slater announced the Clinton administration's support for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, as the Seafarers LOG went to press. The House of Representatives is expected to act soon on legislation which would amend the Shipping Act of 1984 as well as extend the cutoff date for veterans' status for World War II merchant mariners. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act cleared the Senate on April 21 and was sent to the House. Early last month, House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.) said he would not hold hearings on the measure, thus clearing it for full House consideration. The bitt would eliminate tariff-filing with the government which would allow importers and exporters to keep their contracts with ship operators confidential. It also preserves the Federal Maritime Commission as an independent agency. July 1998 Crawley Christens High-Tech Tugboat tracts for the 89-ship fleet, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater said, "The contracts will advance the nation's security interest by ensuring that maritime transportation resources are secure and available when needed." Acting Maritime Administrator John Graykowski added the partnership between the private ·u.s. shipping companies and MarAd has been successful because reserve ships have been ready when needed and have achieved outstanding operational records. The announcement revealed the fleet was remaining at the same number of vessels despite a Department of Defense study on U.S. sealift needs, conducted immediately after the 1991 conflict in the Middle East, which called for expansion of the RRF. SIU members in Southern California welcome the addition of the Master and other new Crowley boats. Above (from left), Engine Utility Jim Martin, SIU Port Agent John Cox and Captain Kerry DeMatos prepare to inspect the Master prior to its christening. Herb Brand Passes Away Herbert Brand, longtime associate of the SIU and a tireless advocate of the U.S. merchant marine, passed away on June 26, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. He was 84. Mr. Brand was widely recognized for his many and varied contributions co the U.S. maritime industry. He worked closely with the late SIU President Paul Hall for many years. Among numerous other activities, he served as chairman of the Transportation Institute, a Washington-based organization engaged in maritime industry research and promotion. Mr. Brand was a native of New York and a U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II. A more detailed remembrance will appear in next month's LOG. Seafarers LO& 3 �New Alaskan Riding Gangs Draw Praise for Work Aboard Tankers In just their first weeks of working aboard tankers sailing from Alaska, the SIU riding gangs from Anchorage already are drawing praise. "Their work is above and beyond," stated Bosun Jeff Ktis of the crew aboard the Overseas Boston. "They are a cracker-jack crew with a smile on their faces even under the worst conditions." Ten Alaskan residents have formed three teams to work as riding gangs on tankers sailing from Valdez, Alaska. The availability of the gangs was negotiated by the union in the 1996 general tanker agreement. The program has created new jobs for residents of the Last Frontier state, a prospect which gained the attention of Alaska's lone congressman, Don Young (R-Alaska). Young met with the members of the riding gangs on their last day of training prior to boarding their first vessels. "When Representative Young heard about our program, he asked if he could talk with them," recalled SIU Anchorage Representative Harold Holten. "When he walked into the room, I don 't know who was happier, the congressman or the class." Young congratulated the members and urged them to do a good job in the hopes the program could be expanded. The congressman is a strong supporter of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. He is the only member of Congress to hold a merchant mariner's license. Prior to boarding the tankers, the new riding gang members went through strenuous training to learn about the vessels and the jobs they were going to perform. The group includes Fabio Concep- cion, Rafael Concepcion, Romeo Fronteras, Wellington Furment, Ernesto Maya, Alan Oyao, Fernando Oyao, Cecadio Romneyt, Julio Soriano and Segundo Soriano. Half of the gang had been members of the SIU-affiliated Alaskan Fishermen's Union. Sessions included respiratory protection, confined space awareness, personal protective equipment, energy isolation, emer- gency communications and fall protection/rigging. So far, riding gang members have been assigned to the Overseas Boston, Overseas Juneau and Overseas Chicago. Holten accompanied each team to its new vessel and reported they were well received by the Seafarers aboard the tankers. U.S. Rep. Don Young (second from left) poses with members of the new Alaska riding gang after meeting with them in Anchorage. The SIU members are working aboard tankers sailing out of Valdez, Alaska. Boatmen at Bisso, H11ide1 Maran Ratify Contracts Boatmen at three SIU-contracted inland companies recently ratified three-year contracts at each site that boost wages and call for various other improvements. Seafarers employed by E.N. Bisso Co., Hvide Marine Towing Services, and Moran Towing of Texas, respectively, approved pacts that went into effect last month. Bisso The Bisso contract marked just the second such agreement in the company's 118-year history. It includes wage increases, establishes a seniority system, ~nd provides for no increase in health insurance costs for Seafarers for the life of the contract. Members of the SIU negotiating committee expressed satisfar.tion with the contract while also focusing on the overall progress the boatmen have made since voting to join the union in 1994. "If you stick together, things will get better. We keep showing that," said Engineer Chris Westbrook. "It has been well worth everything we've gone through. "From day one to now, we've gotten pay raises, (access to) a grievance and arbitration system, Among the SIU boatmen who recently ratified new contracts ar~ those who work aboard Bisso tugboats (shown above). Also benefiting from new agreements are Seafarers who sail aboard Hvide Marine and Moran of Texas vessels. Most Philippine Maritime Schools Do Not Meet STCW Regulations More Than 100 Face Possible Closure in 1999 More than 100 maritime schools located in the Philippines may be next year for failure to comply with regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention, according to a report in the Business Times. Only six of the country's 122 maritime schools passed a recent evaluation by rhe Philippine government, according to the article. The ~ommission that regulates educational facilities in Lhe Philippines reporredly will close the non-compliant maritime schools in June 1999 if they do not meet the new standards. A Philippine official told the publication that most of the country's maritime training institutions lack qualified instructors and sufficient equipment. Meanwhile, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has agreed to serve as a consultant to the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen's Union of the Philippines-a 55,000-member unit that is affiliated with the International Transport Workers' Federation-in its efforts to establish a maritime academy in the island nation. ~loscd 4 Seafarers LOii a retirement plan-and a lot more respect." Derek Ponamsky OS described the negotiations as difficult but fair. ''There had to be some concessions made on both sides. Foolish demands from either side don't do any good, and we have to realize that this is a marathon, not a sprint," he observed. "The two things that really stand out to me are the seniority and the medical rate freeze. You can see we're making progress." Chief Engineer Robert Jordan (who sometimes sails in the deck department) also noted the widespread desire for the seniority sysrem. "I think that's what most of the members wanted. It's also a good thing that we froze the medical insurance costs. Overall, I would say it's a good contract." he concluded. Engineer Todd Rabalais also served on the committee. Bisso operates a fleet of 15 boats, most of which work in ship docking operations from the Gulf of Mexico up the Mississippi River as far north as Baton Rouge, La. Several vessels also sail offshore. were AB James Shipley and Engineer Chris Butts. Hvide in March acquired the seven harbor tugs formerly operated by Sabine Towing. Four are based in Port Arthur, Texas and two in Lake Charles, La., with the other operating as a support vessel for both areas. Moran The Moran contract boosts wages; increases dental, optical and outpatient benefits; and raises the pension amount paid to qua1ified retirees. ''The strongest points are the medical benefits, plus we got our sick leave (benefit) up to full pay," stated Captain Craig Arnaud, a member of the negotiating committee. "Those really were big plusses .... I was pretty happy with the contract." Also serving on the committee were Captain Ryan Riggins, AB Steve Wells and Engineers Cliff Champagne and Scooter Ashwood. Moran operates three harbor tugs and four offshore boats. The harbor tugs dock and undock vessels as well as perfonn other harbor work in the waters surrounding the ports of Port Arthur, Orange and Beaumont, Texas. The offshore tugs and barges transport petroleum along the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico. Please be advised·that·S/U headquarters and all SIU hin"ng halls will be closed on · Monday, August 17, 1998 (unless an ·emergency arises) for the observance of Paul Halls birthday. Normal busi,ness hours will resume the following workday. Solidarity with Laundry Workers Hvide As with Bisso, the Hvide Marine pact carried historical overtones. It is the first inland union contracr the company has signed. Among rhe agreement's highlights are increased dental, optical and outpatienr dependent benefits; wage increases; and increases in the pension contribution. "The medical benefits are something that all the guys were looking for," explained Captain Dallas Higgins, who served on the bargaining committee. "We were extremely satisfied with that, and this also is the first time we've had call-back days in our contract." A 1978 graduate of the trainee program at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. and a frequent upgrader, Higgins credited both the company and the union for maintaining a constructive tone throughout the negotiations. Joining him on the committee SIU President Michael Sacco delivered a message of solidarity June 4 at the convention of the AFL·CIO Laundry and Dry Cleaning International Union in Pittsburgh. Sacco, who also is president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department {MTD), detailed the MTD's role in advancing the agenda of working families, and the importance of political action. He also discussed how the labor movement had won a critical vote on California's Proposition 226 just two days before the Laundry Workers' convention. Listening to Sacco's message are Laundry Workers President Mary O'Brien and Secretary-Treasurer Sam Segler. July 1998 �California Voters, Nevada Judge Reject Efforts to Squelch Voice of Workers Week After Californians Say No, Silver State Court Says Proposal 'Unconstitutional' Working people across the country gained Lwo major victories last month when efforts to limit the political and lobbying activities of unions were rejected in neighboring western states. On June 2, the voters of California soundly defeated Proposition 226, a ballot initiative which would have prevented unions from using dues money for campaigning, lobbying or other purposes except collective bargaining without the annual written approval of union members on forms supplied by the state. A week later, a district court in Clark County, Nev. threw out as unconstitutional an attempt by anti-worker forces to place a similar measure before that state's voters. "The voters of California and the judge in Nevada have backed what we in the labor movement have known all alongthat the working men and women of America have the right to participate in the political process," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "These anti-worker forces have been defeated in legislatures, on the ballot and in the courtroom. No matter where they turn, they are coming face-to-face with the reality that working people have been, are and will be a major player in the process of electing officials and lobbying for legislation," he added. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the Nevada court decision coming in the wake of the California election "strikes another stunning blow to the agenda to knock working families off the political playing field. The court's ruling on the Nevada ballot initiative and the defeat of California's Proposition 226 send a clear message that taking aim at working families won't substitute for real [campaign finance] reform." BatUes Waged Across Nation Since late last year, anti-worker corporations, lobbyists and individuals have been attempting to change state and feder- Actions Taken Around the ·Country · On Anti-Worker Legislation (as of mid-June) Alaska ...................................................defeated in legislature Arizona ................................................. defeated in legislature California ..............................................defeated by voters C~Jorado .... :.... ~ ..................................... defeated in legislature, possible initiative Connecti~ut .......................................... defeated in legislature ·:Florida .. ,..... ,,.,.,,,;:.~ .......... :~. :: .... c., ...•. , •• deff;!ated .in l~gislature • Georgia ..... ,.,.,. ..... :~······ .. •• ...................... defeated in fegislature . Hawaii .. ~ ...... .'.... ~·~: .. ~~............. ~ .. ··'.·'.... ···~· ... defeated In legislature ./K~nsas .......... ~ .... ;,·;.~·... ·,··;:·~., ..,;_;/~--~-~~--:-~_defeated in legis~ature Maine ....................................................defeated in legislature )~:Ma.r.y.land. .... ;....•.·. : .,:· ,~·~. :·~~· .~ .•• ,~;· ,~ .... ,........ defe~ted in legisfature ".'.fYl~~sachus~tts. .......... :'.. ..... :.... :~:~·····~·~r.·:pending in legislature . Michigan -----------·,-·-- ~ -.·;·• .· ..........................pending in legislature ·.: "Minn. ~sota~. ~; . ~ .·_'~· . : ....·.; ·;· ~·:· .. ·........·... ·:·•. ~·.••.•..•. defeated in legistet,ure :::Mississippi .. ~. ~: ............ :........'. ................defeated In legislature :. Mi$SOuri _____ , _____ :................................... ~defeated in legislature . : New ~~rsey~..............~ ..... ~........ , ... ,... ., .... ,pending in legislature ·..r~ew Mexico ........ ,. ................................. defeated in legislature "Nevada ............ ., .................................. .initiative declared unconstitutional . : .Oklahoma ............................................. defeated in legislature · Oregon .................................................initiative pending al laws to limit the political and lobbying activities of unions. These groups have used such misnomers as "campaign finance reform," "paycheck protection" and "giving union members a choice" in their attempts to hide what they actually are doing. As of mid-June, the anti-worker forces had been able to bring up their proposals in 32 states in the form of legislation or ballot measures. So far, these proposals have been rejected in 24 states. The rallying cry of the anti-union groups was the fact that labor unions provided $58 million dollars to support proworking family candidates during the 1996 election cycle. The anti-worker forces whined that labor and their supporters gained an unfair advantage through the spending and moved to do something to limit it. They also were upset that working people persuaded Congress to increase the national minimum ·wage, turn back legislation to recognize sham company unions and defeat an extension of fast-track trade negotiations because it did not include provisions to deal with workers and the environment. However, what they did not want made public was the amount of money they poured into the 1996 election cycle. According to the Federal Election Commission and Center for Responsive Politics, big business provided its friends and allies with $653 million- I I times that spent by the unions. Focus on California While the efforts to stop the anti-worker proposals have been hard fought in each state, none garnered as much media attention as the campaign in California. Independent polling taken as late as February in the Golden State showed three of every four voters in favor of the socalled campaign finance reform initiative. The polls revealed support for the idea from union households closely matched that of all voters. However, support for the iniriative starred to crumble when the language of Proposition 226 was presented to the voters. In an effort to mislead the electorate, the authors of Proposition 226 led with a call to ban foreign contributions in California elections-something that already is illegal in the state. The rest of the text outlined the plan to not allow unions to use dues money for campaigning or lobbying without the yearly approval in writing from its members. The approval would have to be contained on a form supplied by and kept on file by the state. The measure's language stated, if passed, it would be implemented on July l. However, state officials said the new agency called for by the initiative could not possibly be ready before January l, 1999. The result would have been the elimination of unions from the fall elections in California. Among the seats to be decided is the governor's chair. Unified Labor Movement •;. :#!lease note: The rules in some legislatures allow a defeated bill to be offered ::.":~gain ln an altered version or amended to an entirely different measure. . SOUflCe: AFL-CIO Department of Field Mobilization July 1998 Union members launched a grassroots campaign to educate their fellow brothers and sisters as well as the rest of the voters in California. Seafarers in San Francisco and Wilmington were among those making telephone calls, passing out leaflets and talking with friends and neighbors. "The labor movement really came together," noted SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. "Our members got out with others because all of us knew what was at stake. This was life or death." Poll numbers showed a steady drop in Bill Burke/Page One Meeting with the press on June 3, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney states the defeat of Proposition 226 in California sends a message to anti-union forces that "pounding working families is a losing proposition." the number of people who supported Proposition 226. Finally, two weeks before the election, the first independent statewide polls showed more voters opposing the measure than supporting it. When the final results were announced in the early hours of June 3, those voting against Proposition 226 garnered 53.5 percent while those for carried only 46.5 percent. More than three of every four union households voted against Proposition 226, according to exit polling. Fight Is Not Over "Despite winning this very important battle, let's not lose ·sight of the fact the anti-union forces are still out there trying to find other ways to hurt working people," SIU President Sacco pointed out. Several different bills are before Congress, even though some forms of the anti-worker language have been rejected by members in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Se-veral state legislatures are in session with measures before them. Also, the anti-worker groups have grassroots campaigns to gain signatures on petitions to attempt ballot drives in other states. Finally, these forces have vowed to try again in states where they already have been defeated. "Union members have shown they understand how important the political process is in their lives," Sacco added. ''They are willing to fight and fight again to preserve their rights. ''They have shown they are up to the challenge and they will be prepared to meet it squarely and repel it when the anti-worker forces try again." What YOU Can Do If your state is listed as pending: • Write. call or visit and inform your legislator why such a measure is bad for all working people. • Meet with friends, family and neighbors. Let them know how these bills hurt them, and ask them to contact their elected officials. If your state is having an initiative: • Register to vote, then vote against it. • Urge your friends, family and neighbors to do the same. If your state is not listed: • Remind your legislator there is no need for such legislation as it harms all working people. Seafarers LOG 5 �Cleveland Crew Proud to Support U.S. Policies And SIU Traditions Seafarers aboard the SIUcrewed Cleveland recently witnessed the devastating effects of El Nino when the Sealift, Inc. breakbulk freighter transported vehicles, building material, equipment and personnel from New Orleans and Panama to the ravaged, rain-ridden town of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The operation, dubbed "New Horizons," is a U .S. govemmentsponsored aid program, incorporating equipment and manpower from the U.S . Marine Corps, Air Force and National Guard to provide relief to Ecuador in the form of building new schools and missions as well as clearing roads and replacing bridges which had been washed out by the flooding. The cargo initially was loaded onto six hopper barges in Louisville, Ky. and floated down the Mississippi River to the port of New Orleans. Floating cranes were used to lift the cargo directly onto the Cleveland, a C-5 cargo ship contracted by the Military Sealift Command. The photographs accompanying this article (taken by AB David J. Garoutte and sent to the LOG by Chief Steward Miguel E. Vinca) were shot in the port area as well as approximately 35 kilometers up the Esmeraldas River, where the road was washed out and passage inland became dangerous. Garoutte also noted that "due to natural hazards and guerilla activity in the area, night time travel is not advised." "New Horizons" is a prime example of the U.S. government fine-tuning its foreign aid programs, and the Seafarers aboard the Cleveland were proud to be in a position to support America's policies while at the same time uphold the time-honored traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. The main road in the town of Esmeraldas is totally under water. 5 Union-Crewed Vessels Jain U.S.-Thai Operation Fifteen kilometers upriver, the rain-swollen Esmeraldas River is about twiGe its normal size. At right, th~ 018ve1Md'$ 70-tM jumbo Mom offloads a heavy-lift military truck. Four SIU-crewed vessels were among five Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships that sailed to Thailand in late April to provide direct support to this year's annual Cobra Gold exercise. Cobra Gold '98 is the latest in the continuing series of U.S.Thailand military exercises designed to provide constructive benefits to the people of Thailand through combined U.S.-Thailand medical and civil affairs projects. Another of the goals is to strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand. The Cape Inscription was the first of the five MSC ships to arrive in the port of Chuk Samet, Thailand. The roll-on/roll-off vessel carried more than 300 items for the 10,600 U.S. service members and approximately 6,250 Thai troops participating in the operation. Included among the items were amphibious assault vehicles, tractors, bulldozers, fuel trucks, generators, electronic vans and containers needed by the par- ticpants to build and operate their base camps. The Cape Inscription was followed a few days later by the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, the crane ship Gopher State and the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. Using cranes on board the Lopez, cargo was lifted to flatbottom barges · (lighters) and floated to the pier. There, the cargo was moved from the lighters by the Gopher State onto the pier. While all this was talcing place, the Lummus transferred more than 57 ,000 gallons of fuel at the fuel/ammunition pier. The fuel offloading, which was expected to take two days to complete, was finished in one. The brunt of the exercise took place between May 18 and June 2: however. its effects will linger long after the operation has been completed. MSC support for Cobra Gold '98 will continue until all the cargo and equipment has been backloaded, and the ships return home. Marching for Democracy The offloaded cargo from the Cleveland is put in a staging area, bound for inland areas hard-hit by El Nino. USllS Capable Lives Up ta Its llame After hearing a distress signal from a sinking boat off the coast of Columbia in late May, the SIUcrewed USNS Capable answered the call. The vessel, operated by Maersk Line for the Military Sealift Command (MSC), was the first of several other craft to arrive on the scene, where they found the 49-foot Ownella bobbing in the water, keel up. The Capable 's rigid, inflatable-hull boat (used in rescue operations) was dispatched for a closer inspection of the wreckage. Lines were found to be wrapped around the capsized boat's propeller, but no survivors were located. At the request of the Curacao Coast Guard. the USNS Capable assumed on-scene commander duties and coordinated the search patterns of a merchant tanker, the Crudesky, and a Curacao search 6 Seafarers LO& aircraft. The crew aboard the MSC vessel retrieved a life jacket with a Colombian passport attached (which they turned over to the Colombian Embassy at their next port of call). The Crodesky and the Colombian Coast Guard vessel each recovered one body from the water in the surrounding area. Throughout the entire recovery operation, the Capable remained on the scene. The vessel's owner was contacted and arranged for a tug to tow the wreckage hack to Columbia. The Otonella had a crew of seven and was carrying a cargo of 25 tons of chicken. The USNS Capable is one of three ocean surveillance ships devoted to counter-drug operations, and is one of approximately 25 special mission ships operated by the MSC. Seafarers joined with other trade unionists and human rights activists in a march for Nigerian democracy in front of the African nation's embassy in Washington, D.C. on June 17. The marchers celebrated the release of imprisoned trade unionists Milton Dabibi and Frank Kokori, while urging the new government to institute democratic reforms. Pictured above are Curtis Dix and Max Hall. July 1998 �Well are Plan Launches Money-Saving Prescription Program for Pensioners Qualified Retirees Will Save Out-of-Pocket Expenses SIU pensioners will be able to take advantage this month of the newest benefit to be added the welfare plan-a prescription medicine program that eliminates the need to pay at the counter. ''This new program is the latest way we are looking out for our members when they have completed their sailing days," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. Eligible retirees should receive in the mail during July a pharmacy identification card along with a letter explaining the new program. The card features the SIU logo along with the member's name and an individual identification number on the front. On the reverse side is a computer strip, much like those on credit cards, for use by pharmacists when a prescription is picked up. The cards and program are being implemented for the Seafarers Welfare Plan by National Prescription Administrators, Inc. (NPA), a firm which provides managed care pharmaceutical services across the country. The company has been in business since 1978. It serves more than 3,500 clients with 7 million covered participants. More than 50,000 drug stores participate in the NPA program. SIU pensioners will receive a list of NPA-approved pharmacies in their states when they receive their prescription card. "We believe this program will provide a tremendous benefit for our pensioners because they will not have any money coming out of their pockets when they have to pick up their prescriptions as long as they have the card with them," stated Lou Delma, plan administrator. "This also will mean a better quality of service as they may choose between going to the drug store to get the prescription or having it delivered by mail." As mentioned by Delma, another aspect of the new program will allow pensioners to order their medications through the mail. He pointed out this would help those who take a certain prescription on a regular basis. In the letter being sent to the Blue Ridge Crew Backs Jones Act During a recent meeting aboard the Crowl~y tanker Blue Ridge in the port of New York, Seafarers empMsiled that the Jone~ Act is vital to America's merchant fleet and therefore to the nation's security. Crew members also discussed the contract covering the BlutJ Ridge, the need for merchant mariners to be politically active and the importance of shipboard safety, among other topics. Pictured above (from left) C\r$ GSU Hamoud Dahbali, Second Pumpman Michael Ribeiro, Bosun Mike Moore, Pumpman Charle~ Dahlhaus, Wiper Abdul Mo~~. AB K. Savage, QMED Jack Singletary, Chief CMk Joe Clark and Steward/Baker Ron Malo~i. In ~hotO$ (lireetly below, Malozi (left) and Clark prepare lunch for their hun· gry, hard-working shipmates. Bottom photo shows the Blue Ridge at sea. July 1998 qualified retirees, the Seafarers Welfare Plan informs them they will be able to receive up to a 34day supply or 100 units of medicine, which ever is greater. If requested by the pensioner's doctor, refills will be available for up to one year. Although it is not mandatory, pensioners also have the option of requesting a generic equivalent medication. Delma noted the use of generic drugs will save the plan additional dollars which will help ensure the program's success. Besides receiving a list of participating drug stores in the pensioner's state, he or she will be able to call ·a toll free number for additional information. Also, pharmacies recognizing the NPA program either have a green-andwhite NPA logo in the door or at the pharmacy counter. Delma said the program's tmportant Dates in SIU Pension Coverage 1949 - Seafarers Welfare Plan implemented. 1961 - SIU negotiates first pension plan for deep sea members. 1981 - Contract negotiations provide revamped pension program. Benefits include medical coverage because of closure of U.S. Public Health Service hospitals and clinics which had provided such treatments for U.S. mariners. 1993 - New contrac! lifts cap for maximum monthly pension benefit 1998 - New prescription plan eliminates qualified retirees' out-of-pocket expenses. effectiveness will be evaluated before a final decision is made to expand a similar prescription plan to active Seafarers. Pensioners who have any questions or concerns about the new .benefit may call the Seafarers Welfare Plan at 1-800-252-4674. ITF Report Reveals Routine Lack of Rest The International Transport Workers' Federation (I1F) recently released results of an extensive study on mariner fatigue, and the report reveals "shocking new evi· dence of potentially huge risks to shipping safety and marine safety environment" because of "disturbing excess hours" on the job. Describing the survey as "thought to be the most extensive research ever undertaken into seafarers' hours," the ITF also issued a number of recommendations to combat the problem, including "increases to inadequate crewing levels." The SIU is one of the more than 470 transport-related unions around the world that comprise the London-based ITF. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section_ Titled "Seafarer fatigue: Wake up to the dangers," the ITF report in part is based on surveys of 2,500 mariners from doz.ens of nations. The British officers' union NUMAST assisted in its preparation. It points out that the US Coast Guard has identified fatigue as a factor in 16 percent of major vessel accidents. The study also notes the following: • 30 percent of those surveyed regularly work at least 12 hours per day. • 36 percent get fewer than 10 hours of rest each day, and 18 percent get less than six hours. • Approximately half believe that excessive working hours endanger safety at sea. • A majority believes the situation is worsening. One officer from a passenger ship highlighted the issue when he told the ITF, "On a previous ship, I worked 12-15 hour days, and never had six hours continuous sleep. I worked an 87-hour week for three months. I regularly made errors in passage planning and execution and did not dare to sit down on watch." Among the many other cases documented in the report are two incidents of watchkeeping officers "dozing off' while in control of fast ferries, a cargo ship which collided with an oil tanker after the watchkeeper-who had slept only 2.5 hours in the preceding 33 hours-fell asleep, and several sleep-related car crashes while driving home from ships. In another instance, a grounding occurred after deck officers worked an average of 16 hours a day, with no chance to sleep longer than three consecutive hours. Additionally, the report states or alludes to many of the elements that have exacerbated mariner fatigue in the past 20 years. Sma1ler crew sizes are the most obvious factor, but other components include greatly reduced time in port; working with various inspectors and surveyors who routinely visit ships; and what one publication described as "the electronic array now facing a watchkeeper," which "can add to stress." In an article about the ITF report, T.he Business Times pointed out, "The glaring example of technological advance piling extra work on watchkeepers must be the advent of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and, on most ships, the departure of the radio officer. Now ·sparkie's' work has to be covered by the bridge watchkeepers. At best that adds workload and increases fatigue. At worst it is also a dangerous distraction from the watchkeepers' main duty-ensuring the safe navigation of the vessel." The ITF report re.commends increasing crew sizes, doing unannounced checks on mariners' hours and "addressing a globally competitive culture which drives vessels to ever faster voyage times, in which reprisals are feared as a result of exercising rights under international regulations." ITF Assistant General Secretary Mark Dickinson concluded, "Only the adoption and application of new rules that address the question of safe crewing levels and make sure mariners gain adequate rest, will do." Seafarers LOG 7 �Deckhand Raymond Blahnik assists in keeping the Boland operating smoothly. OS/Gateman Tim Mizwicki keeps a close eye on the task at hand. Doing his part in the engine room is Oiler Andrew Derry. Porter Mohamed ~aad1 taKes pnae m keeping the Boland's galley spotless. 'Trusty'JobnJ. Boland Helps Boost I .akes Stone Trade to Record High · O n the Great Lakes, mariners refer to the SIU-crewed John J. Boland as "trusty" because of the number of years it has plied those waters. Actually, though it is an Cleaning the cargo holds is Bosun Ronald Bochek. older ship, the Boland still is in reasonably good condition. In fact, it contributed to a new single-month high for the Lakes stone trade in May. But most of all, the Boland is known as a "work boat. The crew members really work hard and put in long hours on that ship. They do a great job," noted SIU Algonac Port Agent Tim Kelley. Operated by American Steamship Company, the Boland is a self-unloader that carries salt, iron ore, taconite pellets, stone and other cargoes from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports. According to statistics released by the Lakes Carriers' Association. the Boland contributed to stone shipments that cx~eeded 5 million tons in the month of May, believed to be an all-time high for one month. As of mid-June, stone ~hip­ ments for this entire season from Lakes ports were around 9.5 million tons, a 21-percent increase compared to the same Watchman James Davison, like all other crew members on the Lakes self-unloader, makes shipboard safety a top priority. Deckhand Matt Sharer and fellow crew members aboard the John J. Boland had a busy May, helping the Lakes stone trade reach an all-time cargo record. period in 1997. The association noted that, "while demand for stone is brisk, the trade has also bene· fited from the mild winter. With virtually no ice and moderate temperatures, many stone docks resumed shipping in March. Typically, stone docs not start moving until early April and generally does not reach its stride until late in the month." Boland Bosun Bochek Best In Snowmobile Bout While in the port of Toledo, Ohio, the John J. Boland unloads salt (photos above and below). The self-unloader, operated by American Steamship Company, also carries iron ore, taconite pellets, stone and other cargoes from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports. Snowy climates don't appeal to everyone, but for Bosun Ronald Bochek, the white stuff is an indispensable eleMent for his Mbby C>f racing clMsic snowmobiles. A member of the SIU's Great Lakes division, Bochek re{.;ently won two races in the Eagle River (Wis.) Championship, a tournament that drew competitors from ArC>und the wMd. He placed first in the vintage open class and vintage 440 class snowmobile races, using a 1973 Thunderjet. Bochek currently sails aboard the John J. Boland. B Seafarers LOii July 1998 �Union Joins in Observing Maritime Memorial Day As is its custom, the SIU participated in several 1998 Maritime Memorial Day ceremonies across the country. Besides the events that took place in Washington, D.C. (which were reported in the June issue of the Seafarers LOG), SIU members, retirees and officials also took part in annual commemorations in San Francisco, St. Louis, Mobile, Ala. and San Pedro, Calif. The events took place May 22, marking the 65th anniversary of the date originally designated by Congress as Maritime Memorial Day. In San Francisco this year, Seafarers were among the hundreds of people who climbed aboard the historic Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien for its annual voyage under the Golden Gate Bridge. Wreaths were placed in the ocean during the trip in memory of those who lost their lives at sea. Down the coast, San Pedro hosted its traditional ceremony at the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) Memorial, conducted by local AMMV officials. The observance featured a number of guest speakers representing different segments of the maritime industry; a church service; and other remembrances. of the The Cathedral Immaculate Conception served as the starting point for the activities in Mobile, Ala. After the service, participants went to the local merchant marine monument and conducted a wreath-laying ceremony. Finally, the SIU hall in St. Louis served as the site of an uncommon Maritime Day event. There, the union hosted guests from the United States Transportation Command (TRANS- Aboard the Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien in San Francisco, SIU Representative Vince Coss (right) and Joe Valencia, retired member of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, prepare to toss a memorial wreath into the Pacific. COM), whose headquarters are at nearby Scott Air Force Base. (TRANSCOM oversees the logistics movements of the U.S. armed forces as well as the U.S. Military Sealift Command.) Representatives of TRANSCOM inspected the facility and inquired about various aspects of the procedures for securing employment aboard SIU-contracted vessels. They also examined the union's role in assisting members. The SIU was well-represented at commemorations in Mobile, Ala. Pictured from left are SIU Mobile Port Agent Dave Carter, Retiree William Roche, Recertified Steward Robert Scott and Chief Cook Bertrand Wright. During the ceremony aboard the Jeremiah O'Brien (above), retired Steward Lee De Parlier toasts those who have passed away. VA Clarifies Health-Care Questions U.S. military veterans, including most merchant mariners who sailed during World War II, will remain eligible for health care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) even if they don't enroll for one of the newly created "priority groups" with the agency by October 1. Responding to what it described as "incorrect information distributed by others on the Inrnrnet," che VA i;;Jarified an issue thac has caused substantial cMfusil)n and alarm among veterans groups, including various chapters of the American Mercha.nt Marine Veterans. The uncertainty stems from a cutoff date-October 1, 1998by which the VA is req\lired by law to estab1ish an enrollment systc;m for health-care services. The law caJls fl)r the VA to manage access to VA care by using differem caregories of enrollment prioritie5, nr;r;Qrc;ling to the agency. Altogether, there are seven enrollment priority groups, with the VA determining the proper category for individual applicants. "While veterans must be Fisherman Dies lnAacident An accident claimed the lifo of longtime SITJ fishermatt Anhmio J. Pereirtt, 50, last month in Provincetown, Mass. According to local news reports, Brother Pereira slipped off a pier while ~ttempting to pull a boat closer to th<: dock. He apparently struck his head on the edge of the boat, fell into Provincetown Harbor and drowned. The accident took place about 1:30 a.m. on June 15. Rescue efforts reportedly were ham· percd by upfavorable weather conditions, described by a U.S. Coast Guard officer as "high tide, windy, there was no moon July 1998 enrolled to receive care, it does not mean that veterans who have not applied for enrollment by that date (October 1, 1998) will lose their eligibility for VA health care," the department stated in its release. "Veterans can apply and be enrolled at the time they are in need of VA health care. Veterans who have received VA health-care services since October I, 1996 will have an application processed automatically on their behalf." The VA emphttsi:zed that veterans may apply for enrollment "at any time that they come to a VA medical facility for care, even after October I, 1998.H They also encoura.ged all veterans who have not rei;cived treatment at a VA facility sini;;e October I, 1996 co apply for enrollment by this fall "to help VA plan its services and allocate its resource~. To apply for enrollment, vecerans may call, write or visit their nearest VA health-care facility. Most facilities have designated spei;ial enrollment coordinators, the VA stated. More information is available at the VA web site: www.va.gov. At left, representatives of the U.S. Transportation Command gained a better understanding of today's U.S. merchant marine by inspect· ing the SIU hall in St. Louis. 11 and the wa.ter was choppy." A diving team recovered the body at 3:30 a.m. Brother Pereira, whosr; home pon was New Bedford, Mass., was the captain aboard the 65foot dragger Kimbandt1 . One press account uid tha.t he and two other fishermen had docked in Provincetown to dodge a storm. "He was a big help to the SIU," stated Henri Francois, th<: union's port agent in New Bedford. He was with this union for 23 years, he was a wonderful fisherman and he was always looking out for his family." Brother Pereira, a native of Portugal who had lived in New Bedford for 25 years, is survived by his wife, five sons, two sisters, a brother, a grandson and several nie~es and nephews. 0 John Cox, SIU port agent in Wilmington, Calif., displays the wreath presented by the SIU for the San Pedro event. On hand to hear the numerous guest speakers at the AMMV ceremony in San Pedro, Calif. were (from left) SIU Retirees Joe Martella, Ed O'Brien and Fred Vogler, along with former Seafarer James Rolin and OMU Joshua Faughn. Brotherhood Extends to Classroom Seafarer Eric Overby (right) takes the SIU's motto, "Brotherhood of the Sea," to heart. So, he gladly offered to tutor Elmo Davis (left) while both attended the AB class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in May. He also assist· ed other classmates. "I couldn't have gotten through the class without Eric's help," stated Davis. "Heck, he helped the whole class." Said Overby: "I enjoy helping others. The whole Brotherhood should help out any way they can." Seafarers LOS 9 �Weddings, graduations, the births of children and grandchildren-these are the everyday events so important in the lives of SIU members, who often are away from home for several months at a time. As always, the LOG welcomes your photos and will publish them on a periodic basis. JD Seafarers LOii July 1998 �Electrician Earhart Captures 'Deep Freeze' On Videotape Seafarer Chris Earhart likes the fact that his job takes him to different places around the world. He also believes in utilizing photographs and videotape to capture some of the more notewonhy locations he visits. So, when he signed aboard the Samuel L. Cobb as chief electrician for last year's "Operation Deep Freeze," Earhart armed himself with a camcorder and many good ideas for shooting an informative, entertaining video during his offtime aboard ship. Operation Deep Freeze is an annual resupply mission calling ·for delivery of millions of gal lons of petroleum products (along with various dry stores) to McMurdo Station, a U .S.-operated scientific research base in Winter Quarters Bay, located in the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. "I figured this isn't the type of voyage a person makes very often, so I shot the tape. It turned out well and it was fun," Earhart recalled, adding that although he has shared it with crew members, it is the video equivalent of a personal photo album, rather than a formal instructional piece. During other trips, Earhart has taken stilt photos of a rescue at sea and various scenery in Shanghai, among other shots. But the colorful Antarctica tape marked his successful debut as a video cameraman. It opens with tours of the deck, engine and steward departments, as various crew members take turns narrating and explaining the basic equipment. Maps are used to show the Cobb's path from Greece to Australia to Antarctica. Then, viewers take in some less-obvious surroundings, such as individual foc's'les , the crew lounge and the laundry area. From there, Earhart includes compelling footage taken from the wheelhouse and on deck as the ship nears McMurdo Station. For the landlubber, the shots of the Samuel L. Cobb rising and falling in rough seas, with waves spraying across a large portion of the deck, are enough to make one reach for a steady object. Equally dramatic are the overhead shots of the bow breaking through sprawling segments of ice. On the lighter side, plenty of seals and penguins dot the landscape as the vessel nears its des- tination and then docks. During the last fourth of the 2 hour, 20 minute video, a member of the McMurdo staff describes various aspects of the base, from the complex scientific research to the basics of daily living in such a challenging climate. For example, the station has more than 100 buildings, plus graded roads, vehicles, a power plant and power lines. Electricity is maintained by six generators, and fresh water is produced by a saltwater distillation plant. Additionally, while Antarctica is extremely windy and is 98percent covered by ice, its location and climate offer exceptional chances to study biology, human physiology, meteorology, upper atmosphere physics, geology, glaciology and more. Another highlight of the tape is the breathtaking image from the observation tower at McMurdo Station, which stretches surprisingly high above the complex. Finally, with the delivery complete, the Cobb resumes its voyage, and Earhart wraps the tape with a shot of the horizon as the vessel heads out to sea. Never one to miss a good photo opportunity, Seafarer Chris Earhart poses with Chinese military officers during a voyage to Shanghai. Denebola at the Ready 30-Year Seafarer Dttfesus Eyes Retirement Global Link Crew Says 'Welcome Ashore' to Engine Dept. Member For longtime Seafarer Ruben DeJesus, this month marks the end of a very active career at si;a--otte that spanned 30 years and included morr; than 7 ,300 sailing days. His fellow Seafarers and licensed personnel aboard the O/Q{Jql Link recently marked the occasion of his retirement with a shipboard celebration. 0 Por his retirement party, I baked him a special coconut cake (his favorite) and he was given numerous gifts," noted Cook/Baker B1fan Sargent, whei along with First Assistant Engineer Brian Yc'.'.lung ~ent the accompanying photos to the Seafarers LOG. 0 We decorated the crew mess with ribbons and balloons. The captain invited everyone to join us before lunch for a surprise ceremony honoring Ruben." Sargent wrote that engine department members gave DeJesus a new fishing pole and Seafarers aboard the USNS Denebola (below) come from various ports around the country, but they share the common goal of keeping the fast sealift ship in top condition. That is true whether the vessel is in reduced operating status (ROS) at its berth in Bayonne, N.J., or activated for military exercises or other assignment. Above, deck department members prepare a bumper to be lowered between Denebola's hull and the pier. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Herman Reynolds, OS E. Martinez and AB Ben Shupp. Chief Cook Willie Crear (left) and Cook/Baker Brian Sargent display the coconut ee.ke prepared for Wiper Ruben OeJesus. tackle to enable the native of Puerto Rico to pursue his favorite hobby. The rest of the unlicensed crew and officers presented him with a personalized "Welcome Ashore" plaqu~. "Our old friend and shipmate will be missed by all," concluded Sargent. 11·r"<· During his last voyage, DeJesus sailed as a wiper aboard the cable ship. He caught his first ship in 1968 from the port of New York. Once a professional boxer, he p1ans to retire to the U.S. Virgin Islands. . :\ .. J .· . ·v :. . I 1· ...:. J i·1· ~f -· ·..-...............~--. . . . OeJesus Mcepts Mngratula.tions and good wi$hes from First Assistant Engineer Bri~n Young (right) And OMU Mel Grayson Sr. (center}. July 1998 As he winds down a career with the SIU that began in 1968, Ruben DeJesus receives a commemorative plaQue from ship· mates aboard the Global Link. An important aspect of ROS operations is closely monitoring the engine room. Above, left, Chief Electrician Frank Bakun checks breakers. Above, right, Chief Cook Robert Valentine and Steward/ Baker Gary Lackey keep the galley in good shape and their shipmates well fed. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers crew a number of tugboats that operate in the Philadelphia area, including the James McAllister. Steward/Baker Rob Hess readies lunch aboard the Mayaguez. Standing gangway watch on the Sea Fox is Bosun Ferdinand Lugo. Tankerman William Lehew gets the job done on the Maritrans tug Liberty. While fog covers the Delaware River at the Maritrans pier, SIU boatmen prepare the Liberty for its next assignment. Deep Sea, Toland Seafarers Are Active In 'City al Brotherly Love' Cargo volumes and waterborne traffic are increasing in the port of Philadelphia, and SIU members there are very much in the mix. SIU boatmen sail aboard ship-docking tugboats and barges that ply the Delaware River port, which extends to Camden, N.J. They also work on the local passenger ferry as well as ocean-going tugs and barges, tankers and dry-cargo ships that regularly call on Philadelphia. Among the SIU-contracted inland companies operating in the area are Crowley, Moran, Turecamo, Maritrans, McAllister and Express Marine. (Maritrans also operates deep-sea tankers regularly sailing to Philadelphia.) A number of Seafarers-crewed deep sea ships are among the more than 3,000 vessels that annually load and offload at the port facilities, including some of those operated by Navieras and Sea-Land. The port itself, which services many cargoes requiring specialized handling (such as meat, fruit, steel, and forest products) has been upgraded in recent years, thanks to investment by the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Projects have included building new terminal facilities, adding new equipment and renovating existing facilities. f• '.:· The M"ritriifn~ 300 is one of many barges operated by t 12 Seafarers LOG company. Many SIU-crewed deep sea ships including the Nuevo San Juan call on the port of· Philadelphia. July 1998 �Mate Lance Riggs at the helm, docks a barge in New Jersey. Discussing the latest union news are SIU Representative Joe Mieluchow· ski (left) and Captain Jeff Parkin of the tug Teresa McAllister. The Navieras shore gang (kneeling, from left) includes A. Quiles, 0 . Balico, (second row) A. Ware, M. Torre, SIU Rep Joe Mieluchowski , J. Vazquez, T. Lopez, B. Ott, P. Lavin and H. Thrower. From left, Deckhand Ed Devine, Deckhand Ted Rozier and Captain Jeff Parkin report for work at the McAllister pier. OMU Jim Brown is a crew n"t~mber a.board the Navieras ship Carolina. Making the CarDlina a good feeder are (from left) Chief Steward Hasan Rahman, SA Mario Bertrand, SA Billy Mitchell and Chief Gook Michael Harris. A< ~ .. · z 1 Reviewing a saf~ty re~~m aboard me Liberty is Tankerman Rich Lord. Arriving for a union meet· ing on the Perseveranc~ i$ AB Bill Watson. RIGHT; The MaritraM tanker Integrity is the site as AB Ray Leak (left) and DEU Mike Joel examine the patrolman's report following a ~hipboard meeting. BELOW'. Philadelphia is a busy port for inland Seafarers, including Captain Gil Pruitt, standing by the Express Marin@ tu~ GutJrrJitm. Aboard the Maritrans tanker Perseverance (from left), Chief Cook Charles Yancey, SA C. Ransom and Steward/Baker Larry Ewing display a cake. Ready for the union meeting aboard Express Marine's Guardian are (from left) Captain Gil Pruitt, Deckhand Wes Ewell. Mate Homer Pruitt and AB/Cook Tom Horton. ~ Carrying on the SIU tradition of supporting renow trade unioni$t$ are (from left) Bill Kelly. Tim Logan, Mike Fay, Dennis McGUigan and Bert Smith, who rallied in support of Transit Workers Union Local 234. Seafarers Joe Grandinett, Tim Logan and Bill Kelly demonstrate their backing of 5,000 union bus drivers and mechanics in the Philadelphia area embroiled in a contract dispute. Following a full day's work. all is quiet aboard the Moran tug Reedy Point. July 1998 Seafarers LOG 13 �Safely Running With the Bull LNG Taurus Reaches 900 Days Without Lost-Time Injury . i• ~·~~ ~·~ . . . ·· . .. ,.·. ,;:.~ r.~ ;.t Sea/are rs LOG about the accom- "Dropping by'' the captain's office while painting the house are ABs Ken Steiner (left photo) and Kimberly Clark. When baseball player Cal Ripken of the Baltimore Orioles broke Lou Gherig's streak for consecutive games played, the accomplishment spawned numerous media stories nationwide about lesser-known citizens who displayed similar commitment to their respective jobs. Add the SIU-crewed LNG Taurus to the list, because the tanker recently reached a milestone of its own: 900 consecutive days without a lost-time injury. Captain J.E. Carr alerted the Shortly after the LNG Taurus reached 900 days without a lost-time injury, crew members added an award plate to the ship's plaque. Proudly commemorating the accomplishment are (from left) Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, Chief Steward Arlene Ringler, QMED Charles Clausen and AB Ken Steiner. This view of Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus readily reveals why shipboard safety is a must. Not pictured, but tending the safety line while Marcus works on the front wall of the Taurus' accommodation house, is AB Ron LaMere. •.I•~ ·1'·.f. v . ~6_f:, ,1~ "' . - · ~. { ·A .... ! . ·~ ., plishment and sent the accompanying photos. He pointed out that one key to the Energy Transportation Corporation vessel's sterling record is the shipboard safety meetings conducted by the crew. The Taurus transports liquefied natural gas between ports in Indonesia and Japan. An SIUcrewed ship since its christening in Quincy, Mass. in 1979, it features five massive, spherical cargo tanks that rise 40 feet above the deck. Each tank weights 800 tons, is 120 feet in diameter and eight inches thick. Altogether, they hold 125,000 cubic meters of liquid natural gas, at 265 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit). .::c- AFL-CIO Praises ILO's Declaration The AFL-CIO welcomed the: Internationa1 Labor Organization's (ILO) recent adoption of a "Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights al Work." Delegates to the ILO's 86lh annual labor cottterence, in Geneva, passed the de,claration June 18. In announcing the passage. the ILO stated thm the move "underlines that t\ll member countries have an l'.lbligmion to respect the fundamental principles involved .... The vote was 273 for, and 0 against, with 43 abstentions." John Sweeney, president of the AFLCIO (the national federation of crade unions, of which the SIU is an affiliate), described the declaration as "an hisroric brtakthrough thar drnmatica11y underscores the impor· tancc of basic rights for workers in the global economy. For the first rime, the dedaration n::c· ognizes that all ILO member sUU~, whether or not they have ratified the conventions, have an obligation to respect fundamental workers' rights: freedom of association, and the right to organize and collectively bargain; elimination of all forms of forced or compu1sory labor: effe~tive abolition of child labor; and elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation. "The ILO dcclara· tion will be followed up with an annual examination of compliance with these fundamental rights in non-ratifying as well M ratifying coun- T he U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all tirr..5 Bold in the nited States carry a code which ldenlllks. amon~ other Lhing1i. tho comoany an<! the plant tnut made cucn Lire, It Is molded lnw Lhe !<ldewall or rvery Ure \\I' ":rn u~e Lhal code to a.. ur't' that tire we ouv ror our cars aml lr\J('kS u.ere made b rubber >Norkerl! co~ered by St.eelworkcm union ( SWAJ comracts. With raro e:1eeption, the cO<le-roun<t near each uroe·s wheelbeael-loots like this: DOT AC L9 i\BC 036 TM two symoo1s 1mme1.11111,e1y followtns "DOT" arr the ones we're looking for. They Wiii l>e either two letters or one letter ancl Codv JF KellY·Snr1nene1a. Fayeuevllle, (Goodyrar) AD General llre, Maylletcl, Ky. IConllnentol) JH A Uniroyal Goodrich. ooenKa. Ala. (Michelin) AO Gcner11l TIM, Rr 11n, Ohio (Continent.al) BE Uniroyal Goodrich. Tuscaloosa, Ala. (MlchellnJ .c. Bridgestone/Firestone. Des Moines, la. (Bridgestone) Kelly· prtngneld. Freeport. Ill. (Goodyear) W1 Bridgestone/Firestone, Lavergne, Tenn . (Bridgestone) YD Brldgeslone/Firestone. Decatur. "1. (Bridge lone) m RridgestoneJFirest.one. Des Moines, Ia. (Brf(lgestone) YT Bridgestone/Firestone, Decatur, Ill. (BrldgesLone) YU Brldgest.onc/Firestone. Des 1oines, la. (Bridgestone) ¥7 Brldgeslone/Firestone. Lavergne. Tenn. (Bridge lone) 1C Bridgestone/Firestone, City (Bridge tone) 2C BrldgeslOne/Ftre wne, Morrison, Tenn. (Bridge tone) 2M BrldgestoneJFlrestone. Rloomington . Ill. (Bridgestone) JJ Goodyear. Gaasaen. Ala. JN Gooayear. Topeka, Kan. JP Kelly- ' orin~e l<t. 1Y1er, Tex. (Good ear) Goodyear, nlon City, Tenn . Gooctyear. Danvllle. Va. MD Goodyear, Gad den. Ala. Yokohama Tire, Salem, Va. (Yokohama) MJ Goodyear. Topeka , Kan. man 11re, Des Moines, la. MK Good t'ar, Union City, Trnn. rman wneel lnternauonal) MM CH Plrelll, Hanroro, Calif. (Plrelll) Kclly-sor1ni:nc1a, Fayetteville, (Good ·ear) MN CV Fldrllly Tirc. atchcz.. Mioo. l'nt.an Wheel 1ntern:momi11 Kclly-Sprinnfield, Freeport, Ill. (Goodyear) MP Kelly- prlngnclrl. Tyler. Tex. (Goorlycar) ~\f PJ k'i>lly-Springneld. Fayelle~ille. ~.C . (Goodyear) 50 Uniroyal Goodrich. Woodburn . Ind. (Michelin) Ot\ Ounloo. Buffalo, .Y. (Sumitomo) DR oun100. HuntsVllle, Ala. {Sum1wmo) DY Denman, Warren, Ohio (Pensler Capital) PK Krlly-flpringficld. F'reeoort. Ill. (Goodyear) D2 Brid1;e;ilone/Pimilone, Lavergne, 'lenn. !Bridgestone) PL Kelly-Springfield, Tyler, Tex. (Good ear) B3 Brl<tge tonr/VlresLOne, Lavergne, Tenn, (Brld1:est-0neJ PO Pidclity TI re, atchez, Miss. (Titan wncel 1mernauom11) HY Brldgestone/J.lrestonc. Oklahoma City (Bridll I.one) The SIU-crewed liquid sulphur i;;arrier Sulphur /;nterprise recently Brldgesinne/Flrcstone. Oklahoma City (Brid{(f'-'11nnc) Goodyear, Danville. Va. UNION LABEL ANO Company/Brand & Location (Parent Company) VE JT CF' Seafarers LOG · Cude l\IC cc 14 company/Brand & Location (Pal'l!nl Gom11anyJ General Tire, Charlotte, .C. (Conunental) BF received its International Safety Management Code (ISM) certificate during a brief shipboard ceremony_July 1 marks the deadline for \;Ompliam;~ with phtise Me ot the ISM Code, part of the 1974 lnt~rnational Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Above (trcm left), recognizing the Sulphur £nt~rpri~~·~ c~rtification are Steward/Baker N~e Tran, Captain Richard Moranville, LMS Shipmanagement Vice President William Harrison, C_J _ Barrois of LMS, (second r6W) l'>fficers Ricky King. Frank Hoot and Shawn Tuey. and Jake Stahl of LMS. Cftlle one number. In the example used here. the letters "AC" designate a Ure made al the General Tire plant In Charlotte. .C. In acldlllon LO compan~-name brands . man~ of the planL~ also produce ·associall' hrancr or .. orlvate brand .. llf'('S. The codes lllOSe tires will be the same as those on the compan -name brands produced at each or the planw. 'fhe following list is adapted from one supplled t>y tile USWA. B comparing the code on tirt's you are considering buyjng with the codes on tne llst, you can be sure you arc gelling union-made tires_ (All lil'C3 carl'Yine the Michelin brand label are on tile AFL· CIO nauonwlde Do ot Buy! llsl-sce page 5.) AC rries _" Sulphur Enterprise Gets ISM Certificate Comp:my,i11r2nd & Lotation (P:mml Comp<my) Enthusiastically donning a survival suit as part of a safety exercise is SA Philena Cosby. .c. 41) BrldgesLUne/Flreswne. l\lorrlson. Tenn. (Brirlgrslonc) 7B Brldgrstonc/Fircslone. Decatur. Ill. (Bridgestone) 88 Bridgestone/Fi rest.one. Des Moines, la. (Bridgestone) PT Goodyear, DanVllle, va. CANADA PU Good)ear. Gadsden. J\la. Bli f'Y Good ear, Topela. Kan . D9 T Goodyear. Union City, Tenn. UP Cooper. fi'inlay_Ohio UT Cooper, Texarkana, Ark. VO Brldgest-0nwF1restone, Decatur, 111. (Brltlgest.oneJ SERV ICE TR.I.DES O~Iahoma Cnlro~·al Goodrich. Kitchener. Ont. (Michelin) /""". Lnlted Tire, Rexdale, Om. (Pensler Capital) JU.PC Goodyear. & K Medicine Hat.Alta. DEPARTMENT. AFL·C I O July 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea August & September 1998 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York . . Phi ladelpiiir . . : 31 · · ·: . 3 21 2 4 0 4 8 14 24 3 13 5 0 6 11 16 3 ll Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans J.~c~~~yill.~ ., . · '. . . 35 : .' $.~ri': ~fuP.~1$~b" ' 30 · witrilingmn 26 Seattle 26 Puerto Rico 11 Honolulu 9 ~Houston 19 · .-St Louis 10 14 ",,'... 3 9 7 3 5 .3 9 2 l 0 5 Algonac 0 2 242 141 '5 . 2 15 }':iney Point Totals . :.... 1 .2 . 0 St Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 8 24 15 4 .... 1 3 "" } " . 0 3 2 2 9 9 5 5 8 4 2 8 9 11 6 '" 31 14 10 12 "4 "'" . 16 6 .] "'" "' j ·"·" :;:::: .• ,::::x: ... :.:::.:.:.·· ..:::::c:. :.::::.v **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Tuesday, September 8* 51 :, fr 7 25 19 33 59 54' 46 1~ ·12·:":' '} 12 6 4 5 2 2 0 0 l 2 l 0 1 110 2 0 0 38 3 0 0 43 80 421 15 11 IO 4 2 7 4 9 2 164 Piney Point.. ............. Monday: August 3, 53 11 16 28 "', . (j"" 15 1. 8 4 16 6 19 7 3 4 15 .31 13 ..... 19 21 2 16 ··~"'25':':'.' 4 "::3 13 3 13 5 13 6 *( chtmge created by Labor Dt1y holiday) Algonac .................... Friday: August 7, September 11 Baltimore ................. Thursday: August 6, September l 0 Duluth .............. ~ .. :.... Wednesday: August 12, September 16 .. ~OO()~ulu .................. Friday: August 14, September 18 ........ ...... ' .. ::.:::. H~Us~~~·';:L;'~'. ~:;.~~. ····~·~···Monday: August 10, September 14 Jacksonville .......... ~ ...Thutsday: August 6, September 10 Jersey City ............... WedneSda~: August 19, September 23 Mobile ...................... Wednesda.y:August 12, September 16 New Bedford ............Tuesday: August 18, September 22 6 222 0 106 16 3 2 1 2 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port : NeW::: YQ.r~: '.':Pfiiia~eiptiif 11 2 ·" . :·: . . . '·'Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 4 13 14 5 7 7 6 Jacksonville ·, San Francisco 17 14 5 7 6 15 5 8 ·12:: Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu .Houston St TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C · 16 · Lqui~. P~!ley. P~int 4 Algonac 0 Totals 139 0 1 3 3 3 7 6 4 0 0 2 4 20 6 0 2 15 2 20 18 16 19 7 Tacoma ..................... Friday: Aug.ust 21, September 25 6 Wilmington ..............Tuesday. August 18* t7 .1 4 3 4 8 8 10 1 6 4 8 20 96 34 2 1 76 0 87 2 10 3 12 17 0 5 7 1 0 1 0 2 16 40 190 165 0 3 9 4 41 3 l 0 0 ...... 16 4 0 . 7 1 0 4 1 . 15 0 1 . 5 .... 2 - 2 7 2 '~:. 2 l 7 .. .·-; .. . ::.: : ..... ... - - 0 7 9 l 0 ... 9 14 8 ' 13 2 3 .. 6 9 4 ... . 0 ,· 012.... 20 · 13 '; s~~ Fra~cisco ........... ThurSd;y;:·Au~~sf)3, September 17 San Juan ................... Thursday: August 6. September lO St. Louis ................... Friday: August 14, September 1& Monday. ·September 21 *(change create:d by Paul Hall birthday holiday) 1 5 9 0 4. 0 46 AB Reiner Goes on Book Signing Tour t 7 1 Mobile j New Orleans :1a~k~~n.y~11c 42 Wi 11f:l.fr1.g~~n::/L"'.· ./:-: ·:14....... Seaule Puerto Rico Honolulu 3 3 5 0 0 1 :3:3 3 12 .:.'.Hgy~~ptF:·::::.;>:::":..... :. 13 st1S~?.',ui·§.:. . ·:. . . . .'.'.'. : :· '. o . :pi'ney ·i>oini'"":: .:. : :·:.: .:. .: 5 Algonac Totals 0 0 0 1 7 . . . . . . . . o::·: ·o ·: :·j "(l o 2 · . .:. o·. . · 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16J 48 18 118 40 18 SS 231 73 2S .: 'O .::',.,' "5 42 35 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port ":N¢~/"YQiic :.f hil.adelphj,a jj~.tih~oici.:. . . . . . :. Norfolk 9 ""'' 0 7 0 0 . '"" 3 13 12 4 Mobile 1 7 2 13 :1~~k$.9.ilY.~·Ji~.:.·:.:.: .·: ·· 4 &· ~:·s~,h . F:f.•n~~~cii;:::: . . . 7. : ·" . . . 19 : j i t.win~o,ff,'.'.: .:E~f... ::ft . . :::5i'.: . .: .'.':'.'. &......'. . . Seattle 8 Puerto Rico 5 Honolulu 3 i 0 5f:loJ,facon . . . :·:·S .~i,').s~UiS . . :. "~:~fie;,( Point.. . . : ·;::.. Algonac Totltls 5 1 o· New Orleans 11 4 4 0 35 79 ··: . 6.:.. 9 · . . {} , "" : 1 I4 . . o. 7 11 0 0 0 0 l 6 2 1 0 4 5 3 0 6 2· 11 5 7 18 15 3 18 13 0 0 8 17 2.5 l 20 37 .. 5 0 o. 7 13 ."5 ". 10 1 2 7 3 I l 0 22 0 13 8 6 27 7 63 3 0 9 0 2 0 0 0 11 11 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 44 166 168 36 108 106 0 0 0 86 588 451 271 405 334 183 175 928 0 16 6 4 " 0 0 0 o 3 6.· 5 41 15 I 16 AB Larry Reiner's new action-packed novel, The Other Shore, was formally published two months ago. He recently went on a booking-signing tour in a number of stores in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Ariz. to promote both it and the merchant marine (see photo above). " The book is a fictionalized account of the crew aboard a U.S.-flag prepositioning vessel as it heads for the Persian Gulf War. The main character in the book, Captain Al Stacey, is the only major returning character from Reiner's earlier work, Minute of Silence, which was published in 1990. Seafarers may order the novel by sending a check or money order to lntegra Press at 1702 West Camelback Road, Suite 119, Phoenix, AZ 85015. The pre-publication discounted cost of $20 (or $36 for the new novel and a copy of Minute of Silence) will remain in effect until the end of this month. Reiner will autograph copies of the novel to SIU members and retirees who identify themselves as such when reQuesting the book. 9 4 101 14 1 268 2 11 2 265 728 442 Attention Seafarers: Our flag at sea is good for America and important to you. All Departments • 2 3 sa~:.:; Fr~:ncf~cq...,.: Total~ j 11 Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. contribute to SPAD! U"Regiscered on Beach.. means rhe coral number of Seafarers regisrered at the pon. July 1998 Seafarers LOG J5 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntemalional Union Directory MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 1998 CL - Company/Lakes Augustin Tel~ Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer L- **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ........................... ............ .Yi~e. Presidcnt Contracts .., ,..... · · .. Ge~ McCartney Vice President West Coast Port 0 24 6 0 8 0 19 . 20. 57 0 2 0 24 81 32 Totals All Depts 0 *"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. 30 Algon~; ·~ Port o· ·Algonac (}"' Port ... DECK DEPARTMENT 7 0 0 .. ENGINE DEPARTMENT .: ·:5 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac ·O Port Algonac ~ HEADQ1,JARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (8 t0) 794-4988 ·· . . 0 0. 0 0 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC AnchOra~e. AK 99503 ... (907 J 56 t -49M BALTIMORE Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters . · MAY 16 -JUNE 15, 1998 12 I 6 E . Balli more SL Baltimore, MD 21202 (41()) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU {)06 Kalihi St. .Honolulu. HJ 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE ··: ".w. 3315 ,Liberty St ·::· ' ".t~k.$()'riville, FL 32206 ': ::: .... / (004) 353-0987 . Region . A~lru1Ji.c .q past ... 0 ... 0 0 8 0 5 0 5 Gulf Coast Lakes, lnland Waters 29 1 West Coast 35 Totals Region 0 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 2 2 13 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 4 1 8 2 0 37 0 18 2 5 7 0 46 10 27 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 14 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 14 I I STEWARD DEPARTMENT ......... o,~ 0 0 2 I : .:.:.:. :;Q·::.::: .. 0 1 ....J) ' ·:·:::."1 .'. ·: : o . 3 0 0 0 West Coast Total~ **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 12 3 4 11 16 0 0 ·O 2 2 .. 0 15 0 12 27 ·o o· 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 12 76 2 Totals All Depts 74 6 19 52 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Bea1;h" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 4 4 35 PIC-F OM-THE-PAST This photograph wa~ ~ent to the St:Jafar~rs LOG by Pensioner John W. Curl~W {)f GersM City, Nev. The photo was taken in February 1952 aboard the SS 8essem~r Victory. In a note to the LOG accom· panying the photograph, Br{)ther Curlew wrote: "A few days out {)f San Franci5cc, bcund fer Kcrea, a erew member became sick and died. His family requested a bur- ial at sea. Here we are waiting for the service to begin." (Brother Curlew is at the upper right on the boat deck.) Following the service, the ship stopped while the body was ce>mmitted to the deep. A moment of silence wa~ broken by three blasts frcm the ship's whistle; then the voyage continued. Brother Curlew joined the union in 1947. He completed the bosun recertification program in 1975 and last sailed aboard the Sea•Land Pilfriot in 1989. Brother Curlew retired in 1990 to the high mountain desert of Nevada. - J6 Seafarers LOG If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those member.s for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. mong the 16 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are three recertified stewards. Recertified Stewards Tobe Dansley, Ezekiel M. Bagger and Neville Johnson graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the galley gang at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. They represent a combined 94 years of active union membership. Including the three recertified stewards, 10 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, four navigated the inland waterways, one plied the Great Lakes and one shipped in the Atlantic Fishermen's division. Seven of the retirees sailed in the deck department, while five worked in the engine department and four were members of the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners A DEEP SEA ABRAHAM B. ABAS, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New York. Born in Singapore, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Abas last sailed in 1987 aboard the Ma.nltattan, operared by Manhattan Tankers. He makes his home in Scaule. TOBE DANSLEV, 62, gradu!Ued from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1959 and join~ the SIU in the l'Ort of Mobile, Ala. A native of Ala· bama, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundcberg School, where he sra.duatM from the ~reward recertification program in 1985. Brother Danslcy last sailt:d aboard the Petusburg, a Bay Ship Management vessel. He has retired to Mobile. EDWARD M. DORUTH, 71, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed primarily in the deck department a11d wa~ active in union organizing arives_ The Illinois native served in the U.S. Army from 1945 w 1946. Brother Doruth worked primarily abo~rd Sea-Latid Setvia VC!!C)S _ He makes his home in Brooklyn, N_Y. CHARLIE E. DURDEN, 62, ~tarted hig ciilfeer with the SIU in 1961 in the port of New Orleans aboard the Cilie~ Servi~e Miami_ Born in Georgia, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded frcqut:ntly at the Lundeberg SthML Prior to his retirement, he signed off the July 1998 Overseas Vivian, a Vivian Tankships vessel_ Brother Durden has retired to Bayou LaBatre, Ala_ From 1953 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lundeberg School. A native of Puerto Rico, he last signed off the Sea-Land Innovation. Brother Toro makes his home in Union City, N.J. EZEKIEL M. HAGGER, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of Houston. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1984. He also attended an educational conference there in 1970_ Brother Hagger's last voyage was aboard the Champion, operated by Kirby Tankship in 1995. He makes his home in Port Arthur, Texas_ INLAND .----~==--. GEORGE E. HOOPES, 57, · graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training /.·.· School in 1962 and · ·: joined the SIU in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Hoopes last signed off the SeaLand Liberator and calls Santa Rosa, Calif. home. ~ CHENG HUAN, 66, first sailed with the SIU in 1986 from the port of Honolulu. Born in China, he sailed in the engine departmenc. Brother Huan worked primarily aboard American Hawaii cruise vessels, last sailing aboard the lnde:pe:ndence _He makes his homi; in Kauai, Hawaii_ NEVILLE JOHNSON, ~B, graduated from the Andrew Puruseth Training School in 1969 and joined the seafarers in the port of San Francisco. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recenificarion program in 1981. Brother Johnson last signed off the Steven L Bennett, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. He has retired to Pass Christian, Miss. WELLBORN H. CHAMPION, 52, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Georgia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator scholarship program in 1981 . Boatman Champion last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. He has retired to Los Angeles. GERARD T. CIFARELLI, 59, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of JUA.N B. TORO, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1970 in thi: port of New York. During his career, he sailed in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the JOHNM. INGRATTA, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1956. A native of Illinois, he worked in the deck department, most recently sailing aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Ingratta has retired to Calumet City, Ill. ARANTIC FISHERMEN JOHN E. SOUTHARD, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Starting out as a deckhand, he upgraded at the Lundeberg School, last sailing as a captain. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Southard signed off a Moran Towing vessel in 1987 and makes his home in Medford, N.J. Six SIU-crewed vessels last month received 1997 "Ship Safety Achievement Awards" in a yearly event in New Orleans jointly sponsored by the Chamber of Shipping of America and the National Safety Council's Marine Section. Crowley's Sea Wolf, Energy Transportation Corporation's LNG Virgo, Sheridan Transportation's /TB Philadelphia, and three Sea-Land ships-the Discovery, Navigator and Trader-garnered awards, the purpose of which is "to publicly recognize and encourage accident reduction efforts by the various maritime industry segments," according to the sponsors. The safety awards are given to vessels "that have performed outstanding feats of heroism, rescue at sea, or seamanship illustrative of the high safety standards in our nation's fleet," they added_ The Sea Wolf overcame very rough weather lo rescue six people from a disabled sailboat 280 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N_C _ on April 2, 1997_ U_S_ Coast Guard officials had described the rescue as "nearly impossible" due to the gale force winds, heavy rains a.nd ra.ging seas. Coincidentally, the same approximate area was the site of a July 31, 1997 rescue by the !TB Philadelphia. That vessel saved four people from a EMILE SPINOLA, 64, started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1961, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Brother Spinola worked as a captain, last sailing aboard the St. Mary. Brother Spinola makes his home in Gloucester, Mass. life raft whose fishing vessel sank about 60 miles off the coast. Alertness, training and quick actions helped enable the Sea-Land Navigator to rescue 12 survivors from a life raft who had abandoned their ship off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea on August 2. That same day, about 300 miles from Long Beach, Calif., a speedy response also proved vital on the Sea-land Discovery, where crew members safely removed an injured officer from a tank_ The officer. then was evacuated to a Southern California hospital. The LNG Virgo concluded the year by rescuing 18 people from a disabled, adrift ferry in the Celebes Sea. On December 26, the Virgo first picked up two people who had used a makeshift wooden raft in an attempt to secure help. but instead were swept 120 miles out to sea. The SIU-crewed tanker then rescued the 16 other people still on board the ferry. Meanwhile, crew members aboard the Sea-Land Trader put their firefighting training to good use as they quickly extinguished a shipboard blaze on September 26. No one wa~ injured in the incident, which occurred while the ship was about 500 miles east of Japan. The captain praised a11 hands for their efficient, professional response. tional Labor Relations Board to administer union representation elections, define employers' unfair labor practices, and enforce the legal rights of employees to join unions. WILLIAMT. 50, started his GEORGE E. NOBLE, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1961 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Starting out in the deck department, he later transferred to the engine department, most recently as a chief engineer. The Virginia native served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956 to 1960. Boatman Noble last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Chesapeake, Va. GREAT LAKES SIU Ships Honored far 1997 Rescues RUST JR., career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of .: Norfolk, Va_, · sailing aboard = = = =·, inland vessels_ The Virginia m1tivc later transferred to the deep sea division_ He worked in the stcw~rd department and upgraded at the Lundcbcrg School. Brother Rust last sailed aboard the Green Island, a Warnrman Steamship Corp. vessel. He ~alls Norfolk home. Baltimore. The New Jersey native worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard the Britannia, operated by McAllister Towing Company. Boatman Cifarelli has retired to Baltimore. July Feministand labor activist Char· 3 lone Perkins Gilman's birthday. in 1860. Her landmark study, Wom~n and Economics, called for the financial independence for women and proposed a network of child care centers. This l1ay became known as "Bloody Thursday" in San Francisco when in 1934 the city's mayor called out the police in an effort to hold off a strike by longshoremen. The longshoremen were angered by employer practices, among them hiring that perpetuated blacklisting and favoritism. At least two died and a hundred were injured. Workers responded witti a general strike, which prompted arbitration. winning longshoremen many of their demands. S National Labor Relations In 1933, delegates from four 6 SintoThe Act. or Waoner Act, was signed unions formed the National law in i 935. The act, which Leather Workers Association _ statM that collective bargaining was in the national interest, led to significant gains in union organizing. The act also established the Na- In 1892,strikingworkersbattlM "Pinkertons"-hired detectives who were predecessors to tMay·s 6 union busters-trying to get into the Carnegie Steel Works in Homestead, Pa_by way of a Monongahela River barge. Labor organizer Ella Reeve Bloor 8 was born in 1862. Among her activities were investigating child labor in glass factories and mines and going undercover to verify for federal investigators the conditions Upton Sinclair revealed in The Jungle, his expose of immigrants' exploitation by Chic;ago meatpackers. Atwo-day women's rights con19 vention began in Seneca Falls, N.Y. in 1848. Some 260 women attended the meeting to discuss their social, civil, and religious rights, including the right to work for a living and collect their own wages. In 1970, the United Farm 29 workers forced grape growers to sign a contract after a fiveyear strike. Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA HARRY ABRAHAMS Pensioner Harry Abrahams, 72, passed away March 3. Brother Abrahams began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of San Francisco aboard the Fairport, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in New York, he worked in the deck department and last signed off the Sea-Land Defender in 1987. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Mill Valley, Calif., he began receiving his pension in July 1990. EDWIN D. BAKER """''":•·"'' Edwin D. Baker, 58, died of a heart attack on January 22 while aboard the Grand < Canyon State. Born in California, he joined ;_____..;:= the SIU in 1997 in the port of San Francisco. A resident of Vallejo, Calif., Brother Baker worked in the deck department. JIMMY CHENG Pensioner Jimmy Cheng, 85, passed away February 11. He started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1945, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in China, he became a U.S. citizen and was a resident of San Francisco. Brother Cheng started receiving his pension in April 1975. RALPH W. DAMRON Ralph W Damron. 42. died April 10. A native of Michigan, he btgan ~ailing wilh lhe Seafarers aboard inland vesseb in 1979 from Port Anhur, Texas and later tran~krrcd to the deep sea division. Brother Damron worked in the de~k i;lepartmem and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. A resi· dent of Groves, Tcxns, he la:;t sailed in 1993 abQard the QQldl!n Monarch, op@rat@d by Westchester Marine_ MICHAEL J. DYKEMA Michael J. Dykema, 28, passed away . « April 22. Born ,. in Michigan, he graduated from the Lundeberg School'~ entry levet training program in 1989 and joincd the SIU in the port ct Piney Point. Md. His first ship was the S.S. lndepen<illnce, o~r'MM by American Hawaii Cruises_ Brother Dykema sailed in the d~k departmi;nt and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Zephyrhills, Fla. 0 RAYMOND R. EISENMAN PensiMer RaymoM R_ Eisenman. 82. lliel1 April 16. He staned his career with the Seafari;n in 1961 working abo<ird Great Lakes ve55e1s. The Wi:;con:;in natiYe later transferred to the deep ~e;i division, at whtch time he was a member of the engine department. He last sailed it\ 1978 aMarct the Mohawk and began receiving his penSiM in November 18 Seafarers LOG 1980. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942 to 1945. Brother Eisenman lived in Houston. HARRY L. HUFFMAN Harry L. Huffman, 54, passed away March 6. Brother Huffman began sailing with the Seafarers in 1962 from the =--"===-.:::::i port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Jefferson City Victory. The New Jersey native sailed as a member of the deck department. He was a resident of Tacoma, Wash. DOMINADOR.Z. LUTERO Pensioner Dominador Z. Lutero, 83, passed away April 7. Born in the Philippines, he joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of Tampa, Fla. During his career, he sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Lutero started receiving his pension in August 1985. He was a resident of Stockton, Calif. FERNANDO MALDONADO Pensioner Fernando Maldonado, 73, passed away April 12. He joined the SIU ' in 1966 in the pon of New Ycrk_ Born in Pueno Rico, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Fajardo. P.R .. Brother Maldonado retired in Febnmy 1994. ALOEA M. MALUIA Pern;ioner Aloea M _ Maluitl, 58, died March 5_ Born in American Samoa, he graduated from the MC&S craining school in 1962 and joined the MC&S in the pon of San Francis~o. before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Maluia w<ts a resident of Pacifica, Calif and began receiving his pension in November 1982_ JAMES E. McKEE Pensioner Jame~ E. McKee, 82, passed "way December 18, 1997. Brother McKee started his career with the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Seattle_ His first ship was the Andrew Jar:kson, a W;ltenmm Stea1mhip Corp. vessel. During his cart.er. the Washington native worked in all ~hrec departments, Inst sailing in the engine ctepanmem. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the US_ Army from 1941 to 1943. Bracher McKee, who lived in Federal Way, Wash., retired in D~cmbcr 1980. JOHN M. McLA.URIN John M. Mcl..aurin, 37, died Marth 30. Born in Baltimort, ht gtMuatelt from the LuMeberg School's enrry level training program in 1980 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md_ His first ship was the Seal.and Pa~er. Brother McLaurin sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Baltimore. JOUNGQ.MOY Pensioner Joung Q. Moy, 95, passed away January 18. Brother Moy first sailed with the MC&S in 1945, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in November 1966. FREDERICK W. NEIL .. Pensioner Frederick W. Neil, 75, died March 11. A native of Florida, he joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port = = = of New York. Brother Neil sailed as a member of the engine department and retired in August 1987. He was a resident of Gainesville, Fla CHARLES B. PARKS Charles B. Parks, 41, passed away February 24. He first sailed with the SIU in 1978 aboard the Merrimac, operated by Ogden Marine. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1993. Brother Parks was a resident of Portsmouth, Va. From 1974 to 1977, he served in the U.S. Navy. WALLY T. PONCIO Pensioner Wally T. Poncio, 80, died March 1. Born in Texas, he began sailing l with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of Houston aboard the Galloway. The engine department member last sailed in 1978 aboard the Connecticut. a Connecticut Transport Co. vessel. Brother Poncio, who resided in Houston. began receiving his pension in August 1982. THOMAS A.. REYNOLDS Pensioner Thomas A. Reynolds, 69, passed away March 2. Brother Reynolds started his career with the SIU in 1964 in · the port of Houston_ His first ship was the Del Oro. operated by Delta Steamship Co. The Texns native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 199 I aboard the USNS Denebola, a Bay Ship Management vessel. From 1946 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Reynolds was a resident of Houston. He retired in December I f""""'?;;;:;"""""';;;=;;:o==,,.., tional conference at the Lundeberg School in 1970. Prior to his retirement in October 1980, he signed off the Pensioner Delos Snead, 81, died April 6_A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Bal Ci more. BroLher Snead ~ailed as a member of the steward deparrmenr. A resident of Chesapeake. Va., he began receiving his pension in May 1982. CALVIN B. STEWARD Pensioner Calvin R Steward, 82, passed away January 12. Born in Canada, he begnn sailing with the SIU in 1967 aboard the Searrain Tl!XnS. He worked in the engine department and attended an educa- Sea-Land Consumer. Cove Spirit. Brother Steward was a resident of Lisbon Falls, Maine. PEDRO SUAREZ Pensioner Pedro Suarez, 82, died February 3. Brother Suarez joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. A native of Spain, he sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in March 1977. He was a resident of La Coruna, Spain. AARON L. TIIlBODEAUX Aaron L. Thibodeaux, 43, passed away March 25. He graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1974 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Bradford Island. Starting out in the steward department, the Louisiana native later transferred to the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Thibodeaux was a resident of New Orleans. MARNEEN B. TIERNEY Marneen B. Tierney, 49, died January 18. A native of California, she started her career with the Seafarers in 1996. Sister Tierney sailed primarily on American Hawaii Cruise vessels as a member of the steward department. She was a resident of Honolulu. LEONARD R. TITTLE Leonard R. Tittle, 50, passed away February 23. A resident of Honolulu, Brother Tittle began sailing with the SIU in 1986. He worked in the engine department as an electrician, last sailing in 1992 aboard the Salernwn, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. ALBERT J. VAN DYKE Pensioner. Albert J. Van Dyke, 81, died March 31. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Mobile. Ala. ==---' He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in November 1987. Brother Van Dyke was a resident of Seattle. 1993_ DELOS SNEAD Wells sailed as a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in May 1978, he signed off the ROBERT L. WELLS Pensioner Robert L. Wells, 80, died March 19. A native of Florida, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Wells worked as a chief steward, Inst sailing aboard the Pride of Texas, operated by Utan Navigation_ A resident of Bayou LaBatre, Ala., he began receiving his pension in June 1982. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945_ RONALD R. WELLS Pensioner Ronald R. Wells, 84, passed away March 18. He began his career with the SIU in 1961 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy (1943 to 1945). He was born in the British West Indies and was a resident of Lake Park, Fla. WILLIAM M. WHITE Pensioner William M. White, 84, passed away December 17, 1997. Brother White started his career with the SIU in 1956 ======= in the port of San Francisco. A native of Kansas, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1977 aboard the Pennsylvania, an Alpin Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Oakland, Calif. and retired in June 1983. INLAND DAVID J. DOMANGUE David J. Domangue, 41, passed away March 30. A native of Louisiana, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1974 from the port of New Orleans. The deck department member upgraded at the Lundeberg School an raduated from the towboat operator ram there in 1977. Boatman Domang last sailed in 1992 aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Sugarloaf, Calif. LAWRENCE C. FRANCIS Pensioner Lawrence C. Francis, 69, died April 24. Boatman Fr · Joined tfie SI() in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. The Texas native sailed as a chief engineer and began receiving his pension in June 1989. He was a resident of Jasper, Texas. JAMES R. KELLY Pensioner James R. Kelly, 68 passed away April 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Kelly sailed as a tug· boat captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by Curtis Bay Towing Co. The West Virginia native served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he retired in April 1988. STANLEY C. KUPNICKI Pensioner Stanley C. Kupnicki, 88, died April 19. Boatman Kupnkki joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Pennsylvania, he last sailed in the deck department as a mate. A resident of Baltimore, he began receiving his pension in October 1974_ EDWARD T. LAIRD Edward T. Laird, 57, passed away October 18, 1997. He graduated Continued on page 21 July 1998 �empts., ti pa,SJlile; .... ~tidn,, opaasio/1~- because of space soir_ie _will be·omitted. Ships mm :fimt.am:. rerlawed by the union's contract dep,rllJJBlJcl~. . . Those issues requiring ~ttentlon or resolution 11re address~d by the union · · upon receipt of tfJ_e shi/Js' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded la the Seafarers LOG tor publicm;oii~ HM/ ASTRACHEM (Hvide Marine), February 2-Chairman Tom Banks. Chairman noted training record book (fRB) applications available through bosun. Deadline for getting books is August 1. Hvide Marine announced HM/ Astrachem leads entire fleet with NO lost time due to accidents. It also has highest safety record. This directly reflects on professionalism of officers and crew. Crew members requested union send out annual statements on status of money purchase pension plan accounts. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to change Welfare Plan to cover prescriptions for dependents. New mattresses needed for rooms and new reefer needed in galley. Also, ice machines require maintenance. Vote of thanks to fine steward department, led by Chief Steward Luis Escobar. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), April 12-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Albert Balatico, Engine Delegate Robert Laidler, Steward Delegate Kenneth Bethea. hairman briefed crew on shipping rules and travel arrangements regarding upcoming layup in Bremerhaven, Germany shipyard. Educational direcror reminded rew members to upgrade at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md_and to apply for TRBs by Auguu I deadline_He abo mM~M tmportanc~ of donating to SPAD f6t' j6b i~curity, No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given tl'> steward department for great food and keeping ship in top condition_ LIBERTY $t:A (Liberty Matttittt¢ CQrp,), April 5--Chairman John Neff, Se\;reiary Ray Connelly, Educational Director Nathaniel Gaten Deck Delegate Omaha lledda. Engine Delegate Ter~nee Fvrd, Steward Delegate P. R. Men~. Dis1;1,.1s:sion held regarding garbage control aboard ship. Educational director advised members to continue upgrading slcills at Paul Hall Maritime Center. Treasurer announced $70 in ship's fund. It was recommended that a list be started of possible' movies to pur,hase. Some questions raised r(!garding OT in engine and stew· Personal ROBERT CALVIN PRITCHETT Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Robert Calvin Pritchett is asked to pfrau contact Mildred Haynes at ( ]34) 479-5'260 ot Junja J(JftttJ(Jn at (334) 452-2684. July 1998 ard departments. Otherwise, no beefs. Job welt done by all crew members, especially by steward department and Chief Cook Mena. Steward Ray Connolly presented with award for job well done by Bosun Neff. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines), April 19-Chairman Mauro De La Cerda, Secretary John Q. Lee, Educational Director Scott E. Speedy. Crew reported room ice machines need larger transformers to work properly. Treasurer announced $716 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members look forward to meeting with patrolman at payoff in Miami. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), April 26Chairman Mark L. Lamar, Secretary Mike Meany, Educational Director Herman Manzer. Chairman stated trip has been very good to date, with great crew, food and steward department. Secretary echoed those sentiments, thanking crew for enjoyable trip. He also expressed pleasure with new steward assistant, Joan Riley, and to professional job performed by chief cook. Educational director reminded crew members to advance skills at Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate reponed disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reponed by engine or steward delegates. Old exercise machines in crew gym are broken and need ro be replaced . SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), April 26Chairman Edward M. Cain, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Direcror Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Walter Price, En~ine Dele~ate J. Sprama, Stew~rd Delegate J.P.. Manandic. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary noted smooch trip with good crew on board and working wetl rogether. Educational director advised all members to obtain TRBs and to continue upgrading to hone skills at Paul Hall Center to further their careers. Treasurer announced $40 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read from headquarters advising all ships' masters to enforce "no smoking" in crew lounge and messhalls. Vote of thanks given to steward department far job wel I done. Next payoff scheduled in Tacoma, Wash. CLEVELAND (Sta.lift, In~_ ), May 6-Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca. Educational Director ~nnis SW()ttU, D~k Delegate David J. Garoutte, Engine Delegate Davon MrMillan, Steward Delegate Donald Sneed. Chairman thanked everyone for job well done. Secretary stated payoff to be held following room inspection by master and patrolman. Educational dir~b.'.)r ~tressed impDrtartce of upgrMing skills in Piney PL>int. Some disputed OT reponed by declc delegate. No beefs or disputM OT reported in steward or engine departments. Clarification of contract requested regarding delayed sailing, restriction to ship, and longshore and penalty rates. Crew reported concern about starboard gangway ladder. Vote of thanks to steward department for fine job. Next port: Houston, Texas. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport), May 31Chairman John Mossbarger, Secretary Hans F. Schmuck, Educational Director Alex Resendez III, Deck Delegate Jeff B. Turkus, Engine Delegate Giuseppe Ciciulla, Steward Delegate Richard Walker. Chairman received clarification on new contract. He also reminded crew about necessity of getting TRBs by August 1 deadline. Educational director told crew of opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new mattresses. Vote of thanks given for steward department's great job and for the 2,307 meals served during month of May. Next ports: Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), May 23-Chairman James E. Davis, .Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Albert Balatico, Engine Delegate Rashid Ali, Steward Delegate Kenneth Bethea. Vessel has just come out of two weeks in shipyard. Chairman informed members about Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills for better paying jobs. He also advised them of August 1 deadline for TRBs. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate. None reported in engine or steward departments. Ice machine in need of repair and new vacuum cleaner requested. While ship was in Bremerhaven, Germany shipyard, cookout was held at local seaman's club. A life ring signed by ship's crew memberg wag given co club_Next pon: Charleston, S.C. HMI DEFENDER (Hvide Marine). May 30-Chairman Robert Coleman. Secretary Kim DeWitt. Chainnan announced upcoming payoff in Tampa. New dryer is expected within 30 days . Educational director covered number of topics, including upgrading at Lundeberg School, importance of comriburing ro SPAD and need to keep abreast of union policies. He abo noted August 1 is deadline for TRBs. Steward delegate stated one-hour notice must be given for early meals. Requests made for new furniture in crew lounge and additional movies on board. HMI PETRACHEM (Hvide Marine), May 17-Chairman Kenndh McLamb, Setretary Colleen Mast. Deck Delegate John Cook. Engine Delegate Mark Roman, Steward Delegate Leicy M. Jone~ . Chairman announced receipt of update on zcards' expiration dates. Members should be sure to check expiration date on baclc of card and renew if n~essary. He stated payoff will probably be in Houston at end of month_ Secretary noted he has all necessary forms and applications for medical claims, Piney Point, etc. Educational director reminded members to take advantage of Lundeberg School to increase job ~kill~ and security. No heefs or disputed ITT reportM. suggestion made for everyone to read president's report on page 2 in Sea/are.rs LOG regarding bill being submitted to Congress that affects all Seafarers. Crew members should check with Houston patrolman to see how they can help. Discussion held about next tankcleaning job, which will be a big one. Steward department thanked for keeping ship so clean. Everyone was asked to try and help maintain it. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), May 7-Chairman Elex Cary Jr., Secretary J. Roman Jr., Educational Director Richard W. Risbeck. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and donate to SPAD. He also asked that everyone respect "no smoking" policy. Secretary urged mem- working crew. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at Piney Point, stressing that education is key to future success. Suggestion made that hazardous pay for helo ops should be part of future contract negotiatons. It will be brought to attention of contracts department. Several complaints voiced regarding lack of movies, books and gym equipment and that EPA adjustments are past due. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food. Next port: Baltimore. LNG ARIES (Energy Transportation Corp.), June 7Chairman Rafael M. Pereira, Secretary Doyle E. Cornelius, Educational Director Rene R. Spirit Pays Off During a recent payoff in Elizabeth, N.J., crew members aboard the Sea-Land Spirit join Patrolman Jack Caffey Jr. (standing far right) for a group picture. They include (from left, kneeling) Electrician Mohamad Alsinai, SA Eugene Perez Jr., AB Erving Davis, (second rolw) AB Joseph Dallas, AB Mitchell Santana, Bosun Ralph Gibbs, Caffey and (back row) OMU Ken Harder. bers to aply for TRB. Deadline is August 1. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested letter of clarification regarding sea watches. Steward department thanked for good food and good trip. Next pons~ Oakland, Calif..; Honolulu; and Guam. USNS STALWART (Maersk Line), May 19-Chairman Kenneth Boone, Secretary John Neal, Deck Delegate Tyrone Jackson, Engine Delegate Clarence Ritchie, Steward Delegate Myron Spivey. Chainnan thanked steward department for excellent food throughout trip. He also tallced about new Maerslc Line RO/R.Os and urged members to donate funds to SPAD to promote a strong U.S. merchant marine. Secretary reported one washer and one dryer out of service. Both should be repaired or replaced while ship in Panama. Educational director strongly urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer Tom Bowman announced $88 in ship's fund. New movies are expected to arrive in Panama. Communications from headquarters read. Contracts department thanked for quick response to question raised in last minutes regarding STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Panama and Norfolk, Va. WRIGHT (American Overseas Marine), May I I-Chairman Mike Proveaux, Secretary L. Oram, Educational Director C. Wharton, Deck Delegate James Blanchard, Engine Delegate Mike D' Angelo. Steward Delegate Debra Gardiner_ Chairman thanked hard Rosario, Deck Delegate Stephen Votta, Engine Delegate Riley Donahue, Steward Delegate Judith L. Chester. Captain Hoffmann attended beginning of meeting and thanked everyone for job well done. Chairman echoed sentiments of thanks and reminded crew members to leave rooms clean when disembarking in shipyard. Secretary thanked chief cook and all three SAs for good work. Educational director stressed importance of applying to Paul Hall Center for upgrading programs. Treasurer announced $337 in ship's fund. No beefs reported. Disputed OT in steward department settled to everyone's satisfaction. Members were advised to check z-cards and renew before they expire. OVERSEAS JOYCE (Maritime Overseas), June 5-Chairman Richard Bradford, Secretary Michael Gramer, Educational Director James R. Smart. Chairman advised crew of arrival in Portland, Ore. on June 6 with payoff upon arrival. Educational director spoke about importance of upgrading skills at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers LOG distributed and dis,ussion held regarding union issues. Motion made and seconded that if company can afford to pay mates and engineers to perform routine maintenence overtime at a respectable rate, then company should be able to afford pay raises for unlicensed crew. Vessel next heading for Toyohashi, Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 �All Seafarers Must Have TRBs By August 1 WHEN: As of August 1, 1998, every Seafarer who sails deep sea, inland or Great Lakes should have a training record book (TRB). WHAT: TRBs contain personal identification as well as list all relevant training, drills and exercises completed by individual Seafarers during their entire maritime career. It helps standardize proof of documentation for port state control under both the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). WHY: The TRB is a member's personal property and is to be carried by the individual to his or her respective ships. The SIU is providng these books so mem- hers will not have to carry individual documents, certificates and other paperwork when they report to their vessels. HOW: TRBs are distributed via SIU halls and the Paul Hall Center to whichever pon is designated by an individual Seafarer as his or her home port. Members will sign a receipt indicating they have received the booklet. Original TRBs are issued at NO CHARGE to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, pass. port-size photos with their applications. (There is a $25 charge for replacement books if lost). All members who have not submitted an application should do so as soon as possible. (The application form at right may be cut out and used as an official application.) r-------------------------------------, Training Record Book Application ~~ Middle ~~ Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ SSN - - - - - - - - - - - - Home Phone Number~------------------------~ Address_~~~~~~~--~~~--~~~~---~--------Street City Zip Code State Height (inches) _ __ Weight _ _ __ Hair Color _ _ __ D Yes D No Have you ever attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses? D Yes D No Are you a graduate of the SHLSS entry level program? Book Number Home Port Eye Color _ _ __ Department (Where you want book sent to) Along with your completed application, please send the following information: 1. Copy of USMMD (Z-card) front and back 2. Two (2) passport size photos 3. Copy of your STCW certificate (if applicable) 4. Copy of your SHLSS school card (if applicable) 5. Proof of any training received other than at SHLSS (certificates, cards, DD-214, etc.) (if applicable) Signature: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Send application to: SHLSS - ADMISSIONS Attn: TRB P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 --.. or give completed application to port agent If the above application is not filled out completely and the requested information sent, the application will be considered invalid and void. This blank form may be copied. 7/98 L-------------------------------------~ Crane Dept. Hoists Mon -Savi Solution Refurbishment Helps Keep Sea-Land Terminal on Sc .. t£c;.•~ Certificates of recognition were i;;ire5tmted in March to six shoregng members for their d~dicated ~erviee to bea-Land in excess of 10 yur~ ~aen _ The certificates were presented by Ri<;k Satava Sr., vessel superintendent, to (from lttft) Ronnie Woodruff (1 O yeara), Ken Kramli~h (10 YHr1), Tom Kelton (11 yeara), Jim Dandy (12 years) and Vern Pouls~n (13 years) _Not shown is Ole Poulsen (10 yHr$,) Plan Your Piney Point Vacation Now A fun-filled. memorable vacation for the entir~ family doe~ nor have to be expensive, especif\lly for Seafarers who have access to a beautiful facility with all the amenities of a fine resort-the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. There is still time for Seafarers and their families Lo plan their own special holiday at the union facility_ The 1;ost is $40.40 per day for ca~h SIU mcmbt;r and $9 .4.5 per day for a spouse 6'nd for each child_ (There is no charge for children I l years of age or younger_) These prices include all meals. Housing the nation's largest rraining facility for deep ~en and Qr~ttt La.kes unlicensed mariners as well as inland waterways boatmen, the Paul Halt Center is composed of administrntivc {lnd edu~ationa1 buildings. a library and maritime museum and a six-srocy traitting and recreation center on more than 60 acres of waterfront property. A number of the rooms 20 Seafarers LOG in the training and recrearion cenrer are set aside during the sum· mer month~ for vacationing SIU members and their families_ Each room contains two double beds, color TV, bureaus, desks and a table with chairs. On the premises arc an Olympic.size swimming pool, outdqor tennis and basketbalJ courts, a. state-ofthe-art he~lth spa and plenty of space for peaceful walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This peaceful setting provides many opportunities for water and land-based e,.peditions. The center even has a marina where vacationers can take a boat out for the day to sail arout\d the region or look for a good fishing spot. Entertaining day trips throughout hi~toric southern Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropotitan area can quickly fill up any vacation time. _ To create your own unique vai;ation this summer, call the Seafarers Training & Recre~tion Center at (301) 9_94-001 O_ More than a year after members of the Sea-Land crane maintenance department in Elizabeth, N_J_ redesigned and relocated everything on t e a block of the company's six cranes, smooth operations continue at the busy container port. One might call it a case of no news being good news. But there had been plenty of concern when Sea-Land first realized it needed to raise the cranes in order to accommodate its own Champion-class ships as well as Macrsk's M-class vessels. Re-routing them to a different port literally would have cost the company millions of doltars per year. Sea-Land initially decided to build new trolleys and headblocks for three or four of the six crane~, thereby enabling the spreader to gQ six feet higher_ However, it became apparent that such a tack not only would be costly, but also would mean diverting the vessels for many months_ Crane maintenance members, induding Seafarers and members of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Ass()cia.tion, then developed an alternative. They redesigned and relocated everything on the headblock of each of the six cranes, but without changing the trolley. This gained the needed height increase in time to avoid re-routing the ships-and it did so at about one-twentieth the cost of the original plan_ A Sea-Land spokesperson described the operation as .. nothing short of fantastic" and praised att involved for their "innovatiM and initiative." He also noted the major cost savings involved, plus the fact that service continued without any disruption. A team effort by the crane maintenance engineers and others saved big bueks for Sea-Land. Helping get the job done were (from left) Paul Keffer, Frank Monteiro, Art Omdahl, Vinny Carrao, Doug Jimene2'., Kevin Murphy, Joseph Negron and Abraham Alfaro_ Above: The refurbished setup gained much-needed space that allows crane department members to work Champion,. and M-class containerships. Left CME Joseph Negron assisted with redesign of the headblock. "It was a dirty job," he said with a laugh. Supervisors, engineers and CMEs all contributed to the successful conversion of. the cranes. Pictured here are CMEs Pete Fried, Abraham Alfaro, Vinny Carrao. Art Omdahl, Louis Nieves and Lenny Steinhardt; Engineers Charlie Priaco and Doug Jimenez; and Supervisors Jim Nightingale and Kevin Murphy. July 1998 �Final Departures Letters to the Editor (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Thanks to SIU for Article on Class Project On behalf of the survivors of the Class of 1942 of the U.S. Mer-;hant Marine Academy, I wish to thank you for publishing the announcement of the availability of our recently completed history project to CD-ROM technology (see May 1998 Seafarers LOG, page 20). This CD gives us the opportunity of sharing with Seafarers the experiences of some of the officers--and possibly with the sons of some Seafarers who never had the opportunity to hear directly from their fathers the stories of life at sea in those difficult days. Perhaps some of your members also would be interested in finding out more about U-boats and the role the SIU played in the war effort. They might want to check out the international web site devoted to "U-boat War 1939-1945" at http://www.uboat.net. A.J. Snider III Birmingham. Ala. thanks to Vice President George McCartney for a job very well done, both as vice president and on the executive board of the SIU. We send him our best wishes and good luck in his retirement. Andrew H. Reasko, Retired Recertified Chief Steward Steve Krkovkh, Retired Chief Electrician John Curlew, Retired Recertified Bosun Seafarers Scholarship Is Greatly Appreciated I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Seafarers Welfare Plan for the letter of congratulations to my grandson, Gerard Quinn, for the scholarship he was awarded. I would also like to thank the Board of Trustees of the scholarship program for selecting Gerard to receive this scholarship. Additionally, I would like to thank the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union for making it possible for members and their families to pursue their academic dreams. The scholarship is greatly appreciated and, once again, I thank you. Peter Loik Baltimore, Md. ... Scholarship Winner Giv es Cre dit to SIU V P George McCartney We are three retired SIU brothers who would like co give our It was certaily a pleasure to have received a note of congratulations the other day regarding my Seafarers scholarship award. I am very honored and thankful for your personal attention on my behalf. · The scholarship is yet another great benefit of having been a part of the Seafarers International Union. Fourteen years ago as a trainee, in my own cynical tendency, I asked myself: Why would the SIU include a third mate's education as part of its curriculum when the obvious next step for the successful candidate was to leave the SIU for a licensed union? It has long since become clear to me, however, that the SIU does indeed take a sincere interest in the pursuits and goals of its membership, even if it advocates saying "goodbye." I do not wish to say goodbye to the SIU, but I foresee that day fast approaching. I credit the SIU with having given me the opportunity to live my dream, one I had harbored since childhood when my father first told me his "sea stories." I will always recall the invaluable experiences and memories at sea that shaped my life and taught me what no classroom could convey. I would not be where I am today without the SIU. I want to thank President Michael Sacco, the entire SIU membership and its staff for their support and generoisty. It is greatly appreciated and always will be . I only hope that wherever the winds of time take me, I can make all of you proud of your "old shipmate." Keith W. Finnerty Baltimore, Md. ·Know Your Rights · · . FINANCIAL REPORTS. The consritucion of che SIU Atlantic. Gulf. Lakes and Inland WaLern DisnicL makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances_ The constirurion requires a detailed audit by ccrtit'icd public accountants every ycor, which is to be sub- . Continued from page 18 from the MC&S training school in 1972 and joined the MC&S in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's '-----======·; AGLIWD. The Arkansas native later transferred to the inland division and sailed in the steward department, primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. Boatman Laird was a resident of Los Angeles. 1 , 1992. CHARLES G. SHAW ;. Pensioner Charles G. Shaw, 79, died April IO. Boatman Shaw began his career with the Sea·' farers in 1967 from the port of ==----''---...;;;;;;;;;;;;== Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed as a captain and began receiving his pension in October 1980. He was a resident of Sugar Hill, Ga. trtittcd to the membership by the secretary-treasurer_A yearly finance committee of rank- and-flle members, elected by the tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boar. Members should know their contract rights, as well as cheir obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If. at any time, a member believes that an sru patrolman or other union official fail~ to protect their contraccual rights properly, he or she should contact the neare~t SIU port a.gent_ membership. each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this commiuee may make dissenting repons, :ipecific rMOrr'tlth~ndntion:i and :Jcpnrntc findings. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article ~erving the pDlitital purpo~e~ of any individual in TRUST FtJNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Distrkt are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All e;w;penditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various Lrust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A m~mbcr's shipping right~ and ~eniL>rity arc protcctM exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should ger co know their shipping righrn. Copies of chese comraccs are posced and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violacions of Lheir shipping or seniority rights as contained in the \;Olllra\;ts between the union and the employers, they sho1,1ld notify the Scnfan:n Appeals Board by certified mAil, rc;t1,1m receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez. Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Amh Way C~mp Spring~, MD 20746 Pull copies of contracts as refetTed to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafare rs Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU conrracts are available in all SIU h;\llS, These ~ontra\;tS spedfy the wages and condi· July 1998 ., STEPHEN M. PLASH Pensioner Stephen M. Plash, 69, passed away October 6, 1997. He began sailing in the deep sea division in 1951 • \ aboard the Seatrain Havana. The Texas native later transferred to inland vessels and graduated from the towboat operator course at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Plash sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels as a captain and last signed off the F.E. Haden in 1983. A resident of Santa Fe, Texas, he retired in July .. the union, offi~er or member_ It also has refrained from publishing anicles deemed hannful to the union or ics collective membership. This established policy has been reaffinned by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual co carry om this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official 1,.mion receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In che event anyone atcempcs co require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make suth payment, thi~ should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RICHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SID constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquaners. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal CHARLES D. STOWE Pensioner Charles D. Stowe, 72, passed away February 28. Born in North Carolina, he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Stowe sailed as a captain, last working aboard McAllister Towing Co. vessels. A resident of Hatteras, N.C., he retired in January 1989. From 1943 to 1966, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. HAROLD E. WALL Harold E. Wall, 38, died October 19, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1984 in the port L.:.-.=---==--= ·"";_J of New Orleans. Boatman Wall sailed as an engineer. GREAT LAKES JAMES A. GIBSON Pensioner James A. Gibson, 79, passed away March 12. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Detroit. The Virginia native worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard a Kinsman Transport vessel. A resident of Rose Hill, Va., Brother Gibson began receiving his pension in April 1983. ..----.,,.~~=,----,.,,., AnANTIC FISHERMEN JOSEPH F. PALAZOLA Pensioner Joseph F. Palazola, 84, passed away March 16. A native of Boston, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the SIU in 1981. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., he began receiving his pension in January 1979. · rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are -;!early set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts whh;h the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently. no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex., national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds arc used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should suppon SPAD to protect and funher his or her economic, political and social interests, and Ameri-;an trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access ro union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Mi-;hael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auch Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes ~· .;....x_._ ,..... HARRY SEAFARERS LU ND EBERG LIFEBOAT SCH OOL CLASS 576 Trainee Lifeboat Class 57~raduating from trainee lifeboat class 576 are (from left, kneeling) Christopher Burich, Nelson Martin, Mark McNabb, Mary Bado, Robert Rocanelli, Randy Diaz, Jesse Proetto. (second row) Ben Cusic (instructor). Michael Blue Jr., Kimberly Mendonca, Shaun Bonefont, Shannon Bonefont, Jack Drossos, (third row) John Conn, Keithen Pugh. Zachary Henning. Ryan Palmer. Antoine Robinson and Nathaniel Salter. FOWT-Earning their FOWT endorsements on June 12 are (from left, kneeling) Taylor Watson, Alex Benge, (second row) Davon Brown, Daniel Ahsan, Ludivico Castillo, Dennis Middleton, (third row) MicMel Davidson, Rodney Panai;iera, Mic;hael Williams and Dwight Ward. Tanker Assistant DL-SIU members completing the tanker assistant DL course on May 15 are (from left, front row, kneeling) Vincent D'Amelia, Wan Salim, Doyle Stanley, (second row, kneeling) Fahd Saleh, Gabriel Williams. Mark Stabler, Gary Hirsch, Joseph Welle Ill, Robert Pesulima, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Michael Hill, Leonard Bonarek, Douglas Felton, Stephen Harrington, Dawn Marie. Hill, Thomas Minton, Harold Sebring, (fourth row) John Dunavant, Robert Goodson, Robert Hurysz, Thomas Parisi, James Doyle and Nathan Hollander. Celestial Navigation-The course in celestial navigaton was completed May 29 by (from left) Joseph Butasek, Michael Smith, John Shivers and Marvin Chester. At right is their instructor, Brad Wheeler. Advanced Firefighting- Marking their graduation from the advanced firefighting Mur~e M May 1 are (from left, sitting) Jack CooJ;ler, Richard Riley, Jose Quinones, Winston Thompson, Amy Rippel, Mary Lou Smith, (second row) Rick Redmond (instructor), Paul Diesner, Paul Jagger, Stephen Blanchard, Antonio Perez, Amir Kasim, . (third row) Bruce Heath, John O'Shaughnessy. Frank Revette. Donald Peterson and Bryon O'Neal. ' p' ~ Upgraders Lifeboat-SIU members completing the upgraders lifeboat course on May 30 are (from left, kneeling) Ronnie Hamilton, Edward Jaynes, Edward O'Reilly, Arthur Gibbs, Noe Caballero, James Davis Jr., Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Mark Witas, James Baker, Raymond Oglesby, Angel Figueroa, Kenneth Grose, Gregory SampsM, Phillip King and John Vegh Ill. Able Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of th~ May 30 lif~Mat class are (from left. kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Ramli Sulaiman, Robby Lapy. (second row) Joseph Welle Ill, Humb@rt6 Gramer. 22 L6p~~' Gregono Cloner. Armando Sacasa and Dale Seafarers LD& Seaman- Seafarers graduating from the able seaman (;lass on May 15 are (from left, sitting) Elmo Davis. Eric Overby. Clarence Fortt. (second row} StepMn Swinton, John Vegh 111, Charles James. Joseph Riccio, Jose Calix and T~m Gilliland (instructor). Government Vessels-Receiving their endorsements from the govenment_ vessels course in May are (from left, sitting) Joseph Laine, Gary Hirsch, Peter Westropp, Jose Calix, (second row) Ronald Lupinacci, John Walsh, Charles Rhett Davis, Charles Skeen, (third row) Mark Cates (instructor), Robert Goodson and Angel Figueroa. July 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Safety Specialty Courses Start . The following is th~ ~chedule for c1~ss~· s begi~~ing in Aug~st, September and October at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All · p~~grarn.~ a~~.: ge.~~ed !9)JPP~.ove the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the . . . American . rriarithne 'ind\istry. · ... ..... · ·· .· ·. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the mem. pership, th~J~arj~i1,11e}ndustry and-in times Qf conflict-the nation's security. ·<: ·Sti.ui~tm(.~tt~md'ing any of thes~· classes should' check in the Saturday before. · their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morn- · Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) August 17 September 14 October 12 September 5 October 3 October 31 LNG Familiarfaation October 26 October 30 Bas,ic, Firefighting August.JO . September 7 September 21 October 5 August 15 September 12 September 26 ._:': .:.:~ng . ~.f. th~·:· ~!art dates, . ... . .. .. . '" $ea.f~~rs who have any questi<:ms r~garding the upgrading course§ <iffei~d . althe ... . L~mleberg School may calJjhe a~missions office at (301) 994-00iO. . · .... . '"'' . . "'" . A,,µ~t3 Advanced Firefighting . "' October 10 August 15 September 12 October 24 August 31 October 12 Start Date· Date of Completion.·::·. August 28 September 25 October 22 AugustlO September7 Government Vessels ·.Octobers odober2 September 28 . :: J\.~gu~t:io : : · August 22 · 'September 19 · October 17 September 1· October 5 Recertification Programs Engine Upgrading Courses Date of Completion Start Start Da.t.e of Date Completion September 21 October 30 September7 November 27 August 10 September 4 Date Course . LNG Recertification (includes 2 weeks offirefighting) August 3 . August 21 Academic Department Cou~es,. Start .·::. High ·School-Equiyaleney"Program (GED) Name _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _________________~ Addr~ss _ _ __ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ With chis application. COFIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient time to qualify yourself for the course( s) requested. You also must submit a COPY of each of !lit= following: the first page of your union book indicaling your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your z:~card as well as your Lunde berg School identification card listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ If che following information is nOI filled processed. Seidat Securiry # END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Lake~ Member D Det:p Sea Member D BEGIN Inland Waters Member D out 'ompletely, your application will not be Book# _ __ __ _ __ __ _ SeniQnty ---------'~----- Department _ __ _ _ _ __ _ U.S. Citizen: Yes CJ No Cl Home Port Endor~cmcnt(s) or Liccnse(s) MW held - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- LAST VESSEL: - -- - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Ar~ you~ sr~duati: Qf thi: SHLSS trainee prl'lgrAm7 D Yes Dace On: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ DNo Date Off: If yes, class# - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading Murs~s? D Yes DNo SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- NOTE: Transponation 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.- Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primllry language spoken July 1998 Endorsem~m? D No CPR; D Y~s D No - RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Admissions Office PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 7/98 Seafarers LOii 23 �I I Summer Vacation for Seafarers And Their Families There is still time to plan a family holiday this .summer at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. For additional information, see page 20. Safety Is Tantamount for.Crowley Seafarers SIU Members, Company Celebrate F or Seafarers working at the Crowley Petty's Island facility in Pennsauken, N.J., safety is more than a term. It is a way of life. "We are very safety conscience," noted John Wozunk, the chief shop steward for the nearly 100 union members who load and unload barges and ships, maintain containers and do other jobs at the site across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Wozunk. an SID member since 1978, has worked at the New Jersey compound for 15 years. He and others recalled the differences in the way safety concerns now are being handled as compared to the early days during a June 9 celebration for the workers' putting in 452 consecutive days without a lost-time injury. "The company is very willing to listen," stated Shop Steward John Gallagher, who has been working at Petty's Island since 1984. "We used to have a terrible record. Now, no one can touch us. We are one of the best in the world," he added. "This is a record for any Crowley site," pointed out IO-year vr;tcran Timmy Burns, another shop steward. he trio, joined by other Seafarers. said the turnaround in the facility's safety record occurred about five or six years ago follow• ing a series of injuries on the job. Safety awareness ~ommittccs were r;rcat· union m~mb~rg joined management officiab to discuss what could be done ed in whi~h to make the site safer, thus morn productive. Now safety meetings are held regularly before operations get under way. uThc company came to the union for input," Wozunk remembered. "They wanted co know what we thought and started implememing some of our ideas. They took us very geriomly_.. . . ---- ~ Without Lost-Time Injury at Petty's lsJand The 452-day mark eclipses the previous record of 291 days attained by the crew. "We are very proud to hold these marks," Gallagher said. "Everyone here works hard to keep this a safe site." The action of the Seafarers is not lost on Crowley. Besides throwing the afternoon luncheon on a workday-complete with live music-company officials presented each worker with an award to thank them for their efforts. "You are great people with a great attitude," proclaimed P. Elliott Burnside, president of Crowley American Transport. "This is an incredible accomplishment." Burnside also read from a letter written by Thoma~ B. Crowley Jr., president and CEO of the parent Crowley Maritime Corporation. ••safety continues lO be a key issue at Crowley. I am proud to be associated with you," wrote Crowleyt who apologized for being out of the country on the day of the celebration. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel saluted the SIU members for their efforts. "You have done and continue to do a tremendous job here," Heindel told the Seafarers. "I look forward to coming back for the c:dcbrntion when you break this record." Bill Dougherty (right} receives his safety award from Mike Hopkins (left), Crowley American Transport's vice president and general manager of operations, and Elliott Burnside, president of the company. Left: Enjoying the daY.' tivities are Joe s (left) and oey. Wozunk stated the safety program has evolved into the system in place today. Union members serve a year on one of the various safety committees designed to make the facility a better place to work. When the year is over, another SIU member takes the · seat on the committee to provide new ideas and information to th~ Right: No good meal is complete without dessert. Checking out the cake and fresh fruit are (from left) Tim Hughes, Carl Wolfe, Billy Mulholland and Dennis Saggese. group. > $Qme of the Seafarers who work at the Petty's Island complex for Crowley American Transport gather around SIU Ser;retary·Treasurer David Heindel during a luncheon thr6wn ~y tM MmpMy to celebrate a record 452 consecutive days without lost time due , to injury. The members said the record was accomplished because the union and the company work well with each other to ensure safety for all who work at the Delaware River roll-on/roll-off facility. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CLINTON ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM TO FUND DREDGING IN NATION’S PORTS NEW COMPANY FORMED TO MOVE ALASKAN OIL BP, MOC, KEYSTONE JOINTLY OPERATED FLEET WILL PROVIDE JOB SECURITY FOR SEAFARERS SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES TO MANAGE 55 RRF SHIPS CROWLEY CHRISTENS HIGH-TECH TUGBOAT SLATER BACK REFORM BILL HERB BRAND PASSES AWAY NEW ALASKAN RIDING GANGS DRAW PRAISE FOR WORK ABOARD TANKERS BOATMEN AT BISSO, HVIDE, MORAN RATIFY CONTRACTS CALIFORNIA VOTERS, NEVADE JUDGE REJECT EFFORTS TO SQUELCH VOICE OF WORKERS CLEVELAND CREW PROUD TO SUPPORT U.S. POLICIES AND SIU TRADITIONS 5 UNION-CREWED VESSELS JOIN U.S.-THAI OPERATION USNS CAPABLE LIVES UP TO ITS NAME WELFARE PLAN LAUNCHES MONEY-SAVING PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM FOR PENSIONERS QUALIFIED RETIREES WILL SAVE OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES ITF REPORT REVEALS ROUTINE LACK OF REST ‘TRUSTY’ JOHN J. BOLAND HELPS BOOST LAKES STONE TRADE TO RECORD HIGH UNION JOINS IN OBSERVING MARITIME MEMORIAL DAY VA CLARIFIES HEALTH-CARE QUESTIONS ELECTRICIAN EARHART CAPTURES ‘DEEP FREEZE’ ON VIDEOTAPE 30-YEAR SEAFARER DEJESUS EYES RETIREMENT LNG TAURUS REACHES 900 DAYS WITHOUT LOST-TIME INJURY AFL-CIO PRAISES ILO’S DECLARATION SIU SHIPS HONORED FOR 1997 RESCUES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 7 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c975f2f33a48da2c9b9d00c4cef00222.pdf a3dd0a66863bcf31abadd95e0669630a PDF Text Text Number 8 SIU, Paul Hall Center Announce Fire Fighting/Safety School Pages 3, 121 13 ,.y ~ · A ceremonial groundbreaking accompanied the announcement of the . ,. new fire fighting and safety complex in Piney Point, Md. Taking part in the celebration are (from left) Unlicensed Apprentice Jomo Young; ·; Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delmai Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jimmy Hanson; Bay Ship Management Labor . Relations Director Joeeph Cecire (representing the Paul Hall Center · · trustees); SIU President Michael Sacco; and Judy Sacco, widow of Joseph Sacco. �MarAd Rescinds RRF Awards President's Report Seafarers to Continue Working Under Extended Contracts Building for the Future An independent review uncovered some probLess than a month after announcing the awarding Everybody wants to know what is going to happen to them, their of contracts for operating vessels in the Ready lems with the system, so the agency canceled its families and their friends in the years to come. In fact, many people Reserve Force (RRF), the Maritime Administration June awards and reopened the bidding process. would pay a steep price to possess a crystal ball (MarAd) was forced to rescind all the pacts and start According to the MarAd statement, "Contract that could look into the future. a new bidding procedure. awards were inadvertently made contrary to a speSeafarers don't have to go to such an extreme. What this means for Seafarers is they will con- cific condition contained in an offer, and the resultBy reading the Seafarers LOG and attending tinue to crew the vessels and work under the con- ing awards were therefore improper. This error union meetings on a regular basis, you know about tracts that were due to expire this year. affected several awardees and non-selected compathe new vessels under SIU contracts which are pro"An announcement has been sent to all SIU- nies and potentially compromised the entire bestviding new jobs for the membership. You know crewed RRF ships that Seafarers are to remain on value decision." about the changes in training and documentation their ships and continue performing their duties Newspaper articles state the new bidding process required not just of Seafarers, but of all mariners until further notice," stated SIU Vice President could take as long as nine months before operating Michael Sacco now and down the road. You know of the efforts by Contracts Augie Tellez. contracts are announced. SIU-contracted companies that are working out ''This process of re-bidding will take some time. RRF vessels are used by the U.S. armed forces in their strategies for the 21st century for sailing under the U.S.-flag with We will keep the members informed on what is haptimes of surge shipping. They are owned by the govSeafarers aboard. pening," he added. The SIU has not been wondering about what will happen. It has ernment but operated by private companies who Following the announcement of the new conbeen aggressively planning for tomorrow and the many more tomortracts for the 89-ship fleet on June 12, MarAd had to employ American merchant mariners. rows to come. The vessels of the fleet are kept in various states rescind the bids in early July after the Department of The latest example of looking out for the future needs of our memof readiness, with some able to sail at a moment's Transportation agency discovered "an error in the bers came last month with the groundbreaking ceremony for one of the notice. The fleet includes tankers, roll-on/roll-offs, debriefing process," according to its press release. world's largest firefighting schools dedicated to marine-related blazes. In explaining the reason for rescinding the breakbulk and auxiliary crane ships. When this facility opens in 1999, it will be the most up-to-date, RRF ships have been broken out several times awards made in June, MarAd officials said several complete training site for Seafarers, no matter if they sail deep sea, companies had filed complaints about the bidding during the 1990s with the most extensive use of inland or on the Lakes. This school will have it all. procedure. them coming during the Persian Gulf War. As reported in this issue of the LOG, the multi-acre facility will be composed of both classrooms and hands-on training areas. At one central location, we will have structures to simulate potential fire conditions that could occur on any type of vessel. Students will be able to work in a full-size bilge, in a smoke-filled maze or on a helicopter pad. They will have a site to battle small fires with various types of extinguishers. They will be able to tackle blazes using fire hoses found on ships. In others words, they will receive training for whatever conditions President Clinton's nominee to Transportation Efficiency Act they may face. become head of the U.S. Mar- (ISTEA), which is designed to And, unlike those long sleepy bus trips to New Jersey taken by so itime Administration cleared the link the country's transportation many of our members in years past, this new facility is being built on Senate committee charged with modes. property already owned by the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. oversight of the Department of From 1980 to 1994, he worked One other benefit of this facility is it will be adaptable to meet the Transportation agency. with the Interstate Commerce future firefighting needs of Seafarers in the next century. It specifically Clyde J. Hart was approved to Commission, including three will allow for expansion. be the next maritime administrator years as counsel to its chairman. This is a massive project to make sure SIU members remain the by the Senate Commerce, Science He holds a law degree from best-trained, safest mariners in the world. · and Transportation Committee Catholic University and a masAppropriately, the trustees of the center have named this facility in during a voice vote on July 9. His ter's degree from George memory of a person who truly dedicated his life to improving condinomination now goes before the Washington University. Clyde Hart tions aboard ship and at home for all Seafarers: our late executive vice full Senate for consideration. president, Joseph Sacco. Once approved by that body, Joey believed in this union and constantly worked for the memberHart can be sworn in. No date for ship. He knew the SIU had to plan for the future and not rest on past Senate action has been anor present accomplishments. . nounced. He understood that training and upgrading played a significant role Hart serves as the senior and pushed to make sure the Lundeberg School at the Paul Hall Center More members of the House nized World War II-era mariners as Democratic counsel for the Senate remained the leader in the maritime industry. Joey was a driving force of Representatives have added veterans. That decision stated any Surface Transportation and behind the school since its origin. He would be very proud of this new Merchant Marine Subcommittee, their names as supporters of a mariners sailing between Decemfirefighting facility- then he would ask what's next. which is part of the full Com- measure to extend World War II ber 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945 To answer that questiof.1, the SIU continues working for the merce, Science and Trans- veterans' status to U.S. merchant would receive veterans' status. future-more ships, upgraded training and new union halls. The union portation Committee. He is sched- mariners who sailed between However, the cutoff for members is working on many different fronts to make sure there will be plenty uled to succeed retired U.S. Navy August 15. 1945 and December of the Army, Navy and Marines to of jobs for our members. Vice Admiral Albert Herberger, 31, 1946-the date set by be World War II veterans is We are on the move and have no intention of sailing in somebody who resigned in June 1997. John President Harry Truman as the December 31, 1946. else's wake. Graykowski has been serving as end of hostilities. A similar measure was introAs of mid-July, 284 members acting maritime administrator Herbert Brand duced in the Senate by Majority (almost two-thirds of the body) since Herberger left. Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.). It The SIU and the whole U.S.-flag maritime industry lost a truly had signed on as sponsors to H.R. Hart, a New Jersey native, great friend when Herb Brand passed away on June 26. was adopted as an amendment to 1126, a bill which would extend joined the subcommittee staff in Herb was a fighter. When he believed in a cause, he wouldn't stop the Ocean Shipping Reform Act the dates for mariners. Repre1994. He has worked on such until he won. And he believed in the men and women who crewed the (S. 414 ), which cleared the maritime-related legislation as sentative Lane Evans (D-Ill.) introvessels of the U.S.-flag fleet. Senate in April. That bill is awaitduced the measure to correct part the Maritime Security Act of He came on board with the SIU right after World War II. While his ing action by the House. of a 1988 ruling that first recog1996 and the Intermodal Surface official title with the union was public relations dire.ctor, he was much more than that. He was a confidant and advisor to Paul Hall, who had the vision to make the SIU what it is today. Sealift Panel Meets in Camp Springs Herb also was a visionary. He always could see great things for this union. When I became president 10 years ago, he was one of the first people I sought for advice. I continued to respect his ideas and knowledge until the day cancer took him from us. He will be missed by all of us, but his fighting spirit will live on. Senate Committee Approves Hart as Maritime Administrator Support Continues to Grow For WWII Veterans' Status llolume 60, Number 8 August f 998 lbe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 2 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; At1antic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs. MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor; Summer Intern, Donnie Stonns. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG j SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes members of the National Defense Transportation Association's (NDTA) Military Sealift Committee to union headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. on Ju~e 30. The committee, of which the SIU is a founding member, meets regular}y across th~ country to discuss, ~nd pr<;>vide recommendations for, issues relating to national security and seahft readiness. Its chairman 1s James Henry of the Washington, D.C.-based Transportation Institute. Th~ ~OTA is a non-pr~f!t. research and education organization composed of military and government off1c1~ls as well as c1v1hans from defense-related industries. Flanking Sacco are U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard Naughton of the U.S. Transportation Command (left) and former Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger. August 1998 �Center Unveils Fire Fighting School Early '99 Opening Planned for State-of-the-Art Facility The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month announced More than 100 people attended the ceremonial groundbreaking last month in Piney Point, Md., including representatives of SIUcontracted companies, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration, local fire and rescue personnel, Seafarers. employees of the Paul Hall Center and otner guests. Above: SIU President Michael Sacco begins the dedication. plans for a major addition: the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, projected to open in early 1999. The facility will be built on school property near the Paul Hall Center's main campus in Piney Point, Md. Its estimated cost is $1 million, with funding coming primarily from the International Transport Workers' Federation. Seafarers will take basic and advanced firefighting, water survival, first aid and CPR, damage control and confined-space safety training at the six-building complex. "This is a very special day," SIU President Michael Sacco said during a ceremonial groundbreaking July 16. 'The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is all about the future job security and employment opportunities of all SIU members. Safety training is important in its own right, but it's also a requirement for more and more of our jobs. "This school will give Seafarers the chance to meet those requirements in a facility that is second to none." Construction is expected to begin in the very near future, possibly as early as this month. The school is designed to virtually duplicate shipboard envi- ronments, including types of fires that could occur on vessels. Its buildings will house replicas of an engine room, galley, lounge and fo'c's'le. Also included will be a two-story maze with moveable partitions, classrooms, outdoor training pads, a compressor room, shower facilities and other features. 'The biggest plus may be the mix of hands-on training and classroom instruction that this school will make possible," noted Jimmy Hanson, director of health becomes registered in the United States and employs American mariners. In doing this, the people or companies operating the vessel must agree LO build a replacement vessel in a U.S. shipyard with not less than 75 percent of the foreign-built ship's stateroom capacity. The measure forbids the introduction of a foreign-built ship into a market already served by a U.S.flag cruise vessel. The foreignbuilt bottom must leave the market no later than two years after delivery of the last U.S. constructed vessel called for in the contract. In presenting his bill to the Senate, Breaux stated, "As strongly as I am committed to helping ports in my state of Louisiana and throughout the country attract and benefit from increased cruise vessel operations, I am equally convinced that we will not achieve the full measure of these economic benefits if we simply allow foreign-flag passenger vessels to operate between America's ports. "Rather, I believe we should be directing our efforts to develop a large, modern and competitive cruise vessel fleet comprised of Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, September 7, 1998 (unless an emergency arises) for the observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. August 1998 dedication of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, see pages 12 - 13. and safety at the Paul Hall Center. "Instead of four days in a classroom and one day of practical exercises, we can go directly back and forth after each lesson. This also will help the school in design- ing company-specific training." Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the school, said the new complex will enable the Paul Hall Center to "essentially provide one-stop shopping for the members in terms of their safety trammg. Everything they're required to take, they can get at this school." The facility is named after the late SIU executive vice president who passed away in October 1996. Board Tackles Training Regs Industry Advisory Group Focuses on International Requirements Implementing the evolving training requirements for mariners and efficiently tracking individual Seafarers' certifications for those regulations were two of the main topics analyzed last month during the second joint meeting of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's deep sea and inland advisory boards. The group also tackled numerous other subjects during the July 16-17 session at the center in Piney Point, Md. STCW issues, vocational and academic training available at the center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, year 2000 concerns, shipboard familiarization videotapes Senator Offers Legislation To Rebuild U.S. Cruise Fleet A new bill presented to the U.S. Senate last month would allow foreign-built cruise ships to enter the U.S. domestic market provided the vessels retlag to fly the Stars and Stripes and employ American citizen crews with the operators agreeing to build replacement bottoms in U.S . shipyards. The measure's sponsor, Senator John Breaux (D-La.), said his legislation is designed to develop "a United States cruise vessel industry and generate numerous economic benefits for our country through the operation of U nitcd States-flag cruise vessek between American ports." The bill, which has been designated as S. 2290, has the support of the SIU. "We look favorably upon this measure because it would create new jobs for American mariners and new shipbuilding opportunities for American shipyard workers," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. Under the terms of this legislation, a foreign-built cruise vessel could enter the U.S. coastwise market if and when the ship is brought up to U.S. standards, For detailed coverage of the Sen. John Breaux is seeking to rebuild the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry in the bill he introduced last month. vessels built in the United States, operated under the United States flag and crewed by United States citizens. Otherwise, we would simply be allowing foreign companies and foreign workers to receive all the privileges and benefits that come with operating in the United States domestic trades without any of the associated and resultant obligations and responsibilities we impose on American companies and American workers," the senator pointed out. S. 2290 has been sent to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for consideration. That committee already has before it two pieces of legislation designed to cripple the Passenger Vessel Services Act (the nation's passenger cabotage law) by allowing foreign-flag cruise ships to transport U.S. citizens between domestic ports along America's coastlines. The Senate was expected to discuss the cruise vessel bills during a meeting scheduled for late July. produced by the school, and cohesiveness within the maritime industry were some of the agenda items addressed by the more than l 00 people in attendance. . Representatives of SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and inland companies; the U.S. Coast Guard and its National Maritime Center; the U.S. Maritime Administration; the U.S. Military Sealift Command; the National Transportation Safety Board; the SIU and the Paul Hall Center participated in the annual conference. This marked the second joint meeting of the advisory boards. In years past, they had met separately. SIU President Michael Sacco opened the meeting by observing that the board's purpose "is to meet the changing needs of our industry," He noted the "unprecedented level of cooperation that now exists between labor, management, the Coast Guard and other government entities. This group is an example of that cooperation, and it's one reason why the SIU and the Lundeberg School are able to keep up with the changing times within our field. The reason we've been successful is that we've worked together as a team." In addition, he pointed out the solid suppon for the U.S. merchant marine that exists in Congress and the administration. "Our government honestly and truly believes we need a strong merchant fleet-owned by Americans and crewed by Americans, as the fourth arm of defense. With this kind of support and cooperation, I know this industry will grow by leaps and bounds." SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez reminded the board that training has reached an unprecedented level of importance, and the Paul Hall Center "tailors its courses to deliver a specialized product of manpower to your particular segments of the industry. This school is here to help you meet your needs and ensure you have the best-qualified people on your equipment." Following an initial meeting, the board met in four subcommittees. They discussed forming an industry consortium to establish auditing standards for validating training -records and helping ensure compliance with STCW, the International Safety Management Code and other regulations. They talked about alternative means of compliance with assessment regulations; reviewed the upcoming proposal from the U.S. to the IMO for minimum physical standards for mariners worldwide; assessed the school's crafting of an entry-level training program for inland Seafarers; and studied complex tonnage issues impacting the industry. "I'm impressed with the vision I see at the Paul Hall Center," said Vincent Cantwell, chairman of the Human Factors Group. John Torgersen, director of quality and safety at Bay Ship Continued on page 8 Representatives from many segments of the industry attended the advisory board meeting, including the Paul Hall Center, the SIU and its contracted companies, the U.S. Coast Guard and its National Maritime Center, the Military Sealift Command, the Maritime Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and others. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Members Crew USNS Watson RO/RO Joins MSC's Prepositioning Force New jobs for SIU members arrived in San Diego, as Seafarers in late June crewed the USNS Watson. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), which built the Watson, conducted a brief ceremony marking the vessel's initial crewing. Seafarers, SIU officials and other guests took part in the observance. The 950-foot, roll-on/roll-off prepositioning ship is operated for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) by Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. It is one of eight such vessels being constructed for MSC. The Watson will carry U.S. Army vehicles, supplies and other Future job opportunities for Seafarers are evident at NASSCO, where construction of another Watson-class ship is well under way. Pathfinder Is Latest Addition Ta SIU-Crewed Lakes Fleet Seafarers in the Great Lakes division welcomed new job opportunities earlier this year when the tug-barge unit Path· finder entered the region's stone trades. New job opportunities for SIU members in the Great Lakes division became available when the Pathfinder joined the Seafarerscrewed Lakes fleet earlier this year. SIU members crewed the converted self-unloader for fitout in March, and since then the vessel has contributed to a cargo boom on the Great Lakes. According to the latest available statistics, the stone trades are up more than one million net tons compared to 1997-which itself was a modern benchmark. Operated by Interlake Transportation, Inc., the Pathfinder is 606 feet long and probably will carry slightly less than 24,000 tons of cargo per voyage this season. The former J.L. Mauthe will transport mainly limestone and gypsum. Converted last year by Bay Shipbuilding Co. of Wisconsin, the Pathfinder now features the latest shipboard technology, including computer-controlled variable pitch on the tug's twin propellers and a fully automated cargo hold that not only monitors cargo on the belt, but also regulates it by automatically opening and closing the gates. New Prescription Plan Scores with Pensioners SIU pensioners already are taking advantage of the new prescription program offered last month by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. '"This card will be a tremendous help for all of us," noted retired QMED Bill Drew, who lives in Morehead City, N.C. "This means I'll have a few extra dollars in my pocket at the end of the month. It's great the union is watching out for us." Retirees who qualify for the program began receiving via mail credit card-size plastic documents bearing the SIU ship's wheel logo in early July. Beneath the SIU emblem is information on the pensioner needed by a pharmacist to process a prescription claim with National Prescription Administrators, Inc. (NPA), who is running the program for the plan. "So far, the response from the pensioners has been very good," stated Lou Delma, administrator for the Seafarers Welfare Plan. NPA has been in existence since 1978. It has more than 50,000 drug stores participating in its services across the country. Along with the cards, pensioners received a list of drug stores in their home states that honor the NPA program. Through NPA, retirees also can order their medications through the mail. Pensioners who have not received their card or have any questions about the new program can call the Seafarers Welfare Plan at 1-800252-4674. 4 Seafarers LOS equipment. Its primary cargo will be transport items such as tanks, helicopters, armored personnel carriers, tractor-trailers and highmobility military vehicles, known as HMMV s. It also may be used to provide stores for surge sealift support of remote military actions. The vessel is named after U.S. Army Private George Watson, a SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (right) joins crew members posthumous recipient of the of the USNS Watson for the ceremony in San Diego marking the prepoMedal of Honor for heroic actions sitioning ship's initial crewing. off the coast of New Guinea in 1943. It will be strategically prepositioned near areas of potential conflict. As with other ships in MSC's Afloat Prepositioning Force, it will be fully loaded and ready to sail at a moment's notice. The first crew of Seafarers aboard the Watson are Bosun Ray Wilkes, ABs Henry Peterson, Sam Wooten, Raymond Henderson, Edward Miller and David Joseph, OSs Joseph Lackey, P. Drew and Richard Gathers, QMEDs Thomas Eastwood, Philip Zalewski and John Penrose, OMUs Angelo Valente, Phil Dennis and Andrea Simmons, DEU ~ l Anthony Neathery, Steward/Baker Tyrell Green, Chief Cook Nearly 1,000 feet long, the USNS Watson will provide support for the Javier Delosreyes and SAs Roy U.S. Army, primarily carrying transport equipment. It also may be used for surge sealift operations. Warren and Saleh A. Saleh. SEATO Delegates Urge Increased Organizing, Educational, Political Efforts SIU Affiliate Holds First Convention Delegates to the first ever convention for the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) called for increased orgamzmg efforts, more educational opportunities and continued political action during their two-day meeting last month. Held at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., the convention allowed union members from around the country to meet one another and discuss similar situations they find in their trade. SEATU, which is affiliated with the Seafarers International Union. represents workers in a wide variety of occupations aboard riverboat gaming vessels and shoreside operations. The union was founded in 1995 and represents several thousand people. "Look at how far you have grown in just three years," SIU President Michael Sacco told the delegates in his welcoming address. (Sacco was reelected president of SEATU during the convention.) "Organizing has been the key and we will continue to bring more workers under the union banner," Sacco added. Training and education have been a major focus at SEATUcontracted operations. Instructors from the Paul Hall Center regularly go to the union shops to conduct classes in firefighting, food handling, workplace safety and other subjects for union members. However, the convention provided most of the delegates with their first look at the southern Maryland training facility. Stephanie Lee, a delegate from Lawrenceburg, Ind., said, 'This place is great. I can't wait to tell the others what they have to offer here." Noted Dennis Rispone of Baton Rouge, La., "I never expected to see all this. The center has so much to offer all of us." Among the several resolutions adopted by the delegates was one that called on the union to continue to improve its political activity. The delegates were reminded that it took governmental action to permit gaming vessels. They also heard how federal, state and local laws affect their jobs on a daily basis. SEATU delegates show their approval of a resolution calling for expanded educational opportunities for the union members. In welcoming the SEATU convention to the Paul Hall Center, President Michael Sacco urges delegates to help organize more non-union sites so the union may continue to grow. The delegates urged SEATU members to "remain active in the political arena" including working with family, friends and neighbors to inform them about issues and concerns that deal with working people. The convention approved a resolution calling for the continued preservation of the nation's cabotage laws-the Passenger Vessel Services Act and the Jones Act-stating, "the needs and concerns of American workers as well as the general welfare of the United States must always be placed ahead of the greed of foreign-flag interests." Other statements discussed and passed by the delegates included support for union brothers and sisters in their struggles, a call to buy union-made produ·cts, support for a living wage for workers and a need for utility deregulation measures that will protect working families and small businesses. Besides their work at Piney Point, SEATU delegates were able to visit Capitol Hill and meet with elected officials and their staffs. August 11198 �Congress Urges Closer Work With U.S. Delegation to IMO Seafarers Join Protest of P.R. Phone Co. Sale SIU Calls for Global Enforcement Of Agency's Training Convention The chairman of the subcommittee charged with overseeing the U.S. Coast Guard called upon the agency to work more closely with the members of the panel as well as the whole Congress when working on agreements with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Representative Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.), who heads the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, urged the Coast Guard to work with the panel to form "a plan which would allow Congress to become more involved with the U.S. delegation to the IMO. Since Congress must ultimately approve and implement the agreements reached at the IMO, it would be helpful to have us involved in the decision making process from the beginning." Gilchrest made his comments during a subcommittee hearing in late June. Testifying at the meeting in support of the United States' continued participation in the IMO was the SIU's political action and governmental affairs director1 Terry Turner. Gilchrest commended the IMO a~ "the mmt efficient of United Nations' (UN) agencies 11 and added that "Congress needs to back up U.S. presence in this most important arena.11 The IMO, which is chartered by the UN, works to promote safety in shipping and prevent marine pollution from vessels. Turner testified in strong support of the nation's continued participation in IMO activities. Illustrating the value of such efforts, he told the subcommittee about the union's very active work with the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee-particularly thtoughout the revision of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) and the subsequent implementation of new regulations affecting merchant mariners worldwide. Additionally1 Turner credited the Coast Guard for doing Teny Turner, SIU director of political action and governmental affairs, states the union's support for ongoing U.S. work with the IMO. an excellent job in leading the U.S. delegation in this push. Further, he expressed the SIU's support for the revised STCW convention, but cautioned that all of the signatory nations must enforce the agreement properly in order for it to have maximum effectiveness. "There is no question that U.S.-flag operators find it difficult to compete with flag-of-convenience operators who routinely and at a very low wage employ seamen from underdeveloped nations who are unskilled and untrained. It is our hope that the revised convention will not only enhance safety. but also will make the playing field in this re~ard a little more level,11 Turner stated. "While shipowners have the right August 1998 The SIU always has been both proud and willing to support fellow trade unionists in their struggles, from coast to coast and beyond. Such was the case last month in Puerto Rico, where SIU members joined in massive protests regarding the sale of the Puerto Rico Telephone Company, a government-owned utility, to a private consortium. Workers eventually engaged in a 48-hour strike in objection to the sale. In photo above (from left), SIU Port Agent Steve Ruiz, Patrolman Victor Nunez, telephone worker J. Torres and Seafarer Roberto Candelario turn out for a rally in San Juan. Below, active and retired Seafarers show their support for the tele· phone company employees. 1995 STCW Certificates Required by February 2002 The transition between implementing the 1978 STCW convention and the 1995 amendments to that international maritime agreement has resulted in more than a slight amount of confusion around the world, as the 100-plus signatory nations write and rewrite regulations to ensure their respective compliance. One issue stemming from the pact that affects SIU members is the requirement for merchant mariners to possess supplemental shipboard identification known as Persian Gulf 'Danger Pay1 Applies ta 4 SIU Companies Seafarers who sailed on vessels deployed to the Persian Gulf during the recent military buildup in that region are e1igible for imminent danger pay, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). SIU members who sailed on ships operated by Bay Ship Management, Maersk Lines, Ocean Carriers and Dyn Marine that were sent to certain zones in the Persian Gulf beginning February 7 are eligible for such pay. As reported on page 3 of the May issue of the Seafarers LOG, SIU members who believe they qualify for imminent danger pay and who have signed off their respective vessels should contact the companies operating the ships to register where they please, open registries should not be allowed to compete on the basis of lower safety standards. "But we all know that the adoption of a convention does not always mean that it will be properly implemented," he continued. "As stated by the IMO secretary general, the maritime world has the right to expect that ships of all nations meet the levels of safety and environmental protection which have been internationally agreed on. It is up to the shipowner to make certain his vessels are safe, are properly manned and do not pollute the seas. It is the duty of governments to make sure that ships which fly their respective flags comply with the standards laid down in the IMO conventions which they have ratified." In his testimony, Coast Guard Admiral Robert C. North said it benefits the U.S. to affect the formation of international ship standards to improve safety and environmental protection because "the economy is increasingly global, the U.S. is the largest trading nation in the world, and 95 percent of its foreign trade involves maritime transportation." North also pointed out that U.S. vessels "must meet these standards, and international standards minimize the need for the creation of U.S. unilateral standards for foreign vessels calling in the U.S." on which they sailed, according to MSC. Seafarers stiIJ aboard ships deployed in the Gulf are not instructed to contact the companies. "On applicable contracts, Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) mandated by collective bargaining agreement is reimbursable to the contractor for payments made to the contract mariners on board MSC vessels operating in certain zones of the Arabian Gulf," reads the memorandum from MSC. "Any reimbursement of IDP is limited to the amounts that would be payable under applicable laws and regulations to U.S. civil service mariners in the employ (of) MSC in a similar port, place, zone or route .... The current zones for IDP in the Arabian Gulf include an STCW certificate. Issued through the U.S. Coast Guard's regional exam centers (RECs), the certificate is designed to provide a measure of uniformity for port state control inspections. Currently, in accordance with the 1978 convention 1 the following unlicensed mariners must have an STCW certificate: ABs, pumpmen, tankermen assistants, and any other ratings holding lifeboat tickets who sail in international waters. The deadlines for securing the 1978 certificate the sea areas within the Arabian Gulf." More than 15 SIU-crewed ships were involved in exercises in or near the Gulf as part of the U.S. military assemblagt? there. lotlce: EPA Wage Increases The union last month announced that members aboard the following company's vessels will receive Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) wage increases as calculated by the U.S. government: • • • • Ocean Carriers T5 tankers; Maersk vessels in the Maritime Security Program; Waterman TAK-X vessels; The Sulphur Enterprise. ranged from October 1, 1996 to February 1, 1997, depending on one's rating, as reported numerous times in past issues of the Seafarers LOG. The 1995 amendments to the conventjon fully take effect in 2002, meaning the original 1978 convention completely will be null and void from that date forward. Accordingly, the amendments require an updated STCW identification known as a 1995 STCW certificate. The following personnel must possess a 1995 STCW certificate by the deadline of February 1, 2002: all watchstanding personnel (including engine department members), all tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties (such as ABs and pumpmen, for instance), and all lifeboatmen on passenger vessels. As with the 1978 certificate, the 1995 version may be acquired through Coast Guard RECs. To get a 1995 certificate, Seafarers must present evidence of meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. These requirements are for documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, firefighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. In addition, effective August 1 (this month), all new people entering the maritime industry must immediately meet the Chapter VI requirements. To get a 1995 certificate, current members will either show documentation of having taken approved courses (such as those at the Paul Hall Center) for the four elements of Chapter VI in the previous five years; and/or produce the tables from their training record books which have been signed off. The 1995 certificate is similar in format to the 1978 identification, but it differs in that it includes spaces for an expiration date and photo, plus uses more user-friendly terminology. STCW cenificates Are Separate from TRBs STOW certificates basically are supplements to z..cards. They were created to facilitate effective port state control Inspections worldwide. STOW certificates- are com~ ptetely separate from the training recorcl book (TRB) produced tas1 year.by the Stu and the Paul Haft Center for Maritime Training and Edt.lcation. SIU tnembflrs with appropnate ratings should -carry an STCW certificate in addition to their z-card and training record book (TAB). The union and the Paut Halt Center joinfly created the TAB "essentially so that SIU members would only have to carry three main dcicuments with 1hem aboard ship, instead of a dozen or two dozen or more:' noted Bill Egfinton, director of vocational education at the center. "Among other benefits, the TRB saves Seafarers from having to carry documentation of all their required training." SIU members who have not applied for a TAB should do so rmmediately. Contact the Paul Hall Center's admissions office at (301) 994-0010 for more information. Seafarers LOii 5 �New Hiring Hall Bought for New Orleins The union recently announced that it has purchased a building to house the SIU's New Orleansarea hiring hall. The SIU anticipates moving from its current facility on Jackson Avenue in New Orleans, to the newer building at 3911 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey, La. sometime in the coming months. An exact date has not been determined because the building is being renovated and expanded to meet the union's operational requirements. During the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel described the one-story building on Lapalco Blvd. as "comfortable and convenient. There is off-street parking and public transportation available. The anticipated growth in this area may be substantial, and this meet the building should Renovation and expansion are under way at the building that will serve as the SIU's New Orleans-area hiring hall. The facility is located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd. demand." Harvey is in Jefferson Parish, a suburb of New Orleans, and is approximately 9 miles from the hall on Jackson Ave. Further details regarding the new hall will be published in the Seafarers LOG as they become available, including telephone and fax numbers. Transport Workers End Philadelphia Strike Seafare rs Show Solidarity at Local 234 Demonstrations Members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 recently reached a tentative contract agreement that ended a 40-day strike against the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. The local's 5,600 members were expected to formally approve the three-year pact on July 24, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. A TWU spokesperson described the contract ll:S "definitely ll victory for us." Members of Local 234 drive buses, trolleys and subways and also do maintenance in Philadelphia and surrounding areas_ Dozens of SIU members took part in downtown demonstrations supporting the Transport Workers on June 10 and June 27. In all, thous£Inds of trade unionists and their families participated in those rallies. "The TWU went out of its way to say they were very thankful to the SIU and very impressed with our support," noted SIU Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski. In a communication to its members, Local 234 described the contract as "maintaining job security, integrity of the contract and moving us forward in wages and pension benefits. Management's attempts to privatize our routes, contract out our maintenance work, hire part-timers ... all are defeated." The TWU also described the work stoppage as something "that the union fought hard to avoid. But when it occurred, the membership carried through in unity." - ;- " Steelworkers File Lawsuit To Decide Legality of NAFTA Sf '1FAHEll5 It.I'( l!RllAT!Off P,~ Utl!Oli SUPPORT5 \;\ /{, Above, ABs Phil Yaros (left) and Jeff Beasley listen to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka during the June 1O demonstration for Local 234. At right, continuing an SIU tradition as old as the union itself, Seafarers (clockwise, from left) John Gallagher, Chuck Haller, John Wozunk and Bill Kelly show solidarity with fellow trade unionists, during a June 1O rally in Philadelphia. 6 Seafarers LOG SIU members in Southern California recently met with Nick Marrone, who last month succeeded the retired George McCartney as the union's West Coast vice president. Marrone joined Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox for a numbe r of shipboard union meetings in the Long Beach-Los Angeles harbor. They informed members about the Paul Hall Center's new fire fighting and safety school and discussed other news from the industry. Top photo: Crew members on the Sea-Land Innovator welcome Marrone. Standing from left to right are Patrolman Frank Gill, Steward/Baker Jose Bayani, Marrone, QMED Bob Rush and AB George Lusk. Pictured directly above are Crowley boatmen (from left) AB Barry Labeach, AB Chad Macaulay and Captain Kerry Dematos. Shown in photo below, aboard the President Polk, are (from left) Justo Lopez, Michael Baker, Leo Bollinger, Alvin Solomon and Al Olguin. Among the Seafarers demonstrating in support of TWU Local 234 were (top photo, from left) Steward/Baker Jeff Beasley, QMED Chuck Haller, DEU Nick Joyce, Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski, QMED John Cronan, AB Tom Keenan, FO\NT Ben Stanley, Bill Kelly, Retiree Bert Smith, AB Phil Varos, John Wozunk and OMED Joe Grandinetti_ In photo below, those Seafarers and others, including AB Charles Wright, pose with TWU members at the June 1o rally. At left, Seafarers join thousands of trade unionists in downtown demonstrations supporting members of the Transport Workers Union Local 234 in their pursuit of a fair contract. 0 Seafarers Greet New West Coast VP SUPPORTS \ ."; / i .\ \... Believing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to be unconstitutional, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) last month joined the Made in USA Foundation in a federal lawsuit to have the treaty declared null and void. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Alabama, a state where steelworkers have been directly injured by NAFTA. The legal action will ask the courts to decide if NAFTA is, indeed, a treaty. If the answer is yes, it will ask the courts to declare the agreement unconstitutional. "We believe that NAFTA is a treaty that should have been subject to a two-thirds ratifiction vote by the U.S. Senate as called for in the U.S. Constitution," said USWA President George Becker. The Senate vote on November 17, 1993 was 61-38 to adopt the free trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The U.S. House of Representatives voted 234-200 for its adoption three days later. "Although the focus of our lawsuit is this constitutional issue," Becker stated, "the United Steelworkers of America has other, equally compelling reasons for taking up this fight. The fact is that NAFTA has been an unmitigated disaster, not just for our members, but for working people throughout North America-in Canada and Mexico as well as in the United States ... It has never lived up to the promises made by its supporters." More than 7,400 workers represented by the USWA at 34 locations have been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as having lost employment because of the movement of their employers to Mexico and Canada, or have lost jobs because of an increase in imports from these countries. When Huffy's largest U.S. bicycle factory, located in Celina, Ohio, moves its production plant to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, an additional 1,000 workers will be affected by the end of the year. August 1998 �Lifelong U.S.-Flag Supporter, Herb Brand, Passes Away at 84 Herbert Brand The SIU and all of the U.S.-flag mantime industry lost a true friend and supporter when Herbert Brand passed away June 26 after a threeyear bout with cancer. He was 84. "Herb Brand was one of the people who made our union what it is today," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "He believed in the men and women who sailed the ships. He believed in the need for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet. And he never stopped fighting and speaking out for it." Brand started working for the SIU in 1946, shortly after he was discharged from the U.S. Navy. He went to work in the union's communications department and soon became editor of the Seafarers LOG. Brand took great pride in producing the union's publication. A testament to his drive and determination in himself and his staff can be found in the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum in Piney Point. Md. where the numerous labor press awards earned during his tenure hang o a wall. Despite the fact that Brand's official title was director of public relations, he proved to be much more than that. He became an advisor, associate and confidant of then SIU President Paul Hall. He would work with Hall and the other SIU officials in planning organizing strategies, pushing for maritime-related measures on Capitol Hill and striving to improve the lives of Seafarers aboard their vessels. ..Herb Brand knew this industry inside-andout," Sacco said. "He understood where it came from following World War II and how it changed. "He also knew what it would take to keep the U.S.-flag flying on the high seas. I often sought his advice and ideas after I became president of the union. He had an uncanny sense of how to tackle an issue and win:· Brand stayed with the SIU until 1967 when he moved from New York to Washington, D.C. and became president of the Transportation Institute, a U.S.-flag shipping industry association dedicated to maritime research and promotion. A September 1980 article in the LOG on Brand noted he created "one of the most capable research departments in all of Washington, D.C. The quality of its work-the imaginative and thorough approach it has taken toward solving the problems confronting the maritime industry-has impressed a great many people." The New York native remained as the president of the institute until 1980 when he was named chairman of its board of directors. He still held that title at the time of his death. "Until the day he died, Herb Brand fought for this industry," noted James Henry, who serves as president of the Transportation Institute. "He was able to bridge the gap between the maritime unions and the U.S.-flag shipowners to ensure both groups could work together to promote the U.S.-flag fleet rather than tear each other apart. He understood the absolute need for the two sides to remain unified when they lobbied Congress or administration officials to promote the industry. Because without one, the other could not exist. "His ability is very rarely found in one person." Brand's views on what it would take to fight August 1998 for the U.S.-flag fleet can be found in the same September 1980 LOG article: "It is a constant, daily grind to stay on top of new problems and developments. "I feel that we have taken a balanced view of the maritime industry, especially where the industry is a victim of unfair policies formulated by government agencies that have no real understanding of the merchant marine. We talk about developing a competitive fleet, but other nations are far beyond the talking stage. This country needs to develop a coherent maritime policy." To ensure there would be an open forum for the advocates of the U.S.-flag fleet, Brand helped establish in 1981 the Paul Hall Memorial Endowment at the University of Southern California. The endowment honors distinguished contributors to marine transportation by bringing their thoughts to the public in the form of an annual lecture. Brand delivered the initial address in 1988. In his remarks, Brand noted other countries were pushing for stronger merchant fleets, while America's had dwindled during the decade. "The realities of the world today dictate that American self interest must be served. The pure 'free-market' arguments don't answer the question of how we provide for the merchant marine part of the national security equation-and by security I refer to both physical and the economic viability of America." In 1995, the U.S. Navy League presented him with its Vincent T. Hirsch Award for his many years of work in promoting the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. The award is given to "a distinguished American who is particularly effective in creating a broader understanding of the merchant marine to national security.'' Among the other organizations with which Brand was involved were the advisory board for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; founding member and board of governors of the National Shortly after Herb Brand came to the SIU, he became editor of the Seafarers LOG. This photo from the mid-1950s shows Brand (standing, left) with the paper's staff. Maritime Council; and advisory committee on the National Waterways Conference. Brand is survived by his wife of 26 years. the former Florence Palmer. His first wife, Agnes McKennett Brand, passed away in 1967. Also surviving him are two children from the first marriage, Maxine Green and Stanley Brand; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services were held June 29 with burial in the G.W. Memorial Park in Paramus, N.J. Herb Brand was a lifelong champion of Ihi! U.S. merchnnt marine. He was a sage advisor, mentor and tutor to government and labor leaders, legislators, and to just about every person he came in contact with in the maritime industry who asked for help. He was able to balance the interests of labor. govern· ment and industry. He was an unsung hero of the U.S. merchant marine, and his progressive, creative thinking influenced many national maritime policies and decisions. In recent years as a cancer victim, he showed true courage and was devoted ro his work, his f amity and his friends to the end. He was truly loved by the entire maritime community and we will sincerely miss him. Ronald C. Rasmus, President The Great Lakes Towing Co. Later in his career, Brand's advice was sought because of his knowledge of the industy. With him are (from left) Bush administration Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner, SIU President Michael Sacco and Transportation lnsitutute President James Henry. I have known Herb Brand for close to 30 years. He was truly an exceptional person. He, like his close friend Paul Hall, grew up in the labor movement through some difficult times. He learned to be tough. He commanded respect because he was smart and he was honest. Because of his experience and intelligence, he set a high standard for everyone he came in contact with. He was a valued and loyal friend - he is sorely missed. Paul F. Richardson, President Paul F. Richardson & Associates, Inc. Too often, the measure of a man is made on the basis of the collar he wears. Most notably, the distinction has been drawn between the union's blue collar members and the men and women who work "in the office." The survival of our industry requires that, on occasion, one of us may have to postpone some desire or interest for the sake of unity. Herb Brand understood this and was a bridge between Seafarers, executives and professionals working together for mutual success. Herb was the clear, resonant voice of the industry in Washington. As a thinker and indefatigable advocate, he had a hand in shaping every important law and regulation bearing on maritime life for half a century. Herb did not come up from the fo'c's'le. He was a trained professional with a mastery of technical and complex matters that required professional treatment. We owe a great debt to Herb Brand who, though he wore a white collar, was one of the greatest friemls the blue collar mariner has ever had. Ran Hettena, President Maritime Overseas Corp. Rarely does a reporter for a publication like the Seafarers WG take the opportunity to step out and provide for personal reflection. This is one of those times. I first met Herb Brand nine years ago when I was transferred from Jacksonville to headquarters to work for the WG. He grilled me on my news writing background, what I knew about the union, how I reacted to the membership and how much I knew about politics. Then he told me about his background-growing up in New York, studying at the University of Alabama, serving in the Navy, and meeting Paul Hall for the first time. I called my wife to tell her I really wanted to work with this man. Little did I know then what an influence he would have on me. No matter what he did for the SIU or the maritime industry, the Seafarers LOG was Herb's baby. He would study each issue minutely and would tell me and the others on the staff where we could have improved a sentence, a story, a page. He ingrained his quest to make sure each and every issue was the best it could be. Herb had a remarkable memory. I never tired of listening to his stories of the SIU's struggle to survive in the early years, the waterfront beefs, the calls from other unions for support and the challenge to remain the best maritime union, period. He could go on for hours about the people, places and events that made the SIU what it is today. He could make you believe you were in the room with people you never even met at a time before you were born - that's how vivid his descriptions were. Herb loved a good fight and he hated to lose, something that rarely happened to him. I was able to appreciate his battle with cancer these last three years more than many because I, too, fought the same disease that afflicted him. I know the courage and determination it takes to beat off this illness at my age and knew some of what he was going through and helped him deal with it. I finally was able to help him after years of his guiding me. But seeing how he overcame the odds during these three years, I truly learned of what he was made and how he became the institution he was in our union and our industry. His body may have grown tired, but his mind never did. I will miss my friend and will always remember him. - Daniel W. Duncan Seafarers LOG 7 �Crescent Is 1st to Obtain USCG Compliance SIU-contracted Crescent Towing is the first harbor tug company to be awarded compliance decals by the Eighth Coast Guard District under the second phase of the new "Cooperative Towing Vessel Examination Program" (CIVEP). In last year's initial phase, the company also was the first to cooperate. (The Eighth Coast Guard District, with headquarters in New Orleans, covers approximately one-third of the nationincludi ng all the tributaries that feed into the Mississippi River and all of the Gulf Coast-the bulk of U.S. inland water transportation.) Currently, the company's tugs are not required to be inspected annually (although they may be at some future date), so the CTVEP is a voluntary effort on the part of Crescent Towing. This phase of the Coast Guard compliance is designed to recognize companies that have shown a commitment to quality and safety. It is beneficial to the Coast Guard in that it allows them to maximize the use of their resources by greatly reducing unscheduled boardings for recognized companies. It also is helpful to Crescent Towing because it verifies their personal safety procedures and ensures that they have the correct equipment and publications on board each boat. Richard Murray, CEO of Crescent Towing, stated, "It is enlightening to see first-hand the Advisory Board Meets in Piney Paint Guard approval for those that need it. He also noted that the school "has charted a career path for its students, from unlicensed apprentice all the way to getting a license." Carl Peth, SIU headquarters representative, and Betty Smith, who works in the port agent's office in Piney Point, reviewed the unlicensed apprentice program and noted the very favorable reaction it has received among students as well as Seafarers and officers on union-contracted ships. The admissions director, Priscilla Dement, demonstrated how the center's Coast Guardaccepted training record book (TRB) works. She detailed the electronic tracking and updating of members' training that is used to update the TRBs, including security measures . (Bay Ships' Torgersen announced that a number of SIU-contracted companies have audited the database.) Pointing out the school's emphasis on shipboaro sanitation, healthy cooking and computer literacy for steward department upgrndcr:s wn:s Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education. He also noted that in addition to teaching galley skills, the instructors "enhance students' appreciation for the importance of their jobs. It's been said that a ship sails on its stomach, and there's no question the steward department plays an integral role in the success of a vesse1:· ing and safety school which will be located near the main campus. (See stories, pages 3, 12 and 13.) Continued from page 3 Management, cited the advisory board as an example of the union's leadership in the industry. Michael Koppenhaver, manager of STCW/ISM processes at Transoceanic Cable Ship Co., commended the union and school for conducting the meeting and also praised the Paul Hall Center's responsiveness in developing videotapes that help ship operators comply with evolving international regulations. Paul Hall Center Newt Representatives of the Paul Hall Center provided summaries of many other topics. During the ovcrnll conference, Bill Eglinton, director of vocation~! education, provided a summary of the center's and union's numerous activities pertaining to the International Maritime Organization, the STCW convention and Coast Guard endeavors since the board's last meeting. He reviewed the requirements for 199.) STCW certificates. He also announced that the board has asked the Coast Guard to extend the deadline for "on-site assessment procedures" covering basic safety training, which temporarily pennit mariners to fulfill certain STCW requirements by demonstrating shipboard competencies instead of completing approved courses. John Mason, head of American Services Technology Inc., the school's contracted operator, reviewed the Paul Hall Center's government vessels course, which helps prepare SIU members to sail aboard MSC vessels. He noted that MSC has okayed the center's damage control . training, marking the first time the agency "has approved training as Navy-specific." Mason also explained that although the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention have led to many new training requirements, the school "has always believed in vocational training, whether it's required or not. As things like first aid, CPR, firefighting and personal responsibility become training requirements, we may have to modify our curriculums, but we don't have to overhaul them. We've been doing this for 31 years, training mariners to do their jobs professionally and safely." Lynn Mack of the school's curriculum development department spelled out how the Paul Hall Center initiates and refines it classes as well as secures Coast B Seafarers LOG future Opportunities Ed Fitzgerald, in charge of the academic department, outlined the various scholastic opportunities for Paul Hall Center students. He pointed out that the academic courses-including a GED program, college classes and adult education courses such as English as a second language-are audited by the American Council on Education. Instructor Russ Levin stated the school has developed step-bystep manuals covering the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. He also explored the "year 2000 bug," which will impact computer-dependent shipboard systems. J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education, discussed the school's plans to install new training aids, including navigation simulators. The members of the advisory board were updated by instructor Eric Malzkuhn on how the center has incorporated competencybased training and reviewed career tracks available for members in the engine department. Jimmy Hanson, director of health and safety, presented detailed plans for a new fire fight- United States' government working with private industry for the betterment of our equipment and, more importantly, the safety of our crews. I am extremely proud after being the first for 'phase one' to again have our crews and equipment be the first 'phase two' harbor tug company recognized in this program." Ucensing Concerns Captain Michael Rosecrans of the NMC reported on licensing issues, including various proposals to relieve the backlog at Coast Guard regional exam centers (REC). "Possible solutions include centralizing REC functions at the NMC and privatization of exams," he stated. "In any case, we're going to do the right thing by the industry. We're all in this together." Captain William Bennett, also of the NMC, noted that mariners will be able to use credit cards at RECs beginning this spring. He also noted that the NMC has a course-approval database on the world wide web (located at www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/gmhome.htm). Cantwell gave a detailed presentation on how the study of "factors influencing human performance can reduce the potential for error, reduce the magnitude and consequence of error and reduce personnel turnover:· With U.S. Coast Guard compliance decals in hand, Crescent Towing boatmen are proud of being recognized as the first tug company to voluntarily participate in both the first and second phases of a program committed to quality and safety. From the left are Captain Mike Yarbrough, Lt. JG A.P. Davis, BM1 Lee Schmitz, BM1 Eddie Champagne, Crescent CEO Richard Murray Ill, Crescent Vice President Larry Ohler and Port Engineer Dale Turner. Manning Scale Highlights Bisso Pact Many Partlelpants In addition to those representing the school and the union, those attending the advisory board meeting were Robert Lambourne, Allied Towing; JoAnn Robinson, American Council on Education; William Anonsen. American Hawaii Cruises; Pat Brangan, American Overseas Marine Corp.; Kevin McMonagle, American Steamship; Captain John Woods, Apex Marine Corp.; Rev. Sinclair Oubre, Apostleship of the Sea; Torgersen and Joe Cecire, Bay Ship Management; Steve Alexander, BP Oil Company; Robert Majewski, Buffalo Graphics Computer; Mike DiPrisco, Norm Gauslow and David Roggenback, Crowley American Transport; John Gazzola and Mike Godbey, Crowley Marine Services; and Bill Richards, Delta Queen Steamboat Co. Also present were Trish Grabowski, William Watson and Captain Ned Wilisch, DynMarine Services; Don Ivins, Express Marine; Stephen Huffman, G&H Towing; William Murchison, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.; Cantwell, Human Factors Group; Jim Lexo, ICRC Energy, Inc.; Captain Richard Halluska, Integrated Safety Management Solutions, Inc.; Rosanne Hamilton, Interocean Ugland Management Corp.; William (Lamar) Doyle, Intracoastal Towing & Transportation Corp.; Uwe Gross, KONIAG, Inc.; Captain David Hussey, Liberty Maritime Corp.; Dennis Houghton and Captain Carl Olderich, Maersk Line A highlight of the three-year contract recently ratified by SIU boatmen at E.N. Bisso Co. is the manning scale, noted SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey. The pact calls for two deckhands (plus two other crew members) on all of the company's twin-screw tugs. Since Bisso gradually is replacing its remaining single-screw boats with twin screws, this means more jobs for SIU boatmen. Pictured above, commemorating the contract's ratification are (standing, from left) Deckhand Chad Bordelon; Engineer Chris Westbrook; Engineer Todd Rabalais and his son, Tanner; Engineer Jimmy Gervais; Engineer Holden Quebedeaux; Deckhand Derek Ponamsky; Deckhand Shane Brulte; (kneeling) Deckhand J.T. Doyle and Deckhand Henry Ballam. Behind the camera is SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, who commended the boatmen for their efforts before and during the negotiations. 'Without this bunch of guys, [the good contract] wouldn't have happened. They have the right attitude about everything, and they're the epitome of what it means to be union," Judd stated. Bisso operates 15 boats. Limited; William Schmidt and Michael Whitehead, MAR Inc.; Bruce Carlton, John Dumbleton and Chris Krusa, Maritime Administration; Bill Cole, Pat Postiglione and Captain John Ripperger, Maritime Overseas Corp.; Captain Rich Tullucci, Captain Michael Nesbitt, Paul Polsky and Don Voge, Maritrans G.P. Inc.; and James Mann, Matson Navigation Co. Other participants included Kyrm Hickman, Military Sealift Command; Herb Walling, Moran Services Corp.; Walter Naef, Moran Towing of Pennsylvania; Bill Murchison, NATCO; Bennett and Rosecrans, NMC; Eric Sager, NTSB; Richard Evans, NAVIERAS NPR; Nicholas Grassia, NJG Consulting; Captain Robert Sheen, Ocean Shipholding Inc.; Tony Naccarato, OMI; Phillip Emanuel and Carson Wykle, Osprey Acomarit Ship Management; Todd Johnson, Pacific Gulf Marine, Inc.; Frank Power, Penn Maritime, Inc.; Roger Franz, Sea-Land Service, Inc.; Dione Davenport, Richard Druyen and Elizabeth Zetterland, SOS Technologies; George Kelly, Koppenhaver and Delores O'Donnell, Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.; Commander Steve Boyle, Lt. Commander Don Darcy, Pete Eareckson and Captain Bob Skewes, Coast Guard; and Captain P.K. Sang, V Ships Marine, Ltd. August 1998 �Overseas Vessels Receive HQ Update All SIU-crewed vessels are Americanflag ships, but some rarely if ever make it to ports in the United States. With that in mind, the union recently sent SIU Representative George Tricker to service a number of LNG and prepositioning vessels in Japan and Guam. Shipboard union meetings were conducted on the Samuel L. Cobb, American Osprey, Jack Lummus, Gopher Srate and LNG ships Aquarius. Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn and Libra. "I really appreciate the SIU sending an official all this way," stated SA Carol Lyon, sailing aboard the Lummus. "It's important for u to stay up-to-date, and we definitely covered a lot of key information during our meeting." Aboard the Cobb, AB Donald Coggins noted, "We're obviously a long way from the States, and these ships never go there, so it's nice to see that the union knows we're out here. And I thought our meeting was very informative." On each of the 11 vessels, numerous topics were covered. Those included the LNG familiarization and recertification courses available at the Paul Hall Center • Seafarers welcome SIU Representative George Tricker (standing seventh from right, with hands on hips) aboard the LNG Gemini. for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.; new LNG shipping procedures that are more convenient for Seafarers; the training record book (TRB) jointly being issued by the SIU and the Paul Hall Center; and important deadlines stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. Seafarers also discussed the union's recent, successful international efforts Amona the items on the LNG Cleaning burner tips aboard the LNG Aquarius Capricorn's lunch menu is ham, sliced by Chief Cook Alan Bartley. are QMED Dasril Christopher Sykes. Panko (left) and UDE In Yabucoa AB Albert E. Mensah, the ship's deck delegate, is ready to start the loading process in Yabucoa Bay, P.R. ~~~~~~~~ Once docked in Yabucoa (on the southeast corner of Puerto Rico), crew members aboard the Perseverance met with SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez to catch up on the latest union news. He reminded them about the necessity of getting their training record book by August 1 and came aboard prepared with the necessary application forms. The vessel, owned by Maritrans and operated by Interocean Ugland Management, loaded its tanks in port and then headed out the next day for Marcus Hook, Pa. August 1998 AB Rene Rodriguez (left) and DEU Jaime Barrety get to work after the tanker ties up. New Route Brings S-L Express to Sanjuan When the Sea-Land Express tied up in San Peneverance Loads Up Waiting for the shipboard union meeting to begin are (from left) Chief Steward Larry Ewing, AB Billy Watson and SA Chancie J. Ransom. against solo navigational watch at night; the SIU's plans for a new union hall in New Orleans; the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; the new joint venture between BP Shipping, Maritime Overseas and Keystone Shipping; the U.S. Maritime Administration's recent rescission of Ready Reserve Force contracts due to a procedural oversight (see tory, page 2); the importance of contacting one's elected representatives in Congress, and more. Juan, P.R. recently, it was "all smiles" for a number of reasons. The vessel became the first of 10 Sea-Land Service ships to arrive in Puerto Rico on a new route. Formerly sailing from the West Coast (with Long Beach, Calif. as the home port) along the Pacific trade route, these vessels now sail through the Panama Canal to Miami, Charleston and San Juan before returning to the West Coast and five ports in Japan to complete their 72-day round trips. By the time all l 0 SeaLand Service ships are in full operation, San Juan expects to greet at least one of them each week. Many of the crew members aboard the containership had never been to Puerto Rico before, and when SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez met the ship, he reported that they seemed happy with the new run-new sights and sounds and different foods to try. The membership in San Juan also was pleased with the arrival of the first of the D-9 class ships because it means more jobs for the port. SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez (second from left) meets the Sea-Land Express in San Juan and shows crew members their new port. With him, from left, are Bosun Robert Pagan Jr., Chief Steward Michael F. Meany, SA Joan Riley and Chief Cook Ralph Morgan. Getting a great bird's-eye view of San Juan are ABs Joe Abad (left) and Paul Monaco as they paint the radar mast while in port. In photo below left, Sea-Land Express crew members enjoy the local food. From the left are Bosun Robert Pagan Jr. and Crane Maintenance Electricians Tony Mohammed and Ray Prim. In photo below right, the three posing aboard ship are, from left, Chief Electrician Herman Manzer, AB James Fox and Bosun Robert Pagan Jr. Dinner for the hungry crew is being prepared by Chief Cook Virgilio A. Dong hit. Seafarers LOG 9 �McCartney, SIU Were Goad Fit from Start Retiring VP Took Part in Many of Union's Key Campaigns George McCartney found his career niche earlier than most. He climbed the gangway to his first SIU ship, the Liberty tanker Catahoula, as a 17-year-old, in 1948. In a sense, he never looked back. "The SIU has always been my life, my main interest, since I was a kid," he recalled last month. McCartney retired July 1, officially capping a wide-ranging career that saw him serve the last 17 years as the SIU' s We t Coast vice president. However, he said he will remain "available as needed" to assist the SIU in any way possible. McCartney also plans to stay active in the San Francisco Maritime Port Council, the California State AFL-CIO and other groups promoting a strong U.S. merchant marine. Last month, SIU President Michael Sacco presented McGeorge McCartney has been part of the SIU for 50 of the union's 60 years. In these undated photos, he helps conduct union business (top) in the port of New York and (middle) on the West Coast. In photo below, taken in the New York hall, McCartney is second from left; the late SIU VP Earl (Bull) Shepard is at far left. Cartney with a commemorative ship's wheel in appreciation of his work in behalf of the union. "I just can't say enough about everything George has done for this organization," Sacco stated. "When you talk about dedication, that's George. He gave everything he had to the SIU, and he's done a tremendous job." A native of the Hell's Kitchen area of New York, McCartney first worked as a longshoreman. ''That's how I became interested in going to sea," he noted. He sailed in the engine and steward departments from 1948 until 1960, when he came ashore as part of the maintenance gang in New York. During the 1960s he primarily worked as a patrolman in New York, also serving for two years as the port agent in Wilmington, Calif. From 1972 through 1976 he was the New York port agent. In 1977 he worked as the port agent in Seattle. The following year, around the same time the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District merged with the Marine Cooks & Stewards, McCartney became the union's San Francisco port agent. A constitutional amendment in 1981 created the position of West Coast vice president, and McCartney was appointed to that post (as per the wishes of the late SIU President Paul Hall) and reelected ever since then. Reflecting on his career, McCartney credits Hall and a number of other former SIU offi· cials as his major influences, including Ed Mooney, Joe DiGiorgio, Lindsey Williams, Bull Shepard and others. He also praised Hal1 with deftly guiding the SIU through diffi- At Home or Aboard Ship E. Coli: an Unwanted Dinner Guest Editors note: The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. fl is part of a series of columns intended to promote safety, efficiency and allaround good habits aboard ship. E. coli is short for Escherichia coli, a normally harmless bacterium found in all intestinal tracts. Historically, 'this microorganism has caused few dangers, but today, it poses serious health problems all over the world. In the early 1950s, antibiotics were fed to farm animals to promote faster growth with less feed. This caused the normally benign E. coli to develop a resistance to the antibiotics, and, therefore, a new strain of the microorganism emerged which causes serious illness and can result in death. The new antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli is found in the intestinal tracts of cattle and other animals. When, for example, a cow is slaughtered, there is possible contamination of the carcass. And when meat from that carcass is ground up with meat from other carcasses, thousands of pounds of meat may become infected. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga. estimates that E. coli causes more than 250 deaths each year in the U.S. Thousands of others are infected. E. coli appeared in the news several years ago when hamburgers from a West Coast food chain 10 Seafarers LOG infected hundreds of people, killing three children. Those who are susceptible to becoming infected by the microorganism are persons who are on medication or have their immune systems weakened or undeveloped, like young children and the elderly. Seven thousand persons were infected in Japan last year, and a midwest beef company recalled 250.000 pounds of contaminated beef earlier this year in the U.S. Most recently, 4,000 people were stricken in Chicago, the largest case of mass food poisoning in U.S. history. Since E. coli is tasteless, odorless and colorless, it is difficult to know if meat has been infected. Symptoms range from mild to serious intestinal distress. There may or may not be a headache, nausea and diarrhea associated with it. In serious cases, there is bloody diarrhea and destruction of the kidneys and internal organs. Since some strains are resistant to antibiotics, these medications will not help. What to do? Proper personal hygiene and good sanitation practices both at home and aboard ship can greatly reduce the possibility of E. coli contamination. If picking up stores overseas, make sure that all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed. (Remember, however, that contaminated water and even unpasteurized apple juice may contain E. coli.) There are some anti-bacterial rinses that may be used. All ground beef products should be cooked to 160-degrees F. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. The World Health Organization estimates that the cost of human illness caused by foodbome bacteria is between $7 and $34 billion dollars annually. SIU President Michael Sacco presents retiring SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney with a commemorative ship's wheel last month at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Sacco described McCartney as a tireless, dedicated official who "gave everything he had to the SIU." cult times. ''The industry went from boom to bust, but Paul Hall had the vision to negotiate contracts that kept our companies in business," McCartney remembered. "Sure, we made some concessions-but we had jobs. ''Today, I believe we're in the best shape of any maritime union, and I have every confidence in Mike Sacco and his leadership. We've maintained good standards for wages and working conditions, but we've also changed with the times." McCartney's career spans all but about 10 years of the SIU's existence, and he played a part in many of the union's historical and defining episodes, such as the Cities Service organizing campaign in the late 1940s, rough conflicts with the Teamsters in the early 1960s. and many, many others. "George was involved in as many fights as this union ever was in," said Angus (Red) Campbell, retired SIU vice president contracts who worked with McCartney both as a shipmate and as a union official. "He participated in many of the waterfront beefs on both the East and West Coasts, and he also handled major contact negotiations." Campbell further described McCartney as having been "instrumental in boosting our return to the passenger trade," pointing out that he facilitated the restoration of the SIU-crewed SS Independence and SS Constitution to the U.S. flag. Asked what advice he has for active Seafarers and those entering the industry, McCartney replied, "First, I would stress the importance of being politically active. When you see a program like the Maritime Security Act, you see what can be accomplished through politics. "At the same time, the attacks on our industry seem endless. For example, maintaining the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act is something that only can be done through political action. So, it works both waysprotecting what we have and seeking new opportunities. 'The other thing is, especially to the newer members: Learn your trade! Take advantage of the opportunities at our school. With so many changes in the industry, upgrading truly is the way to go." Heindel Meets With Seafarers In Puerto Rico VVhile recently in Puerto R·ico to continue the SIU's research into relocating its local hiring hall, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel met with Seafarers in the area. At left, Heindel and AB James Blitch chat before the start of a union meeting aboard the Nuevo San Juan. Below (from left): J. Lopez, T. Rodriguez, Heindel, B. Colantti, T. Mohammed and R. Prim discuss the latest news regarding the possible move. August 1998 �MODERN SHIPHANDLING - Part I: Henry Gamp Talks About Current Trends in Tug Design Editor's note: Henry W. Gamp has been a member of the SIU since 1974 and has upgraded numerous times at the Harry lundeberg School of Seamanship. His original license was issued to him in the port of Philadelphia at the age of 19. He holds an ocean masters license for 1600 tons, unlimited inland masters license and considerable unlimited first class pilotage. He also has worked as a shipdocking pilot and tugboat captain for many years. It was from this extensive experience that Camp has written "Modern Shiphandling" in 1980. He currently is employed as chief mate on Penn Maritime's ATB Eliza/Atlantic. WHY THE EVOLUTION IN SHIPHANDUNG TECHNIQUES? Since the time sailing ships were replaced by steamships, no generation of vessels has undergone as many innovations and changes as now. Today, a ship's form follows her function. In years past, the designs for cargo ships were more standardized. The cargo was stowed to conform lo the ship's hull configuration, whereas now, ships are designed around their specific trade requirements. This rather drastic shift in thinking has allowed for a mulcitude of new and unusual looking ships. All have characteristics that differ, and to the extent of their individual peculiarities, shipdocking pilots have had to alter their handling techniques. The modern shipdocking tugboat also has undergone many abruptly cut away. Also, some ships have knuckles protruding from the sides near the bow and stern. The elliptical stern has, in large part, given way to squaredoff flat-sided sterns. Roll-on/rolloff (RO/RO) ships have ramps built into their sterns. LASH ships have two cantilevered arms extending beyond their sterns. Design changes, for the most part, have a significant reduction in the length of the midbody in proportion to the bow and stern. The midbody is now perhaps no more than one-quarter of the overall length on some ships. The deck layout has also changed. The old freighter most often had her bridge located amidships. Modem ships usually have their bridge located near the stern or on the bow. RO/ROs, for example, have their main deck extending past the ship's hull. In the realm of tugboat design, the twin-screw tug is a far more agile and maneuverable piece of equipment than the conventional single-screw tug. By working the engines in opposite directions, the tug can be kept in position to back straight and not fall to port as a conventional single-screw tug. Therefore, under normal conditions, it is not necessary for the twin-screw tug to use a hawser when pulling a ship off a pier. A backing line from the tug's bow will do the job. This is advantageous if the tug will be used in this same location to push the ship around once clear of the pier. When a 'back' is not required of the tug, a twin-screw tug can be worked without putting a line on the ship. The normal tendency of tugs is to fall alongside the ship when stopped and to slide INTRODUCTION It has been 18 years since Modern Shiphandling first was published. At that time, I recognized the need for shorter, wider and more maneuverable tugs to keep pace with the changes in ship design. I was working as a ship docking pilot for a company with a sizable fleet of tugboats-many of which were single-screw tugs, some dating back to the early 1940s. It was necessary to find work for these vessels until their serviceable lives had expired. The new tugs constructed were the twin-screw type, designed as a compromise between ship handling and coastwise towing. Our primary competitor did experiment with kort-nozzles and flanking rudders. That was the status quo: there was no interest by the two dominant Northeast tug companies in developing and designing tractor tugs strictly limited to shipdocking work. Now that the more progressive towing companies on the West Coast and in southern ports have proven the superiority of these designs, all this has changed. It now appears to be a race to build tractor lugs and reconfigure current tugs to enhance their maneuverability characteristics. Keeping the above in mind Modern Shiphandling does contain considerable information useful to anyone engaged in handling ships today. NEW SHIP AND TUGBOAT DESIGNS As a shipdocking master in the port of Baltimore, I have noticed an evolution in ship and tugboat design and the way in which ships are handled. This port has no current and a mean tidal range of only 1.2 feet. From October through June, the prevailing winds are northwesterly, with highest wind speeds occurring from February through April. From June through September, the prevailing winds are southwesterly and generally calm. My observations on shiphandling are, to some extent, based on local custom, and I freely admit ships are handled differently in other localities. Nevertheless, many of my observations are universal and hold true everywhere. August 1998 In this photo from 1976, the Swan Point, a Curtis Bay tug, assists the containership Anders Maersk, in docking with her starboard side to the pier in Philadelphia Harbor. The Maersk vessel is equipped with a bow thruster and a large bulbous bow. Notice the very streamlined and cutaway hull configuration, making it necessary for the tug to position itself more than 200 feet from the containership's stern. fundamental design changes. From a visual standpoint, they are not nearly as pronounced as the design innovations in ships. Nevertheless, these changes give tugboats maneuverability and capabilities their predecessors did not possess. A discussion of shipdocking techniques would be incomplete without calking about new tugboat designs and methods of using tugboats. Aside from the ship herself, the tugboat is the prime tool at the pilot's disposal. Accident-free shipdocking is the result of utilizing ships and tugboats together as a team. DESIGN INNOVATIONS IN TODAY'S SHIPS The older ship designs such as the Victory ships had a short bow with little outward flare. The straight midbody ran for roughly three-quarters of her length and the short quarter quickly rounded into an elliptical stern. Cargo ships today have sharper, longer tapered bows, and most of these have considerable flare. Numerous vessels have protruding bulbous bows that take many shapes and vary greatly in size. Some high-sided vessels have blisters built out from and running longitudinally along the midbody at the waterline. Ships' quarters are usually longer and cut away .from the main deck. However, a few are straight sided to near the waterline, then Today, specialized ships do not have their decks cluttered with masts, booms, rigging, etc. Even the general cargo ship has simpler, more streamlined cargohandling gear. The size of ships has grown as well. Victory ships, for example, were 440 feet long. A cargo ship today is likely to be 600 to 850 feet Jong. Likewise, their beam, draft, freeboard and tonnage have increased proportionately. Ships are propelled by a variety of power plants; diesel and steam turbine are the primary ones. There are gas turbine and combination plants utilizing electric motors in existence. In addition, some ships are reversed by changing propeJJer pitch instead of changing propeller rotation. The reaction time of the different systems is not uniform, nor is the effect they have on the ship's handling characteristics. Horsepower is greater as well as the speeds that ships can make. IMPROVEMENTS IN TUGBOAT DESIGN The World War II vintage tugboat was by and large steam powered. Diesel power was just beginning to come of age. A large degree of dependence was placed on the engineer hearing and answering telegraph bells correctly; tugboats were singlescrew and low-powered. along the hull when ordered ahead. However, by opposing her engines, the twin-screw tug can prevent this sliding My personal experience with single-screw kort-nozzle tugs equipped with flanking rudders forward of the kort nozzle is limited to conversations with pilots so acquainted. To a man, they claim them to be nearly as maneuverable as twin-screw tugs. By shifting the flanking rudders to pull water either way, and turning the steering rudder either way, the tug can be rapidly twisted or walked sideways. The thrust developed by the kort nozzle is greater than on similar tugs not so equipped. The tubular kort nozzle prevents centrifugal dispersal of the thrust column. Horsepower is continually increasing in tugboats. Twentyfive years ago, a 3,000 hp engine was gigantic. Now, many new docking tugs are built with 3,000-4,000 hp and either twinscrew or single-screw with flanking rudders. Horsepower is only one quality of a good shipdocking tugboat, of course. The maneuverability of the tug can be just as essential. A docking pilot forced to use a tug with inadequate rudder power is severely limited in what the tugboat will accomplish for him-a fact sometimes overlooked by designers and naval architects. An unobstructed view of the horizon is essential from the wheelhouse. Unlike barge work, the hawser is often picked up while the tugboat captain or mate operates the tug from the wheelhouse and not from the stern steering station. There are various reasons for this. First, the tug's radio and whistle are there to hear and answer the pilot's commands. Second, the tug may have to tow the ship along a channel, and it would not be possible to see ahead from the stern. Third, in many instances the pilot requires tug assistance after the hawser is down, and the man handling the tug is already at the wheelhouse controls. Fourth, at night it may be necessary for the tug to illuminate an unlighted buoy, and the searchlight is operated from the wheelhouse. The bull nose is a half-round ring of heavy pipe approximately six inches (inside radius) welded athwartship to the bow as an alternative to the conventional stemhead. When the tug's line is run through the bull nose and secured on the tug's bitts, the line is free to move without chaffing-as often happens on a stemhead. The forward capstan is another essential piece of equipment for the more powerful tugs using 8- to 9-inch dacron lines. The sheer weight of these lines makes it impossible for them to be retrieved by hand when dropped in the water from a ship underway. The capstan also is required on a tug equipped with a bull nose to pull the lines back through it. The tugboat can be made much tighter when making fast with three lines to the ship by heaving up the headline with the forward capstan before bringing the stern in tight with the after capstan for a good hold. Rope fenders have been replaced by ones fashioned from strips of rubber tires bolted together or of the molded rubber type. They wear longer but do not absorb shock to the extent that rope does. In place of steel guard rails, a continuous rubber bumper cal) be wrapped around the hull at the deck line. There are gaps between conventional fenders, and this system offers better protection against metal striking metal. Tugboats need a bow-fendering system that would pennit them to safely work against a bulbous bow. A short stubby tug is advantageous for shipdocking work. Additional length adds to drag when trying to come end-on to the ship with headway. A wide tug with a narrow house is more useful than a narrow tug with a wide house as the tug can lay further ahead under the bow or aft under the quarter without striking the tug's superstructure. Radar scanners and other overhead obstructions should be low down and as far back as possible. The mast should not be fixed; rather it should be capable of being lowered. These are some of the changes tugboats have undergone in recent years. To be continued in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG ., ., �RIGHT: Paul Hall Center Director of Vocational Education Bill Eglinton (left) shows plans for the new complex to International Transport Workers' Federation Assistant Secretary Seafarers and Fisheries Jon Whitlow. Breaking New Ground Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School Marks Vital Addition for SIU, Paul Hall Center F Digging in for the ceremonial groundbreaking are (from left) Unlicensed Apprentice Jomo Young; Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delma: Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jimmy Hanson; Bay Ship Management Labor Relations Director Joseph Cecire (representing Paul Hall Center trustees); SIU President Michael Sacco; and Judy Sacco, widow of Joseph Sacco. or experienced Seafarers as well as those entering the industry, safety training is as indispensable as carrying a zcard. In order to make a living at sea, many of today's mariners must be trained in basic and advanced fire fighting, first aid and CPR, damage control, water survival and confined-space safety. Requirements for such training will become even more widespread in the months and years ahead, mainly because of international maritime treaties to which the United States is signatory. Recognizing the crucial nature of such curriculums, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month announced detailed plans for a million-dollar, state-of-the-art safety campus that is expected to open in early 1999. Featuring the most modern, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment anywhere, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School will be built on school property near the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. "This new school demonstrates the SIU's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Seafarers are the best-trained mariners in the world," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "It will greatly expand our ability to provide required training, and it means that SIU members will have the chance to learn new skills and sharpen existing abilities in an exciting, first-class environment." The safety school will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea .ships to inland tugs and barges. It will include two classrooms, but most of the facility is designed for hands-on training. In planning the buildings, 'If Anybody Deserves Recognition, He Does' The school is named in memory of Joseph Sacco, who passed away on October 19, 1996. Brother Sacco helped build the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, which opened 31 years ago this month. He later served the SIU in numerous capacities, including as executive vice president from 1988 until his death. He is remembered as a hard-working, effective, well-respected and popular figure. affectionately known among Seafarers and throughout the industry as Joey. "Joe Sacco put his whole life and soul into the school and the union," recalled SIU President Michael Sacco, Joe's brother, during last month's ceremonial groundbreaking. "He was dedicated to helping young people find their way and helping older members upgrade for a better life. If anybody deserves this recognition, he does." RIGHT: In addition to the fire fighting and safety school, this monument, located at the Seafarers' Haven cemetery in Piney Point, Md., pays tribute to the memory of Joseph Sacco. 12 Seafarers LOG August 1998 �... ·• equipment and layout, representatives of the SIU and the Paul Hall Center worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration and Military Facility Simulates Shipboard Conditions Sealift Command to help ensure that the courses taught there will meet various federal guidelines necessary for class certification. This will benefit Seafarers who are required to take Coast Guard approved safety courses in order to sail. llie union and school also extensively consulted with local fire and rescue professionals to assure maximum efficiency in design. plus compliance with specifications governing the construction and operation of such a facility. Moreover, the school's opening will mean substantial monetary savings because it will eliminate the current costs associated with off-site practical training. Presently, upgraders must travel for an hour to a fire fighting facility in La Plata, Md. (In years past, Seafarers made 12-hour round trips to a school in New Jersey for such training.) Jimmy Hanson, the Paul Hall Center's longtime director of health and safety, pointed out that the Joseph Sacco School is designed not only for safety training, but also for "safe training itself." The fires will be propane-generated-the most environmentally safe kind. Sensors will detect propane levels and also distinguish water amounts used by students, in turn reducing the flames. The water will be heated, allowing for more student-friendly training during winter months, and will be chlorinated for hygiene. "Everything has drains underneath, and the water goes through a purifier before returning to the drainage pond," Hanson explained. "Plus there are many other safety switches included to prevent accidents." Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School m •• - .. ... The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School wi 11 provide upgraders and unlicensed apprentices with the chance to practice combating numerous types of blazes in surroundings which accurately-and in great detail-simulate shipboard conditions. For instance, the main building will house a two-level engine room and shaft alley with bubbling water that simulates bilge fires. Other buildings will include galleys, fo'c'sles and lounges. "We're going to make it as real as we possibly can." stated Jimmy Hanson, director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center. The safety school's features include: • A damage control building with a recessed floor to allow for training in rising water; • A two-story maze with moveable walls, which will help provide frequent upgraders the opportunity to practice search-and-rescue exercises in different conditions; • Varied types of shipboard doors, hatches and ladders; • Station bills and hose stations in the two classrooms; • Outdoor pads that can utilize any pertinent props and are connected to propane lines; • A compressor room where Seafarers will learn to take air samples and service compressors; .· • An area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers; . • A storage area with special ventilation that will ensure proper drymg of gear; • Buildings that are designed for possible expansion; • Shower and bathroom facilities. Building Key 1. Fire Fighting Building 2. Classroom Building 3. Damage Control Building 4. Maze Building 5. Breathing Apparatus Building 6. Fire Extinguisher Pad 7. Auto & Helo Pad 8. Flange Fire Pad 9. Bilge Fire - 10. Staging Area 11. Fire Pump Building August 1998 Seafarers LOG 13 �Efforts are ongoing to help find a way to prevent the 200-foot, candy-striped lighthouse in Cape Hatteras, N. C. from falling into the sea. In the U.S. Coast Guard photo above, taken in 1958, the Point Vicente Light Station at Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. is set on a cliff overlooking a wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The buildings on the left side used to house one of the Coast Guard's main West Coast radio stations, NMQ-Long Beach. The round white spot just beyond the light tower was the landing port for a helicopter which was attached to the station's rescue unit and was often called to tow crippled boats, evacuate sick and injured seamen and patrol nearby marinas. At left, Boston Light Station, like many other lighthouses, is on an island accessible only by boat. First lit on September 14, 1716, the tower was rebuilt after the American Revolution, in 1783. Boston Light was designated a National Historic Landmark on May 13, 1964. Lighthouses: Angels of tlie Sea S ince ancient times. mariners have depended on lighthouses to help guide their ships safely into port. Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World- the Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt (285 BC) and the Colossus of Rhodes, Greece (270 BC)-were lighthouse structures. But it was not until 1716 that the first lighthouse on what would become the U.S. was built in Boston Harbor on Little Brewster Island. Hundreds more were constructed along the coasts and on the Great Lakes, almost all of them built before 1900. Electricity had not yet been "discovered" at the turn of the 18th century, so the Boston Light Station and the others that soon followed used candles or a small lamp to illuminate the area. Whale oil and kerosene were used in later years to increase the light's intensity until 1822, when the Fresnel lens was invented by a Frenchman, Augustine Fresnel. (The lens works by bending light waves radiated from the light source on all sides and focusing the ·light on a single plane-the horizon.) In the 1930s, the U.S. Coast Guard became the custodian of lighthouses in America, and keeping the light burning was the job of a lighthouse keeper. Each evening at sunset, the keeper would climb tl1e stairs to the top of the tower to light the lantern. Early in this century, most of the lighthouses were electrified and the lights automated. Since the source of light was no longer a burning flame, the job of the lighthouse keeper became unnecessary. Today, Boston Light is the only one to retain its keeper. - Piney Point Ughthouse Just a few miles from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. is the Piney Point Lighthouse. Built in 1836, it was the first 14 Seafarers LOG lighthouse constructed entirely on the shores of the Potomac River and today is one of 25 from the original 44 lighthouses erected between 1822 and 1910 still left in Maryland. Now a part of the St. Clements Island Potomac River Museum, the small, squat Piney Point Lighthouse was once known as the "Lighthouse of the Presidents." In its heydey, Piney Point (with its elegant Piney Point Hotel) was a popular resort for the "rich and famous" of the area, including presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and James Monroe, as well as vice presidents, First Lady Dolly Madison, statesmen and other celebrities. The Coast Guard decommissioned Piney Point Lighthouse in 1964 and turned the structure (along with its keeper's house) over to St. Mary's County in 1980. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Unlike the Piney Point Lighthouse, which stood only 35 feet tall, the Cape Hatteras, N.C. structure is the tallest lighthouse in the U.S, standing 200 feet above sea level. When it was built in 1870 to warn mariners away from the shoals, the candystriped sentinel stood 1,500 feet from the ocean. Now, after more than a century of incoming and outdoing tides and soil erosion of about 10 feet per year, only 120 feet of beach stand between the lighthouse and the ocean. To prevent the structure from eventually falling into the sea, the National Park Service, North Carolina's governor, the state's general assembly and the National Academy of Sciences have suggested moving the lighthouse 1,600 feet inland and 2,500 feet to the southwest. This proposal, however, has generated a great deal of debate, with opponents arguing that such a move would cost too much, put the monument in danger and thoroughly destroy its character. Whatever the plan, it has become apparent that action must be taken soon if the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is to be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Point Vicente Light Station No other national lighthouse system compares with that of the United States in size and diversity of architectural and engineering types. The Point Vicente Light Station, located at Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., is another lighthouse under the vast Coast Guard mandate. When it was built in 1926, the Point Vicente Light Station (seven miles west of San Pedro, Calif.) was a unique three-inane station. It not only consisted of the 67-foot tower, built of concrete in the mission revival architectural style, but it also housed one of the Coast Guard's main West Coast radio stations and a landing port for a helicopter attached to the station's rescue unit. The lantern was automated in 1973. And while the buildings and property are still well maintained, there no longer is a rescue unit or radio station. The lighthouse itself is maintained by Coast Guard volunteers who perform routine upkeep on the structure and conduct tours. save these structures. Some have been leased by the Coast Guard to county, state or national parks for use as museums, recreation areas and nature preserves. Others have been converted into museums, private homes, inns and youth hostels. And so these romantic reminders of our country's heritage remain not as they once were-guardian angels to seafarers, marking dangerous headlands, shoals, bars and reefs-but merely as angels of the sea, ghostly reminders of the mighty structures that once played a large role in our nation's maritime history and served as symbols of safety, security, heroism and faithfulness. Automation Takes Over Sadly, with the advent of modern technology and automated light stations, the days of the manned lighthouse have come to an end. Since 1990, all stations but one-Boston Light-have been automated, eliminating the need for a keeper. Without a human presence to maintain the structures, many quickly have been subjected to deterioration by the elements and vandalism. Some have succumbed to the trials of time, leaving behind nothing but memories and piles of rubble. However, efforts by individuals, nonprofit organizations and a number of lighthouse preservation societies are helping The outside of the 35-foot tower of the Piney Point Lighthouse remains basically unchanged since the Civil War. August 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia .B?:Jtimore: :. Norfolk Mobile 42 5 15 13 3 } JO 8 0 25 3 13 2 4 0 4 11 10 6 5 14 8 2 12 New Orleans 13 20 7 3 :.Jacksonvme: . 38 16 12 11 10 18 4 5 20 5 8 6 9 15 9 22 10 2 12 1 4 5 San Francisco Wilmington 24 27 ·Seattle 30 Pucno Rico 9 8 Honolulu Moustoii · · 33 St. Louis 0 Piney Point 1 Algonac Totals 274 5 · "HL·" : ·7. 2 . ·1 . 2 135 3 2 2 63 Port ·New York 22 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 4 6 3 Jacksonvme San Francisco 20 9 Seattle **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York ::~H'irt!.rt.~tl?~ Trip Reliefs 7 8 . . .·10 . 12 4 8 0 4 6 4 12 17 12 9 2 .1 0 3 I 4 8 6 2 6 3 4 23 15 3 9 13 8 JO 2 9 7 0 4 27 12 8 9 l 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 2 1 l 0 198 111 55 91 3 2 6 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 9 7 I 4 1 2 0 0 9 4 3 4 IO 0 6 2 55 7 12 17 16 37 18 11 1 0 18 11 7 13 3 2 10 3 8 69 53 46 14 23 47 18 27 129 3 5 4 4 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: September 22, October 20 3 431 219 85 .· 29 10 9 5 15 1 4 12 7 14 eptember 9, October 7 2 2 2 Wilmington .............Monday: Septetnber 21, October 19 4 2 6 8 12 0 6 2. :..o.... Mobile New Orleans · Jacksonville San Franeisco Wilmington 7 4 2 6 9 5 17 .6 ·3 . 2 3 It 30 · 22 20 Seattle Puerto Rico 3 11 Honolulu :·H:ousion . . · St. i,o~fs . ·• Piney Point Algonac Totals 8 7 6 3 w .. 2 2 S 0 4 0 I 3 I 2 2 2 7 2 3 0 () . 1f 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 9 106 38 0 9 3 4 9 ... ·49 · 6 25 6 44 3 3 5 7 4 5 14 33 1 31 4 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk 5 0 0 0 4 0 4 3 0 2 Mobile New Orleans 4 5 Jacksonville Wilmington 5 10 3 Seattle 11 2 3 .S · {) 0 0 4 1 0 2 0 53 263 77 21 0 0 0 8 0 39 3 38 8 0 0 0 3 2 5 20 16 13 0 54 2 3 5 3 3 0 1 0 0 6 0 .... 165 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port New York San Francisco Pueno Rico Honolulu 3 14 8 4 10 6 15 14 l7 17 14 5 2 3 6 3 2 6 2 3 4 5 1 3 2 9 3 7 0 7 12 6 12 4 3 0 6 18 7 66 4 19 40 0 7 42 8 3 5 l 0 0 11 3 0 0 16 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 ' 1 14 36 0 0 50 1 0 170 0 0 0 184 28 130 81 618 473 279 415 358 169 189 14 4 12 t 15 13 3 33 0 2 2 92 265 303 991 *"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. August 1998 19 5 5 27 721 . ROBERT CHARL ES BLAIR Anyone with information on Robert Charles Blair, who sailed in the late 1960s, please contact Jodie Davis (Patty's daughter) at (718) 714-6844. ROBERT ELM ASIAN Please contact Patrick McC Lendon at (800) 3640807. LUIS ANGEL VILLANUEVA Luis Angel Villanueva, born approximately 1918 in Puerto Rico, please contact Steve Levy at (212) 355-3048 Notice s 2 23 I 0 23 18 5 - 3 21 2& 18 2 · Phiey Poinf Algonac 8 22 2 4 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 2 3 Houston . $t. Louis Totals All Departments 5 0 4 3 I 0 _,,., HOWARDC.AL BERSON Please contact: Jung Ja and Matin Alb erson 1549-2 Dadae 1 Dong 5012 Munkan Dae Apt. 20-4OJHO Saha-Ku Bosan, Korea 604-05 1. Or, you may write to Jo hn J. Ashley, 9107 Benthos, Houston, Texas 770 83; telephone (713) 281-5680. is:· · .> 2·" . at 10:30 a.m. PersonaIs 205 0 0 0 17 3 2 5 f St. L<?µi& .~ ............ ~ .. Friday: September 18, October I 6 18 2 .1 ··.:.. San Juan ..................Thursday:September 10, October 8 '·,Taeo~ij',~:~............ -~~·.Friday: september 25, October 23 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT San Francisco .........Thursday: September l 7t October 15 22 8 14 . . tember 8, October 6 tember 10, October 8 25 Port Jersey City .............. W~ne&iay: September 21, October 21 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: Septe mber 15, October 13 2 79 Houston .................. Monday: September 14, October 12 Mobile .................... Wednesday: September 16, October 14 13 83 Honolulu ................. Friday: September 18, October 16 9 0 4 37 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: September 16. October 14 24 3 6 100 Baltimore ................Thursday: September l 0, October 8 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: September 10, October 8 ·· 12 . . . 18 ... 24 Algonac .................. Friday: Septe mber 11, October 9 5 8 4 Il 4 Monday, October 5 18 14 13 39 2 11 0 25 6 I Totals Piney Point .............Tuesday, September 8* *change created by labor Day holiday 11 0 2 4 9 8 8 4 September & Detober 1998 Afembetsllip Meetlngs Deep Sea, Lakes, In#and Waters 460 ..,,. TEXAS AREA USMM V REUNION The Texas Chapter of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, the L one Star Chapter of the American Merchant Marin e Veterans and the local US. Navy Armed Guard Vceterans announce an area reunion for merchant marine and Navy armed guard veterans on November 20 -21, 1998. The event will be held at the Holiday In n Select in Houston. For additional information, please call Robert E. Thornton, president of the Te xas chapter of the USMMVWWII, at (713) 665-12 76. SIU-MC&S ANNUAL PICNIC The annual SIU-Marine Co oks & Stewards pienic is schduled for September 13, from noon until 5 p.m. at the barbecue area at Sa n Bruno Park. This is a pot luck, BYOB picnic. Seafarers LOG - 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematlanal Union Directory JUNE 16-JULY 15, 1998 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President David Heindel Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Telle£ L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Roy A. "Buck" Me-rcer Vice President Government Services · Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nick Marrone . Vice President West Coast Port Algonac Port 0 29 8 Algonac 0 15 2 0 6 4 0 28 26 Port Algonac Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 7 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 17 4 0 14 0 8 0 2 0 11 3 4 BEADQVARTERS SW l Aulh Way Camp Springs; MO W746 (~Ol) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 Totals All Depts 78 40 0 0 43 10 0 35 *"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. ANCHORAGE I 721 Sesame St., #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 56 J4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 1998 12 t 6 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. 0 · · : J.1!.m()lulu,· Hl ·· ~68·l9· ...,. · · TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C JACKSONVILLE 3315 f..iWty St . ... Jacksonville, a 32206 (904) 353-0987 ' JERSEY CITY ·99·Montgomery .Si. ...., ...... Jersey city, 'N J 61301·. · ·· · (201) -tJS-9424 Gulf Coast 0 l ~~~~. ~and Waters 22 West Coast 0 23 Totals 0 () 1 0 0 I 3 N~ ~edfQrd, MA n2740 :<?08).997.5404 NEW OflLEA~S 630 Jackson Ave. Ne:w Odellns, U 70130 (504) 529-7.5-46 . NEWYOR~ 635 rounh Ave. ·. Brooklyn. NY 11232 (118) 499~6600 NORFOLK ·'· · tt S Thitd St. Norfolk, VA 231 W (757} ~22-1 g9~ PHlLADELPHlA 2604 S, 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336.-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.. 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543·5855 Government Services Division . (415) g6I-3400 SANTURCE 10'7 Ferrumdez Juncos Ave., Stop 161h Santurce, PR 00907 (787J 12 l-4033 . ST. Louts 458 l Gravois Ave. St. Louis" MO 63116 CH4) 752.6500 TACOMA · 341'1 South Union Ave, . T~qma,WA gg~ (2.53} 272-7~74 . . WILMINGTON ·s10 N: Broad Av~. ·Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 f6 Seafarers LOS 0 0 0 ... 0 1 15 0 6 21 3 52 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT . 0 0 9 1 0 0 3 0 3 :C.iutr ·€oast·:;;: ... ·: Lakes, !Qland \Vaters 12,. West Coast 0 Totals 12 44 0 0 Region XiianticJ;Q~$t . . NEW BEDFORD ... 48 Union St. 0 4 8 5 . 3 2 14 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 8 40 ·o 0 0 3 4 :: 8 West Coast Totals RegiQn Atlantic Coast **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 4 1 3 0 ..... (8~f ~ff~'.-$22l·. . . . ' 30 0 1 1 7 0 7 0 0 0 0 () 0 0 0 0 1 I 16 0 0 O'' 16 0 0 12 34 s 4 77 Totals All Depts 3 10 75 *"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. 0 5 8 29 PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST These photographs were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Klaus Kueck of Bay St. Louis, Miss. Brother Kueck, 78, who sailed as an AB, is a charter member, having joined the SIU in 1938. Among the many historic photos he sent to the LOG, the three appearing · on this page were taken in October 1939 aboard the Pan Royal, a Waterman Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Kueck is a veteran of World War II. He sailed in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. August 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. 0 ne recertified steward and two recertified bosuns are among the 14 Seafarers retiring this month. Recertified Steward Raymond C. Agbulos, and Recertified Bosuns John P. Davis and David L. Newman, represent a combined total of more than 95 years of active union membership. They are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, eight of the pensioners sailed in the deep sea division, five shipped on inland vessels and one worked in the railroad marine division. Eight of the retirees sailed in the deck department, four shipped in engine department and two were members of the steward department. This month's pensioners have retired to all corners of the globe: seven reside in the Gulf states, five make their homes on the East Coast, one lives on the West Coast and one cal ls Greece home. Nine pensioner eo in the U.S. milit 1ve in lhe Navy, two i eArmy and two in theAir rce. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. tour of duty was in December 1990 aboard the Potomac, avessel operated by Connecticut Transportation. He lives in Mantua, N.J. INLAND DAVID L. NEWMAN, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1960. Born in Illnois, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1985. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Newman was involved in many union campaigns and activities in north Florida. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. DEEP SEA CHARLES D. POLK, 57, was born and raised in Mobile, Ala. He joined the SIU in 1964 in the pon of Mobile. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Polk last signed off the Green Island, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. From 1959 to 1962 he served in the U.S. Air Force. He lives in his native Mobile. , an sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. He sailed in the '-====------=== steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1986. Between the years of 1945 and 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Agbulos last sailed on the Ltc. Calvin P Titus, operated by Maersk Line. He makes his home in Fremont, Calif. IOANNIS I. PRASINOS, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1969 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. Born in Piraeus, Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded to quartermaster at the Lundeberg School. Brother Prasinos last sailed aboard the fast sealift ship Antare.s. He has retired to his native Greece. JOHN P. DAVIS, 67, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. The Cleveland native sailed in 1. - - ·· ·;c the deck ~~~~!!!!!!!~ department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, completing the bosun recertification course there in 1984. Brother Davis last signed off the LNG Leo, an Energy Transportalion Corp. vessel and has retired to Port St. Lucie, Flu. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. r-"iPiiia:-1 RAYMOND J.MOORE, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in June 1953 from the port of New York. '-""-'-'----____:_;:=-...:;._== Born in Philadelphia, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Moore's last August 1998 Wright made his last voyage aboard the Sam Houston, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He calls New Orleans home. l•iiiiia:-J DANIEL A. STEWART, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1966. Born in Miami, he served in the ~----~ U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1961. Brother Stewart sailed in the deck department, making his last journey in January 1997 aboard the SeaLa.nd Quality. He has retired to Houston. LAWRENCE P. WRIGHT, 48, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Mobile, Ala., he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother ROBERTL. CONNER, 55, began sailing with the SIU in 1965. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he worked as a L.__=====1'--' chief engineer. Boatman Conner sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Sabine Towing and Transportation, last sailing on the Spartan. He resides in Vidor, Texas. LEROYE. DURRANCE, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1981. A native of Walterton, Fla., he sailed as a member of the steward department and last signed off the Padre Island, operated by NATCO. From 1953 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Durrance takes up residence in Honaker, Va. DAVIDW. GREEN JR., 52, graduated from the Lunde berg School's entry level training program in '--- - - - - - J 1969 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Starting out in the deep sea division, he later transferred to inland vessels. The deck department member sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels, last sailing as a master. From 1965 to 1968, he served_ in the U.S. Army. Texas City, Texas is the home for Boatman Green. JAMES A. HENDERSON, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1958. Born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Boatman Henderson sailed as a captain, last working aboard the Gladiator, operated by Crowley Marine Services in Jacksonville, Fla. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in Gordo, Ala. FRANK H. THEILER, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1963 from the port of Houston. A native of La'----==='-"'--~--' Marque, Texas, he worked in the engine department, primarily with Galveston Wharves. He lives in LaMarque. r=:;;;;;;;;;;;;:==;;;::=:--i RAILROAD MARINE HAROLDM. RAINIER, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department. From 1960 to 1966, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Rainier worked primarily for the marine division of the C&O Railroad and resides in Cobbs Creek, Va. Labar Exposes Loophole on Made in USA Label Duty-free Goods Are Moved from Mariana Sweatshops The Made in USA label is widely accepted as being free from abuses associated with Third World sweatshopsexploitation, child labor, low wages, unhealthy working conditions and related problems. But it's a different story when the label reads Made in the USA and the items were actually produced in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands Northern (CNMI), reports the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department. As detailed in a special edition of the department's Label Letter, most of the $800 million worth of clothing shipped from the Mariana Islands into the United States duty-free last year was legally labeled Made in USA. However, most of the garments (going to U.S. companies like The GAP, GEAR, J.C. Penney, Ralph Lauren, The Limited and Tommy Hilfiger, among others) were made in factories run as virtual sweatshops. Of the 26 factories in Saipan, the capital of the CNMI, 21 are owned by Asians, and manning the factories are 35,000 "guest workers," brought in from China, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In addition to working for the CNMI's minimum wage of $3.05 per hour ($2.10 less than the U.S. minimum wage, which does not apply to the Mariana Islands), the foreign workers have paid thousands of dollars to job brokers merely to get the jobs. They then are forced to live and eat in barracks provided by the factories (often behind razor wire fences) and have as much as $200 each month deducted for room and board. The AFL-CIO describes the problem as more of a moral and ethical one, however, since this is all taking place under federal legislation passed in 1976 which gave the CNMI special privileges when it became a U.S. territory. The privileges were aimed at helping develop a local economy to benefit the islands 1 27 ,000 permanent residents. But in addition to these special privileges, the companies are openly ignoring other U.S. laws from which the CNMI is not exempt, such as providing safe and healthful working conditions, the provision for premium pay for overtime work and the right to organize. "None of this would be tolerated in the 50 states," said Charles Mercer, president of the Union Label & Service Trades Department. "Obviously the battle to protect the integrity of the Made in USA label is not over." ''Ifs an absolute insult to American workers and American taxpayers that you would be able to make these products using harshly exploited individuals and foreign workers and then get all the benefits of using the Made in USA label," said Rep. George Miller (D-Calif), who, with 74 cospol}.sors, has introduced legislation (H.R. 1450) to take away most of the federal benefits enjoyed by companies in the CNMI that violate American laws. A similar bill was introduced in the Senate (S. 1275) by Senator Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska). Retiring from the Sea Chief Cook Alberto Falcon (left) sent this photo to the Seafarers LOG to let the membership know that Second Mate Rubin Salazar retired from sailing on April 1 of this year. This photo was taken when the two worked together on an OMI vessel. Salazar, who started out in the SIU and came up through its ranks, was once a lightweight boxing contender. His many friends among active and retired Seafarers wish him well. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MANUEL D. AGUAS Pensioner Manuel D. Aguas, 84, passed away May 17. Brother Aguas joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. """-"'"""""==~.-!..'.:..J Born in Portugal, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Brooklyn, N.Y. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a veteran of World War ll, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Aguas began receiving his pension in December 1976. He was a resident of Albertson, N.Y. HERBERT BENNETT Herbert Bennett, 68, died April 23. Born in North Carolina, he started his career with the SIU in 1958 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1984 aboard the Sea-Land Leader. Brother Bennett was a resident of Norfolk, Va. ERWIN 0. BERWALD nii~~~~l Pensioner Erwin 0. Berwald, 77, passed away April 30. A native of Cleveland, he joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Starting out in the steward department, he later transferred to the en· gine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Houston, Brother Berwald retired in November 1985. Dl Francisco. Brother Catano sailed in the engine depart! ment and startj ed receiving his pension in April •.i 1977. He was a ~ resident of San "----==-----' Francisco. OSCAR COOPER Pensioner Oscar Cooper, 84, died May 14. Brother Cooper first sailed with the Seafarers in 1956 from the port of Mobile, Ala. aboard the Raphael Semmes, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. The South Carolina native sailed in the engine department. A resident of Chickasaw, Ala., Brother Cooper began receiving his pension in June 1979. JOHN E. EDMONDS Pensioner John E. Edmonds, 85, passed away December 18, 1997. He joined the MC&S in 1945, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Edmonds retired in January 1970. He was a resident of Berkeley, Calif. LUCAS E. ELEFANTE Pensioner Lucas E. Elefante, 85, died Febroary 13. A native of the Philippines, he began sailing with the MC&S in 1945, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Elefante, began receiving his pension in July 197). WENCISLAO V. EUGENIO Pensioner Wencislao V. Eugenio, 87, passed away RODNEY D. BORLASE Pensioner Rodney D. Borlase, 76, died May 4. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Norfolk, Va., aboard the A:(.alea City, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in England, he worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in March 1987, his final voyage was aboard the Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.'s Long Lines. Brother Borlase was a resident of Norfolk. Va. He wils il vcternn of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1940 to 1946. ERNEST BROWN Pensioner Ernest Brown, 79, passed away February 25. Born in Missouri, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1944, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A resident of Oakl.and, Calif., Brother Brown began receiving his pension in September 1973. GRADY K. BROWN Pensioner Grady K. Brown, 74, died May4. A native of Texa5, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. '---"=====--__J Brother Brown sailed in the engine department and retired in December 1988. He was a resident of Bremond. Texas. ALFREDO B. CALANO Pensioner Alfredo B. Calano, 85, passed away May 23. Born in the Philippines, he began sailing with the SIU in 1947 from the port of San 18 Seafarers LOG March 28. Brother Eugenio joined the MC&S in 1955 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in the Philippines, he made his home in San Francisco. He retired in March 1972. WILLARD GRAYSON Pensioner Willard Grayson, 72, passed away May 30. A native of Texas, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of New York. Working as a member of the engine department, he last sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix, a Bay Ship Management vessel. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Grayson was a resident of Houston. He retired in 1991. STANLEY T. GROOMS Pensioner Stanley T. Grooms, 66, died May lj. Brother Grooms started his career with the SIU in 1959 in the port of New York. Prior to his retirement in August 1988, the engine department member signed off the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management. Jnc. vessel. He was a resident of Jupiter, Fla. JUAN R. FUENTES Pensioner Juan R. Fuentes, 83, died January 8. He joined the MC&S in 1947, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Fuentes began receiving his pension in March 1971. sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he completed the bosun recertification course in 1974. Brother Joseph lived in Sarasota, Fla. and retired in February 1984. JOHN A. HAMOT DAVID LEDESMA Pensioner John A. Hamot, 75 , passed away April 27. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New York. Brother Hamot worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A native of Massachusetts, he made hi s home in New Bedford. Brother Hamot began receiving his pension in April 1993. Pensioner David Ledesma, 89, died March 22. Born in Puerto Rico, he started his career with the MC&S in 1954 in the port of Portland, .__,...___~__,"'--;:;.x..'_, Ore., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Ledesma was a resident of New York. He retired in January 1981. JAMES B. HENLEY Pensioner James B. • Henley, 76, died · June 3. Born in Georgia, he joined the SIU in 1943 in the · port of New York. Brother Henley sailed in the deck department and retired in August 1966. He was a resident of Richmond Hill, Ga. ADRIAN J. JANACEK iiim~---, Pensioner Adrian J. Janacek, 76, passed away May 25. A native of Washington. he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Summit. He sailed as a member of the deck department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 ro 1945. Brother Janacek was a resident of Seattle and began receiving his pension in May 1994. EDWARD L. JOHNSON Pensioner Edward L. Johnson, 66, died June 17. Brother Johnson first sailed with the SIU in 1960 from the port of Baltimore aboard the Josefina, operated by Liberty Navigation Trading Co. The Maryland native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1985. From 1950 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Johnson was a resident of Baltimore. He retired in February 1991. HOWARD L. JOHNSON Pensioner Howard L. Johnson, 100, passed away June 7. Born in Nebraska, he joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Johnson made his home in St. Paul, Minn. and started receiving his pension in February 1968. FRANK W. LAWRENCE Pensioner Frank W. Lawrence, 74, passed away June 1. A native of Texas, he joined the MC&S in 1944, before that union merged '-----"'-=.c::=-==-:==--_, with the SIU' s AGLIWD. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He lived in Portland, Ore. and began receiving his pension in February 1989. LEYAL E. JOSEPH Pensioner Ley al E. Joseph. 79, died May 18. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of New York. The New York native INLAND DUDLEY A. BONVILLAIN Pensioner Dudley A. Bonvillain, 71, passed away May 4. Boatman Bonvillain joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer. A resident of Lockport, La., he began receiving his pension in May 1989. JOHN M. EVANS John M. Evans, 64, died June 4. A native of Maryland, he first sailed with the SIU in 1993. Boatman Evans worked in the deck department and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Association for Maryland Pilots. He was a resident of Ewell. Md. HOWARD L. (BUD or SKID) GIBSON Pensioner Howard L. (Bud or Skid) Gibson, 70, passed away May 18. He 1;. began sailing in 1944 as a deck)J hand in Norfolk ' I< ==-'....;;!_, Harbor and j oined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native last worked as a tugboat operator. A resident of Jupiter, Fla., Boatman Gibson began receiving his pens ion in March 1983. ; EDWARD J. HIBBARD Pensioner Edward J. Hibbard, 86, died May 13. Born in Virginia, he started with the SIU in 1942 in the port of ------'----' Baltimore. Originally a deep sea member, he I ater transferred to inland vessels. During his career he sailed as a deckhand and was active in union 0 rganizing drives. Boatman Hibbard was a resident of Baltimore and retired in October 1976. LYLEL.ORN p ensioner Lyle L. Om, 70, passed away March 25. A native of South Dakota, he began his career with the seafarers in 1967 in the deep sea di vision and later transferred to in land vessels. During his career, Boatman Om advanced his skills fr om tankerman to a licensed tugboat 0 perator, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Tiowing Co. From 1945 to 1965, he se rved in the U.S. Navy. A resident 0 f Virginia Beach, Va., he began receiving his pension in April 1990. GREAT LAKES JAMES E. CONNOR Pensioner James E. Connor, 74, passed away June 12. Born in New York, he joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother Connor worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the American Republic, operated by American Steamship Co. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Army from 1942 to 1948 and also in the Navy from 1950 to 1951. Brother Connor was a resident of Cheektowaga, N.Y. and retired in February 1989. HAROLD M. LEHMAN ~~iiiiiii~l Pensioner Harold M. Lehman, 78, died May 20. Brother Lehman started his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of .____ _........._ _ _ J Duluth, Minn., aboard the Joe S. Morrow. A native of Michigan, he sailed in the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S . Navy from 1942 to 1945. The Portland, Mich. resident started receiving his pension in November 1984. STUART M. SAARI Pensioner Stuart M. Saari, 71, died March 14. Brother Saari joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Buffalo. Born in Michigan, he ~======.. worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1990 aboard the Paul Thayer, operated by Pringle Transit. He was a resident of Detroit and retired in April 1992. From 1950 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. LEOR.TROY Pensioner Leo R. Troy, 72, passed away April 9. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Detroit. He worked in the deck departmen. Prior to his retirement in November 1990, he signed off the Columbia, operated by Bob-Lo Company. During the World War II years of 1941 to 1947, Brother Troy served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Detroit. r-~;;;;::::;;;;;;;;;:;:---, JOSEPH A. WILKES =---=------. Pensioner Joseph A. Wilkes, 73, died April 6. Born in Pennsylvania, " he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother '----"=---__J Wilkes worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the American Mariner, a American Steamship Co. vessel. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. A resident of Toledo, Ohio, he started receiving his pension in September 1987. August 1998 �Secretary stated department running smoothly. Treasurer announced all $40 in fund used to purchase movies. Captain informed crew of layup July 15 for shipyard repairs. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport) May 24Chairman Al Alwaseem, Secretary Ron Malozi, Deck Delegate Clemente Rocha, Engine Delegate Michael Ribeiro, Steward Delegate Chris Boronski. Chairman announced payoff in Houston. Secretary stated linens and plastics to go ashore in Houston and new stores to be taken on there. Educational director reminded crew of importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Letter from headquarters read to crew concerning overtime. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Houston, New York and Norfolk, Va. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime) June 14-Chairman Gerald M. Westphal, Secretary Janet Price, Deck Delegate Omaha Redda, Engine Delegate Wayne Watts, Steward Delegate Glenn Bertrand. Chairman discussed president's report in LOG and reminded crew of importance of reading paper to ~tay upda~ecLon mmitime issues. informed crew of 10ay layup in Gal n, Texas while waiting for rgo. Secretary advised crew to look in dry store room for packing boxes. Educational direcror spoke of importance of upgrading skills as often as possible. He reminded everyone to u~e ~afety precautions and to apply for training record ks (TRBs) before August I dead 1 ome disputed overtime reported in ste e artment. Crew also reminded o s oking restrictions and standards for cleanliness. Vote of thank~ given to galley gang. Crew reported exercise bike needs fixing. Next port: Galveston. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime) June 14-Chairman Juan Rivas, Secretary Paul Stubblefield, Steward Deteg:ne Chris Green. Chairman stated communications received regarding STCW and TRBs. Secretary reminded crew to put linens in bags in passageway and dump trash before leaving. He also reminded them of deck-waxing A Good Feeder Chief Cook Jorge Bernardez (left) and Chief Steward Lovell McElroy Sr. serve up a Sunday prime rib dinner aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. (Photo by QMED Gilbert Tedder Jr.) August 1998 procedures. Some disputed OT reported in deck department regarding cargo hold cleaning. Crew requested contracts department look into raising pension and lowering amount of sea time required. Crew also asked contracts department to review allowing paid vacation time to count toward retirement requirements. Request made for extra washer and dryer for unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks given to steward department and rest of crew for a job well done. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime) May 31-Chairman Hugo Dermody, Secretary Malcolm C. Holmes, Deck Delegate Burlin L. Pinion, Engine Delegate German C. Valerio, Steward Delegate Mariano Martinez. Chairman reminded crew to apply for TRBs. Educational director advised crew to check with Lundeberg School before applying for courses. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Request put in for new filters for washing machines. LNG TAURUS (Energy Transportation Corp.) June 7Chairman Daniel Marcus, Secretary Arlene M. Ringler, Deck Delegate John D. Ray, Engine Delegate Curtis L. Jackson, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Members received information on money purchase plan benefit. Request for more scheduled LNG recert classes sent to headquarters for consideration. Chairman thanked crew for good, safe, cooperative work. Secretary also thanked them for good attitudes. Educational director suggested attending the Paul Hall Center for increased job security. Treasurer announced $142 in ship's funds. Crew thanked steward department for excetlent meals and desserts and for catering to them when working extra long hours due to drain problems. Next ports: Arun, Indonesia and Himeji, Japan. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk Line) May 24-Chairman Mo Ahmed, Secretary Salvatore E. Torneo, Deck Delegate Frank Cottongin III. Engine Delegate Scott P. Brady. Chairman and educational director reminded crew to upgrade at Lundeberg School whenever opportunity arises. Secretary pointed out that crew should remain aware of all SIU political activities and that all zcards must be renewed (see back of card for expiration date). Crew asked to clean lint filter in dryer and to keep rec room clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. OM/ COLUMBIA (OMI) June 14-Chairman Anthony Sabatini, Engine Delegate Mike Kifle, Steward Delegate Larry Lopez. Repair lists filled out. Crew reminded to upgrade at Harry Lundeberg School and to obtain TRBs by August 1. Chairman announced pay raise July 1. Payoff to be held in Richmond, Calif. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit) May 24-Chairman Sean Ryan, Secretary Justo Lacayo, Deck Delegate Aubrey Davis, Engine Delegate Peter Cooley, Steward Delegate Jose Guzman. Secretary reported stores are on time. Educational director reminded crew to hone skills in Piney Point and to get TRBs by August 1. Possible affiliation of NMU and SIU discussed. Suggestion made for day off'after round trip and for STCW document to be placed on z-card. Crew inquired about certain deck department prodcedures. They also requested antenna to pick up armed forces radio. Steward department thanked by crew for job well done. Next port: Wilmington, N.C. OVERSEAS CHICAGO (Maritime Overseas) May 26-Chairman Jesse Mixon, Secretary Greg Lynch, Deck Delegate Brian Bush, Engine Delegate Eddie Whisenhant, Steward Delegate Robert Mensching. Chairman read memo from Augie Tellez regarding TRBs. Payoff announced for arrival in Honolulu. Secretary noted upcoming retirement of Brother George McCartney and welcomed Nick Marrone to West Coast. He also reminded members of zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, especially in port of Valdez. Educational director encouraged crew to utilize Paul Hall Center to best advantage. Crew expressed excitement over possibility of SIU and NMU affiliation. Request put in for new radio in lounge. Next port: Honolulu. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Car Carriers) June 5-Chairman Richard Bradford, Secretary Michael Gramer, Engine Delegate James R. Smart. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Portland, Ore. and that next voyage scheduled for Toyohashi, Japan and U.S. West Coast. Educational director spoke of importance of upgrading skills in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Portland and Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS JUNEAU (Maritime Overseas) May 31-Chairman Wayman Sellers, Secretary William E. Bragg, Deck Delegate Solomon H. Shields, Engine Delegate Ron D:1y, Steward Delegate Nasar Alfaqih. Crew resolved coffee-making duties to everyone's satisfaction. Chairman informed crew of new sail orders which move payoff to later date in Hawaii. He reminded crew to keep doors and portholes closed while cleaning tanks. Secretary said he will assist crew in completing TRB applications. Educational director advised all who don't have TRBs to get them by August l. He also suggested to check that all certifications and documentations are current, and reminded crew of importance of attending classes at Paul Hall Center. Letter posted on crew board from HQ regarding change to shipping rules with respect to TRBs. FAX regarding startup of riding gangs from Anchorage, Alaska also posted. Several new mattresses received aboard ship. Anyone who needs new mattress should speak to steward department. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska and Honolulu. OVERSEAS OHIO (Maritime Overseas) May 22-Chainnan Tim Koebel, Secretary Joe I. Ortega, Deck Delegate George R. Moxley, Engine Delegate Edmond Bridges, Steward Delegate Norman W. Cox. Chairman discussed requirements of dayworkers and rules for elevator usage. He also reported on call made to Coast Guard regarding training requirements for STCW renewal. Deck delegate noted some disputed OT. Crew extended thanks to captain for new TV and microwave. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding) May 30Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Lovell McElroy Sr., Deck discussed Coast Guard recommendation against solo night watches. He also discussed NLRB's case against Avondale shipyard and affiliation talks with NMU. Treasurer announced $20 in movie fund. Crew urged defeat of antiworker Proposition 226. Crew reminded to update tetanus shots every five or 10 years to prevent sudden infection. Next port: Elizabeth, N .J. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Services) June 7Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Edward M. Collins, Educational Director Dann G. Manthei. Chairman advised crew Camaraderie Aboard S-L Independence When the Sea-Land Independence pulled into the port of Elizabeth, N.J. recently, crew members gathered for a group photo with SIU Patrolman Jack Caffey Jr. From the left are Electrician Al Parker, Chief Cook Charles Atkins, AB Damion Krowicki, Patrolman Caffey, Bosun T. Alanano, AB Richard Fleming, AB Errol Hall, Steward Tommy Belvin, DEU Kamal Ismail and (standing in back) AB Arnold Lopez. Delegate James Hagberg, Engine Delegate Gilbert Tedder Jr., Steward Delegate Cornelius Watkins. Secretary commented on recertification programs. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and to apply for TRBs soon. Treasurer announced $81 in crew fund and $1,000 in ship's fund. Crew asked contracts department to review raising medical and dental benefits. Members requested copy of current medical benefit booklet. They also made several inquiries about TRBs and imminent danger pay for travel to Persian Gulf. Next ports: Singapore and Guam. of August I deadline for acquisition of TRBs. He also informed crew of payoff on June 13. Secretary asked crew to take dirty dishes to pantry and to put all laundry in proper receptacles_ He reminded crew of importance of donating to SPAD. Educational director reiterated TRB deadline. Crew informed of receipt of new movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to review changing seatime needed in order to retire. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Crew thanked QMED Coy Harrington for fixing 04 water fountain. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (May 31)-Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary William Burdette, Deck Delegate Joseph DeJesus. Crew informed of international phone installed in port of Kobe. Chairman expressed his thanks to crew for last voyage. He also thanked pay person Judie Navaratte for her good work and wished her well in retirement. Educational director urged crew to support SPAD. He also reminded them of importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. Treasurer informed crew of effort being made toward developing a ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers) May 24Chairman Marvin Zimbro, Secretary N. Tran, Deck Delegate Efstratios Zoubantis, Engine Delegate Sean Walker, Steward Delegate Rice Pham. Chairman spoke abmit importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. He also reminded crew to wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when on dock. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Payoff due at end of month. SEA·LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Services) May 24-Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Franklyn Cordero, Deck Delegate Syed A. Mehdi, Engine Delegate Rich:1rd Daisley, Steward Delegate Thomas W. Milovich. Vote of thanks extended to steward department from entire crew for job well done. All hands reminded to attend classes in Piney Point for job security and advancement in industry. Secretary announced 15-day dry dock in Hamburg, Germany to clean oil room beginning June 11. He also reminded crew to stay abreast of maritime events by reading Seafarers LOG. Educational director USNS SHUGHART (Bay Ship Management) May 24-Chairman Fritz McDuffie, Secretary Toyo Gonzales, Educational Director Richard Larsen, Treasurer George Macaluso, Engine Delegate Richard Sanford, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Reply from headquarters received regarding benefit plan eligibility requirements. Secretary reported all replies from SIU are filed and all union members can look at them. Educational director reminded crew of opportunities available in Piney Point. Crew informed that anthrax shots are required on MSC vessels in Arabian Gulf. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job and to Chief Electrician Richard Larsen for keeping galley equipment working. Next port: Dubai, UAE. Seafarers LOG 19 �'Sailing Gave Me a Good Life' Bosun Trikoglou Caps 35-Year Career With SIU After 35 years and countless miles at sea, the sailing career of Antonios (Tony) Trikoglou finally came full circle. The recertified bosun in late June celebrated his retirement with a shipboard commemoration in Baltimore, the same port in which he joined the SIU in 1963. Crewmembers from the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships Cape Washington and Cape Wrath threw the party for Trikog1ou, 65, and his wife, Carole. "I love what I was doing all Fellow Seafarers and officers present a watch to Recertified Bosun Tony those years," said Trikog1ou, who Trikoglou during a recent celebration aboard the Cape Washington in emigrated from Greece in 1962. Baltimore. To the bosun's right is his wife, Carole. "Sailing gave me a good life, let me raise a family and put my kids through college. I'm very satisfied." Trikoglou first sailed as a pantryman aboard the Bull Line ship Kent, but spent the rest of his voyages in the deck department, finishing as part of the reduced operating status (ROS) crew of the Cape Washington. Throughout his career, he sailed anywhere from 240 to 300 days per year, to destinations literally around the world. What's next for the bosun, who plans to stay in Baltimore? "Official baby-sitter," he joked, noting that he and Carole 1ook forward to spending time with their grandchildren. During a recent visit to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., Trikoglou offered a word of advice to younger Seafarers: "Try to educate yourself as much as you can, because that will help you better your position." He also expressed surprise and gratitude for the gathering aboard the Cape Washington, organized by Chief Mate Tom Stagg. "I never expected anything like that, but I say a big thanks to everyone," he declared. "Both the unlicensed and the licensed crews were so thoughtful." Oh RohuT "-'&&' .&1UU J • Stork Keeps Holding Pattern Until Seafarer Arrives Home for Birth The birth of a child is always an exciting event-but there is exciting and then there is incredible. Take. for example. the birth of Jacob Lee Stein- berg.... In photo above, Chief Mates Tom Stagg (left) and Frank Porcellini, plus QMED Carolyn Thifault and Electrician Peter Stein (foreground, right), congratulate the bosun on his retirement. In photo at right, QMED Bob Mulvaney (left) and others enjoy the feast aboard the Cape Washington, which included steak and lobster. David Stein• berg, 27, was sail- - ing as an AB aboard the Global Mariner on a cable laying operation from Bremerhaven Germany to the Shetland Islands. He had called his wife. Jennifer. in St. Louis to let her know he would be getting off the ship in Aberdeen, Scotland on June 29 and would be arriving in At hOme With the Steinbergs: Clockwise from top St. Louis at 6:30 left are Jennifer holding Jacob (2 weeks), David with Alexander (18 months), Zachary (7 years) that same evening. and Erie (9 years}. Jennifer, who wa& expecting the ning low on fuel and was being couple'~ fourth child and already diverted to Nashville. was two days overdue at this At this point, Jennifer burst point, started having contractions into tears while at the same time before leaving for the airport, but doubling over with pain from her she was certain she had enough contractions. And then she went time to quickly pick up her husinto labor. A gentleman who had band and then drive directly to been sitting next to her in the the hospi~I, if need be. waiting area and who was waitWith her three boys (ages 9, 7 ing to depart on the delayed and 18 months) in tow, she was, plane suggested that someone get needless to say. running a little her immediate attention. late, but managed to park the van Paramedics were called and and reach the passenger arrival she was taken by ambulance to a area by 6:30. Then an announce· hospital; the three children folment was made that the Air lowing behind in a police car. Canada plane was delayed from At the hospital, the contracToronto, where· it had stopped, tions were only five minutes and would be arriving at 7:30. apart. She waited for her mother, The next Announcement said the father and sister to arrive and plane was circling the St. Louis then was told that she had airpon due to bad weather and enough time to be transferred to would land at 8:10. the hospital of her choice. (Her At 8:15, Jennifer, by now havsister then took the three boys ing more rapid contractions, went home with her.) to the ticketing desk. explained Jennifer's mother kept in conthe situation and said she needed stant contact with Air Canada. information on the plane. The keeping them infonned of her customer service agent ca11ed the daughter's whereabouts. The latoperations personnel and was Continued on page 21 informed that the plane was run- 20 Seafarers LOii Remembering irginia's Mariners Members of the Hampton Roads (Va.) Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, which includes a number of retired Seafarers, participated in Maritime Memorial Day ceremonies May 22 at the Newport News Victory Arch (photo above), where they honored the memory of local mariners who gave their lives in World War II. In photo at right, Billie Leggett (left), executive officer of the chapter, and another member of the chapter, post a banner list· ing the names of area merchant mariners who perished during the war. Among the names is that of Milford Allen Cross, an SIU member who died aboard the SS Massmar. The Hampton Roads Chapter invites active and retired merchant mariners to attend their meetings, which alternately are conducted in Newport News and Norfolk. Upcoming meeting dates include Saturday, September 27 at 1O a.m. at the SIU hall in Nortolk. Call (757) 247-1656 for more information. August 1998 �Stork Delays Baby for Father's Arrival Continued from page 20 est information she received was that the plane would land in St. Louis at 12:30 a.m. (June 30). Meanwhile, David, not knowing what was going on, was sitting on a plane in Nashville for fiveand-a-half hours. The passengers had not been allowed to deplane because of customs regulations. When his flight finally arrived in St. Louis, he was mobbed by Air Canada people who told him about his wife being taken to the hospital. They gave him the keys to the van that Jennifer had left with them. He called the hospital, thinking he had missed the birth, but was told that Jennifer was still hanging on and to get there as quickly as possible. First he had to claim his luggage and get to the van. But even these ordinary events turned into the extraordinary. As it so happened, his luggage never arrived; it was still in London. This fact necessitated the filling out of several formsmore time lost. Next, he made it to the van in the parking lot, only to find a homeless man sound asleep in the back hed. (Jennifer had been in such a rush that she had inadvertently left the vehicle unlocked.) emove Securiiy was call the trespass e next hurdle was avid didn't have the ' e-:ttamped ticket to get out of the parking lot. Without knowing when the van had arrived, the gate collector wanted to charge him an enormous amount. Security was again called to explain the situation and then came into play yet one more time when David found he didn't have any American money on him, only British pounds. After the security man changed enough money for him to leave, he headed directly to the hospital, arriving there at 2:30 a.m.-plenty of time, it turned out, since baby Jacob Lee did not decide to poke his head into the world until 9:27 a.m. And this was the series of events that led to David Steinberg being in the delivery room for the birth of his fourth son and being present to cut the umbilical cord. Baby Jacob Lee weighed in at 10 pounds, 4 ounces. "It [the series of circumstances] was absolutely incredible," David told a reporter from the Seafarers LOG. "But I'd do it all over again if it got me here in time to see the birth of my son." Local television crews quickly picked up on the unfolding events and came to the hospital to interview the family. Meanwhile, none of this would have happened, noted David, if Jennifer had taken St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper up on her offer to have Jennifer stay at her house while she picked David up at the airport. But what kind of a story would chat have made? David Steinberg, who has been with the SIU for more than 18 months, plans to relurn to the Global Mariner-the next trip, probably, without so much fanfo.rc. LOG·A·RHY1HM . W,. ~' (i ¥tf • • • • .,, , .. '. ,,. ,,. ,,. ,,. ,.. . •w '. LOSTLOVU THE SEA. I HAD CHOSU, TO 8£ FM AWA:'/ ~ tJ FROM MY LO'\f£D ONKS A.THOM£, WHOM I MlSS£D EY£.itYDA.YM61 ~ HAV'E I CHOSU THIS KIND OF UR "f' W'HKN MY HEART IS ACIWf6 TQ H WITH Ki Win. llY WlR , llY CHILnlt£N • 6RANOOHILDREN AND ALL wBOS£ v'OICKS I llUllt ONLYYl.H.t:N I CALL I HAD A. PHOJll! CA.LL THE OTH£1t DAY MY GRANDSON HAD JUST, PA.SSW AWAi • If •• '""· Wlij • ll "•.' .@fl A. Hl!MtT IS BROKEN • W'ITH TEARS ALL AFLOW NO Mott£ Will I S1!£ THAT RA.l)IANT GLOW 1 llUD TO Bg BQllg, Wml Id FAMILY AftOUND - • FlRML'i K££PIN6 MY F££T OH TH£ 6ROUND "" I NERD TO S1!£ In' 6RANDClllLDR£N AT PLA'i BUT TH£ OHR I WlLLMISS, HAS 60.NE AWAi ' lliM .NO MOU HUU It.ND KISSES I W'ILL I 8£ ABLE TO 61\'E TO TH£ ONE THAT WAS D£NHID TH£ IU6HT TO LI\'£ ~' THE sEA I HAD LOYED, AND LOST IN A DA'i >HAS BROU6HT M£ BACK HOM£ , WHERE I .NEED TO STA.'i :.. · " TO M'i &RANDSO.N , AUSTIN , 1 LO\l'E 'iou so DEAR 'iOU MA'i HAVE GONE I BUT'iOU'LL ALWA'iS BE. NUtlt ·~-~ ,..,....~ tt:.rc I f!'W •! .. _;1' BY: TllRODORE L DOI ,..~ile-~recently 1j sailing Ii·lj •••••••• ·~ •i ~· aboard the Sea-Land Pacific, AB Teddy Doi received a call from his wife informing him that his infant grandson had been murdered. His ship was ready for the return trip, so he sailed hofflf! to be with his family on Oahu. He said Bosun Lothar Reck and the rest of the crew were very supportive in helping him ge11hrough this tough time-a real tribute to the Brotherhood of the Sea. Doi penned this poem in memory of his young grandson. The LOG has reprinted it just as it was received. August 1998 who helped facilitate the partnership with the Congress of Industrial Organizations to form the AFL-CIO, was born in 1894. A plumber by trade, he became the first AFL-CIO president. August Barbers of Battle Creek, Mich. organized aunion, elected of22 ficers, and appointed trustees in 1890. In 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers (PATCO) strike againstthe Federal Aviation Administration began. President Reagan fired the workers three days later. 3 In 1890, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, afounding member of the Indus7 trial Workers of the World, was born. George Meany, the American 16 Federation of Labor president In 1827, the Mechanics Ga24 zette. the first U.S. labor paper, was published in Philadelphia. A small group of black em25 ployees of the Pullman Co. established the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in New York City in 1925. A. Philip Randolph was invited to address the group, and became its first organizer. Women's Equality Day. AnMassachusetts labor activists 23 26 and anarchists Nicola Sacco niversary of certification as and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were expart of U.S. Constitution, in 1920, of ecuted in 1927. They were arrested in 1920 on charges of murdering a shoe factory paymaster and convicted on circumstantial evidence. Sacco wrote, "It is true, indeed, that they can execute the body, but they cannot execute the idea which is bound to live." the 19th Amendment, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex with regard to voting. In 1963, Martin Luther King, 28 Jr. made his famous "I have adream ... " speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust . \ fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the e e rus es in charge o ds s a e a of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquaners of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify che Seafarers Appeals Board by cenitied mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as weJJ as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (ITT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGA· TIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any cons 1 utional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials. etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONA· TION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, . furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a memfrom publishing any article serving the political pur- ber feels that any of the above rights have been violatposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. ed, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed right of access to union records or information, the hannful to the union or its collective membership. This · member should immediately notify SIU President established policy has been reaffinned by membership Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitu- receipt requested. The address is: tional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG polMichael Sacco, President icy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may Seafarers International Union delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry 5201 Auth Way out this responsibility. Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes Trainee Lifeboat Class 577-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 577 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Noel Corrales, Carlos A. Ortiz, Rachel A. Sanner, Lisa M. Ruiz, Charles J. Kellner, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Richard Jones, Jomo Young, Michael Snow, Yazid Muhammad, Jean C. Horne, Christopher Johnson, Levy Calzado and Richard Pepper. Firefighting - Maritrans-Attending a special firefighting class for Seafarers aboard Maritrans vessels are (from l@ft, kn@eling) William Perry. Bob Ensminger, William Marsnall Jr., William Horn@r Jr., (second row) Anthony Hammett (in~tructor), Ken Brady, Jack Maaskant, Rimuydas Ourbonas, Gary Waters, Mitchell Roberts and Paul J, Brown Jr. Advanced Firefighting-Part of the LNG familiarization program is made up of two weeks of firefighting. Upgrading graduates of the July 4 advanced firefighting class are (from left, seated) Abdulrahman Monaser, Roy Jerue, Richard J. Higgins, Russell Levin (instructor), (second row) Joseph Riccio, Christopher Coston, LBJ Tanoa, Thomas Bullen, John Vegh Ill, Allan McCoy and John M. Walsh. Advanced Firefighting-Completing the advanced firefighting class on July 1O are (from left. kneeling) Robert ThompMn. Denyse Sineath, Steve Bentley, Sean O'Doherty. Hugh McDowell, (second row) Rick Redmond (instructor). James Keith Jr., Lonnie Carter, Jessie Ulibas, Evaristo Ginez, Gal)' Dates and Stormie Combs (instructor). Basic Firefighting-SIU members completing the basic firefighting course on June 12 ar@ (from left. front row, kneeling) James Davis Jr., Antonio M. Gutierrez, Ahmed Alaidaroos, Edward Tomas. Muharam Husin, Brent Johnson, (second row) Chris Schleis, Edward E. Jaynes, Raymond Oglesby. Edward S. O'Reilly, Ronnie Hamilton, Stormie Combs (instructor), (third row) James C. Baker, Gregory Sampson, Phillip King and Kenneth Grose. Able Seaman-Seafarers graduating from the able seaman class on June 1 are (from left, kneeling) Jaime E. Baretty, Ahmed Alaidaroos, Holly Beth Scheper, David O'Brien, Edward Tomas, Tom Gilliland (instructor), Muharam Husin, (second row) Antonio M. Gutierrez, James Davis Jr., Chris Schleis, Raymond Oglesby, Kenneth Grose, Edward E. Jaynes, Ronnie Hamilton, (third row) Mark Witas, Gregory Sampson, Edward O'Reilly, Phillip King and James C. Baker. Graduating from 1 department course on July 10 are (from left, first ro ona Gayton, Robert Brown, Matthew Ditullio, Donald kins, Richard Presson. (second row) Jose Vazquez, Jorge Bonelli. James Demouy, Urse! Barber and Mark Jones (instructor). Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their tanker assistant DL endorsements on July 10 are (from left, kneeling) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Philip Mannino, Thomas Tobin, Steve Rollins, Brent Johnson. Willie Franks, Russell R. Shaw Jr., (second row) Fred ,Cintorino, Patrick Maldonado, Christian Andrews, Lawrence R. Sherinski, Brad A. Mohica, Raynd M. Lopez, James Parchmont, Nathan Rippey, Daryl Stewart, Damon Anderson, (third row) James Wilson, George Lockett, Isadore Greenberg, Angel Figueroa and Eden Latta. Tanker Assistant DL-Marking their graduation from the tanker assistant DL course on Jun@ 13 are (from left. kneeling) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Eduardo Morre, Paul Wade, William Maggio ti, Carmus Peet, (second row) Hector Morales, Philemon Quitoriano, William Barrett, Rohmy Butler, Larry Rich, James Hazelip, Michael Bowers, Jesse Cornelison, Jim C. Liu. Al Greene, (third row) Sven Eric Bigg, Russell S. Horton, Robert Alexander, Thomas Bullen, Patrick McCarthy. Rimuydas Ourbonas, Linton Reynolds, Ohati Baugh, (fourth row) William Krostek, Stephen Blanchard and LBJ Tanoa. 22 Seaf;lrers LOG Government Vessels-Receiving their endorsements from course in June are (from left, first row) Rohmy Butler, Davon Rodney Passapera, William Krostek, Sven Eric Bigg, (second Ahsan, Carmus Peet, Ludivico Castillo, Al Greene, (third row) Michael Davidson, Russell S. Horton and Candido Molina. the government vessels Brown, Hector Morales, row) Larry Rich, Daniel Mark Cates (instructor), August 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Safety Specialty Courses Start The following is the scheduleJor classes bt!ginning in September, October and November at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at .:~h~ Paul .I.:I~~~ (;~at~rfor:, Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A'Up.rograms'are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the Aril~~-ican maritime industry. P1ease note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on th~ mom- " ing Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) September 14 October 12 November9 October 3 October 31 November 28 LNG Familiarization (includes 2 weeks ofFirefighting) October 12 October 30 Basic Firefighting September 7 September 21 Octobers November 2 November 16 November 30 ·,;-·· September 12 September 26 October 10 November7 October 12 October 19 November2 October 24 October 31 November 14 September 7 October 5 September 25 October 22 November 2 NQvember 30zz December 18 of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the :. '·t,Urid~be~.· ·§~h:?-9..l::''. ro;,t;y .P~U the admissions office at (301) 994:,.0010. ,· Advanced Firerighting November21 December 5 or Date Completion October30 December 11 September 21 November 16 November20 · October 2 September 28 !)ctobf!t26 :_:,; ~: :~i_. . September 19 Odober 17 Recertification Programs Date of Completion . . . :...... : . Iri. ~ddltton: · basic.:~ocatlbiafsupportprogram courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. UPGRADING APPLICATION Address _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient 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 completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are recei>'ed. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D If the following BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D {nformation is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # - - - - - - - - - Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department u_s_Citi zen: Yes D No 0 Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? 0 Yes D No Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: If yes, class# - - - - -- - -- - - -- -- - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken August 1998 D Yes D No CPR: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE D Yes D No 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 8198 Seafarers LOB 23 - �Attention Seafarers For your future and job security, remember to donate to SPAD W hen passengers take a vacation aboard the stately paddlewheel steamboat American Queen, they are treated to attractive surroundings, delicious meals and polished entertainment, not to mention recreational activities ashore when the SIU-crewed vessel docks at various towns along America's major eastern rivers. A less obvious, but never· theless vital part of any trip aboard the American Queen is continually safe operation. Striving to maintain that ideal, dozens of Seafarers recently completed on-site practical safety training aboard the three•ycar•old pllssenger boat. conducted by an instructor from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Included in the curriculum were damage control, chemical ~afrty1 certain aspects of firefighting, and airway obstruction. Appro;\imately 75 SIU members signed up for the training during an eightday period in late May, while the boat sailed from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn. This marked the continuation of a long tradition of shipboard safety training provided by the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship to SIU members sailing aboard the American Queen and her sister ships, the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen. "It went really well," said Anthony Hammett, the instructor who taught the latest round of classes. "The attitudes of the crew members were excellent." Hammett directed the training at all hours. primarily while the 436-foot American Queen was under way but also occasionally during stops, in order to accommodate the various schedules of the crew members. For instance. damage control instru~tion for deckhands took place at 7 a.m. and at 7 p.m. "Thafs one advantage of training aboard the boat We can work around people's shifts," Hammett observed. "It also helps them to practice in familiar surroundings, using equipment they 1 ve seen before." A spokesperson for The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., which owns and operates the three-year-old American Queen, expressed satisfaction that the classes were well-run and very worthwhile. The damage control training allowed deckhands the opportunity to examine and practice methods of preserving a boat's watertight integrity so that it can reach shore in the event of a collision or other damage-causing incident During limited firefighting training, SIU members learned proper techniques for advancing hose lines and correct utilization of the nozzle in attacking a fire. They also received hands-on training in the use of portable fire extinguishers. Members of the dining room staff particularly were interested in the segment of the curriculum that focused on recognizing a choking victim and taking appropriate steps to preserve his or her life. Also covered was the crew·s legal right to certain information in a situation involving hazardous materials. While th@ American Oue~n was docked in Natchez, Miss. on a recent trip, SIU members had an opportunity to practice using a 2 fire extinguisher. Clockwise, from the top left, are Mike Johnson, Sonia Simona, Sarah A. Smith, Tara Bell. Carey A. Patton ·and Dave Hardesty. co On a recent safety training exercise aboard the American Queen, hose and nozzle practice was provided for the SIU members. Clockwise, from top right, are Damian Jackson on the nozzle, backed up by a fellow porter: the husbandand-wife team of John and Paula McGlumphy; and George Washington and Sharon Logiudice. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MARAD RESCINDS RRF AWARDS SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES HART AS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR SUPPORT CONTINUES TO GROW FOR WWII VERTERANS’ STATUS CENTER UNVEILS FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL BOARD TACKLES TRAINING REGS SENATOR OFFERS LEGISLATION TO REBUILD U.S. CRUISE FLEET SIU MEMBERS CREW USNS WATSON RO/RO JOINS MSC’S PREPOSITIONING FORCE PATHFINDER IS LATEST ADDITION TO SIU-CREWED LAKES FLEET SEATU DELEGATES URGE INCREASED ORGANIZING, EDUCATIONAL, POLITICAL EFFORTS NEW PRESCRIPTION PLAN SCORES WITH PENSIONERS CONGRESS URGES CLOSER WORK WITH U.S. DELEGATION TO IMO PERSIAN GULF ‘DANGER PAY’ APPLIES TO 4 SIU COMPANIES TRANSPORT WORKERS END PHILADELPHIA STRIKE STEELWORKERS FILE LAWSUIT TO DECIDE LEGALITY OF NAFTA LIFELONG U.S.-FLAG SUPPORTER, HERB BRAND, PASSES AWAY AT 84 CRESCENT IS 1ST TO OBTAIN USCG COMPLIANCE OVERSEAS VESSELS RECEIVED HQ UPDATE NEW ROUTE BRINGS S-L EXPRESS TO SAN JUAN PERSERVERANCE LOADS UP IN YABUCOA MCCARTNEY, SIU WERE GOOD FIT FROM START MODERN SHIPHANDLING- PART I: HENRY GAMP TALKS ABOUT CURRENT TRENDS IN TUG DESIGN JOSEPH SACCO FIRE FIGHTING AND SAFETY SCHOOL MARKS VITAL ADDITION FOR SIU, PAUL HALL CENTER LIGHTHOUSES: ANGELS OF THE SEA BOSUN TRIKOGLOU CAPS 35-YEAR CAREER WITH SIU STORK KEEPS HOLDING PATTERN UNTIL SEAFARER ARRIVES HOME FOR BIRTH AMERICAN QUEEN CREW COMPLETES ON-SIT TRAINING Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 8 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d3abb254ab3b362428bc77542cf4e9f2.pdf 291bbaede44b8a547db01ae7f82db5b2 PDF Text Text Seafarers' Guide to Training Record Books (TRBs) __ Pages 12-13 Volume 60 Number 9 Paul Hall Center Adds Top-Notch Radar Equipment Curriculums Gain From New Devices SIU to Crew USNS Henson Seafarers will crew the oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson this month, marking the addition of new jobs for the membership. The U.S. Military Sealift Command announced Dyn Marine Services will operate the vessel. Page 3. Five new state-of-the-art Furuno ARPA radars are scheduled to be installed at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney .Point, Md. efore the end of the month. Page 3 AFL-CIO Launches Campaign To Strengthen Social Security 7-Point Prograill Designed to Keep System Strong into Next Century ~--------~~~------------~~~--------------~~ . __ Page3 Lyon and Tigers (and no Bears), Oh My! DOT Report Supports . Strang U.S.-Flag Fleet Penn Maritime Crews Okay New Contract ----------~~~~Page4 New~st Bob Hape Ship, USNS Seay, Christened ~~--------~~~Page6 SHf~r.;tr Carol Lyon did Mt need wizardry to put this Bengal at ease during a recMt visit ashOre in Thailand. Lyon, a longtime SIU member from Wilmington, Calif.. was sailing as an SA aboard the Ja~k Lummus when she went to the Nong Noo~h Village animal pa.rk. . Ecstasy Fire Aftermath: Conf 11·c1.,n Stor-1·es I ~~~~~~~--------~~~~~--~~-----------~-Page5 1 �President's Report Ready to Serve, Again Last month, the United States demonstrated once again why it needs a strong, dependable, U.S.-citizen crewed, U .S.-flag merchant marine. Our nation's armed forces were called to action to retaliate against the horrific bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Hundreds of innocent people were killed and thousands of unsuspecting others were injured. There was no warning for these cowardly acts which took place as many were Michael Sacco settling in to begin work or trying to get to their places of business. Our sympathies go out to all the victims of the bombings. Seafarers have a special understanding and appreciation for the people who work in the embassies around the world. Like many of our deep sea members, embassy workers are far from home in a foreign land representing the United States. Like Seafarers, the jobs performed by the embassy workers are necessary, but often overlooked.. Our members depend on these dedicated people when they have a problem, concem or family emergency overseas. They do our nation proud and the people who worked in Kenya and Tanzania did not deserve the fate that overcame them on August 7. So, it is fitting that in less than two weeks America fired back. Cruise missile attacks were launched against terrorist sites in Afghanistan and Sudan. The nation's armed forces were placed on alert. And joining in this preparation was the U .S .-flag merchant fleet. The generals and admirals who have to place American troops in harm's way, as well as President Clinton, know the loyalty and dedication of the men and women who crew the U.S.-flag merchant ships. Seafarers come from all parts of the country. We represent all races and religions . We are as diverse as the nation. But what we have in common is the pride in our jobs and the dedication to stand for our country when we are called to help. Our armed forces know we are behind them money, marbles and chalk. As Congress returns to cons ider bills that would extend veterans' benefits to World War II-era U.S. mariners and to attack the nation's cabotagc laws~ letts not forget the important jobs performed by the men and women of the U.S. merchant marine during the 1990s. Leading the list was the exce11ent job accomplished during the Persian Gulf War. In 1991, the head of the U.S. Transportation Command described the supply effort performed by merchant ships as "a steel bridge across the ocean." In late 1992 and into 1993, the U .S.-flag merchant fleet supplied American forces in Somalia. A year later, the action was in the Western Hemisphere as merchant mariners crewed ships bound for Haiti to assist U.S. troops there. Then there were the buildups in the Persian Gulf in 1994 and 1997-8. On~e again, Seafarers sprang to action and sailed the vessels to mpp1y the ~oldiers . Finally, UK-crewed merchant ships supplemented American forces working with those from other natioM to bring peace to Bosnia in 1995. U.S. merchant mariners, and especially Seafarers, have continually responded to the nation's ca11 no matter where, no matter when, no questions asked. The nation·s military leaders don't have to wonder if the supplies will be there when American troops go overseas. And, despite the efforts of a few outsiders who can't quite grasp the value of a trained and loyal U.S.-crewed merchant fleet to the nation's security, the Congress and President of the United States know the experience and dedication of these fine men and women cannot be mat~hed in dcllars or deeds. W~ ~emain ready to answer the call. vo1um~ 60, Numner 9 Se11tembt1r 7998 '"'" SIU ""' litt~~ WWWJU~alarl!H.nrg The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month- ly by the Seafaren International Union; Atlantic, Gulf. Lakes and Inland Wate~ Di~trict; AFL.CIO; .520l Amh Way; Carop Spring~, :rvm 20746. Tel~pMn~ (301) ~990675. Periodicals postage p~id ~t Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offi~s . POSlMASTER'. Send address changes to the Seafarers WO, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communkations Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Bfrcardo; AJ~ocintc Editor/Production. Deborah A. Htne.r: Art. Bill Brower; Administrative SuppQrt, Jeanne Twc>r; Summer Intern, Donnie Stonns. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG DOT Outlines Case far Stranger U.S. Fleet in Report ta Congress In a report to Congress presented earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reinforced its call for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet by outlining its plan to maintain and strengthen the force for the next century. The document, entitled "A Report to Congress on U.S . Maritime Policy," acknowledged the work performed by DOT to promote the U.S -flag fleet as well as the nation's ports, waterways, intramodal infrastructure and shipbuilding capacity. It then presented the department's goals regarding maritime policy for the next century. In the report's forward, DOT noted the United States is the world's largest trading nation with most of these goods being moved by water. It estimated that "by the year 2020, U.S. foreign trade in goods may grow to four times today's value and almost double its current tonnage, and inland waterways traffic will increase by one-third, based upon current projections. "To keep pace with the corning changes, the United States will need a maritime transportation system that is state-of-theart, efficient and accessible to everyone," the report pointed out. "As we head into the 21st century, both our competitive position in the national security arena and the safety of our maritime community will hinge on how well the United States manages its maritime transportation system, including its ports and waterways. Doing it well will not only be desirable, but imperative, LO sustain the U.S. leadership position as the world's economi' and· military power," it added. The department offered a mu1ti-point program to achieve the goal of a strong national maritime policy. • First, DOT ~alkd for continued support of the Maritime Security Program, the I 0-year program designed to help fund militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. The legi.s lation rc,civcd strong bipartisan support in Congress when it passed in 1996. The report reiterated the value of the U.S-tlag commercial fleet to the nation's security: "The continued existence of a private..: ly owned U.S.-flag merchant marine is vital to our nation's military and economic security. During times of national emergency, there is no completely reliable alternative to our U.S.flag fleet of commercial ships and trained crews. "The economic security of our nation benefits from the participation of the U.S.-flag fleet in the movement of U.S. international trade." • DOT pointed out the need for the U.S. to maintain its shipbuilding capability. The report called for continued support of the nation's shipyards and marine equipment suppliers "to achieve global competitiveness and increase output so that they remain effective partners in supporting national security." • The need to maintain America's cabotage laws was another priority. The report renewed the administration's support for these laws, believing "they will continue to serve the nation's needs well into the 21st century. "As the greatest trading nation in the world, the United States must continue to exercise American control over its interests as a fundamental aspect of its national security." • The Maritime Administration, a DOT agency, will have to continue its effective management of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Calling the RRF fleet "a critical component" of the Defense Department sealift operations, the report said these vessels will continue to be needed "to support deployment and sustainment of U.S . military forces." • America's cargo preference laws will continue to play an important role into the next century. In the report, DOT noted that the Maritime Security Program did not include such vessels as bulk carriers and tankers. These U.S.-flag ships, along with their experienced trained and mariners, also will be needed. • DOT will continue its work ro upgrade and imp rove the nation's intramodal transportation system. It also must pursue its development of U.S. ports and waterways to high standards of safety, efficiency and environmental soundness that balance the needs of the industry with other public uses. From harbor dredging to providing more efficient links between the ports and land-based transportation, the report stated this would be a major concern for keeping the U.S maritime industry viable in the next century. • In order to stay competitive, the U.S. -tlag fleet and the industry as a whole must proceed with its efforts to provide a highly skilled workforce. While specifically mentioning the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and those run by state governments as places where future seamen are being educated, the report said American mariners will have to be trained in the latest technology to stay competitive. (This is something the SIU, through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, has taken pride in doing for decades and will continue to provide for Seafarers.) • The department will have to keep up its campaign to eliminate unfair foreign trade practices. • DOT must continue its work with the industry to conform with U.S. and foreign regulatory and environmental standards. • Realizing that neither the department nor the maritime industry can effectively act on their own to advance new technologies, the report urged the continued cooperation between the government and the businesses that al ready has worked to provide Jong-term benefits. In conclusion, the report pointed out, "Alone, these policies will not meet the challenges that the U.S. maritime industry faces in the 21st century. Therefore, working in partnership with Congress, (the Defense Department] and other stakeholders, we will continually assess those regulations and statutes which impede the growth of the U.S.-flag fleet. "It will also be our high priority to examine how better to utilize U.S. laws and regulations to promote the construction and operation of U .S.-flag commercial vessels." The report was presented to the chairman and ranking minority party member of both the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the House National Security Committee. DOT is required, according to the Maritime Security Act of 1996, to submit such a report to Congress every five years. Plans Finalized for Fire Fighting School Construction of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training a~d Education's new fire fighting ~hool appears on target to begin this month. the 'enter reports. Bids for constru,tion were due M this issue of the Seafar:crs LOG went to press. Site plans, drawings and an environmental bond also were being finalized. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety Schcol is expected to open in early 1999. It will be built on ~chMl property near the Paul Hall Center's main campus in Piney Point, Md. Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting, water survival. first aid and CPR, damage control and confined-space safety training at the sixbuilding complex. The school is designed ro virtual- ly dupli,ate shipboard environments, including types of fires germane to vessels. Its buildings will house replicas of an engine room, galley, lounge and fo'c's'le. Also included will bo a two-story maze with moveable partitions. classrooms, outdoor training pads, a compressor room, shower facilities and other features. . Representatives of the Paul Hall Center point out that the new facility will allow a constant mix of practical training and classroom instruction. Additionally, Seafarers will have the opportunity to fulfill all of their safety certific'ation requirements by successfully completing courses at the new campus. The facility is named after the late SIU executive vice president who passed away in October 1996. September 1998 �SIU to Crew Survey SHiP ,USNS ~ens~p The SIU gained new jobs with the recent announcement by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) that Dyn Marine Services will operate the oceanographic survcy ship USNS Henson. Seafarers arc scheduled to crew the twoyear-old vessel near the end of this month, in Pensacola, Fla. "We welcome the addition of new jobs for the membership," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "The Henson reprcsents increased employment opportunitics for the SIU." D.A. Payne, vice president at Dyn Marine, described MSC's awarding of the Henson for aperation by his company as "a very positive indication that the Dyn Marine Services-SIU team is providing an unsurpassed level of customer service in meeting today's Navy requirements." Built in 1996 at Halter Marine Shipyard in Moss Point, Miss., the Henson is 329 feet long, has a beam of 58 feet and displaces 4,200 tons when fully loaded. It is part of the Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) class of multi-purpose survey ships. The Henson collects oceanographic data around the world, for use in updating and creating various nautical charts. It is named after the late Mathew Henson, a key member of Admiral Robert ~~ · • . . 1 t I Peary's 1909 expedition team that discovered the North Pole. Henson also sailed as a merchant mariner in the 1870s. Seafarers will begin crewing the USNS Henson later this month. It is part of the fleet of oceanogaphic survey ships collecting data for MSC to be used in upd~ting and creating nautical graphs. AFL-CIO Launches 7-l'oint Campaign Ta Strengthen Social Security System The AFL-CIO Executive Council approved a seven-point program to secure the nation's Social Security system during its summer meeting last month in Chicago. The council serves as the national labor federation's governing body between its biennial conventions. It is composed of President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and 51 vice presidents, including SIU President Michael Sacco. In outlining its proposal, the executive council recalled the challenge issued by President Bill Clinton during his State of the Union address in January that 1998 should be used to study social security so legislation could be introduced when the new Congress begins its work in January 1999. Sweeney called on working people to add their voices to the debate being waged on the federal program, which went into effect in 1935. "Today, a vocal minority is fixated on scrapping the Social Security system, a progrnm that has paid benefics on time and in full over six decades," the AFL-CIO president stated. "To this point. Social Security privatizers have gouen a free ride in the media and in the public debate with their high-cou pla.M to replace Social Security's guaranteed, defined benefits with individual retirement account:5. It i:5 time that the full truth be told about the high costs of privatization th"t America's working families will be forced to pay; retirement ages that are jacked up ro 70 and deep cuts in guaranteed rc;:tirc;:rrn;nt and disability benefits, as well as significant reductions in Social Security's it'lflllliM protection _" Sweeney ;\ddt:d, "Thos:e who pu~h privafrzation expect America's workers to trade in Social Security ' prot~crioM for an expensive system of individual accounts that will subject working families: to the very real risk LhaL they will end up with little to ~Mw for their liferimes of hard work. ..Social Security must be changed to meet future challenges. But those changes need to s:trengthen the system, not wreck it," he concluded. The plan put forward by the AFL-CIO calls for; • Steps to be taken soon to strengthen Social Security ~o that all Americans can be assured that the program will be lhere for them. • Social Se~urity to continue to provide retired and di~ablt:d workers, as well as dependents and surviv6r~, with a guaranteed monthly benefit. protected against inflation for life. • Bc;nefits not to be subject to th~ whims of the market and never to substitute private accounts tor the core defiMd benefits the system current!>' provides. • The age at which workers arc eligible for early or full benefits not to be raised. • Snrial Security Lo continue LO replace a larger share of past earnings for low-income workers ~nd t6 provide bigger benefits to workers who earned higher wage~ during their careers. Ri;placemcnt rtttes should not be cut. • Social Security to continue to provide family in:rnrancc protection, with benefits that cover dependent and surviving children and spouses in addition to disabled and retired workers . • Government budget surpluses to be used lo save Social Security first and not to pay for tax cuts. September 1998 The national labor federation will launch a national grassroots campaign to inform working families about the system's funding and how the various proposals being suggested to privatize Social Security would cut into the scheduled benefits provided by the program. Sweeney added the suggestions and concerns of working people should and will play a prominent role in the White House conference scheduled for December to draft legislation dealing with Social Security for the next century. Upgraders at the Paul Hall Center will have the opportunity to utilize this model of Furuno ARPA radar (2110) as well as a small-boat radar. Facts About Social Securiiy:· , . .. , And Retirement School's Radar Training iJ~1~¥~Ws On Course for Upgrade arid figures are being thrown around. To help Seafarers a11d tl)~ir families, the Seafarers LOG offers the foUl:)Wing .:. :.i ~V.~~~,g~~~~~~~~21~s~{·:. Hm~>4n~t· · . · · · ·• · · ·soetat>secunty..·was T · . · . rougtv ~r . . . · tO:f:' Congres5 in ·1935. lts primarY purpose was t0 ~pt9yidtf suppl@mer,ital retirernMt fMo~ ;:tSW8fl.·as a: guar,~n.!~~q:: stipt;?~Q.fo.r.. sur,vivprs and those :wift.l disabifltie~.<:1:'.~~S:~/: contiriye to be the"pro9ram~i rri'1in serlkes.to,ct·ay;::>·.<1::·:.:·· .. · '. · Ai;i.1;:ordlng tq ·stati~tics prbVi4~d · bY tM SMia!. security:· "dminlstration, approximately 44 million American$ r~ceive benQfits from the ~ystQm'. 30 million are·retirect, and tne remaining 14 million are survivors or disablep. ·" A Mal of 17e millJon Arn@ric~n work~rs at~ coverM:· by S6Clal s~eurity. n1ey anct tneir families are elii)lble fof retirement and/or survivor benefits. Disability ~overage :i$ available ta 131 million ofth~s9 :w¢tic:.;trs, ... :· From tt\it r~ of 1t't0$A Wh() :are retired anct recelvmg,. SMl81 seQiirtiy, .m0ra thail.'twQ-:.tt,ltrds rely on the program for:: half ot more of their incomli>. In·fact, ® per~nt <;>f thQ ~ld$r­ ly count on SOCial SQ¢Ulity to.prOVi<t~ QO perc;~t of th~r ir'l¢¢tne. F«;>t ia pereent, it i~ tf\e ONLY means ot inc~m.~~·j; Among African~American and. Hispanic retir~e,s; .45..· pemem oepend on Social SmfurilY for 90 pen;ent 9i:.h)ore. of their hou~ehold income3, For OM out of every .three ~f these families. it is the ONLY source of income. · PensioM ara. paid to only t\VO ot every five retired persons. For those still oh th~ j6b.MW, la~ than O!'\e~f.ialf the natiOn's private workforce is covered by a retirement ptan at work. Among wo.rkers earning less than.$30,009 annually, just two out of eV0ry five are covered.by a pen~ slon. And during the last several. years. the· perceilt{lge of employees in the pnv9.te workforce whc;>!t!t l.'>~l'l~fits il"ltlud~ a traditional emptnyer-paitl pension plan has fan.. en from Qnfii!·h~lf to one-third. For mose 65 ano older who have put money aw~y in of a savil'\gs account, the median saVings income from the~e funds is $1,$72 a y~ar, wnne ma"y people believe the system may go. insol~ · vent in only a few y~a($ 1 tM Soclel Security Administration in its 1098 rapQrt to it~ tn.1$tees st~ted the progr~m c;~m contino@ t6 mMt it~ Obligations Without changes until the year 2032. At that time, th~ administta· tion projects that program benefits would b9 cvt to beiween 70 and 75 pertMt TM AFL-CIO, to Which the SlU bsJangs, is laurn;hinQ a nationwide grassroots campaign to work with congres$ to $trength~m and secure the Social Security system well into the next century. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney has said the voice of working peopl~ need$ to b$ Mard a~ variQv~ propQsals ara Ming suggested prior to a WMe House conference on Social Security ~~t for December. "TM Maio risks against which the prograr,1 was d@sign@d to insure-the IMS ct Income due to retlrementt di$ttppear," Sweeney sald in announcing the national labor f@d@ra· d~~th and disability-hav@ not and will not tlM'~ tAmpaign. New Equipment Means Improved Classes The . Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is completing a major upgrade of its radar equipment for µse in simulator training. Five new state-ofthe-art Furuno ARPA radars are scheduled to be installed at the school in Piney Point, Md. by September 19. This modernization of the center's radar simulator utilizes the five existing Raytheon radars at the facility plus the new Furuno ARPA radars. The Seafarers LOG witt publish a course schedule for ARPA classes as soon as it is available. Classes will be scheduled after U.S. Coast Guard certification is received following instal1ation of the new equipment. The Furunos are outfitted with automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA) and electronic chart display (ECDS). The ECDS will allow the center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship to acquire and display images and conditions of any and all ports worldwide. AdditionaJly, the new system adds real navigation aids including GPS and Loran-C along with features like precipitation clutter, search-and-rescue transponders . (SARTS) and Racons. The center's Raytheon radars will be integrated with the newer items as well as with new software. Additionally, Seafarers upgrading at the school (in applicable courses) will have the chance to utilize a training vessel equipped with the newer radar, . which has the same capabilities as those used in simulation. Bosuns, ABs, inland boatmen with navigational duties and any Seafarers applying for a limited license or third mate's license will be the main users of the improved radar training. (A smaIJ-boat radar is one of the new additions.) ''This is first-class equipment, and the school also made longrange considerations of STCW training requirements when selecting it," noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the center, who extensively was involved in analyzing and choosing the new radars. "In the future, for bridge team management, watchstanders wil1 need to understand the operation of all bridge equipment. Obviously, this affects a lot of SIU members, and the new radar upgrade helps ensure we'll be prepared with the training they need." One notable aspect of this advancement is enhanced feedback capability via a theater-style projector. This tool enables instructors to show electronic chart displays for exercise reviews. "For students, it will be like sitting in a theater and critiquing what they did in the exercise," Wiegman explained, adding that the Paul Hall Center is believed to be the only maritime training facility in the U.S. with such capability. Other improvements include: • full graphical imaging of land and targets, • ability to control one's own ship and targets by several methods, • graphical user interfa~e. • Coastline Digitizer system, • displaying all exercise information (such . as vectors, target traiJs, range and bearing to another vessel, etc.), and • simulation of moving storm fronts and controJ of any stonn 's intensity, and much more. Seafarers LOG 3 l �Penn Crews Ratify 5-Year Pact Contract Nets Wage, Pension and Medical Gains SIU boatmen sailing on Penn Maritime tugs and barges strongly approved a new five-year contract that includes numerous gains. The contract features wage increases over the life of the pact, increased pension benefits, plus 100 percent major medical coverage for dependents . Seafarers . Seafarers sailing aboard Penn Maritime tugs and barges, including the Eliza (pictured in the port of New York), were painstaking in their preparations for contract negotiations between the SIU and the company. That groundwork helped them secure what AB Teddy Crockett describes as ua good contract. The guys are very happy with it." Bills tar employed by Penn also gained full payment of transportation and an improved overtime clause. "I love this contract," said AB Teddy Crockett, a 1980 graduate of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education who served on the negotiating committee. "I'm happy with the health care for dependents, the uncapped pension, the wage increases, the transportation coverage. Plus, it's reassuring to have a five-year contract." Joining Crockett on the committee were Mate Thomas Elkowitz, Engineer Carroll Bennett, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey and Jack Sheehan, the union's safety director in the port of New York. "The committee did a wonderful job in considering all the suggestions that were sent in," observed Caffey. "They really stuck together, and they secured an excellent contract." Other highlights of the pact include additional vacation days for Seafarers who have been employed by Penn for five years or longer; new clauses covering safe working conditions and living quarters; a 44 percent increase in the money allotment for foul weather gear; and the implementation of a labor-management committee clause designed to promote upgrading by Penn crew members at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Both Crockett and Caffey pointed out how Seafarers have grown with the company. Penn Maritime "started with two barges, and now they have 16 tugs and barges," Caffey said. In fact, the company recently purchased two additional integrated tug-barge units that are expected to go into service in the near future. Penn Maritime transports asphalt along the East Coast. Negotiations for the new contract took place over several months . "There were no hard feelings on either side," stated Crockett. "Jack Caffey did an outstanding job, in my opinion, and Michele Nardo (who works at the SIU hall in Brooklyn, N.Y.) was very helpful to all of us." Specialized Training for Maritrans Boatmen Veterans' Extension Gain Support House Drops WWII Provision from Ocean Shipping Reform Act The effort to secure an exten- to the House, where it was held sion of veterans' benefits for up for several months in part World War II-era merchant because of the veterans' extenmariners continues despite hav- sion. A compromise of dropping ing language for such a move the language was reached to help eliminated from the House- get the bill out of the House as passed version of the Ocean long as the separate extension measures making their ways Shipping Reform Act (S. 414). Separate measures to extend through Congress would be the cutoff date from August 15, allowed to be considered. Lott is the sponsor of S. 61, the 1945 to December 31, 1946 for U.S. merchant mariners to obtain Senate's version of lengthening veterans' status in both the House the cutoff date for veterans' and Senate have overwhelming recognition. As of late August, 72 support. The lengthening is of the Senate's 100 members had sought to give mariners the same signed on .as cosponsors of the dates recognized for those who bill. Across the Capitol in the served in the U.S. armed forces. When S. 414 passed the House of Representatives, the Senate in April, Senate Majority companion bill- known as H.R. Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) 112-has 328 cosponsors. It was included language in the bill to presented to the House by approve the extension for Represemative Lane Evans (D111.), the ranking 'minority party mariner~ who served bNw~en August 15, 1945 and December member of the House Veterans' 31 . 1946. The legislation moved . Affairs Committee. Among Lhe Express Marine Boatmen Save 2 in Delaware River Ai; the SIU-crewed tug Consort «;!:x:ited thee.Mt end of the· C&D Canal into the Dela.ware River at dusk on Augu~t 19, AB Mtlbourne (Scooter) Smith almost couldn't believe his eyes. Directly ahead of the Express Marine tug and barge, two men fell into the water as their canoe ca.psized-in an area nor exacLly renowned for recreational boating. After watching the boaters become swimmers. Smith quick1>' alerted the other crew members. including Captain Melvin Braddy and AB/Cook Mike Daniels. Within about 15 minutes, the Consort rescued the middle-age boaters, who were uninjured. "A canoe in that aroa is very bad business," ob~crved Braddy, a ~0-year member of Lhe SIU. "The c;urret\t rung very strong and il's d~<;eiving . Plu~ there are ships and. vessels conmmtly ~ailing in and out.n _Jkaddy stimated the homers -wM did not have life jacketswere a half-mile from shore when their canoe flipped . One man had 4 Seafarers LOG a float cushion and "'wasn•t doing coo badly." bUL lhe older of the cwo "was hanging onto the end of the canoe and was tired. With that · current and no life vest, a half. mi le is a long way," Braddy noted. "They were into the edge of the shipping channel, so if they didn' t drown, there·s a great possibility they would have been ruh over." The Consort was hauling a load of cMl freim Balcimore Mari;us 'Hook., Pa. when Smith saw the mishap. "If he hadn't been looking when they turned over, they would have been in tr6Uble," Braddy said . "Our barge was loaded, it sits way down in the water. I set the tug ~idewa.ys , and three guys on deck threw life rings and Lhen pulled lhe [boaters] right up. "Basically, all we had to do was try not to run them over." The capLain added that the res cued pair conveyed their thanks and seemed in good spirits. They were turned over to the U.S . Coast Guard After the rescue. to legislators supporting H.R. 1126 are 13 of the House's 18 standing committee chairmen. No date has been set for either bill's consideration. The SIU supports both measures. Congress will return to Washington after Labor Day and is scheduled to adjourn by mid-October. Merchant mariners did not receive veterans' status until 1988. At that time, secretary of the Air Force-which is the branch of the armed forces overseeing issues dealing with veterans' affairs-declared as eligible those mariners who sailed between December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked and August 15, 1945 when Japan surrendered. Mariners who sailed from August 16, 1945 to December 3 C 1946 have been fighting to gain recognition as World War II veterans, just like those who served in the armed forces. President Harry Truman declared the last day of 1946 as the end of hostilities. In the period after the formal Japanese surrertder and the presi dent's declaration, 23 U.S.-flag merchant ~hips were damaged or destroyed by mines, which resulted in casualties co American mariners. Moreover, during chat same period, merchant ships remained under military control. Civilian mariners legally were bound to obey orders from U.S. Navy and Army personnel. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. offers specialized courses to accommodate Seafarers' work schedules and the particular needs of individual companies. A recent example is the special firefighting class provided for SIU boatmen employed by Maritrans, Inc. Ten Seafarers completed the training in early July. Pictured above with instructor Stormie Combs are Kenneth Brady, Paul Brown, Jr., Robert Ensminger, William Horner, Jr., Jacobus Maaskant, William Marshall, Rimuylas Ourbonas, William Perry, Mitchell Roberts and Gary Waters. In photos below, the boatmen practice firefighting techniques. House' Passes Shipping ~~form ... ' "" The House early last month passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act* a bill that allows shippers and international con-· tain~r carriers to enter into confidential service contracts, provides fteX:ibitity for tariff publication rather than eliminating tariff filings, and keeps che Federal Maritime Commissic;m as an independenc agency. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill approved by the House in. the near fumre. possibly as soon iiS this month. Crew members aboard the S~a-Land Integrity (pictured above) on May 17 carried out the wishes of SIU Pensioner Samuel H. Beattie by $Cattering his ashes at sea. Brother Beattie died April 6, at age 67. He sailed with the SIU for almost 40 years, as a member of the engine department. September f 998 �Ecstasy Fire Exposes Problems on Runaway-Flag Cruises Language Skills, Professionalism Questioned by Passengers Left in Dark During Blaze For passengers sailing out of the port of Miami on the afternoon of July 20, the scheduled cruise to Mexico was anything but an "ecstasy." Around 5:30 p.m., the Liberian-flagged Carnival Cruise ship Ecstasy caught fire within sight of the Miami Beach shoreline. Beachcombers, hotel guests and condominium residents looked on while television helicopters circled above, broadcasting to millions of others across the country as flames shot out of the rear of the passenger ship. On board were 2,575 passengers-most of them Americansand 868 crew members from 35 nations. While reports have varied, depending on the sources, many stories from across the country and on national tdcvision recalled passengers not being fully aware of what was happening aboard the 70,000-ton vessel. The Naples (Fla.) Daily News quoted one passenger in its July 24 edition as saying crew members may have been as confused as the guests. '"It became clear at that point that many of the crew were as in the dark as we about the extent of the fire,"' stated Delos Johnson of Coral Springs, Fla., according to the southwest Florida paper. Others had to rely on sources off the ship to get the latest news. On the NBC News show ''Today," which aired July 21, Dr. Kim Jacobson told listeners in a live interview that she discovered what was going on through a cellular telephone call to her brother. who was wat~hing the situation unfold on television. Dr. J~cobson said passengers were; being informed repeatedly the fire "'is minor problem a.nd we have this under control." She then told anchorpcr;,on Katie Courie. '"The crew didn't do anything to appease their [the passengers'] fears. I got a sense of panic from the crew members." From the Waco, Te;ii;i'\~ HeraldTribune came news from the fire chi~( Bellmead, Tex.a~. who witnessed the fire as ht ~ettIM in for his vacation at sea. James Kart to1d the paper that or passengers were being informed of a minor fire, but he could see it was getting worse. '"I kept looking out the window and seeing all the help coming, and I told [others] this was not a minor fire,"' Karl said in a story written by Emily Gibson. Investigation Continues Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U .S. Coast o'uard still are trying to determine what started the blaze shortly after the Ecstasy shoved off for a four-day cruise to Key West, Fla. and Cozumel, Mexico. Before the vessel had cleared the channel buoys, the Coast Guard and others saw smoke coming from the stern. In fact, residents along Miami Beach called the Coast Guard and news bureaus asking if anything was wrong with a cruise ship leaving the city. Around 5:45 p.m., the Coast Guard station in Miami radioed the captain of the Ecstasy, asking if help was needed. The response was no; however, a fleet of tugboats used to assist vessels in and out of the harbor already was on its way to the stricken ship after seeing local news footage of the situation. The tugs were equipped with fire monitors to attack the blaze with sea water. Within half-an-hour, the Ecstasy acknowledged the need for assistance. The tugs were getting into place to spray the stern as flames could be seen coming from the vessel. The Coast Guard, which had alerted its emergency teams, deployed a fire boat. Another cruise ship departing Miami stood by in case an evacuation of the Ecs1asy was needed. Local fire d~pa.rtmen~ airlifced paramedics to the ship to work with the crew. The fire was under control appro;l(ifi'l~t~ly two hours after it was reponed. News articles differ on the number of people from the 7-year·old vessel requiring medical 1reacment. Around 60 received some type of aid, mosr of rhese being 'rcw mcmbcu. A shipyard repair worker scans the damage to the Liberian-flagged cruise ship Ecstasy. The vessel caught fire July 20 shortly after departing Miami for a four-day voyage. Three stayed overnight in local hospitals. Articles Lost The Ecstasy was towed back to Miami, where it arrived early the next morning. Passengers had the option of staying on board or checking into a local hotel. Those whose cabins were in the aft section could not return to their rooms to claim their belongings or gather a change of clothes. This became a problem for some, according to The Miami Huald_ When Carnival delivered luggage and other items to the hotel two days after the fire, some passengers told the newspaper they were milling money, jewelry. cameras and computers. Additionally, the paper reported on the plight of four Florida residents who elected to spend the night on the ship. When their friend arrived 10 pick them up the nc.1lt morning, he was "told by New Legislation Attacks Jones Act Carnival that a security check proved the ship was empty," according to the story written by Frances Robles and Yves Colon. The four woke up around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21 only to find the ship empty and crew members wondering what they were doing on the vessel. Origina11y. Carnival officials claimed the ship would be repaired quickly and returned to service by the end of the month. Those damage estimates were vastly understated. By the time the 855-foot ship arrived at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding for repairs, the company was hoping to have the Ecstasy sailing again by mid-September. But repons from the shipyard noted extensive damage to 25 to 30 cabins with nearly 200 others suffering smoke and water damage. Repairs may keep the ship out of ,service even longer. September 1998 vessels to make up to six trips annually in the U.S. coastwise trade. H.R. 1991 has only 15 cosponsors.) Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) presented a measure similar to H.R 4236 to his colleagues on July 30. Like the Smith bill, the Freedom to Tran~port Act (S. 2390) also would allow foreignbuilt vessels to carry farm products between U.S. pons. However, S. 2390 does not call for the reflagged ships to be u.s.-~itiz;en owned. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Commiuee. which has jurisdiction over the U.S. maritime activities, tentatively has scheduled a hearing on the Jones Act for early September. The latest bill tc he introduced calls for producers M Georgia clay to receive waivers from the Jones Act to move their product aboard foreign-flag. foreigncrewea vessels when no U.S.-tlag barges are available. Offered by Repre~entative Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) on August 6, the Domestic Ka.olin Competitiveness Act (H.R. 4490) has been sent to the Hou~e National Security Committee for consideration_ SIU members are reminded to contacc the~r elected officials to thank those who ~uppon the Jones Act and inform the others why the nation's freight cabotage law continues to ~ervc as a valuable asset to America's national ttnd -economic security. This was not the first time the Ecstasy has made national news or suffered a fire. An NBC News crew boarded the Ecstasy in 1995. During its stay on the Carnival ship, the crew uncovered an empty life preserver box on deck. The company at that time said each passenger has a life preserver in his or her cabin. (As many passengers found out in July, it was impossible to retrieve those preservers because they could not gain access to their cabins due to the fire.) The news crew also filmed situations in which some members of the ship's crew had a problem speaking English clearly to the reporter posing as a passenger. Keith Wyka, a passenger on the i11-fated July 20 voyage, Continued on page 6 What Cam/val Said.•• What Others Said... "The crew clearly reacted properly." "From the time we noticed it, it was less than two or three minutes when our room had filled up with smoke. No smoke alarms had gone off, no 8t)b DiekinMn, President Bills Offered Despite Support for Cabotage Law Despite the solid support the Jones Act has among the members of Congress, several legislators have introduced measures during the summer (tesigned to weaken the nation's freight cabotage law. More than half the officials serving in the House of Reim:s~mtatives have signed their names to House Coni;:um:nt Resolution 6-5, whi~h calls for no changes in the Jones Act. The measure has strong bipartisan support with 243 cosponsors. The SIU continues to call for no changes in the law_ However, new bills have been presented in both the House and Senate designed to strike the first crippling blow to the Jones Act, which states cargo moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed vessels. On July 16, Representative Nick Smith (RMich.) offered legislation (H.R. 4236) that would 4Jlow foreign-built ships to reflag under the Stars and Stripes so they am1d carry certain agricultural products (including tivescock) along the Great Lakes and coastwi5e trades. (Last year, Smith introduced a different bill designed to gut the Jones Act That measure, kMWn as the CM~ta1 Shipping Competicion Acl (H.R. 1991). would pennit foreign-flag, foreign-crewed Previous.Problems carnival Cruise Lines TM Miami Herald fire alarms had gone off." Passenger Dale Palmer The State, Columbia, S.C. July 22. 1998 July 21, 1998 "There was welding going on in an area of the laundry room .... That's our theory. We'w asked the Coast Guard to verify it." Sob Dickinson, President Carnival Cruise Lines (Commenting on the cause of the fire.) CNN interactive .July 21, 1Q9B "It wa$ not a severe fire." Bob Dickinson. President Carnival Cruise Lines Tl18 Miami HBraJ<I July 22, 1998 "[The welders] said that while they were there to repair a broken bolt on a piece of machinery used to dry and fold bed sheets, they had not begun welding when the fire started." Ted Loplltkiewicz, Deputy Director Public Affairs Na.ti6nal Transportation Safety BM rd CNN interactive July 21, 1998- 'When we stepped outside on the balcony and we saw a lot of smoke, we knew it was a severe problem. It was kind of downplayed, I think." Passenger Travis Crocker The State, Columbia, S.C. July 22, 1998 Seafarers LOG 5 �Third Bob Hope RO/RO Vessel, USNS Seay, C~ristened United States national security got a boost and the U.S.-flag fleet welcomed a new addition June 20 with the christening of the third of four SIU-crewed Bob Hope class vessels being built at Avondale Industries in New Orleans. The roll-on/roll.:off ship USNS Seay, slated to join the U.S. Military Sealift Command's Afloat Prepositioning Force next year, received a warm welcome from Air Force General Walter Kross, head of the U.S. Transporration Command, which oversees MSC; Navy Vice Admiral James Perk.ins, commander of MSC; and others at the ceremony. Built to support U.S. Army troops by transporting vehicles, supplies and other equipment, the Seay is 950 long, has a beam of l 05 feet and displaces 62.000 tons (fully loaded). Capable of sustaining speeds of up to 24 knots, rhe diesel-powered ship has 380 1000 square feet of cargo space. MSC estimates the Seay, oper- ated by SIU-contracted Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va., can carry up to 1,000 Army helicopters, tanks, trucks and other military vehicles per voyage. General Kross, the main speaker at the christening and a strong ally of the U.S. fleet, stated, "I am deeply humbled both by the immensity and power of this grand new vessel and by rhe character and sacrifice of the magnificent young man, William W. Seay, whose name we shall bestow upon her." The ship, like most others comprising the 19-vessel fleet of new builds and conversions for MSC, is named in memory of a Medal of Honor recipient-in this case, Army Sergeant William Seay, who posthumously received the award for gallantry in action in Vietnam. Of those 19 vessels, SIU members will crew four Watson-class ships constructed at NASSCO in San Diego, four Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale and five converted RO/ROs. To date, two Lakes' Cargoes Stay Ahead Of Last Year's Strong Pace Cargo volumes moving on the Great Lakes remain ahead of last year's pace despite a recent fire that hampered processing operations of one of the Lakes' largest stone-shipping companies. According to the Lake Carriers' Association, U.S.-flag bulkers-including a number of SIU-contracted ships-through July had hauled 58.2 million net tons of cargo, 'omparcd to 55 million for the same period it\ 1997. Among those commodities are coat, iron ore. cement. salt, sand, grain, limestone ~nd gyp· ' J"i'-l ... ' ~·· ~.,,... . . .\ ) ' lo ·"-rmirr· _,.,.,. -..... >t..1> More new jobs for Seafarers are on the horizon as the USNS Seay is scheduled to join MSC's Afloat Prepositioning Force next year. The SIU-crewed ship will provide support for the U.S. Army. of the Watson ships and three of the Bob Hopes have been completed, while the converted vessels have been under way for some time. Meanwhile, charters have not been awarded for six additional new builds that are expected to round out the group by the year 2001 - three more Watson ships designated for San Diego, and three Bob Hope vessels slated for New Orleans. Vice Admiral Perkins, directing his remarks to William Seay's family, said the vessel Seay "will be a great ship because she will The stone trade dipped slightly in July, the result of a fir~ at Michigan Limedone in R6ger~ City, Mich. However, it i$ on pace to exceed the previous season's total f6r the fifth srraight year. The aw,;;ii;iation aI~o reported thac almost all U.S.-flag vessels opcrntcd by Great Lakes companies were in service as of mid· August. AboArd ti'\~ Ri~!Jllf(J He/BS, Second Cook Tim Lowe happily puts out fresh rolls. In a move intended to assist stevedoring unions, the International Tran~port Workers· Federation (ITF) last month began an initiative to create what it describes as a "target lisf' of ships handled by non-union labor. The ITF, of which the SIU is an affiliate, said in a statement char the carget list "will be restricted to ships handled during disputes relating to anti -union practices or union-busting, and may include ships which have been handled by terminals where ITF affiliates are prevented from organizing workers and/or confronted with other anti -union policies; ships handl~ by terminal operators or labor supply companies employing cheap labor not covered by a collective labor contract signed by an ITF AMve~ The Seafarers-crewed /m;J@ptilnd~t'lf i~ pMtogrepMd re~ently in Buffalo. Below: SIU boatmen on tug~ Kin~m~n by Ort:~t Lakes Towi119, have contributed to the brisk bu~i­ M~~ by pr~viding safe docking op~raMns throughout the region. Deckhand Don Sausman, pie· aboard the Kinsman Independent, is part of the work force moving a record amount of tured cargoe~ ~n tl"\A Gr~ar Lak~s . videotaped some of the chaos on the ship and provided it to NBC's "Dateline," which aired it the next evening. Wyka, who is from Inverness, Fla., told Eric Tiansay of the Naples Daily News, "We were very concerned that 'Dateline' had pointed out these problems to ·Carnival three years ago, and basically nothing had changed since then." Then, in 1996. the vessel sustained an electrical fire on its way back to Miami. No one was injured in that instance 1 but two engines were knocked out of service. coneems tor Safl!ty James Burnett, who served as NTSB chairman from l 982 to 1988, told The Miami Herald he & seafarers LOG affiliate. and competing unfairly with unionized terminals; and any other ship which the ITF secretariat is informed has been handled by non-union labor as a resull of anci-union practices." Based in London and consisting of more than 470 transportrelated unions around the world, the ITF plans to distribute the list to .. all ITF affiliates organizing doclc worker~ . Seafarers' unions will be asked to contact members on board the ships listed to inform chem why their vessel is targeted _" The initiative is the next step in the federation's worldwide campaign against anti-union policies in the port industry, resulting from a decision of the ITF Dockers' Section in Miami last year. During that conference, unions signed what the ITF describes as an "international sol idarity contract" and pledged mutual support. ..Since the srarr of the campaign, the ITF has asked members around the world to take direct action to support an affiliate in several cases; the MUA in Australia and the CMU in Sri Lanka, amongst others," the federation stated. "In other cases the IlF has asked affiliates to ex.press their views to company managers who have tried to replace trade unionists with unorganized workers." The first target list will be presented to unions during the ITF's congress in New Delhi, slated for October 29-November 5. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers' Section. Ecstasy Fire Highlights Problems on Runaways Continued from page 5 oper~ted under heavy fire from a reinforced North Vietnamese army battalion. "He didn't just defend. As enemy fire intensified. so too did his response," noted General Kross. Sergeant Seay killed at least I 0 North Vietnamese soldiers, despite being severely wounded. He fired shots and repeatedly returned grenades back at the enemy after the bombs landed nearby. The sergeant finally perished from a sniper's bullet. ITF Compiling List to Help Stevedores ~um. though not transporting cargo, epitomize the heroic legacy of Sergeant Seay. American merchant mariners will crew this ship and are going to make you proud." He added that the ship will be "ready to respond to any contingency-from going to war to responding to a natural disaster, from defending America's interests around the world to aiding the devastated, the downtrodden, the needy." Sergeant Seay was two months shy of his 20th birthday when, while serving as a driver on a resupply mission, his unit came was concerned that a future voyage may nol be lucky as this one. (The Herald had stated that at least I 0 fires had occurred aboard cruise ships in the lase four years, with several involving vessels sailing from South Florida.) "Sooner or later, one of these fires is going to be at sea, and the passengers will go into the water. When that happens, it will be a test for the survival of the cruise industry," Burnett noted. Perhaps one of the most ironic incidents to occur on the Ecstasy as the fire was being fought was the entertainment provided to take peoples' minds off the situation. According to the Birmingham, Ala. NBC 13 website, a lounge singer was leading the passengers decked out in life preservers in a series of John Denver songs. Heads fell into their hands when the vocalist tried to get the group to sing "Take Me Home." - Personals RICHARD BARKER Please contact your goddaughter, Helena Bartels Duncan, at 400 Klondyke Road, Apt. Bl, Long Beach, MS 39560. LARRY MELVIN Please call Clinnie Owens of Fayetteville at (910) 4380954. KIMBERLEY VAUGHAN & MAULMAUL NYZE Please get in touch with Anna Martin at 1101West3rd Street, Chester, PA 19013. September 1998 �Thirteen Stewards Impart Value at Family & Education Speak to Members During Recertification Ceremony The support of familywhether it be their relatives or rhe surrogate family they have found at the Lundeberg School-means a lot to Seafarers, who are often away from their own homes for months at a time. This was alluded to by graduates of the recent class of 13 recertified stewards as they delivered their remarks during the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Completing the five-week stewMd recertification programthe highest level of education rhe union offers for members of the steward department-were Terry L. Allen, Richard E. Casuga, Elena R. Curley, Edward P. Dunn, James F. Dunne, Luis Escobar, Carol A. Grycko, Ronald Jones, Emmanuel Laureta, Ronald Malozi, Gualberto M. Mirador, Lovie L. Perez (who shipped out just prior to the graduation ceremony), and Louella M. Sproul. Ronald Malozi was a case in point. A graduate of the entry level program in 1983; Malozi said that every time he returns to the school and sees the instructors and staff, he feels like he's meeting with family. The 37-year-old, who ships from the port of Baltimore, also thanked his brother for returning to the school to be with him on his graduation day. His brother, now an engineer, is an SIU hawsepiper and provided proof to the unlicensed apprentices in the audience chat one can work his or her way up the ladder of success within the maritime industry. Malozi, who had attended six previous upgrading courses at the school, found much to be excited about during this program. He particularly enjoyed the new galley labs, which have given him more knowledge through practical and hands-on training, and came away with many new ideas for menu planning and food preparation. In learning how the union is politically involved, he noted that he now realizes more than ever how important it is to contribute to SPAD. 'The school offers everyone the tools to succeed," Malozi said. 'The union goes out of its way to ensure everyone can reach their goals. If one doesn't take advantage of the opportunities, it's their own fault." mankl FamllY A refresner class in CPR was required for ~ompletion of the steward recertification course. AfJovt:, RomdrJ Jones prttetiMS his resuscitation technique on a life-like dummy. Edward P. Dunn of Brooklyn, NY also had family members jt>in him at the graduation ceremonies, hi$ wife and children, whom he thanked for their continued caring. In addition to acknowledging his teachers and instructors for their time and dedication during the five weeks, the 21 -year SW member C;\tcnded his gratitude to Chef Allan Sherwin and Chef Romeo Lupinacci for their "wonderful culinary program." To the unlicensed apprentices, the 40-year-old Dunn said he couldn •t help norice rheir professionalism, dedication and hard Completing the steward recertification program-the highest level of education the union offers for members of the steward department-are (from left, kneeling) Gualberto M. Mirador, Louella M. Sproul, Elena A. Curley, Luis Escobar, Ronald Jones, (second row) James F. Dunne, Richard E. Casuga, Terry L. Allen, Carol A. Grycko, John Smith (in$tructor), Edward P. Dunn, Lovie L. Perez, Emmanuel Laureta and Ronald A. Malozi. work "from the morning flagraising to the end of the day." He told them, "Whatever department you choose as a career, remember you are the future of rhe SIU." He also had words of advice for his fellow stewards. "You have chosen a great field, the culinary arts. Remember, there are no limitations in this profession. Whether you are a steward assistant or a chief steward, we are all important." Luis Escobar, 45, has upgraded at the Lundeberg School eight times, but this time was the most exciting. Not only was the audience filled with many of his relatives, but his two daughters, who live in different parts of the world, were united for the first time (see story. page 24). A member of the SIU since joining in Honolulu in 1987. Escobar currently ships from the port of San Juan, P.R. "I always love coming to upgrade, but this course was the most rewarding of my career," he noted. ''And the fact that I had the opportunity to be enrolled in this program will not stop me from returning to upgrade and keep upto-date with new rules and regulations." Escobar particularly singled out the classes in sanitation and ccmputers as being of imponance to him. Upgrading at the Lundeberg School, according to Escobar. "is the only way to reach our goats." Puslles Upgrading A Seafarer since 1981, when she joined in the port of Honolulu, Carol A. Grycko encouraged fellow shipmates to attend upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School. She, herself, has returned five times. The sanitation course, especially Chef Allan's lectures and videotapes on that subject, was a highlight for Grycko, who now Under the watchful eye of Chef Allan Sherwin (left), Richard Casuga and Elana Curley hone their skills in the school's culinary lab. sails from the port of San Francisco. She also found the social responsibilities class very enlightening. "I believe we all gained insight into improving our public relations, not just aboard ship, but to our entire membership," she stated. Grycko said she thinks of her time at the Lundeberg School as a unique sabbatical. "We have everything here," she said. In addition to the fantastic education. students have "a nice room, pool, gym, sports areas, bar, sailboats, food, a beautiful view, security, a staff that helps us, and we continue to meet fellow members who may become lifelong friends." Ir's such a tranquil place that she has even spent vacation time at the school. Stay Informed Terry L. Allen, 48, said that in today's workforce, one must keep up with the changes in order to stay on top. He has returned to the school four previous times and has seen a lor of improvement over the years. The sanitation class, in par- ticular, will be very helpful to him aboard ship, he noted, and he looks forward to helping others and encouraging his fellow shipmates to practice safe sanitary habits. Allen also enjoyed the firefighting class. It wa~ a good learning experience and Instructor John Smith's presentation made it almost fun, Allen noted with a laugh. Allen began sailing wirh the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1968 from New York. He now sails from th~ port of Wilmington, Calif. Class currlculum In addition to their work in the galley labs, creating, practicing and preparing new recipes and experimenting with cooking techniques, the recertified stewards spent time in the school's computer center learning how to maximize rheir skills to order food and other staples while aboard ship. They also took refresher courses in CPR, first aid and fire- Continued on page 8 ,. L Gua1Mno Mirador (left), Emmanuel Lauret~ (cente~} and Louella Sproul get practical and hands-on training in the galley lab, knowledge they will take with th~m when they return to their respective ships. September 1998 Graduates of the steward recertification program address officers, fellow memoers, unlicensed apprentices and guests at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. From the left are Terry Allen, Carol Grycko and James Dunne. Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers Help Stabilize Grounded Tanker in P.R. SIU members from the Caribbean and Gulf Coast districts recently assisLed in stabilizing a grounded Russian tanker in Guayanilla, P.R. The Seafarers set miks of booms around the tanker and handled other duties aimed first at preventing spillage and then at minimizing the impact of a potential spill. None of the double-hull tanker's oil leaked, and the ship was freed from the reef upon which it had grounded in about 72 hours. "Our guys were called out by the Coast Guard and they did a good job," reported SIU Representative Victor Nunez, based at the SIU hall in Santurce, P.R. "They did a lot of work and they did so under stressful conditions-" The Seafarers who took part in the task, which happened near Ponce, P.R., are employed by Crowley Marine Services. I With the Russian tanker stuck on a reef and loaded with oil, Seafarers AB Roberto Valentin, AB Eric Espada and AB Juan Cavalier pitch in to prevent spillage and free the vessel. Fortunately, no oil leaked from the double-hull tanker, and the grounded Russian ship was Ready to assist on an 'oil-spill prevention job in southern Puerto Rico are SIU members (from left) AB Juan Cavalier, Second Mate James Gibson and AB Eric Espada. removed from the reef in about 72 hours. 13 Stewards Complete Recerlif icalion Program in August Continued from page 7 fighting as well as a session on social responsibilities-knowledge that will serve them well both on and off their ships. Outside the school grounds, the students spent time at the SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., where they met with representatives of the union's various departments: contracts, communications, government affairs, welfare, training and the vacation and pension fund. These sessions were designed LO enhance their understanding of the union's operations and provide them with the latest information from each department so that they, in turn, may relay it to their fellow r;rew members aboard ship. They also had an opporti.mity to sit with SIU President Mi~hael Sa~~o for his view of the importance of their jobs and of the uate of the maritime industry. Shipboard Benefits Emmanuel Laurela, who has upgraded three previous ti mes at the school, understands the imporcance of knowledge increa~ing updating hi~ his skill~. Th~ 36-y~a.r-~llt ~aid a.II the dasses on sanitation and healthy r;ooking as well as the review of firefighting, CPR and first aid skills are things that will benefit him aboard ship. Laureta joined the union in Honolulu in 1983. He recommended upgrading to his fellow Seafari:rs ~r;ausi: "we; <;:an learn to advance CJur careers <;mly Lhrough funher educaLion ." In ~greemenr with chm sentiment was James F Dut1t\~ 1 wh~ nm only recommends upgrading a.r the school. bur believes it should b~ a. requirement- both as a learning experience and as a refresher. Dunne noted that the sanitation and comp.ucer courses will ens1.1r~ a more ¢ffitient ~nd ~Mer galley operation for all members ltboltrd ship, "Our business is forever changing," he said, "and our skills must keep pa~t with these ~hanges-for the good of the union, the shipping company and the safety of the shipsl crews." 8 and Seafarers LOG Computer classes are part of the recertification program and help develop $kills which ara vary useful abMrd ship. The 60-year-old Dunne joined the union in 1987 in the pore of San Francisr;o. He presently sails from the port of Tacoma. Wash. .. Knowing my fettow shipmates have these skills makes me feel safer and more secure in my job and life aboard ship," Dunn concluded . Better Undentandlng With all that he learned in the five- week course, Richard Casuga believes he will now be able to more fully represent the union while aboard ship. Casuga, 58, hus upgrndcd at Piney Point twice before. This time, however, was notably special. Chef AI1an 1 s cooking methods will help him on board any vessel; but most important, the steward said, was learning the inner functions of the union: contracts. negotiations, and the different plans .' Casuga joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1961 . He continues to ship from the port of San Francisco. Casuga added the sr;hool is one great compound of learning with a staff of highly competent instructors and teachers- and he thanked them all. Praise for Staff As with the other grndu"ting recertified stewards. Ronald Jones had Mthittg hut prai~e for the sr;hool and its instructors. Jones, who sails from the port of Houston. also urged the unlicensed apprentices in the audience to work hMd be~ause this professi~n will be good to them . Louella. Ma.ria Spr~ul ha.s been sailing since 1973 when she also joined the Marine Cooks & StewMd~ itt San Franci~co . She found the sanitation class very helpful and knows that the firefighting refresher class will be of use both at home and aboard ship. Sproul recommended attending upgrading classes at the school ro anyoqe who wishes to make shipping his or her career. "I would urge our members to come and upgrade their skills," she said. Ir not only leads to job security, but "without upgrading, your choices of jobs arc limited. You can't get the jobs of tomor· row without the skills of today." Gualberto Mirador, 57, extended a warm thanks to all the staff "who are so courteous, kind and who helped make our stay here a remarkable one." For Mirador, attending the steward recertification course was an enjoyable opportunity. He noted that he learned a lot- from gourmet cooking techniques, which will enhance his capability in preparing nutritional food for the crew, to helping him realize the importance of food handling and sanitation and most of all, the significance of health and safety, including firefighting. first aid and CPR. Mirador. a Navy veteran who joined the union in 1988 in Norfolk, Va. and continues to sail from that port, highly recommended the upgrading opportunities available at the school. Not only will it help Seafarers to enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives as far as their profession is concerned, he seated, but "you might meet coworkers whom you haven't seen for decades." Return student This was the fifth time back at the school for Elena Curley, a 13· SIU member who sails from the port of Honolulu. year Curley thanked all her instructors, giving a special commendation to John Smith for the way in which he taught the CPR and firefighting portions of the course. She also singled out the sanitation and computer classes as very useful aboard ship and said she would recommend upgrading classes to her fellow Seafarers. "With the training and experience I have had as a member of the SIU, I'm looking forward to many more fruitful years of working as a Seafarer and of doing my job at the very best level of professionalism." "Knowledge is power!" wrote Lovie Perez, 45, in a .statement prior ro shipping out. She found the steward recertification program a very good experience. A member since 1983, when she joined the union in Honolulu, Perez was esper;ially interested in learning about how the union works. Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, Perez, who has returned several times to the school for upgrading, agreed that if a person truly _.wan rs to excel and wants to make a career out of the maritime industry, there is no better means than to continually upgrade their skills. Mirador Helped USNS Sb.ughart Get Olf to Good Start One of the more cha.Jlenging assignments during Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador's 10 years as an SIU member was wcrldng as part of the pre-ficom crew of the converted prepositioning ship USNS Shughart. For several months before the vessel's delivery in June 1996, Mirador helped ready the ga1ley of the roll-on/roll-off ship, even while providing meals for Navy personnel who were fini5hing the Shughart's refurbishment. The Seafarer's efforts were praised in a letter from the captain that recently came to the Seafarers LOG 's attention. "He had ro review galley and messing designs, and make the appropriate changes in addition to his normal duties," wrote Captain C.V. Spillane. "His position was difficult during a period where he had to provide four-star service at the same time he was storing his department without storekeepers. All this was done in a superior manner .... ..Steward Mirador had to be familiar with the Navy's procurement system and had a great deal to do with the system that will be used in the follow on (other) ships of this class. His service to this ship has been far above average." Gualberto Mirador September 1998 �Advisory Board Gets Results Industry Group Works Toward Better Training Among many other examples of the recent accomplishments of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Trainin2 and Education's deep sea and inland advisory board are the school's and SIU's U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book, the revamped entry-level rraining program, and school-pro· duced videotapes that help enable Seafarers and SIU~contracted compank$ ro comply with evolving regulations covering shipboard familiarization and safety. This year, the board conducted its annual meeting at the center in Piney Point, Md. in mid-July. More than I00 people attended, including representatives of the school and the union; SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and inland companic;s; thi; U.S. Coast Guard and its National Maritime Center; the U.S. Maritime Administration; the U.S. Military Sealift Command; and the National Transportation Safety Board. Already, the group's most recent efforts have generated results, such as the Coast Guard's announcement last month that it has extended the deadline forcertain types of shipboard assessment required by the STCW con· vention. (See related stories, pages 12-13.) Along those lines, the ceremonial groundbreaking on July 16 for the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School reflected the board's input into continually improving the Paul HalJ Center's curriculums. Overall, the main topics at the two-day session were implement- Among the speakers at the two-day session were (clockwise from above left) Captain Michael Rosecrans and Captain William Bennett of the Coast Guard, Vincent Cantwell of the Human Factors Group and Eric Malzkuhn of the Paul Hall Center. ing the developing training requirements for mariners and effectively documenting individual Seafarers' certifications for those statutes. In addition to its main conference, the board met in four subcommittees. Those gatherings discussed forming an industry consortium to establish auditing standards for validating training records and helping ensure com· pliance with STCW, the International Safety Management Code and other regulations. They talked about alternative means of compliance with assessment regulations; reviewed the. upcoming proposa.1 from the U.S. to the IMO for minimum physical standards for mariners worldwide; assessed the ~chool's crafting of an entry-level training program for inland Seafarers; and studied complex tonnage issues impacting the industry. During the full assemblage, participants examined other STCW issues, vocational and academic training available at the center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, year 2000 concerns, cooperation within the maritime industry and more. (Editor's note: Last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG contains a more detailed report on the meeting.) Clancey, Lowman to Receive 1998 AOTOS Awards in Nov. During re~ent ~hipboard meetings in the Long Beach-Los Angeles harbor, Seafarers greeted the union's n@w We5t Coa~t vice president. Nick Marront:1, who filled the vacancy created when lonQtime SIU VP George McCartney retired thi~ ,1,.1mmer. Marrone and Wilmington, Calif. Port Ag@nt Johr'I Co)l provided SIU memb~r$ vvith th~ latest news concerning the Paul Hall Centers new fire fighting and safety school, the tr"ining r@cord book j6intly issued by the school and the union, and other information from the indus, ,rr; '" ) JI:·, . • ,W · ' • · · ·~ .. .. ' • try. Top photo left Captain Bill Hunter (left) and Ae Hank Scott (right) welcome Marrone aboard the Crowley tug S9~ Rabin.Top photo right'. Marrone gre~t~ eraM maint~naneG e1eetrl- cian5 (from left) GrAg Abalos, Manny Tan and Xuan Phan. Pictured directly be· low, Captain Kerry Demato5 (left photo) and Marshall Novak (right photo) pose for the camera. September 1998 The Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award, considered by many to be a very prestigious award in the maritime industry, will be presented next month to John P. Clancey, president and chief executive officer George F. Lowman John P. Clancey of Sea-Land Service, Inc.; and George F. Lowman, chairman and chief exec- ocean carrier. With a fleet of 105 container ships and approximateutive offo;er of Farrell Lines, Inc. The two men were selected ly 200,000 containers in U.S. and from more than 200 nominees foreign trade, Sea-Land serves representing maritime manage- 120 ports in 80 countries and terment, labor and government offi- ritories. Under Clancey, Sea-Land has cials. SIU President Michael earned a reputation as a leader in Sacco is a past recipient. "Boch of these men are being the global shipping industry. George Lowman is responsible recognized for their extraordinary efforts to help strengthen the U.S. for a profitable company setfpresence in world markets and described as strongly committed . their commitment to the Ameri- to the U.S. flag and to American can seafarer," said John Bowers, seafarers. Founded in 1925, Farrell chairman of the United Seamen's Lines remains a privately-held Service AITTOS committee, and U.S.-flag steamship company con· president of the International trolled by the Farrell family. Late last year, Farrell accomLongshoremen 's Association, plished its first fleet expansion in AFL-CIO. Clancey sits at the helm of two decades, purchasing three SIU-contracted Sea-Land Ser- containerships and expanding its vice, Inc., the largest U.S.-based carrying capacity by 56 percent. Seafarers LOG 9 �LNG Crews Eye Upgrading Opportunities, Demonstrate SoHd Commitment to Safety Upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center were among the topics discussed dur- ing Don't leave pon without it: AB Thomas Guffey loads life rafts for the LNG Libra. re~ent union meetings aboard the SIU-contracted LNG ships in Japan. The center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship offers two classes-LNG recertification and LNG familiarizationspecifically designed for Seafarers who want to sail aboard the liquefied natural gas carriers, in addition to many other courses available to all SIU members. Another popular subject on the LNG ships is vessel safety. SIU Representative George Tricker, who met recently with Seafarers aboard the ships at their overseas ports, reported that "it's very evident in spending time with the members that they understand that while safety is important aboard any ship, it's especially crucial on the LNGs, since those vessels carry such volatile cargo." Indeed, the LNG Taurus recently reached the milestone of 900 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, an achievement that reflects how seriously all of the LNG crews take their responsibility for safely operating the Energy Transportation Corporation vessels. T hose vessels transport liquefied natural gas between ports in Steward department members such as Chief Cook Franz Winiker, pictured aboard the LNG Libra, strive to maintain the fleet's reputation as good feeders. Welcoming SIU Representative George Tricker aboard the LNG Aquarius is SA David Wakeman. Indonesia and Japan. Each ship in the eight-vessel fleet features five massive, spherical cargo ranks that rise 40 feet above the Collaborating on lunch for their LNG Taurus shipmates are Ct'lief COOK Brian deck. Bach tank wcight1ii 800 tons, is 120 feet in diameter and eight inches thick. Altogether, the tanks on each ship hold 125,000 cubic meters of liquid natural gas, at 265 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit). M<;Eleney and Steward/Baker Arlene Ringler. SA Carlos Boiser helps keep the LNG Taurus ' galley spotless. AB Rich Lewis operates a boom control on the LNG Capricorn. LEFT: Focusing on the task at hand is SA Larry Nicholson aboard the LNG Leo. RIGHT: Computer technology on today's ships is second nature to many crew members, including Steward/Baker Glenn Williams aboard the LNG Aquarius. Bringing stores aboard the LNG Libra are AB Louis Sorito and QMEDs William Carlin and Gregory Shepard. 10 Seafarers LOG Bo.sun John TMmpMn, sailing aboard the LNG Aquarius, checks the lifeboat battery charger. OMED Dasril Panko cleans oil residue to help prevent slipping on the LNG Aquarius. Proper sanitation in the galley is demMstra.ted by SA Ronnie Fore on the LNG Capricorn. September 1998 �SIU Boatmen Paolo Digirolamo (left) and Paul Jernstrom (right) welcome Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan aboard the launch headed for Pier 400. Keeping in touch with the office as he pulls away from the pier is Master Chris Pellicano. SIU Boatmen Dig Into Port Expansion Scows, Water Taxis Work in Major Southern Calif. Project Seafarers sailing aboard scows and water taxis oper- ated by American Workboats are continuing their work in the massive port expansion program in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. Last month, SIU members transported Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and other local representatives to what will be Pier 400, marking the first time that elected officials have set foot on the eventual 600-acre site. Overall, SIU crews have assisted in the half-billiondollar port expansion for nearly three years, and they are expected to continue that work until the project's completion, estimated around the year 2000. They operate the only union-contracted water taxis in the area, which they utilize to transport both stores and passengers (usually other workers heading to various industrial equipment on site). Seafarers also crew American Workboat "dump scows." used to tow dredged material to landfill areas. Pier 400, billed by city officials as "the largest capital improvement undertaking of any U.S. seaport, and the port's most ambitious development project in its 91-year history,u is being built on material dredged from the bottom of the ocean. That dredging, to as deep as 81 feet in some areas, reportedly will enable the Los AngelesLong Beach harbor to accommodate the world's largest vessels. The expansion project's scope means lots of water traffic in the Los Angeles-Long Beach harbor, which in turn means extra caution by boat operators such as Seafarer Ron Mason. The container terminal "responds to the needs of an anticipated doubling of cargo that is expected to move through the port in the next 25 years," the city said in a recent statement. Pier 300, the first half of the project, was completed in mid-1997. It provides safe navigation for ships sailing to an APL Limited container terminal and a nearby coal export facility. Dredged materials from this phase provided the first 265 acres of Pier 400. Wilmington. Calif. Port Agent John Cox (right) tells L.A. Mayor Riordan about the role Seafarers have played in the port expansion prl)gram. wnn offices in Terminal Island, Calif., SIU-contracted American Workboats is the only union water taxi service in Southern California. The company also provides tug services locally an~ off~hore. ABOVE: The first half of the port expansion, known as Pier 300, was completed last year. LEFT: Local public officials and guests ~rrive at , Pier 400, where construction is expected to continue at least through i999. September 1998 Seafarers LOG 11 �• Seafarers' Guide to Train 1ng Does the Coast Guard Recognize Our TRB? The U.S. Coast Guard last year gave its acceptance to the TRB. In fact, the book itself bears the words "United States Coast Guard Accepted." Further, the agency was very helpful and cooperative in providing feedback during the TRB's development, which assisted in more efficient completion. How the TRB Benefits Seafarers New and impending international maritime Why SIU Members N~ed a TRB As of August 1 (last month), Seafarers cannot register to ship unless they possess either a training record book or have applied for one. The application printed here may be cut out and used as an official application. They also are available at all SIU halls. How Much Does a TRB Cost? Original TRBs are issued at NO CHARGE to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their application. There is a $25 charge for replacement books. regulations profoundly impact the training and certification requirements of merchant mariners. They also mean that mariners are responsible for providing, upon request of port-state control inspectors or other authorized officials, documentation supporting their qualifications. The TRB essentially was created so that SIU members will have to carry only three main documents with them aboard ship (the TRB, a z-card and, for applicable ratings, an STCW certificate), instead of dozens. Tabla A-Vl/1 - 1 COMPETENCE KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, PROFICIENCY SURVIVE AT SEA IN THE EVENT OF SHIP TYnS OF EMEAGENCY SITUATIONS WMICM MAY OCCUR .SUCH AS COLLISION .FIRE. AllANDONMENT rF_:_OU:..:..:N.::..::Of:..:..:Rl.:..:..:NG:___ _ _-t-__,~~~T,,.;;;:---i'rr;'.';jr.#'----; TYPES OF LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES NOKMALL Y CARRIED ON SHIPS How the TRB Benefits the Industry Just as the TRB makes it easier on Seafarers to keep track of, and prove, their training, it also helps port-state control personnel (inspectors) by providing a degree of uniformity in identification. What's in the TRB? The book contains an identification page, instructions and guidelines for the mariner, general guidelines for designated instructors and assessors, and four sections. Whose Idea Wa~ Thi:;. Anywav? The idea for th~ TRB was genera.ted by the Paul Hall Center'~ deep sea and towboat advisory board. The s~hool and the SIU last year began jointly producing the TRB and issuing it to Seafarers_ TR9 SECTION SECTION ONE; Training Record Pa9g'" ABOVE LEFT AND DIRECTLY ABOVE; Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and Scott Ciatto, an evaluator at the U.S. Coast Guard regional examination center in Baltimore, revit:tw the latest entries in the Seafarer's TAB. MEMBERS AFFl:CTl:D ALL M~MFJ~RS aM Steward {D~~k, Engin~ Departm.,nt~) BEGT/()N TWO: Competency Tables for; Chapter V • Tankers (Oil, Chemical and Gas) and Passenger Ships Chapter VI - 9aslc SA SECTION THREE! competency tables for certification as Third Matc;;i and Third En9inc;;ic;;ir SECTION FOUR~ Compet~ncy tat>ies t~r certifi· cation 1i4~ AB~, FOWTs al"ld QMED~ (ph..Js all tl"l~ ramainin9 comp~w-.ty ta.bl~s tor th~ STCW Conventi6t-i) ALL. MEMBcRS {Deck, Engine aM Steward Departments) This reproduction of a TAB page reflects the book's basic workings. For the Chapter VI requirements, for instance, it simply is a cASe of an SIU member demonstrating a particular competency and then having an assessor verify such performance. PURPOSE OF ENTRIES The Paul Hall Center has entered all training on record into these pages. Any future training received (shipboard, Paul Hall Center or other schools) will be put into the TAB by the instructor. Members receiving training (lectures, drills, exercises) must request either a certificate, letter or attendance roster in order to document this training at the Paul Hall Center. The Training Record Pages provide documented evidence of STCW Convention and ISM CMe compliance, continuou~ revalidation of STCW Chapter VI training, receiving training for Coast Guard· approved programs and increasing professionalism. This section contains the 1995 amended STCW tables of minimum standards of competence for Chapter V~ Special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships and Chapter VI; Familiarization and Basic Safety Training_ When members are observed correctly demonstrating any of the proficiencies (Sl<ills) listed in the first column (knowledge, understanding, proficiency), the designated instructor/examiner will sign off into the TAB. When all proficiencies are signed off, members will have documented evidence of having met these training requirements_ Note: Chapter VI training must be revalidated every five (5) years. Now through DAcember 31, 1998, any licensed officer can make these entries without having to meet certe.in ~ther requirements. DIECK AND ENGINE DEPARTMENTS ONLY This se<;tion contains the 1995 amended STCW tables of minimum standards or competence for:those rnembers seeking licenses for Third Mate, Master/Mate of 500/1600 gross tons - Ocean and Near Coastal Waters or Third Assistant Engineer. When Deck and Engine Department ratings are observed correctly demonstrating any of the proficiencies (skills) listed in the first column (knowledge, understanding, proficiency), the designated instructor/examiner will sign off into the TAB. Nott1; The Paul Hall Center has suomitted for U.S. Coast Guard approval, several programs for meeting the new 1995 amended STCW Convention requirements. Until such approvals are granted, no entries are to be made into this section of the TAB. Members will be notified as to the approval date_ DIECK AND ENGINE Thi5 5.,,tion contains the 1995 amended STCW tables of minimum standards of competence for AbleBodied Seamen and FOWTs/QMEDs. When Deck and Engine Department entry-level personnel are observed correctly demonstrating any of the proficiendes (skills) listed in the first column (knowledge, understanding, proficiency}, the designated imitruc;tor/examiner' will sign off into the TAB. Note; The Paul Hall Center has submitted for U.S. Coast Guard approval, EJeveral programs for meeting the new i 995 amended STGW Convention requirements. Until such approvals are granted, no entries are to be made into this s~tion of the TAR Members will be notified as to the approval date. {The r@maining tables in this section are not applicable to our members.) DEPARTMENTS ONLY - 12 Seafarers LOG September 1998 �ecord Books (TRBs) Are TRBs and STCW Certificates the Same Thing? No, STCW certificates are separate from TRBs. STCW certificates basically are supplements to z-cards. They were created to facilitate effective port- state control inspections worldwide. SIU members with appropriate ratings should carry an STCW certificate in addition to their i;-card and TRB. (See story, this page.) Should I Have the Whole TRB completed? For now, Seafarers use only the first two sections of the TRB. What if Someone Gives Me a Bad Write-Up in My TRB? The TAB mainly was created to benefit Seafarers, but it also can help officers by making it easier to confirm the qual- Nothing negative will be written in the TRB. ifications of crew members. Here. SIU It 'e dee'gned ae a eimple, effident way of members (clockwise, from front left) Bosun's Mate Thor Young, AB Thomas recording members' training and their demon- stration of job skills. Moore, AB Dennis Danforth and First other than the Paul Hall Center is included in your TRB, provide written documentation of such training. Bring it to your union hall and a copy will be forwarded along with your TRB to Piney Point. Once the book is updated by the admissions office, it will be returned to you. Or you also may directly mail the TRB and documentation of outside training (via certified mail, please) to the admissions office. This Section Is Okay, But I Have More Questions For more information, contact the Paul Hall Center's admissions office at (30 I) 994-0010, extension 5202. Officer Brian O'Hanlon inspect a TAB aboard the Antares. I Can't Remember Which Courses I'ye Taken at Pjney Pojnt. How Will They Be Entered In My TRB? 'Relaxed Assessment' Deadline Extended to End of This Year The admissions office at the Paul Hall Center has entered all training since the school's inception into a secure electronic database. At the time you apply for a TRB, your book will list all the courses you successfully completed at the school. The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that the deadline for "relaxed assessmenr of the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training has been extended through the end of 1998. The original deadline was August 1, 1998. This extension means SIU members may continue availing th.e mselves of what almost certainly is a more convenient method of meeting some of the Chapter VI requirements. Namely, they may demonstrate certain proficiencies listed in the chapter and then have an officer or other qualified assessor ver· ify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. The only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements is by successfully completing Coast Guard approved courses. How Will My TRB Database Be Updated? SIU members are reminded to bring their TRBs with them when registering at their union hall. This will allow port officials to pho· Chapter VI-the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the documentation of training and assessment for personal sur- tocopy new entries, thereby enabling the Paul Hall Center to update its electronic database. Thi8 procedure also will all()W for pr()ducing a TRB-requir~s vival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. duplicate TRB with cur ent information, showd one becowe lost oI" destI"oyed. TAB$ M~ iS$U~d through the Paul Ha.II Center's admissions office, where a ,ec;ure electronic database lists all training and verifiable demonstrations of competencies ach9v9d by S9a- What About Do<0umentinq Outside Trajning7 To make certain that Coast Guard-approved training completed aboard ship or at a facility farers. ------------------------------------, Training Record Book Application MA-..----------~~----------------------------------------~ LHI Fir!! Middla ht of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ SSN_~~~~~~~~~~- m~ Phon~ Number -----------~-----------..........- - - - - - - dress _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ 5trMI City State ight (inches) _ __ Weight _ __ 2io Code Hair Color _ __ e you a graduate of the SH LSS entry level program? D Yes D No ve you ever attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses? D Yes D No ok Numb~r - - - - Hom~ Port -------------(whoro you want book oonl to) Eye Color _ __ Department ong with your completed application, please send the following information; 1. Copy of USMMO (Z-card) front and back 'L Two (2) pa§sport si.z:@ photos 3. Copy of your STCW certificate {if appli~able) 4. Copy of your SHLSS ~chool card (if applicable) Q, Proof of any training received other than at SHLSS {certificates, cards, DD·214, etc.} . (if ~~pli¢?bl$) gnature; _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ nd e.pplioCttion to: SHLSS ·ADMISSIONS Attn; TRB P.O. Box 75 Pin~y Point, MD 20'574 _ _ . or give completed application to port agent If the abave application is not filled out completely and the requested information sent, the 9 appli<;ation will b~ <;onsid~r~d invalid and1'oid. Thi$ blank form may be copied. 198 ------------------------------------~ September 1998 STCW Certificates Both the original 1978 STCW convention and the 1995 amendments to that treaty call for merchant mariners to possess supplemental shipboard identification known as an STCW certificate. Issued through the U.S." Coast Guard's regional exam centers (RECs), the certificate is designed to provide a measure of uniformity for port state control inspections. Currently, in accordance with the 1978 convention, the following unlioensed mariners. must have an STCW certificate; ABs, pumpmen, tankermen assistants, and any other ratings holding lifeboat tickets who sail in international waters. The deadlines for securing the 1978 certificate ranged from October 1 , 1996 to February 1 , 1997, depend- ing on one's rating. The 1995 amendments to the convention fully take effect in 2002, meaning the original 1978 convention will be null and void from that date forward. Thus, the amendments require an updated STCW identification known as a i 995 STCW certificate. The following personnel must possess a 1 995 STCW certificate by the deadline of February 1, 2002: all watchstanding personnel (including engine department members}, all tanker personnel ·who are assigned cargo duties (such as ABs and pumpmen, for instance), and all lifeboatmen on passenger vessels. As with the i 978 certificate, the 1995 version may be acquired through coast Guard RECs. To get a 1995 certificate, Seafarers must present evidence of meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. These requirements are for documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. In addition, as of August 1 (last month), all new people entering the maritime industry must immediately meet the Chapter VI requirements. . To get a 1995 certificate, members with seatime prior to August 1 will show documentation of having taken approved courses for the four elements of Chapter VI in the previous five years and/or produce the tables from their training record books which have been signed off. Note: Both the Paul Hall Center and the Coast Guard strongly recommend that ii a mariner's z-card expires before February 1, 2002, then he or she wait until that expiration is fairly close and renew the document at the same time one applies for a 1998 STCW certificate. Each of these identifications expires in five years. By renewing the z-card at the same time one applies for an STCW cenificate, the documents will have identical expiration dates. Seafarers LOG 13 �College Costs Are Skyrocketing COLLEGE COSTS COMPLETE THIS COUPON AN(J MAIL TO: Scholarship Program SetJ.ttirers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r------------~ P It appears that the cost of a higher education is continually skyrocketing, seemingly toward the moon and beyond. But this fact should not deter Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children from attaining their educational goals. The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District understood the importance of education back in 1952, when it became the first maritime union in America- and one of the first trade unions in general-to establish a scholarship program to help qualified members and their dependents finance rheir colkge and vocational educations. Today, the Seafarers Welfare Plan (which sponsors the program) has awarded 262 scholarships and is now taking applications for the 1999 program, which will award seven monetary grants to three SIU members and four dependents. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend colkgc in the fall of '99 arc cncourngcd to complete a scholarship application . The deadline for submis· sion of all required paperwork is April 15, 1999. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $15.000 and is intended to help cover the cosl of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational s'hool or com- --------------~---------------, tease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains ~ligibility information, procedures for apply- in' and a copy of the apphc;\tion form. Street Address - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - City, State. Zip Code ' - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- Telephone Number --------~-----~-----------------D Self This application is for; Ll Dependent .~ Mail thi.r CDmple.tedform w Scholan,-hiv Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Aurh Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 9/98 ~-------------~------------~----~------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG munity college. Four scholarships are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The $15,000 college scholarships will be paid at the rate of $3,750 per year over a four-year period. The $6,000 awards are paid at the rate of $3,000 per year. The first step in finding out more about the scholarship program and application process is to send for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. The booklet contains all the necessary information a prospective student will need to complete the application. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon at the bottom of this page and return it to the address listed on the form. Once the s'holarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information . If they find that they qualify, chey should then start collecting all the paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15 deadline. These items include rranscripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant's character, personality and career goals. Since the scholarship awards are made primarily on the basis of high school grades and the scores of either College Entrance Examination Boards (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT), arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 1999 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship se1ection committee in time to be evaluated . A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his. or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the · total application package. All completed applications MUST be mailed a.nd postmarked ON or BEFORE APRIL 15, 1999. Remember to fill out the coupon on this page and return it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan-or ask for a Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet at any SIU hall. Don't let the cost of a college education scare you away. Let the Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship program help you attain a better education and a more secure future . September 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 -AUGUST 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C October & November 1998 ,,,x Mem-e.rsllip Meetings ·•;flijp,~S•ai~fl)pkes,vl,nland Waters DECK DEPARTMENT , 1,q.;;1::::0::~'~?\:J·~. 'J ' ' ' "" 5 Mo bi It 8 7 3 21 15 15 9 6 0 3 21 5 12 5 7 9 7 8 tt 21 22 38 16 10 2 6 ' 16 58 28 42 ''' "l&·.· ' · 21 45' .. 56 21 2 14 4 5 11 0 0 102 40 0 82 1 424 233 13 15 2 11 I 13 8 16 7 26 12 2 10 3 7 3 9 8 6 8 ... Th.ur.sday~. N?".'ember 12* •dumgt c~£1ktci b}t Vettfhh.~ Da}•hoiM1.1y 9 " 5" ENGINE DEPARTMENT ·9.< 12 Norfolk Mobile 9 7 0 3 4 8 4 2 2 14 6 5 6 2 8 2 3 6 .o 5 · Ta~mma ................... Friday: October 23, November 20 Wilmington .............Monday, October 19. November 16 Each pol'fts ..un11 stam at 10:30 a..m. 97 161 73 52 Personal STEWARD DEPARTMENT JOHN MATHIAS DELMORE Mobile New Orleans 3 · JuGk~nv:·al~ . . '..:: ·:2i · 3 5 11 ·.7 :3' l 0 17 1 l 2 0 I 0 12 9 4 0 6 4 Pl.ierto Rico Honolulu : H'u~~16ti:" :··::"' :·f:::'.: ': . . ··9 · · st. L~niis, "·:'. ·· 2 . Piney. Point · s f .:o 'l 9' l 0 0 0 0 1() 0 0 l 0 0 149 58 15 108 32 ·New York 6 12 0 1 2 16 3 0 2 .,Phjl~dclp,~,ia 22 3 2 0 14 12 1 ·0 .· 4 9 4 5 5 4 5 0 s 1 2 6 6 Total~ :" :B~.irimore. :. Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 1a,~ki~·uv~.t~I! · 0 JO j1 }~A~ Pr,11n-t~sco· · Ta.~nmn 2 10 ' 12 9 2 0 0 2 2 1 6 ...... 0 0 7·.·. 3 1 j 5 0 0 1 0 62 265 86 19 2 0 11 46 42 0 Q o. 0 0 0 ] .6 3 4 3 24 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port : ·w~~~1~.~:to~":: 2 ll 3 g 3 8 6 2 Algonac 14 9 ..... ·3··"·''·'·":·.,,.. ::··,·o· l 0 '2 ", 0 0 ..: :. t t 1 ·~· '',,ll·:: ',,','" . ' ' 5""', 16 3 j 64 Puerto Rico 1 Honolulu 6 1 32 o 1 ~ 2 0 26: I 47 562 ':}fou~ron.·· ·, '.:"·":: :.·-.s~... LO.uis . . ;: Piilc.Y Point · Algonac To tab 0 7 1 0 0 j 0 0 4 7 16 14 j 21 19 31 20. 6 ' 16 5 7 0 lO 22 7 0 17 29 6 0 0 7 4 4 22 6 66 0 8 5 2 0 45 19 1 92 12 1 'f2 ... '' "7 2 18 12 2 0 0 ll 0 0 0 0 16 18 Q 24 0 0 I 184 ·149 28 107 111 0 0 2 0 93 20 I 2 295 I 274 501 256 419 314 187 192 997 775 423 2 Totnb All Di:pnrtmi:nb *','Total Registered" means tM number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. """"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. September 1998 Anyone with information on John Mathias Delmore - from New London, Conn., who died at the age of 69 in 1971 and sailed as a first engineer - please contact his niece, Carole Sivin, at Hopkinson House, #301, 604-36 Washington Square South, Philad~lphia, PA 19106. Notice UPGRADING SEAFARERS All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a US Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable co LMSS. Education Is the Key ·~ While attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Lundeberg School, two· members of Class 576Robert Rocanelli and Christopher Burick-recently earned their GED diplomas. With them are two of their instructe>rS'. Peggy Densford (left) and Dr. Joan Miles. Seafarers LOG 15 �1 "'iYtifeat~rers ... Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes International Union ·~.· ~;~ory JULY 16-AUGUST 15, 1998 CL - John.Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-'freasurer 1:'.,,1;:c;.,,;;ii:jf':::::,1,•1 • :· • ·vfoe~t~{~:~~fi:.??r:\\).i'.'/,i:> Company/Lakes · L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 5 Totals All Depts 71 43 0 47 18 0 25 25 *"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. Al.GONAC .520 Sh. Clair Riv~r Dr, · Algonac, Mt 48001 -.' .. · 0 {~I0) .?9,4"4Q88 AN'CflORAGE , · 721 Sesame St., .#\C Anchorage, AK 99503 {907) 5(1 l-498t Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters · llALTIMORE ll 16'£; Balttowti: S\. JULY 16 - AUGUST 15, 1998 Baltimore, MD 21202 ·: . :. (4tQ).n77.4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Duluth, MN 55.8().2 (218)722-4ll0 " DECK DEPARTMENT ."''.::Q: ... ., . Q·:::'· 8 2 HONOLULU . :o·'..\f:Y 3 · 60<5 Kalibi St. Hottololu, HI 96819 . . (808) 845-5Z22 2 37 0 5 6 25 Region Atlantk Coast Gulf Coast ·Lakes .Inland Waters...J 7. : ·...... West Coast O I}, < I I',!• ''- I 11 1_1', I·'' '"·'' ·''· 1 . .tl_',ot .I 0 0 1 .1. 1 "' .1 •'.' Tot.His Re2ion ·'~'-'-~" .II·"-·",-,._,,.·"·"\·,..•• -.. '"""'~' . Q.>)i 5 18 13 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 6 1 2> 0 "(} 0 8 39 4 51 0 2 I 3 0 .. ·o.. 0 , 0 18 0 11 .. 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 5 3 17 80 31 3 66 5 27 "'"Total Registered .. means rhe number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. 110 k"Regisrered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Totals All Depts 42 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST .. ~~HJ_.AUF,LPHI~ ·2004 S. d· St. . PW,lndelp~ia, PA 1~14$ (11$) ·~~6~~g1~ ~ - 7, .,:1-<.... ,, ) ;1" ;• f t /;/'' This photograph was s9nt to th~ s~atar~rs LOG by Pensioner Peter Lup of 6urbank, Calif. In a note to the LOG accompanying the picture, Lup writes: "Here is a photo taken during voyage #185 on the President Wilson of a group of us stewards and other ships' crews. I was new to shipping at the time and this wu my first.ever passenger vessel. Needless to say, I was a bit over.vhelmed by the fancy dining rooms and 'hotel perfection' of ~ervice, bountifully given by smiling and courteous MC&S personnel." (Lup is at left, just to the right of the gentleman with glasses.) In the center of the photo (sMted) is Scheliam (Smitty) Hadad, renowned chief stew· ard, now deceased. He was "famous" on the PrEJsidont Wil~cn as head waiter, according to Lup, and wore a different costume each night, depending on the port of call. Others in the picture include Jimmy Moy, Danny Ballantine, Charles Simpson. Marie Corsiglia, Frank Distefano and Vinqent Siguenza. Lup.65. joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisc~ in 1968, before it merged with the SIU. His last ship was the President Adams. He upgraded several times at the Lundeberg School and retired in 1994 at the age of 62. He also served four years in the Air Fores in Korea. · 16 Seafarers LOG September 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. F our recertified stewards are among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing a combined 147 years of a.cliv\; union member~hip, Recertified Stewards Rafael B. Evans, J.D. Hopkins, William Roble5 and Rudolf M. Spingat are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward department at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA ANDREAS ''. ALEXAKIS : 66, started hi; career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New ·* York. Born in Athens, Greece, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1995 aboard the Ogden Leader. Brother Alexakis has retired to his native Athens. Starting out in the ~teward department, he later transferred co the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native made his last tour of duty in January aboard the Sea-Land Liberator. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Brooks makes his home in Moreno Valley, Calif. PATRICK L. DURNIN, 71, joined the Marine Cooks & Steward~ (MC&S) in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif., before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in Oregon, he makes his home in Gig Harbor, Wash. , RAFAELR. · .j EVANS, 58, started his career with the ,, Seafarers in 1961 in the , .~ port of New .'\ j York. A native ACYLEE BROOKS, 63, first sailed with the SIU in 1952. of Fajardo, P.R., he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1990. Brother Evans last sailed in 1997 aboard che Charleston, a vessel operated by Westchester Marine. He has retired to Fajardo. J. D. HOPKINS, 72, began his career with the MC&S in 1958 from the port of Portland, Ore., before chat union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Oklahoma native upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1994. Brother Hopkins makes his home in Portland. ·i VICTORJ. KUBU, 63, began sailing with the Sill in 1967 from the port of Detroit. Brother Kubu started out in the Great Lakes division and later transferred to deep sea vessels. Born in Philadelphia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded m~y Pe reprod1,.1,ed.) Be tjLJrc: to inolucfo ;your Ml11o .15 w~ll .H tM 11tJme Of the per&on to whom you ;;11re ~e:ndin9 the greeting_. (Y"ur IMlfle 15 118CB55l.ilrj' since the notice& :;ire li11t-~'1 ~lph;<1b~l,i!!lly Py the !>cndcr'!l lll!:it Ml11o.) D Ll l'Je received no later ih~n Mon~~y. Novcmp~r 16, 1998. Send your oHtr'iM f,o -r;h~ bt11JflJ/"t1rS LOG, 5201 Auth WrAy. c~mp €>prin~~. MD 20746. You Tl1~ 111'.lli~JJY ~reet111ias mu5t copit:~ directly~ 'the LOG at. (301) .alM 111.ay FAX 102-4407. form~ mtly be fill¢d "ut. 111 t111y u11io11 1-!all and turned in to th~ offi,i;<1I ;11t the: c:ounter-or m~y be given U1 the b61irdiH1 ~.at.rol111a11 dur11113 ll Vll55lll'5 payoff. The holif1:;iy f)reeti11g$ ~ection of the December LOG i5 a favori~ foaturc for m"ny. :]O ~o ::iuro tog~ your Additionl!lly, mc:~t>llgo i member of the SIU in 1965 in the port of ! NewYork.A = = '-"--=' native of the Philippines, he sailed as a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the SeaLand Explorer. He makes his home in San Francisco. ! in on timo. HOLIDAY MESSAGE (!"lease Frin~) Sende~&Tu~phoneNumb~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- M~~~~g~ : ~-=-=--===-------------------~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ROBLES, 62, graduated from the Lunde berg School's entry level training program in 1970 and joined the SIU in his native New York. He sailed in the steward department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1986. Brother Robles last sailed in 1997 aboard the Sea-Land Quality. From 1953 to 19561 he served in the U.S. Army. He has retired to Hollywood. Fla. !:;i~~~~lRUBEN SALAZAR, 66, started his career with the Seafarers in 1952, sailing aboard the South€rn ~====""'-_::.c:_:=' Counties . A native Texan, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded to a licensed officer at the Lundberg School. During his career, he also sailed on inland vessels_ He lasr sailed with the SIU in August 1986 aboard the Aurora. Brother Salazar makes his home in Elkhart. Texas. RUDOLFM. SPINGAT, 69. graduated from the MC&S training school in 1963 and joined the MC&S in the pore of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Spingat upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg s~hool and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1986. His first ship was the President Cleveland, an American President Lines vessel. He last sailed on the Chief Gadao. operated by Matson Navigation Co. Born in Germany, he has retired to Chile. EDWARDH. Check the PIQd; which D Active Be~farer D R~'tiMd S~Mar~r ~~~cribei; your Ll Cl ~utu~ with the ~IU~ Fllmily M~mb~r of Aot.iv~ Ge.:afarer family Member of R~tired Seafarer 0thBr: ~~~~~~~~~~..;.._----------------~~~~~~~~~~~ September 1998 Steamship Corp. Born in Rocky Creek, Miss., he sailed in the deck department. His last tour of duty was in November 1973 aboard an Isthmian Line vessel. Brother Yates has retired co Houston, Texas. GUMPOY WONG, 70, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1958 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in China, Brother Wong makes his home in San Francisco. INLAND WILLIAM A5 h.s15 becm done in p~tiit ye~n,;, thi~ December'!i<> editio11 of the Se.af.arer5 LOG will include the ever-popul.ar holid~y 9rccting!!i from active: and rntin~d S~Mt1rers trnd their fsmilieG t-0 other member0 of the 0e;;;ifarinia communit>' .111d their famllle5. fQ cne;urc thl!lt your holiday mc:99tl~" i~ pu1:11ished. plea5e follow the inHru,iion0 below: ~ PRINT 01" TYPE ( iH 2 5 WOl"dti 01" lllss) t.118 mB55B~8 in the 9pli1Gt: provi'1~'1. Ph'1tQgrjlphe; ,ale;o 8r~ w~l~Ol116. D Eie ~ure your grcdlng l!i in the: holiday !ipirit. D JULIOR. PAMINI:i ANO, 71, .1 became a "olMaJ Issue of lOO to feature rersonal Oreetin~s D DQ Mt ~¢Hd 111"M tl·u111 thMe e11tries I'-''" pm•son. (ihi& form to quartermaster at the Lundeberg School. Brother Kubu last sailed in 1979 aboard the Frank Denton, a Bay Shipping Co. vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Anny. Brother Kubu calls Phoenix., Ariz. home. YATES, 70, joined the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship "'-"=~====-=-..;.., was the Edwin W Moore, operated by Waterman BENITO E. I1 CALDERON, 58, began sailing with the SIU in 1977. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he i_:__:_=====.:...._:::...1 worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. Boatman Calderon calls Carolina, P.R. home . UBIE L. HAMMACK, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 from the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Hammack worked primarily for Dravo Basic Materials, based in Theodore; Ala. From 1955 to 1957, the Alabama native served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Range, Ala. CARL HAR· RIS JR., 72, joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. Born and u~~~_ _!___J raised in Erwin, Tenn., he worked in the engine depanment. last sailing in January 1982 aboard a Sonat of Maryland vessel. Boatman Harris continues to reside in Erwin. WILLIAM D. MIDGET, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina nacive worked as an engineer, last sailing in 1985 aboard a vessel operated by Association of Maryland Pilots. Boatman Midget makes his home in Rodanthe, N.C. PATRICKW. O'NEAL, 55, began sailing with the SIU in 1965 from the port of Seattle. A native of Baton Rouge, La., he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg · School, where he graduated from the Towboat Operator Scholarship Program in 1978. Boatman O'Neal last sailed in 1996 aboard a G & H Towing Co. vessel. He calls Texas City, Tex.as home. Seafarers LOG 17 - �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSEPH W. GERALDI Pcn~ioner Joseph W. Geraldi. 87. passed away February 12. Brother Geraldi joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in I 942, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). His last ship before retiring in December 1969 was th~ Prc,.frlv11I Roouv~/1 , opcnucd by American President Lines. Brother Geraldi was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. HERMAN LEWIS Pensioner Herman Lewis, 73, died April 28. Born in Texas, he joined rhe MC&S in 1973 in the port of Seattle, before rhm union merged with rhe SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Lewi~ upgraded to chief ~Heward ar the Lundeberg School in Piney Pe>irn, Md. He was a veceran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1945. Brother Lewis was a resident of Seattle and retired in October 1989. CARLO C. LOPICCOLO Pensioner Carlo C. Lopiccolo. 80, passed away December 2 I, 1997. A native of California, he started his career with the MC&S in 1964 in the port of San Franci1co, before that union merged with th~ SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Lopiccolo upgraded his s,kills at the MC&S tra.ining school. The World War II veteran served in the U.S. A.rmy from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Sama Clara, Calif. and tiegan receiving his pension in 1984. EVAGE MALONE Pensioner Evage MalQnc;, 84, died May 24. Born in Get".lrgln, ne joined the MC&S in 1966 in the port of San firnncisco, before chm union merged with the SIU's ACLl WD. Brother Matone Jase sailed l\Marc1 the Pre_~idenr Tyler. an American President Lines vessel. I le lived in Oakland, Calif. and retired in November 1981. · JAMES R. McCOY ......-------,Pensioner James R. McCoy. 83. passed away May~. He began sailing wirh the MC&S in 1945, before that union -"'--'--- - - - ' merged with the SIU's AOLIWD. Born in Te~M, Brother McCoy wM fl resident of Van Nuys, Calif. He began receiving his pension in Jnnunry 1980. WILBERT "DILLY" McWILLIAMS P1.msioner Wil~rt "Billy" McWilliams, 73, passed away June I . Bri;>ther Mc Williams joined the MC&S in 1946 in Che port of San f"rnncisco. before chat union mt=rgcd wich che SIU's AOLIWD. The North Carolina nntiYe upgraded his skills at 1he Lundeberg School, last sailing as a chief steward. During the 1950s, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident o( S~n Francisco, he retired in I 990. 18 Seafarers LOG WILLIAM R. MILLER Pensioner William R. Miller, 67, died April 19. He first sailed with the Seafarers in I 956 from the port of Philadelphia, aboard .___ _..;;...;:;_....:;;;..;:;....:;;..~ the Alcoa Runner. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in chc deck depanment and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Miller made his home in Elizabeth. N.J. and began receiving his pension in August 1995. ALBERT MITCHELL iiiiiiii~I Pensioner Albert Mitchell, 81 . passed away June 5. A native of Louisiana, he sraned his career with the SIU in 1947 in the port of New OrleaM. Brother Mitchell worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Economy. He was a resident of New Orleans and retired in February 1989. ROBERT M. MOORE Pensioner Robert M. Moore, 75, died April 30. Born in Canada, he began his sailing career in 1944 and joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Moore worked in ihe engine department, last sailing in 1985 aboard the Borinquen. operntcd at that time by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. A resident of Baltimore, he began receiving his pension in November 1987. CARLOS M. MORERA Pensioner Carlos M. Morera, 78, passed away May 6. Br(lther Morera firsc 5ailcd with the SIU in 1967 . .... from the port of ti.. New Orleans. His first ship was Che Szeel Navigator, an Isthmian Lines vessel. Born in Cuhll. he sailed as a member tJf tne srewa.ro depanmem and retired in Ocmber 1984. He was a resident of Miami, Flu. SALVADOR P. NAVA r----i1m11111"1im!'"111S"--., Pensioner Salvador P. Nava, 94, died March 22. He joined the MC&S in 1958. before that union merged wilh the SIU'& AOLIWD . Born in the Philippines and a resident of Sea.rrte, Brorher Nava began receiving his pension in December 1970. PAUL W. PHANEUF Paul W. Phaneuf, 25, passed away March 14. A native of Massachusetts, he graduated from the entry level training .___ __ _ ___.program at the P~ul Hall Center for Maritime ' Training and Education at the Lundcberg Schcol in January 1998. a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1943. A resident of Jalisco, Mexico, he retired in He was a member of Class No. 566. His first ship was the Francis Hammer, operated by Ocean Shipholding. Brother Phaneuf was a resident of Somerset, Mass. GABRIEL REYES Pensioner Gabriel Reyes, 89, died October 19, 1997. Brother Reyes joined the MC&S in t 952, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of Quebradillas, P.R., he began re.;eiving his pension in July 1973. NORMAN T. RIEDE Pensioner Norman T. Riede, 74, passed away May 15. He first sailed with the MC&S in 1942, before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD. The South Dakota native worked his way up to chief steward and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Matson and Oceanic Sceamship Companies. During World War II, he served aboard troop transport ships. Brother Riede was a resident of Auburn, Calif. He retired in September 1971. PfilLIP ROSHKE ..---....,..-,,.....,..,,.---...., Pensioner Philip Roshke, 80, died May 21. Brother Roshke started his career with the Seafarers in 1954 in his native New York. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Pensioner Roshke was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. Brother Roshlce was a residem of Coconut Creek, Aa. and began receiving his pension in Dl!cember t 9&2. IGNATIUS T. SALERNO Pensioner Ignatius T. Salemo, 83, passed away June 4 . He joined the SIU in 1956 in his nAtive New .,. York. and sailed '"""""...:;.,;;_--"""'----''-"'"---' as a member of the engine department The World War II veteran served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. A resident of Bronx, N.Y., he retired in October 1980. January 1975 . EUGENE D. THOMPSON Eugene D. Thompson, 67, died June 13. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1988 from his native New York as a member of the engine depanment and upgraded fre· quently at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Monmath, NJ. MANUEL P. VELEZ Pensioner Manuel P. Velez, 82, passed away April 14. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He was a resident of Mayaguez, P.R. and retired in October 1968. Pensioner Angel Seda, 75, died May 1. He was a charter member of the Seafarers, hav· ing joinect che union in 1939 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward depArtmenc and upgraded to chief sreward ar the Lundeberg School. Bracher Seda last sailed aboard the Galloway. operated by Sea-Land Service. The Brooklyn, N.Y. resident began receiving his pension in February 1980. CHARLES D. STENNETT Pensioner Charles D. Scenneu. 76. passed away May 22. Born in North Bend, Wash., he started his career with the SIU in 19.52 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Stennett sailed as CHESTER A. "SONNY" GOFF Chester A. "Sonny" Goff, 44, died July 7. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va., aboard the Virginia, operated by Virginia Pilot Association. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he also sailed aboard deep sea vessels. Boatman Goff was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. LAWRENCE E. MARTIN Pensioner Lawrence E. Martin, 69, passed away May 24. Born in Georgia, he joined the SIU in t 959 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Martin sailed as a tugboat captain. From 1948 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. The resident of St. Rose, La. began receiving his pension in July 1980. RAYMOND J. PITRE Pensioner James L. Ward, 84, died April 19. Born in Maryland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New York. Brother Ward sailed as a member of the engine depa.rtment. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1938 to 1942. Brother Ward lived in Oakland, Calif. and began receiving his pension in October 1975. Pensioner Raymond J. Pitre, 68, began sailing with the ers in 1958 from the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he sailed as a captain. From 1947 to 1949. he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Boatman Pitre was a resident of Marrero, La. and retired in December 1994. WILBERT WILLIAMS GREAT LAKES Pensioner Wilbert Williams, 69, ~·. passed away April 1. A native of New Jersey. he joined the MC&S in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Williams upgraded at the Lundeberg School and completed the steward recertification course there in 1981 . From 1950 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Reno, NeY., he retired in December 1990. ROBERT C_ MeDONALD Pensioner Robert C. McDonald, 87, passed away May 29. Brother McDonald joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Delroit. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department. A resident of Powell, Ohio, he began receiving his pension in July 1977. JAMES L. WARD JAMES D. WILSON ANGEL SEDA INLAND Pensioner James D. Wilson, 69, died February 26. Born in California, he started his career with the MC&S in 1954 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's AOLIWD. He lived in Rohnert Park. Calif. and began receiving his pension in September 1970. VINCENT T. YATES Pensioner Vincent T. Yates, 83, passed away May 27. Brother Yates began sailing with the Seafnrers in 1942 from the port of Tampa. Fla. During his career, kc sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He was born in Honduras and was a. resident of Tampa. Brother Yates retired in AU8\1St 1980. PAUL M. ROBINSON Pensioner Paul M. Robinson, 74, died April 10. Born in Kentucky, he started his career with the SIU in 1972 in the port of Duluth, Minn. The engine department member last sailed in 1985 aboard the Kinsman Independent. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Robinson was a resident of Georgetown. Ky. and retired i.n January 1989. RAILROAD MARINE RICHARD M. DONOVAN Pensioner Richard M. Donovan, 90, passed away June 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 in his native New York, but initially began his sailing Continued on page 21 September 1998 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space /imitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. 1hoss 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. LAWRENCE H. GIANELLA (Oc;ean Shipholding), May 24Chairman Jeffrey P. Libby, Secrerary James E. Lewis, Deck Delegate Reynaldo Gonzales, Engine Delegace Ernest Lacunza Jr., Steward Delegate Jorge DemardH. Chairman reminded crew to apply for Training Record Books (TRBs) and STCW endorsements. Educational director suggested crew take advantage of classes at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Steward department members informed that recer- tification for chief cooks is important. Crew reviewed recent LOG and discussed main issues. Crew reminded of importance of cleanliness and hygiene to prevent airborne illness ubonrd ship. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), June 14--Chairman Miguel Rivera, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Tom Gruber, Crew discussed Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 as well as most recent report from headquarters. Educational director suggested crew members check back of z-cards for expiration date and that they view training videos on board ship. Treasurer announced $20 in movie fund. Deck delegate reported disputed OT; no beefs or disputed OT reponed in steward or engine departments_ Request made for new microwave oven. vote or thanks given to steward and engine d~partments for hard work. GREEN ISLANO (Waterman Steamship), June 14-Chairman Eugene Kyzn, Secretary JQhn R@iil, Educalional Dir@dor Jim Laratta, Skward Delegate Robert Alltrt. Secretary asked for fresh stores to be loaded in Morchc~d City, N.C. He Abo thAnked rn;w for good trip and for keeping ship clean. Some disputed OT in deck department reported; none in engine or sceward deparrmems. su,_ge~tion made to chan~¢ required days for vacntion check from 120 to 75. Crew discussed starting fund to buy new refrigerators for i;rew roo11w. Request also made for new refrigerator in crew mess hall. Several other items brought up, including possibility that slop ~hest be opened weekly durinE entire trip and that hourly launch service be provided. Steward department thanked for job well done. OOGL INSPIRATION (Sea-Land service). June 7--Cnatrman Russell F. Barra~k Jr., Secretary EkQw 0Qffoh, Cn; w nQkd new ~h1it~ f6t' m~~~ rt6t yet received_ Cha.trma.n a.nd ~~~rNa.ty th:tttlced crew for good nip. Educauonal dim;mr reminded crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Crew asked i;ontrai;ts department to look imo crew members being able to access ni;ation benefits after working 120 days. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit). June 28-Chairman Robert Lindsay. Secretary Felipe Orhmda, Edurntional Director Michael McClone. Steward September 1998 Delegate Jose Guzman. Thanks given to steward department for good food and job well done. Thanks also given co deck and engine department members for greac cooperacion and in helping keep ship clean. No beefs or disp~tcd reported. President's report from LOG read, as was notice about Anthrax vaccine. Crew requested more videotapes for library in addition to weight lifting equipment. Next port; Piraeus, Greece. or SEA-LAND ATLANTIC (SeaLand Service), June 21-Chairman W. E. Stoltz, Secretary Edward Porter1 Steward Delegate Robert Seim. Chairman informed crew thut ship would be coming out of drydock in Hamburg, Germany. He also commended crew members who stayed aboard vessel in shipyard for job well done. Memorandum received and read from VP Contracts Augie Tellez reminding crew of deadline for TRBs. Suggestion made to disseminate more information on purchase plan, including yearly statement. Crew reminded of no smoking policy. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Requests made for new chairs for crew lounge and messhall as well as additional mattresses. SEA-LAND CRUSADER (SeaLand Service), June I I-Chairman Robert Grubbs, Secretary Brenda Kamiya, Steward Delegate L. Rub. Educational director urged crew to take as many courses at Paul Hall Center as possible. He also stressed importance of donating lo SPAD. Cr@w informed of payoff in Eliz;;\bcth, N.J. upon ~rriv~l. Crew abQ reminded to save alqrn.inum can~ for recyding projei;t to g<;nm&t<; ship's funds. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Inquiry made as to shoregang relief aboard Crusader. Vote of thanks given to steward depanmenc and rest of crew for jobs well done. SEA-LANO EXPEIJITION (SeaLand Service), June 15---Chairman NQrb~rliJ Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez 1 Educational Director James Roberts. Chairman reported everything running smoothly. Captain bought new TV for crew JounEe- Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Piney Point whenever po:s:sible. No beefa or di:sputed OT reported. Crew members i;ommended for jobs well done. S~A-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), June 22--Chairman Jam~~ L. Cartn, Secretary Dan Brown_ Chairman informed crew of TRB requirements_ Secretary advisell crew Chae various forms (medical. vacation. TRB. ere.) are available in his office. Educational director reminded crew to vote in upcoming elections. No beefs or disputed OT reporred. Crew informed of payoff in Elizabeth. N.J. One minuce of silence observed for departed brothers and sisters_ SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Service), June 15- Chairman John . B rtalin . Se retary J. . mith Edu at1onal Director Randall Firestine. Chairman urged crew to donate to SPAD. He also reminded them of importance of attending upgrading classes at Lundeberg School as well as necessity of obtaining TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), June 28--Chairman Shawn Evans, Secretary Ruben Casio Jr., Deck Delegate Walter 0. Weaver, Engine Delegate FaiHI Abhait. Chainnan informed crew of extension of time on new run. He also reminded them to obtain TRBs by August I. Educational director urged Seafarers to hone skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Discussion held on rules for receiving basic pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Manzanilla, Panama; Freeport, Bahamas; and Miami. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), July 26-Chairman Joseph Moore, Secretary Joseph C. Birke, Deck Delegate Everette Sanders, Engine Delegate William Parker, Steward Delegate Obencio Espinoza. Chairman reminded members to get TRBs as soon as possible. He announced payoff on arrival in New Orleans and thanked all departments for jobs well done. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or steward departments. Barbecue held on July 4_ Crew requested repair of VCR for crew's lounge as well as a rewinder for VCR tapes. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), July 26-Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Freddy L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Charles Sandino. Deck Delegate John Nichols, Steward Delegate Henry Greene. Chairman welcomed unlicensed ~pprentices from Piney Point and asked all hands to help them with their task books. Educational director informed i;rcw members about new government services course offered at Lundeberg School. He also reminded them to check z-cards for expiralion dace and co renew, if necemuy. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Hot plate needed for bridge. Next port: Haifa, Israel. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Maersk Line) 1 July 23-Chairman George Jordanides, Secretary Grant Armstead, Educational Director Donald Hastings, Deck Delegate Walter Ratcliffe, Engine Delegace Mohamed Ahmed, Steward Delegate Earl Castain. Thanks extended co crew for keeping messhall and lounge areas in good shape. Educational director advised crew members co upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and increase earning potential. He also stressed irnportance of contributing to SPAD_ Treasurer announced $40 in ship·s movie fund_ No beefs or dispuced OT reporred. Chairman noted great steward department aboard and that ship is a good feeder. Crew asked contracts deparrmem to look imo having prescription medicines cover dependents as well as members_ Next pon: Saipan. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line), July 12-Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary braham Martinez, Educational Dir tor Kevin T. cCagh. o beef or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into bringing all Maersk vessels under standard agreement. Crew requested new TV and VCR. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Miami; and the Panama Canal. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), July 19Chairman Roy Williams, Secretary James E. Harper, Educational Director L. Holbert, Deck Delegate Monte R. Grimes, Steward Delegate Wagner Pellerin. Chairman discussed pension plan and reminded crew mem- suggested crew take opportunity to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for fine job. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu; and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), July 15-Chairman Robert R. Winder, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Engine Delegate Mike Wells, Steward Delegate Mohamed Omar. Chairman noted new mattresses received July 14. He urged crew members to apply for TRBs. Those getting off at next port reminded to Feeding the Osprey Crew At a recent union meeting aboard the Osprey in the port of Wilmington, N.C., the steward department was given a vote of thanks for the great job they do. From the left are Steward Justo Lacayo, Chief Cook Jose Guzman, SA Chris Corpuz. From Wilmington, the vessel was then heading to Piraeus, Greece. bers to submit applications for TRBs by August I. Secretary and educational director urged crew to make the most of upgrading opportunities offered in Piney Point in order to keep pace with changing industry. No beefs or disputed OT reponed. Suggestions made for crew to read LOG to stay abreast of current events in maritime industry and to donate to movie fund. Next port; Long Beach, Calif. · SEA·LAND DEFENDER (SeaLand Service), July 12-Chairman Benedid Born, Secretary Raymond S. Gai:cia, Educational Director DeMarko Shoulders, Dei;k Delegate Larry Thompson. Engine Delegate Shawn Clark, Steward Delegate Kenneth Lee. Chairman announced ship inspecCion in Long Beach, Calif_ Members need to read pamphlets and know their duties. Secretary read notice from company regarding designated smoking areas. He also reminded crew to apply for TRBs as soon as possible_ Educational director talked to crew members about educational opportunities available at Lundeberg School. He also advised them to check expiration date of z-cards and apply for STCW certificate. No beefs or disputed OT reported_ Suggestion sent to VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding emergency trips and vacation money. Crew requested new mattresses. pillows and blankets. Thanks for job well done given to steward department. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), July 14---Chairman N. Sala. Secretary Michael Baker. Educational Director Roger Wasserman, Deck Delegate Klaus Tammler. Engine Delegate Victor Bermudez. Steward Delegate Camilo Camarena_Chairman stressed imporrance of obtaining all necessary documents needed for shipping, including TRBs. He also told them to renew z-cards, if necessary. Educational director leave rooms clean for next person. Secretary stated benefits of attending upgrading classes at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew's lounge in need of new microwave oven. Ship's electrician tried to fix old one but said it was nor possible. Special vote of thanks given to steward department for wonderful job throughout trip. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), July 8-Chairman Robert. Pagan, Secretary Michael F. Meany, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Scott Grider, Steward Delegate B. Habib. Chairman thanked galley gang for great job and reminded those leaving ship to return keys. Educational director stressed need to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Crew reminded about TRB deadline. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request put in for bigger hoses on washing machine. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), July 14-Chairman James L. Carter, Secretary Dan Brown, Educational Director Rex Bolin, Deck Delegate Mike Brown, Engine Delegate Carlos Santana, Steward Delegate Jorge Salazar. Communications received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding previous suggestions made during ship's meetings. Steward advised members that all union forms available in his office. He suggested that union forms and applications be formatted to disc for better distribution of information. Educational director reminded crew of benefits of upgrading at Lundeberg School. Some beefs and disputed OT reponed in deck depanment; none reponed in engine or steward departments_ Vote of thanks given to steward department. Crew observed minute of silence in memory of depaned brothers and sisters. Next port: Elizabeth, N .J. Seafarers LOG. 19 �Refurbished Poster Collection Displayed at Paul Hall Library The World War II merchant marine poster collection at the Paul Hall Memorial Library in Piney Point, Md. has undergone a facelift. Containing 36 vintage posters, the collection has been refurbished and reframed. The restoration consisted of delicate, virtually imperceptible extension and placing the posters on linen backittg to preserve their outstanding condition. The wooden frames were selected co give uniformity co the collection, which has the visual effect of dr~wing the eye to the posters themselves rather than the frames. Rendich Meola, a former Seafarer who sailed as a deck engineer during the war and who passed away earlier this year at age 82, donated the original collection of 25 posters to the library in July 1995. He gradually added the other 11 pieces during the next three years, including three he secured just before he died. This is believed to be the largest collection of its kind. It is housed at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Maritime Briefs These World War II-era posters form part of a larger collection displayed at the Paul Hall Memorial Library in Piney Point, Md. Clyde Hart is Sworn In As Maritime Administrator U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater on August 6 swore in Clyde J. Han, Jr. as administrator of the Maritime Administration. Hart's nomination had been confirmed by the Senate on July 31. "Clyde brings to the Maritime Administration a wealth of experience in both maritime issues and the broader transportation field. I look forward to working with him to continue to strengthen America's marine transportation system which plays a vital role in our economy and national security," Slater stated. Hart had served as the senior Democratic counsel for the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine since 1994. Previously. he worked in different capacities at the Interstate Commerce Commission. Remember to Check Z-Card; Renew Document,·if Necessary Thousnnds Demonstrnta According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. All mariners MUST possess a renewed z-card in order to sail aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of 1999. That means . that as of January 1. 2000. all active z-cards must have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expi· ration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to.ship with an expired document· (Mariners may renew their z-cards up to one year after the e.wiration date. However, mariners Fur Avundalu Wurku.-& lose their Crew of Runaway-Flag Ship Gets Back Pay Thanks to ITF Crew members aboard the runaway-flag ship MIV Oak earlier this summer received $20,000 in back wages, thanks to help from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Don Thornton. one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, assisted the crew of the Greek- own~d, Bahamian-flag vessel in Buffalo. He overcame repeated stonewalling by the captain and the vessel owner. Diana Shipping_ The SIU is one of the more than 470 transpon-related unions around the world that comprise the London-based ITF. SIU E;r,;ecutive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarer~ Section. Sr;vr;rnl thou~~nd tr~de uniOfiists, including AFL-CIO President John Sween.ey, and other backen turned out for a rally in late July in support of employees at Avondale Industries shipyard in New Orleans. The · w~r~en v~ted f~r uni~n repre~entation in June 1993, bm since then have faced perpetual stalling tactics by Avondale. It has become the Iarge~t Nationat Labor Relations Board case in history. and che shipyard already has been cited for numcrou5 labor-law violations. Avondale also 'has been ordered m pay more than $3 million in ba~k wages and rehire 28 fired workers. Sweeney described Avondale as the "poster child" for why the nation needs stronger labor laws: that protect worlcers. The right M workers to organize is being violated "all across the country," he said. endorsement~ if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in Renewal Date: Dat~ 1998 1988 1999 1994 1989 1983 1978 1984 1979 1973 1968 1974"" 1969 1963 1964 1958 1953 1959 Of 1Huane6: 1993 1948 1943 1938 1954 two different locations: (1) near the mariner's photo on the front and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those z-cards · ex iration date, the date of issuance is oca e back of the document beside the tn print. If you have any questions concerning your z-card, contact your port agent or patrolman. 2000 1995 2001 1996 2002 1997 All z-cards have to be renewed every five years to remain active! 1949 1944 1939 Fishing Constraints Overshadow Fleet Blessing SIU fishermen particip~ted recently in the 29th annual blessing of the fleet in New Bedford, Mass., one of numerous events comprising the city's yearly Summerfest celebration. As is cus· tomary, tM flMt blessing paid tribute to those fishermen who passed away during the last year and asked for protection, good luck and safe and bountiful seas for the year ahead. Awards were given for the best-decorated boats, with the SIU-crewed Lutador (above left) taking ~econd place. The Neves (right) was another Seafarers-contracted boat that took part. But the blessing was overshadowed by concerns about what many consider unduly strict regulations governing the industry. 'We're here to bless the fleet at the same time the federal government is trying to condemn it," said Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who attended the ceremony. "We're going to insist that the federal government does not im~ose death sentences on the scallopers or any other part of this industry." A local newspaper quoted the director of the Center for Marine Science and Technology at the Univ$rSity of Muuehu~ett~-Dartmouth as saying current stock estimates sustain Frank's argument. Dr. Brian Rotnscnild described the regulations as "very onerous" and "a serious economic burden on the fleet,• a~ording to the article in the New Bedford Standard-Times. za Seataren LO& September f 998 �Hers to the Editor (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG wel~omes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) SIU's Connection To Space Flights The untimely death of Alan Shepard recently brought back memories of life aboard the Knot ship~, which were pickei-boarn manned by sailors from our union under contract to Suwanee Steamship Company. They were on station at Ascension Island, Recife, Brazil and Capetown, South Africa, among other ports of call, as well ·as downnmgc from Cape Canaveral, Fla ___ _ My fellow Seafarer, Burt Hanback, and I had occasion to meet and greet Lt. Shepard when movies were shown in the "unassigned space" aboard our vessel, the Sword Knot, in the evenings at sea, after a day's work was done. This was during the period when space exploration was in its first stages and, as it turned out, Alan Shepard became the first man in that element. Clarence L. Comdns Butler, Pa. . .. Rotl.-ed Seafarer Keeps Congressmen Informed For what it's worth, I sent an email to the Maine congressional delegation regarding the fire aboard the cruise ship Ecstasy , a runaway sailing out of Miami in the cruise trade to the Caribbean. career in 1929 as a tugboat declchand with the Erie Railroad Co. 1 which later changed ics name 10 che Erle Lackawanna llaitroad Co_Bracher Donovan was a residem of Cranford, N.J. He be~rtn receiving hfo pension in <ktober 1965. I contact the senators and my congressman every time I have something I think they should know related to U.S. maritime trade issues, and hope that I am able in some small way to keep them on their toes. Every time I read or hear about another fire or grounding of these runaways, it really gets my blood boiling. and I let them all know about it... I know Congressman John Baldacci is on our team. I sailed out of Boston in the '60s and early '70s as a member of Ed Reilly's Navy, and was proud to be a Seafarer, and haven't changed my attitude yet about the greatest union in the world. I send my greetings also to John Fay. He was the port agent in Boston when I caught the ST Orion Planet in August of 1961, and I'll never forget what a fine gentleman and considerate brother John was to the Boston gang. I'm 64 now and hardly fit for duty anymore, but wish I could be back sailing again with all my old pals from the SIU. Fred F. Carroll Belfast, Maine [The following is a C{)py of a letter sem by 1he master of the HM/ Astrachem to Luis Escobar folfowing Escobar's recem graduation/ram che recertified steward program at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. (see page 7).] Officers, Crew Praise Escobar's Performance On behalf of my e an ~ crew of the HM I Astrachem, we would like to congratulate you on your graduation from the steward Pensioner Samuel E. Ratz, 79, passed away June 6. A native of New Jmey, he began sailing with the Sea· farer~ in 1960 from the pon: of ==--=--.::...._-=:_...:= New York_He worked primarily for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a bridge motorman. A WWII veteran, he r;erved in me U.S. Anny from 1942 m 1945. He was a resident of Deltona, Fla. and began rooeiving his pension in 1969. Recertified Steward Looks Back Twenty years ago, Chief Steward Edward P Dunn caught this 1a-toot, 1,400-povnd tigar sharK off the coast of Panama. The ship was the Erna Eli2~b~th, a Hudson Waterways tanker. He told th~ Seafarers LOG that he needed the assistance of the deck department to help haul the denizen of the deep on board. Last month. Dunn suooeededin another big achievement-he 9rMuatM from tM r~eanifiM st2wards program at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. (see page 7). September 1998 re ertification program at th Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. You exemplify the dedicated professional that the Seafarers International Union is striving to produce through its excellent courses and curriculum at Piney Point You are a man who truly loves his job, and you spare no effort in giving your best to the crew of the HM/ Astrachem. Every meal is an adventure in fine dining. The local restaurants at the ports we visit receive no business from our crew because the best meals can be found in "Escobar's Kitchen." When the men come off deck or out of the enginerooin, they know they ~an look forward to a great meat and a friendly smile from you. . You perform every aspect of your job in a dedicated, professional manner, from your record keeping, to ordering your provisions, to the superb level of clean- line that OU mruntain throughout your pace . We, the officers and crew of the HM/ Astrachem, would like you to know we appreciate all the things you do on a daily ba 1 to make our lives more pleasant in our "home away from home." Michael R. Tierney Master, HM/ Astrachem 1991 fire. The Hamlet, N.C. plant's fire exit doors were illegally locked and blocked, leaving the workers no escape. The t 1-year-old plant had never once been inspected by federal or state safety and health inspectors before the fire. Patrick E.Gorman. former president of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America, died at age 88 in 1980. He said . " ... without oroanization. education. and unity, nothino else matters for labor. And since labor is the leaven of democracy, without labor, vigorous. alert. united, and intellioent the nation and democracy perish: 2 The Bubers, Beautician:;, and Allied Industries 1Union merged with the UFCW in ~O . OOO·member 1980. Reuther. president of the 1untilWaller UnitM Auto workers from 1946 his death in 1970, was born in 1907. President of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) prior to its merger with the AFL, Reuther was a strong supporter of union political action . He said, "There's a direct relationship between the breadbox and the ballot box. and what the union fights tor and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls." .4) Twenty-live workers at the I. nonunion Imperial Foods poultry processing plant were Killed in a ~12 Union Label Week. Buying U"' American-made products helps our economy by providing JoM. Buying union helps even more by providing good jobs with fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. Get the word out this week: Look for the Union Label. Addams was born in 1860. Aco-winner of the Nobel Prize in 61931Jane , she worked for peace, social welfare, and women's rights. Her socaneo setUement houses served many workers, including immigrant families who labored in Chicago's packinghouses. She also was one of the founders of the Women'sTrade Union League (WTUL). The WTUL was formed to educate women about the advantaoes of union member.:hip, to support women'sdemands for better working conditions, and to raise awareness about the exploitation of the rising number of women workers. Labor Day. The first Monday in September was established as a legal holiday on June 28, 1894 when President Grover Cleveland sioned an act proclaiming it into · law. 7 ln1981 ,400,000unionmembers marched in labor's first Solidarity Day demonstration in Washington, D.C. to protest Reagan Administration policies. 19 Upton Sinclair was born in 1878 in Baltimore, Md.Sinclair was the author of the 1906 novel The Jungle. an indictment of packinghouse employers' exploitation of workers. The shocking conditions revealed in the book brought about corrective actions including legisla· lion for stricter inspection laws. 20 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and -file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employtr~ . Mtmhtrg ghould get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe chere have been violations of their ~hippi_ng Qr seniority rights as contained in che contra~ts between the union and the employers, they should notify I.he Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez., Chainnan Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times. either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions: under which an SIU member works a.nd lives aboard a ship or boat Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for ovenime (OT) on Lhe proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. IL also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harrnful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the Sepcember 1960 meetings in all constitutional port!:. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry our this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required co make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. to CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. The~e right~ are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no rnember may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color. sex. national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objeccs and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All ~ontributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. · NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above righcs have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The,address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes L HARRY .;?~~· LIFEBO~j BCLASS SCHOO.L _~, {5< . Trainee Lifeboat Class 578-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 578 are (from left, kneeling) Kevin McArd~ll. Peggy WilsM , Jason Wyant. Charles Branch, Anderson Saco, (second row) Jeromy Vaughan, Joey Jordan, Korron Richardson, Bobby Brown Jr., Kenneth Bing and Ben Cusic (instructor). Radar-Earning their radar endorsements on July 24 are (from left, kneeling) Charles .Gordon, Lester Vickers, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Juan Rochez, Frank Claridge, Allan McCoy and Richard Grubbs. Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the July 24 lifeboat class are (from left, kneeling) Denyse Sineath. Abdulrahman Monaser, (second row) Louis Valencia, Maximo Lacayo and Michael Smith (instructor) . Upgraders Lifeboat-Completing the upgraders lifeboat class on July 24 are (from left, kneeling) Ali M. Mohamed, Santos Antonio, James P. Canada, James Marchiano, Tom Gilliland (instructor}, {second row} Timothy Kotsis, Walter Sainvil, Guy Butler, Brian Morris. Dwight King, James Davi$, (third row) James Duggan. Ronald E. Allen, David Rankin. Richard Hicks and Anthony Pacely Jr. Pumproom Maintenance-Engine department members receiving their pumproom maintenance endorsements on August 7 are (from left) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Pompey B. Alegado, Willie Franks, Steve Rollins, Donald Lumpkins, Osiris Diety. John G. Knott, Leonides Baca I, Jose Vazquez and Thomas Keseru. Basic Firefighting-SIU members graduating from the basic firefighting class on July 17 are (from left, kn~~ling) Kamal Ismail. Patrick Briggs, Bruee Zeigler, Lem Lewis, Clarence Tyler, (~~cl'.lnd rl'lw) Kenneth Mclamb, Fred CintoriM, Jim C. Liu , James Wil~on, Carlito V. Epi~il'.leo , (third row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Michael Oavidson, Farid Zaharan, George B. Loek~tt and Hugh McAllister. Academic-Steve W. Bigelow (above, right) is presented with acertificate of achievement for completing the full curriculum in English 101 (composition and rhetoric) from his instructor, Peggy Densford. Below, he is awarded another certificate, this one in college mathematics, from Instructor Rick Prucha. Academic-In photo at right, Robert Richer receives hi3 certificates for completion of th@ Mathematie5 101 and English 101 courses from English Instructor Peggy Densford. In photo directly ~bov~. Steward Department member Vicki Holloway displays Mr achievements in computer basics, WorldP@rf@ct 5.1 tutorial and Math 099 (Developmental Math II). 22 Seafarers LOG September 1998 �. .. 'l.U.NDEBERG $CHOOL Safety Specialty Courses .· "199/J' UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE ·. ·:·,·.·:· ....:;:: ·:·:·:::·::;·;·:::::::'...:·· ....::.:.::(::;:::/':','\'.:':'.:'.'.'.''."' The following is the schedule for classes beginning in September though the Tanker Familiarization/ end of the year at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located Assistant (DL) at the P'ul ~an Center for Maritime Training and Edu~~tion in Pi~ey Point, !'1~· ;/Al( "'. :·him:s are·geared to improve the job skill~ . .P.f::S~~~ers . 3:~g,:to '.P.fP.~ot~::.:~lj~: .·: · American.. maritime industry. · ··· ·. . . . · LNG Familiarization (includes 2 weeks offirefighting) ..... Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the mem: .:.:.~ti!·~~bip~:;:,flj~ mariti111e H1~~stcy and-"-in times of conflict-the nation's security. . . : : : .:. :fSruderits attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday bef()rt .:.'.: tfie~.~.J~Qurse J s start d"Je. The.courses listed here ii:J.tig:·:·:~~:·:thc. st~ .date$:;·:·:·:·:·: . . . . :. ·· will begin promptly on the mom- Start Date Date of Completion September 14 October 12 November 9 October 3 October 31 November 28 October 12 October 30 September 7 September 21 October S September 12 September 26 October lQ .November z.:. . . . . Nn\l.~l.Jlber Novetrtber 16·:... . . . ··s~at~rs who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the .":.:.:'[~~hd~b~t~. $cho~l may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. · . .. · ~dvanced Firefighting 7 November30 · November 21 . Decembers October 12 October 19 November2 October.24 October 31 November 14 September 25 October 22 · November 20 .l.)ecember 18 September 19 October 17 September 7 October S Date of C()mpletion UPGRADING APPLICATION Wi1h 1his application, COPIES of the following must be sent : One hundred and twenty days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior co 1he dace your c:la.u starts, USM MD (i·card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, a.nd qualifying sea.time Jor the course if it is (l JO) Name _ _ _ _ __ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Addre~s----------------------------- Coast Guard cesced. All FOWF. AB and QMED applicam~· mus1 submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 wirh rheir application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth ----~------,- CJ Inland Waters Member CJ If tli1? following information is tMt Ji.lll!d out completely, your application will nor be prousud. S~Hti' security# Book# - - - - - - - - - - Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ _ Department --------~ U.S. Citizen'. Yes D No D Home Port Endorsemem(s) or License(s) now held ___________ __ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On; _ _ _ _ __ _ __ __ _ Are you a graduate.of the SHLSS trainee program? LJ Yes D No If yes, c1ass # - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - Have you anended any SHLSS upgrading courses? Cl Yes Cl No If yes, coursc(s) taken _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ [)Q yo'" 0 Yes hold the U.S. Coa.st Guard Lifeboatman 0 NQ Firefighting; Primary language spoken September 1998 D Yes D Endeir~~m~nt? No CPR: D Yes D No - Date Off: SIG~ATURB - -- -- -- -- - - -- - 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, contacl your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75. Piney Point, MD 20674:.0075. 9198 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School uf Seamanship at the Paul HaJI Center for Maritime Training and E.ducation is a private. non-profit. equal opportunity instirution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified. of illly rate. nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. ·Seafarers LOG 23 �Seafarers Scholarships Applications now are being accepted from Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children for the 1999 Seafarers scholarship program. See page 14 for additional information. Graduation Day Tunu Into Fa.mily Day at Piney Point Families play a very impor- tant role in the Jives of met each other. Paulette Catalina Escobar was born in Columbia and still lives there while Paula Andrea Escobar was born in the U.S. and lives in Buffalo, N. Y. They had spoken to each other on the phone, written to one another over the yearst but circumstances had kept them from actually seeing Seafarers. Many of the benefits gained by members in recent contract negotiating sessions are designed to help those left behind when Seafarers recum to their vessels. Loved ones share in the joy of a family member coming Paula Andrea Escobar (left) meets her sister, home after months at sea and and meeting until August 3 when Luis Paulene Catalina Escobar, for the first time. celebrate when their special made arrangements for the two to be in Piney Point. Seafarer successfully completes an upgrading course at In an emotional statement to the the Paul Hall Center's membership. Luis told his fellow Lundeberg School of SeamanSeafarers how proud he was to be part ship. of the union, how he considered every This was especially evident SIU member to be an extension of his last month when three graduown family. Then he introduced his ating recertified stewards had family to the members. and that is family members attending the when the sisters realized they were monthly Seafarers meeting at together in the same place at the same Piney Point to cheer their hustime for the first time. band. father. brother. uncle or The two ran to each other in the cousin on. auditorium as the membership applauded. Luis came Hawscpiper Donald Matozi applauded as his brother, from the stage and joined them in a group hug. The trio Ronald Malozi , received his cenificate signifying his then made their way to the stage where Luis, tears runcompletion of the ·highest curriculum for galley gang ning down his cheeks, reintroduced them to the audimembers. Both brothers began their careers in the ence. Lundeberg School's trainee program. Donald has worked After the meeting, Luis explained he worked with varhis way up to hold an engineer's license. ious members of his family to bring the sisters together. Showing support for their father and husband was the 1 Paulette stayed with Luis father who brought her to family of Edward Dunn. They traveled from New York Piney Pointt while Paula was with the rest of the family. to share in his spe,ial day. No one told the sisters what was going to happen. Hovrever the largest gathering of family members in "I planned it this way because I wanted to share my the auditorium belonged co Luis Escobar. who sails joy with everyone," Luis stated. "This is what family is from the port of Santurce, P.R. 1 The I I-year SIU member brought his relatives togeth· all about and my union is part of my family.' Family members photographed and videotaped the er for a very special reason that he wanted to share with gpecial occasion. Paula and Paulette spent a couple days his SIU brothers and sisters. with each other before returning to their homes. Escobar has two teenage daughters who had never 1 New Recertified Steward Luis Escobar introduces his daughters to the membership. Paula Andrea (left) from New York and Paulette Catalina from Columbia had never met each other prior to last month's union meeting in Piney Point. Showing affection to their father are Seafarer Luis Escobar (right) and his brother. Escobar family member~ took 6f pMt6grApM to ~t¢1'~~ commemorate tne meeting of Lui5 EMobe.r's daughters a~ w4:'11 a~ his grad· ue.tion from the steward recertificatiM pr~grem. Steward � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES DOT OUTLINES CASE FOR STRONGER U.S. FLEET IN REPORT TO CONGRESS PLANS FINALIZED FOR FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL SIU TO CREW SURVEY SHIP USNS HENSON AFL-CIO LAUNCHES 7-POINT CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SCHOOL’S RADAR TRAINING ON COURSE FOR UPGRADE PENN CREWS RATIFY 5-YEAR PACT BILLS FOR VETERANS’ EXTENSION GAIN SUPPORT EXPRESS MARINE BOATMEN SAVE 2 IN DELAWARE RIVER ECSTASY FIRE EXPOSES PROBLEMS ON RUNAWAY-FLAG CRUISES NEW LEGISLATION ATTACKS JONES ACT THIRD BOB HOPE RO/RO VESSEL, USNS SEAY, CHRISTENED LAKES’ CARGOES STAY AHEAD OF LAST YEAR’S STRONG PACE ITF COMPILING LIST TO HELP STEVEDORES THIRTEEN STEWARDS IMPART VALUE OF FAMILY AND EDUCATION SPEAK TO MEMBERS DURING RECERTIFICATION CEREMONY SEAFARERS HELP STABILIZE GROUNDED TANKER IN P.R. MIRADOR HELPED USNS SHUGHART GET OFF TO GOOD START ADVISORY BOARD GET RESULTS LNG CREWS EYE UPGRADING OPPORTUNITIES, DEMONSTRATE SOLID COMMITMENT TO SAFETY SIU BOATMEN DIG INTO PORT EXPANSION REFURBISHED POSTER COLLECTION DISPLAYED AT PAUL HALL LIBRARY GRADUATION DAY TURNS INTO FAMILY DAY AT PINEY POINT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 9 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2e91af55289028633ffed2514948fe4d.pdf 4c4d63746b9e33d6c6661bb1917d8144 PDF Text Text - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - P a g e s 3, 4 �President's Report . 60 Years of Progress Sixty years ago this month, the Seafarers International Union of North America came to life. From the ashes of the defunct International Seamen's Union, Harry Lundeberg, the head of the Sailors' Union of the Pacific, and William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor, created the SIUNA. This organization, chartered by the APL on October 14, 1938, was designed to be an international union for mariners. The first organizations within the banner of the SIUNA were the separate Atlantic District, Gulf District and Great Lakes District of the Seafarers International Union. Each district had its own officials and headquarters. Eventually, the districts merged to become the SIU Michael Sacco Atlantic and Gulf District-the forerunner of our great union. Over the years under the leadership of men like Paul Hall and Frank Drozak, the SIU has grown. Today, our name reflects the fact we represent American mariners wherever they may sail-the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. Seafarers can be found working aboard American-flag containerships, bulkers, passenger vessels, tugboats, ferries, prepositioning ships, fishing vessels, tankers and so much more. Like the maritime industry, the SIU has grown and changed to meet the times. The stick ships with week-long layovers sailed by the founders of the SIU have given way to computer-driven vessels whose offloading and reloading can be done in less than a day. While older members passed their skills to younger mariners 60 years ago, today's rapidly evolving technology means Seafarers count heavily on the training and education provided by the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point to meet the challenges of the next century. Yes, there has been quite a bit of change during these 60 years. But that change has not been limited to the SIU; it also can be seen in the SIUNA. Reflecting the movement that has taken place in the American workforce since 1938, the SIUNA has progressed and grown. Its autonomous unions represent mariners in the U.S. and Canada, including the Sailors' Union of the Pacific, the Marine Firemen's Union, the SIU of Canada and the Canadian Marine Officers Union. However, the SIUNA also includes workers from a variety of fields---cannery workers in Alaska, sugar workers in California, taxi cab drivers in St. Louis, warehousemen in Ohio, mattress makers in Maryland and government workers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, to name a few. In fact, the SIUNA has a total of I 6 different unions within itall independently operated, but all united to improve the lives of their members. There has been one other constant during the 60 years the SIUNA has been in existence-the National Maritime Union. For six decades, the SIUNA and NMU have been locking horns. Our unions have fought each other from the waterfront to the corporate board rooms to obtain jobs for our members. It has been an ongoing battle that has drained each organization of manpower and other vital resources. But, after 60 years, an end to this fighting may be near. As I announced in this column in April, officials from the SIUNA and NMU have been meeting to bring the NMU under the SIUNA banner. Just last month, NMU President Rene Lioeanjie used his column in The NMU Pilot to update his members on what is happening. The Seafarers LOG is reprinting the full text of President Lioeanjie's remarks in this issue. Many of you who have sailed with the Seafarers for a long time have heard previous statements about the SIUNA and NMU getting together, but nothing ever happened. Now, however, we are further along in the talks than ever before. The example that we hope to follow for affiliating the NMU with the SIUNA is the one used successfully in I 950s when the Marine Cooks and Stewards came aboard. The MC&S maintained its autonomy, elected its own officials and negotiated its own contracts for more than 20 years before electing to merge with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1978. There is still much to do, but an affiliation by the NMU seems more likely than ever. It seems fitting that 60 years after the founding of the SIUNA we can look ahead and see the possibility of one international union representing all of America's unlicensed mariners. Happy Anniversary! NMU President Liaeanjie Announces Affiliation Talks with SIUNA Under Way Editor's Note; The following published within NMU President Rene Liaeanjie 's column in the September 1998 issue of The NMU Pilot. As announced in zfle April 1998 issue ,of the Seafarers LOG, rhe SJUNA and Naiional Maritime Union have been engaged in talks to affiliate the NMU as an autonomous union within the Sf UNA. These discussions are still under way. President Li11eanjil! 's statement ls was reproduced with pumission word-for-word as it tippearui. in his column. The Seafarers LOG will continue to keep Seafarers apprised of the latest developments. NMU President Rene Lioeanjie I have been engaged in discussions with Mike Sacco, President of the SIU, with the expectation of arriving ac an affiliation agreement between the NMU and the SIU in the very near future. As you know. there have been continuing talks of an NMU-SIU affiliation/merger since the unions left the ISU in the 1930s. The affiliation of the unions representing the unlicensed seamen- the group that has suffered the greatest Josses as the U.S.flag merchant marine shrank in size-is no longer an option. It js a necessity. Since World War II, the American-flag merchant marine, in its splintered form, has been fighting an uphill battle with the flag of convenience fleets. The U.S.-flag merchant marine currently carries approximately 3 percent of our nation's waterborne imports and exports. The runaway-flag fleets of Panama, Liberia, Bermuda and others carry approximately 75 percent. It is absolutely necessary for the American unlicensed unions co regroup and consolidate our efforts as we continue to rebuild the American-flag merchant marine. We have seen enough of how division wastes our resources and Valume 60, Numb•r 70 The SIU on line: www.seatarers.org Ot:laber 1998 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month- ~76 2 ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG undermines our effectiveness. This affiliation agreement would contain the following; • The NMU•s existing constitution would continue in force. e The NMU and the SIU shall continue their respective Pension and Welfare Plans. • Initially, there will be no consolidation of facilities at the National Headquarters or port levels. However, this will have to be addressed in the very near future in order to conserve resources and costs. • Each union will continue its existing collective bargaining agreements at the same level of wages and conditions. (The existing negotiations between each union and its currently existing companies shall remain separate.) • Under the proposed affiliation agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that at some point in the future, the NMU and the SIU will consider entering into supplemental agreements concerning joint ventures and projects where members of each union or affiliate will work on each other's vessels. While specific details as to how such an endeavor would work still need to be discussed by the parties, both the NMU and the SIU believe that in general such an arrangement would be best to serve the interests of both memberships and the maritime industry. We are most hopeful that this affiliation, which in effect creates one unlicensed union, will encourage the licensed unions to explore the establishment of one united licensed union. With the support of the Labor movement, the NMU and the SIU working together can provide the leadership in the fight for a longrange U.S.-flag maritime program and legislation to curb the runaway-flag sham . MarAd's Hart States He Will Continue Administration's Strong U.S.-Flag Policy Calling himself "your voice," new U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart told members of the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club that he and his staff will continue the strong U.S.-flag policies laid out by the Clinton administration and his predecessor, retired US. Navy Vice Admiral Albert Herberger. Hart spoke on September I 8 to nearly 200 representatives from maritime labor, shipping companies and the military as well as to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee staffers, with whom he had worked prior to his appointment in May by President Clinton. He was confirmed by the Senate in July and sworn in to his new pose on August 6. During his brief address delivered on Capitol Hill, the New Jersey native outlined where he wants to take the Maritime Administration during his term of office. He reaffirmed his-and the White House's-backing of the Jones Act, the nation's freight cabotage law. "I'm thoroughly in support of the Jones Act as is. We think it's important," Hart stated. New MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart reaffirms the Clinton administration's support for the U.S. -flag fleet. He referred to his testimony before the Commerce Committee on September 15 in which he called the law that states goods moving from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-owned and U.S.-tlag vessels as "an essential element of our nation's maritime policy. Our need to maintain domestic shipping and an industrial shipbuilding base for national defense purposes and economic security must be a priority." He then added, "I can't say it often enough: What we as a nation don't hold, we don't control." The new maritime administrator announced he would continue to fight for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet and the Maritime Security Program, passed overwhelmingly by Congress in I 996. "I keep a copy of that vote in my office. I look at it every morning and consider that that's my charter." (The vote to which he referred was the 88-10 tally by the Senate in September 1996 which completed the legislative work on the bill.) Hart said he plans to continue the effort to promote the domestic commercial shipbuilding industry, which has seen steady gains since 1993. He also told the audience the Maritime Administration is working with the industry, the White House and Congress to produce a harbor service fund that wiII address the needs of the ports without harming their competitive abilities. In his closing, he asked those attending to send him and his staff their ideas for the industry. "We want your ideas. We need your continued support. You have ours." October 1998 �As Senate Hearings Begin SIU, MTD Call for Support of Jones Act Both the SIU and AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) called on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to reject measures designed to cripple the nation's freight cabotage lawthe Jones Act. The committee held a hearing on September I 5 to review several bills offered during this session of Congress that would allow foreign-flag, foreigncrewed or foreign-built vessels to ply the nation's inland and coastal waterways. The legislators took no action on any of the measures, but Chairman John McCain (R-Az.) promised to hold additional hearings. To let the committee and its chairman know where the union stands on the issue, SIU President Michael Sacco sent a letter to Sen. McCain outlining the union's support of the Jones Act. "The Jones Act assures the participation of U.S. citizens in its own domestic trade to serve economic, political and national security purposes. For the United States, economic benefits and national security are cornerstones that underlie the policy embodied in this law," Sacco wrote. Transportation Interrelated "Weakening or eliminating thi$ important law witt not only adversely affect the domestic commercial mcrchnnt marine, bur will also have severe consequences on the nation's overall transportation network and could very well damage the nation s defense posture." Sai;;i;;o pointed out how the country's tran~portation network is growing more and more interdependent in the age of containerization and intcrmodalism. Thus, a ~hange in the laws affect· ing one mode of transporta· rion-such as waterborne1 could affect all the others. "A policy that is designed to protect the domestic fleet ultimately shields all other modes of transportation as well. "In the case of water transportation, if foreign vessel operators were allowed to participate in the movement of commercial is the newest addition to Maritrans 1 fleet no later than October 1. Seafarers likewise were slated to sign on the country ' s first rebuilt double-hull barge, also owned by Maritrans. Both the tanker and the barge were berthed in Tampa as chis issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. "Our crews have provided safe, efticiem seamanship aboard the Marirrans tanker Integrity, and I'm confident that SIU members will do an equally fine job on her sister ship, the Diligence," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "Similarly, we welcome the conversion of the tank barge Maritrans 192. It represents job opportunities for the SIU." The 40,000-ton Diligence underwent modifications at Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Drydock Company. The adjustments "outfit it to handle both crude oil lightering service or clean oil products," noted John Burns, director of labor relations at Maritrans. October 1998 Affects Economy Noting that the jobs of nearly ITF s lllabal Mariner Sails far U.S. Ship's World Tour Exposes Runaway-Flag Horrors Next port, the United States. After attracting more than 80,000 European visitorsincluding numerous elected political representatives and mediaduring the initial phase of its specially commissioned worldwide voyage, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) ship Global Mariner arrives this month in a half-dozen U.S. ports (see schedule on page 5). The ITF dubbed the vessel an "exhibition ship," and stated that the tour's purposes are "to turn up the pressure in the campaign against flag-of-convenience (also known as runaway-flag) shipping and other substandard shipping, and to focus worldwide attention on the human and trade union rights threatened by the FOC system." The SIU, an ITF affiliate, fully is partii;;ipating in the Global Mariner's North American segmc;nt, ~lated to begin with the ship's arrival in New York on October 9. "The ITF deserves a lot of credit for doing the hard work needed to carry an extremely worthwhile project this far," said SIU President Michael Sacco. 'Tm confident that not only the SIU and the other maritime unions, but also our other brothers and sisters throughout the trade union movement, will help continue this campaign's success Seafare rs Crew Refurbished Tanker, Barge SIU members were scheduled trucking industries. "Only the Jones Act provides a defense for the entire transportation system against potentially destructive foreign carrier competition." 1 Big Month for Maritrans ro crew a refurbished lanker that cargoes within the U.S. domestic commerce, American operators and the men and women who crew the vessels would ultimately be driven out of the trade. Without the Jones Act, cut-rate competition from foreign ship operators will inevitably impact U.S. railroads and long-haul He added that the tanker and barge "show further affirmation of Maritrans' dedication to being pMt of the future of U.S. maritime." The Diligence, a double-hull tanker purchased last year from Chevron, primarily will operate in the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, the company pointed out that the redesign of the 10,500-ton Maritrans 192 (formerly the Ocean 192) complies with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90). ..We are pleased to announce this •industry first' as we rebuild our fleet of super barges to meet the nation's 21st century oil needs while continuing to protect our environment," said Marirrans Chairman and CEO Stephen Van Dyck. OPA '90 imposes a gradual phase-out of all single-hull tank vessels by the year 2015. The Maritrans 192 received quite a facelift, as shipyard workers installed a prefabricated inner hull. That same technique will be used for the rest of the company's petroleum barges. Converted this summer to house a detailed exhibit about runaway-flag shipping, the ITF's Global Mariner is due to arrive in the United States this month. This ship is on a worldwide tour to publicize the runawayflag scam and "turn up the pressure" in the federation's campaign against flag-of-convenience shipping. while the ship is in America." Founded by European maritime union officials in 1896 as a means of internationally combating strike breakers. the Londonbased ITF today comprises 500 unions in more than 125 countries. It represents more than five million union members employed in transportation industries, including about one million mariners and stevedores. As an ITF affiliate, the SIU is quite active. The union includes three ITF inspectors, and SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers' Section. Double Trouble Two years ago, while researching runaway-flag shipping for what proved to be an award-winning, in-depth series published by the Houston Chronicle, one of the reporters acknowledged surprise at both the breadth of the runaway-flag scam and how little it is publicized outside this industry. After that realization, he and the other Chronicle reporter who wrote the series discovered some of the essential challenges faced by the ITF and its affiliates during their 50-year fight against runaway flags. For starters, deception is the very nature of runaways. Shipowners who use this farce shield themselves from responsibility through a mire of agencies and red tape. That bog serves other purposes for such shipowners. It recurrently leads to slow resolution of legal cases involving their ships, which further can make it unattractive for commercial media to report on incidents involving runawayflag vessels. Put simply, runawayflag shipping is a difficult fit in an era of 10-second sound bytes. 125,000 Americans depend directly or indirectly upon the domestic waterways fleet, Sacco added, "If the Jones Act is repealed or weakened, these Americans will lose their jobs both in the marine industry and Continued on page 4 One may argue it requires a series like that in the Chronicle to duly report on it. The runaway scenario itself begins with registering a vessel in a country other than the nation of the person or group who owns it. Usually, the flag state is a nonmaritime nation that welcomes the capital from runaway-flag shipowners, but has neither the intent nor the means to enforce shipboard safety conditions. An example of such absurdity: The Liberian registry is based in Reston, Va. By hoisting the flags of Liberia and other so-called runaway registers (including Malta, Burma, Cyprus, Belize, the Philippines and more), the shipowner avoids tax and safety laws and freely recruits the cheapest labor source. Additional steps taken by runaway shipowners to hide from responsibility also often include using manning agents from nations other than flag-state or ownership stare, and frequently changing the name of their ship (and Jagging in informing anyone). It is a popular track, as half the world's shipping tonnage is registered in nations other than their ownership states. Not surprisingly, the vessels themselves frequently are substandard-sometimes fatally so. In 1997, for instance, 46 percent of all losses (in terms of absolute tonnage) were accounted for by just eight runaway-flag registers. Runaway-flag ships account for a similarly disproportionate percentage of the estimated 2,000 deaths at sea. Continued on page 5 Paul Hall Center's Eglinton Is Elected MERPAC Chair Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is the new chainnan of the U.S. Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). During its two-day meeting last month at the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in Easton, Md ., the group elected Eglinton as chairman and Joe Murphy of the Massachuseus Maritime Academy as vice chair, for twoyear terms. MERPAC, composed of unlicensed and licensed marjners, shipping company officials, Coast Guard representatives, maritime training specialists and others from the industry, advises the Secretary of Transportation (via the Coast Guard commandant) on matters concerning the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of U.S. mariners. "This is an honor, and I look forward to working closely with the committee members and the Coast Guard. We're in a key period for the U.S. maritime industry," said Eglinton, who extensively has participated in domestic and international forums impacting the training and certification requirements of merchant mariners. AB Sinclair Oubre and QMED David Dukehart also serve on the 19-member panel, which meets twice a year. (The next session tentatively is slated for April in Washington, D.C.) During last month's meeting, MERPAC primarily focused on STCW issues, including related matters regarding the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center and regional exam centers. The committee developed a document titled "Guidance for Onboard Assessors or Ship's Officers" intended to set standards for the appraisal of proficiencies contained in the 1995 STCW amendments. It recom- Bill Eglinton mended that the Coast Guard accept the guidelines for use in assessing the Chapter VI (basic safety) requirements of the convention. Among other recommendations, MERPAC urged that text be added at the top of STCW certificates confirming that the mariner has attained the required standards of competence spelled out in thy tables governing basic safety training within the previous five years. The committee also endorsed eventually combining all mariner credentials into one document. Seafarers LOG 3 �New LNG Operator Honors SIU Contract Union Will Continue Fight To Keep U.S. Flag on Ships The SIU recently announced that it has been advised of the cransfer of the management contract for the LNG fleet from Energy Transportation Corp. to a Hamburg-based company called Pronav. Pronav has agreed to honor the contract already in place between the SIU and ETC. That five-year agreement was ratified in 1996. "Therefore, the operation of the vessels and the employment of our union members should remain unchanged," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez at the September membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. "However, Pronav has made no secret of their intent to ultimately reflag foreign," he contin- ued. "Now more than ever, it is important for our members serving aboard the LNG ships to continue to execute their duties in the same exemplary and professional manner that has always characterized their work. Anyone who knows the SIU knows that we will fight with every tool at our disposal to prevent a company from reflagging. "We are assessing all of our options and strategies, and we will keep the membership apprised of our progress." Pronav takes over a fleet of eight SIU-crewed LNG vessels that transports liquefied natural gas between ports in Indonesia and Japan. Jose "Joe" Perez Retires As New Orleans Port Agent SIU official Jose "Joe" Perez has retired after almost 40 years of service to the union. Perez, who turned 65 in August, ~gan his career at the Houston hall in 1959 as a clerk to Port Agent Rohen Matthews. .. I did a tittle bit of everything for the union," Perez recalJed. "I registered members, worked rhe shipping bonrd, handled the teletype and counted the dues when they came in." Perez told a story on himself about the first vessel he serviced after going to work behind the ~ounter. ..It was the Steel Chemist in Galveston, Texas. Why do I remember it? Because I came back to the hall $50 short and I had to make it up," he recounted with a slight laugh. He became a familiar figure in many of the union's organizing drives across the Gulf states and the Caribbean. One of his last campaigns was bringing E.N. Bisso boatmen under the SIU's banner. He also assisted the staffs in many of the union ha1ls in those regions. The fleet of eight SIU-crewed LNG ships will be managed by Hamburg-based Pronav. SIU, MTD Seek Solid Support for Janes Act Continued from page 3 related industries, and the nation will lose substantial revenues." In conclusion, Sacco said, "Any effort to allow foreign entry into the cabotage trades, as suggested by the legislation seeking to amend the Jones Act which has been introduced in the Senate during this Congress, must be seen as a grave threat to U.S. maritime power and, in tum. to U.S. national security." Sacco then noted he looked forward to working with the chairman as well as the rest of the commi uee on this and other issues. Historical Impact Joe Perez Perez was transferred as a patrolman LO New Orleans in 1990 and was elected port agent there in 1992. He was reelected to that post in 1996. Perez. who began his labor career as an organizer in Houston for the Retail Clerks International before coming to the SIU, is not planning co slow down too much in retirement. He still is on the executive board of the Greater New Orleans Central Labor Council and the Louisiana AFLCIO. He also will continue to serve as the secretary-treasurer of the Port Maritime Council of Greater New Orleans and Vicinity. In its statement presented to the full committee, the MTD--0f which the SIU is a membershowed how the U.S.-flag merchant fleet has played a vital role in the commerce and defense of the nation since its founding. The MTD informed the committee that passage of the Jones Act came after the problems faced by the U.S. armed forces and American merchanrs in moving their goods during World War I. "The Jones Act was enacted to solidify the gains made under the Shipping Act of 1916. In terms of projecting its military power overseas, the United States had entered World War I totally unprepared." the MTD's report noted. cabotage Worldwide The department, composed of 32 international unions representing a combined 8 million mem- Captain Commends Hawaii Crew for Rescue The captain of the Sea-La.nd Hawaii praised crew members for their efficient actions during a complicated rescue of two fishermen September 7, approximately 27 miles south of Dry Tortugas. "This rescue went better than any drill that I have witnessed aboard ship, in my 28 years of sailing for Sea-Land," wrote Captain R. Barry in a report of the recovery. "The rescue was a total team effort on the part of all hands on the Sea-Land Hawaii .... The crew demonstrated that they require very little instruction and know what to do in an emergency." Following are excerpts of Barry's report. After the fishing boat Linda Jeane sent a distress call, "Other vessels in the area relayed the distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Coast Guard established communications with the Unda Jeane and prepared to dispatch a helicopter. ''The Linda Jeane was taking on water and had lost her engines. The weather conditions were clear with Force 5 (20 knot) winds and 7-foot seas. "We approached the Linda Jeane on her leeward side, with the intent of standing by until Coast Guard assistance arrived. The chief mate, bosun, 4 Seafarers LOG two daymen and the radio officer were called out to rig ladders and assist with communications. As we approached the Linda Jeane, it became clear that she was rolling extremely heavily. due to the free surface effect of her flooding. "I maneuvered the Hawaii to keep the Linda Jeane approximately 200 feet off our port beam. When the crew of the Linda Jeane suggested that they might have to abandon ship, we sounded the emergency signal in order to get all hands out and prepare to launch a lifeboat, if necessary. "The Linda Jeane took a severe roll and the crew announced that they were abandoning ship and getting in their life raft. I instructed the chief mate to prepare to pick up the survivors on our starboard pilot ladder. I backed the vessel and approached directly at the life raft, using slow speeds and our bow thruster.... "The rescue attempt was complicated by the necessity to avoid hitting the 72-foot fishing vessel, which was approximately 20 feet to leeward of the raft.. .. Both survivors came aboard wet and cold, but in otherwise good condition." bers, reminded the legislators of a recent study conducted by the Maritime Administration that 47 of the world's 55 wealthiest nations have some sort of cabotage laws governing their domestic trades. "Simply put, they do not believe that it is advisable to let foreign transportation interests take control over their lakes, harbors, and coastal and inland waters," the MTD wrote. "Foreign shipping interests have been trying to minimize the dangers inherent in opening up our inland and coastal waters to foreign-flag vessels. They don't talk about the poor safety records of many foreign-flag vessels, or the appalling record of human rights and labor abuses chat are associated with them. "What's more, opponents of the Jones Act conveniently forget to mention that there is no such thing as accountability outside of the traditional maritime registries. Accidents or environmental damage caused by U.S.-flag vessels usually can be traced to a single corporate entity. That definitely is not the case with runaway-flag vessels." The MTD pointed out the Jones Act has widespread bipartisan support in the House of Representatives as seen in House Concurrent Resolution 65, which has more than 240 sponsors reaffirming their backing of the nation's freight cabotage law. Noting the several bills before Congress that want to eliminate or alter one part of the Jones Act or another, the MID added, "By singling out one product or one segment of the maritime industry for spe<:ial treatment, foreign shipping interests and their allies want to undermine the integrity of our nation's cabotage laws one provision, one law, one exemption at a time." Please},e acl.Vls~a that SIU'hf;Jadqf!~rters .and all SIUhiring . (lalls".willbe closed on Wedn[J§Ji?iY, N9vember 11·, 1998 . :. . . . (unless an e.mergep(Jy ari~fJs} for th~ ·abservanc8.."ot .. V:eteran~ .Day. They also will be closed or(Thursday, . r;Joveinbel26 in obseryaiice gt Thsnksgivlng Day. Normal busines$ .hours wiii re~µ{tle th,,~.fol/owing workday.. President Hoover Saves 2 The Seafarers-crewed President Hoover rescued two men in a life raft who had fled from their burning sailboat near the coast of Baja, Calif. After a one-hour search on July 20, the President Hoover located the survivors approximately 30 miles from Turtle Bay. The uninjured pair had been in the raft for about four hours. A fuel leak reportedly caused the fire, and the sailboat sank after the men abandoned it. They sent a distress signal before fleeing, leading to the President Hoover's diversion from its course. The U.S. Coast Guard present- ed a certificate of appreciation to the American Ship Management vessel, which is crewed by members of the SIUNA-affiliated Sailors' Union of the Pacific and Marine Firemen·s Union in the deck and engine departments, respectively, and the by SIU in the steward department. The commendation notes the crew's "humanitarian actions taken on July 20. The unselfish actions and dedication of the master and crew of the President Hoover are in keeping with the maritime tradition of providing assistance to those in distress and distinguishes them as true humanitarian heroes." Ocean Venture Signals New Jobs The SIU gained new jobs when a subsidiary of American Steamship Co. recently entered the integrated tug-barge Ocean Venture into the Jones Act U.S. coastwise and deep sea trades. Operated by Coastwise Bulk Transport Inc., the Ocean Venture potentially represents the first of many such ITBs that the company plans to handle. The parent company has stated its aim to compete in the deep sea trades, with operations between U.S. and close foreign ports. Members of the SIU's Great Lakes division crew 11 self-unloaders operated by American Steamship on the Lakes. October 1998 �Stock Market Fluctuations Renew Concerns About Changing the Social Security System With the recent volatility of the stock market affecting the way people are making decisions about their future, more questions are being raised concerning efforts by some to privatize the Social Security system. In August, the AFL-CIO Executive Council came out strongly against such a proposal. (SIU President Michael Sacco is on the council as a vice president.) The council, which serves as the national labor federation's governing body between biennial conventions, outlined its sevenpoint program to strengthen Social Security before the stock markets started their roller coaster-like series of ups and downs, with the Dow Jones average losing nearly 15 percent in value at Sealarers Need TRB As of August 1, 1998, SIU members cannot register to ship unless they either possess or have applied for the training record book (TRB) jointly issued by the union and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Applications are available at all SIU halls and also are printed in recent issues of the Seafarers LOG. The September issue of the LOG contains a two-page TRB guide that includes the application. Original TRBs are issued at no charge to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their application. There is a $25 charge for replacement books. For more information, contact your port agent or telephone the Paul Hall Center admissions office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5202. one point. The program put forward by the AFL-CIO includes making certain Social Security _9Jntinues to provide retired and disabled workers, as well as dependents and survivors, with a guaranteed monthly benefit protected against inflation for life; preventing private accounts from becoming the core for these benefits; working to use government surpluses to shore up Social Security rather than provide tax cuts for the wealthy; and maintaining the age at which workers are eligible for early or full benefits. In announcing the outline, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney noted, "Those who push privatization expect America's workers to trade in Social Security's protections for an expensive system of individual accounts that will subject working families to the very real risk that they will end up with little to show for their lifetimes of hard work." Reports from some so-called research groups claim the system faces bankruptcy in the very near future without immediate changes. However, the Social Security Administration's 1998 report to its trustees stated the program can continue to meet its obligations without changes until the year 2032. At that time, the administration projected it would have to cut benefits by between 25 to 30 percent. In his State of the Union address this year, President Bill Clinton called for a year of study on Social Security with a White House conference on the issue to occur in December so a legislative solution could be presented next year. Sweeney said those espousing privatization "have gotten a free ride in the media and in the public debate with their high-cost plans to replace Social Security's guaranteed, defined benefits with individual retirement accounts." The National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC), an organization which has been fighting for issues affecting older Americans since 1961, called the efforts by some in big business and on Wall Street to privatize Social Security "a stock-picking crapshoot for American families, most of whom know little or nothing about the stock market." Another problem being overlooked in the call for privatization, according to NCSC, will be the cost to change the system. "Under a privatization model, current and future Social Security benefits would have to be paid out of a shrinking pool of revenue flowing into the Social Security Trust Fund," the seniors' organization noted. "In order to cover the costs of converting the current Social Security system into a private system, taxes would have to be raised in excess of a trillion dollarsalmost the cost of the 75-year financing shortfall in the first place." Among others coming out against privatization is U.S. Representative David Bonior (DMich. ), the second ranking Democrat in the House. "Privatizing Social Security would force working people without investment experience to gamble with the security they've earned through years of hard work," Bonior stated. "Social Security is about people. It's about protecting their life savings. And that's why I'm against privatizing the system." ITF's Global Mariner Begins World Tour Continued from page 3 The Human Toll While runaway shipowners ofLen turn quick profits, mariners pay the price. The ITF long ago confirmed that some crew members on runaway flags-many of whom are completely unqualified ro work aboard a ship-buy their jobs. You can't blame those crews,.. noted Edd Morris. one of the SIU's ITF inspectors. "Many of them are from Third World countries, and they're desperately trying to support their families. Some see this as their only option ." Meanwhile, the fleets of tradi tional maritime nations have shrurik, in large part because of runaway-flag shipping; and many of the professie>na.l mariners there in effect have been forced to leave the indJ,Jslry. Shipyard workers and port employees have suffered related job losses as well. Bai;k aboard the runaway ships, i;onditions are as varied as the multinational crews. Some of the vessels meet international 0 minimum standards for safety and cleanliness; many others do not. (In most cases, international standards are lower than those used in the U.S.) In the past two years, the SIU's ITF inspectors atone have assisted crews aboard runaway-flag ships who endured severe food short- Ship Features Many Exhibits The ITF bills the Global Mariner as "a combination of art and information." Purchased and refitted by the ITF. the former Lady R~b~cca is a general cargo ship that also can take containers. But, for this 18·month voyage around thA world, the G/aba/ Mariner'$ i;argo actually is a blend 6f e'.llhibits designed to spotlight the plague e>f runawey-tleg shipping, the importance of the shipping industry and the need for solutions to the blight of substandard shipping. "In the ~argo holds, giant dramatic images of work at sea combine with sounds and smells to create a unique and thoughtful atmosphNe," the federation notes. "An on-board cinema shows films relating to the shipping industry, including some of the most notorious events in recent maritime history. A new ITF broadcast-quality video about the flag-of-convenience system will be shown for the first time. "Also, a specially commissioned interactive CD-ROM will be on display which invites the visitor to try their hand at being a seafarer or shipowner." The British-flag ship, built in 1979, will host various other displays throughout its voyage. The vessel is 535 feet long and travels at an average speed of 15.5 knots. October 1998 ages, contaminated water, roachin fested quarters, poverty-level wages (and periods of longer than one year when no wages at all were paid), inadequate medical attention, little or no shore leave, shockingly dangerous shipboard practices (such as improper storage of flammable material) and other assorted difficulties. Fighting Back The ITF and its affiliates are making significant progress in this fight. Last year, the federation secured $37 million in unpaid wages for mariners aboard runaway-flag ships and other sub· standard vessels. ITF inspectors also secured other assistance for the crews, including fresh stores and medical treatment. Perhaps the greatest evidence that the IlF campaign is succeeding is the number of ships brought under ITF contract in the last five years. In 1993, only about 2,000 ships were covered. Today, more than 5,000 vessels enjoy the protection of an ITF agreement, which sets minimum international wage and safety standards. Altogether, the Global Mariner's voyage may last up to 18 months. The International Transport Workers' Federation says it hopes to attract about 150,000 visitors to the vessel as part of the 50-year anniversary of its campaign against runaway-flag shipping. After a major conversion that equipped it to host various exhibits, the Global Mariner set sail this summer from London, where the ITF is based. · AB Adam Talut:t:i Dies in Accident AB Adam Talucci, 26, died in an accident August 27 while working aboard the /TB New York. Brother Talucci graduated from the trainee program at Piney Point in 1993. His father, Steven Talucci, sails as a steward/cook on NATCO dredges. Funeral services took place September 5 in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. ..An untimely death like Adam's is especially tragic," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "We in the SIU extend our deepest, most heartfelt sympathies to Brother Steven Talucci and the rest of Adam's family. And we also mourn the loss of a member of our SIU family." SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Tony McQuay, who encouraged Brother Talucci when he expressed interest in attending the Lundeberg School, described him as "a good sailor and a good SIU member. He will be deeply missed." The accident happened as the /TB New York was tying up in St. Croix. Reportedly, a line snapped and struck Brother Talucci in the head, killing him instantly. The line also hit the second mate, who suffered only minor injuries. ' Bosun Stephen Argay, a longtime friend of Brother Talucci's in addition to being a shipmate, said the AB was a good crew member, knew his job well and was an asset to the deck department. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident. Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU Mourns 2 Former Officials Louis Guarino Retired SIU port agent Louis Guarino passed away August 28 in New Orleans after battling lung cancer. He was 68. Guarino sailed in the SIU' s deep sea and inland divisions from 1954 to 1961. He worked in all three departments, and his shipboard experience included voyages on Waterman, Delta and Alcoa vessels. In 1961, Guarino came ashore to work as the dispatcher at the SIU's New Orleans hall. The native of Independence, La. served in that position for more than 20 years. At various times in the 1980s, Guarino worked as a representative at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., as port agent in Norfolk, Va. and as a port official in Jacksonville, Fla. He retired to Metairie, La. in 1984. Jim Martin, retired SIU port agent, knew Guarino very well. "He made his mark as a dispatcher. He was a top dispatcher in the SIU-that was his trademark," Martin recalled. "He loved life and made the most of it. Most of all, he was a great believer in the SIU." .Jacob (.Jack) Ostensen Jacob Ostensen, retired SIU port agent in New Bedford, Mass., died August 28 in Fall River, Mass. He was 88. A native of Norway, Ostensen worked on several New Bedford scallopers before coming ashore in 1960. He served the SIU in various capacities during the 1960s, including port agent. In 1970, he became administrator of the New Bedford Fishermen's Pension Fund. He retired in 1980. Ostensen was very active in the labor movement and was a delegate to the Massachussetts State AFL-CIO conventions for 10 years. SIU Active on Labor Day In keeping with the union's tradition, SIU members and officials participated in a number of Labor Day ceremonies this year, including events in New York, San Francisco, Jersey City, N.J., Mobile, Ala., Woodbridge, Va. and elsewhere. Near right: recently retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney greets Ca.life>rnia. senator Barbara. Bo)(er during a rally in San Francisco. Far right'. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey helped generate publicity for labor's cause when tie wa.s featured in the New York daily newspaper Newsday. Below; SIU Representative Ed Pulver (left) marches in the Jersey City parade. Bottom photo'. Trade unionists and their families and friends march in a Labor Day pMade in N6rthern Vir!7Jinia. The event focused on the AFL-CIO's living wage campaign. Maritime Briefs NASSCO Shipbuilding Program Adds to Increase in Jobs for Seafarers New job opportunities are on the horizon for Seafarers as the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) has completed keel laying for the fourth of seven Watson-class ships being readied for the U .S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The first ship, the USNS Watson, was launched by the West Coast shipyard in July of last year. The second. the USNS Sisler, was christened in February 1998, and the third in the series, the USNS Dahl, is scheduled to be launched this month. The name of the fourth ship, a ro11-on/ro11-off vessel, has not yet been released, but as with the other vessels, will be named after an Army Medal of Honor recipient. In addition to the new ship construction. NASSCO has converted three SIU-crewed containerships for the strategic sealift program: the USNS Shughart, the USNS Yano and the USNS Soderman. A total of 19 sealift vessels, both conversions and new constructions, are planned to be delivered by three U .S. shipyards by the year 2001. The goal of the program is to build a fleet of ships that will increase American's sealift capacity by providing prepositioning and surge readiness to transport military vehicles, helicopters and supporting materiel. Largest Pollution Fines Ever Assessed Against Royal Caribbean Cruises A U.S. judge last month ordered Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to pay a fine of $9 million for dumping oily bilge waste into the ocean and lying about it. Royal Caribbean pleaded guilty in June to eight felony counts in a pretrial agreement with prosecutors on cases brought in Puerto Rico and Florida. In the Florida incident, the company's Nordic Empress pumped bilge waste into the Atlantic en route from the Bahamas to Miami. A U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, which had been searching for drug smugglers, spotted a seven-mile oil slick behind the ship. When the Nordic Empress arrived in port. U.S. authories asked to see a log in which ship's officers were required to record bilge pumping. The log falsely omitted the fact that they had pumped oily waste. In the Puerto Rico case, The Sovereign of the Seas admitted its crews routinely pumped oil bilge, kept dummy logs and disassembled illegal sewage pipes bypassing cleaning devices as part of a conspiracy to hide the illegal practices. In addition to the fine-the largest collective fine in the cruise ship industry- U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks put Royal Caribbean on five years' probation and ordered it to sumbit an environmental compliance plan by December 15 of this year. AMO's Jack Brady Succumbs to Cancer John F. "Jack.. Brady, a founding member and longtime official of the American Maritime Officers (AMO), passed away August 11 _ He was 68 years old. "Jack was a dedicated, hard working union official," recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. "No matter what the struggle, he was there fighting for his members. He will be sorely missed." AMO President Michael McKay described Brady as "one of a kind. He took every assignment full ahead, and he never stopped working for the seafaring men and women he was proud to represent--even when he retired. Jack Brady worked the phone from his home to Washington, calling old friends to discuss specific maritime policy issues, reminding them of why the U.S. needs its own merchant fleet under its own flag." Brady began sailing in 1946 with the U.S. Army Transport Service. The next year, he enlisted in the U .S. Navy. He later received the Purple Heart for being wounded in action during the Korean conflict. Brady earned his third assistant engineer's license in 1952 and was among the first to join the fledgling Brotherhood of Marine Engineers, an SIUNA affiliate and the forerunner of today's AMO. He sailed six Jack Brady years before coming ashore as a representative for the union, which had merged with locals of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association to become MEBA Great Lakes District Local 10 l. The district later changed its name to District 2-MEBA. He would serve on the union's executive board as well as be a vice president, executive vice president and secretarytreasurer. In the mid- l 970s, Brady was assigned to head the union's Washington operations. He worked with officials from the SIU, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department and others to gain support for the U.S.-flag fleet in Congress. He retired in 1992 as the congressional and legislative affairs director. Flu Shots Set For October 23 In.Tacoma Virginia Mason Clinic will again offer free ftu shots this year to members and retirees who qualify under the rules of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The inoculations will be given at the Tacoma half after the October membership meeting on Friday, October 23, 1998, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The address is 3411 South Union Avenue. In order to expedite the necessary paperwork, it is requested that any member or retiree intending to receive a flu sh<:>t call the hall one week prior to October 23. The telephone number is (253) 272-7774. 6 Seafarers LOG October 1998 �'Never Stop Learning,' Say New Recertified Bosuns Representing a vast geographical and ethnic makeup of the Seafarers International Union, the most recent group of deck department members to graduate from the recertified bosun program gave thanks to the union for their jobs and urged those following in their footsteps to never stop learning. Each of the nine recertified bosuns came to the podium to accept their graduation certificates during ceremonies at the September membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. They spoke to an audience composed of union officials, fellow members, unli censed trainees, family and guests. They thanked the union officials as well as the teachers and staff at the Lundeberg School for their knowledge, professionalism, patience and understanding. A graduate of the Lundeberg School's entry level program (Class #131) in 1973, Michael D. Dunn, 45, has returned to the school several times to upgrade his skills. Dunn, who ships from the port of San Francisco, stated that the SIU has enabled him to sail all over the world-places like Hong Kong, Glasgow, Rio-and that being selected for the bosun recertification program "has been a high point in a wonderful career." The sessions on wire splicing with Instructor Ed Boyer were among Dunn's favorite parts of the recertification curriculum. Some of his remarks were directed toward the unlicensed apprentices in the audience. "I want you to take advantage of the opportunities that the school has given you," he stated, "and will continue to g ive you. We are all very privileged. Always remember, we're like a family both out at sea and here at the school. We are all here to help you grow." Very Rewarding Ramon Castro joined the union in 1977 in New Orleans. The 46-year-old Seafarer has attended upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School before, but found this program-the highest curriculum available to Seafarers who sail in the deck departmentthe most rewarding of his ~areer. "Upgrading our skills is the only way to reach our goals," he stated. "And the Lundeberg School is such a tranquil place in which to learn." Castro said he will urge all members to take advantage of the union's educational facilities. "Without upgrading, your choices of a job are limited." Edwin Rivera, 43, formerly of New York and now sailing from Jacksonville, Fla., has been with the SIU for 19 years. ''The union has been good to me and my family," said Rivera, The nine graduates of the bosun recertification program pose with officials of the SIU at the September membership meeting. From the left (front row) are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Michael McCarthy, Ramon Castro, Norman Armstrong, SIU President Michael Sacco, Michael Dunn, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Robert Woodson, (second row) SIU Representative George Tricker, Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Gregory Hamilton, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Edwin Rivera and Edwin Gambrel. who has upgraded four previous times at the Lundeberg School, located on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He said he had a great time in the recertified bosun program and learned a lot from the instructors. "I am a proud member of this union," Rivera stated. To the unlicensed apprentices, he added, "You're in a great union. Keep coming back and learn all you can." Educational yet still enjoyable is the way Edwin G. Gambrel, 45, described his overall experience at Piney Point. He thanked the SIU for the opponunities he has had since joining the union in Mobile, Ala. in 1973 and noted that he would definitely recommend the school's upgrading classes and the great staff. He particularly enjoyed learning some computer basics as well as the thorough review of firefighting and CPR. "The SIU is the best union, bar none... stared Harold Sebring. "Nowhere else can you get an education like this." The 43-year-old recertified bosun, who sails from the pon of Houston, added that a small way the membership can assist the union in its goals is to get out there and pitch in when neededmaybe on a picket line or writing letters or making phone calls. Michael McCarthy, 36, sails from Brooklyn. He has seen a lot of changes in the SIU and at the Lundeberg School since he joined in 1981. He particularly mentioned the hard work done by the union officials and other staff employeeswork that is seldom noticed by the membership. The wheels are constantly turning, he said of the union leadership-negotiating contracts, talking with congres- sional representatives, taking care of insurance claims and vacations. "They're working hard for us, but what can we, as union members, do in return?" he asked. One way, McCarthy suggested, is to work hard when you are out on a ship. "Put in an honest day's work every day," he said. He also suggested helping someone else who may be having trouble, either with their studies at the school or with their duties on board ship. "Be brotherly," he said. "It's for all of us." McCanhy reminded his fellow members, "We•re the ones with the jobs. So our union officials must be doing something right for us. Let's keep the union spirit strong-and keep working hard." Thanked Instructors Robert Woodson, 36, thanked everyone who took the time to encourage and instruct him on taking advantage of the numerous opportunities, both at the school and aboard SIU-contracted vessels throughout the world. Sailing from the port of Norfolk, Va., Woodson joined the SIU after eight years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. This is his third time at Piney Point. "As I look back at the many jobs available to us as SIU members," he told the audience, "I can't help but be proud of our negotiators who constantly work hard to ensure we have the widest variety of jobs available to any American maritime organization. Our leaders have forged a stable environment to carry the membership well into the new millennium." Along with job security, Woodson expressed his pride in being part of an organization that prioritizes some of the personal needs of its members, things like a constantly improved welfare plan and a professionally run addictions rehabilitation center. Woodson recognized all those people whose tireless efforts keep the jobs flowing: manpower, the hiring halls and those working behind the scenes. "We, the mighty rank-and-file of the SIU," he concluded, "will continue to fulfill our destiny and remain the backbone of the United States merchant marine." Gregory :_ .J. ! In order to graduate from the recertification program, the bosuns had to complete a class on damage control. October 1998 Hamilton, took me off the street and put me in the right direction." He was thrilled with being able to travel the world and make good money at the same time. The second opportunity came about 14 years ago "after all that partying around the world. . . . The union once again helped set me in the right direction. And the third is graduating from the bosun recertification program and getting some job security for me and my family." Hamilton, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., has worked in all three departments, been shipwrecked in the Indian Ocean on an old T2 tanker (where he had to abandon ship by lifeboat), and has returned to the Lundeberg School four previous times to upgrade his skills. Like McCarthy, Hamilton thanked the union officials for their hard work in getting a good standard contract for the membership, but noted that future contracts "have a lot to do with us doing a good job out there on the ships." Sailing from the port of Mobile, Ala., Norman K. Armstrong, 36, believes that the CPR, first aid and firefighting classes teach skills he can defi- I nitely use, not only aboard ship, but at home as well. He joined the SIU in Piney Point in 1987, when he was 25 years old, and believes that in his 11 years of shipping, "the union has shown me how to be responsible. Being responsible is doing things the right way, and if you do things the right way, everything works out." Armstrong looks forward to his shipboard leadership position and advised the unlicensed trainees to "listen you your supervisors and work together as a team. You're going to be in different ports, see different things, visit different parts of the world. It's a great opportunity, but always ask questions and keep the right attitude." Additional Training In addition to refresher courses in CPR and firefighting as well as hands-on exercises and classroom work in many different areas of proficiency (wire splicing, military sealift operations, crane operations, damage control procedures), the nine bosuns met with representatives from all departments in the union, thereby enhancing their understanding of the many facets that have to come together to make the union strong. Officials from the contracts department discussed how the union goes about negotiating an agreement. Representatives from the SIU's health, vacation and pension programs kept the nine members abreast of their benefits, and during a trip to the union's headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md., the bosuns learned about the latest efforts of the SIU's legislative and government affairs departments to promote U.S.-flag shipping and ensure job security for all Seafarers. The six-week program has come to an end, but the nine recertified bosuns will feel its effects for many years to come. With their new-found knowledge about the workings of the union, they now are in a position to practice what they have learned and disseminate that information to their fellow shipmates around the world. The recertified bosuns work with some of the unlicensed apprentices during a crane operations class. 42, believes he has been given three golden opportunities in his life, all with the help of the SIU. The first occurred a quarter-century ago when he came through as a trainee at the age of 16 (Class #112). "This school and union Seafarers LOG 7 �ACE Alliance Aims to Fortify STCW Training An upcoming agreement between the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and the American Council on Education (ACE) is designed to help Seafarers meet STCW requirements. The expanded alliance between the center and ACE-the exact date of which has not been announced-stems from a 1995 STCW amendment requiring an external auditing process known as a quality standard system, or QSS. ACE recently received U.S. Coast Guard authorization as a QSS. This means that ACE will be able to approve Paul Hall Center courses as fulfilling STCW requirements. much the same way as the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC) has okayed applicable classes in the past. ACE Director Jo Ann Robinson and her staff recently spent several days at the school in Piney Point, Md., learning more about the facility's c1asses and admissions procedures. However, this is not a new association between the center's Lundeberg School and the Washington, D.C.-based education group. ACE, a college credit recommendation service, has been evaluating the school's curriculums since 1975. As a result of those years of assessments, one benefit to upgraders is that they have had the chance to obtain academic credit for learning acquired outside the auspices of traditional colleges and universities. In other words, an SIU member who successfully completes one or more of the vocational or academic courses available at Piney Point may receive college credit for it, since the Lundeberg School c1asses are ACE-evaluated. The final decision rests with the college or university, though. Meanwhile, ACE is one of three entities approved by the Coast Guard to serve as a QSS for facilities providing training and education to meet STCW requirements. The other two are the American Bureau of Shipping and Det Norske Veritas. Staff members from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in late August welcomed representatives of the American Council on Education (ACE) for an in-depth update on the Piney Point, Md. facility's curriculums and admissions procedures. "The requirements of STCW are a perfect fit with ACE," observed Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. "As a QSS, ACE will be much more involved with the school." Upgraders Use Academic Dept. As Springboard to Other Courses Overseas Safety Schaal l'rovides Anti-Terrorism Training How can you detect when someone is watching you? Is there any reason to be potentially suspicious of someone carrying a camera? What good will it do to retrace your steps? The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education helps Seafarers answer these fairly unusual questions and many others in an anti-terrorism briefing iL provides to all students at the Piney Point, Md. school. Though not required to do so, the center's Lundeberg School added this one-hour course in response to a direcrive from the JoiM Chiefs of Staff. That order covers Depanmenc of Defense employees who are deployed overseas. Since mariners working aboard military-contracted ships -such as those operated by the U.S . Military Sealift Command-are considered Defense Department employees for the duration of the voyage, they must complete anti-terrorism training before sailing overseas. (There are four levels of training specified by the government. Mariners must complete the first level. The other levels are for instructors, military unit commander~ and very high-ranking officers.) Several hundred Seafarers already have completed the class since the school first offered it a few months ago. "This training is meant to help OYSTERS: Love 'Em Or Leave 'Em.? Editor's note: The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Man has been eating oysters for more than 4,000 years. They were delicacies of Roman emperors and French kings and are consumed in increasing numbers today. Raw bars are popular throughout America, and shucked raw oysters are served with Tabasco, horseradish, cocktail sauce and exotic combinations of ginger, roasted chilies and oriental flavors. There are, however, dangers associated with consumption of this wonderful shellfish. Oysters should be harvested from governmentinspected beds and tagged. These beds are free from contaminated water that could carry deadly hepatitis A viruses. The tags should be kept for 90 days by the end user. Consumption of raw oysters has led to the nation's worst outbreak of foodbome illness relating to oysters. Since early June, more than 300 cases of flu-like symptoms were reported in people who consumed oysters harvested in the Galveston Bay area of Texas. The Lone Star state stocks more than half the nation's supply. There are more than 20 million raw oyster eaters in this country, and people are at risk if they consume raw oysters from unapproved sources. All oysters have some bacteria that can be destroyed by steaming for eight minutes in the shell, boiling five minutes, or frying or baking at 450 degrees (F.) for 10 minutes. When using live oysters, lightly tap the shell. It 8 Seafarers LOS the members, help our contracted companies and help the military. It really simplifies things all the way around," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the center and a certified antiterrorism instructor. The course touches on different aspects of terrorism-everything from how to identify potential threats, to reasons why people commit terrorist acts, to surviving a hostage ~ituation. Much of the content focuses on preventive action and awareness. The government directive for such training took about one year to implement. It was launched following the bombing of Khobar Towers, Saudi Arabia in June 1996. should close tightly. A freshly shucked oyster should have a pleasant fresh sea-breeze odor, and the liquor is clear and not cloudy. Store live oysters as close to 32 degrees (E) as possible and cover with a damp cloth. Never cover with ice. Fresh water will kill the oysters. and placing them in plastic bags will suffocate them. Frozen oysters in the shell are now marketed. They are flash frozen and can be used in many recipes. The key is to buy from a reputable supplier. Persons with liver disease should not eat raw oysters. There are bacteria found in some oysters in government beds that have caused many cases of foodborne illness. Vibrio fulnificus is a bacterium that is found in marine waters even if the water is clean. This bacterium can cause stomach distress, flu-like symptoms, blood poisoning and even death. The trend toward warmer c1imates and warmer waters has increased the threat of illness caused by vibrio fulnificus. Government guidelines have recommended that persons in these areas eliminate consumption of raw oysters completely. January is the best month to consume oysters. Cold water means great flavor. There are as many as 15 varieties available from the five species found in the United States. There are distinct differences between a Florida Apalachicola oyster and a Bluepoint and a Martha's Vineyard. The flavor of oysters is determined by the waters in which they live and by what they eat. The Bluepoint refers to the Long Island Sound oysters. A new Fishers Island oyster from the island in the eastern sound is becoming a favorite of many New York oyster connoisseurs. Olympias from Seattle are the oyster of choice on the West Coast. Whatever the oyster, make sure that it is from federally inspected beds to ensure that it is free from harmful viral contamination (although it could still harbor deadly vibrio fulnificus). Cooking all oysters is the best insurance policy to avoid illness. For free oysters recipes, write to: Louisiana Oyster Recipes, 1600 Canal St., Suite 210, New Orleans, LA 70112. Thanks to their own efforts plus assistance from the Paul Hall Center's academic department, including instructor Rick Prucha (center), SIU members Yahya Al-saqaf (left) and Hussein Mohamed (right) recently completed several courses at the school. Preparatory courses for Seafarers who speak English as a second language helped enable them to pass the vocational curriculum and a computer basics class. Primarily speaking a language other than English does not mean SIU members cannot upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. In fact, the academic department at the Piney Point, Md. facility offers extensive assistance for Seafarers who speak English as a second language (ESL). "It's a great place to learn. I appreciate the chance the school gives us to improve professionally and all the assistance from the academic department." stated deck department Seafarer Hussein Mohamed, who recently completed several courses at the center after taking two of the school's ESL preparatory c1asses. Mohamed and Yahya Alsaqaf, both of whom last sailed with American Hawaii Cruises, each fulfilled the requirements of the school's computer basics course. They also took ESL preparatory classes for water survival and firefighting, then passed the actual courses. Since the center's Lundeberg School opened 31 years ago, it has offered academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students requiring basic skills or ESL or continuing their education. Currently, this includes a GED program, ESL, adult basic education, a basic vocational support program, and a degree-granting college curriculum. See page 23 for more information about the school and upcoming classes. It All Adds Up for Upgrader Watson Seafarer Taylor Q. Watson (right) receives his certificate for successful completion of the college-level Math 101 class at the Paul Hall Center from instructor Rick Prucha. Watson recently earned an "A" grade in the math class while also finishing the vocational department's FOWT course. October 1998 �When Is the SW Not the SIU? When It's on the 'Nash Bridges' Show There was a lot of excitement recently on Fremont Street in San front of the SIU hall to be exact. That is where filming for a scene in an upcoming "Nash Bridges" television show was being shot-with none other than its star, Don Johnson (formerly of another well known police show, "Miami Vice"). In the series, Don Johnson's detective unit is known as the S.I.U. (Special Investigative Unit) and, according to SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, the actor "got a real kick with our SIU shirts thac I presented to him." This is the fourth season for the TV series which airs Friday nights at IO (Esn on CBS. The photos accompanying this article were taken by Robert Schindler, who sails as a QMED from the port of San Francisco. Francisc~in Filming for an episode of the 'Nash Bridges" show takes place in front of the SIU hall in San Francisco. Retired Q,MED Survives House Exploding on Him From the time Joseph Magyar began sailing on the Great Lakes in 1949 to the day he signed off the Sea-Land Venture in 1986, he never experienced anything that could closely relate to what took place around 9 p.m. August 5. That was when his Granite City, Ill. home collapsed around him following a gas explosion which had been triggered by a spark from a light switch being turned off. While the retired QMED survived with second degree burns to his head, neck and arms, he lost everything else. "I am very lucky to be alive," Magyar, 77, repeatedly told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG last month. "I'm kind of sore, but I am very fortunate." On the evening of the disaster, Magyar and his longtime friend, Anna Mokrie, were watching televi~ie>n. A heavy rain had etweloped thac pan of the country, a.nd Magyar was keeping an eye on the basement, which had started to flood. Th~ house in which chey lived was equipped with natural gas. The fumace had been off for the ~1,1mmer. On a check of the basement around 5'.30 p.m. char day, Magyar noticed water rising, so he turned off the pilot to the water heater. He decided to make one more trip to the basement shortly before 9 o'clock because he was looking forward to a television show. He was dressed only in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. "I didn't smell a thing," Magyar recalled. "I clicked on the basement light. looked around and was headed back up the steps. "I pulled off the switch, then whoosh! I looked back and saw the fire coming towards me." Magyar recalled trying to get up the steps but the door was jammed. He had no idea the house had collapsed. "My hair was on fire. I saw a puddle of water and laid down in it to put the fire out." According to newspaper reports, neighbors and emergency teams rushed to the house to rescue Magyar and Mokrie. She was assisted out of the building dazed, but unhurt. Magyar, still trying to get up the stairs, was pulled up by neighbors. "I was in the yard next door, talking rational, and still didn't October 'I 998 know the house blew apart. I was shaking like a frog leg in a frying pan and people kept asking me questions-my name, my ageand I got tired of it. "When the paramedic asked me if I was allergic to anything, I said, 'Yea, I'm allergic to fire.' They stopped asking me questions then." Magyar spent three weeks in St. John's Mercy Medical Center in nearby St. Louis. That is where he found out what he lost in the blast. Safety inspectors deemed his home of more than 25 years as a total loss and ordered it bulldozed immediately. Mokrie (who spent the night in the hospital for observation) and he had no chance to reMver anything-including clothes, piccures. mementos or wallets. Some neighbors gathered what Ii ttlc they could before the structure was demolished, but that little bit was stolen from a locked garage two nights later. "I lost my hearing aids, glasses and teeth. I lost all my papers and souvenirs from sailing," Magyar said. Among his cherished items were salt-and-pepper shakers from around the world, Liberty ship paperweights, pocket watches and baseball cards and photos going back to the time of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. (To show how he was moving on with his life, Magyar changed the conversation to say he was looking forward to seeing on television St. Louis Cardinal first baseman Mark McGwire break baseball's single-season home run record that weekend.) Mokrie and Magyar have moved into a house owned by her family in the same community where they lived. They have purchased several pieces of furniture and clothing to resume a normal lifestyle. But they know they will not be able to replace a lot of the items they once had. While he lost a lifetime of collectibles, the retired QMED realizes how fortunate he is to be able to talk about them-and anything else. "My neighbors helped a lot. They still are amazed anyone could survive that explosion. People don't know how I came out of this. "God was watching out for me." In photo at left, actor Don Johnson (behind the sunglasses) is thrilled with the SIU shirts given to him by SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. Above, Don Johnson gets ready for the filming of a scene. Lakes Seafarers Salute QMED Brink Walter J. McCarthy Crew Remembers Longtime Shipmate The SIU-crewed Walter J. McCarthy Jr. last month paid tribute to someone who worked aboard the Great Lakes vessel for 15 years. Crew members conducted a brief shipboard ceremony in memory of QMED Ed Brink, who passed away September 1 at age 69. The observance included horn blasts and the tossing of a wreath into the St. Clair River. It took place in a sentimental location-the area where Brother Brink's wife often visited so she could wave to him as the ship sailed past. Mrs. Brink and the couple's 4-year-old daughter were among the 50 or so relatives and friends who observed last month's salute. "This was our spot," Mrs. Brink told a local newspaper that featured the ceremony. "I know that Ed is watching this. I know that he is still on that ship-at least his spirit." Seafarer Brink sailed on the Lakes for 52 years, including 29 with SIU-contracted American Steamship Co. (which operates the McCarthy). SIU Algonac, Mich. Representative Don Thornton described Brother Brink as "a quiet person who was very dedicated to his job. I know his fellow SIU members on the Lakes admired his long record of safe, hard work. He will be missed." Brother Brink was diagnosed with cancer in mid-July. He spent the following six weeks in and out of the hospital before passing away at home in Port Huron, Mich. Smooth Sailing & Cool Cookout on LNG Gemini In a recent note to the Seafarers LOG, SA Fernando Mesa reports smooth sailing aboard the LNG Gemini. "Nice weather, good crew, good food-no complaints at all,'' wrote .Mesa. The SA also notes that crew members enjoyed an Independence Day cookout aboard the LNG tanker, which transports liquefied natural gas to ports in Japan and Indonesia. Pictured preparing (and enjoying) the feast are (top photo) SAs Edwin Bonefont (left) and Gregory P. Blaylock; (photo below left) Chief Steward Kris A. Hopkins; and (below) Chief Cook Robert G. Maschmeier. Seafarers LOG 9 �SPAIN - Heading into Spain are SA Tony Colon and the rest of the crew aboard the Lawrence Gianella. LOS ANGELES - ACU James Nolan (left) and Steward/Baker S. Ghani help keep the President Kennedy's galley spotless. ,• MOBILE, ALA. - Veteran Mobile Pilots Doug McClure (at left in both photos) and Tommy Wescovich return to shore after another day of safely assisting deep sea vessels into the port. LONG BEACH, CALIF. - Pictured aboard the President Grant are (from left) SA Nassir Muzayyad, Steward/Baker J. Bull, SIU Port Agent John Cox and Chief Cook Kathleen Lanahan. EARLE (N.J.) NAVY WEAPONS STATION - The Ready Reserve Force (RAF) ship Cape Jacob, which had been in reduced opera.ting status, recently crewed in Mobile, Ala. and sailed to the Navy base in Earle. N.J .. where it continued preparations for an upcoming overseas assignment. In photo at left, Recertified Steward Richard Gray (left) and AB George Dean take a quick breather while helping prepare the ship for its voyage. At right, Chief Cook Jessie James (left) and Third Cook Bertrand Wright inspect provisions brought aboard. PUERTO RICO - AB Amancio Crespo (photo at right) and SA Carlos Sanchez welcome SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez aboard the HM/ Astrachem. Nunez serviced the vessel in Guayama. SHANGHAI - East meets West aboard the Sea-Land Innovator, as Chief Cook Sonny Edwards takes a photo with four Chinese guards. Steward/Baker Pepe Bayani is behind the camera. 10 Seafarers LOG October f 998 �The Brown Is Back! Venerable Vessel Rejoins Cable Operations The SIU-crewed Charles L. Brown rejoined Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.'s active fleet after approximately one year in layup. The venerable vessel last month sailed from the port of Baltimore, heading first for St. Croix to load cable and then to an assignment near Trinidad and Tobago. The SIU unlicensed crew as well as the officers who signed on the ship in mid-August met the challenge of bringing her into shape. "We're checking everything, just getting it all back together," Bosun Francisco Sousa said during a seasonably hot day in late August. "Hatches, cable equipment, watertight doors, new cranes- you name it, we're making sure it's ready." Once known for its wooden components, the Brown has undergone piecemeal refurbishment through the years. While the wooden foredeck is unaltered, virtually all of the ship's remainder is steel. A recent visit to the galley aboard the Charl9s L. Brown found the entire department hustling to serve a delicious lunch. Pictured counterclockwise from top are Chief Steward Justo LaCayo, Cook/Baker Carlos Suazo. Chief Cook Nazareth Battle, GVA Helen Mitchell and GVA Allan Bright. Despite its long record of service in undersea cable operations, the Brown is state-of-the-art. It recently took on a new robotics sea plow used for burying cable, and overall it is outfitted with the most technologically advanced equipment for retrieving and repairing undersea communications systems. The ship's features include a bow thruster, dynamometers (used to check cable tension), bottom profiling systems (which permit finely accurate readings of the ocean floor), bow cable machinery (for loading and unloading many miles of cable), and more. Seafarers help make it all work, from separating the different types of cable into appropriate sections of the storage tanks, to assisting with engine upkeep and operation, to keeping fellow crew members well fed, among many other duties. The Brown's SIU-crewed sister ships are the Long Lines, Global Mariner, Global Sentinel and Global Link. Helping remove a line from the deck is AB Robert Forrest. Shown in the group photo, the galley gang members are (from left) Chief Cook Nazareth Battle, GVA Helen Mitchell, GVA Gary Travia, GVA Allan Bright, Chief Steward Justo LaCayo and Cook/Baker Carlos Suazo. OMUs Jon Driggers (above photo) and Ken Pinchin (left) form part of the engine department aboard the Charles L. Brown. Pictured at right, AB Tom Higgins does his part to prepare the Brown for sailing. Parent company Tyco International Ltd. (inset) purchased the Charles L. Brown and four other SIU-crewed cable ships in 1997. The vessels remain under SIU contract. October 1998 Teamwork is important on any ship, as demonstrated by (from left) ABs Mike Monohan, John Baker and James B. Kerns. Seafarers LOG 11 �SIU Dateline 19 3 8 - American Federation of Labor (AFL) presents an international charter for mariners to Harry Lundeberg on October 14. The union is known as the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA). It consists of three separate districts: Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes, which will be referred to as SIU. 1939 - First contracts with shipping companies (Savannah Line. P&O Steamship and Colonial Navigation) are signed. Among the issues won by members are overtime pay for work on Saturday afternoons. Sundays and holidays, two weeks of vacation and hiring through the union hall. Union gains war bonuses for crews sailing into dangerous zones. Delegates from the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes districts also approve the SIU's first constitution. 1940 - SIU's Atlantic and Gulf districts merge after ratification by membership. The SIU overwhelmingly wins an NLRB-conducted representation election for the crew of Calmar Line vessels. 1941 - John 'Whitey" Hawk is elected to head the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District as its secretary-treasurer. A German submarine sinks the SIU-crewed SS Robin Moor on May 21, the first time an American-flag vessel is torpedoed. Crew members are given 20 minutes to abandon ship. 1942 - The SIUNA holds its first convention. Harry Lundeberg is elected president. The SIU joins with the Sailors' Union of the Pacific to oppose attacks on the Jones Act, the nation's freight cabotage law. War Shipping Administration takes control of U.S.-flag merchant fleet. 1943 - Union members continue war effort risking life and injury to deliver needed supplies to troops around the globe. 1944 - SIU fights effort by Maritime War Emergency Board to cut mariners' wages. With bonuses and overtime included, the average seaman's salary is $32.25 a week. The SIU opens its new building at 51 Beaver Street, combining the New York hiring hall with the Atlantic and Gulf District headquarters. 1940 - The SIU creates the position of Director of Organizing to prepare for the oame to recruit new memoers anrJ sign nonuniM companies at tne wars ena. New YorK Port Agent Paul Hall is appointee!. TM SIU and other maritime unions fi9ht an attempt by the U.S. Coast Guard to control the U.S. flag merchant fleet in peacetime. The campaign to represent cri;iws aboard thg 1smm1an fleet oeglns. 1 9 4 6 - M~MMtsl'\io aooreives comm1nee lo inve:Jtigate the POMibility of establisl'\ing an upQfadinO trainina scnool In New Orlean5. Voting fof fepresentation begins aboard Isthmian snips. TM AFL creates me Maritime Trades Department to give marlllme-relateO unions equal status with the Bvilc;ling TF,lQQS and tvlgtal Tradgs d9part. ments. Tne SIU &huts down ths nlltion's pons wiln a general striKe when negotiated wage increases an;i rgjgctQd by thQ fgdgral wage StaDilizauon BoarrJ. Alter eight days, the boara approves me increases, which ma ten tnose oKayea for west coast unions, me striKe is ca11ea off. ana 1 9 4 'l - F'ltul Hall is elected secretaryof the SIU, the union's highe:d posiliQn. Thg SIU wins thg c:itmp;;iign to rep• resent Isthmian crews ;:md signs ;;i contract witn me company, completing thg two·year campaign, Seafarers march with members of the Uniteel Financial Employees to help them in their strike against the New York Cotton Exchange. This began the SIU's commitment to ne1p1ng non-maritime unions in time or neM. tre~surer 1 948 - Cities Service unlicensed tanker crews vote for SIU representation with more than 83 percent saying yes to the union. The vote follows a year-long organizing effort which meets with stiff opposition from the company_ However. labor laws call for anotner Miiot to be conauctea. New agreements with contracted-companies retain the union hiring hall. a major issue during the negotiations. 1949 - The forerunner of tooay·s Uniteo Industrial worKers (UIW) is chanereci by the SIU as tne Marine Allieo workers Division. Tne SIUNA cnaners the SIU of Canada to restore oemocratic trade unionism in that country following threats of a communist takeover. Despite the anti-union campaign waged by Cities Service, 89 percent of the crew again voted for SIU representation. The company continues to fight despite NLRB certification that the SIU is the bargaining agent. Congress passes separate bill backed by the SIU calling for 50 percent of military cargo going to non-communist countries as well as 50 percent of goods headed to Europe unaer tne Marshall Plan be carried aboard U.S.-flag , U.S.-crewed vessels. 1 9 50 - The SIU becomes the first mariners' union to negotiate a companyfinanced welfare plan for its members. The plan would provide Seafarers with a $500 death benefit and $7 per week hospital benefits. Just days before a Senate hearing looking into Cities Service's anti-union cam- 12 Seafarers LOG paign, the company signs a contract with the SIU, thus ending the union's four-year effort to organize the tanker fleet. Korean Conflict begins and SIU-crewed ships are delivering the goods to U.S. troops. 19 51 - The SIU gains an industry-wide vacation plan for its members. The program provides tor the equivalent of two weeks' vacation pay for each 12 months of service. Union headquarters moves from Manhattan to 675 Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. 19 5 2 - The first of three projected upgrading schools open for Seafarers. Operating out of headquarters in Brooklyn, the first class qualifies members to obtain their AB certificates. Plans call for training to start soon for both engine and steward department members. Welfare plan expanded to include maternity and disability benefits. SIU membership overwhelmingly approves new constitution. Union implements scholarship program for members and their dependents. SIU PRESIDENTS 1953- Two unions join the growing ranks of the SIUNA; the Marine Firemen, Oilers and Watertenders Union (MFOW) and tne Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). AFL calls on the Seafarers to help in the creation of a new longshoreman's union after the International Longshoremen's Association is removed from the national labor federa· tion on corruption charges. 1954 - SIU protests the transfer of 80 U.S.-flag Liberty ships (including 26 under contract to the SIU) to runaway flags by the U.S. maritime administrator. The union terms the action a "torpedo to the midships of the American merchant marinen because it not only means the loss of thousands of American jobs but also places the vessels in competition with the U.S. fleet The SIUNA's presidents: Harry Lundeberg (who served from 1938 to 1957), Paul Hall (1957-1 1955 - The SIU adopts its seniority system of A, B and C book membership. Welfare plan expands to include hospital and surgical benefits as well as doctors' visits at home for spouses and dependents. Union negotiates an industry-wide health and safety plan to establish clinics in all ports. The SUP, MFOW and MC&S-all SIUNA affiliates-begin work as the SIU Pacific District. Andrew Furuseth Training School opens in Mobile, Ala. to go along with upgrading facilities in Brooklyn and New Orleans. The AFL merges with the Congress of Industrial Organizations to form the AFL -CIO. · O ctober 14 officially marks the 60-year anniversary of the SIU. It is a history worth considering. As a key part of America's fourth arm of defense, SIU members have answered their nation's call from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Today, they remain at the ready. Vocational training has evolved from being passed generation to generation on the job, to the old Andrew Furuseth facilities at various SIU halls and then centralized at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Today, the Paul Hall Center stands as the finest maritime training facility for unli- THEN 19 5 6 - Dr. Joseph 8. Logue is named mecuca1 director of the Seafarers Welfare Plan MMieal Program. First of tour nealth centers is ready to open near the Brooklyn headquarters. The SIU. maritime laMr anc:l the shipping industry defeat a proposal in the $1;matg to weakgn thg nation's C<ilrgo preference laws. 1fl 5 7 - SIUNA Founaer ana Prestaem Harry Lundeberg dies. SIU SecretaryTrMsurer Paul Hall e1ecrea to replace mm. Brooklyn clinic opens; others set for Baltimore, Mobile ana New Orleans. Memb'ers' families are eligible to use the racility. 1 9 5 8 - oor1ca1 rieneflts for memoers covets free eye e><ams ana glasses. Tne SIU and National Maritime Union (NMU) 1auncn campaign to comMt runaway-flag sntppmg situation with the help of the International Transport Workefs' Federation (ITF). Tne Great Lakes District votes to affiliate Witn the Atlantic and Gulf Diotfict. censed mariners in the nation. Aboard ship, SIU members have adapt survived the inevitable changes in crew size their reputation as highly skilled, safe and r As next month's local, state and federal it is appropriate to note that the SIU remai active organization. No one said it better President Paul Hall, who noted, "Politics is Seafarers still take that notion to heart. In an era when national economic and re In this undated photo taken at the old SIU hall in New York, members participate in a union meeting. 19 5 9 - SIU implements Olood bank pro· gram for members ana their families. The uniein oroviaes aaamonal training facilities at MMouMers so members can obtain lifeboat tickets. Also. ordinary seamen ana wipers ate oiven ul'.>()radino opponunities. 1960-The membership approves a revision to the SIU constitution. Unoer the cnanges, me memoership meetings will be hela monthly, the presioing officer's title goes from secretary-treasurer to president and the district's name becomes the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A committee of galley gang members recommends creation of a recertification pro~ram for chief stewatds. 1 981 - SIU optical plan cov~raoe expanded to include members' spouses and dependents. Welfare plan now includes provisions for Seafarers who become sick or injured off the job. Union negotiates first pension plan for deep sea members. 19 6 2 -Agreement allows SIU-contracted snips to carry fresh canned milk, now available Oecause of technology changes, aboard vessels. This means steward departments will not have to take chances by purchasing milk in foreign lands. First steward recertification class gets under way at headquarters. SIU marches with other maritime unions in support of ILA strike in Atlantic and Gulf ports. 1963 - SIU-crewed Floridian strafed by Cuban jets so miles north of the island nation. Seafarers fly to Germany to crew the world's largest cable ship, the Long Lines. The SIU wins the first union contract to cover crew members aboard an oceanographic research vessel , ending a three-day strike aboard the Anton Brunn. The SIUcrewed Robin Moor, ~ . attacked by a German submarine, was the first American-flag ship to be hit during World War II. Some of the survivors are pie· tured here. From 1944 to 1951, the union's headquarters was located at 51 Beaver Street in Manhattan. 1964 - The union begins its seniority upgrading program so B book members can gain their A books. The SIU attacks efforts by the U.S. government and grain compa- October f 998 �nies to eliminate cargo preference provisions for carrying American grain to the Soviet Union. President Lyndon Johnson creates the Maritime Advisory Committee. 1965-SIU fights attempts to weaken the Jones Act by allowing foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto Rican-U.S. mainland trade. The SIUNA testifies before Congress on the need to build new U.S.·flag bulk carriers to make the fleet more competitive in the world market. Training programs operating as the Andrew Furuseth Training School change their name to the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in memory of the SIUNA founder. 1966 -As the war in Vietnam calls for an increase in shipping, the SIU works with MESA-District 2 to enable engine department Seafarers to upgrade their skills and obtain an engineer's license. SIU meets the manpower need created when vessels are broken out for the war effort. 196? - U.S. Coast Guard approves lifeboat training offered by the Lundeberg School. SIU President Hall announces the purchase of property in southern Maryland to serve as a consolidated train ing center for SIU members. The Lundeberg School moves to Piney Point, Md., where members can upgrade their skills and newcomers can learn the skills to become mariners. 1968 - Campaign launched by the SIU and MTD to rebuild the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Union blasts cuts in federal budget directed at the Maritime Administration as reflecting ·a lack of awareness of maritime's essential role in our defense efforts and our peacetime economy." , Frank Drozak (1980-1988) and Michael Sacco (1988-present). tomation and ay, they retain mariners. ns approach, ry politically the late SIU hops." Today, appear blurred, the union has charged head-on into international maritime forums, taking an active role with groups which affect the livelihoods of mariners worldwide. However, the SIU has never lost sight of its primary concern. "The SIU remains dedicated to providing jobs and.job security to its membership. That is something that never has changed, and ii never will change." - SIU President Michael Sacco. On these pages, the Seafarers LOG presents a sampling of events and images in the union's history. NOW Seafarers mar'h in the National Victory Cetebre.tion Parade in Washington, D.G. The event, which took place June 8, 1991, marked America's success in the Per~ian Gulf War. The late 1990s have seen the SIU acquire numerous new jobs for the membership. In this 1997 photo, members climb the gangway of the newly contracted tanker Allegiance in Texas. The importance of politics is reflected in the SIU's relocation of its headquarters in 1982. The union moved from Brooklyn, N. Y. to Camp Springs, Md. Uust outside Washington, D.C.) to enhance its political activities and thereby promote a strong U.S. merchant 1969 - Members concur with a headquarters' resolution to create a ship's committee -composed of a chairman , secretary and delegate from each of the three departments-aboard each SIU-contracted vessel and to hold regular shipboard meet· ings. The Nixon administration unveils its maritime program. It is designed to build new ships, encourage increased private investment and guarantee more government cargo for U.S.·flag vessels. 19'10 - Congress passes and President Richard Nixon signs into law the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, the first major piece of maritime legislation enacted since 1936. The measure calls for 300 ships to be built. The Lundeberg School institutes a reading program to help members who are slow readers increase their literacy skills. The school illso is accredited by the state of Maryland to conduct high school diploma equivalency (GED) tests. The union com· mences a series of crew and pensioner conferences. 19'!1 - SIU and MTD fend off congres· sioniil attacks on both Jones Act and fund ing for U.S. Public Health Service Hospitl'llS. Congress approves law that eliminates the need for mariners to pay withholding ta>e in more than one \'itate. SIU-oontraoted companies Waterman Steamship ana Delta Steamship receive subsidies to build new vessels unaer provisions of the 1970 Merchant Marine Act. 19'/2 - Bilateral agreement reached between U.S. and Soviet Union calls for ong.third of cargo between two nations be carried aboard U.S.·flag vessels. New faster containgrships-the SL-7s--begin sailing with Seafarers iis the crew. 1979 - The bosun recertification program begins at the Lundeberg School. Seafarers take over as the crew for formerly militarymanned Military SMlitt Command tankers. Legislation approved to start work on Trans.A.laska oil pipeline. President Nixon addresses SIUNA convention. reaffirminQ his strong support for the U.S. -flag fleet. 1 974 - Lundeberg School launches trainino prooram for liQUifieel natural gas (LNG) tankers. SIU fights for oil cargo preference legislation. The measure is passed by Congress, but vetoed by President Gerald Ford. 1976 - Alcohol Rehabilitation Center opens in Valley Lee, Md.• near the campus of the Lundeberg School. The crew of the SIU-contractQd Mfl}'<lqugz is held captive for 72 hours by Cambodian rebels. The crew is released unharmed following action by U.S. armed forces . QMED upgraders can take advantage of new shipboard automation course at Piney Point. 19?6 - Following a vote of the memberships. the Inland Boatmen's Union merges with the AGLIWD. SIU signs vacation plan with Steuart Petroleum, the first in me lnlana industry. 19?? - Seafarsrs crew the first LNG carrier built in the Western Hemisphere, the LNG Aquarius-at the shipyard in Quincy, Mass. Later in the year, SIU members climb the ladder aboard the first privately constructed and operated hopper dredge, the Manhattan Island. SIU-crewed tankers carry some of the first loads from the TransAlaska pipeline. However, Sea-Land's Galveston transports the first oil from the pipeline in a 30-gallon drum to Seattle, where the crude is divided into souvenirs. 1978 - MC&S votes to merge with the AGLIWD, the first time East Coast and West Coast shipboard jurisdiction is united. Coast Guard recognizes upgrading time at Lundeberg School for on-the-job credit. New three-year pact with Interstate Oil Transport October 1998 establishes new benefits for inland members, including major medical coverage for dependents. 1979 - Seafarers crew UST Atlantic, the largest vessel built in the Western Hemisphere, at the Newport News (Va.) shipyard. Great Lakes members man the new thousand-footer Indiana Harbor. The Coast Guard backs off its attempt to eliminate a certified tankerman as part of crew on tank barges under tow. The SIU has been fighting this action for five years. The SIUNA-affiliated Atlantic Fishermen's Union merges with the AGLIWD. A change in the SIU Welfare Plan allows members to use either the U.S. Public Health Service hospital or a private facility for covered care. 1980 - SIUNA and SIU President Paul Hall passes away. Frank Drozak takes the helm of both organizations. Seafarers climb the ladder for the first diesel-powered Sea· Land containership, the Sea-Land Patriot. On June 21, the SIU -crewed Oceanic Independence set sail from Honolulu, mark· ing the return of the U.S.-flag to deep sea passenger ships after a nearly 1a-year absence. Crew members train at Piney Point prior to manning vessel. 1981 - AFL-CIO announces support for five-point U.S.-flag program to increase manpower and vessels in fleet. Reagan administration eliminates U.S. Public Health Service hospitals from budget, cuts funding for new vessels called for in 1970 Merchant Marine Act. Seafarers Welfare Plan restructures because of the loss of the hospitals which had provided treatment for mariners since the start of the nation. The SIUNAaffiliated Military Sea Transport Union merges with the AGLIWD. 1982 - Union headquarters moves from Brooklyn to the Washington, D.C. suburb of Camp Springs, Md. in order to be closer to the government to continue the fight for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet. 19 8 S - The Lundeberg School continues to meet the ever-changing needs of the maritime industry. The first shiphandling simulator is installed while basic and advanced computer training is offered. But the change that caught the eyes of most in Piney Point was the opening of the six-story, 300-room Seafarers Training and Recreation Center. The Reagan administration completely eliminates the shipbuilding provisions of the 1970 Merchant Marine Act from the budoet. 1984 - SIU members crew a series of military supply ar'\d prepositioning vessels, including the fast sealift ships (former SL 7s). Members attending a deep sea crews conference and an inland COr'\ference outline a series of proposals designed to carry the SIU into the future. Among the calls adopted by thg union were a change in pension credits for memb@rs who have sail@d more than 3,000 days, the need for continued grassroots support as w@ll as contributions to the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD). a standardized set of procedures for obtain ing military contracts and support the union's effort to organize the unorganized. 19 8 S - The union moves forward by con· tlnuing to crew military-support vessels, thus providing new jobs for members. The Lunoeoerg School updates its curriculum to include courses that will assist Seafarers working on these vessels, including under· way replenishment, cranQ operations and helicopter operations. 1986 - The SIU works with others in labor, maritime, environment and consumer groups to defeat a proposed oil pipeline from Baton Rouge, La. to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The effort saves hundreds of jobs in the tanker industry. The union gains recognition to represent the unlicensed crews aboard Lavino Shipping oceanographic vessels. 198? - The AGLIWD and SIU of Canada, along with other shipping unions and companies, urge representatives from the two countries to keep the nations' maritime laws out of a U.S.-Canada free trade agreement. The Overseas Joyce becomes the first U.S.crewed (and SIU-crewed) car carrier to bring Japanese automobiles to America. 1988 - SIUNA aml SIU President Frank Drozak succumbs to cancer. Michael Sacco succeeds him as the head of both organizations. After many years of fighting, World War II-era mariners are granted veterans' status. However, the action is limited to sailing between December 7, 1941 to August 15, 1945 and not December 31, 1946 as is the case for other veterans. 1989 - SIU-crewed vessels deliver food and other aid to former Communist-bloc countries in Eastern Europe as the Iron Curtain comes down. The grounding of the company union-crewed Exxon Valdez in Valdez, Alaska sets in motion a series of new regulations that will affect Seafarers for years to come. The Lundeberg School initi· ates an oil spill prevention and containment course. 1990- Seafarers respond to the nation's call to sail materiel to U.S. troops stationed in Saudi Arabia after Iraq overruns Kuwait. The Maritime Administration breaks out the Ready Reserve Force fleet, but no SIUcrewed vessel sails shorthanded. The union works with the Bush administration to keep maritime out of the world trade talks, known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). 1991 - The Persian Gulf War lasts 43 days as United Nations (UN) forces repel Iraq from Kuwait. Seafarers continue to supply troops in the region, then return the goods when the fighting is over. The action of the U.S.-flag fleet draws high praise from government and military officials. It also calls attention to the need to revitalize the fleet. Donning the union's traditional white caps, SIU members march with the U.S. armed forces in the national victory parade in Washington, D.C. On the anniversary of Paul Hall's birth, the grounds on which the Lundeberg School resides 1s named in memory of the late SIU president-the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The Seafarers Welfare Plan holds benefits conferences in each of the union's ports. The SIU, along with the other maritime unions, sues the Coast Guard to prevent the implementation of user fees for z-cards. 1 9 9 2 - In testimony before Congress. the Bush administration outlines a program to revitalize the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Seafarers crew two new cable ships, the Global Sentinel and the Global Mariner. SIU Pacific District members climb aboard the first new containership built in the U.S. since 1987, the R.J. Pfeiffer. UIW members win campaign to keep Queen Mary in Long Beach where they work aboard the hotel. Nearly 20 SIU-crewed vessels are deployed to Somalia to assist a U.S.-led, UN relief effort to the war-torn nation. 19 93 - The House of Representatives passes a maritime revitalization bill. Negotiations for the new standard tanker and freightship agreements lift the cap on pensions for eligible Seafarers. Mariners aboard 16 Dyn Marine oil spill response vessels vote to join the SIU. 1994 - President Bill Clinton becomes the first U.S. chief executive to tour the Paul Hall Center when he attends a luncheon at the facility. Seafarers crew vessels assisting U.S. troops in Haiti, restoring democracy to the Caribbean nation. SIU members also sail to the Persian Gulf to support the nation's armed forces when Iraq threatens to invade Kuwait. Union members play an active role in oil spill clean-up operations in San Juan and Houston. The Clinton administration unveils a new maritime revitalization program. Although it passes the House, it is blocked by farm-state legislators in the Senate. Boatmen for New Orleans-based E.N. Bisso Co. vote for SIU representation. The Lundeberg School conducts EPA· approved refrigerant handling courses in each of the union's ports. 1995 - Congress passes and President Clinton signs SIU-supported legislation allowing the export of Alaskan North Slope oil as long as it is carried aboard U.S.·flag tankers. More new jobs along the rivers are created when the paddlewheel steamboat American Queen begins sailing. The vessel Is the first overnight passenger ship built in a U.S. yard in 40 years. Seafarers crew the first two Army prepositioning ships, the SPS Eric G. Gibson and the LTC Calvin P. Titus. 1996 - Congress passes and President Clinton signs the Maritime Security Act of 1996, a 10-year, $1 billion maritime revital· ization program that will help fund approxi· mately 50 militarily useful U.S.·flag vessels. Seafarers meet with, call and write mem· bers of Congress to express support for the nation's Cabotage laws. Members ratify new five-year standard tanker and frelghtship agreements that include a money purchase pension plan. 100 percent medical coveraoe for Seafarers ana their dependents, dental coverage for dependents, wage increases and much more. The Maritime Administration announces a program to build five ~ouble-hulleel tankers in U.S. shipyards. SIU members will crew the ships. The SIU-crewed American Queen and American Republic carry the Olympic torch in preparation for the Atlanta games. 199?- The Paul Hall Centerovemauls its curriculum to meet the needs of Seafarers for the 21st century. The center develops and issues a Coast Guard-accepted Training Record Book to help members satisfy the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The Lundeberg School launches an LNG recertification program and tankerman (PIC) barge course. Also the steward department upgrading schedule is rewritten. Finally, the school creates an all-new ninemonth unlicensed apprentice program for young men and women entering the maritime profession to replace the old trainee program. Seafarers crew the first three of eight newly built prepositioning ships to be operated by Maersk Lines. Other new jobs are provided by several reflagged vessels as well as new Crowley tractor tugs. 1998 - SIUNA and NMU announce talks under way to affiliate NMU with SIUNA. SIUcontracted Delta Queen Co. announces plans to build five coastal cruise ships beginning in 1999. Seafarers Welfare Plan initiates prescription plan that eliminates caut-of-pocket expenses for qualified pensioners. SIU joins fight with other unions to stop nationwide effort to limit the ability of the labor movement to participate in political activities. Paul Hall Center breaks ground for state-of-the-art firefighting school, named in memory of the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco. Seafarers LOii 13 - �Sea-Land Enterprise Crew Celebrates Hawaiian Style Shrimp, deviled eggs, vegetables, fruit and an assortment of salads are artistically arranged for the shipboard barbecue/luau. Chief Steward Franchesca Rose and her steward department were given rave reviews for a recent barbecue/luau held aboard the SIU-contracted Sea-Land Enterprise. In a note from the ship's master, Kenneth Fisher, he praised the Enterprise crew, which he described as "top rate in all respects and certainly a credit to your union and training program at Piney Point." The food was beauifu11y prepared and artistically arranged, and these fac;;ts did not go unnoticed. Fisher continued, "In this case, the steward [who last year graduated from rhe sceward recertification program in Piney Point] went to unbelievable lengths to show her talents and create a wonderfol event that was truly enjoyed by everyone aboard. Not only d6e~ this help boost morale, whid1 makes for a happy ship with a great atmos• phere, but it also makes my job easier." Capt. Fisher i;::oncluded, "It is reassuring to know that in these times of. .. exodus to thirdworld flags of convenience. the American merchant marin~ is still the best and cerrainly alive and well aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Crew members aboard the Sea-Land Service vessel reap the benefits of the culinary abilities of Chief Steward Franchesca Rose and her galley gang. Enjoying the repast are (from the left) Engine Utility Kassem Abdulla, AB Abdulhamid Musaed, Deck/Engine Utility Mohamed Shaie, AB Maintenance George Holland, Bosun Hayden Gifford, AB Maintenance Jerry Barnett and Second Mate William Redl. Each table was creatively decorated by Chief Steward Rose with flowers and leaves. Joining in on the festivities are AB Mohsin Ali (left) and Oiler Rholand Daan. 1999 Scholarship Program Ready to Accept Applications Filling out the coupon below is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, dreams and goals for a higher level of education . All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send away for the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It CMtains eligibility information. procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. (The program books also are available at all SIU halls). Seven scholarships will be awarded in May 1999 to three SIU members and four depen- The LTC Calvin P. Titus was en route from Guam to Saipan during the recent Paul Hall Day holiday. A barbecue was held aboard the Maersk Line vessel to commemorate the birth of the former SIU president. According to the ship's chairman, George Jordanides, "A good time was had by all." At left, AB Eric Overby is ready to add some ketchup to his Even the pickiest of eaters would not find it difficult to find something delicious to choose fror'r't tM vast seletion of foods available from the grill. dents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $15,000; the other two are for $6,000 each. The four monetary awards for spouses and dependent children are each for $15,000. Filling out the application form is not diffi- cult, but it will require some time to collect all the required paperwork (including photos, birth certific;;ates, transcripts, letters of recommendalion). The entire package must then be mailed and postmarked ON or BEFORE APRIL 1.S, 1999. burger. COMPLETE THIS COUPON AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r---~---------------------------------, lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. P SA Faisal Zain takes a few minutes to relax after helping set up the shipboard barbecue. Member's Social Security Number Street Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 10/98 L-------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOB Above, Capt. Glenn Bond (left) and Bosun George Jordanides finish their meal while in photo at right, AB Metwally Taha enjoys some corn on the cob with DEU Ali Abdulgani. October 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea AUGUST 16 - SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT N~wYork Philadelphia ·Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans · Jacksonville · '.: Sari Francisco ..Wi~:mjng~n . 25 3 6 15 3 12 20 23 25 18 13 7 6 4 13 6 1 4 2. 9 13 9 6 6 16 3 3.. 9 ~3 Tacoma 31 Puerto Rico Honolulu 15 4 .: Houston ' 31 :.st. Louis . :: ~ifl¢Y ~Q~nk:. Algonac Totals 2 253 3 2 7 1 136 4 7 3 7 5 6 2 ' 1 1 57 26 5 10 13 15 25 23 18 5 24 5 7 2 2 4 2 5 48 5 8 22 20 32 11 9 48 23 33 14 45 51 14 IO 22 8 12 7 13 ll 8 3 6 7 I 23 8 6 2 8 27 · 12 15 2 3 7 11 6 4 9 2 26 24 6 2 3 0 1 150 0 2 1 52 4 9 1 0 0 72 5 1 235 Port 11 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonvi lie San Frarici.sco 3 3 6 12 7 19 6 :·~\Y.!.lµiington J3 9 10 l 1 2 0 6 4 11 5 2 9 4 1 2 0 2 2 7 8 4 117 80 26 Tacoma Puerto Rico 5 2 3 383 186 1 n 1 3 5 2 7 7 I 13 13 11 13 6 3 27 16 2 2 2 4 2 n 6 13 14 0 2 1 2 3 Piney Point ............. Monday: November 2, December 7 Algonac .................. Friday: November 6. December 11 9 4 1 8 I 5 8 2 Baltimore ................ Thursday: November 5, December 10 Duluth ..................... Thursday, November 12* *cluinge created by Veteran.f Day Jwliday Wednesday: December 16 Honolulu ................. Friday: November 13, December 18 Houston .................. Monday: November 9, December 14 9 2 2 ..: .. Jacksonville ............Thursday: November 5, December 10 · Jersey City •.•.• ;........ W~y:Novernber 18, Da::ember23 Mobile ....................Thursday, November 12* 8 '.:~;, 8 *(:/range created by VeteltlnS Day holiday } )} Wednesday, December t 6 ,. 1 71 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: November 17, December 22 New Orleans ..•...•.... Tuesday: November 10, December 15 New York ................Tuesday: November 3, December 8 4 4 0 4 11 5 8 18 9 5 22 7 2 6 4 7 9 IO 4 l 0 15 10 6 5 11 3 4 8 15 JO 17 I 9 39 ENGINE DEPARTMENT :·.·New.Vork . . 25 No11ember & December 1998 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 4 7 0 29 Norfolk ...................Thursday: November 5, December 10 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: November 4, December 9 1 3 0 1 8 J · San Francisco .........Thursday: November 12, December 17 San Juan ..................Thursday: November 5, December 10 · St Louis .. ~ ..............Friday: November 13, December 18 Tacoma .........~ .... .,... Friday: November 20 5 Monday: December 27* 3 *chan~e created try Chr'is1111f.!S hptiday · Personals 176 ALFRED DEAGRO Please get in touch with Ms. Reynolds at (703) 902-9513. Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . ·J~~M9rt".. i~k . . .. .S~i((F~Al)~i~ca s 13 11 3 2 0 8 3 3 14 ' ' 22 ' "\Vitilli~stoµ · :· .... · : ·9·· Tacoml\ Pueno Rico Honolulu 17 2 9 5 1 2 4 8 2 0 0 6 0 13. 10 1 ' 18 3 5 4 8 9· 6 12 s 15 2 0 0 0 2 6 8 9 2 0 )iriit.sf9P,:. "···; ·:. : . st 'Ll>tii'i·....:' . :· :· :. '3 :":·:.: ·::o o ... · : o::···:: · . :· ;;;l~lnciy t>oi.rn ' 4 ·' l 3 O 0 0 0 135 55 17 120 4 21 10 3 26 9 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 2 6 l 10 Algona~ Totals 0 10 :30·" 6 3 JI 4j .''' :·. ·, '," 2'i ;"• 32 , Philadelphia 9 4 0 '' 0 8 ROBERT CHRISTOPHER HYLAND Please contact your son, William Hyland, at 7143 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. 1 49 0 240 ..4 0 11 34 29 0 0 0 6 3 0 4 17 17 0 0 3 12 3 JO 3 13 6 18 11 25 21 20 10 17 15 4 4 4 49 91 7 1 23 248 221 638 348 50 9 "·. · 2 ,4 4 8 8 2 Mobile 2 9 ..... 8 I 6 0 7 1 4 11 6 21 6 4 12 7 6 20 8 2 3 16 2 New Orlean.s... , . I . Jacksonville 3 ··safi Francisco . 12 · ·:Wil~'ngton · . . 4· "l& ""' 4 0 0 8 13 9 s Tai;orna 2 3 7 Puerto Rico 9 3 3 1 3 3 Honolulu 9 37 'g ·2 63 3 22 5 l 10 51 6 l 0 ,14 l3 0 1 0 0 l 12 177 128 36 159 116 0 10 13 l 0 2 1 100 448 228 504 449 215 151 899 .Houston l St. Louis ·O .Piney.Point .. · . Q Algonac 1 Totals 60 565 0 0 0 0 0 0 IO I 0 0 *''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. October 1998 knowing the whereabouts of Michael G. Futrell is asked to contact his parents at (314) 3536535. "Michael, if you are safe, please call home. It's been 28 months since your parents have heard from you." Q .8· 0 83 0 MICHAEL G. FUTRELL Anyon~ I :· o Norfolk Totals All Departments 7 5 22 ENTRY DEPARTMENT New York J:l~n•'ti.1P.re ".":··:" 6 3 .9 Port 2 16 15 12 2 17 1 DONALD FRANCES PETERSON Anyone with information on Donald Frances Peterson, born in 1935 and sailed in the engine department from California, please contact his daughter, Michael Peterson, at 3990 Schiff Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103. CHARLES LUCAS 10 6 1 and MYLES WARD Veteran Seafarer John "Hank" E. Helman is looking for a couple of his old shipmates. Charles Lucas and Myles Ward. Helman 's last contact with Lucas was in 1946, when Lucas was third mate on a tanker and lived in Queens, N.Y. He last heard from Ward, who lived in Brooklyn, in 1941. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of either of the men, please contact John E. Helman at 4 Churm Street. Hamilton Hill, 6163, Western Australia. Notice All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes seafarers International Onion Directory AUGUST 16 - Michael Sactt> President . . John Fay CL - Executive Vice Ptesi<lent *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Davi<J Heindel Secretary-Trel,\Surer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Roy A. "Buckt' Mercer Vtce President Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast · Byron Kelley · Vice. President Lakes and.Inland Waters Nick Manone Vice President West Coast • Company/Lakes Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 33 0 20 0 5 12 .... . 0 ,.,,., ' 7 4 SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 0 14 STEWARD DEPARTMENT . 3 " ... 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·o 25 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 18 7 0 6 3 0 2 4 11 · . . 13 14 READQVAlITEltS 5201 Au1h Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 Totals All Depts 0 78 48 0 45 20 0 33 *"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. (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 28 (810) 7944988 ANCMORAGg 721 Sesame St,, #lC Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 5614988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 AUGUST 16 - TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Buildmg SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Duluth, MN .5S80Z (218) 722-4110 Region Atlantic Coast HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. · ·• · Honi:>tulu, Ht' 968 t9 (808) 84$~$122 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 .. . .....• 0 0 0 4 Lakes, Inland Waters 21 3 l 0 2 28 3 6 0 ~~,~~- ·· 12 2 8 8 Gulf Coast West Coast Totals Region . MOBILE. . " .. , ' T64!} , Oau~h~r. l.~l*~d ~kwy. '.. . · · · ·" ·· :',", Mobllc '"1''l:J.'.~6605 "".. · :~ . : : · : · " .: (~M} if.1&..00 i 6 1 . NEW ~f:p.,-9RD '48. Unmn .St. .. ,, West Coast Totals ..... ·NEW O&LEANS 636 Jnc'koon Av~. " · · · ·" NcwOrleMll. LA 70130 " ;, . (504)~29-7546 , 63~ Fourth Ave, RrMktyn. NY 11232 . ' . (718) 49%69()' . Noar<:>LJC · 0 18 I 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 ,. "er· o 6 48 9 28 0. 0 0 3 ,.//.nsrx;::;.c;.;, •r'? ll :.::.:;.·o · ·o 0 0 12 0 1 11 STEWARD DEPARTMENT . :· O 0 .0 0 3 0 _______,______ ' ,4 0 '. 4 0 . " 0-::"." 0 0 "{) 0 . :.:J>:>:::· ··o 0 . .0 6 15 0 .. d·'.' .. 0. 0 15 0 0 3 3 Totals All Depts 60 4 12 38 2 10 74 3 *"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 . ' :.:- : .: ·: "NEW ~~~K · 0 0 14 2 9 E DEPARTMENT ....0. 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 14:....... :>. · 0 New Bedford, MA 02740 .. (508) 9?M404 . ·" "·· ' Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast ;"<j :·.· · 0 0 Atlantic Coast O O .Gulf Coast 0 . l : ~~"~· fol~n~,{W.~~i:Ll$.:::-:;::::.:: ·.::.LL::::::9: We~t o. · · ·<:i 34 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST I 15 Third. St. 'Norfolk, VA: 235 IO '<757) 622;.'1s92 · · PHILADELPHIA 2604 S . 4:St " Phila~kiphia, 'PA : • 19148 " (215) 336-3818 PINE\:' POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301} 994-00 lO .~.:".. '.'.'.:.:".::".'' PORT E.V.ERGLAOES . .:.:.".: .. ·"·": ·' ·.. 1221 S.Andtews Ave. · Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522~7984 SAN FRANCISCO '.l50 Fremont St. S.in Fran.eisco. CA 94 1o~ . (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 .SANTUR:Ct 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop J6Yi Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721..4033 ST. LOUIS 4$~ J GrllV()\S Ave. St. Louis, MO 6~1 l6 ... · .. CH4) ·161..()500 TACOMA 341 I South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 - .. . In its 60-year history, the SIU has been involved in many marches for a variety of causes across the country. This photograph, taken in 1957, shows Seafarers displaying their colors during the annual Labor Day parade in New York City. The unique feature of this picture is the three members marching side by side in the front row. From right to left are Joe DiGiorgio, John Fay and Al Kerr, an of whom served the SIU as secretary-treasurer. If anyone has a vintage unionrelated photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON SIO N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG October 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A mong the 13 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month is Recertified Bosun Tony Martinez. Brother Martinez has been sailing in the deck department aboard SIU-crewed ships for 28 years. During his career, he upgraded several times, including in 1979 when he graduated from the bosun recertification course. This is the highest level of training offered to members of the deck department at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including Brother Martinez, 11 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division; one worked aboard inland waterways vessels and one shipped on the Great Lakes. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA GEORGEF. ALLEN, 55, graduated from the entry level training program at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the SS Delaware, operated by Bulk Transport. He sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded at Piney Point. During his career, he also saikd aboard inland vessels. Prior to joining the SIU, Brother Allen served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1965. He last sailed in 1997 aboard the Overseas Joyce. He makes his home in Robertsdale, Ala. ALONZOB. COLEMAN, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1967 aboard the Minot Victory. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Connecticut. From 1954 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Coleman has retired to Carson, Calif. LEON F. FOUNTAIN, 54, graduated from the entry level training program at the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. He first shipped out on the SS Santa Emilia. A native of Baltimore, Brother Fountain worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg noli~a~ Issue of lOG to feature rersonal Greetin~s Ae h~e; Pe:e:n done in pa?t yMrs. 'Chis December'~ edition of the Seafarer5 LOG will include holidGty frt'l111 ac'tiva and retired Se~farere; J'lnd th~ir families to other member~ of the eicafarit1g ~t'l1t1111uni'ty and their familie~. 8nl:1Ur~ ih~t YOl.lr holicfaiy ITTC55ll1Jd i? published, please follow the ine;truction~ belOW: D PRINT or TYPE (in 25 Wt'lrd:s or less) the me&&<ilge in the e;pace provided. Photographs al~o are greeting~ ra W~l~l>ITIB . [:J Be 0 Dc'.l M't sen~ more ~h&in ihr'' c:nt ric:!l per por::Jon . (Th i~ fo rm m6ly ~e reprQdu~~d. ) D ~' ~urc: ~ure yQur greeting i~ in ·th~ hc'.lliday ~pirit. to Include; your Ml1M d5 well a& the nOilme of the pere;on to whDm yt'.lu are sending the ~reetin~. (Your nam~ i~ ne;c:e;~~llry !:>Ince; tho notiu~5 dre listed alph~beti~~lly Py the e;endt:r'E:i laBt nat11~.) School. He signed off the Great Land, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Fountain resides in Lakewood, Wash. GARZA GUADALUPE, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1960 in his native Houston. He first sailed in the steward department as a messman aboard the Del Santos. He later transferred to the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Mt. Vernon, operated by Bay Ship Management. Brother Garza makes his home in Houston. JAMESW. GLADNEY, 54, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of Baltimore. He worked as a messman uti1iry aboard his first ship, the Baylor Victory, operated by Victory Carriers. The Maryland native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the USNS Capella, a Bay Ship Management vessel. Brother Gladney also served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1950. He has retired to Woodstock, Md. ARNO E LARSON. 82. starred his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Robin Kirk, operated by Moore McCormack. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the steward department and signed off the Manhattan, a Manhattan Tankers vessel. Brother Larson makes his home in Long Beach. Calif. .,_·. D The: holid~y 13motirnp mu:5t L1 SM~ Y"ur entries to the Se~far~r~ WG, 5201 Auth Way, Cill111' Spri11~s. MD 20746. You ~le;o FA:.'. cople!!' directly to the LOG Ll't (301) 702-4407. m~y '7<' r"u"ived no l~~r t:h.$1n Mond~y. November 16, 1998. Additi6111111y. tm·111~ 111ay l?e filled oui in ~ny union hzill zind turned in 'to the offici61I <ilt the counter-Qr m.ily l:Je giv~n to the boardiH~ pil'trolman durin~ a vessel'e p~yoff. The h~liaay ~ree'Cin13s section of the December LOG i!i ll populdr fMture, so be sure to get your me~~age in on time. HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Plea?e Prin'C) 10/98 ·····'.'f!IWWW 'q. I'~ ' 1· • • LUIS A. MALAVE, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 in New York aboard the Robin Locksley, a Robin Lines vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Malave last sailed as an AB in 1997 aboard the Sea-La.nd Motivator, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Guayama, P.R. TONY "POPEYE" MARTINEZ, 67, started his career with the SIU in 1970 from the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1979. Brother Martinez last sailed aboard the OOCL Inspiration, a Sea-Land Service vessel. The U.S. Army veteran (1953 to 1955) calls Richmond Hill, N.Y. home. .----===-~~KENNETH RILEY, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. A native of New Jersey, he sailed in the deck department. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Riley makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. JOSE E. RODRIGUEZ, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Rodriguez has retired to Brooklyn, N.Y. SAMUELL. WARREN, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the engine department. Brother Warren makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. INLAND ROY L. BISHOP, 62, began sailing aboard National Marine Service vessels in 1957. He joined the SIU in the port of Houston. Boatman Bishop last sailed in 1979 and retired to Freepon, Fla. GREAT LAKES MOHAMAD S.SHARIAN, 60, joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Sharian makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. r----=-___, - Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer D Family Member of Active Seafarer D Retired Seafarer D Family Member of Retired Seafarer - Other:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Defaber f 998 Seafarers LOG 17 �-· DEEP SEA JAMES J. ADAMS ·----.,.,,~~-~Pensioner James J. Adams, 81 , passed away July 6. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in November 1938 _ _ _ , in the port of New Orleans as a charter member of the union. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of New Orleans, Brother Adams began receiving his pension in January 1976. ARSENIO AGBAYANI Arsenio Agbayani, 63, died May I. Born in the Philippines, he began his career with the SIU in 1988, sailing aboard the S.S. Constitution, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Brother Agbayani sailed in the steward department and was a resident of Manila. ISAAC Z. AGUILA Isaac Z. Aguila, 87, passed away May 17. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Beauregard, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in the Philippines, he worked as a chief electrician. He was a veteran of World War II, having servtd in the U.S . Army from 1942 to 1949. Brother Aguila last sailed wilh the union in 1987. JOSEPHA.ALVES ·------~ Pem:ioner Joseph A. Alves, 74, died July 9. Brother Alves joined Lhe SIU in 1941 in the port of Boston . A native of Massachusetts, ~=--=-...::....~~ he :milcd in the engine department. He was a resident of Hayward, Calif., and started receiving his pension in May 1989. JOSE J. BARBIETO Pensioner fose J, Barbieto, 85, passed away July 2. BCl't\ ln the Philippines, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1946 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes Md Inland Waters Districc (AGLIWD). Brother Barbieto retired in August 1974. He was a re~ident of Vallejo. Calif. NICHOLAS BECHLIVANIS - . - - - - - - - - . . Pensioner Nicholas Bechlivanis, 80, died June 10. A native of Greece, he began his career with the Seafarers in the ...__.._ _ _ _ _ _ , port of New York: in 1947. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Md .• where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. A resident of Greece, Brother Bechlivanis began receiving his pension in December 1976. MICHEL BILLO · - - - - - - - Pensioner Michel Billo, 71, passed away July 1. Brother Billo first sailed with the SIU in 1951 from the port of New Orleans. His first ship was 18 Seafarers LOG the Desoto, a Waterman Steamship vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed as a member of the steward department. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Billo, who resided in Violet, La., retired in March 1988. ISAAC VEGA BROWN Pensioner Isaac Vega Brown, 73, died July 22. He joined the Seafarers in the port of New York in 1943. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed -~-~ in the deck department. A resident of Ponce, P.R., he began receiving his pension in August 1987. RUDY R. CEFARATTI Pensioner Rudy R. Cefaratti, 71, passed away June 18. Born in Connecticut, he started his career with the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Cefaratti retired in December 1989. He was a resident of Crosby. Texas. SIMON B. CZESLOWSKI Pensioner Simon B. Czeslowski, 75, died June 22. A native of New York, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the pon of Philadelphia. Brother Czeslowski worked in the eng1ne department. last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Leader. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. A resident of Harrison, NJ., he started receiving his pension ir'l September 1984. ROBERT W. DELMONT Pensioner " Robert W. Delmont, 71. passed away June 29. Born in Maryland, he began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the '--'=-=-=---' port of Baltimore. During his career, he also sailed on inland vessels. From 1946 to 1949. he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Delmont, who resided in Houston, retired in January 1988. DANIEL J. DeMARCO Pensioner Daniel J. DeMarco. 70. died July 15. Brother DeMarco joined the Seafarers in the pon of New York: in 1951. .___ __,_,_-=--"-'----' The New York native sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y, Brother DeMarco began receiving his pension in August 1991. HARRY E. DIVESTEIN Pensioner Harry E. Divestein, 78, passed away June 7. He graduated from the MC&S training school and joined the MC&S in the port of Portland, Ore., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Oregon, he last sailed as a chief steward. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. Brother Divestein was a resident of Lake Oswego, Ore. and retired in January 1982. WILLIAM J. DOAK Pensioner William J. Doak, 77, died June 21. Brother Doak started his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in his c..=~::__.;::.._=---' native New York. He worked in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in October 1983, he signed off the San Juan, a Sea-Land Service vessel. The World War II veteran served in the U.S. Navy from 1938 to 1943. Brother Doak was a resident of Santurce, P.R. EUGENE "RED" FLANAGAN Pensioner Eugene "Red" Flanagan, 81, passed away June 25. Born in Louisiana, he started his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Flanagan sailed as a member of the engine department. A resident of New Orleans, he began receiving his pension in November Steamship Line vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of New Britain, Conn., he began receiving his pension in July 1981. ALCADIO T. HERNANDEZ Pensioner Alcadio T. Hernandez, 72, passed away June 15. Born in Oklahoma, he began his career with the SIU in 1957. Brother Hernandez sailed as a member of the deck department and retired in October 1991. He was a resident of Houston. WILLIAM T. HIGGS ~ Pensioner William T. Higgs, 70, died July 1. A native of Georgia, he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Higgs worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. During the World War II years of 1942 to 1948, he served in the U.S . Navy. He was a resident of Georgia and began receiving his pension in January 1986. Pensioner Edsel M. Johns, 75, passed away July 8. Brother Johns joined the MC&S in 1941 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Washington native, who made his home in Auburn, Wash., retired in August 1969. CLAUDE N. JOHNSON JACKSO Pensioner Claude N. Johnson, 71, died July 31. He joined the Seafarers in 194~ in the port of New Orleans. A naLiv~ of Cleveland, Tenn., he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. Brother Johnson last sailed aboard the Dynachem. He was a resident of Lucedale, Miss. and retired in September 1991 . Pensioner Jackson Fong, 72, died June 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1953 in his native New York. He sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Fong last sailed aboard the umg Lines, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. He was a resident of New York and retired in April 1991. ROBERT K. GOODNICK Pensioner Robert K. Goodnick. 71. passed away June 27. A native of Illinois, he started his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York. Brother Goodnick sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in January 1982, he sailed aboard the A1/an1ic, operated by Interocean Management. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Goodnick was a resident of Baytown, Texas. ROBERT H. GUIBERSON .-----==-----, Pensioner Robert H. Guiberson, 82, died June 11. Brother Guiberson joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port 1....-~~!!!!----"--.;;J of New York. A native of Connecticut, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Santa Lucia, a Delta Pensioner Thomas A. Pradat, 87 passed away June 24. Brother Pradat joined the SIU as a charter member of the ~......___ _, union in 1939 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. He was a resident of Jefferson, La. and began receiving his pension in February 1976. ARNOLD F. REHM Arnold F. Rehm, 73, died June 26. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Brother Rehm retired in September 1984. DIEGO RODRIGUEZ EDSEL M. JOHNS 1982. c THOMAS A. PRADAT CHARLES L. JOHNSTON --=~~-.M·~ . Pensioner ' Charles L. Johnston, 81, passed away June 16. A native of Maryland, he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the pon of New York aboard the Jefferson City Victory. Brother Johnston sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and began receiving his pension in April 1982. From 1943 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Johnston was a resident of Millington, Md . CARMELO MURPHY .------,,,=----Pensioner Carmelo Murphy, 71, died August 11 . Born in Puerto Rico, he first sailed with the Seafarers in . "' 1946 aboard the ~ · \ . J. Bell Ringer. Brother Murphy worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1990 aboard the Falcon Princess, operated by Seahawk Management, Inc. A resident of Houston, he retired in June 1992. Pensioner Diego Rodriguez, 57, passed away June 4. Brother Rodriguez. joined the MC&S in 1963 in the port of Wilmington, Calif., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The New York native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1960. He was a resident of Wilmington, Calif. and began receiving his pension in December 1983. EDWARD J. ROGG Pensioner Edward . Rogg, 76, died June 19. A native of Kentucky, he began sailing with the Seafarers during ~----'-"-~---' World War II as a member of the deck department. He sailed aboard vessels supplying munitions from the United States to northern Russian ports above the Arctic Circle and aboard vessels during the D-Day invasion, the Korean War and Vietnam. Brother Rogg received two medals from the Russian government honoring Am~rican veterans who participated in the Allied convoys carrying supplies to the ports of Murmansk and Archangel. A resident of Dayton, Ky.• he retired in September 1976. LEONARD RUSSI Pensioner Leonard Russi, 78, passed away June 25. Born in Connecticut, he joined the SIU in 1948 in ' the port of Baltimore. He worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. Brother Russi, who was a resident of Reno, Nev., retired in March 1985. JOHN E. SANDERS Pensioner John E. Sanders, 79, died July 9, 1998. A native of Illinois, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port ----=of Miami, Fla. Continued on page 21 October 1998 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space /Imitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract depalfment. 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. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum), July 31-Chairman Jeff B. Turkus, Secretary W. Owens, Educational Director Alex Resendez, Deck Delegate Cal Patts, Steward Delegate Robert Gilliam_Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: San Pedro and San Francisco, Calif. HM/ PETROCHEM (Hvide Marine), July 20--Chairman Calvin M. Miles, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director H. Berger, Deck Delegate Richard Berrot, Engine Delegate Jamie Hernandez, Steward Delegate Martin Qader. Payoff scheduled for July 31. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Vote of appreciation also given to entire crew for keeping messhall and decks clean and grease-free. Nel>t port: Corpus Christi, Texas_ JE8 STUART (Waterman SteamshiN, July 26-Chairman TMmas Temple, Secretary Willinm Williams, Educational Diri:~ti;>r Faustino Peril':\, Deck Delegi\te Dditte Crockett, Engine Delegate Joe Martin, Sti:ward Delegate Mario lttrlque2_ crew members informed new TV and VCR scheduled to arrive by end of next month. Chairman relayed information that AMC fli~ht to Diego Garcia will arrive every two wccb until further notice_ He also reminded everyone to apply for Training Record Books (TRBs) by August 1. He noted TRBs are free but members witt be charged for replacement books, should original be lost Secretary stated frozen milk witl sometimes be used if plane bringing fresh milk does not arrive on time_Fc:'>t' this reason, if cre:.w members see a past date on milk, they should check it before throwing it out. No bcefs or disput. ed OT reported_ Cc:'>mmunications re:.ceived aboard ship regarding Amhrax vaccine. Brother Gec:>rge Allen will retire after this voyage_ Crew congratulated him and presented him with parting gifts. Next port: Diego Garcia. Burial LNG LEO (Energy Transportation Corp.), July 5-Chairman C.H. Kahl, Secretary Henry Jones Jr., Educational Director George Henderson, Deck Delegate William Soto Jr., Engine Delegate David Vega, Steward Delegate Amy Rippel. Educational director told crew to check at union halls to find out what they need to do to be up-to-date with STCW endorsements and TRBs. He also stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $1,539 in ship's fund and $436.87 in communication fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for good food; rest of crew given vote of appreciation for helping keep recreational areas clean. Next ports: Arnn, Indonesia and Himeji, Japan. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Carriers), July 28-Chairman John Konetes, Deck Delegate Robert K. Hamilron, Engine Delegate Lionel Lee, Steward Delegate Adolphus Young. Chairman announced TRBs being collected for captain's notations. Educational director recommended members upgrade skills at Piney P<'>int No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification reQuested on vacation scale and present pay status for T-5 tankers. Next pert~ Ferndale. Wash. PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON (Waterman Steamship), July 15Chainnan Henry Bouganim. Secretary Patrick D. Helton, Deck Delegate Charles Friesella, Engine Delegate Ron Luckas, Steward Delegate Rudolph Xatruch_ Chairman discussed anicles in most recent LOO and reminded crew members to get TRBs by August l _Educational director urged Seafarers to attend Lundeberg School classes whenever possible_ Ne beefs or disputed OT repon:ed. Thanks exlended to steward department for great meals and keeping living areas clean. Deck department given vote of thanks for maintaining e:.\terior of vessel. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Service), July 26Chairman John S. Bertolino, Secretary J.S. Smith, Educational Director Randall C. Firestine. at Sea for Brother Leyal Joseph Crew members take part in a burial ceremony at sea for Pensioner Leyal E. Joseph from aboard the Sea-Land Performance. Brother Joseph, who joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of New York, began receiving his pension in 1971. He died May 18 at the age of 79. October 1998 Chairman informed crew that reliefs have been called for everyone requesting such. He thanked crew for cooperation in making this trip a pleasant one. Educational director suggested members getting off should try and attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on articles in Seafarers LOG concerning IMO and night watchstanding. Steward department thanked for very good job. including announcement of required Anthrax shots. Crew members requested additional information on side effects and long-term effects from Anthrax vaccine. Educational director stressed importance of attending classes at Piney Point to upgrade skills. Treasurer announced $112.15 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to Chief Cook Larry Jolla and his galley gang for job well done. Next port: Dubai, UAE. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), July 5-Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Franklyn Cordero, Educational Director Dennis A. Baker, Engine Delegate Richard Daisley, Steward Delegate Thomas W. Milovich. Crew members advised to obtain TR.Bs and check that they have recent tetanus shot in order to prevent loss of job from unwanted illness. Chairman reminded everyone of need to separate plastic items from regular trash and to further separate pressurized cans which might burst and cause injury. He warned them to "think safety." Secretary noted dry-docking in Hamburg went smoothly and thanked galley gang for fine job during that period. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of educational facilities at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on issue of solo watches. All were in agreement that it would be a sad day for maritime industry professionals to see destruction of environment as well as human lives if solo watches were mandated as is done on runaway-flag ships. Next port~ Elizabech, NJ. USNS SODERMAN (Bay Ship Management), July 26--Chairman Klaus W. Tankersley. Chairman noted all went well during trip with no report of beefs or disputed SEA·LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), July ~0-Chairman S.R. Garay. Secretary Thomas Wybo, Educational Director Baldev Singh, Deck Delegate Vil .E . e A.G. Lane, Steward Delegate A, Fochini. Chairman reminded crew that TRBs in effect as of August J _ He informed members that advanced firetighcing and govern· ment vessels courses are available at Piney Point. Secretary recommended everyone read LOG, especially president's reporr on page 2. He informed crew members that big business is outspending labor 11 to I-and that job security is one more reason co contribute to SPAD. Some beefs and disputed OT reporte:.d in deck and steward departments. None in engine depanment. Request made to have crew laundry deck repaired and painted_ Next ports: Long Beach, Calif: Miami, Fla.; Charleston, S.C.; San Juan, P.R. SGT MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), July 12--Chairman Earl N. Gray Jr., Secretary Dawn Coutermash, Educational Director H. Charles Chancey. Bosun discussed launch schedule for Klaipeda, Lithuania. Secretary noted 45 additional Navy personnel were aboard ship for "Baltic Challenge '98" and 35 more to embark in Tallin, Estonia. Educational director suggested crew members use time off to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for exceptional j<'>b. Following stops in Klaipeda and Tallin, ship expected to pay off in Souda Bay, Crete. USNS SHUGHART (Bay Ship Management), July 28-Chairman Dale W. Kirsch Jr., Secretary Toyo Gonzales, Educational Director Richard Larsen, Deck Delegate William Tripp, Engine Delegate Kurt Jacobsen. Communications from headquarters posted on bulletin board, noted he will be missed and wished him the best. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit), August 9-Chairman Robert Lindsay Jr., Secretary Felipe Orlanda, Educational Director Wilbur L. Ensminger, Deck Delegate Duane R. Costello, Engine Delegate Michael G. McGlone, Steward Delegate Jose Guzman. Chairman announced payoff to be held August 11 in port of Wilmington, N.C. Ship expected to remain at dock approximately two weeks for minor repairs. No layoffs expected. Educational director spoke of importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Clarification requested regarding Keeping a Clean Galley I While en route from Valdez, Alaksa to Anacortes, Wash., members of the steward department aboard the Overseas Washington show off their spotless galley. From the left are Chief Cook Carlton Griffin, Chief Steward Alphonso Davis and Steward Assistant Chris A. Amigable_ OT. All hands urged to clean rooms bef<'>re signing off and attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center when possible. Treasurer announced $169 in ship's fund. Report read from captain that Anthrax sh s will be given to those continuing voyage. Ship's crew te get pay raise effective August 1. Clarification requested regarding OT rates of pay. Crew asked for new TV antenna, weight scale and barbecue grill. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), August 2-Chairman Fareed A. Khan. Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Dennis Swc:>rds, Deck Delegate David J. Garoutte, Engine Delegate Lenzy Barney Jr., Steward Delegate Donald Sneed. Chairman praised crew for jobs well done_Educational director reminded crew members to take advantage of Piney Point facilities to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Houston _ LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), August 2-Chairman Hugo P. Dermody, Secretary Henry Jones Jr., Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Steward Delegate Joe Clark. Chairman reminded crew members to wear safety gear when working on deck. He announced ship due in port of New Orleans August 5 and will lay up for 10-12 days. He also reminded Seafarers that they have finest school in country and should avail themselves of it. Secretary asked everyone to make sure all trash is removed from rooms before disembarking and that dirty linen be placed in bags in passageways for collection. He stressed need to get TRBs by August 1 in order to continue sailing. Educational director asked that all books and films be returned by arrival time. Disputed OT reported in deck department. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward departments. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Brother Jones retiring after this trip. All watchstanders put on day work. No disputed OT in all three departments. Crew asked that sailing board be more accurate. Also requested shore passes be made available as soon as possible_Vote of thanks given to steward depan:ment or job well done. Crew agreed that new fire fighting school at Piney Point will be good and agreed with trustees on naming it after Joe Sacco. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (Maritime Overseas), August 4-Chairman Rudy Santo, Secretary Alphonso Davis. Secretary noted ship in good shape (see photo above). He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School and told them to keep up good work. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Next port: Anacortes, Wash. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), August 20Chairman Jimmie Scheck, Secretary Edward M. Collins, Educational Director Michael Martykan_ Chairman reminded crew to apply for TRBs and STCW certificates. He also announced opening of new fire fighting school at Piney Point in early 1999. Those Seafarers who sailed on vessels deployed to Persian Gulf during recent military buildup are eligible for imminent danger pay, according to U.S. Military Sealift Command. Secretary thanked Brother Frank Thompson for watermelons and food he donated for cookout. Educational director reminded crew to practice safety at all times, especially in engine room and on deck. He also urged crew members to take advantage of educational opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into lowering time at sea needed for vacations. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Burial ceremony for Brother Leyal E. Joseph held aboard ship (see photo at left.). Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �MODERN SIDPHANDLING - Part Il: Henry Ga.mp Talks About Current Trends in Tug Design Editor's note: Henry W. Gamp has been a member of the SIU since 1974. He holds an ocean masters license for 1600 tons, unlimited inland masters License and considerable unlimited first class pilotage. He also has worked as a shipdocking pilot and tugboat captain for many years. It was from this extensive experience that Gamp wrote "Modern Shiphandling" in 1980. He currently is employed as chief mate on Penn Maritime's ATB Eliza/Atlantic. Part I of "Modern Shiphandling" appeared in the August 1998 Seafarers LOG. The conclusion follows: The height of most ships' freeboards is greater today that in years past. Car carrier~ and high-sided containerships are particularly challenging to the docking pilot in the wind; they present the wind with much surface area to act upon. Such ships have a tremendous desire to sail to leeward, which accelerates with shallower drafts. The pilot handling these ships in wind also finds them difficult to turn. This is compounded when tugboats cannot be pla~ed to exert good leverage. High-sided ships crtatt other problems by increasing the vertical l~ad and length of the tugbfJat's lines . When the pilot orders a tug ahead, there is no loss of power AS the springline merely holds the tug's bow from sliding. The point where the bow fender contacts the ship is where the force is applied. However, when th~ tugboat is 'backed,' it is quite another story, unless the ship's choc;lc is approximately the same height as the tug's bow. The higher the lines when backed, lhe less horizontal thrust is delivered, and the vertical component increases- which is lost power. When working two lines on tt ship's bow, as during a docking operation, longer leads will stretch more. The tug will fall alongside when backed, thereby diminishing her lifting effect. It is my feeling that ship designers do not understand shiphandling techniques or the needs of the :shipdocking pilot. Therefore, when determining where to place chocks. they approach the subject solely from the standpoint of safely mooring the vessel alongside a pier. There seems to be a tendency to build ships with fewer chocks today, at times substituting them with cruc;ifix bitts, padeyes or nothing in their place. It is ~sscntiat that a tugboat has a good hold on the ship to do the job well. It appears to be false economy to save money on chocks and bitts only to spend it on damage repairs. Propulsion systems cause much anxiety for the docking pilot. The variable pitch propeller is probably the most troublesome. Most ships will either slip ahead or astern when placed in neutral, and the water around 20 Seafarers LOG the stern becomes confused with the propeller always turning over. The ship has a tendency to back to starboard, not to port. Special care must be exercised when handling stemlines to keep them away from the screw. Gas turbines are challenging as well. Their reaction time is slow, and if the ship is carrying much headway, they need time to take it off. It must be anticipated when to stop ahead of time as they continue to spin over awhile after being stopped. The very fact that ships are large today is a problem. The practical effect is to make channels, bends, turning basins, anchorages, berths, underwater clearances, tugboats, etc., all seem smaller. Vessel size is quickly reaching the limit that U.S. ports can accommodate. Without dredging to increase and progressively decrease as they proceed forward-or build the bridges higher to ensure a clear view under the bow. The bow thruster is a useful tool for the docking pilot because it's like a built-in tug to control the ship's bow. In situations where the ship's bow cannot be played with one line due to a bulbous bow, flare too great to make a tug fast, or holding a line from the tug's side bitts to the ship's shoulder will not lift the bow, that makes the use of a tug impractical. In cases of light wind, a single tug can be placed on the outboard stern-quarter to control the stern. The bow thruster simultaneously holds the bow in check. If the ship is also equipped with a stern thruster, the tugboat can be dispensed with altogether. Several words of caution-as with any piece of The best solution is to build the ship with several recessed bitts, one above the other several feet apart to accommodate normal changes in draft. The tug can avail herself of whichever one aligns best with her bow. By placing these hull bitts on the forward shoulders, after-quarters and stern centerline, the tug's hold on numerous ships would be immensely improved, thereby facilitating shiphandling operations. The American Bureau of Shipping and other classification societies need to ensure standardization in positioning bitts, chocks, recessed bitts, etc. The guidelines should take the following into account: safe tugboat placement, maximum leverage obtainable, changes in draft, number of chocks in proportion to length and space between chocks. In this filA pMtc\ tM SM-Land Market is underway with a tug alongside her port bow. The tug's bow is 150 feet forward of the plimsol mark or 324 feet aft of the ship's bow. The ship has recessed bitts, but they are below the tug's bow, and her head line would jump off the bitts should she use them. channel widths and depths, handling large ships in relatively tight confines will continue to be tt thttllenging job. Very often the docking pilot must make do with tugboats built to handle the older and smaller classes of ships. During these times, he is relying on his skills and knowledge to pull him through, not on tugboat power. SOLUTIONS FOR THE DOCKING PILOT Thus far, I have endeavored to explain the innovations in tugboat design and the problems which have been created. In fairness, some changes and alterations have been as useful as others have been detrimental. It is my preference, and I think most shiphandlers would agree, to dock or sail a ship with the bridge located near the stern. This is because the major part of the vessel sits out in front and helps gauge movement. It also enables the pilot to better judge how fast the swing is when executing a turn or when being set across a channel. The one drawback to this layout occurs when containers are stacked as high as the ship's bridge. This forces the pilot to stand on one of the bridge wings to see ahead, giving a distorted view of what is happening. Logic and the law could easily solve this by dictating that the first row of containers ahead of the bridge be below eye level machinery, they are subject to breakdowns. Many ships are equipped with less-than-adequate thrusters which all but the lightest breezes cancel out. The efficiency of the thruster diminishes as headway increases, and with several knots headway, they become nearly useless. Under conditions of light draft, they may be out of the water and totally useless. The answer to long leads on the tug's lines due to the vessel's high sides and distant chocks can be solved by recessing and building bitts into the hulls of ships. This allows the tugboat crew to make fast and let go of the ship without assistance from the ship's crew. the inconvenience caused by lines being thrown overboard, instead of gently lowered to the tug. The above is beneficial when the tug must quickly be shifted. By the tug working ahead and coming end-on to the ship, slack can be removed from the line. When secured, the tug will be held at the same angle it took two lines to do. Also, there is the advantage that all pushing and backing is in a horizontal plane and results in no loss of power. At times, the chock is lower than the tug's bow. In that case, there is danger of the line flipping off the bit. The chances of this happening are reduced by putting several turns around the bitt-but it is certainly not guaranteed. Often there is the decision of where to place the after tugboat. if one is required. The need is under the ship's tuck for leverage, but it is a precarious position and damage might be sustained by the tugboat. The next chock forward is almost midship and the tug is just about totally useless there for pushing the stern up. If the after chock is used, the line can be held to the side bitts instead of the stemhead. This permits the tug to lay forward a few feet on the line without having the line bending the visor or superstructure rubbing the ship as would occur if the line were held on the stemhead. The tug should be kept working slow ahead with enough rudder toward the ship to keep the house from rubbing the ship's side when there is scant clearance. But beware-the ship's stern will continualty be pushed down. This dilemma is common. Often the wind and weather are deciding factors in what course of action is followed. Some ships have stern quarters that are straight sided almost until they reach the water, then they cut away abruptly. Tugboats can lay alongside these ships with safety. On ships that have ramps obstructing the stern, this ~ style quarter is the ideal place to use the after tug. By placing the tug's line practically on the stern, she exerts considerable leverage. Care must be exercised not to back the ship until the tug is in position and her line fast. In this position, one-half to two-thirds of the tug is behind the ship's screw. The ship's screw will suck the tug toward it-not away-as when a tug is working a conventional quarter further forward. The traditional elliptical stern has been replaced in large measure by squared-off sterns. This is a plus for the docking pilot. In lieu of using a cutaway quarter, it is sometimes possible to work that tug on the flat stem. The tugboat can substitute for the ship's engine and rudder. This helps keep headway off the ship while still maintaining perfect control. The tug can exert maximum leverage against the ship. Judgment must, however, be exercised while working the ship's engine with the tug perpendicular across the stern. By working the ship strongly, the wash can carry the tug's lines away and jeopardize her safety. Diesel power coupled to reverse gears as a prime propulsion system has been helpful to the shiphandler. The engine response time is fast, and the shaft revolutions through the full range of speeds are most uniform. On many steam vessels, 'dead slow' and 'slow' are not enough power, and 'half' is too much. Tension winches using steel cable make shifting the vessel ahead or back alongside the pier several feet easier today. It is not necessary to use the ship' engine or tugboats once the cables are on the pier' bollard . Another good idea is to wind t e ships' lines on separate automatic winch drums. This speeds securing and singling up the vessel by eliminating the need to stop lines off and transfer them to or from the bitts. SUMMARY Ships and tugboats are changing and will continue to do so. Docking pilots must be acquainted with the various hull designs, deck layouts and propulsion systems that are encountered in the course of their work. The recent trend has been toward more diversification. The future is unpredictable. Spiraling fuel costs, other operating expenses, shifts in markets and new technology will play a very large role. The new concepts in moving cargo are likely to come under review. Older concepts may prove feasible once again. Some trades may see the reintroduction of coal and sail in some modern form. The implications for shiphandling are great should these things occur. The era of tugboat assistance in docking ships is very likely near its pinnacle. Economic pressures are going to give greater impetus to equip ships with large and reliable bow and stern thrusters. In fact, the tugboat may relinquish her predominant role in shiphandling to that of a back-up system for these thrusters in cases of breakdowns or high winds. No matter what design and innovative changes the future holds, competent shiphandlers will still be required. October 1998 �Dodge Island Ready to Resume Dredging Operations FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances . The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. Aboard the SIU-crewed NATCO dredge Dodge Island, Seafarers are getting ready to sail. The dredge was briefly in the shipyard in Mobile, Ala., where it underwent some repairs and is now ready to get back to dredging operations in all parts of the world. Above, completing some necessary paperwork before shipping out are (from left) Assistant Engineer Elmer Prestidge, Chief Engineer Mark Patterson and Captain John J. Horn. At right is the dredge's hopper, In 1879, Industrial Workers of 7 the World organizer, songwriter, and poet Joe Hill was born Joseph Hillstrom in Gavle, Sweden. October The 15,000-member Insurance 1Workers International Union 18 meroed with the UFCW in 1980. Women trade unionists held 6 their first national conference in 1916. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds gamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen in 1968, which merged with the Retail Clerks to become the UFCW in 1979. More than a million Canadian The 40-hour work week went 24 12 into effect in 1940. workers demonstrated against wage controls in 1976. In 1943, the Packinghouse Workers Organizing Committee was officially dissolved and workers were given control over their own organization-the United Packinghouse Workers of America. The UPWA merged with the Amal- The stock market crashed in 24 1929, ushering in the 1930s Depression. Although it brought high unemployment and widespread misery, the Depression also led to vast social and economic reforms, including far-reaching labor legislation. by Waterman Steamship Corp. He Sabine Towing and Transportation resided in Chalmette, La. and retired vessel. A resident of Port Anhur, he ;e"'•""'""""""c·.w •··i~n April 1988. ,_,_...,.......,=~1--retired in August 1978. LEONARD A_ WRIGHT LARRY P. WILSON HAROLD K SHOOK Harold E. Shook, 72, passed away May 7. Brother Shook began sailing with the SIU in 1979. He worked in the st~ward d~partment, last sailing in 1984 aboard the President Eisenhower, an American Presidem Lines vessel . He was a residet'tt of Scaule. Pensioner Leonard A . Wright, 72, died July 5. He joined the Seafarers in "" . ;·:~. . 1944 in the pon ";-.:·.;-.'. ·;,.:/ of Norfolk, Va. .: . .·:. "'j ""-:(.~ The Virginia ~-~~="'~"""'~,.'~ ·' native sailed as a member of the deck department. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Wright darted receiving his pertsion in June 1989. RAPHEL A. STEVENS INLAND Pensioner Larry P Wilsen. 76. passed away June 26. Boatman Wilson joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. The North Carolina native sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Harbor Towing Corp. as a member of the steward department. He resided in Washington, N.C. and began receiving his pension in April 1984. MICHAEL M. ENDRES GREAT LAKES a member and began in Novemner Brother Sander:; :;ailed ot' the deck receiving ll5 d~panm~nt hi~ ~tMion 1982. He was a resident of Lauderhill, Fla. Pensioner RaphelA. Stevens, 73 , died May J, He st<irted his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Wh:con~in , he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Coasrat Kansas, a Coskan Marine Co. vessel.Brother Stevens, who resided in Houston. started receiving his pension in June 1991 . GUSTAVO L. VIDES Pensioner Gustavo L. Vides. 73. passed away July 8. Brother Vides began sailing with the SIU in 1965 aboard the ======= Madaket, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Born in Honduras, he became a U.S. citizen in 1973. Brother Vides last sailed aboard the Sam Houston, operated October 1998 Pensioner Michael M. Endres. 66. passed away August IO. A native of Maryland, he began sailing with the SIU in L----=-=--==--=--~ 1951 from the port of Baltimore. Boatman Endres started out in the deep sea division and later transferred to inland vessels. He sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in fanuary 1995. From 1953 to I 9jj, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Endres was a resident of Philadelphia. FRANK GENNUSA fi"F.'umm.~~~~~ Pensioner Frank ~ Gennusa, 84, died June 24. Born in New York. he staned his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in Port · Arthur, Texas. Boatman Gennusa worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard a Know Your Rights MUSLEH AHMED . - - - - - - . . . . , Musleh Ahmed, 66, passed away June 21. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 from the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Ahmed was a resident of Dearborn. Mich. RAILROAD MARINE JAMES J. MALLEY Pensioner James J. Malley, 98, died June 17. Brother Malley worked primarily for the New York Central Railroad Co. as "-=------'==a bridge operator. Born in Ireland and a resident of Blauvelt, N.Y., he started receiving his pension in July 1965. of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If mem· bers believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts etween the union and he employers., they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, C.h airman seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited pr received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael S~cco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes HARRY SCHOOL 1 . j~~ • • f'.}ti'Q.. ''_,~ 1 LIFEBOAT ~ ~ ~ CLASS Academic-Elsa R. Marler (right) is pre-i sented with a certificate of achievement from instructor Rich Prucha for completing the introduction to computer basics. Marler ships from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. in the steward department. y~~ "~ ~ . Trainee Lifeboat Class 579--Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 579 are (from left, kneeling) Cole Bridwell, Joseph Sotelo, Jason Gay, Christopher Hays Jr_, Brian Shelburne, Emwanza Sealy, (second row) Eddie Pittman, Charles Jensen, Kirk Bean, Damon Parker, Joseph Merriweather and Scott Lucero. LNG Recertification-Marking their completion of the LNG recertification class on August 21 are (from left, kneeling) Christopher T Sykes, Eric Martinez, Daniel A. Tennant, Muharam Husin, J~hnnie H~lmes, (second row) Donovan E. Chri5tie, William D. Steele, James Hagner, Ronald Aubuchon, Michael Brenmm, MAl'k JoM~ (in~tructor), (third row) Dominique Bush, Kelvin Burrell, Mark Freeman, John Gibbons, Rafael Cardenas, Chris Altieri and Aleksander Turko_ Marine Eledrical Maintenance II-Engine department members receiving their marine electrical maintenance II endorsements on August 21 ~re (from left, front) Jorge Bonelli, Jesus Pilare, Ramona Gayton, Roy Zanca, (second row) Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Stephen Harrington, Isadore J. Greenberg, Ursel Barber, John Osburn and Robert Brown. Advanced Firefighting-Upgrading graduates of the August 7 advanced firefighting class are (from left, kneeling) Rick Redmond (instructor), Billy Dean, Robert Natividad, David DeHart, Carmine Barbati, (second row) Robert Mayer, Elsa R. Marler, Raul J. Padro, Marvin Lambeth, Philip Brown, Rudolph Lopez, Stephen Thompson and Isaac Newsome. Not in picture is Manolo Delos Santos. Upgraders Lifeboat-SIU members graduating rom the upgraders lifeboat class on August 21 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor}, Hussein A. Mohamed, Kamal A. Ismail, Yahya AlSaqaf. Raul Padro, (second row) Elsa R Marler, Bonifacio Lozado, Carlita V. Episioco, Ronald DeWitt, John Walsh Ill and Peter Schuetz. Advanced Firefighting-Receiving their advanced firefighting endorsements on August 14 are (from left, kneeling) Michael Brennan, Muharam Husin, Daniel A. Tennant, Amin M. Shariff, Eric Martinez, Ronald Aubuchon, (second row) William D. Steele, Dominique Bush, Christopher T. Sykes, Rafael Cardenas, Donovan E. Christie, James Hagner, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Aleksander Turko, Mark Freeman, Scott Heginbotham. Kelvin Burrell and Chris Altieri. \ Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL course on August 7 are (from left, kneeling) Joey Canlas, Christopher Jones, Joshua King, Wilbur Williams, Courtney Price, Wincell Hightower Jr.. (second row) Kamal Ismail, Frank T. Kraemer, Latanya Jackson, Michael Williams, Jose A. Villafane, Charles Pomraning, Mark Jones (instructor), (third row) Richard Barnes, Ruben F. Morales Jr.. Stanley Parker, Roderick T. Frazier and Jason Kennedy. Basic Firefighting-SIU members completing the basic firefighting course on August 14 are (from left, kneeling) John Smith (instructor), James Marchiano, Brian Morris, Burkley Cooper, Eugenio Cabral Jr., Richard Cabab, Salvadore Lagare, Ali M. Mohamed, Trawn Gooch, (second row) Joey Canlas, Walter Sainvil, Jim Duggan, Steve Rollins, Anthony Pacely Jr., James Davis Jr., Guy W. Butler Jr., Richard Barnes, (third row) Sangie Mohamed, Timothy Kotsis, LeRoy Rawls, Ronald E. Allen, David Rankin, Stanley W. Parker, Ruben F. Morales, Jose Vazquez and Juan Rochez. LEFT: Fireman/Watertender & Oiler-Earning their FOVVT' endorsements on September 4 are (from left, kneeling) Isidro Palacios, Shannon Hagins, James Hill, Wilfredo V. Martinez, Jeremiah Goldsberry, Hilario P. Calixto, (second row) Jason Manzi, Vincent B. Mull, Detricke R. Kelly, Emerito Ramos, Paul S. Grant, Sergio S. Ayala, (third row) Cle Popperwill, Albert Bennett, Curtis Richardson, Carlos Lewis, Marshall Dixon, Timothy Baldt, (fourth row) Steve DuPre, Jon Ledford, Khalid Mahmud Washington, Joseph Prill, Jeffrey Pope and Alonzo Griswell. Not pictured is Stephen Stukes. 22 Seafarers LOG October 1998 �.· · · · ;tI' JJNfJlBERG:"&tHlJOL ,.. Safety Specialty Courses 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The f~ll~~l~~· is the s~hed~l~ for c·l~s~~s' ~~l~nin~' i~ Octo~~"though tfi~'~lld of the year at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at 1 tht}.'.:P~ul H.~l~:t-enter ~?t :tvfaritill)e Training and Education in Pit!~Y Point, Md. ·All program~/ire gear~ifto:improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the . American maritime.industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. . Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore · their wurse' s start date. The <;ourses listed here will begin promptly on the mom' ing of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Start Course Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) October 12 November9 October31 November28 LNG Familiarization (includes 2 weeks offirefighting) October 12 October 30 Basic Firefighting October 5 November 2 November 16 November30 October 10 November7 November21 Decembers Advanced Firefighting Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Course Able Seaman November 16 December 11 Radar ·Ob.set"YC.rftJnlimited October 26 November6 Completion October 24 October 31 November 14 October 12 · OciOber 19 November2 Government Vessels October 5 November2 November30 October 22 November20 December18 Water SurrlVal October 5 October 17 Steward Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Start Dates Only Course Start Course UPGRADING APPLICATION Date of Date . With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days uatiml! for thl! puvious year; one day in the last six months prior to the date your class sians. USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guardfee Address _ _ __ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ of $13S wirh rheir application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone - - - - ' - - - - ' - - - - - - -- Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ B o o k # - - - - - - - - - - S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes. class# _ _ __ __ _ _______ _ __ ______ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No 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: LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transponation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your pon agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. J0/98 D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ October 1998 Seafarers LOG 23 �Seafarers Scholarships Six months remain to mail in applications for the 1999 Seafarers Scholarship Program. See page 14 for additional information on how to obtain an application form. Lummus, Cobb Crews Get HQ UpdaU Prepositioning Ships Help Meet Nation's Sealift Requirements Prepositioning ships play a vital role in meeting America's sealift needs. Fully loaded to support American troops, these vessels set sail immediately after activation. Two of the SIU-crewed prepositioning ships-the Jack Lummus and the Samuel Cobb-recently were visited overseas by SIU Representative George Tricker. During shipboard union meetings on the Lummus (in Diego Garcia) and the Cobb (in Japan), participants discussed dozens of topics including the training record book (TRB) jointly being issued by the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education; important deadlines stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners; the ongoing fight to maintain the Jones Act, and many others. Seafarers also inquired about various sealift courses available at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, located in Piney Point, Md. Those classes cover such topics as damage control, helo operations, underway replenishment, forklift training, crane operations, search and rescue, and more. "Both ships are in great shape and the meetings were very productive," Tricker repons. "We covered everything from medical claims to Con rcss." OS Carlos Ferreira (above) and other members of the deck gang (left and below) work to ensure proper storage of materiel aboard the Lummus. / ,.- ...................,.,....... Good food helps buoy spirits aboard the Samuel Cobb, as shown by DEU Robert Young (left) and QMED Steve Treece. In photo above, Chief Cook Subagio Wibisono serves lunch aboard the Samuel Cobb. GSU Dustin Wilson (right) meets with SIU Representative George Tricker aboard the Samuel Cobb in Japan. Right, forming part of the Samuel Cobb crew are DEU Maximo Loto (left) and GSU Saleh M. Saleh. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NMU PRESIDENT LIOEANJIE ANNOUNCES AFFILIATION TALKS WITH SIUNA UNDER WAY MARAD’S HART STATES HE WILL CONTINUE ADMINISTRATION’S STRONG U.S.-FLAG POLICY BIG MONTH FOR MARITRANS PAUL HALL CENTER’S EGLINGTON IS ELECTED MERPAC CHAIR NEW LNG OPERATOR HONORS SIU CONTRACT JOSE ‘JOE’ PEREZ RETIRES AS NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT PRESIDENT HOOVER SAVES 2 CAPTAIN COMMENDS HAWAII CREW FOR RESCUE OCEAN VENTURE SIGNALS NEW JOBS STOCK MARKET FLUCTUATIONS RENEW CONCERNS ABOUT CHANGING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SIU MOURNS 2 FORMER OFFICIALS AMO’S JACK BRADY SUCCUMBS TO CANCER ‘NEVER STOP LEARNING,’ SAY NEW RECERTIFIED BOSUNS ACE ALLIANCE AIMS TO FORTIFY STCW TRAINING SCHOOL PROVIDES ANTI-TERRORISM TRAINING WHEN IS THE SIU NOT THE SIU WHEN IT’S ON THE ‘NASH BRIDGES’ SHOW RETIRED QMED SURVIVES HOUSE EXPLODING ON HIM LAKES SEAFARERS SALUTE QMED BRINK VENERABLE VESSEL REJOINS CABLE OPERATIONS THE SIU TURNS 60 SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE CREW CELEBRATES HAWAIIAN STYLE MODERN SHIPHANDLING- PART II: HENRY GAMP TALKS ABOUT CURRENT TRENDS IN TUG DESIGN LUMMUS, COBB CREWS GET HQ UPDATE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 10 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/42f5285be9b48fd2b131a2d64b3ff6d8.pdf 3bd655574d898d308bf95f1d4d002e20 PDF Text Text Three new SIU-contracted "Double Eagle" tankers were christened in Newport News, Va. on October 3, marking additional job opportunities for Seafarers. The union joined with others at the ceremony in welcoming the Diamond Shoals and Nantucket Shoals (both pictured above) as well as the Cape Lookout Shoals. Two more SIU-crewed Double Eagle tankers currently being built in Newport News are slated for delivery in 1999. Page 3. ITF Ship Carries RunawayFlag Campaign to U.S. Thousands of Visitors Learn About Brutal Conditions on Foreign Vessels fl Cleanup _,perations Continue After Hurricane Georges SIU members in Puerto Rico and the Mobile, Ala. area are among the count u_s_ Maritim~ Admini~trator Clyde Hart among tM go_ooo visitors to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ~hip Globa Mariner. Hart (left, 5haking hand~ with SIU Executive Vice Pre:;ident and ITF Seafarers' Section Chairman John Fay) touriJd th9 ve$Sel in Baltimore and commAnd~d tM ITF fl)r undertaking this worldwide tour again5t runaway·flag ~hip· ping. M~ny Seafarers and SIU 6ffitial~ als~ visited the G/DbBI MarimJrat it5 initi~I ~top~ in the U.S. Pl!lge~ 11.14_ many U.S. and Caribbean residents still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Georges. With 125 mph winds and torrential rains, Georges caused an estimated $2.5 biltion in damage to residences, businesses and other property in the Gulf states and the Caribbean. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were hit particularly hard. Above: Shipping remains disrupted in Puerto Rico, where shoreside cranes were wrecked by the storm. Page 2. �Reco11ery from 'Georges' Continues President's Report Thanks for Jobs Well Done By being part of the nation's fourth arm of defense, Seafarers know they may be called to action at any time. Our jobs do not require us to punch a time clock. We know that when a vessel has to tie up or leave a dock, when a repair has to be made, when an unscheduled safety drill is announced, there is no time to say, 'T II do it tomorrow because my shift is over." It gets done now because others are depending on it. Since details like these aboard vessels Michael Sacco can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Seafarers look forward to their time at home to relax and enjoy spending time with their families. Being away from loved ones for an extended period is one of the biggest challenges facing all members-no matter if they sail deep sea. inland or on the Lakes. No one wants to be called back to work when they finally get a chance for some rest and relaxation . Yet, more than 500 SIU members did just that in September and early October to meet several unexpected challenges facing the union. During the month of September, the SIU manpower office received notification that more than 20 Ready Reserve Force vessels needed to be crewed immediately for a drill called Exercise Turbo Activation. This drill-like others in which the union has taken part-was designed by the U.S. Maritime Administration to see if the companies operating its fleet of RRF ships could fully crew and sail these ships at a moment's notice. Much as it did during the Persian Gulf War earlier this decade, the manpower office went into round-the-clock opcrntions. All SIU hiring halls were informed that ships needed to be crewed from Norfolk to New Orleans to San Francisco as soon as possible. In fact, the drill even called for three tankers docked in Japan to become operational, so crew members had to be flown to the Far East to fill these positions. As if this were not enough, Mother Nature stepped in. While union officials and staff at manpower and the hiring halls issued job cards and sent members to their assignments, three tropical storms threatened the U.S., including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Several more vessels outside the drill had to be activated, crewed and sailed out of harm's way before the storms Hurricane Georges is long gone, but Seafarers in the Caribbean and in the Gulf states still are recovering from the devastating stonn. A number of SIU members in Puerto Rico lost their roofs or suffered other damage to their respective homes. Some members' homes in the Mobile, Ala. area also were damaged. The SIU halls in Mobile and San Juan, P.R. only sustained minor harm from Georges, which struck the Caribbean beginning September 21 and then proceeded to the U.S. Many Seafarers and members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) in the U.S. have donated relief supplies for Seafarers in Puerto Rico and UIW members in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, Seafarers in the areas of Puerto Rico that sustained minimal damage have collected, donated and delivered ~t ! .. ...T[. - ~·.,~ ···'('· .....l 1tt'r A dockside crane operated by Sea· Land Service in Puerto Rico was destroyed during the storm. AP/Wide World Photos Sailboats and debris clutter the lawn of a home in Mobile, Ala. following the high winds and storm surges created by Hurricane Georges. items to residents in the harder-hit sections. Overall, Georges- with 125 mph winds and torrential rainscaused an estimated $2.5 billion in insured damages to residences, businesses and other property. It is the costliest disaster ever for the Red Cross. which has spent more than $100 million in relief efforts. The hurricane killed at least 509 people in the Caribbean, including 283 in the Dominican Republic. More than 100,000 Dominicans were left homeless because of the storm, which struck in late September. Shipping remains disrupted in Puerto Rico, where many areas still are without electricity and 11,000 residents lost their homes. Several dockside cranes operated struck land. Once again SIU members answered the call without 1 question or hesitation. The SIU not only met the challenge of Exercise Turbo Activation. the union also fully crewed the additional vessels called up because of the approaching stornu. Seafarers went aboard and sailed a total of 31 ships with minimal notice during these campaigns. Each and every person involved in making these operations a success deserves praise. From the members who gave up their valued time with their families, to the port officials who worked well into the night and on weekends, to the manpower personnel who stayed on top of these ever-changing situations, all of you performed brilliantly and expertly. The SIU prides itself on being able to go anywhere at any time to crew and sail U.S.-flag vessels. That's what our government. our troops and our contracted companies c;ount on. Once again, Seafarers have shown this pride and belief is not simply bragging. It is fact. Vulum11 60, Numb11r n November 7998 The SIU vn line; www.secde1ren.org The Seafarers WG OSSN 1086-4636) is published mon~hly by the Sc~farcr~ Intcmatiomtl Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL--CIO; Sl01 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WC, 5201 Auth Wa'I Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Ediror. Jordan Biscardo; Associate Elliror/Producrion. Deborah A. Hines; An. Bill Brower, Administrative Suppon, Jeanne Textor. Copyright 19 1998 Seafarers International Union, AP/Wida World PhOtos Winds of up to 90 mph battered houseboats in Key West, Fla., scattering debris across the flooded road. by Sea-Land and NPR, Inc. were destroyed. As a result, some vessels have skipped scheduled stops to the island. For those that have delivered goods there, off-loading that normally takes less than one day has lasted three days or longer. Longshoremen are using cherrypickers and other unconventional gear to get the job done. The SIU's hall in San Juan closed for a week (September 2128), first in preparation for Georges and then because of power outages and lack of running water. The Mobile hall closed for two days due to no power and downed trees blocking area roads. As in late 1995 and early 1996, in the wake of Hurricane Marilyn, the Red Cross is using the Mobile hall as a command center for local relief operations. Red Cross personnel arrived at the hall September 30 and probably will continue using it until sometime early chis month. While the Dominican Republic sustained the greatest loss of life, Puerto Rico absorbed the most monetary damage. According to the Associated Press, insured damage there totals an estimated $1 .7 billion. Other assessments included $325 million in Florida, $310 million in Mississippi, $15 million in Louisiana and $50 million in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The SIU hall in New Orleans avoided any damage when Continued on page 4 Work Begins on Fire Fighting School The first phase of construction has begun for the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School in Piney Point, Md. Pictured is some of the initial work that took place in early October. Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting, water survival, first aid and CPR, damage control and confined-space safety training at the six-building complex, which is part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The facility is designed to virtually duplicate shipboard environments, including types of fires frequently applicable to vessels. Completion is expected sometime next year. AGLIWD All Rights Rc«:rved. 2 Seafarers LOG November f 998 �SIU Crews Double Eagle Tankers 3 Christened at Newport News; 2 to Follow Call it a triple-header of new job opportunities for SIU members. Three new "Double Eagle" tankers were christened October 3 at Newport News (Va.) ShipbuikJin~ . Seafarers already have crewed two of them (the Cape Lookout Shoals and the Nantucket ShMls) and are scheduled to climb the gangway of the third (the Diamond Shoals) sometime this month. Two more SIU-crewed Double Eagle tankers currently being built at Newport News are slated for delivery in 1999. ''These ships represent new jobs for the membership and a chance for Seafarers to sail aboard the most modern tankers anywhere," said SIU President Michael Sacco_ "Naturally, we're glad co have the opportunity to crew new ships, and as always we're committed to providing the best-trained, safest mariners in the world_u Built with double hulls in order to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the tankers 1 0 November f 998 • Length: 600 feet, 7 inches • Beam; 105 feet, 8 inches • Deadweight/Oraft 46,069 LT @ 40 feet, 1 inch · • Cargo capacity: 342,040 barrels • Tank/grades: 7 pairs of ·f'.Ort ::and starboard, 7 tf;ln~s. :. segregations Photo courte5y oi N~p;;rt N~ws Shipbuilding Seafarers are sailing aboard new "Double Eagle" tankers operated by Hvide Marine, including the Cape Lookout Shoals. Three of the ships were christened October 3 in Newport News, Va. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez attended the ceremony. are operated by Hvide Marine Inc. The essels will carry petroleum products along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts. Named after old U.S. Coast Guard light ships that basically served as floating lighthouses (until the early 1980s), the tankers "are a response to the mandate of Congress and the American peo- FMC Remains Independent Agency As President Okays Shipping Reform The Federal Mari time Commission (FMC) remains an independent agency under the conditions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 (S. 414), which President Clinton signed into law on October 14. Some earlier versions of the bill, first addressed nearly four years ago either eliminated the FMC or ~allcd for it to merge with the Surface Transportation Board. The first hef\ring on whAt eventua11y became the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (which updates the Shipping A~t of I9B4) took place in February 1995. During that session of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Sub~om­ m.ittc;c;, &nd in subsequent talks, the SIU contended that maintaining the FMC-which wa~ e~tab­ lished in 1961- and preserving key clements of the 1984 act are vital to America's economic and security incerests. Numerous other maritime unions, U.S.-flag carriers, i;urrent and f6rmer members of Congress and more voiced their agreement. Last momh. Senator John Breaux (D-La.) commended the FivlC's work and point~d to the agency's continuation as a signiticant component of S. 414. "It's important to know that the FMC is u taxpayers' bargain because. with lt smnll :stnff nnd budget. it cffcctive}y oversees the shipping practice~ of more thun $.500 billion in maritime trade." he said. "Yet this small federal agency has saved shipping companies billions in import and expon costs. most recently by successfully (challenging] Japan~s~ port practic~s ." Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Mi~~ - ) ~aid the bHJ d~s much lo ensure that America's pre:scncc in the shipping industry Specs tor the . 'Doable Eagles' is not subjected to unfair foreign rules or discriminatory practices. The FMC's enforcement actions taken against unfair port practices in Japan illu:strntes the essential and unique mission that this agcm;y performs. Even more recently, issues concerning Brazil and China have come on their radar screen. This is a function that wi11 continue, a mission that I wholeheartedly suppon." The FMC enforces laws that ~All for fair rates and a nondiscriminatory regulatory process for the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States_ The commission faces a March 1 deadline for rewriting tariff-fil· ing regulations so that the reform legislation can be implemented beginning May 1 1 1999_ Joe Scroggins, one of the FMC commissioner~, ~tated thar he believes "the most important change (brought on by the bill) is the introdu~tion of confidential service contracts. These are contrAct~ where a shipper guarantees to movi; " spcc;ific rut'lount of cargo with a particular carrier over a ccrtnin amount of time for a discounted price_ The difference now is that the~e service contra~ts will continue to be filed with the FMC, but several key provisions will not be made pub· lie- such as rates, service commitments, intennodal origin and destination points. "In short, the legislation marks the beginning of n shift from the current common carriage system-where all tariff rates are on file and made public-to n contract-based system where service contrncts cun be kept confidential___ _ It is hoped that the Ocean Shipping Reform Act will create a climate in which most cargo moves under negotiated contracts, mak- ing filed tariffs less important." Indeed, the bill retains the common carrier tariff enforcement provision of the 1984 act but deletes the requirement to file tariffs through the FMC's automated system. Tariffs instead will be publicly available by publication through common carrier automated systems (such as internet sites)_ Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater said the bill will benefit c.he maritime industry. "Sin~e the beginning of the Clinton administration, the Department of Transportation has been working to achieve in m~ritime transportation the benefits of deregulation that the airline, trucking, rail and freight forwarding industries already enjoy," Slater said ...Ocean carriers now will have the ability co set prices in response to the market. which will result in benefits for American exponers and importers." Meanwhile. Lott, Breaux and others described the bill as a reasonable compromise among many affected groups. "We've secured legislation chat is a good balam;e between deregulation to help our shippers and ports and the need co provide oversight of our U.S. antitrust laws," stated Breaux. Snid Lott, "The Ocean Shipping Reform Act represents true compromise. This legislative effort hrnught rogerher many divergent interests-parties who often do not ngrce with one another_The result is a consensus bill that received the ~6lid backing of all industry segments in~luding u_s_ shippers, American and foreign ocean carriers , ports nationwide, and u_ s_ labor_" u_s_ ple to build double-hull tankships that will transport chemical and petroleum products in the safest manner possible," remarked J. Erik Hvide, the head of Hvide Marine. "They are U_S_-buih in one of the finest shipyards in the world, U_S_-crewed and U.S.flagged, and their entry into the market marks a major step forward in the evolution of environmenta11y compatible marine transportation." Earlier this year, Hvide Marine and the shipyard restructured an agreement so that the company would acquire four double-hull tankers, instead of the originally planned five vessels. However, they subsequently announced that the Port Everglades, Fla_-based company wiH, in fact, take delivery of a fifth ship. r\ \.IEHIC-\:\ CU\S~IC VOY\ GE.S Co. . ~ This artist's conception shows what one of the two passenger vessels being built for American Classic Voyages will look like when it is ready for sailing in late 2002. Union Yard to Build Cruise Ships Ingalls Shipbuilding Selected to Construct Vessels for Hawaiian Trade The first two deep sea passenger ships to be built in an American shipyard in almost a half century will be constructed at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., according to an annoum;ement made by American Classic Voyages last month. The two vessels are the result of the U.S.·Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project passed by Congress last year. The ships are being builc for the Hawaiian Island trade and will be operated by American Classic Voyages· subsidiary American Hawaii Cruises, which already sails the SIU-contracted SS Independence in that trade. (American Classic's other subsidiary. Delta Queen Steamboat Company, operates the SIUcrewed inland riverboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen.) "The planning and construction of these ships show that the U.S.-flag fleet will remain :strong and vibrant in the new century," SIU President Michael Sacco said. "Of course, these ships also mcnn new jobs for Seafarers aboard what will be state-of-theart cruise vessels built by American workers_This is a winboth wi n proposition for American shipyard workers and American mariners." The first of the two vessels is expected to be completed by late 2002. Each will carry approximately 1,900 passengers and will measure 840 feet long_ They will be the biggest ocean-going cruise ships buil~ in the U.S. and will be designed · to transverse the Panama Canal. In addition to these two vessels, the agreement between American Classic Voyages and Ingalls Shipbuilding includes an option for the yard to build four more ships. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) praised the announcement as proof that the u_s--tlag fleet remains vital to the nation's economic and security interests. "I am proud that Ingalls Shipbuilding has been selected by American Classic Voyages for the important venture of constructing the largest U.S. cruise ships ever," noted Lou, whose father was a union pipefitter in the yard before tetiring. "It is particularly pleasing to know that my home state will be spearheading the opportunity for American industry and workers to' share in the benefits of the booming world cruise market fueled by American passengers. Continued on page 5 Seafarers LOG 3 �School Takes Crowley Class Coast-to-Coast •• I The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently conducted its tankerman (PIC) barge course in Long Beach, Calif. and Jacksonville, Fla. Instructor Mitch Oakley led the classes, which were completed by SIU members who sail aboard Crowley vessels. Pictured at left is the Jacksonville class, including Seafarers Matt Formel, Albert Mercer Jr., Mike Getchell, Richard Wilson, Marlin Miller, James Haney, Michael Smith Jr., Paul Tyson and Roger Cadloni, as well as Crowley Senior Vice President Alex Sweeney. Shown below is the Long Beach class, consisting of Rick Barnhart, Marshall Novack, David Walblom, James Gray, David DelBuono, George Daley, David Breoning, Domenic Defeo Jr., Gregory Jarvis, Gary Burke and Michael Rudge. Sea Star's El Yunque will sail between Florida and San Juan, P.R. Seatarers Crew El Yunque New job opportunities for SIU members arrived last month as Seafarers climbed the gangway of the containership El Yunque . Operated by Sea Star Line, the ship will call on the Florida ports of Jacksonville and Port Everglades, and San Juan, P.R. A sister ship, the El Morro, will be crewed by SIU members early next year. "The union welcomes this new entry into the U .S.-flag maritime trades," stated SIU Vice President Conlra~ts Augie Tellez; during the Cktober membership meeting. Sea Star is a joint venture which includes Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. Recovery from liearges ta Take Months Continued from page 2 Georges veered uwuy from the city at the eleventh hour. (See related story, page 8.) Meanwhile, UIW members on St. Croix (the hardesi hit among the U.S. Virgin Islands) pl;').yed a key role in the cleanup of that island. Member~ employed by the Depanment of Pllblic works cteareo Clebris and helped prepare area schools to reopen, among many other relat- ed duties. Georges struck St Croix with winds as great ns 1 10 mph. It destroyed or damaged many roofs, sank dozens of boats and smashed wooden boardwalks and anchorage~ . It ruined crops, knocked down trees and tore up much of the territory'5 hmd~.;:aping . Many of the blue tarpaulin~ that had been in place, serving as roofs since Marilyn, were blown away. Hurricanes are fflirly ceimmonplace in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a fact that no doubt fueled the relative ~en~e of relief in the terriroty. Sc\ d~~pit~ lhe mmc recem damage. a V.I. newspaper headline summed up the prevailing mood: "Islanders thankful Georges was not Marilyn.'' read the banner in the St. Thomas Daily News, referring to the more powerful hurricane that hit the islands in 1995. More than 3,000 UIW rnembers live in th~ U.S. Virgin Islands, most of them govcrnmenr employees. At the SIU hall in Santurce. Seaforer3 gather needed !UPPlies to be distributed in nearby towns devastated by the hurricane. From the left are SA Angal O'Neill, SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez, (kneeli119) SA sa.mu~I Sotomayor. SA Eusebio Gonzalez, (kneeling) AB J~~v~ V@rgara a.nd Chief Cook David Ve.lie. 4 Seafarers LO& In photos above and below, Seafarers-including Capt. Roberto Candelario and Deckhand Joel Gonzalez-were on the move, delivering needed bottled water and other items to retugM ~enters in Jayaya and Utaudo, P.R. AP/Wide World Photo At a marina in Mobile, Ala., a boat has been blown over a dock by the power of Hurricane Georges. The boxes may say "vegetables"; actually they are filled with bottled water for the people of Utaudo, P.R., one of the most destroyed towns on the island after the hurricane. From the left are (kneeling) SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez, (standing) DEU Orlando Herrera and AB Anibal Matos. Left: From tM back of a pickup truck, Deckhand Joel Gonzalez gives bottled water to a resident of the town of Utaudo. The people of the community were very grateful that unions like the SIU remembered them in such devastating times. November 1998 �SIU Protests Proposed User Fee Increases The SIU strongly voiced its objections to proposed increases in the user fees charged to mariners for U.S. Coast Guard services relating to issuance of zcards, licenses and certificates of registry. Responding to a government notice of proposed rulemaking, the union urg~d the Dcp"rlmcnt of Transportation to forego the intended increases. SIU President Michael Sacco, while objecting to the existence of user fees in the ftm place, called upon the department Lo either maintain or de'rease the current fees. In a recent letter to the DOT, he also pointed out the Coast Guard's proposed changes would leave U.S. mariners paying "significantly higher fees" than those "imposed by the government for similar federally mandated licenses/documents." Sacco further stated the current proposal may lead the union to consider supporting either a self-certification program for SIU members, or the privatization of the certification process, or both. The SIU's i;ommcnts and any others received in response to the proposed rulemaking are being considered. Ex~erpts from Sacco's letter, sent to the DOT in September, follow. "The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU), AFL-CIO ... wishes to express its unconditional dissatisfaction with the Coast Guard's proposed rulemaking (CGO 97-2799) revising user fees for agency services relating to the issuance of merchant mariner licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner documents. We find the proposed revised fees ... unjustifiable and punitive. "As we reviewed the proposed rule, it became evident that although the agency has attempted to calculate and recalculate fees for this function, it has, in our view, been unsuccessful in its efforts to develop a fair assessment. In fact, we advance that the recalculation is not a true cost Congress Passes Extension for WWII Mariners' Veterans' Status Enactment into Law Awaits Presidential Signature In one of its last acts before adjourning, the Senate passed legislation to provide World War II veterans• status to merchant mariners who served from August 16, 1945 to December 31, 1946. The action by the Senate on October 20 foIIowed a 423-0 vote by the Hou~e of Representatives on October 10 for the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998. This measure contained the language to extend the veterans• status. It awaits President Bill Clinton's signature to become law. SIU President Michael Sacco saluted the efforts of merchant marine veterans' groups across the country to pass the extension. 'They deserve all the credit for this," Sacco said. ''They saw an injustice that had been inflicted upon their fellow seamen and fought for 10 years to correct this problem. "Just like those years when they braved submarine and air attacks on the world's seas, they never gave up and pushed on full steam ahead until the bill was passed." Long sought Reoognl Ion The battle to gain the extension started in 1988 after veterans' status was conferred upon mariners who sailed for the U.S. merchant marine between December 7, 1941 (when Pearl Harbor was bombed) and August 15, 1945 (when the Japanese surrendered aboard the USS Missouri). In fact, the 1988 announcement ended u 40-year struggle just to get some kind of recognition for mariners. Of all the American forces serving during World War II, only the U.S. Marine Corps ~uffered a higher casualty rate than the merchant marine. Despite the 1Mg fight to gain veterans' scams, the battle was far from over because of the August 15, 194.5 cutoff date established by the Defense Department The last date of recognition for other veterans was set at December 31, 1946, as deter mined by Presidf:!nt Harry Truman. Groups like the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and the Mer~hant Mariners Fairness Committee worked with maritimcarclatcd unions, like the SIU, to lobby Congress for the extension. Each session of Congress included bills to redress the problem, but they would go no further than being assigned to a committee. However, the effort gained the strong support of Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R~Miss.) in this session of Congress. He reintroduced the extension legislation and worked for it. while a similar measure offered in the House by Representative Lane Evans (D-111.) garnered nearly 340 cosponsors. Lott amended the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to include the extension, but it was cut during a HouseSenate conference committee as long as the veterans· measure would be considered before the end of the congressional session. The legislation then was included in the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act. AMMV spokesman Joseph Katusa stated, .. We are all delighted. This has been quite an experience and we thank everyone who helped." What to Do When the measure becomes law, mariner~ will have to apply for their honornbk discharge by submitting U.S. Coast Guard dis~harges or other offidal records showing they sailed between those dates as well as form DD-2168. (The form is available through the Veterans Administration.) The completed applications for those who sailed in the merchant marine should be sent to Commandant (GMVP-1/12), United States Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593-0001 . For those who served in the Army Transport Service, the completed forms should go to Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Components, Personnel & Administrative Center (PAS-EENC), 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Loui~, MO 63132-.5200. Finally, for those who worked with the Navy Transportation Service, their paperwork should be sent to Naval Military Personnel Command (NMPC-3). Navy Department, Washington. DC 20370-5300. New Cruise Ships on Tap for Hawaiian Trade Continued from page 3 This is a significant step towards the re-emergence of the U.S .- flag r,;rui~e industry.,, Aho :rnluting the announcemcnL wa! Senator Daniel Inouye CD-Hawaii), who ~crvcd with Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) as the primary sponsors of the U.S.-Flag Crni~e Ship Pih~t Project. "Todtw's annoufitement by Amcric;m Cla:s:sic Voyuges and Ingalls Shipbuildin~ is an impormm milestone cowards the revitaliz;:\tioo Qf the U .S .• ffag cruiK hip industry," Inouye stated. "We are beginnittg tD realize Na11ember 1998 the vision Congress had when it ertacted the U.S .-Flag Cruise Ship PilL>t Project last year1 a project I am proud to have championed. This project will further develop the Hawaiian tourism market, increase employment in support· ing services. result in thousands of jobs for Americans in the yards and aboard the cruise ships, and give us a better shipyard industrial base which is critical to U.S. n;:ltiomd !t:curity, "Only by promoting and encouraging a sound maritime indusrry can the U.S. remain a world economic and military superpower1" concluded the Hawaii Democrat. The cruise ships are the lated in lhe planned expansion of American Classic Voyages. Earlier this yeru-, the New Orleans-based company announced its intention to build five coastal passenger vessels. These ships would carry between 200 and 225 passenger~ each with the first expected to be ready to sail in the year 2000. The ccastAl vessels wilt be 300 feet long and diesel driven. They will be designed to look like the coastal steamers that plied the nation 1 s coastlines at the beginning of this century. The quintet will be operated by Delta Queen Steamboat. analysis or an economic time-test study but an exercise in justifying the Congressional mandate to impose user fees. We do not agree with many of the assumptions on which this study is based, which leads us to believe that the proposed fees are based on a flawed document. .. . "For example, a"ording to the agency's draft regulatory assessment, the average monthly salary of an able seaman, when employed, is approximately $1,541 per month in base wages and overtime while a third mate's average monthly base wage and overtime earnings are approximately $3,047. Even though the third mate makes twice as much as an able seaman-according to these statistics, the latter must pay 0.63 percent of his annual salary in user fees for a merchant mariner document while the former pays 0.30 percent of his annual salary in licensing user fees. The Coast Guard docs not justify this discrepancy and inequity. Instead, the agency opines that 'it is inappropriate to draw conclusions based on the comparison of fees as percentage of salary across professions.' We disagree. It is our contention that the agency is not comparing salaries across professions in this instance, but salaries between different levels of one professionthat of the merchant mariner. Therefore, user fees should fairly reflect that distinction. "Further, it has come to our attention that the fees proposed by the Coast Guard are also significantly higher than fees imposed by the government for similar federally mandated licenses/documents.... This demon· strates an inconsistency and disparity between federal ag.e ncies in the manner in which fees are assessed and charged, which leads us to ask why .... The SIU strongly recommends that any user fee imposed on the merchant mariner should be consistent with fees charged for the licensing process by other federal agencies. "Perhaps the time has come for the SIU to look toward minimizing these . . . fees for our members through the support of a self-certification program for seafarers working for SIU-contracted companies and/or the privatization of the process itself. The SIU believes it can provide this service to its members at a fraction of the cost the Coast Guard is proposing and looks forward to this opportunity. Unfortunately, the privatization of this function will take a number of years, as the agency proceeds through legislative and regulatory hurdles and procedures. Meanwhile, our members will still encounter the payment of unjust and inequitable fees for the opportunity to be employed on U.S.-flag vesselsun less the proposed fees are reevaluated, and are either returned to the status quo, or decreased. "Our views on the process used to assess user fees for licensing and documentation of merchant mariners in the past are part of the record on this issue and are contained in docket number 96053. Insofar as our concerns remain basically the same, we would ask that you review these previously submitted comments. "It is our hope that the proposed . . . increase in the user fee contained in the current proposal will be reevaluated and brought within the scope of fees assessed by other federal agencies for similar services. The SIU looks forward to partnering with you on this most important issue and offers its assistance in finding a mutually acceptable position." NAFTA Lawsuit Ruling Evades 'Treaty' Issue Believing the North American Free Trndc Agreement (NAFTA) to be unconstitutional, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) last July joined the Made in USA Foundation in a federal lawsuit to have the treaty declared null and void. However, the government response to the lawsuit, handed down last month, evades the entire question of whether NAFfA is a treaty. If the answer had been yes, the lawsuit would have Asked the couns to declare the agreement unconstitutional. In a statement issued by USWA President George Becker, he said, "It Appears our government1s position is that no one can sue for redress, no matter how many U.S. jobs have been lost to Mexico or Canada since NAFfA's 1993 adoption, and no matter how many workers have been forced to accept lower wages or benefits under threat of Aplant moving across the border." When the lawmit was filed four months ago, Becker had stated, "We believe NAFTA is a treaty that should have been subject to a two-thirds ratification vote by the U.S. Senate as called for in the U.S. Constitution.1' The Justice Department lawyers insist that whether or not NAFrA is a "treaty," and thereby subject to the two-third's concurrence of the U.S. Senate, it is a matter for the U.S. president to decide as he sees fit, free of any judicial involvement. "I had always been taught that in our three-branch form of government. the job of interpreting the Constitution belonged to the judicial branch," stated Becker. "If the government is right, I think we've taken a giant step away from the principle of separation of powers and moved toward one-man rule." Joel Joseph, chair of the Made in the USA Foundation, said, ..The Made in the USA Foundation contends it is abundantly clear that NAFTA is a treaty. The Justice Department may claim it is not, but arguing that no one can sue to test the issue in court is ridiculous." The USWA's lawyers involved said the union will vigorously contest the government's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Seafarers LOG 5 �Steel Imparts Spur Slowdown an Lakes Sunshine and Cement in Detroit Despite Cargo Dip, Season Is Ahead of '97 Winter layup still seems as if it is a long way off, as the Great Lakes region through midOctober enjoyed warm weather and SIU members continued sailing aboard many of the selfunloaders and other vessels that ply the trade. Overall. it ha~ bt:cn u very strong season on the Lakes, although August marked a rare dip in cargo movement. The Lake Carriers' Association reported that U.S.· flag lakcrs moved 13.9 million tons of cargo in August (the most recent month for which complete data is available), a decrease of 2.7 percent compared Lo Augusr 1997. The association and other groups-including the United Steelworker of America and numerous steel companiespointed lo "dumping" of foreign steel in the U.S. as the key factor in the cargo-volume decrease. In fact, more than a dozen stace governors have petitioned President Clinton, asking him to stop the influx of artificially low-priced foreign steel. A resolution has been intraduced in the House of Representatives addressing this same issue. The governors' letter cites "unfairly priced, dumped and subsidized" steel products from Russia, Braz.ii and Japan as harming the domestic steel market. Imported steel from those three economically staggering nations increased by more than 80 percent through July, compared with the first seven months of 1997. ..Our steel companies are facing a major crisis as foreign companies flood our markets with finished steel products at well below cost, violating fair trade laws and forcing layoffs, plant closures and production halts across the country," said the letter to President Clincon. "Our businesses cannot compete with unfairly priced, dumped and subsidiz.ed products from desperate foreign markets ." Despite the AugusL downturn, the Lakes season as a whole remains ahead of last year's pace. Through August, a total of 90,254,649 tons of cargo had been moved from Lakes ports, compared to 84,677,736 at that time last year. The SIU-crewed J.A. W. lglehan (above) has helped keep cement cargoes on the Great Lakes ahead of last year's pace. Pictured (clockwise, from right) during a recent docking in Detroit are Bosun Hert) sn111er, wnee1sman Bill Thomen, Wheelsman Randy Cummings and Wheelsman Willis Campbell, who at age 72 still sets a brisk pace on deck. Bernard Seaman, Former LOG Art Editor, Dies at 85 Bernard Seaman, who served as the art editor for the Seafarers LOG during the 1940s, '50s and '60s, passed away Septemher 7 after battling cancer. He was 85 years old. Seaman drew many of the editorial cartoons found in the LOG during the post-World War II era, The late Herb Brand , who served as the union's communi~ations dim;tor during th~t period, often reflected on the way Seaman could create just the right drawing when needed for a particular ~ituation , Besides his work with the SIU, Seaman also was arc ediwr for th' lntcrn~tion~l L~dics Garment Workers Union and the International Union of Electronics Workers (lUE). He & Seafarers LOG provided editorial cartoons for many years for the AFL-CIO News. His work appeared as well in PM, The New York Timfs and The Nation. The Stamford. Conn. native received numerous awards, including the New York Newspaper Guild Page One Aw"rd in 1952. He designed and painted murals for union halls around the country. Seaman attended New York City public schools, City College, the Art Students League and the University of Alabama. He retired from the IUE in 1978. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Judith and Laura and three grandchildren. New Bedford Port Agent Francois Appointed to Fishing Commissions New Bedford (Mass.) Pon Agent Henri Francois has been selected Lo represent the port's commercial fishing industry members on two vitally important commissions. The 1st District U.S . Coast Guard picked Francois to serve as an alternate to the Commercial Fishing Industry Working Group, formed in 1994 as a forum to discuss compliance and enforcement issues regarding fisheries regulations. New England's fishermen have labored under an increasingly strict regime designed to help rebuild troubled groundfish stocks such as cod and haddock. Such regulations, devised by the New England Fisheries Management Council, a body of federal and stale regulators. academic~ and industry members, sometimes lead to rules which make it difficult for fishermen to make a living. The Fishing Industry Working Group gives fishermen the opportunity to have input on these Coast Guard-enforced rules, suggesting Henri Francois improvements and pointing out those wh -ch do not accomplish the stated goals . Francois also has been named to the City of New Bedford's Fisheries Task Force by Mayor Fred Kalisz. The task force (which includes other fishermen, fish processors, a University of Massachuseccs professor and local port officials) is charged with coordinating responses to federal management recommendations and promoting better scientific information. ·· "SIU fishermen have sacrificed so much over the past eight years, serving in these positions will give me a chance to help them start getting the rewards," said Francois. He noted that groundfish stocks have been rebuilding, witnessed by the increased catch· es the union boats have been landing, but that government biologists have been slow to recognize this. "That's why industry-supported research is so important to our members." Restrictions facing SIU mem- . hers in New Bedford include limited numbers of days per year in which they are allowed to fish. Their fishing time will be increased only when the federal government, specifically · the National Marine Fisheries Service, declares the stocks of flounders, cod, haddock and other fish rebuilt. The fishermen believe that budgetary restrictions prevent the government from fully surveying the fish stocks, which is why the industry and city are looking for ways to aid in scientific research. November 1998 �The SIONA - An Explanation of Its Structure and Its Members Because of the several articles that have been published in the Seafarers LOG this year regarding a possible affiliation of the National Maritime Union with the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA), some confusion has arisen concerning the difference between the SIUNA and the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, commonly known as the SIU. The SIUNA is the parent organization of 17 different unions (listed in the box), including the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. It is anticipttt~d thttt th~ NMU WMld become the newest affiliate of the SIUNA. The SIUNA does not have any actual individual members. It docs not negotiate any contracts. Instead, the SIUNA serves all its affiliates by providing protection under the AFL-CIO charter from being raided by other unions, by being involved in political and legislative activities and by offering policy input to the AFL-CIO. Under this system, each affiliate represents its members directly. When Harry Lundeberg received the SIUNA charter from the American Federation of Labor in October 1938, it was to create an international organization for mariners and maritime-related workers. Lundeberg became the first president of the SIUNA, serving in that capacity at the same time that he headed the Sailors' Union of the Pacific Bosun McCarthy Featured In AFL· CID Publication SIU Michael rnc:mbc:r McCarthy is included in a group of artic1e~ appearing in the October (SUP), which became an SIUNA affiliate. Joining the SUP in 1938 as affiliates under the SIUNA banner were three separate SIU districts-one each for Atlantic Coasc, Gulf Coasc and Great Lakes mariners. As time went on, canaa1an Marine omcers union 9670 Notre Dame Street, East Montreal, H1 L 3PB. Quebec. Canada Seafarers Commercial Flsnermen·s Association 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 514 354-8321 301 -899-0675 criautteurs & IMustrial Workers, Loeal 5 4577 Gravois Avenue news magazine that the current families depend on the heretofore ~table income from Social Securicy. Additi0rt11ly, tM 36-y~1r-()Jd Seafarer stated that many Ame1kans probably cannot afford to pay into a high-risk, private retirement plan-not ofren enough to ensure a reasonably comfon:ab1e reriremenc, anyway. "S ~wing for any worlcing cla~~ ..... ,., .. >::-:,.:. ·.,·""":··· ...... '..... .... . ' I ".... . 11 I Pl 111 I . ChlnQOk C~nnery Workers Union, Local No. 12 PO Box 325 Chinook, WA 98614 Fishermen's Union of America, Pacific & Caribbean 529 w. 9th Street, Suite C&D San Pedro, CA 90731 Seafarers International Union - Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 301 ·699-0675 Seafarers International Union of Canada 1333 St. Jacques Street 310-833-3571 lndu,trial, Profe"lonal, Technical Workerto Montreal, H3C 4K2, Oueb~. Canada 514-931-7859 8700 Cleta Street Seafarers Maritime Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Spring$, MD 20746 Downey. CA 90241 800·686·2000 301-899-0675 Marine Firemen's Union 240 Second Street San Francisco, CA 94105 SIU or Pueno Rico. carlDe and Larin America PO Box 8899 41 5-362-4592 F@rnandez Juncos Station Santurce, PR 00910 787 -723-0002 Marine Staff Officers, Pacific District 170 Windsor River Road, Suite W Windsor, CA 95402 707·837-0423 Sugar Workers Union No. 1 M 1 Loring AVenue ProfMSIMal security Offleers Msoclation Auth Way camp Springs, MD 20746 5~01 301 ·899·0075 Sailors' Union of the Pacific 450 Harrison Street San Francisco, CA 94105 415-777 -3400 lot inv w~t'<lnli t1as1 i M1'Ull ii: n~ro cu11nu ir.m ' •s11vlr.~ ~ 11111~•. vwt~ t~m11y a11~1>1 umiu!lllr 10 @at mimt $ lllU mm i i •o~ing•. I. lot 11! poo910 ;11~ ' hnlnu n h1nl llmt lllllklno 110~1 ; uiRa~al'l raallty. 6111 me : nimow wno cu e uw uni u1m111 ! ll\l~l~I ~·~~rlty •ta bitter~" tn~~ i Ibo evcraua wmi.111. no !hoy dDll'l i h~v• u i60d ldau whot 9ou M < will! !hi Anraue Anlcrlc111.• 8Mun McCnrthy's photo and comments appear in the national publication of the AFL-CIO. person is hard during these times," he told the magazine. "You 're talking about whether to eat or put $100 into savings. A lot of people are having a hard time making ends meet-that's reality. "But the peop1e who make d~isions about Social S~urity ~¢ better off than the average worker, so they don't have a good idea what goes on with the Aver· age American." McCarthy's comments. along wtth tMse from ether trade unionists around the country, appear in the last of three articles f()rtn1ng th~ OtMber cover ~rcry. R . e···m·1nd·e·r· an PO Box 583 Crockett. GA 94525 510-787·1676 United Industrial, Service, Transportation, Professional and Government Workers of Nonh America 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 301-899-0675 s~u members ?i1h.•!·: :~he~\ m.u.1J:: ·rui1y:. '.;·~~m·PJY'::, wtt:M ·:. :aff<sn:1p~oard procedures ·.'.: i~V~l~i, 9S'. 9~S: '. ~yst~m~ par~.~l'.\n$1'.: Thi~. inefu~es everything '.-:trqn). rou~ine 'sign-offs fo room s~arches. Failure to adhere to ·tJt.OP$r . . Ou$t<Jtn$ pr9C~dure$ may ·result in substantial 1~nes Like the SIUNA and UFCW, the ILA also has affiliate unions. These unions inc1ude the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pi1ots and the American Radio Association. Such arrangements are not unique to labor. One specific example within industry is the CSX Corporation. Many Seafarers know CSX as the parent of SIU-contracted SeaLand Service. The corporation also includes such separate entities as CSX Transportation, CSX Intermodal, Customized Transportation, and The Greenbrier. 'Y2K1 Dilemma Looms Over Computer Users U.S. Coast Guard Web Site Tries to Head Off Difficulties Editor's note: This article was written by Russ Levin, an instructor at the Paul Hall C~ntu for Maritime Training and Education. . - -- labor movement with an overall structure that encompasses affiliated unions . Two examp1es include the United Food and Commercia1 Workers (UFCW) and the Internationa1 Longshoremen 's Associacion (ILA). Within the structure of the UFCW (best known for representing grocery store workers) are councils . The councils formerly operated as independent unions, but have affi1iated with the UFCW. Like SIUNA affiliates, they sti11 elect their own officials and negotiate their contracts. The UFCW council unions include the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union; the United Garment Workers of America; the Distillery, Wine and Allied Workers International Union; the United Textile Workers of America; and the International Chemical Workers Union. International Union .:<Bl~ .uni9(l~~ "~on.t.rMJ$. ~~P~rtmen.r.r~tn.irtejs November 1998 Seafarers Entenainment and Allied Trades Union 325 Market Street, Suite B Alton, IL 62002 618-462-3456 St. Loui!i, MO 83118 314-752-2200 Tne recenifieo bosun is quot- Social Security retirement pro· gram must be maintained. Privatizing the ~ydem will be too risky, he said, and many retired ries and government as we11 as aboard fishing vessels. As affi1iates, each of the unions within the SIUNA operates under its own constitution, e1ects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and manages ics own budge ts . The SIUNA is not a]one in the Unions Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America issue of the AFL-CIO's official publication, America@wark. ed in one of the articles about the pitfalls of privatizing Social Security. A smaJI photo of McCarthy also appears with the display quote, on page 16. An 18-year member of the SIU, Mi;Cwthy to1d the; AFL-CIO these three districts merged their operations to become today's SIU At1antic, Gu1f, Lakes and In1and Waters District. The SIUNA continued to grow. It now includes unions that represent men and women who work in canneries, tourism, facto- The year 2000 presents one of the most interesting challenges since the beginning of the computer age. It has significant implications for alt those who use computers. It is an absolute immovable deadline that must be dealt with to avoid the consequences. Computers record time and dates as just another number, and as time progresses, the "time" number gets bigger, so a future date is always larger than a past dare. In order to save space in earlier computers. some programmers interfered with this progres· sion by deleting the century digics from dates. Without the century digits, the last date of the millennium will be 99-12-31, and after the ball falls in Times Square. many computers will see January 1, 2000 as 00-01-01 , a sma11er number than the day before. Time will seem to have reversed-though it is unlikely that senior citizens will be young again (or unborn yet), and a few moments in the future will Lake a century to rn;cur. Most software has been written to handle the 1900s, and is able to process the years 1900 through 1999. Any year after 1999 or before 1901 may not be processed correctly. This is due co rhe face char many software systems use only two digits in representing a year. In addition to software problems, computers and equipmenc using compucer chips may very well stop working on New Year·s Day, 2000. These devices contain one or more chips which lack the first two digits and wi11 see the year as 0000. This problem is even greacer in scope chan the computer problem, as all computer based automation i5 involved. Even your coffee pot timer may quit. Multiply these sorts of difficulties by many thousands, times hundreds of millions of people around the world who would be inconvenienced (at least) and you start to get a feeling for the scope of the potential problem. To make things worse, what if your computer software and hardware have been fixed but your Mmputer regular1y exchanges data with someone else's computer that has not been fixed? How wi11 your C0mputer know that 1900 in the data coming from the other computer actua11y means 2000? It won't. It will accept the data as transmitted, causing some of your data to become meaningless. You would be wise to make a back-up on December 31, 1999. In an effort to help the marine industry deal with the huge potential for serious problems related to the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem, the U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public participation in planned ongoing discussions on Y2K prob1ems. Because of the impact of this problem, "the Coast Guard wi11 serve as a clearinghouse for all lessons learned and problems identified with the issue as it relates to the maricime industry," states che agency. Information on comments received will be retrievable from the Coast Guard Marine Safety Y2K web site at: www.uscg.mi1/hq.g-m/nmc/y2k.htm. In order to protect yourself, it's a good idea to contact the people with whom you do business and get them to send you confirmation in writing they will be fully Y2K compliant. Less than 60 percent of businesses contacted in a recent survey will be ready for the Year 2000. If you have a computer, you should have the hardware tested to verify it is Y2K compliant. You also wi11 need to contact the companies who wrote the software you are using and ask if your version is Y2K c~mpliant, and if it is not, is there is a fix. If your computer cannot use the latest form of the Windows operating system, you should start thinking seriously about replacing your equipment, but remember this is only one part of a three-part prob1em. The three parts are your equipment, software and the other people you do business with. Start now to assess your potentia1 for having Y2K problems and take the necessary steps for a timely solution. Then you wilLtruly enjoy watching the ball fall in Times Square and you will be toasting the beginning of the new millennium. If you have a maritime-related question about the Y2K situation, you may email it to Russ Levin at davidl@radi~.net. Seafarers LOG 7 �Away from Port in a Storm Regulus Sails Out of Hurricane's Path When Hurricane Georges appeared as if it were heading directly toward New Orleans, Seafarers aboard the Ready Reserve Force vessel USNS Regulus followed a simple plan: Get out of the way. SIU members quickly crewed the SL-7, normally in rcdu~cd operating status (ROS), and sailed it from New Orleans into the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, the hurricane veered away from New Orleans at the last minute. The Regulus sub ¢quently returned undamaged to its berth in New Orleans. "This is a fairly routine procedure around here during hurricane season-sending ships out co avoid the storm," observed SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, who met with Regulus crew members upon the vessel's return. "The Regulus crew, both the ROS personnel and those who came from the New Orleans area and other ports to crew the ship, deserve credit for a job well done. Remember, when these ships leave port, they know it's potentially bad news." Judd added that no damage was done to the SIU hall on Jackson Ave., nor to the new hiring hall at 391 t Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey, La. (which has not yet opened). Hundreds of union members, including Seafarers, rallied in Washington, D.C. in support of Avondale shipyard workers. Excellent maintenance of the Regulus enabled the ship to quickly leave port when Hurricane Georges threatened. Aiding the ship's operations are (from left) Chief Engineer Scott Agnew, Chief Mate Jan Genemans, Bosun Wilfredo Rice, OS Willard Bell and AB Juan Salgado. Aptly named Chief Cook Siu Chan scrubs a pan after lunch. Wipers Larry Lewis (left) and Eduardo Pereira formed part of the mew that ~ailed th!i! USNS R~gu/u$ awa.y from the hurricane's projected path. SA Billy Mitchell (left) and Chief Steward Wayne 1-foward keep the galley in top shape and the crew well-fed. Lummus Aids in Marine Carps Exercise The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Jack Lummus recently assisted the U.S. Marine Corps with exercise Urban Warrior '98, serving as a platform for the Marine ~ommunications and supply delivery assessment. The prepositioning ship Lummus usually is based in the Western Pacific, one of four U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships that together carry enough equipment, supplies and ammunition to support a Marine Air/Ground Ta~k Force comprising up to 17 ,000 military personnel for 30 d~ys. However, in September the Lummus was anchor~d six miles off the North Carolina coast for biannual maintemmcc of the 3hip and equipment. Exercise Urban Warrior '98 is part of a larger e..x.pcrimcnt known as Sea Dragon, emanating from the M°'rine Corp~ Warfighting Lab in Quantico, Va. Its premise in pare is based on estimates that. by 2010, 80 percent M the world's population will live within 300 miles of a MMtline. Defense experts also anticipate that threats will no longer come from uclear enemies with known war-fighting capabilities; rather threats will come from smaller, unknown enemies who will use sub- The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Jtick LUmmustook part in an important Marine Cori;Js exercise off the North Carolina tMSt in September. B seafarers LOG terfuge and terrorism to accomplish their goals. The recent American embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanz;ania illustrate the nature of this new threat," MSC noted in a report about the exercise. The agency further pointed out that "one goal of Sea Dragon is to maintain all logistic operations at sea rather than setting up a base ashore. This has profound implications for the MSC. As the Navy continues to downsize personnel and ~hips, MSC will increasingly pick up the slack. "MSC ships' noncombatant status makes them less costly to operate than combatant Navy ships. Traditional Navy ships are combatant vessels, meaning they have weapons aboard and are potential targets of enemy fire . As such, they must carry large crews to operate the weapons systems aboard and to protect the ships should they be damaged in battle. .. MSC ships are noncombatant vessels, operating behind the battle line, and are not considered likely targets of enemy fire. Their noncombatant status cMbles MSC ships such as the Lummus to maintain iln ilvernge crew size of less than 40 while Navy ships of similar size generally have crews in the hundreds .... The skill levels of MSC's merchant mariners also enable MSC ships to opcrnte with smaller crews [than Navy ships]. The net result of these cosc differences and Navy downsizing i:s to make MSC an attractive Marine Corps partner as the Corps explores potential sea-based operations." The event off the coast of North Carolina was the final trial in a series of four Urban Warrior experiments. In this exercise. the Marines dealt specifically with overcoming logistic communication and supply delivery challenges. Another part of Urban Warrior was to establish a timely, limited-risk means of delivering the supplies from ship co shore. Seat arers Show Support For Avondale Workers .,,... Seafarers were a presence in the rallying crowd, urging the U.S. Navy to stop using taxpayer dollars to fund union-busting efforts at Avondale. Dozens of Seafarers were among the nearly 500 union members and supporters who rallied at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. September 24 in solidarity with workers at Avondale shipyard. Five years ago, the workers at the New Orleans shipbuilding company vmed to form a union to improve their working conditions and paychecks. Today, they are still waiting for the company to begin negotiations on a first contract, even though the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certified the election and ordered Avondale to pay $3 million in fines related to the employer's illegal anti-union tactics. Avondale workers earn 29 percent less, on average, than work- ers at other private shipyards with major Navy contracts. And Avondale has the worst health and safety record of any U.S. shipyard receiving Navy contracts . AFL-CIO President John Sweeney spoke to the demonstrators, decrying the shipyard's abysmal safety record and calling on the Navy to stop using taxpayer dollars to fund union-busting effort~ (Avondale gets 80 percent of its business from the Navy). In an emotional moment, Scott LaJaunie, the teenage son of a 38year-old worker killed recently at Avondale, called for an investigation into hazards at the shipyard. "I don•t want other families to go through what I went through," he said. Mike Boudreaux. a steward and member of the Sheet Metal Workers union, introduces Scott LaJaunie (right), whose father was recently killed at Avondale. Right~ SMfarers Thomas Larusso (left) and Roger Steward participate in the Avondale rally. November 1998 �Ability to Change Is Necessary, Stresses S-L Innovator Bosun A Crowley b~rge do~k~ at Pvtty'~ l~land, loi;ated near Philac:!Etlphia. Striving.for Sa,fety Seafarers Get Job Done At Petty's Island Docks It takes lots of behind-the· scenes work to maintain the busy pnce and smooth operations in the pore of Philadelphia. SIU members employed at the Crowley Petty's Island complex in Pennsauken, N.J. are part of that little-publicized operation. Nearly I00 Seafarers work at the Crowley facility, loading and unloading barges and ships, Bosun J. A. Wilson (left} talks with King's Point Cadet Carmelita Solomon and Chief Steward Jose M. Bayani at the conclusion of a meeting. , Y ... -.;;,~ti>t'ti.ifiWKff::tJN~*.J maintaining containers and handling other jobs at the site across the Delaware River from Phi lade Iphi a. One reason they are out of the '/_ _ _ _ , .: :.; .:+:rm<:r:.:::J , When the Sea-I.And Innovator docked in the port of Long Beach, Calif. for a payoff recently, after completing voyage # 176, Bosun J.R. Wilson conducted the shipboard meeting, giving his crew members the most current information on happenings within the SIU as well as an update on events in the maritime industry. Chairman Wilson (who also sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG) noted that one thing that never changes is change itselfreminding Seafarers that if they want to keep themselves competitive in the job market, they are going to have to keep up with changing skills and technologies. "For all of us," he said, "this means taking the necessary courses at Piney Point." Another way to maintain jobs and job security, he informed the crew, is to support SPAD. Contributions to this fund help keep the union's presence on Capitol Hill, especially during_ spotlight is that they work very legislation pertaining to the safely. Earlier this year, SIU members at Petty's Island were recognized by the company for maritime industry. SIU Wilmington (Calif.) Representative Frank Gill, who came aboard ship for the meeting and to answer any questions, reminded everyone to apply for their training record book (TRB) and STCW certificate as soon as possible-two more ways in which the union is keeping its members among the best qualified in the changing world. attaining 452 consecutive days without a lost-time injury. During a celebration marking that string, several Seafarers pointed om that frequent safety meerings help them do their jobs unharmed. "We're very safety conscious," summarized Chief Shop Steward John Wozunk. Wt Voyage #176 tool< the $ea-Land Innovator from Yokohama, Japan to Long Beach, Calif. It was a little eooler in Yokohama, where crew members dressed warmly for their chipping and painting tasks. From the left are Unlicensed Apprentice Mary A. Bado, AB Deck Maintenance Ramon V. Duran and AB Deck Maintenance Mousid S. Omar. At left, Shop Steward John Gallagher cheerfully reports for his shift at the Crowley Petty's Island complex. AB James R. Inskeep (left) and Chief Steward Jose M. Bayani enjoy a few moments on deck following a shipboard meeting. Awaiting the start of a meeting on the Sea-Land Innovator are (from left) AB Deck Maintenance Mousid s. Omar and DEU Ahmed Y. Hassan. In Support of the U.S. Merchant Marine f . Jim Bryan (left photo). Bill Mccorkle (center) and Chief Shop Steward John Wozunk were part of the recent ceremony oommemorating 452 i;;on~et;;utiv" d~y~ withovt ~ lo,t-time injury attained by Seafarer~ at the Crowley terminal at Peny·s Island. Na11ember 1998 The SIU recently announced it has been advised of the transfer of the management contract for the LNG fleet from Energy Transportation Corp. to a Hamburg-based company called Pronav. Pronav has agreed to honor the five-year contra.tt (ratifiM in 1996) already in place between the SIU and ETC. Two Seafarers aboard the LNG Leo show their support for the U.S. merchant marine by painting an American flag M the vessel's nitrogen tank. The flag was created by Bosun Charlie Kahl (right) and AB Don Peterson. Seafarers LOG -9 �. vmTING UI{ P.f1Ul .U.f1ll C{Nl{~ There's always something going on at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. It's no wonder that everybody loves visiting the facility-whether for upgrading, vacationing or just !;hnwing the pla~e nff to family and friends . On this page are photos of a number of Seafarers- both active Enjoying lunch with his family is John Gallagher, a visiting SIU member who works in the Philadelphia area at Petty'$ Island. He has been with the union since 1973. With him are his wife, Maureen, and their children: Allison, Daniel, Jacklyn, Megan, Michael and Brian. and retired-who recently spent some time there. Pensioner Talmadge L. Moss and his wife, Jo, had a memorable time vacationing in Piney Point over the summer. 'We t~ Mohamad M. Shibly, who ships from the Tacoma, Wash. hall, attended the chief cook upgrading cour~.;i 3t th.;i Lund~b~rg S~heieil eiver the summer_ He Wa$ Vl$ite~ "Y Ml$ wit$, A~i~ati and hi!; daugh- t(lr, Nadia Nahraa. Pensioner Carl Francum retired in 1993 at age 65 after many years as a bosun _ His wife, Dora, has been happy having him back home in North Carolina. With them in the Paul Hall Library and Museum are two future candidates for the Unlicensed Apprentice program-their grandsons Steven Tane and Jimmy Smith. had a great time, delicious food, and the hospitality was wonderful. All retirees should take a shot at it," Moss said. His wife added that the food was so good she's sure she gained at least 10 pounds. # Apply Now for 1 of 7 Scholarships to Be Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents in '99 tional school or community college. Four scholarships are uwurdcd in the amount of package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant's a higher level of education. $15,000 to the spouses and All Seafarcrs and their spouses and <;;hildren who plan to att<:nd dependent children of Seafarers. character, personality and career goals. Since the scholarship awards are made primarily on the basis of high school grades and the scores from either the College Entrance Filling out the coupon below is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, drc;ums und gouts for college are encouraged to send away for the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet It contnins eligibility information, pro<;;edures for applying and a copy of th~ application form. (The program books also are uvnilable at all SIU halls.) Seven monetary grants will be awarded in May 1999 to three SIU member~ and four dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $1.5,000 and is intended ro help cover the cost of attending a four-year, collegelevel course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary voca- (Sec article at right on Arie Knuth, a 1995 scholarship win· ner-) Once the scholarship booklet hn:s bten received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be ~ubmitted along with the full application by the April 15, 1999 deadline_ These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the reque~t i~ made, the better. Another part of the application Examination Boards (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT), arrangement~ ~hou1d be made to take these exams no later than February 1999 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be B.C. Buchanan and his wife, Mae, check out the cafeteria during their Formally with the SIU inland division, Buchanan is now retired although still very active in the community with the local Lodge and in helping sick and injured children. The couple resides In Gwynn, Va, near Newport News. ~tay at the Paul Hall Centet. '95 Scholarship Winner in Final Year evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birch certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a ~~ho1ar~hip without fi11ing out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. r----------------------------------, eligibility Pprocedures for applying and a copy of application lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains the form. information, Arie Knuth (left) poses in the SIU Algonac hall with his father, David. The elder Knuth sails from that port as an AB Wheel/Watch, and it was through his membership in the SIU that Arie was eligible for the scholarship benefit provided by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. As one of four recipients of the Seafarers scholarships for Members Social Security Number dependents in 1995, Arie D. Knuth was awarded $15,000 in finan- Street Address cial assistance to begin his college career. This year marks his fourth and final one at the University of Michigan, where he is majoring in English with a sub-concentration in fiction writing. City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number This application is for: CJ Self L] writing abilities. Dependent Mail 1hi5 wmpleted form to Scholar.ship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Attth Way, Camp Springs. MD 20746. The $15,000 university scnolarship came in very useful, noted a grateful Knuth recently, especially with the high cost of living in Ann Arbor, Mich. 11198 L-------------------------------------~ 1O Seafarers LOii When he began his freshman year, Knuth' s interest was in the theater. He started writing plays and decided he liked writing better than performing. He already has published several articles in the campus newspaper and won a couple monetary awards for his play- Following his graduation, Knuth plans to continue his studies in a graduate program for creative writing. November 1998 �ITF Ship Brings Horrors of Runaway-Flag Shipping to .IC . n Vis•1tors Unit~~~~~t~~~;~~~~aeon~ Amer Brooklyn, N.Y. Councilman Steve Dibrienza cuts the ribbon to open the exhibit in the Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey. The Global Marin~rarrives in Baltimore, its second stop in the United State$. S everal thousand people in the U.S. already have gained a stronger under· gangway to view the Global Mariner's photos, videos and standing of the perils faced by Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart; SIU Executive Vice President and ITF Seafarers' Se~tion Chairman John Fay; lawmakers; staffers representing federal, state and local government officials; union members and their families; young people considering joining the U.S. merchant marine and many others foreign mariners sailing aboard runaway-flag vessels after touring the International Transport Workers' Federation {ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner. Continuin3 an 1B-month voyage around the world, the Global Mariner made its first American ports of call in early October. The 20-year-old converted freighter spent Columbus Day weekend in Manhattan, where foul weather kept the number of visicors down. However, that was more than made up by a steady stream of guests when the vessel docked in Baltimore the following weekend. As of mid-October, more than 90,000 people in the U.S., Canada and Europe had come aboard the ship. Among those climbing the Clockwi~&, other exhibits were U.S. "1' .a..... In three photos directly below, """. ' visitors from the Paul Hall 'f.'~i~;§2~1£i}J$;itt~ii;i~ Center for Maritime Training f"~"""'.t'"';:,;.•??t· and Education eagerly climb . the gangway and then examine the displays. ~ ~"'""":_ , '""' fA interested in maritime and human rights. Most came away stunned at the photos taken by ITF im;~­ mr~ around the world as well as various newspapers showing some of the deplorable conditions endured by mariners on runawayflag ships. Among the graphic pictures, enlarged to the size of giant murals, taken aboard these Continued on page 12 from upp&r l&ft: .Assisting gu&Sts aboard th~ ITF G/Ma/ Marin~r are Seafarers Ed Ooruth and Tom Soreliii; Nabil Ahmed; Ni~hola~ CraddO';k; Melvin Ja.t~6t'\ (Mtt6M, l~ft) and c~uey FMter: aM Clifton Doonis. November f 998 Seafarers LOG 11 �of 50 years ago, when the runaway-flag campaign began in earnest, no longer are among the top nations in terms of ship registry. Continued from page 11 ships are insect-infested food, highly unsanitary areas for personal hygiene. injured mariners who wcrc denied medical care and sinking vessels. Exhibits aboard lhe ship show how the leading maritime nations The displays spe11 out how the runaway-flag program works: A shipowner, usually from a traditional maritime nation, registers his vessel in a non-traditional nation (such as Liberia, Panama, Belize, Vanuatu and others) to avoid his home nation's laws regarding safety, wages, taxes and more_ The crews for these runaway-flag ships typically come from still other nations (like Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka) where they receive a mini- mum of training-if any at all. These seamen are paid wages below international standards (in some cases, ABs make only a couple hundred dollars a month), often are refused wages for months at a time, receive substandard food allotments and practice little to no workplace safety skills, thus leaving the vessels to rust away. Captain Geoff Fowlger of the Global Mariner, who has seen in his voyages around the world the plight of mariners aboard runaway-flag vessels, described the exhibit as "like living in a neighborhood where there's a murder every week. It's one thing to read about it and it's quite another to actually witness it. This ship lets people witness what really goes on." The Global Mariner continues ics tour of American ports this month. After stopping in Savannah, Ga. in late October, it is scheduled to v1s1t Fort Lauderdale, Fla., October 27November 2; New Orleans, November 4-8; Houston, November 912; and San Juan, P.R., November 23-26. The vessel then will sail to South America and return to the U.S. Pacific Coast in spring 1999. The ITF comprises more than 500 unions-including the SIUrepresenting workers in transportation-related industries from over 125 countries. The organization is based in London. Three SIU officials serve as ITF inspectors~Edd Morris, Spiro Varras and Don Thornton. The Global Mariner. which sails under the British flag, is marking the soth anniversary of the ITF's international campaign against runaway-flag shipping. Und~r fgreign flags they can: Visitors on the ITF vessel may read basic information about the campaign flag shipping and see giant images depicting the often horrific conditi mariners on such vessels. Some of the images are shown across these p Among the first tC> tour the ship in New York are (from left) Spiro Varras. one of the SIU's ITF inspectors: BrooKlyn, N.Y. Councilman Steve Dibrienza; Jack Caffey, SIU vice president Atlantic Coast; and SIU Patrolman Jack Caffey, Jr. uaa GlarK. secretary at the SIU Baltimor~ hall, brought her family aboard the ship. Pictured with Clark are her nusband, Harry; and son~ Harry Ill (front) and Walter. 12 Seafarers LOG Discussing the exhibits are MarAd AssMia.te Admir'listrtttor Bruce Carlton (left) and Paul Hall Center Vocational Education Director Bill Eglinton. Commending the ITF for launching the worldwide tour are (1-r) Chaplain Jim Horan of the International Seafarers Center in Baltimore; Deacon Robert Balderas, national director of the U.S. Apostleship of the Sea; Burmese mariner Maung Aung Myint, whom the ITF helped take refuge from a runaway-flag vessel; and Edd Morris, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors. John Fay (center). SIU executive vice president and chairman of th ITF's Seafarers' Section, poses with Lundeberg School students Vila Keith (left) and Justin Vonsprecken. November 1998 �The Global Mariner's U.S. tour continues this month in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; New Orleans; Houston; and San Juan, P.R. MarAd's Hart Impressed with ITF Ship's Presentation "Very impressive" were the first words used by U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart after he toured the 11F exhibition ship Global Mariner in Baltimore on October 19. "The pictures speak for themselves," he added following an hourlong guided tour of the ship, which features photos, videos and other material demonstrating the dangers faced by foreign seamen aboard runaway-flag vessels. Along with several members of his staff from the Maritime Administration (MarAd), Hart stopped to view each exhibit and read the comments provided. He stated he was particularly moved by the photos of mariners injured aboard runaway-flag vessels who were denied medical treatment. "This is a graphic demonstration of what unscrupulous flag-of-convenience ships can do to people," Hart said. "It is necessary to have people like the ITF to police these situations and work to stop them." Although Hart has dealt extensively with the maritime industry prior to becoming the head of MarAd in August, he said the knowledge he gained from his tour of the Global Mariner will support him as he stands up for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. "This shows why we need a strong U.S . merchant marine that's trained, efficient and dedicated to safety. This [exhibit] will help as we go about working for needed changes." U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart signs the guest book as he boards the Global Mariner in Baltimore. Taking part in a shipboard tour in Baltimore arG (from left) Woody Fon.vood, representing Baltimore Mayor Kurt S<;;hmoke, John Jefferies and John O'Connor. both from the Maryland Labor, Licensing and Regulation Dept. Philip Noto (left photo) and November 1998 Jo~hua Davenport help direct visitors. Continued on page 14 Seafarers LOii 13 �Continued from previous page Global Mariner Crew Already Knew About FOC Shipping SIU Members Embrace Il'F's Powerful Message Ship Stirs Strong Reactions from Sea/arers Dozens of students from the Paul HaJJ Center for Maritime Training and Education took a field trip o~tobcr 16 lo visit the ITF's Global Mariher in Baltimore. Some of the s~afarcrs already were familiar with the ITFs work while oLhers were less acquainLed wilh it. But they all agreed that the exhibition ship is a wonhwhile. eye-opening experience, albeit a somber one. "What really stands out are the pictures of the crewmen, close up. Their appearance really sticks with you," stated Glen Wilkerson. who is enrolled in the FOWT course. "When you sec ships in bad shape. that's one thing. But when you see people in bad shape. that's another. To me, s"iling on lhosc runawayflag ships is pretty close to going to a graveyard. It's a pitiful mess! ' 1 Levi Rollins. also taking the POWT class, said he hope:> the Global Mariner will continue arrraccing visicors from all walks of life, rather than only people from the maritime industry. "It's a very enlightening exhibit, and it's important co people all around the world," nored Rollins. LLThis isn't jusc abom American.fhg vessels or American mariners. Flagof-convcnicncc shipping hurts people everywhere." Understandably, Unlicensed Apprentices Misti Thornbrugh and Vargil! Rodriguez ~till a.re learning the busies ubout rum1wuy-Oag ship· ping and rh~ ITF ' ~ ~atttpaign against it. However, they said the Global Mariner quickly and vividly enhanced their education. ''This is only my second week in the program, bur I learned a lot from this ship/' said Thornbrugh. "It's amazing LhaL FOCs basically don't have any rules and regulations for their ships. People get hurt all the time on those ships, and everything's dirty on them." Rodriguez, while acknowledging the importance of the I1F campaign, said the Global Mariner's exhibits heightened his appreciation for the employment opportunities available for SIU members. "S~ing thi; FOC~ makes you want to sail on a good ship, that's for sure," he stated. Students weren't the only people who learned from the visit. Steward department instructor Shannon Twigg, after viewing the displays, described runaway-flag shipping as "a travesty. You would think in this modern day, such things wouldn't happen . ... rm glad the I1F put this together and is giving it worldwide exposure. We need to get the message to as many people as we can.,, Wilkerson agreed, and called on America' s lawmakers to turn their attention ro th1s multi-birnon dollar industry. "When you look at the extent of runaway-flag shipping, I believe the U.S. government, as a whole, can and should do a Joe more ro correct it." he declared. "It's not right chat some shipowners don 'c have to follow the rules and pay their fair New Zealander Glen Anderson lcnew plenty about runaway-flag shipping long before he signed aboard the ITF's Global Mariner as an AB. LLI lost my job because of flag-of-convenience companies," he recalled. "The company I'd worked for lost six ships directly as a result of FOCs." Anderson in many ways typifies the crew members working aboard the Global Mariner as the ship continues the North American segment of its 18month worldwide voyage. He supports the ITF campaign against runaway-flag shipping, and that is one reason he applied for a job on the Global Mariner. The other reason is equaJJy practical: He needed the work. And even though the Global Mariner's cargo is the exhibition, it is a working ship. "FOCs are wiping us out in New Zealand," added Anderson. "It's a bit like slavery, isn't it? And yet, because of them, we have no young people coming through (entering the industry). The youngest are maybe 35. "New Zealand exports a lot. but our people only man vesseb that carry not even 10 percent of those exports." Similarly, Third Officer Brigitte Weiler understands the depth of the ru~away-flag issue. ''The German OTV (national transportation union) has publicized this problem a lot, and that's why I applied for the job," she stated. "The public lives away from the sea, of course, but their awareness must be increased .. .. I want people to be shocked at this exhibit. Maybe not maritime union members, because they already know, but the general public." Captain Geoff Fowlger acknowledged that, at first, the nature of the Global Mariner 's voyage almost seemed incidental to him. "But once I joined the ship, I got into the spirit. Once you see the exhibits, you naturally become more interested and aware." Perhaps more than most of his fellow crew members, QMED Mohd Basheer appreciates the contrast between the Global Mariner as a working vessel and runaway-flag ships. Basheer has firsthand experience aboard FOCs. "Yeah, sure, the exhibits you see here are exactly what happens on those ships," Basheer said. "Anyone sending the message against FOC is blacklisted. Manning agencies don't like that, when you talk about ITF or against FOC. Many problems." Paul McGee is the exhibit manager aboard the Global Mariner. He points out that although "shock" has been the most common reaction among guests, "that is followed by people saying. 'What can we do?' The thing we want people to do is join the union." He added that the ITF's fight against runaway-flag shipping "is part of a wider campaign against globalization. When industry becomes global, unions must be global." Mohd Basheer (above) and Glen Anderson (below), currently composing part of the ITF Global Mariner crew, are among the many mariners who have been hurt by runaway-flag shipping. '1:dl·...... ,_ ' Seafarers gather around the union's display on the Global Mariner. ~ictured from left to right are Chief Cook Charlie DiCanio, Patrolman Jack Caffey Jr., AB Jimmy Nioti~. Bosun Tom soresi, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, Bosun Ed Ooruth and Bosun John Natoli. AB Louis Morales serves as a guide aboard the ship in New York. share." Upcoming U.S. Dates for the ITF's Global Mariner Port Fort Lauderdale, Fla. New Orleans Houston San Juan, P.R. Dates October 27-November 2 November 4-8 November 9·12 November 23-26 Wgst Coast visits will occur in spring 1999. The Seafarers LOG will print tMs~ dat~s when they become available. For more information about the ITF Global Mariner, check http;//www.itf-ship.org/ 14 seafarers LOii Na11ember 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C OCTOBER 15, 1998 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point ............. Monday: December 7, January 4 DECK DEPARTMENT Port ·:N~W:· York . .28 4 4 7 16 · Philadelphia · Baltimore Norfolk Mobil~ 10 0 5 8 4 2 3 5 8 17 16 7 9 9 3 14 19 31 . ·· i2 . 3 7 14 12 17 ll 26 14 3 9 7 2 6 7 2 5 9 3 3 2 3 6 3 8 8 24 _2 ,. 0 211 Totals 5 10 3 Il /sti~·. Fcin~is~9 . Witm.ingt9n Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu · Houston · st.Louis . Piney Point Algonac 3 4 21 21 4 . '. ) . 6 16 New Orleans . 18 9 13 ·.·:Jl Jacksonville ... 9 4 13 18 27 8 8 9 6 23 10 6 . 0 .. I 3 2 0 2 2 0 3 2 0 0 1 85 210 112 0 138 Port 8 0 3 9 9. IO 11 4 4 46 3o 7 6 13 23 3 6 25 45 · .. j3 44 44 14 10 18 11 17 18 11 20 16 5 14 39 15 I 1 5 1 5 0 0 0 1 0 61 75 352 190 Algonac .................. Friday: December 11, January 8 Baltimore ..•............. Thursday: December IO, January 7 A.e• ·· r · ;..PbH.#4~:1phi.o, Duluth ..................... Wednesday: December 16, January 13 6 4 15 · f.lonolulu ................. Friday: December 18. January 15 Houston .................. Monday~ December 14, January J 1 7 Jac.Jcs_onville ............ Thursday: December JO, January 7 2 13 Jersey ·city ..:~ .......... Wednesday: De.cernber 23, January 20 3 Mobile ................:.. ~ .\l{~nesday: December 16, January l3 5 8 New Bedford ........ ~~TueSd:ay: December 2~ January 19 6 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: December 15, January 12 4 · New York ................ Tuesday: December 8, January 5 2 Norfolk ...................Thursday: December 10, January 7 0 86 -- Philadelphia ........ .,•. Wednesday: December 9, January 6 .,i: S.anfirancis~o ....-..... ........... •" ,i·. ..- ENGINE DEPARTMENT New-Yori{·· · ~-ahttimore December 1998& January 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters ..... ' ·.·.·.~:·::•; ... ,i:.....Thursday: December 17, January 14 . 2 . 2 .· Norfolk 4 Mobile 7 New Orleans IO 4 3 5 I 3 Jacksonville · San Fr.ancisco ; Wltm.i.ng~on./:: Tacoma 5 1 5 2 6 11 l 6 6 5 3 17 10 4 6 12 6 6 9 10 5 11 8 2 4 0:~'k·'t7~~TI.;'.t'.".'.;~>/·~~YTIR~~?TuS 7 2 3 0 2 0 1 3 2 I 2. 3 2 4 10 14 8 3 7 1 7 9 12 2 3 13 4 2 4 31 13 8 2 0 7 6 7 4 4 7 6 .. ]. 1 0 Tacoma ................... Monday~ December 28*, Friday: January 22 *change created by Chrfrtmas lwliday Wilmington .............Monday: December 21, Tuesday; January 19* 3 · 1. ·· >·o 8 0 0 110 0 28 Personals LEON "BUCKY" FOUNTAIN Your old friend, Bob Hess, would like to hear from you. Please write to: Robert S. Hess, P.O. Box 840045, St. Augustine, FL 32084. 5 2 9 3 0 3 ERIC HOAG Please contact Linda O'Brien at (904) 855-0321 or write her at 1149 E. Fromage Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32225-4499. HERMAN ROGGE 32 3 18 10 3 4 115 150 Port 5 0 29 . I .l3});l.ri~9r~--- ,_., ........ I 2 l 2 Norfolk Mobile 0 7 9 New York .PhHaq~lphia 4 0 7 4· 0 3 0 0 Please contact your shipmate from the 1950s, William Parks, at 4232 Rachel Ave., Port Arthur; TX 9 77642. o·,. ;< 1 0 0 238 74 22 4 1 14 13 13 4 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 17 JO 0 2 0 0 0 1 9 8 0 11 3 l 8 2 4 16 0 6 6 2 ll . 17 6 9 2 8 5 9 IO 2 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 Ascension 3 5 18 30 15 5 ·9 0 50 0 184 1 13 16 7 4 1 30 10 0 .14 0 149 32 138 104 0 100 259 229 520 470 280 449 389 201 168 864 633 365 19 4. 5· 2 2 2 5 7 2 36 11 64 7 0 0 .l' 19. 0 2 ":''" ·* l· Totals All Departments 12 10 5 0 5 5 2 4 0 0 " . 0 ... 0 3 4 44 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 18 9 17 JO 14 3 0 3, 0 21 20 10 by Pamala Hagler And if I go while ~ou 're still here ... Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure, 3 Behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so you must have faith. 6 5 49 12 2 17 1 97 22 1 14 1 I wait for the time when we can Soar together again - both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart. I will be there. *''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. November f 998 Pamala Hagler, who sails from the port of Mobile, Ala., wrote this poem while attending upgrading classes at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes SEPTEMBER 16 - .· <Micbael Sa(:co President ~ · John Fay . &ecutive Vice President ':g... David Heindel ..., Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellei CL - Company/Lakes OCTOBER 15, 1998 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Clas.5 CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Clas.5 L Class NP ·:':'Nice .President Contra.ctS DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 33 ' ~· 7 Port .. Algonac 0 3 Port Algonac 0 19 16 0 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT '". 1 · O> ,,'>· 11 · STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 17 9~· b'· 7 6 ... 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 11 9 HEADQUARTERS · 5201 Auth Way .CllmJ'.Springs, MO 20746 .. (301)·899:.0675 Totals All Depts 0 85 42 0 39 16 0 46 *"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. . ALGONAC !l20 St. CJair River Dr. - 0 13 Algonac. MI 48001 (810) 794'-4988 . ANCHORAGE · 72l ·Sti$1.une·St., #IC . : · ,. , . Attchoraie. AK 99.503 " " (907} 561-4988 26 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters SEPTEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C OCTOBER 15, 1998 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Clas.5 C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Clas.5 A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 28 I 4 2 3 U '·. 9 0 3 22 3 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 6 51 7 3 7 21 1 3 0 5 0 14 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 13 0 2 0 0 0 ... 6 0 3 78 8 13 3 42 62 5 6 Totals All Depts *"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. 29 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PIDLADELt>llJA 2604S. 4 SL Philadelphia. PA 19 I4& (215) 336-3818. PINEY POINT P.O. BQx 75 · . Piney Point, MD 20674 . (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S, Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale., FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 · SAN l?RANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco~ CA 9.4105 . . .. . . .· (415} 54~.-S85S . . ··. d0¥einmeni ser\iices·Division .. (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Vi Santurce, PR (){)1)07 (787) 721-4033 .... • · .... ST; LOlJIS 458 I Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 34 l l South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 ••' ' '' (253}272w7774 WlLJ\j]NGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 This photo was taken in the port of New York some time in the 1960s. Sent to the Seafarers LOG by SIU Representative Victor Nunez, it shows one of the union's first lifeboat classes. The tallest man in the back row is William Doak, a former union official who died recently. Also in the back row, second in from the right, is Pensioner Osvaldo Rios. The second person from the left in the front row is Angel O'Neill. Brother O'Neill still sails in the steward department as a steward assistant. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG November 1998 �- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their 1 working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. T hree recertified bosuns are among the 22 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 115 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Elex Cary Jr., Perry H. Greenwood and Antonios M. Trikoglou are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 11 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, six worked on the inland waterways, three plied the Great Lakes, one sailed as a commercial fisherman, and one worked in the railroad marine division. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Arvanites last sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia as a chief cook. He has retired to Houston. RUSSELL A. BELL graduated from the MC&S training school in 1964 and joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During his career, he sailed from the port of San Francisco aboard vessels operated by American President Lines and Matson Navigation. He is a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. A native of California, Brother Bell resides in San Francisco. DEEP SEA MOHAMED . " S.ABDUL• :; LAH, 65, · t joined the SIU . · in 1969 in the , · port of San Francisco. Born in Yemen, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboMd a. Sea-Land service vessel. Brother Abdullah calls Va11ejo, Calif. home. ~ I I ROBERT G. ALVISO, 65, grad· ua.ted from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1964 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Paine, Md. Brother Alviso last sailed aboard the Manukai, operated by Matson Navigation. The California native makes his home in Santa Rosa. JOHNL. ARVANITES, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York aboard the Orion Comet, a Colonial Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Greece, he sailed in the steward department ELEXCARY JR., 65, graduated from the Lunde berg School's entry level training program in 1966 and joined the Seafarers in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Mt. Vernon Victory. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertifica· ti on program in 1987. Prior to his retirement, Brother Cary ·signed off the Sea-Land Enterprise. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Milpitas, Calif. PERRYH. GREEN· WOOD,65, started his career with the SIU in 1950 aboard the Calmar. He = = = ==·=""'=" sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. Brother Greenwood last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Reliance. The Washington native has retired to Mountlake Terrace. CHARLES D. HOWELL, 53, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Mount Washington. The Alabama native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Howell last sailed aboard the SeaLand Endurance. He has retired to Columbus, Miss. HARVEYW. MILLS, 61, first sailed with the SIU , in 1967. Brother Mills worked as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Quality. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army and from 1957 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. The Kentucky native makes his home in Manchester. PLURINSUS ORDANSA, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of Baltimore, aboard the Petrochem, a Valentine Chemical Carriers vessel. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the steward department. last sailing in 1992 aboard the Baltimore, operated by SeaLand Service. Brother Ordansa calls Glen Burnie, Md. home. MARVIN E. SMITHERMAN, 70, joined the MC&S in 1975, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He last sailed aboard a Crowley Maritime vessel. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. Brother Smitherman calls Tuscaloosa, Ala. home. r---===:;:-----, ANTONIOS M. TRIKOGLOU, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and MC&S Retirees Enjoy Annual Picnic San Bruno Park, located near San Francisco, was the site for this year's annual Marine cooKs ana Stewards (MC&S) picnic, with the event taking place September 13. Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (pictured in both photos above) reported a good turnout and "a very enjoyable day. The company was great, and of course this is one group that knows how to cook a meal." Pictured with McCartney in the left photo is MC&S retiree Freddie Vidal. Shown in the other photo is MC&S pensioner Charlie ("Chino") Simpson. November 1998 joined the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. Born in Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1985. Brother Trikoglou last sailed aboard the Cape Washington, operated by American Overseas Marine Corp. He resides in Baltimore. INLAND JAMES A. BOURQUE, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1967. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Bourque last sailed as a captain aboard the Dixie Courage. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1965. He has retired to Ville Platte, La. .CLORAD. DOOM,67, joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of St. ,~ Louis. Sister ~ Doom worked ...in the steward ~--"-----·= ·,,-_ ___.department, last sailing aboard an Orgulf Transportation Co. vessel. A native of Kentucky, she makes her home in Paducah. VITALIANO R. MALDONADO, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1978. Boatman Maldonado started in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the Towboat Operator Scholarship Program in 1984. He last sailed in 1993 aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Puerto Rico, he makes his home in Catano. FRANCIS T. O'NEILL, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of . Philadelphia. A native of = = = == !2.''.:'c!J Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Boatman O'Neill last sailed as a captain aboard the Eric M. McAllister. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He resides in West Chester, Pa. RONALD J. RIGGINS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1981 in the port of Houston. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the John Moran, operated by Moran Towing Co. The Florida native served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1955 to 1975. Boatman Riggins makes his home in Huntington, Texas. EMERITO RIVERA, 62, . started his · career with the Seafarers in 1976 in Puerto Rico. Boatman " Rivera sailed ~~==~~ as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He signed off the Seminole in 1997, a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he has retired to Levittown. 1 GREAT LAKES JOHNA. KELLEY, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. Born in Illinois, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Kelley last sailed in 1993 aboard the Challenger, a Cement Transit Co. vessel. He makes his home in Sanderson, Fla. , CLARKJ. ' KING, 64, joined the SIU in 1961 in the : port of 1 Chicago. Brother King worked in the ====== deck department, last sailing aboard an OLS Transport vessel. The Michigan native has retired to Sault Ste. Marie. ROBERT R. WILLIAMSON, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 as a member of the deck department. The Wisconsin native signed off the Great Lakes Towing Co. tug Washington in 1987. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Williamson makes his home in Milwaukee. ARANTIC FISHERMAN JOSEPH GIACALONE, 64, joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1952 in the port of Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Massachusetts, he sailed as a captain. Brother Giacalone makes his home in Gloucester. RAILROAD MARINE ARCIIlE B. OWENS, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department. Brother Owens has retired to Hudgins, Va. Seafarers LOG 17 �., . ·~nal Departures· ·, ·• DEEP SEA ROBERT 0. ADAMS Pensioner Robert 0. Adams, 71 , passed away September 12. A native of ~·· California, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Adams sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1985. Prior to his retirement in April 1992, he signed off the LNG Libra, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941to1946. Brother Adams was a resident of Madras, Ore. MARION J. AKINS Pensioner Marion J. Akins, 88, died August 6. Brother Akins started his career with the SIU in 1944 in the port of Tampa, Fla. The Georsttt native sailed in the deck department. From 1932 to 1936, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Nllshville, Ga, he began receiving his pension in April 1975. EUGENE BAKER Pensioner Eugene Baker, 92, passed away May 13. Born in Ohio, he joined the Marine Cook11 & Stewards (MC&S) in 1945 in the port of SC1lttle, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Distrkt (AGLI· WD). Brother Baker was a resident of Seattle amt reCirecl in October 1970. RECARDO BARCELONA Pensioner Recardo Bltrcelonll, 94, died August 21. He began his career with the Seafarers as a charter member, having joined ..::....:..:...J the union in December 1938 in the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Barcelona resided in Santurce, P.R. and began receiving his pension in December 1968. L...__ _ _ _ CLARENCE W. BENJAMIN Pensioner Clarence W. Benjamin, 76, passed away July 19. A native of Texas, he started his career with the MC&S in 1943, ===:;..:::;..;:::::::=::::.i before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Dallas resident retired in December 1972. BENITO M. BIANCHINI Pensioner Benito M. Bianchini, 68, died August 19. Brother Bianchini joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of ====::..i San Francisco, before that union merged with the 'IB Seafarers LOG SIU's AGLIWD. He also was a graduate of the MC&S training school. The California native lived in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in January 1997. CHARLES F. BOYLE Pensioner Charles F. Boyle, 72, passed away September 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in his '------'native New York. Brother Boyle sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of New Orleans, Brother Boyle retired in May 1992. Brother Davis started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1987. He was a resident of Wilmington, Calif. ADRIAN E. DELANEY Ajrian E. Delaney, 60, died August 29. He graduated from the MC&S training school .,, in I 968 and ~ ~· joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Massachusetts native upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. Brother Delaney was a resident of Cottonwood, Calif. Norfolk, Va. Brother Gianniotis worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where _;.:;==i he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to his retirement in February 1978, he signed off the Brooklyn, a Westchester Marine vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Gianniotis was a resident of Lefkada, Greece. L...__ _ _ PAUL J. GONCALVES Pensioner Paul J. Goncalves, 71, died June 22. A native of Philadelphia, he first sailed with the SIU in 1945 aboard the SIMON J. DEZEE IVERSON BURNS Pensioner Iverson Bums, 77, died May 27. Brother Bums began his career with the MC&S in 1947 .'." from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLlWD. He resided in Los Angeles and began receiving his pension in December 1977. Pensioner Simon J. Dezee, 83, passed away July 14. Born in Holland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port = = = = = = = of New York. Brother Dezee sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1980. He was a resident of Sunnyvale, Calif. CARLOS M. DIAZ GERMAN CASTRO Pensioner German Castro, 76, passed away Septem~r 12. He joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD. A resident of Rio Piedras. P.R .• Brother Castro retired in June 1975. ROBERT J. "BOBBY" CLINTON Robert J. "Bobby" Clinton, 65. passed away August 24. A native of New York, he began his career with the Seafarers in i=...~!........:::.....:.=:::;.__..:.1 1988 working at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he served as assistant to the vice president of the school. After leaving the facility, he sailed in the deck department, primarily aboard vessels operated by Sea-Land Service. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Federal Way, Wash. ERNESTO CORTES Pensioner Ernesto Cortes, 84, died August 24. A native of Puerto Rico, he was a charter member of the Seafarers, having joined the union in November 1938 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Cortes started receiving his pension in September 1976. MARK W. DAVIS Mark W. Davis, 42, passed away September 9. Born in Texas, he started his career with the SIU in 1972 in the port of Houston. Pensioner Carlos M. Diaz, 76, died August 19. A native of Pueno Rk o, he joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother i=...--......;==-..;::...:::..:.J Diaz sailed in che steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. A resident of Tamarac, Calif., he retired in July 1985. PRIMO F. FERNANDEZ Pensioner Primo F. Fernandez, 81, passed away June 27. Brother Fernandez started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in December 1981. A native of Puerto Rico, he was a resident of Cabo Rojo. CHARLES L. GARD ~ Pensioner Charles L. Gard, 71, died August 15. He · joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Yokohama, Japan. Born in Oklahoma, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1946 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Yuma, Ariz., he began receiving his pension in February 1987. IOANNIS S. GIANNIOTIS Pensioner Ioannis S. Gianniotis, 75, passed away August 22. Born in Greece, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of Cornelius Harnett. Brother Goncalves worked in the engine department, last sailing on the Westward Venture. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in February 1992. ALBERT C. HENKE Pensioner Albert C. Henke, 77, passed away September 16. He joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. . The Michigan native sailed as a member of the engine department and retired in December 1982. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. Brother Henke was a resident of Eastpointe, Mich. DANTE V. JANOLO Pensioner Dante V. Janolo, 69, died September 9. Brother Janolo began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of Wilmington, __::::=:;=.;:~__J Calif., aboard the Fairisle, operated by Panoceanic Tankers Corp. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1986 aboard the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. A resident of Orlando, Fla., he started receiving his pension in October . __ 1994. . MATHEW JONES Pensioner Mathew Jones, 82, passed away September 1. Born in Louisiana, he joined the MC&S in 1959 in the port of ...=.---===~-=1 New Orleans, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Jones was a resident of Altadena, Calif. and retired in July 1981. RONALD L. KARNS Pensioner Ronald L. Karns, 73, died September 5. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the ' Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. Brother Karns sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in January 1974. He was a resident of Metairie, La. JOHN W. KELSOE Pensioner John W. Kelsoe, 66, passed away July 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of Mobile, Ala., aboard the '-----== =-==-== Beauregard, operated by Waterman Ste~ship Corp. The Alabama native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1984. Brother Kelsoe lived in Georgiana, Ala. and retired in February 1992. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. TOROLF J. KISMUL Pensioner Torolf, J. Kismul, 81, died September 7. Brother Kismul joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port .,, of New York. Born in Norway, he sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in June 1969. He was a resident of Spokane, Wash. JOSEPH A. LARITY Pensioner Joseph A. Larity, 82, passed away July 15. Brother Larity first sailed with the SIU in 1961 from the port of New York aboard the Alcoa Pilgrim. The New York native sailed in the steward department and retired in July 1984. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. Pensioner Charles LaScola, 65, passed away August 30. Born in Illinois, he graduated from the Andrew =====~ Furuseth Trainjng School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Venore. Brother LaScola worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Vivian . From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Houston, he retired in October 1997. ROBERT G. LAWSON Pensioner Robert G. Lawson, 58, died June 16. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School '----=====------' in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Houston. The Del Monte, operated by Delta Steamship Co., was his first ship. A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981. From 1959 to 1960, Brother Lawson served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He lived in Paducah, Texas and began receiving his pension in October 1989. Continued on page 20 November 1998 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard 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. INTEGRITY (Maritrans), July 30-Chairman Rodney Roberson, Secretary Jeffrey N. Beasley, Deck Delegate Nicholas Joyce_ Chairman announced repair of VCR. Suggestion made that after 8-hour period at anchorage, launch should be provided. If none available, restriction to ship should be paid to crew members_ Educational director urged all hands to take advantage of Lundeberg School programs_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. OOCL INSPIRATION (Sea-Land Service), July 19-Chairman Russell F. Barrack, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director P. Kanavos, Deck Delegate David Denizac, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate James P. O'Reilly. Chairman thanked day men for enduring unfavorable conditions during shipyard period. He also thanked chief electrician for reorganizing ship's movie videos and Steward Doffoh for exceptional food preparation and presentation both in shipyard and during voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported _New freezer requested for crew messhall. NeM pon; harlescon. S.C. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Marhime Overseas Corp.), July 26-ChairtYtti.t\ Marro Go.llio.no. Secretary Raffaele Ascione, Educational Director Derrick tes. Deck Delegate James A. Jones. Ship headed to Greece for 21-day shipyard period_ Crew to remain on board_ As of August I , Training ReMrd Books (TRBs) required when registering to ship. Applications are aboard vessel for those who need them. Educational direi;;tor reminded members to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Two suggestions made to send to contracts department. The first: lower the age of requirement for the normal pension from 65 to 62. The second: for the welfare plan to cover the cost of prescription medicines for dependents. Next port: Sims, Greece. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), July 26-Chairman Perry H. Greenwood, Secretary Gene C. Sivley, Educational Director Amos J. Jarmillo, Steward Delegate Reynaldo C. Telmo. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and wished all crew members continued safe voyage. This is last trip for Bosun Greenwood_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. New mattresses on order for all crew. Vote of thanks extended to steward department for fine job. AMERICAN CORMORANT (Osprey-Acomarit), August 27Chairman John Mendez, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director E. Hantsche, Deck Delegate S. Hamm, Steward Delegate Robert A. Wright Jr. Chairman noted receipt of movies and recommended that company send movies at least every 60 days. He stated copy of contract should be sent to ship and asked for clarifi- November 1998 cation of some items. Secretary reminded crew of necessity of applying for TRB and said he has application forms available. Educational director stressed importance of training available at Paul Hall Center_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. Votes of thanks given to Chief Cook Wright for excellent job and SA Roland Peters for keeping areas clean_ Next ports: Diego Garcia and Singapore. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman), August 30-Chairman Theodore J. Bush III, Secretary John Reid, Engine Delegate Robert Steven· son, Steward Delegate Mulai B. Ismail. Chairman reported arrival in Morehead City, N.C. on or about September 5. Fresh stores will be brought on at that time. Treasurer Woodrow Smith Jr. announced $70 in ship's fund. No beefs reported in any of the three departments _ Some disputed ITT reported by engine delegate pertaining to weekend fire and boat drilL Communications about payoffs without union officials read to members and filed. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done, with special thanks to Brother Robert Sutherland for extra efforts in performance of his duties. HM/ ASTRACHEM (Hvide Marine), August 23-Chairman Tom Bankg, Secretary Juan Gonzalez. Engine Delegate Kevin Samuels_Chairman announced vessel awaiting word on charter renewal by Phillips Petroleum. Current charter ends in November_ Educational director advised crew to take advantage of upgrading facilities at Piney Point and make sure everyone has TRB with them when registering. No beefs or disputed OT reported_ Letter from Plans Administrator Lou Delma read regarding questions raised at previous union meeting. Next port; Freepon. Texas OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (Maritime Overseas Corp-), August 23-Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Marshall J. Sanford, Deck Delegate Raymond J. Nowak, Engine Delegate John D. Lewis, Steward Delegate Fran· cisco Monsibais. Chairman said ship will pay off in Lake Charles, La. in three days. Discussion held on incentive vacation program. Boarding patrolman requested to clarify tour of duty certificate. Educational director suggested crew attend classes at Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported_ Steward department given vote of thanks. Following payoff in Lake Charles, ship heads to Houston, Texas. OVERSEAS JOYCE (Maritime Overseas), August 2-Chairman J. O'Ferrell, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Willie Stan III, Deck Delegate Edward King, Steward Delegate Carmelo Dela Cruz. Chairman announced everything running smoothly aboard ship. Payoff scheduled for Portland, Ore.; ship then continuing to Long Beach, Calif and Japan_ Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No reported. beefs or disputed ar OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (Maritime Overseas), August 16Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Deck Delegate Charles Foley. Chairman thanked crew for good job. Discussion held on numerous topics including new firefighting school at Piney Point, moving union hall in New Orleans and upgrading at Lundeberg School every chance possible. Also talked about letter from headquarters regarding paying off ships without patrolman. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dryers in crew laundry making squealing noise and need to be checked. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. New microwave oven expected in next port. Steward department given vote of thanks for lots of great food and clean messrooms, lounge and decks. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), August 6Chairman Mark L. Lamar, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Scott Grider, Engine Delegate Abdul H. Mohamed, Steward Delegate B. Habib_Chairman stated 28-day trip has been good, especially thanking GSU Joan Riley for work performed. Secretary echoed sentiments regarding good crew. 16-Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director Jerald Graham, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson III, Engine Delegate John C. Langley, Steward Delegate Americus Bell. Chairman noted ship will perform exercises with U.S. military off coast of Turkey. Operation should begin in early September and end around October 24. Educational director reminded crew members to check with him if they have not yet applied for TRBs. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; otherwise, everything running smoothly. Crew members said they appreciate hard work by union in After the Fire Drill PVT FRANKLIN J. PHILLIPS (Maersk Line), August 11Chairman R.M. Wiles, Secretary Tony E. Spain, Educational Director David R. Powers, Deck Delegate Derrick W. Hurth, Engine Delegate Ben Mathews, Steward Delegate James 0. Kidd Jr. Chairman stressed importance of safety aboard ship. He asked crew to report any safety hazards they were aware of. He also noted necessity of having TRB when registering for a ship. Educational director suggested all hands use free time wisely and take advantage of upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Diego Garcia. SEA-LAND ENDURANCE (SeaLand Service), August 10--Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Mike Fields, Educational Director G. Evosevich, Deck Delegate Jeffrey D. Mateer, Engine Delegate Stephen D. Walters. Steward Delegate Wayne Ballard. Co 1rmation received from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox that QMED and electrician are not to handle lines. Captain Becker requested that in writing_ Chairman thanked steward depanmem for good food and for keeping ship clean. He also reminded crew members to apply for TRBs because they will be required to register after August 1. Secretary noted need for second dryer in crew laundry room as well as equipment for warm weather barbecues. He also commented that air filters in many rooms and public areas are clogged and need to be changed_ Educational director stated that best chance to improve one·s job skills is to go to Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reponed. Clarification requested from headquarters as to whether STCW certificates are required for unlicensed seamen who do not have lifeboat endorsement. Some members have been told 'no' by Coast Guard in Seattle_ Since there is no person in movie room to refile returned movies, everyone asked to pitch in. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Panama Canal; Colon, Panama; and Freeport, Bahamas. SEA·LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), August 19-Chairman Hayden Gifford, Secretary Franchesca Rose. Chairman reminded those getting off at next port to clean room for next person. Secretary advised all members to apply for TRBs and upgrade at Lundeberg School. Educational director repeated advantages of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and said he was looking forward to new firefighting facility there. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Letter received from headquarters regarding payoffs without a union official present. Following a four-day Coast Guard drill in which crew members had to don fire suits and carry heavy hoses in 95-degree weather, Seafarers aboard the USNS Algol are happy to have a few minutes to themselves. On the ship's deck are (from left) AB Romeo Azarcarate, Bosun Walter Loveless and OS Rodney Robinson. The photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by AB Arthur Machado. Educational director encouraged members to attend upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested clarification of maximum dollar amount allowed for draws_ SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), August 13-Chairman Gary Walker, Secretary Gregory Keene, Educational Director A. Bombita, Steward Delegate Fadel Abdulla. Secretary reported good trip with reliable crew and fine weather_ In addition to reminding crew members to upgrade, educational director stressed importance of donating to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done and to all crew members for clean and safe ship. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), August 2-Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Susano Cortez, Educational Director Michael D. Powell, Deck Delegate Ronald D. Rizzuto, Engine Delegate Rodney J. Pontiflet, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Telephone service for crew in Hawaii located in longshore shack, which is very noisy. Crew requested phone booth be put back on dock by office. Chairman led discussion of Sea-Land's new nonsmoking policy. Also discussed high consumption of paper cups and proper disposal of plastic items. All crew members given key to lounge so as to be able to lock it in port, if necessary. Educational director stressed benefits to those who attend Lundeberg School upgrading classes. Treasurer announced $300 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members reminded of need to have TRB when registering. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Guam. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), August fight against Coast Guard user fee for seamen's documents_ Coffee machine on bridge needs repair. Next ports; Malaga and Rota, Spain; and Iskenderun, Turkey. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship), August 9-Chainnan Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Paul P. Lopez, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan, Deck Delegate Gregory Hickman, Engine Delegate Apolinario Aquirre, Steward Delegate Mohamed Ghaleb. Chairman reported payoff upon arrival in New Orleans_ AB Kenneth S. Chinn injured aboard ship and will fly home. No beefs or disputed OT recorded_ Communications from headquarters received regarding necessity of presenting TRB when registering to ship. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering number of days' seatime needed for retirement. Next ports: Morehead City, N.C. and New Orleans. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Maersk Line), September 6-Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director Donald Hastings, Deck Delegate Walter Ratcliffe, Steward Delegate Khamis Mageed. Chairman reminded crew to separate plastic items from regular garbage. All refuse placed outside should be double-bagged. Secretary noted new glasses and forks on order. Educational director spoke about building of new firefighting school in Piney Point and for everyone to be sure to get TRBs as soon as possible. Letter received from headquarters regarding need for TRBs when registering. Transformers ordered for each room. Electric irons needed for each of three laundry rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to help conserve air conditioning by closing doors. Crew asked contracts department about holiday pay concern. Seafarers LOS 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 graduated from the steward recertification program in 1984. A resident of Sarasota, Fla., he started receiving his pension in January 1987. LARRY E. LEE AARON D. LUTZKY ,., Pensioner Larry E. Lee, 66, passed away August 13. Brother Lee first sailed with the MC&S in 1958 from the port of San ---~=~~ Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded his deck department skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in August 1997, he signed off the Sea-Land Pacific. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955. Brother Lee was a resident of Honolulu. Aaron D. Lutzky, 24, passed away April 9. He graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in ======= 1997 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. A native of California, he was a resident of Oakland. TOMMYW.LEE Pensioner Tommy W. Lee, 93, died July 19. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, i before that ·ir -· ; •" t-· union merged • with the SIU's AOLIWD. Brother Lee, a resident of San Francisco, started receiving his pension in November I 971. CHUNGK.LEW Pensioner Chung K. Lew, 70. passed away August 15. He began his career with the MC&S in 1960 in the port of Seattle, before thar L_J~.:.....:_~~~ union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Lew upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School and retired in O<;tober 1991. Born in China, he WM a. re~idenc of Sealtle. ARTHUR B. LITTLE P~nsioner Arthur B. Linle, 82. died August 8. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the Seafarers in 19.53 in the port '-"""'=::..-'!!..:=-=---J of Elberta, Mich. Brother Little sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in February 1977. He was a resident of Llano, Texas. LARRY L. LONG Larry L. Long, 59, passed away August 30. Born in Pennsylvania. he joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Seattle. Brother Long sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1960 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a residem of Federal Way, Wash. GEORGE W. LUKE Pensioner . ~ George W. Luke, 79, died August 2. Brother Luke started his career with the Seafarers in 19.53 in the port of Tampa, Fla. The Georgia native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he 20 Seafarers LOG ZACHARIAS A. MARKRIS Pensioner Zacharias A. Markris, 80, died June 14. Brother Markris joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port " of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in September 1971. He continued to live in Mobile. DANNY J. McMURRAY Danny J. McMurray, 33, passed away July 23. A native of California and a resident of Sacramento, he graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1984 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Ogden Missouri. Brother McMurray sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. NATHANIEL MUSE Pensioner Nathaniel Muse, 76. died July 24. Born in Tennessee. he started his c;ueer with the Seafarers in 19S 1 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Muse sailed in the engine depanmem and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pension in July 1988. HURSHEL A. ORLANDO Pensioner Hurshel A. Orlando, 81, passed away September 12. He began sailing with the SIU in 1943 from the port of New York. Born in Cuba, he became a U.S. citizen and worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Orlando, a resident of Capitol Heights, Md., retired in December 1983. WILLIAM M. PARKER Pensioner William M. Parker, 72, died August 11. Brother Parker joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of Mobile, Ala. .____ __.;;;;="'-------' A native of Illinois, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to his retirement in June 1986, he signed off the American Heritage. Brother Parker was a resident of Lacombe, La. WILLIAM J. PERRIDGE Pensioner William J. Perridge, 72, r--::;;r:;:;;;;;;;;~:=-:--, passed away July 19. He first sailed with the SIU in 1942 from his native New York. He worked in the deck department and .____ _ _ _ ___..upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Montrose, Calif., Brother Perridge started receiving his pension in December 1981. ARMOND RAMOS rr~··-~I Pensioner Armond Ramos, 70, died August 29. A native of Massachusetts, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1.-....i:o...--==::....-=-_.1 1946 in the port of Boston. Brother Ramos sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in February 1971. He was a resident of Revere, Mass. THOMAS A. ROSSI :--~~~~---,Pensioner Thomas A. Rossi, 72, passed away September 14. Born in Rhode Island, he began sailing with the SIU in 1971 ~-------' from the port of New Orleans. Brother Rossi sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. He retired in April 1997. RALPH SOUTH Pensioner Ralph South, 72, died August 23. Brother South joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. Born in Tennessee, he started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. During his career, he upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941to1945. A resident of Federal Way, Wash., he began receiving his pension in December 1991. HELEN D. STRANGER Pensioner Helen D. Stranger, 78, passed away June 29. She started her career with the MC&S in 1962, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Sister Stranger was a resident of Concord, Calif. and retired in May 1975. joined the union in 1939 in the port of New York. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A native of Puerto L - - - - = = : < , . _ _ . : _ _ _ J Rico, he sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in September 1975. ERIC E. HARMEL HOWARD WHITELY Pensioner Eric Pensioner Howard Whitely, 83, died August 5. He joined the SIU in 1948 in his native New York and sailed in the steward department. A resident of New York, he retired in May 1980. E. Harmel, 82, HAROLD S.W. WONG Pensioner Harold S.W. Wong, 82, died September I 0. Born in China, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1965 and joined that union before it merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Wong was a resident of San Francisco and retired in October 1985. MALCOLM B. WOODS Pensioner Malcolm B. Woods, 72, passed away August 11. A native of Louisiana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Savannah, Ga. Brother Woods sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. He last sailed aboard the ING Virgo, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Alameda, Calif., he began receiving his pension in September 1988. JONATHAN N. YOUNG Pensioner Jonathan N. Young, 80, passed away August 9. Brother Young started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Nebraska, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Manhattan. He was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. and began receiving his pension in October 1983. SIDNEY U. STRATOS Sidney U. Stratos, 28, died July 29. A native of California, he graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1990 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the USNS Invincible. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Yreka, Calif. JAMES C. ZACHARY Pensioner James C. Zachary, 72, died July 17. Born in Texas, he first sailed with the MC&S in 1957 from the pan of Ponland, Ore., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Zachary upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school. He was a veteran of World War II. having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Portland, he retired in July 1995. INLAND RON DeGRANDIS LUISA. VILA Pensioner Luis A. Vila, 87, passed away August 5. Brother Vila was a charter member of the SIU, having McAllister. The Pennsylvania native sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1962 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman DeGrandis was a resident of Philadelphia. Ron DeGrandis, 53, passed away July 17. Boatman DeGrandis joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Philadelphia, sailing aboard the Eric died in May. He started his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Baltimore. Born in L..===~~-_J Germany, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Curtis Bay Towing vessel. A resident of Baltimore, Boatman Harmel began receiving his pension in July 1979. ROY S. LINDLEY Pensioner Roy S. Lindley, 69, passed away August 13. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Lindley last sailed as a captain and retired in November 1986. He resided in Ingleside, Texas. ERNIE A. WOODS Ernie A. Woods, 35, passed away August 10. Born in Honduras, he started his caree with the Seafarers in 1997 in the port of Ne Orleans. Boatman Woods worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Apache, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He was a resident of Violet, La. GREAT LAKES CHARLEST. MONTGOMERY Charles T. Montgomery, 44, died.August 5. rother Montgomery began sailing with the SIU in 1970 from the port of Duluth, Minn. During his career, he worked as a gateman and conveyorman. The Minnesota native lived in Duluth. CALVIN NIX Pensioner Calvin Nix 73, passed away July 4. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Detroit. Brother Nix sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1989. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of Henderson, N.C. RAILROAD MARINE HAROLD M. RAINIER JR. Pensioner Harold M. Rainier Jr., 61, passed away September 1. Brother Rainier began his career with the Seafarers in '----..;:;;...;:==---' 1959 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department and worked primarily for the marine division of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Co. From 1960 to 1966, he served in the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Cobbs Creek, Va., he retired in January 1998. November 1998 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Retiring Seafarer Thanks SIU Staff As a retiree, I want to thank alJ the people in the SIU who have made my career possible. All of my shipmates have been the best. I thank all of the people in the port of New York. Jack Caffey and the staff at the hall do a wonderful job. I also thank all the workers at headquarters who keep the union running strong for all of us at sea. The SIU is the best, and all of us-sailing and retired-have to keep it that way. Tony "Popeye" Martinez Richmond Hill, N.Y. ~ ... Liberty Ship Brown In Great Condition The other day, I was reading my back LOGs in order to catch up with the SIU news. I noticed an anicle about the Whitbread yacht race. In it was a remark about the Liberty ship John W Brown that Jed me to think that some people believe the ship is going downhill. Acmally. the reverse is true. In fact. the ship is improving and estoration is ~ompkte. Main· tenance is now the only thing needed, and it gets plenty of that I sailed at>Q'1Td h6r last sum· mc;r as the 12·4 oiler on a twoweek trip to London, Conn. with ps in Greenport and Kings Point, N.Y. She performed perfectly. I recently have come off another two-week trip to Charleston, S.C. with a stop in Solomons, Md. This ship is a magnificent example of the more than 2,700 Liberty ships built during World War II. All SIU members would do themselves a favor to come aboard and visit when they are in Baltimore. (The ship is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) All are welcome. Ted Vargas Princeton, W. Va. (Editor's note: Vargas has been a member of the Liberty Ship Project since its start in 1979.) ... .. Social Security History = Lesson in Skullduggery Back in the 1930s, when F.D.R. and Congress were trying to pass Social Security into law, they told John Q. Public that this money, by law, could only be used for the Social Security trust fund-that the federal government could never touch it. With those reassurances, it became law. Deficit spending by government was unheard of at that time. Then World War II was forced upon us. The road out of this catastrophic "day of infamy" would be long and hard. An outraged American public got behind the war effort I 00 percent_ While sons, daughters, husbands and loved ones went off to war, the robber barons in Washington saw the golden opportunity to get their hands in the till. They daimed that because of the "national emergency," the U.S. government had to pass a Jaw allowing it to borrow the Social Security trust funds. The last thing a patriotic citizenry would do is hinder the war effort. So the bill passed without much ado. The politicians even invented a new phrase to sell it: "an inexhaustible fund." Now, after 50-some odd years and more than $600,000,000,000 (yes, that's right, more than six hundred billion dollars) in IOUs, they have the unmitigated gall to tell the public that the "inexhaustible fund" is nearing exhaustion and must be fixed. But their idea of fixing it is to cut the benefits, privatization or some other nonsense-not start repaying the IOUs. That's after grabbing $70 billion out of the trust fund just last year and claiming they reduced the deficit spending by $60 billion. I don't know what kind of math that is, but I call it bamboozling the public. These unconscionable elected representatives in Washington have the younger generation believing their nonsense. None of the working people of today believes there wi11 be anything in the Social Security trust fund for them. If our elected representatives would do the job they were elected to do-get rid of the waste and fraud, cut deficit spending, keep out of the trust fund, start picking up all those IOUs- there would be more than enough money for many generations to come. I will not support any elected official who votes to balance the budget by robbing the Social Security trust fund and will do all in my power to get them out of Washington_ If you agree with me, send a letter to your elect se tatives. Bill Horne Hiawassee, Ga. Sea-Land Explorer Visits New Port On July 1 B. 1998, the Sen-Land !Explorer became the first American·flag ship to enter the new port of Kwan~ Yang in South Korea. The crew worked very hard to get the vessel ready for this occasion. A large reeeption we.s held, with the mayor of Kwang Yang and the South Korean minister of merchant services and fisheries amon9 those -in attendance. Following the ceremony on the dock, the captain invited 100 people on board to tour the ship and partake of some of Chief Cook Karen Fensel's hors d'oeuvres. The crew members are (from left, seated) AB Milton Caballero, Chief Cook Karen Fensel, SA Jaber Ali. (second row) Unlicensed Apprentice John Arguello, Electrician/QM ED Clarence Landford, ABs John Baker, Cesar Ramos and Edward O'Brien, (third row) DEU Robert Beckwith, Bosun Raymond Yager, AB James Morgan, Unlicensed Apprentice Phillip Troublefield and Chief Steward John F. Bass. Not pictured is QMED Walter Hutchinson. Day. World War I 11 Veterans ended on this day in 1918. 1903, the Women's Trade 19 InUnion League was formed to legend ever since. On the eve of his death , he wrote, "Don 't waste any time in mourning. Organ ize ." His words remain a rallying cry to this day. educate women about the advan- November tages of ur'lion membership, to sup- port women's demands for better working conditions, and to raise awareness about the exploitation of women workers. Labor leader and socialist Eugene V. Debs was born in Terre Haute. Ind _in 1855_"The strike is a weapon of the oppressed. of men capable of appreciating justice and having the courage to resist wrong and contend for principle," he said. S The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was formed in 1935 to expand industrial unionism . It merged with the American Federation of Labor (AFL} in 1955 to form the AFL-CIO. 9 November 1998 Industrial Workers of the 19 World (IWW) labor organizer and balladeer Joe Hill was executed by aSalt Lake City, Utah firing squad in 1915. Hill was arrested and condemned to death for a murder, though supporters claim no clear evidence existed to convict him. The IWW and others rushed to defend Hill, believing he was unfairly prosecuted because of his labor background. Hill died a martyr and has been celebrated in song and Birthday, in 1832, of author, abolitior'list, and nurse Louisa 29 May Alcott Known for her fictional work Little Women,Alcott also wrote Work, an autobiographical novel exposing the exploitation of women workers and the evils of industrialization in 1873. "Fighting Mary" Eliza Mc30 Dowell was born in 1854. A social worker, McDowell helped organize the first women 's local union of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters in 1902. Comprised predominantly of the low-paid women working in packinghouse canning and labeling operations, membership grew to more than 1,000. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violacions of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Auguscin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly co the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in Che proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/are rs LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, bur not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime work· ers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 21 .l I II �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes HARRY SEAFARERS LUNDEBERG SCHOOL LIFEBOAT CLASS 580 ;~ ·'.ifoTi ;Jt· Trainee Lifeboat Class 580--Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 580 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Anthony Jordan, Gregory Makowski, Antonio Cooks, Andrew Seabon Jr., Anderson Saco, (second row) Christopher Barrow, Lenard Mills, Sylvester Crawford Jr., Bernard Snead and Joel Encarnacion. Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the September 18 lifeboat class are (from left, first row) Anthony Townes. James Pierce, Maronda Jackson, Anthony Simon, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Steven Manning, Troy Banks, John Mullett, James Nottingham, David Poree, Miles Janecka and Jerry Martinsen. Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL cout'~e on Octob~r 2 are (from l~ft. kneeling) George Villalba, Adel Shaibi, Robert Kane, John Millward. Nigel .J~ffer~on, (second row) Harry Galdeita, Jose MajM, Richard Butch, Robert Des Marteau, Robert Bradberry, Robert Mensching. Thomas Flynn. Torrey Manning. Jim Shaffer (instructor), (third row) Cecil Edwards, Stephen Swinton, Robert Schindler, Shane Clarke. Eldon Palmer. Bill Osborn. Matt Harrison, Kendra Savage and K~n Abrahemson _ Basic Electronics-Seafarers graduating September 4 from the basic electronics course are (from left. seated) Tommie B. Davis, John Smith. Leonides Bacal. Randy Loque, Pompey Alegado, (second row) Russ Levin (instructor), Edward Louis, Matthew Ditullio, Ronald Hutchison and Paul Curtis. Not pictured are Frank Bakun and Richard King. Tanker Assistant DL--Earning their graduating certificates for completion of the tanker assistant DL course on September 4 are (seated) Jason Roberts. (from left, kneeling) Brian Kimbrough, Steven Chapin, Leopoldo Viernes, Burkley Cooper, Wilfredo Gatmen, Salvadore Lagare, James Fennessy, Matthew Laughter, (second row) Melvin Ratcliff Jr., Adam Des Rosiers, Matthew Delang, Robert Kennedy, Rickey Bronson, Al Seay, Marcus Ross, Donald Ippolito, Juan Rochez, Trawn Gooch, Albert W. Austin Jr.. Mark Jones (instructor) and Manolo V. Delos Santos. Able Seaman-Upgrading graduates of the September 4 AB class are (from left. kneeling) Jim Marchard, Walter Sainvil, Guy Butler, Brian Morris, Mark Gaffney, Kaled M. Saleh, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Jeffrey Lagana, James Duggan, Timothy Kotsis, Dwight L. King, Anthony Pacely Jr., James L. Davis Jr., Lambert Brown, Tom Kemper, Ronald E. Allen , Santos Antonio, Sangie Mohamed and David Rankin. 22 Seafarers LOG Crane Maintenance Electrician-SIU members completing the crane maintenance electrician course in September are (from left, kneeling) Louie Diesso, James Gray, Roger Cash, Tony Rosa, (second row) Maurice Baptiste, Bob Martin, Nathan Adams, Rick Crowley, George Cox and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading Seafarers earning their lifeboat endorsements on September 18 are (from left, kneeling) Abdul Alawy, Dawn Williams, Elpidio Toyco, William L. Mohica Jr., Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Josef Wouthuyzen, Tommie B. Davis, Tomas C. Robinson, Ali Akmar, Abdul Mosa, (third row) Jesse A. Osborne, Kelly Stanford and Duane Nelson. November 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998·1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning in December and running into tft.e<-~rst . few months of 1999 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship." located at the Paul Hall Ce11tet ·~for Maritime Training and Ecluc~ionin Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills · ·of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. pl~a,8e note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membe;~ljip, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. >.' :l·~tudents attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before ~;tll.~r·~ourse's start date·. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the mom- Becertiflcation Programs Course Start Date Date or Completion Bosun Recertitkation Marcb29 April 30 Steward Recertification February 1 MarcbS Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ January 11 February 15 January 29 March3 Basic Firefighting February 1 Marcb8 FebruaryS March 12 Advanced Firefighting January 11 February 22 January 22 March S Government Vessels January 18 March 1 March 22 February 5 March 19 April 9 . Assistant Cargo (DL) 'jiiig:: ()f~'tlie start date~~ · _:,~ ·:\f{°h:\i,~eafarers who have any 'questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the '>Cundeperg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion January 11 February 19 · .M.arcb 12 March 1 : March.12":. ,· JanuaryS February 5 March5 March 19 . March 15 April2 February 8 Febraury 12 February 26 April 2 February 22 March29 . . •.·.·.• ~-----------------_ UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ~~~~~~~~~----------~~~~~~~~~~~~ Address. _ _ -'-------------------------~--- .. .. ... . . . . ·-~ . - - - -· --------.. With 1his application, COPIES of the following must be senl: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year. one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z·card) front and back, from page of your union book indicating your departmenl and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard rested. All FOWI', AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their applicalion. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone . ................................. . _,,. ......._ .......__. ,_. BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# Book# - - - - - - - - - - - Seniority-------------- Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes Cl No Cl Home Port Endom;ment(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - -- - -- - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken November 1998 D Yes D No CPR: 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 Seamanship, 11/98 D Yes D No The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and E.ducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otheiwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Early 1999 Upgrading Class Dates Announced See page 23 for the latest information on course availability in the new year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime and Training's Lundeberg School. ITF Obtains $110,000 in Back Pay for Romanian Crew SIU's Morris Assists in Case that Spotlights Runaway-Flag Pitfalls The recent case of the Greek and Romanianowned, Malta-flagged bulker Tomis Faith once again demonstrates the SIU's effectiveness in its participation in the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) campaign against runaway-flag shipping. It also spotlights the inhumane treatment routinely endured by the people who sail aboard such ships. Thanks in large part to assistance from one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, Edd Morris, crew members aboard the Tomis Faith received $110,000 in back pay on September 25, while the ship was docked in Baltimore. Morris also helped arrange various shipboard repairs, ordering of adequate stores and adherence to the ITF contract by which the vessel is covered. "Many of the crew hadn't been paid in eight A crew member on the Nora stands by the small sink where he and his shipmates hand-wash all of their laundry, because of an inoperable washing machine. months," noted Morris. ''They were forced to work overtime, but weren't paid the corresponding rate .... Going that long without pay, it caused serious problems back home for many of the crew members. They have bills to pay, just like anyone else." The Romanian crew, which contacted Morris in September, faced other difficulties on the Tomis Faith, jointly owned by the Romanian government (through an entity known as Petromin) and Piraeusbased Ermis Maritime Corp. The ship's navigation equipment was defective. Steward department personnel were ordered to make three months' worth of stores last for five months. The crew had nothing but water to drink and no desserts. Preserving the meager stores also proved problematic due to malfunctioning freezers. Although the ship is covered by an ITF contract, its captain reportedly seized the crew's copies. Moreover, when several crew members strongly complained about not being paid for more than half a year, the company replaced them. (They eventually were paid, after the ITF intervened.) This is not isolated treatment on the part of the company. Morris also recently coordinated with fellow ITF inspector Adrian Mihalcioiu to assist crew members aboard the Nora, owned in the same joint venture between Petromin and Ermis Maritime Corp. They faced similar difficulties as the mariners aboard the Tomis Faith, eventually receiving their wages after the ITF stepped in. (They also had no washing machine nor dryer.) "In both cases, the ITF's obje~tive isn't to 'get' the company. Rather, we simply wanted them to pay the wages called for in the contracts they have signed and provide better living conditions aboard the vessels," explained Morris. "Imagine being forced to work overtime while you're not getting enough to eat or drink. Imagine having to wash all your clothes by hand and hang them on the deck to dry, all because che company won't supply a $100 part required to operate a washing machine." The SIU is one of che more than 500 affiliates of the London-based ITF. Foreign Mariners Visit Paul Hall Center As part of his duties as an ITF inspector, Edd Morris of the SIU regularly meets with crews from foreign-flag ships. Recently, when three such vessels delivered various cargo near the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md., Morris used the opportunity to take some of the foreign mariners on unofficial tours of the school. 'The exposure is useful for them and for the SIU upgraders who welcomed them to the school," Morris noted. Pictured clockwise from top left: Filipino mariners from the Norwegian tanker Sibotessa pose in front of the school's entrance (Morris is at far right.), Filipinos from the Greek tanker Antiparos chat with Seafarers in the hotel lobby, and Polish and Indian mariners from the Asphalt Leader (Greek flag) visit the Paul Hall Center while their ship discharges cargo. Mariners aboard the Nora contacted the other issues. :n:;; � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES RECOVERY FROM ‘GEORGES’ CONTINUES SIU CREWS DOUBLE EAGLE TANKERS 3 CHRISTENED AT NEWPORT NEWS; 2 TO FOLLOW FMC REMAINS INDEPENDENT AGENCY AS PRESIDENT OKAYS SHIPPING REFORM UNION YARD TO BUILD CRUISE SHIPS SEAFARERS CREW EL YUNQUE SIU PROTESTS PROPOSED USER FEE INCREASES CONGRESS PASSES EXTENSION FOR WWII MARINERS’ VERTERANS’ STATUS NAFTA LAWSUIT RULING EVADES ‘TREATY’ ISSUE STEEL IMPORTS SPUR SLOWDOWN ON LAKES BERNARD SEAMAN, FORMER LOG ART EDITOR, DIES AT 85 NEW BEDFORD PORT AGENT FRANCOIS APPOINTED TO FISHING COMMISSIONS THE SIUNA- AN EXPLANATION OF ITS STRUCTURE AND ITS MEMBERS BOSUN MCCARTHY FEATURED IN AFL-CIO PUBLICATION ‘Y2K’ DILEMMA LOOMS OVER COMPUTER USERS AWAY FROM PORT IN A STORM SEAFARERS SHOW SUPPORT FOR AVONDALE WORKERS LUMMUS AIDS IN MARINE CORPS EXERCISE ABILITY TO CHANGE IS NECESSARY, STRESSES S-L INNOVATOR BOSUN SEAFARERS GET JOB DONE AT PETTY’S ISLAND DOCKS ITF SHIP BRINGS HORRORS OF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPPING TO AMERICAN VISITORS MARAD’S HART IMPRESSED WITH ITF SHIP’S PRESENTATION GLOBAL MARINER CREW ALREADY KNEW ABOUT FOC SHIPPING SIU MEMBERS EMBRACE ITF’S POWERFUL MESSAGE ITF OBTAINS $110,000 IN BACK PAY FOR ROMANIAN CREW SIU’S MORRIS ASSISTS IN CASE THAT SPOTLIGHTS RUNAWAY-FLAG PITFALLS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 11 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fcf0b5cc700d575eec6f49c949a9a982.pdf 0699dfc5a28556eb1c339bf67e7e453e PDF Text Text Volume 60 Number 12 December 1998 a Hall Center Announces Schedule Ior 1999 Vocational training is a vital part of being a Seafarer. With more and more regulations governing mariners, the place for SIU members to turn is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship provide hands-on training and classroom instruction for members sailing in all three shipboard departments. This helps enable Seafarers to earn new endorsements and advance their careers. The school also offers various academic studies aimed at boosting members' shipboard work. For 1999 course descriptions and a schedule for the first half of next SIU Crews Another Double Eagle Tanker -----------Page 3 It's Official: President Signs ·Extension for WWII Mariners -----------Page 2 aruttw from at sea and ashore Pages 10, 1s ii When Seafarer Grant Hult upgraded to AB, he wanted to motivate fellow members to likewise successfully complete the course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Hult chose an interesting means of appealing to his SIU brothers and sisters personalized Illinois license plates, pictured at right. These days, Hult sails with Great Lakes Towing, in the Chicago area. HOl!DAY GREETINGSe Beck Notice PageB �· President's Report The Need to Act Globally For the past few months, you have read stories in the Seafarers LOG about the ITF exhibition ship Global Mariner's dockings in the United States during its world tour. On this page is a story about the recently completed ITF Congress in which John Fay, Dave Heindel and Spiro Varras represented the SIU as delegates. And in almost every issue of the LOG, you will find an article on how the union's ITF inspectors-Varras, Edd Morris and Don Michael Sacco Thornton-are working to help foreign mariners gain what is rightfully theirs from unscrupulous shipowners and agents. Why is the SIU involved in these activities? Because the actions taken by the ITF against runaway-flag shipping affect each and every member! I don't have to tell you that there are some business people and companies who think the more profit they can make no matter the cost on people and material the better. These people have a philosophy of, 'I've got mine, the rest of you fend for yourselves.' Now, there is nothing wrong with making a doilar, as long as it's done honestly. Nobody operates a business just out of the goodness of their heart. They want and deserve to see a reward for their efforts. But what some people do to foreign seamen is not only inhumane, it is criminal. And if they can get away with it, then others will follow suit. That is why we work with the ITF in its efforts to expose the shipowners, manning agents and national registry services who tum their backs on the needs of seamen for food, safety and wages. In the world's most global industry, Americans cannot isolate themselves and let their brother and sister mariners fall prey to such outrageous tactics. Every time an ITF inspector arrests a ship because the crew has nothing to eat, has not been paid for half a year or lacks needed safety equipment, it sends a message that these owners and agents cannot get away with their horrendous tactics. The SIU stays involved to ensure the world's shipping standards are not lowered to meet the greed of these shipowners and agents. The SIU works with the ITF to raise the living and working conditions of the world's mariners, to help them increase their wages. As long as these substandard ships are allowed to carry cargo on the high seas, they remain a threat not only to the mariners who crew them but also to Seafarers whose job security is threatened because cut-rate shipping is available to those who don't care how their cargo is moved. The effort to stop runaway-flag shipping is never ending. The ITF hits been fighting it for 50 years and the SIU has been there working to end it as well. We have had an impact in increasing wages and improving working conditions aboard runaway-flag vessels. We hilve had in impact on port-state control and the inspe~tions they conduct when vessels tie up in their harbors. We have had an impact by pushing for stronger international regulations. Now the ITF's Global Mariner is drawing more attention to the problems of globali;iation. The more the public knows about what goes on at sea, the better the chances are that improvements will be made. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to make it go away tomor· row. That is why the SIU is involved on the global level, to make sure someone is watching out for the interest of American mariners while standing up for seamen worldwide. Happy Holidays to One and All It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of another year. The SIU has enjoyed many blessings throughout 1998 with new ships, more jobs and growing educational opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. And we have so much more to look forward to in the coming year. decade and century. For those who are working and those fortunate to be with their loved ones-to each and every Seafarer and their family members -may this be a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Volume 60, Number 12 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org December t 998 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFI.rCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Z Seafarers LOii ITF Rededicates Organization Ta Fight Substandard Shipping SIU's Fay Remains Seafarers' Chairman At Federation's International Congress in India The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is expanding its quest to make the world's seas safer by announcing it will go after substandard national flag vessels as well as those flying runaway flags. The ITF declared its intent at its 39th Congress, the highest decision-making body for the London-based organization, in New Delhi, India. Among the other actions taken at the quadrennial event held October 29 through November 5 was the election of SIU Executive Vice President John Fay to a full fouryear term as chairman of the I1F Seafarers' Section. The SIU is one of more than 500 transportation-related unions belonging to the ITF. Member unions come from more than 125 nations. For 50 years, the IlF has combated the use of runaway-flag vessels by the world's shipowners. The ITF denotes these ships as being owned by a person or group from one country who registers the vessels in a non-traditional maritime nation in order to avoid the tax, labor, safety and wage laws of where the individual or companies are based. The crewoften from Asian nations like Sri Lanka and Indonesia-recruited to work aboard such ships are usually poorly trained, poorly equipped, poorly fed and underpaid by international standards. The I1F has documented some cases where a crew may go as long as one year without pay. Changing Trends Recenc1y. the global organiution has noted an alarming trend that some nations arc allowing their national-flag merchant fleets to lower their standards to those found among runaway-flag vessels. The organization stated the reason for the decline by these national operations is to make • SIU Executive Vice President and ITF Seafarers' Section Chair John Fay (left) confers with ITF Asst. Gen. Sec. Mark Dickinson during the 39th ITF Congress, which took place recently in New Delhi, India. their ships competitive in world trade. The ITF pointed out there could be special risks in trying to help crews aboard a substandard national-flag vessel as opposed to a runaway-flag. One concern deals with diplomatic relations because the I1F inspectors, who are located worldwide, would be working with nations rather than commercial operations. Therefore, the ITF will include on its list as substandard only those vessels that do not meet international safety and environmental standards and do not provide minimum international standards for the crew through benefits and wages. The organization will publicize the activities of such ships in the same manner it has done to bring shame to runaway-flag vessels. Campaign Successes In its report to the de1egates. the ITF 1isted several successes in the battle against runaway flags since its 1994 meeting. Among those are the doubling of inspectors around the world with more being appointed and trained; more than twice as many ships sailing under an I1F acceptable agreement; increased numbers of dock workers around the world involved in campaigns against substandard shipping; and improved dialogue between the organization and shipowners, bankers and others on how the conditions found aboard runaway-flag vessels affect them. It also noted the success its exhibition shii:>-the Global Mariner-has had on its 18-month tour of the world. (See related story on page 6.) Fay Elected As noted above, the SIU's John Fay was retained as the head of the Seafarers' Section, one of seven groups within the ITF. Delegates elected him by acclamation. Fay became chairman of the section in 1995 when then chairman, Andres Lindstrom of Sweden, stepped down . Fay had served as vice chairman since 1992. NMU President Rene Lioeanjie was elected a Seafarers' Section vice chairman for the North America region. Also elected to a full four-year term as the chairman of the Dockers' Section was John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen's Association. American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay was named to the Seafarers' Section Fair Practices Committee. Masters, Mates & Pilots Secretary-Treasurer James Hopkins was appointed to serve on the committee's steering group. President Signs Veterans' Extension For World War II Merchant Mariners Veterans' Day has an all new meaning to the mariners who sailed in the U.S.-flag merchant fleet from August 16, 1945 to December 31, 1946. These civilians who crewed the Victory and Liberty ships, the tankers and the troop transports now are eligible to receive Department of Defense honorable discharges for their service to the country and be called World War II veterans. All of this is possible because President Bill Clinton signed into law the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998 on November 11. Congress had passed the legislation before it adjourned in October. Approximately 2,500 mariners are affected by this measure. The law extends the benefits of being a World War II veteran to a group of seamen who were arbitrarily left out when veterans• status was bestowed in 1988 on those who crewed America's merchant vessels from December 7, 1941 (when Pearl Harbor was attacked) to August 15, 1945 (when Japan surrendered). Members of the armed forces were declared veterans of World War II for serving from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946-the date President Harry Truman declared hostilities to be over. Yet, despite statements of praise from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and others on the brave and strategic role played by the merchant marine during the war, mariners were not extended veterans' status. The campaign to bring such recognition came to a head in January 1988 when the secretary of the Air Force, the branch of the services that oversees veterans' matters, awarded the status following an eight-year court battle. However, the announcement stated World War II veterans' status for merchant mariners would end nearly a year-and-a-half before the other branches of the service. Merchant marine veterans' groups joined with maritime unions, including the SIU, to lobby Congress for the extension. Bills were submitted in each Congress following the announcement, but they never got past the committee stage until .this year. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) pushed the latest measure in the upper body while Representative Lane Evans (D-Ill.) introduced the extension in' the House. Evans' bill eventually garnered 340 cosponsors before it was passed. "Even though the fighting was officially over, these mariners risked their lives sailing in waters filled with mines and other dangers," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. ''They strongly deserve this recognition from their country." December 11198 �SIU Crews 3rd Double Eagle SIU members last month sailed two Double Eagle tankers on their respective maiden voyages and also crewed a third such tanker, the Diamond Shoals, in Newport News, Va. The Diamond Shoals is expected to sail in the near future, possibly sometime this month. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management, the three vessels (including the Cape Lookout Shoals and the Nantucket Shoals) are built with double hulls in order to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. They are named after old U.S. Coast Guard light ships. (See story on page 8.) Two more SIU-contracted Double Eagles are being built in Newport News and are slated for delivery in 1999. Bosun Jessie Thomas, a 30year member of the SIU, is part of the first crew aboard the Nan- tucket Shoals. "Everything's going smooth and we have a good crew," he stated as Seafarers busily prepared the ship for its first run. "With a new ship, of course, we're starting from scratch, so we're taking care of basic things. You check and double-check that everything needed is here." Thomas, who has sailed on a wide variety of ships, added that it is enjoyable working aboard a brand new vessel. "You always look forward to better working conditions when you go on something new. Everything is modernized, and that's always a plus," he said. Each of the Double Eagles is slightly greater than 600 feet long, with a beam of about 106 feet. Each can carry 342,040 barrels of cargo. Owned by Hvide Marine Inc., the tankers will carry petroleum products along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts. They were christened October 3 at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Stu Gilman/Newport News Shipbuilding In November, SIU members crewed the Diamond Shoals in Newport News, Va.-the third Double Eagle tanker crewed by Seafarers. Steel Problems Abroad Affect Great Lakes Economy Layup of SIU-Crewed Vessels Remains on Schedule Briefly pausing for a snapshot while they prepare the Nantucket Shoals for sailing are (from left) GVA Isaac Amoah, Chief Cook David Valle, QMED Willie Franks and Bosun Jessie Thomas. Supporters Continue to Speak Out for Jones Act The nation's freight cabotage law continues to draw strong sup· Port from Congress nnd the miliUu}r. Speaking during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) award ceremony in New York on November 13, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) reiterated his unqualified support for the Jones Act. A few weeks earlier, U.S. Army Lt. General Roger G. Thompson Jr., the deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), wrote the chair of the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee that his agency opposes "any change in the law." The support for the Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, comes immediately following the adjournment of the 105th Congress in which several bills were offered to amend the law, but none passed. While in session, more than 240 members of the House (including Gephardt) from both parties became cosponsors of a resolution supporting the act, which states goods moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed vessels. In an article written by Peter Tirschwell and printed November 17 in The Journal of Commerce, Gephardt told the A01DS audience, ''We need to protect the Jones Act. I will continue, and I know a lot of my colleagues in both parties will continue, to fight to protect this critical piece of legislation. December 1998 )i!'"" , Lt. Gen. Roger TMmpscn Rep. Richard Gephardt "I wil1 always work to protect a strong merchant marine capability in our trade negotiations with other countries." Gephardt, a longtime supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet, also called for Congress to maintain its support for cargo-preference legislation. In his letter dated October 20 to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Gen. Thompson reaffirmed TRANSCOM's solid support for the freight cabotage law. ''The Jones Act is vital to our national security and TRANSCOM supports the U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S .-crewed requirements. These conditions ensure that our country has a ready pool of assets, mariners and an industrial base which are vital to preserving our national security.. . . I urge you to fully support the Jones Act and resist efforts to amend the law," Thompson stated. TRANSCOM is a combined effort of the nation's armed forces to oversee the movement of U.S. troops and materiel around the world. The subcommittee headed by Hutchison was considering a bill that would have allowed foreign-flag vessels to carry passengers between U.S. ports. The Texas senator also is a consistent supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet. Economic problems in East Asia and Russia are having a profound effect in the United States with respect to the steel industry and, specifically, with shipping on the Great Lakes. Because their economy is bad, no one in those countries is buying steel. Consequently, steel imports from Russia, Japan and, lately, Brazil are being dumped into the U.S. market, thereby causing a drastic cut in the output of the Great Lakes' enormous steel-making industry, lessening the demand for iron ore and resulting in slumping orders of ore shipments aboard SIU-crewed lakers. The foreign steel is being sold in the U.S. at below cost, thus violating international trade agreements while raising funds for their respective countries. American iron ore, mined pri· marily in Minnesota, accounts for nearly half the cargo (by weight) transported on the Great Lakes. Record high levels of dumped foreign steel in September already have pushed iron ore shipments on U.S. vessels down 7.8 percent compared to last September. "We're under an avalanche of dumped steel," said Glen Nekvasil, a spokesman for the Lake Carriers' Association, which represents the U.S. cargo fleet on the Great Lakes. "We haven't laid up any boats, but we may have to if this continues." (As this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press, no early layups had been announced due to steel dumping or weather-related problems.) Pressure on the Administration Pressure on the government is one means of attacking the problem. Steelworkers President SIU VP Great Lakes Byron Kelley delivers words of support to local workers in the steel industry. George Becker and the Taking part in the chief executives of National Steel rally in ' several major steel Ecorse. Mich. are companies met with (above, from left) President Bill Clinton Michael Mizzi, Port Agent Tim November 5 to discuss Kelley and SIU ways to stop the Representative unprecedented volume Don Thornton and of dumping foreign his son, Shane. At steel in the United right is Field States. Repre5entative The "Stand Up for Todd Brdak. Steel" coalition (made up of 12 manufacturers and the United Steelworkers of America) has ers. SIU Vice President Great filed antidumping charges against Lakes Byron Kelley spoke at the Japan, Brazil and Russia. These gathering, which was supported unfairly traded imports, if annual- by approximately 5,000 other family members, ized, would equal about half of unionists, U.S. steel shipments for 1998, the friends and elected officials, including U.S. Reps. David coalition said. Carolyn Cheeks George Ryan, president of the Boni or, Lake Carriers' Association, also Kilpatrick and John Dingell, all asked for government support. He Democrats from Michigan. "We wanted to show our supsent a letter to the Great Lakes congressional delegation, seeking port for Steelworkers Local 1299 its support for resolutions calling and others who are being affected on the administration to defend by the dumping of steel," Kelley the American steel industry from told a Seafarers LOG reporter. "While the foreign dumping has dumped steel. "Our nation is being flooded not directly affected Seafarers, if with foreign steel, often priced nothing is done soon, we can see below the cost of production:· he it being a problem by fitout next stated in the letter. "In fact, during year." the past four months, steel imports Kelley did point out that some have been the highest in U.S. his- vessels which usually carry iron tory. This dumped steel is causing ore and taconite have been pickserious injury to the American ing up alternative loads, such as steel industry. Already we have salt, and delivering them to variseen layoffs, short work weeks, ous Great Lakes ports. He also production costs, lost orders and, said he knew of at least one small most recent, Acme Steel's filing steel mill in Michigan that has for protection under the bankrupt- been forced to close because of cy laws." the steel dumping issue. ' With regard to the regular winShowing Support ter layup of SIU-crewed vessels, Seafarers in the Detroit area Kelley noted the cement boats recently attended a rally in already are beginning to tie up. Ecorse, Mich. at the National Indications are, he added, that Steel Company to show support most SIU-crewed vessels will be for the steel industry and its work- in by Christmas. SealaretS LOG 3 �Seafarers Lend Support to Tacoma Steelworkers Seafarers were in full view at a recent rally, supporting the Steelworkers of Local 7945 in Tacoma, Wash. in their strike against Kaiser Aluminum. The company wants to cut employment levels at all five of its plants (Tacoma; two in Spokane, Wash.; Newark, Ohio; and Gramercy, La.), including 32 jobs at the Tacoma site. Kaiser also wants the right to contract out hundreds more jobs. Under Kaiser's new proposal, wages, pensions and health insurance benefits would not conform to industry standards (like those at Alcoa or Reynolds). Additionally, Kaiser's proposal of a five-year contract would lock the Steelworkers into a substandard agreement for five years with no hope of improvement. Among the Seafarers participating in the rally are (left photo) Gil Manipon and Bob Snow; (center photo) Ronnie "Woody" Woodruff, Bosun Vern Poulson and Kenny Clinton; (right photo) Crane Maintenance Electrician Jim McBride. Fire Fighting School Construction Continues Aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen A 1st Person View from the Top of the World "Bringing fuel to the frigid"that is the basis upon which Operation Pacer Goose was founded. Recently, the annual resupply mission of petroleum products to the U.S. Air Force Base at Thule, Greenland was carried out aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. Like her sister ships, the Gus Darnell, Paul Buck, Lawrence Gianella and Samuel Cobb, the Matthiesen is operated under a long-term charter with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Ocean Shipholding Inc. tankers routinely refuel U.S. Army, Navy, Air Poree, Marine Corps and Coast Guard bases throughout the world. The Thule base is located on the northwest coast of the largest island in the world-Greenland. It sits 695 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is locked in by ice nine months of the year. Ice conditions lessen a bit during the months of July, August and September when supply ships can reach the military base. The area is frozen over again by October. For Chief Steward Michael A. Pooler. this was his second time aboard the Matthiesen as it made its refueling run. In a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG, Pooler describes the voyage: 1 Unusually dry weather has facilitated construction of the Joseph SacM Fire Fighting and Safety School, located in Piney Point. Md. Some of the actual buildings had been partially finished as of late November, and construction was proceeding at a brisk pace. SIU m@mb@rs will tak@ basic and advanc@d fira fighting, watar survival, first aid and CPR, damage control and confined-space safety training at the six-building complex, which is part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The facility will open in 1999. Smooth Sailing for Gosda "Operation Pacer Goose 1998 was, once again, a success. We began the long journey to the North Pole (Thule, Greenland) by following the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Terry Fox as its blades cut through the thick, frozen ice. We saw icebergs and glaciers along the way. The cool fresh air was still as it hit your face but, surprisingly, it wasn't freezing. The bright sunshine, which burned 24 hours a day, warmed the atmosphere enough for me to wear only a jacket. "It was, in fact, beautifulscenery like you might see on TV, but this was real. "I even tasted water from an iceberg while touching one up close. Being inside the cavity of an iceberg was a heavenly experience. The water droplets tasted better than store-bought spring water. Just underneath the lifeboat I was in was a huge mass of 1 Paul Gosda, 65, shows off a cake baked for his retirement party aboard the American Republic. Gosda joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Buffalo, N.Y. and sailed in the deck department as an AB/wheelsman. He also is a veteran of the Korean War. Born in Plattsburg, N.Y., he resides in Windsor, Ontario (Canada} and will continue to live there in his retirement. 4 Seafarers LOG . .~ ·-.· ... · ·. • j; .. .. ·•.·.·· j·.••. . ..• · · ~.<. Icebergs were a common sight for crewmembers sailing to Thule, Greenland aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. ice three times the size of what was on top of the water. It looked like I was in a diamond 1ce palace. What a rush! "The first time I was at the North Pole-two years agothree of the crew members told me they had seen a white polar bear on top of an iceberg. I personally didn't see it, but I do know there are polar bears in the regions of Greenland. I don't know when they appear; it's a certain time of year. It would have been nice to see one out here, since the only place I've seen one is in the zoo. This time nobody saw one. When you're in the Arctic waters, a trip is not complete unless you've seen a polar bear. Well, so much for this trip. "We were caught in a stonn on our previous trip to Thule-a storm that tore off the portside lifeboat, knocking out two portholes belonging to an AB. It made him jump out of bed, flooded his room and waterlogged whatever was on deck. That was too scary for anyone to fathom. This time the trip was calm and peaceful. "When we reached Thule Air Force Base and completed our chores, we rode a launch to shore. I and a group of co-workers caught a taxi on the short pier. We drove up a dirt road and then onto an asphalt road until we reached the "Top of the World Club." When we stepped out of the taxi, the first thing I shouted was "The world is mine!" It was then that I realized that I was literally on top of the world. "We walked into the club. There was a nice restaurant and a bar with every kind of drink you could imagine-including orange juice! Farther back was a minia1 ture discotheque that also served as a bingo hall and movie theater on other nights of the week. ''To me the Top of the World Club was the highlight of the island, and I met some great people. The base also has a clinic, PX 1 barber shop 1 gym with a full court basketball setup and lots of state-of-the-art equipment to work out on. "One disappointment was the phone setup. A person could only make one call to the States in the daytime because the lines had to be saved for personnel living there. We could use the phone at midnight, but since the last launch back to the ship was at 2330, we didn't get to make many calls. "When it was time to ·leave Thule for Killingsworth, England, we were at a standstill in the fog for three days. "For some people, one trip to Thule is enough. I did it twice. Call me a glutton for punishment? Nah sometimes certain things come with the job." 1 1 This was the second voyage to Thule for Chief Steward Michael Pooler, who sent the LOG this account of his most recent trip. December 1998 �Social Security Debate Faces Congress an Its Return AFL-CIO Continues Effort to Modify Successful Program to Benefit Working Families Although the 106th Congress will not be sworn in until next month, the national debate for a major issue the legislators will face when they get down to business already has begun. This month, the White House is scheduled to host a conference on how to prepare Social Security to meet the challenges of the next century. The conference will feature scholars, economists, retirees and average Americans to make sure Social Security remains vibrant and solvent for decades to come. In order that a vocal minority who wants to see the privatization of Social Security does not run roughshod in the media and with legislation, the AFL-CIO Executive Council put forward a sevenpoint plan in August. As laid out by the national labor federation, highlights of the plan include: • assurance that Social Security will continue to provide retired and disabled workers, dependents and survivors with a guaranteed monthly benefit, protected against inflation for life; • benefits not be subject to the whims of the market and never substitute private accounts for the core defined benefits now provided by the federal program; • a promise that the age when workers are eligible for early or full benefits will not be raised; • the continuation of Social Security to provide family insurance protection with benefits that cover dependent and surviving children and spouses in addition to disabled and retired workers; •the program to keep replacing a larger share of past earnings for low-income workers and to provide bigger benefits to workers who earned higher wages during their careers; and • a vow that government budget surpluses will be used to save the system first, rather than be used to provide tax cuts. In announcing the plan, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the needs of working people must be addressed in the debate. He pointed out the federal program had a strong and dependable record of paying its benefits on time for more than 60 years. He then pointed out a major risk of privatizing the system includes not just the financial strain, but also the physical and mental toll it will take on working families . "It is time that the full truth be told about the high costs of privatization that America's working families will be forced to pay: retirement ages that are jacked up to 70 and deep cuts in guaranteed retirement and disability benefits, as well as significant reductions in Social Security's inflation protection," stated Sweeney. The AFL-CIO acknowledged some adjustments are needed in the system, but warned against those people-especially with ties to Big Business and Wall Streetwho are saying the program is in a state of crisis. In its current financial state, Social Security can fully meet its obligations until the year 2032. At ihat time, without any modifications, the system would have to cut benefits by 25 to 30 percent. Approximately 44 million people receive Social Security benefits. Almost one-third (14 million) are disabled or surviving family members. Established in I 935, the system was devised to provide a supplemental retirement income as well as to help those who are disabled or the family members left behind when a worker passes away. These still are the program's primary purposes. Today, nearly one retiree out of every five counts on Social Security as the only means of income. In fact, only one-third of private-sector retirees receive private pensions. And less than half of ALL working families have ANY retirement savings. In his State of the Union address last January, President Clinton declared I 998 should be used as a year to study the Social Security system so legislation could be presented in 1999 to make any needed changes. Sealarers' Relative Makes International News; Survives Hurricane Mitch at Se,a by Riding Log For two Honduran-born Seafarers at sea, the news they were receiving aboard their respective vessels was not good. Hurricane Mitch was devastating their homeland with strong winds and torrential rains. Day after day, for five days at the end of October, the storm battered the Central American nation as well as neighboring Nicaragua and EI Salvador. Floods and mud slides were wiping out communities and villages. Communications were cut off. Homes were being swept off their foundations or simply crushed in masses of moving dirt, debris and water. Roads and brkls~~ no longer e~listed . The exact number of people lost may never be known. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the casualty count still was rising as it approached 15,000. Because of_the news reports, cousins Chief Cook Julio Guity and AB Victor Medina knew Hurricane Mitch was battering the town of Santa Rosa de Aguan, where their families lived. They had no means of contacting anyone in the coastal community, but what little they had heard was grim. Then, what both have described as 0 a miracle" occurred on the weekend of November 7-8: a family member had been found alive clinging to a log in the Caribbean Sea 50 miles from shore. Guity re-;eived a telex aboard the Patriot (operated by Intrepid Ship Management) from his family in the United States that his sister-in-law, Isabel Arriola de Guity. had been rescued. He informed the captain, who worked with the steward depart· ment member to allow him to sign 6ff when the tanker reached Wilmington, Calif. When he was back on the beach, a sister who lives in New York informed him his mother as well as his two sons also had survived the storm. They had stayed at the mother's house, which was still standing. The same could not be said for his house. It had flooded and was washed away. The other news Guity received was not good, either. He had lost two brothers, two sisters and their families. As for Medina, he received the news about his cousin as he was ending his re1ief tour aboard the Ovuuas New Orleans (operated by OSG Ship Managemenr). "It is a blessing char someone survived," Medina told a reporter for the LOG. "This has been just terrible." Once Medina was ashore, he learned his 79-year-old mother and 14-year-old niece overcame the storm and its flooding by tying themselves to an electrical pole for three days before they were rescued. "There has been nothing like this before," the deck department member stated of the disaster. Days at Sea • de Aguan Santa Rosa HONC>UR..A.S Julio Guity's sister·in·law was rescued six days after being swept off the top of her house in Santa Rosa and drifting 50 miles offshore. December 1998 The seafaring cousins then described what Isabel Arriola de Guity went through. (This account is supplemented by an article published November 10 in the Houston Chronicle, written by John Otis and Carl Horone.) The pair said Arriola, her husband (Guicy's brother) and their three children climbed on the roof of their Santa Rosa home to avoid the flood waters. Santa Rosa is on the Caribbean shore where the Aguan River empties into the sea. Medina noted about 20 inches of rain had fallen when "a big tidal wave came in. The river broke the town in half and the sea broke into the river." Guity's description added that "the water swept her and everybody on top of the house." According to the Chronicle, this took place on October 28. She tried to keep a grip on her 4year-old son, but was unable to do so. She recalled being swept under water and into the sea. The cousins said she made her way to a tree that was floating in AB Victor Medina (second from left) is presented with checks from the SIU, the Texas AFL-CIO and other labor groups to take with him to Honduras to help with recovery operations. With him in the Houston hall are (from left) Seafarers Mariano Guibara, Medina, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Julio Guity, Isabel Miranda and Faustino Castillo. the ocean and rode it for safety. She ate oranges and coconuts to survive. After ~ix days, she was spotted by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft searching for a lost sailing schooner. The newspaper reported the plane dropped flares and soon a British helicopter plucked her from the tree, some 50 miles from shore. Guity talked with her a couple of days after the ordeal and described his sister-in-law as being "confused but fine." The paper stated she was dehydrated, in severe shock and suffering from hypothermia. Off to Help In the wake of this ordeal, Guity and Medina flew from Honduras on Houston to November 14. Thanks to the efforts of the SIU, the Texas AFLCIO and others. they brought some aid. "Mike Sacco, Dean Corgey and Jim McGee have been really nice to us during all this, Medina said. "We don't know what we are going to find, but we are going to spend a few weeks down there helping our families and others. We are going to live the reality," he added. Both members stated they were extremely grateful for the aid and support they and their fellow countrymen already had received :· But, they added, the people of Central America will continue to need help for a long time. "You never know when something like this will arise," Medina stated. Seafarers and their families wishing to help in the relief effort shou1d contact their Jocal charitable organizations (like the United Way or American Red Cross) or religious institution. International Travel Advisorf Issued .· As per instructions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), alt passengers traveling to any international destination requiring documentation must provide the air carrier with particular . details PRIOR lo departure. In order to facilitate the chec~ it i$ suggested passengers call the carrier or their travel consultant with the following information prior to departure: complete name as it appears on the document, passport or visa number, nationality, date of birth, home telephone number and a contact number of a friend or relative. Faifur.e to provide this information to the air carrier prio.r to c;leparture may seriously defay check·in procedures. Proof of U.S. citizenship is required for an travef outside the United States. It is the passengers' responsibility to check with the consulate or tourist office of the country or countrtes they plan to visit in order to determine the exact requirements. Seafarers LOG 5 �West Coast Dates Announced For ITF Global Mariner's Tour Following its highly successful tour of Atlantic and Gulf ports as well as San Juan, plans are getting started for the international exhibition ship Global Mariner to dock in U.S. Pacific Coast harbors next March. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has released the tentative schedule for the ship for early next year. West Coast locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Ore. and Seatrlefracoma. Before departing Houston on November 12, the Global Mariner played host to thousands of Americans interested in learning more about the plight of mariners around the world. Newspaper articles and televised news reports announcing the ship's arrival in Baltimore, Savannah, Ga.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; New Orleans and Houston provided many more who could not visit the ship the opportunity to discover what runaway-flag shipping is all about. "Seafarers and their families know how others are being abused and mistreated around the world," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "What this vessel has done with its displays and stories is open the eyes of all Americans as to the dangers at sea faced daily by the men and women who work on commercial ships." The Global Mariner is on an 18-month tour of the world. The British-flag vessel began its voyage in England on July 1. It sailed to several European ports before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and the United States. The converted bulker is working its way around South America's Atlantic ports before it navigates around Cape Horn and sails up the Pacific side of the continent. The rebuilt holds of the 20year-old ship now carry posters, photographs and displays detailing the plight of mariners who sail aboard runaway-flag ships. It also has a very graphic videotape Upcoming U.S. Dates for the ITF's Global Mariner Port Dates Los Angeles March 4-8 San Francisco March 9·22 March 24-29 Portland, Ore. Seattle March 30-April 6 Tacoma, wash. April 6·9 For more if"\formation about the ITF Global Mariner, cheek nttp://WWW.itf·Ship,orgt . ~· showing how quickly poorly maintained vessels have gone under, how fires aboard runawayflag cruise ships and ferries not only threaten the crew but also the passengers, and how tanker spills affect the environment. The 11F began its campaign against runaway-flag shipping (also known as flag of convenience shipping) just after World War II. The London-based organization composed of more than 500 unions (including the SIU) represents transportation-related workers from more than 125 countries. The ITF has been working hard to upgrade the working conditions, wages and safety of mariners aboard such ships. (Its Seafarers' Section is headed by SIU Executive Vice President John Fay.) Runaway-flag shipping refers to vessels owned by a person or corporation in one country who register the bottoms in a non-maritime nation (such as Liberia, Vanuatu, Panama and Cyprus) to avoid the wage, labor, safety and tax laws of the homeland. Management companies, generally from still another country, hire poorly trained (if they have any training at all) mariners from nations like Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Indonesia to crew these vessels. When they are paid, the crews receive subsistent wages. They have meager food rations, sometimes getting only one meal of Above, SIU members helped guide visitors through the exhibits aboard the ITF Global Mariner while the ship was docked in Houston last month. From the left are AB Steve Berschger, AB Sinclair Oubre and Safety Director Ed Kelly. Below, OMU Angel Figueroa points to one of the important themes of the exhibit: the plight of non-unionized seafarers aboard runaway-flag vessels. rice and beans. Mariners on these vessels often work without safety boots or proper clothing for the elements. Vessels many times do not have enough life preservers " or survival suits for the whole crew. While the Global Mariner's main message is to draw attention the problems faced by men and women at sea, it also was used in New Orleans to alert people in that area to the fact that workplace abuse can be found in the United States. The crew of the Global Mariner showed its solidarity through several actions with the working men and women in the Avondale (La.) Shipyard who still seek their first contract after voting more than five years ago for union representation. The AFL-CIO has pointed out When Wil\ 'lou ioi11 your un\on1 that Avondale workers earn on average almost one-third less than other U.S. shipyard workers with U.S. Navy contracts. The facility also has the worst health and safety record of any such facility with Navy contracts, according to the AFL-CIO. There is no admission charge to board the Global Mariner. The local SIU union halls, as well as the Seafarers LOG, will offer more details on the ship's West Coast tour as they become available. 'Mama Theresa' Price Touches Lives of All Who Know Her .. · ·~:. Above, six:·year·old Brandon Hal· stead can tell you what a special perMn Mama TMreea is. Below, Mama invites some of the unlicensed apprentices to attend church with her. 6 Seafarers LOG In her nearly 26 years at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Theresa Price has seen many changes at the Piney Point, Md. facility, both in terms of the physical lay· out and with regard to the many entry-level students and upgrading Seafarers who have passed through its doors. But what did not change in those 26 years was ·Mama Theresa's" devotion to each and every person who passed her way. She was always ready with an ear to listen, a heart full of understanding and a word of encouragement, stated numerous people who worked with her. Prii;e began working at the school on November 18, 1972 and officially retired April 30, 1998. (However. she still may be found daily at the school, checking up on everybody.) Her title of "Lead Person" was somewhat ambiguous, but basically she worked in the dining room as a waitress and cashier. In reality, however, she is much more than that. Grace Freeman (who sent an article of praise and the accompanying photos) first met Mama Theresa in 1984 when her husband, QMED Mark A. Freeman, was upgrading at the school. The hotel was brand new at that time, and Freeman and her children went to Piney Point to visit him. It was then, she noted, that "I became aware of the wonderful woman Mama Theresa is and has always been. She has a heart as big as Texas and she is willing to help anyone she possibly can." Freeman added that Mama Theresa often invited the trainees to go with her to church on Sundays. She was concerned that they be prepared spiritually as well as academically for when they boarded a ship. The trainees are like her own children, observers noted. Mama is always willing to listen to someone's problems, give them a word of encouragement, a pat on Mama Theresa gives words of encouragement to upgrading Seafarer Stephen Stukes to make use of his talent in art. the back, and talce them under her wing. She puts people at ease. Freeman said, "I felt more comfortable when I knew she would be at the school when my son, Reece, came through as a trainee-and so was he! He remembers her very well and said he did not know how he would have gotten through the program had it not been for Mama Theresa." Freeman also has brought her grandson, Brandon Halstead, with her when visiting her upgrading husband. Six-year-old Brandon has come to love and adore Mama Theresa, too, and "loves the hugs he gets from her." Freeman concluded that "Mama Theresa may not hold a title like Mother Teresa, but being given the title of 'Mama' over the years is an affectionate designation she acquired from the many classes of trainees who have come through the Lundeberg School and from the many young lives she touched. There's no doubt in my mind that if you were to mention Mama Theresa's name to someone who has been at Piney Point, I'm sure they would say, 'Oh, yes, I know Mama,' and the exchanging of stories would begin." Grace Freeman met Mama Theresa in 1984 and most recently saw her when Freeman's husband was getting his LNG recertification at the school. December 1998 �Two SIU Crews Honored At Annual AOTOS Dinner The crews aboard two SIUcontracted ships were recognized at an awards dinner in New York last month for going beyond the call of duty for their actions in helping other mariners in distress during the 1997 calendar year. Presented with Admiral of the Ocean Seas' (AOTOS) Mariners' Plaques were the crews of the Sea-Land Navigator and the Global Link. The annual event sponsored by the United Seamen's Service spotlights the deeds and accomplishments of the u_s.flag merchant fleet, im;luding resc:ues at sea that require extraordinary effort in order to succeed, as well ns individuals within the maritime or political ~l"Jmmunity for cheir lifetime acMmpli~hments promQting the industry. Receiving the 1998 AOTOS award~ fl"Jr their work wichin the U.S.-flag community were SeaLand Service President and CEO John P. Clancey and Farrell Lines Chairman and CEO George F. Lowman. The Sea-La.nd Navigator and the Global Link were two of six ships to receive a Mariners' Plaque. On December 11, 1997, the Sea-Land crew spotted a small vessel going down off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea. The events unfolded in 50-knot winds and 15- foot seas. As the Sea-Land Navigator approachc;d, the sinking vessel exploded. A life raft carrying 12 survivors was spotted. The SeaLand ship made three attempts to rescue the survivors but they could not grasp the vessel's heaving lines. The Sea-Land Navigator senc a distress call for a rescue craft and helicopter. Despite rolling violently, the containership stayed on the scene until the rescue team arrived and safely removed the 12 from the sea. Meanwhile, the Tyco-operated Global Link received its award for rescuing two fishermen 30 miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf as dusk approached on May 19, 1997. A lookout sighted the pair waving frantically while attempting to balance themselves on what was left of their boat's hull. The cable ship changed course and launched a rescue boat to rescue the two. Once aboard, the pair said they had been adrift for seven hours in shark-infested waters and had watched other ships sail past them. Presenting the plaques to representatives for the ships were U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and retired U.S. Representative Helen Delich Bentley. Clancey and Lowman accepted their awards from House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), who took the opportunity to reaffirm his strong support for the U.S.-flag fleet. (See related story on page 3.) Clancey has worked with SeaLand for 28 years, starting in sales and moving up through the ranks. In 199 I. he was named president of the largest U.S.based ocean carrier with approximacely l 05 vessels and 200,000 containers in U.S. and foreign trade. The head of Sea-Land told the nearly 900 in attendance that the The Seafarers LOG captured its first first-prize award in competition with other labor publica· tions in more than a decade for the paper's three-page story on the initial 30 years of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, published August 1997. The award, as well as two others presented to the LOG, were issued by the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA), an AFL-CIO organization which provides support to international, national, regional and local union publications and web sites. More than 900 publications belong to ILCA. Entirled "30 Years of Progress," the story captured the top prize in the Best Institutional Profile, Achievement in Labor History category for articles published during the 1997 calendar year. In the documentation accompanying the award, the judges (which included public relations and graphic specialists, staff from The Washington Post and fellow labor communicators) called the article, "A picturesque and informative account of the development of the Harry Lundeberg School, a maritime training site; tells how the curriculum of the Lundeberg School reflects the work culture of the sea." The LOG received a second prize in the Best Human Interest or Biographical Profile, Achievement in Labor History classification for its May 1997 retelling of the 1975 capture by Cambodian rebels of the SIUr;rewed SS Mayaguez_ The final prize presented to the LOG was in the field of Best Original Photograph. Used on the front page of the May 1997 issue, the picture shows ABs Derrial Moore and Butch Morris on the deck of the Gulf Star rescuing a fisherman off the coast of Guadeloupe. Moore sent the pho- tos to the LOG with his firsthand account of the rescue. The LOG has a long history of publishing photographs shot by Seafarers of their fellow crew members at work. Altogether, 1,682 entries from 167 publications vied for awards offered in 10 different categories. Publications competed with newspapers and journals of similar circulation and style. The staff of the Seafarers LOG includes Daniel Duncan, communications director; Jordan Biscardo. managing editor; Deborah A. Hirtes, associate editor/production: Bill Brower, art; and Jeanne Tex.tor, administrative support. Posing with their AOTOS awards are Farrell Lines Chairman and CEO George Lowman (left) and Sea-Land President and CEO John Clancey (right). Between them is House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, who presented the awards. U.S.-flag fleet needs to continue with the innovations that made it the model for others to follow. He pointed out 96 percent of the world's cargo now moves via containers. 'This industry has served the world very well. Labor and its leadership have been a strong component of this excellence to help us," Clancey stated. He called for continued support for the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) and for military sealift capabilities. Lowman came aboard the family-owned Farrell Lines in 1978 as chairman and CEO after serving on its board. He had been a trial attorney prior to then. In his remarks, Lowman also pointed out how the American merchant fleet had been at the forefront in modernizing the industry and called for continued efforts to lead the way into the next century. Crowley Seafarers Deliver Cranes in P.R. The port of San Juan, P.R. still is feeling the aftereffects of Hurricane Georges, but shipping recently got a boost when two wrecked cranes were replaced in San Juan Bay. SIU members sailing aboard Crowley tugs brought the Sea-Land cranes (including the one pictured at right) from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Two other cranes in San Juan await replacement. Overall, Georges caused about $1. 7 billion in damage in Puerto Rico. » Union Will Provide LOG Receives First Prize in Basic English Tests Labor Press Association Contest To Help Meet Regs December 1998 This is a portion of the award-winning article on the 30th anniversary of the Lundeberg School, published in the August 1997 Seafarers LOG. In accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) as well as the International Safety Management Code (ISM), the SIU soon will administer basic English tests for Seafarers. Members will take the exam- a basic reading test-when registering for a job. Seafarers who have successfully completed a course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (within an as-yet undetermined time period) will be ..grandfathered" for this requirement and therefore will not need to take the test. Further details will appear in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. The regulations are explained in Title 46, ·· Part 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They relate to ship-specific familiarization. For example, as spelled out in Coast Guard navigation and vessel inspection circular No. 4-97, ship operators "must provide written instructions to the master that documents the policies and procedures to follow with respect to all newly employed or newly arrived vessel personnel." Work Starts on New Orleans Hall Renovations are under way for the new union hall (shown above) for New Orleans-area members. Located on the West Bank at 3911 Lapalco Boulevard in Harvey, the facility is approximately 15 minutes from the present Jackson Avenue hall. It is expected to be open for business in early 1999. Improvements also are taking place in the Norfolk, Va. hall. Seafarers LOG 7 �Double Eagle Names Have Proud History Just as the lightships of old served as beacons to mariners and warned of potential danger, the SIUcrewed Double Eagle tankers-named after those lightships-today provide an extra margin of protection against environmental damage. The early Roman empire made use of patrolling vessels with signal lights (usually a fire carried at the masthead), and English captains utilized lightships (hanging two ship's lanterns from a cross arm) in the 1700s, but it was not until 1819 that the first U.S. lightship contract was awarded as an aid to maritime commerce on the Chesapeake Bay. le proved so successful that within a year, four additional lightships were commissioned, marking dangerous shoals in the Chesapeake. The first true lightship-anchored in the open sea instead of in a bay or inlet-entered service in 1823 off the shoreline of Sandy Hook, N .J. From 1820 to 1983, 116 lightship stations were established by the United States at one time or another, the peak occurring in 1909. But nearly 20 years later, 68 of those stations had been discontinued-considered unnecessary and replaced by permanent lighthouse structures or buoys or taken over by Canada. And by 1939, when the Coast Guard was given the controlling reins to all aids to U.S. navigation, there were only 30 lightships still at work. The number of lightship stations continued to decline steadily. In 1983, America's lightship era came to an end when the Nantucket Shoals Ughtship was replaced by a large navigational buoy. The "History of U.S Lightships," a publication of the Coast Guard Historian's Office and the Internal Relations Branch, describes how lightships satisfie.d many requirements. They could be moored in shallow water, stationed in deep water, and be readily repositioned to suit changing ne.eds. They C()Uld serve as day beacons, light platforms at night1 SQUOQ $ignal stations in times of reduced visibility ~nd around the cloclc as transmitters of bearing- and distance-finding el~tte>nic signaH. The article atso noted, however, rhe initially miserable conditions aboard the lightships. Poor hull design caused violent rolling and pitching, crew accommodations were inadequate, food was mon«:ltoa nous, and tours of duty consisted of two four-month stints separatoo by shore leave. Officers and crews often were made up of farmers and other non· mariners. There was no standardization aboard lightships and the beacons of many were quite limited. There also was no uniform system for identifying these floating aids. All this changed when Congress became aware of the problems and carrie.d out an investigation in 1851. The outcome of that report le.d to the formation of the Lighthouse Board the following year. This was a ninemember committee composed of officers of the Navy, Army Corps of Engineers and civilian scientists. In addition, George Putnam was named commissioner of lighthouses. Under his leadership, professional performance by all employees was demanded, and he was responsible for remedying the long-standing problems of pay, living conditions, benefits, and a safe working environment. From 1939 until the end of the lightship era in 1983, the high standards of professionalism and technology introduced by the Lighthouse Service were carried forward and improved upon by the Coast Guard. Scientific advances in hull design produced more stable vessels, diesel engines helped a captain keep the vessel into the wind for greater stability, creature comforts (radio, television, libraries), were upgraded, food quality was improved and a seaman's tour was eventually reduce.d to approximately 30 days. Still, it was not an easy life aboard a lightship. The vessels and their crews were exposed to many hazards. Storms battered many of the ships, tearing them loose from their moorings or ripping off ventilators and hatch covers. Minor bumps, sideswipes and more serious collisions and sinkings also took their toll. Still others were sunk by shell fire. In 1918 off the coast of Cape Hattaras, N.C., the Diamond Shoals Lightship #71 was sending out a radio message warning of the presence of a Gennan submarine which had just sunk a passing freighter. The sub, provoked by the lightship's warning, surfaced and, after allowing the 12-man crew to abandon ship, sank it with shell fire (but not before 25 Allied ships had received the radio message warning). In many cases, the remaining lightships were replaced by offshore light platforms or large navigational buoys, all offering considerable savings in terms of manpower, construction and maintenance costs. A number of the old vessels were sold to other countries for use as lightships. Some were used as floating clubhouses by various organizations, but a majority ended up as scrap. Nineteen of che vessels still remain. the three oldest built in 1904. Most of them are still afloat, restored for use as museums or exhibits. TwCJ §erve as floating restaurants and C>r\e i§ in use in the charter trade. While there is no future for lightships. chey are part of the maricime heritage-a heritage that will never be forgotten, especially now that their names are once again paint.00 on the hulls of new cmriers, sailing those proud names across the oceans of the world. Twins Still Doing Great Nearly 19 Yea.rs l,ater January 6, 1980 was a special day for Boatman William and Joan Peterson of Seminole, Fla. It was the birth of their first child, David. But then one minute later, Richard made his presence known as well. The couple quickly realized what a good medical policy they had with the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The twins were born premature and required special medical assistance. The bill for the 28-day stay in the hospital came to more than $45,000. An article about the boys appeared in the August 1980 Seafarer LOG which included part of a letter written by Mrs. Peterson to the SIU to thank the plan for all its help. "My husband William 'Pete' Peterson is an Inland member and works down South. We were recently blessed with our first children, a set of beautiful twin boys. As twins usually are, they were premature and complications set in. They were rushed from the hospital where they were born to Children's Hospital, where it was touch and go for quite some time. They were confined for 28 days. "The overall bills for their delivery, follow-up confinement and care amounted to around $45 1 000. What would we have done without the SIU Welfare Plan? ''The twins are doing great, the bills are aJl paid and we can only gratefully say a big nal justice academy at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College. He currently is captain of Explorer Post 900 with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department and president of the Florida Association of Police Explorers. David is employed by Walgreens Pharmacy and is studying to be a pharmaceutical techni- THANK YOU." cian. Now, nearly 19 years later, Peterson, who retired in May 1989, sent the LOG an update on his sons. They graduated from high school in June 1998 and are still "doing great." Richard is enrolled in a crimi- "Needless to say," wrote Peterson (who worked for Interstate, Sonat and Maritrans before retiring), "Mom and Dad are very proud of both boys and still thank the SIU for all their help." Notice to Etnployees Covered by Union Agree111ents Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD a~~i~ts employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organiz:ing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the 'merests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is reQuired by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLI- WD about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to 1,mderstand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you whh detruled information as to how to become; an aioncy foe payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the unjon but who mec;ts his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers Internacional Union, AGLIWD. J. Benefits of Union membership - While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership - In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75.00 (seventy-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors - Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals B Seafarers LOG are obligated to make payments co the union in the fonn of an agency fee;. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract adminisiration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service;, log-islative activities and political affairs. d. Amount ofagenq /ee -As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 1997 calendar year, the fee cost associate.cl with this representation amounts to 63.06 precent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee base.cl upon the dues would be $189.18 (one hundred eighty-nine dollars and eighteen cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 1999 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 1998 and November 30, 1999 will have this calculation applied to their 1999 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2000, your objection must be received by December l, 1999. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 1997. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections - If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor's report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer's Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 6. Filing a challenge - Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector sha1l have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer's office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure- Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determine.cl by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1998 *TITTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A CIBM B CIBM C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port s 13 16 20 5 Honolulu 18 DECK DEPARTMENT 17 . 6 10 s 2 4 6 Baltimore ••••••.•••••.•••Thursday; January 7, February 11 9 13 8 0 4 1 5 2 4 6 4 6 5 2 3 6 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: January 13~ February 17 12 9 9 18 18 9 2 8 9 ·l :0 1 127 .} 1 0 55 :P.hi.lad,(1.lpbia. . 1~:aium6itf ·: ;:.: :. : Norfolk Mobile New Orleans ,;-.1;<. 20 18 9 5 9 11 5 8 6 12 7 6 6 5 8 0 11 .o 0 l 1 I I 154 107 HoooJulu •••••....•.••.•..Friday; January l5t February 19 7 .'' ~u~o~ ..~................~onday: 4 12:· ~. •t:halts,f t:reaffd by Pnmk1111'f)ay holi~ 2 2 2 7 3 41 14 8 3 7 4 7 13 3 2 1. 0 0 80 40 2 0 357 175 0 88 aniiacy 7~ February 11 ·/''iy: January 6~ February 10 3 t· 6 7 4 3 6 9 Jacksonville :San Frandsco Wilmington 13 12 5 12 8 4 Tacoma Puerto Rico 12 4 3 8 3 3 2 0 2 ~ 3"'''""•''"-'"'"'- ,... 7 10 2 2 7 9°" 5 I5 2 6 5 0 3 4 7 2 0 25 . , y;.January 14. February 18 2 5 3 January 11, Tuesday: February 16* 3 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7. 2 Port '.N,ew York · Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Cl1m A CIBM B Class C 8 16 7 Trip 4 7 6 1 2 0 66 84 5 l 2 0 9 6 -~---.,, 5 3 5 0 1 2 5 7 6 8 2 0 3 2 0 3 10 28 18 Tacoma ·············~·····Friday~ January 22, February 26 WiIIIliJlgtq,n .............Tuesday: January 19* 8 17 4 13 3 3 8 0 3 2 0 26 0 0 0 0 20 38 170 103 Monday: February 22 Personals STEWARD DEPARTMENT ALWASEEM ABDULLA Please contact Keith Innes in San Diego at (619) 2 578-6852. 3 0 3 4 6 CARLOS H. CANALES Your brother, Modesto, is living at 140 Gil Dr. #5, San Benito, TX 78586-4108,· telephone (956) 3998244. Please 16 2 2 1 0 0 8 2 7 DENNY RAY LOUIS 2 Please call mom and Don at (706) 290-1906 or write us at 101 S. Division, Apt. A, Rome, GA 30165. You may call collect. This is not an emer- I IO '"· 3 0 gency. () Port New.York Philadelphia 131 37 6 109 fi O ·22 12 5 17 3 0 2 2 38 1 0 57 229 13 0 0 9-=:· . 6 9 2 2 1& 14 ·o Totals All Departments 488 391 5 0 31 0 3 63 6 2 44 0 117 391 328 1 0 130 216 0 0 11 ..... ·.. l~ . 13 12 8 7 8 27 2 5 0 0 105 0 0 0 86 233 213 175 175 842 569 340 ... 0 0 9 ... 2 0 l . *''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 1998 •An article in the November issue of the Seafarers LOG incorrectly listed the address to which World 91 9 0 16 0 2 11 ' I "'' '::·:· . : 23 . 0 ' 12 " 2 1J . Corrections 1 21 .:·.. 25 : . 2 3 4385. 0 2 0 0 ' l. Anyone with information on Donald Frances Peterson, born in 1935 and sailed in the engine department from California, please contact his daughter, Michel Peterson, at P.O. Box 90913, Henderson, NV 89009; or telephone (702) 565- .. '·':'' 28" 0 . .::: '" J 2 2 DONALD FRANCES .PETERSON 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT !~!~mRffi.: :.:·.:::.£::.":" :·~:,.:/J·. · Norfolk Mobile 10 get in touch with him. War II merchant mariners newly qualified for veterans' status under the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998 may send their completed applications for honorable discharges. The correct address is: Commanding Officer National Maritime Center (NMC-4A) 4200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 510 Arlington, VA 22203-1804 • The new Double Eagle tankers are operated by lnterocean Ugland Management and owned by Hvide Marine, Inc. • An article in the October issue of the Seafarers LOG incorrectly listed the title of Maritrans G.P., Inc. President John Bums. Seafarers LOii 9 �• HOLIDAY GREETINGS .. The holiday greetings ayyearing on this yage and continued on yage 15 were written by seafarers, yensioners, friends and family members. They are listed in a~habetical order by the name of the individual sending the message. The self(nrers LOG joins with those ayyearing below in eitendtng season's greetings to all Seafarers and their families. To Lito G. Acosta Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. Life, for the past I 6 years, has been wonderful, and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you. Happy anniversary. I love you. Forever, Minda (Acosta) To all my shipmates and SIU brothers and sisters - also to Juan Rochez and Trawn Gooch Now it is here, that time of year. I could not be with you, I had to be here. Christmas has found me, away from my home. I'm at sea, and could not call on the phone. So whatever you're doing on this Christmas Day. I'm thinking of you, now I am away. So I'll write you this poem and send it along. To let you know I'll be home before long. So have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I wish I could be with you ... But ... I had to be here. Albert W Austin Jr. To Becky Sleeper Happiest of holidays - and peace and prn~pcrity in the coming year for our "Orgulf Ang~l" and your family and staff. Nancy Avery To ell Orgulf Cook5 H~r~·~ wishing you all a very Mi:rry Christmas and peaceful rivers and pleasant crews for the coming year - and Bon Appctit! Nancy Avery To David Hou§@ Merry Christm~~ "Little BrDther." Here's wishing yoJ,J smooth sailing for the coming year. Hoping all your Chriscmas wi~hes: come tru~! Nancy Avery To Carmine Barbati Merry Christmas to the best, most wonderful seafaring husband and dad in the whole world, wherever you may be. All our Jove, RoseMary, Jimmy and Racht:l Barbati To Princess Mary Ow@n (1 o y~ars old) Princess Mary, I hope this will be a super great Christmas and a great New Year, and that all your grades will be good ones. Love yoJ,J bunches, Uncle Kojak ( RtJyce Barrell) To Captain Arne Bjorrsen A lot of good things have happened since we sailed on the la Salle (1952). Best to you and your family at Christmas time. Neal Cairns To Bill, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley We hope this Christmas is a merry one and a year that will bring good health and happiness to all of you. Your loving family, Mom (Charlotte E. Canion), Beverly, Mary Lee, Bruce and Bobby To Ronald K. Carraway in the Philippines We hope you and your family have everything you hope for - and more during these holidays. With all our love, happy holidays! Gary R. Carraway and family 10 Seafarers LOG To Gary R. Carraway in Kentucky Daddy, we love you very much, and we know that you work really hard so that you can take care of us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. John, Ben and Alex Carraway To Gary R. Carraway Hang in there, remember our goals and just keep marking those days off. Remember that I love you and so do our boys. Happy holidays! Lori A. Carraway To all active and retired Seafarers I wish you all the best holiday season ever and a most prosperous new year. Willie Cichocke To fellow Seafarers Happy holidays, brothers and sisters. Kelly Doyle To Mrs. Ethel Smith Thank you for being there. When going to sea, I couldn't be there much, but Casey and I love you, not only today, but 3-6-5. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday. Love always, Henry and Casey Edwards To Brian Hulstrom nnd family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope to see you guys soon. Chris Edyvean To Teodora E~tigoy Honey, wishing you the best Christmas. Hoping that I'll be with you and Sandy. Rachel and John . I love you all! Love, Silver Escigoy To Sal Aquia Happy holidays to you and your family. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Terry and Barbara Frank/in & f amity To Laurel and Mark Hi honey. Hope Santa was good to you and Mark. Love you, see you soon. Charles Garvey To all S~afarers Holiday greetings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Rose and Addie Hunt To Carole and Marc lsenstadt Here's hoping you are both well and enjoying the holiday season. You're always in my thoughts. See you soon. Love to midnight. Brian/Daddy (lsenstadt) To Michael Sacco and family Merry Christmas and the best m the coming new year. Flattop (William Kojlowitch) To my good friends, Jack Caffey, Michele Nardo, and the staff in the port of NewYork Best wishes for a great holiday season. Flattop (William Kojlowitch) To everybody at Piney Point and HQ Season's greetings-Happy New Year! Flattop (William Koflowitch) -ttL• To all friends of the sea I see me with you, in heart as a whole; nurtured and as if mixed in a bowl. You and I are contented for what we can do. We'd say there's still so much more we can do; it will always be there; we want to be there too! It serves us so sweetly this life! As if mixed with two of our hands. As everyday sunshine glows luminously over land and sea. Once in a while there's a sadness that bleeds; a pounding, a shiver; a warning to take heed. It is a time when there's darkness, and yet we clearly see; for it is beyond my vision; to have been blessed ... with thee. If I should ever think of these special ones, forever, never to see again. May the Lord take me, instead of those special friends. Joseph A. Jauregui To Fred nnd Charles Jensen Wishing my husband and son a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. I miss you both very much and think of you both every day. Sending you all my love for this holiday season and forever. Sandra Jensen To my husband, Amir Finally, we did it. We got married! Merry Xmas, hon, and Happy New Year. I'm counting the days 'til you'll be home! Miss you. Love always, your wife, Irma (Kasim) To Arthur Norman Sjaastad Season's greetings. John G. Katsos To all our shipmates and officials. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We especially wish George McCartney a wonderful retirement. God bless you all. Percy and Dottie Lawson Kennedy To Melody, Caroline and Rachel Kinney Merry Christmas and many, many more. Love, Leo (Kinney) To Lee Hardman Dad, I can't wait to celebrate my first Christmas with you. I love you very much. Your son, Kailan (Hardman) To all th@ crew on the dredge Long Island Merry Christmas! Leo Kinney To Lee Hardman Lee, this will be the best Christmas ever, because we'll be spending it together. Wishing you much happiness in 1999. Love, always and forever, Shari (Hardman) To my wife, Connie I hope our holiday will be a merry one and that you are able to spend cime with our daughters. My love and thoughts are with you. Phil ( Kleinebreil) To Seafarers worldwide I want to wish you a great holiday season. You are my favorite people. May God bless you all. Hubert "Red" House To Jessica, Amy and Heather A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I'll be thinking of each one of you. I love you and miss you. Dad (Phil Kleinebreil) To my shipmates aboard the USNS Kane and all Waterman Steamship Co. vessels Happy holidays to all. Willard Huggins To the crew of the dredge Long Island May you all have a happy holiday and the years ahead be prosperous - with smooth sailing. Captain Phil Kleinebreil To Ted Donely Jr., Neil Turner and Lester Farmer I hope you and your families have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. Your friend, Tony Joe Layne To Joel Lechel Though you may be far away, I know you're always here. Your presence is nearby. Thank God you'll be home this Christmas. I can't wait! Your girl, Tuffy II. P.S. Happy 4Qlh birthday, Daddy! Harper Lechel To Kasandra and Harper Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Baby girl is gonna love Christmas. You both keep me going. Let it snow! All my love, Joel Lechel To the crew and officers on the Sea· Land Producer To a great bunch of seagoing brothers and sisters: Feliz Navidad. Your bosun, Joel Lechel To my Seafarers family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 1999. And a special holiday wish to Mr. Fernando G. Saundra Leonard To Donald S. Ling and sons To my father and brothers whom I love very much: Happy holidays to you and your families. May you all have many, many more. David J. Ling To Jack Klohn Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and. your family. May we all have many, many more. Dave Ling To Phil Kleinebreil and family I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. May there be plenty more to come. -tj M• David Ling To Lester Hoffman on the Liberty Sun It's a lonely time to be away from your family. Have a safe trip. We'll be thinking about you. Barbara and Arthur Machado To Linda Thompson and Martha Carr Thank you for your kindness. I really appreciate it. Season's greetings to you and yours. Barbara and Arthur Machado To the staff at the Seafarers LOG Season's greetings to all of you. Keep the good work going. And Happy New Year. Arthur D. Machado To the crew aboard the Maersk Constellation Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Nick Mageed Continued on page 15 December 1998 �This handy version of the Lundeberg School's catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. 1999 lundeberg School Co11ne G11ide Serving an industry whose requirements constantly change, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education perpetually strives for improvement. Such efforts at the Piney Point, Md. facility recently have included: • beginning construction of a million-dollar, state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety training facility slated for completion this year; • installation of new, top-ofthe-line radar equipment for simulator training; • writing and refurbishing curriculums to help enable SIU members comply with STCWrelated requirements; and • partnering with the American Council on Education, an agreement also aimed at making it easier for Seafarers to comply with new regulations. These are only a few of the many activities the school has undertaken in staying true to the same goal it has possessed since first opening its gates in 1967. Namely, turning out the best· trained mariners in the world. For today's SIU members. training nncr ha~ been more vital. The STCW convention and ih runcndmcnb, by themsetves, alrea.dy have ~reated myriad chang~~ in the maritime industry. with many more to follow through the end of the phase-in period in 2002. These four pages offer Seafarers an overview of the courses offered at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Members should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should refer to the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most upto-date listing of classes. Course descriptions and schedules also are available on the Sill's web site, located at http://www.seafarers.org. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days' seatime in the previous year, one day of seatime in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If a course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard ten to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or call (301) 9940010. Most courses at the Paul Hall Center offer a mix of classroom instruction and handson training. The school provides departmentspecific vocational classes, plus various safety courses available to all SIU members. Academic courses, ranging from the GED program to college classes, also are available. are primed in bold. Deck Department Courses This six•w@@lc cours@ l@ads to end~rg~~t as an Ahl~ g~aman (AB). It consists of hands-on training and dassroom work covering declc s@amanship, rules of the read, MM'lin~splk~ seamanship, h~mnnship, cargo handling, safety, firefighting, emergency procedures, fir~t aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation. have a lifeboat endorsement in order to take the AB (Ourse. Students comStudent~ tttUBt pleting the AB course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Ufeboat/Watet SllrviVll Students in this two-week course can earn lifeboat certification at the end of the class. Featuring a mix of practical training and classroom instruction, the course covers emergency drilfa, lifeboat coMtruction, lifeboat launching and re~overy, life raft consf:ruction, lif~ raft laun~hing and maintenance, and use of all lifeboat and life raft equipment. Additionally, studenl:s learn practical survival methods and the use of emergency r41dio and disrr@Ss signals. A minimum of three hours per day is spent outdoors in lifeboats conducting practical exercises such as rowing/ cox~wain training and davit operations. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Brhlge Mmagmaeat The U.S. Coast Guard-approved shiphandling sbnwator course provides realistic bridge watch.standing training for deck personnel aboard both deep sea and inland vessels. Successful completion of this two-week course is accepted as Coast Guard credit for 60 days of seatime on vessels of unlimited tonnage. Special areas of skills development include general shiphandling and helmsmanship, river and channel transits, entering and departing various ports, coastal navigation, U.S. Navy-related December 1998 operations su<;:h as convoy and underway r~plen­ ishm@nt, hawser t~wing, pW1hhoat towing and emergency shiphandling. Studenb Jll\18t have a valid radar cerlifkate to etti'~ll Celadal Navlpdoll The six-week course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars and planets, compass error by amplitutde and azwnuth, star identificaiton, and care and use of the sextant. ..... Oltsernr/Unlimit.I The eight-day radar observer/unlimited class leads to a radar observer endorsement that is good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercise. Students operate modem audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. ...... Mate Upgraders in the third mate course will study all subject areas found on the U.S. Coast Guard license exam for third mate. The 14-week curriculum includes instruction in all areas of terrestrial and celestial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, watch.keeping, ship maneuvering, construction and stability. Steward Department Courses Unlic:eaml Apprm1ice eo.ne. Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation class and a 20-hour galley familiarization class. After students-complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program, those who choose to sail in the steward department will return to the school for a four-week galley operations class. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules . Galley Opa atiwaa Members must have 240 days' seatime to enroll after completing the unlicensed apprentice program. Non-graduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consists of two, twoweek modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includes 35 hours, with additional time participating in the school's galley operations. CerdW Cllief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing galley operations to enroll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. AftaacM 6alley Operations Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consists of four one-week modules. (for a total of four weeks). Clliefae.n Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. This is a 12-week class. Seafarers LOB 11 �Engine Department Courses Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, you must have successfully completed Marine Electrical Maintenance I (MEM I) and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. Mandatary courses are MEM I, Power Plant Maintenance and Diesel Technology. Fireman/Watertender and Oiler This year, SHLSS offers a four-week FOWT test preparation course leading to the endorsement as fireman/ watertender and oiler. Topics covered include the parts of a boiler, engineroom equipment, engineroom procedures, operating auxiliary equipment, watchstanding, starting and securing main engines, steam and water cycle, fuel oil and lube oil systems, diesel engines, refrigeration systems and auxiliary machinery. The class prepares students for U.S. Coast Guard general safety, oiler and fireman/ watertender tests. Students completing the FOWT course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. QMED-Any Rating The curriculum for certification and endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engine Deparbnent (QMED)-Any Rating consists of a 12-week course leading to the following ratings: pumpman, refrigeration engineer, electrician, machinist, deck engineer and junior engineer. The course of instruction prepares the student to test for the U.S. Coast Guard exams in each of these ratings and includes classroom and practical training. QMED Classifkation Steps AC circuits, electrical safety, electrical test equipment and troubleshooting, electrical protective and switching devices, electrical wiring diagrams and schematics, control and power circuits, batteries, AC generation and distribution equipment, transformers, lighting systems and fixtures, galley and miscellaneous heating equipment, single- speed AC motors and across-the-line starters, and wiring techniques. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Marine Electrical Maiateaance II Aimed at providing the more advanced skills required of the shipboard electrician, this six-week course features hands-on training and classroom instruction and leads to certification in Marine Electrical Maintenance II. Among the subjects covered are interpretation of the National Electrical Code, specialized electrical test equipment, advanced application of circuit protection and switching devices, relay logic, complex control circuits, DC and AC generators, voltage regulators, electrical distribution hardware, DC motors and controllers, AC motors and controllers, deck machinery, motor generator sets, converters, inverters and rectifiers, electric propulsion systems and interior communications systems. Also, the course will include an introduction to solid state electronic controls and their applications, and the general maintenance responsibilities of the electrician, as well as troubleshooting and repair. Course entry requirement is Marine Electrical Maintenance I. Diesel Engine Tee nologr 4th Class QMED - SHLSS QMED-Any Rating certihcat~ er USCG QMED- This four-week course, leading to certifi- Any Rnting 3rd Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completirtg on~ mandatc'.'.lry and one or more elective courses 2nd Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing two metlld~· tory (Ind two or more elective counes 1st Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing all mandato- cation in diesel engine technology, consists of clasnoom in~truction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction indude diesel engine theory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, rep~ir ~nd troubleshooting of low-, m~dium.- and high-speed diesel engines. ry courses and lhree l':lt' ft\l':lt'e elel'tiV~ courses. No more than two engine department oo taken per day at the school. Any member with an engineer's lkense will be classified as a 4th Cfass QMED. c;Q\l.f~~ c,;;m Also covered are associAt:ed Course entry requirements Th@ majority of this six•we@k course fea· tures hands-on training, covering a vari· ety of topics. Some classroom work also is included. Subjects include pipefitting, thermal insulation, valve repair, pump repair/ overhaul, hydraulic system repair, drilling/machine thread fabrication, use of various epoxies and similar compounds for emergency and tempo· rary repairs, maintenance of power transmission equipment (such as flexible couplings), use of proper oils nnd greases for bearing maintenance and lubrica- tion, re~onditiDninf; shell and tube heat exchangers, centrifugal lube oil/ fuel oil purifier maintenance, and removal of heavy equipment in the engineroom. Course entry requit'~ttt~t\t is QMED-Any Rating.A Rating or are equivalent inland experience. Hydnmllcs The curriculum in the four-week hydraulics ~ourse blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships' steering systems, ramps, Are doors and a wide variety of other shipboard systems. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. Course entry RefrigeratM Coa1alaen included in the course are AC and DC circuits, active and passive components, amplifiers, power supplies, antenna systems, satellite and radar systems, microprocessor control systems, digital control systems and systems troubleshooting. Course entry requirement is Basic Electronics. PDmproom Maintenance Leading to certification in pumproom maintenance and operations, this four-week class includes hands-on training and classroom work. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. In order to take this class, students must aheady have taken the Tanker Assistant DL (formerly Tanker requirement is QMED-Any Rating. QMED-Any Rating or hold endorsement as a pumpman. lefriprali• - Malntenaoc:e -~ Now an elective, this six-week class blends practical and classroom instruction leading to certification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Englneroom Familiariradon Designed for prospective tugboat engineers, this two-week class provides instruction in the following areas: engineroom safety, engineering plant nomenclature, piping system hardware, a functional description of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated piping systems, plant operations nnd watchkeeping, and safe handling of fuels and oil spill prevention. Enginenom Opendlom Ir Basic Electronics The six-week course of instruction leading to certification in Marine Elec:trical Maintenance I consists of practical training and classroom instruction aimed at providing the basic skills required of shipboard electricians. The range of topics includes basic electrical theory, DC and Designed to help Seafarers develop an understanding of what goes on inside the electronic boxes found aboard ship, this four-week course covers principles of analog electronics, active devices and basic digital electronics. The student also will learn all aspects of circuit diagrams, and the instructor will work with each student individually to ensure a working knowledge of all shipboard electronic devices. This course is designed for inland personnel with intermediate skills to prepare assistant engineers for all phases of engineroom operations and routine maintenance. Additionally, the twoweek curriculum prepares students to assume the duties of the chief engineer . Marine Electronics Tecll 1 This two-week course is an advanced skills program designed to upgrade the skills of the chief engineer for handling .must.submit a ·U.S.. Co.a$t Guard fee "of $·1·35· with . their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS;' 12 Seafarers LOG The marine electronics technician program is a four-week course. Topics Wehlng Classroom instruction and on-the-job training comprise this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding and cutting. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. The course of instruction leading to licensing as a third assistant engineer consists of classroom instruction in such topics as diesel propulsion plants, steam propulsion plants, engineering safety, auxiliary boilers and diesels, water systems, electricity generating plants, electrical distribution and electrical devices. The 12-week course, which meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements for licensing, also includes steam turbines, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning and auxiliary systems. Inland Department Courses Marine Reetrieal Maintenance I . All "#owr~· ·As and. a·MED ·applicants. This four-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of both classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting, as well as to acquaint them with specific maintenance procedures. Course entry requirements are Marine Electrical Maintenance I and the basic Refrigeration System course. Operation/Safety) course (described on next page) and be ~ertified as a a.u~il­ iaries induding intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and ~ooling systems, nnd fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. QMED-Any Power Plat Maintenance Standard service techniques are emphasized, such as the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of ships' stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers and ice machines. Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrigeration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units also is presented. Students must be certified as QMED -Any Rating or have equivalent inland experience or hold Coast Guard endorsements as refrigeration engineer and electrician in order to enroll for this course. Maintenance Englneroom T.....,.esllooti g Ir C-lty Control emergencies and other non-routine operating conditions. T•kermm (PIC) Barge This 40-hour course leads to the endorsement as tankerman (PIC) barge. The object of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills associated with tank barge operations and to supervise the safe and pollution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) UmltMI Uawe/Ucwe Prep Aimed at preparing students to test for any limited tonnage license, this eightweek course consists of classroom instruction in all areas of terrestrial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, first aid, CPR and firefighting. Students must have an AB endorsement and 540 days of seatime on an SIU-contracted vessel OR equivalent inland experience in order to take the limited license/license prep exam. December 1998 �All Departments: Upgrading and Specialty Counes All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as part of their regularly scheduled program. Government vessels course, physical fitness, first aid and CPR, industrial relations and firefighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. Govenunent Yeaels Coune As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry's needs, this three-week class is open to Seafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three oneweek, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) Oil ~D Prevendon .... Containment This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction include types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training, spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of absorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. llazmat Receatification Available for personnel who have completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) courses and who must be annually recertified, this one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipment and new technology. Finl Aid •• CPR Students in this three-day class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. After successful completion of each phase of this course, students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Basic Firefiglltiog The one-week basic firefighting course provides students with general knowledge of the chemistry of fire, firefighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized certificate of graduation from the Lundeberg School. Amnce41 Firefighting During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for firefighting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communications with crewmembers and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. STCW Basic Safety Refresher This five-day U.S. Coast Guard-approved course meets the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requirement for all personnel sailing prior to August 1, 1998. The four modules contained within the course are fire prevention and fire safety, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques and personal safety and social responsibilities. Classroom training in combination with assessment of proficiency as per srcw tables will be conducted and entries made in the training record book. (This course is limited to 25 students !'laximum.) Industrial Relations While attending upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School, all SIU members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the rights of Seafarers as outlined by the SIU constitution. Students gain an understanding of the various laws and legislative programs which promote a U.S.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers with full information on the many benefit plans available to qualifying members through the union's collective bargaining agreements. General Physical Rtnea Academic Department Counes The A~m:kmic Department has a lang his- tory fJf prMJiding support and service~ to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the ~chool in Pinqy Point, Md., there has bem academic support for students taking vocational pro. grams as well as for those students who require basi~ skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or nplain~d by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411 . Cimeral UllAlion Prop am The GED program is open to all members who do not have ~ high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, int~rpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school has a long history of successfully preparing SIU members to pass the test. For many Seafarers, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) ~· Basic u.c:atioa The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and December 1998 mathematical skills. These skills help sludents experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T' ABE benclunark examinations, given at the Harry Lundeberg School, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses er may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. En&lilll • . ~ Lanpage The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give Seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/ or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Yocalioaal Sapport Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathemat- ic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled ~ourses to provide the members with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Pl vp!ID The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Members may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition, the school offers general education courses required for an associate' s degree. The school currently offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. The U.S. Coast Guard places certain physical requirements on all mariners. To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crewmembers, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, Nautilus or Universal weight training, which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight. Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. Tanker Familiarimjiop/ Allil1aat cargo tDLJ This is a 15-day, U.S. Coast Guardapproved, Category 1 couse. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characeristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. lNG Familiarization This three-week course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG firefighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pumps (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Seafarers LOS 13 �1999 lundeberg School Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the course schedule for the first half of the new year-January through June 1999-at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the industry or the national interest. Seafarers should continue to consult each monthly edition of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date course schedule. For additional information, contact the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; telephone (301) 994-0010. Please note that 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. April12 May 10 June7 April 30 May28 June 25 Basic Firefighting January 18 January 25 February 1 March 8 April 12 May10 May31 January 22 January 29 February 5 March 12 April 16 May14 June4 Advanced Firefighting January 12 February 22 April 19 MaylO January 22 March 5 April 30 May29 Government Vessels February 1 March 1 March 22 May17 May24 February 19 March 19 April9 June4 June 11 Tankerman (PIC) Barge March 15 March 19 Water Survival December 28, 1998 January 25 February 8 February 22 January 8 February 5 February 19 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 11 AprilS February 19 May 14 Radar Observer/Unlimited March 1 June7 March 12 June 18 Radar Certification (1-day class) March 12 June 18 March 22 April19 April 30 March 22 Mayl8 May28 June 25 Course Bridge Management April 2 June 14 Engine Upgrading Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date Qf CQmpletion Firvman/Watectende.& Oiler January 11 MayJ February 19 June 11 QMED · Any Rating January 25 May3 April 16 July 23 Mnrin~ 1'>!-.:trkal Maintenance I Diesel En2ine Technology PQWlff Pinnt Maintenance Welding March 5 Aprill ~rth8 April 16 Mn;y 3 June 11 January 11 February 19 February U April 19 June 14 March 19 May 14 Start Coone Date Galley Operations January 11 February 15 Date of CQmpletion May 10 February 5 March 12 April 9 May7 June4 Certified Chief Cook January 11 April5 April2 June lS Chief Steward January 11 April5 June 25 March 15 April 12 April 2 July 9 Academic Department Courses Recertification Programs Date of Completion Course Start Date Bosun Recertification Mar~h Steward Recertification February 1 LNG Recertification 22 May 10 May3 March9 May27 Course Start Date of Completion High School Equivalency Program January 12 April 2 January 25 March5 January 25 March 5 May3 June 10 (GED) English as a Second Lana:uage (ESL) or Adult Basic Education (ABE) General Education Courses Safety S11ecla/ty Courses St.art Date Coone Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ January 11 Febraary IS January 29 March5 A~iJtant f4 (DL) Seafarers LO& Date In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. December f 998 �•HOLIDAY GREETINGS• Continued from page 10 To my wife, Hattie Happy holidays and God bless you. From your husband, A. Minors To Brother James Robinson, all SIU officials, the LOG staff, the SIU shoregang, PRMMI and all members of the Seafarers family Holiday greetings and God bless you. A. Minors To Georgia and Brent, Chef Allan, Florence, Chef Maria T, and the staff at SHLSS I really wish I could be with you guys at Christmas, and I really miss you all. You're such a special group of people to me. A prosperous Christmas to you all- and God bless! From your unforgettable friend aboard the /TB Philadelphia, Joel Molinas To all my shipmates Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year! Jimmy Moye To Linda Thompson and Herman Rogge Happy Christmas and Happy 1999. To Nick Marrone, Vince Coss, Nick Celona and George McCartney I would like to wish the "good team" that makes up the port of San Francisco a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. William G. Rackley To Carlton 0. Richardson Carlton, it would be nice to kiss you Christmas morning, but if not, we understand. We all love you! Your Lady In Waiting (Tina Richardson and your girls) To Alex Morris and family Hope all of you are nestled together on Christmas eve. Our love to all. P.S., Hi Becky! piness. Love always. Your husband, Steven (Sanchez) To all Seafarers, active and retired Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, including a big tribute to the best union worldwide. Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Siddons To SIU President Michael Sacco and family and to all active and retired Seafarers Wishing you a very Merry Xmas and a happy and healthy new year 1999. This holiday season brings back memories of old times of SIU holidays aboard ship and ashore. Simeon "Mike" Simos Tina Richardson and family To all at NATCO Happy holidays to all, wherever you may be. Carlton and Tina Richardson & family Jeff Parsley To Michael Sacco and all SIU officials and staff at headquarters, Piney Point and in all ports Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Peter and Lee Patrick Marty Smith To Jeffrey Parsley I love you and miss you. Merry Christmas. Mary K. Taylor To all my brothers and sisters in the SIU I wish you all the best and many more to come. Let every day be a happy one. Becky Sleeper Tom Tobias To Randy Beacham I know you are out there somewhere. Don't break too many hearts. Merry Christmas! Stop by and see us soon. To SIU officials and staffs at headquarters and HLSS SIU is a great organization and you make it happen. Thanks. Happy holidays to you all and remember: Buy Union Buy American made! Jina Richardson & family Becky Sleeper To my loving wife, Rowena I'm glad we're able to spend the holidays together. I wish you a Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring us Juck and hap- Marty Smith To Becky Sleeper & the girls in the St. Louis port I surely pray that you all have a great holiday with your families and friends. I will be thinking of you during this holiday season. To SIU Orgulf members Christmas is a time of year to express good wishes to people who mean a lot to you. So I wish you all great joy and happiness throughout 1999. William Parks To Mary K. Taylor I lov~ou, honey, and miss you . Happy hoijda)'s. To SIU & Orgulf union members Have a happy holiday and a great New Year! Alek Turko To all Seafarers Holiday greetings from the 'Ariang Express.' Jack Utz To George Tricker Hope your Christmas season is all you hope for - and have a great New Year. To all my shipmates Season's greetings respect. Marty Smith Joel and Harpel Lechel To Alida Turko Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. I love you both very much. I'm always thinking of you. Love, with love and Suzanne Van Schoor To all active and retired members end offi~ial~ Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. To Sue Walker Merry Christmas to the world's sweetest, dearest, most loving and caring lady in this world, you, my sweet, loving wife. Loving you forever, Peter and Lee Patrick To snelton Matthews Thank you for another wonderful year together. Sorry for all the headaches. Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Our love, Mike (Peck) & Aldo (Santiago) To Eric Wight Thanks for showing us the way. If there is ever anything we can do, please "' don't hesitate to ask. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. With much love and respect, Mike (Peck) & Aldo (Santiago) Lonnie F Walker ·~ - - i· ' ~ '-""' . [Jr, Percy and Dottie Kennedy on the Santa Mariana Thomas Lee Rackley To Steve Kimmel, Barry Cheecks and Marty Smith I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. Your friend, Darren Webb To Eleanor, Frank and Sarah Wilcox To the best family a man could have. I love you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To our friends at Maritrans and all SIU members We would like to wish all of our friends a Merry Christma~ and a Happy New Year. May God bless each one of you! Pete P~terson and.family To Mom, Marylee, Bruce, Beverly and Bob From the Philippines, we would like to wish my family once again a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 1999. Robert Wilcox Rose Hunt William and Joan Peterson with sons Richard and David 15-month-old Jacob Ryan, grandson of Carlton Richardson, second engineer on the Manhattan Island To the Tacoma SIU hall Happy holidays to Red Stolen and the SIU gang - also to everyone at SIU headquarters and Piney Point. James L Woods -t1 Misc. a- To Ramon Barnett We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday. Again, thank you for all that you have done for us. You're the best! Bill, Vilma and Thomas Rackley Dredge Long Island crew To Thomas Lee Rackley On your second Christmas with us, we would like to wish our little angel sent from heaven a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To Captain Jim Stafford Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. We are lucky to have such a wonderful, competent and caring captain! Bill and Vilma Rackley Chief Steward Saundra Leonard December 1998 The crew of the Padre Island Seafarers LOG 15 �- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1998 CL - Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ______ DECK DEPARTMENT ··""'"''*""&~i\\.~,,.;i\i%i!4..~... - 0 0 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ~",,.,.....,......_,,,, L-Lakes 15 0 4 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT :,,();Jcp: ll.,. 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Port 5 Algonac ~~­ o 4 3 · · . ~f]~z:. o~:~"'·. :~_........ ENTRY DEPARTMENT ' 7 9 Port Algonac 7 8 ;·;?,;tfi~'*'•;;;\.i,>Jfa-.;..:.... 71 39 0 36 15 0 35 0 *"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. Totals All Depts 24 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters .. BAL11MORE OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1998 ' . 12t:6'E. Baltimore SL· ' ' · aaitiri>oi~~ ·Mo ·2120'.f ::.:· .. :: ·. : (4, t0p~7-4900 :· · »otura *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C , '' · · · 70S Medk:~I Arn Building .. · · . Duluth, MN 5580l ·:~· .. ··.::· ...•:.:••i·:.:·.. :·:,:c;.,·.a ' , , ' {218) 722-41 io ' HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. tionohdu, HI 96819 {808) 845·5222 Region (} Atlantic Coast 7 Gulf Coast Lakes~ Inland Waters 31 1 West Coast Totals 39 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 '0 4 0 21 0 0 6 4 27 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT o ::·: 0 l 7 23 0 46 3 5 9 23 L:g:: i: 0 Region :.A'tfantk Coast 0 0 .'Qulf Coast 0 Lakes. Inland Waters 16 0 West Coast 16 Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total~ 16 8 I 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 14 All Depts 68 6 29 38 2 10 76 6 *•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. 28 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 · :·· ·:: .. ·::··:·· (jOJ) ' 994~oorn · WlWJNCTQN :S W N;' ~road Ave. WtlmingtO'n, CA 90744 010) 5494000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo, sent to the seafarers LOG by Pensioner Richard J_ McConnell, was taken in 1951 aboard the William Ford Nichols, a World War II Liberty ship. McConnell (in center of photo) shipped as an AB from the old Wall Street hall in Brooklyn. In a note accompanying the photo, he wrote that the ship sailed to Norfolk, Va. to load supplies at the Army base and then sailed for Newfoundland, where it waited five days to make a convoy of five ships which were to sail with the icebreaker Westwind, bound for Thule, Greenland with building supplies for the North American defense base there. He stated, "Before we left Norfolk, they weld· ed a steel plate on our bow because we were to be the lead ship. The reason for this was that our skipper was the only captain who had sailed in heavy ice before. We steered from the flying bridge because of pack ice, and visibility was much better than in the wheelhouse. The Westwind broke out a small Danish fishing · vessel which had been icebound for the previous six weeks. It had come up north too early and became frozen in the water. The voyage lasted from May 22 until August 23. It was one of many memorable trips sailing the world with some real good shipmates." Richard McConnell, now 72, retired from the SIU in 1970 and is living in Long Beach, Calif. December 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their 1 working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A mong the 26 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are two recertified bosuns and two recertified stewards. Representing over 120 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Freddie Goethe and Richard R. Moss and Recertified Stewards Earl N. Gray Sr. and Henry Jones Jr. graduated from the highest leve1 of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the four recertified graduates, 19 of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, five sailed the inland waterways, and two plied the Great Lakes. Thirteen of the retiring pensioners sailed in the engine department, nine shipped in the deck department and four worked in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA MADELINE K. BARRETT, 65, began sailing ith the SIU in 1980. A n · e of Hawaii, she work n the steward depart. Sister Barreu sailed primarily ~bow-d vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises and 1asr worked on the SS Independence. She makts ~r horn~ in Honolulu. r:::-:c--====-___, JAMES M. BOLEN,66, began sailing i with the Sea· l forers in 1966. A native of Washington, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the L\.lndeberg SchMl in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bolen last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Freedom and has retired to Seattle. MICHAELT. DELANEY, 59, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Antinous. operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Delaney's last ship was the Sea-Land Commitment. The New York native served in the U.S. Anny from 1958 to 1960. He resides in Lutz. Fla. CARLOS M. DELMONTE, 74, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New York. Born in Jamaica, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother DelMonte last sailed aboard the Nuevo San Juan, operated by NPR, Inc. He calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. December 1998 JOSEPH A. DIZENGOFF, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1951 aboard the Olympic Games, oper= = = = = = ated by Western Tankers. A native of New York. he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Constitution. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and was active in union organizing drives. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Anny. Brother Dizengoff makes his home in Las Vegas. r----:.;:;;;;;=;;;;;;;o-~ FREDDIE GOETHE, 48. graduated from the Lundeberg School 's entry level training program in 1971 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Halcyon Panther was his first vessel. Brother Goethe sailed in the deck departmem and upgrad~ his skills at the Lundeberg Si;hool, where he graduated from the· bosun recertification program in 1979. Prior to his retirement, he workw aboard Lhe Nedlloyd Holland, a Sea-Land Service vessel. The Georgia native ~~rved in the U.S. Navy from 1969 LO 1970. He has retirro co Jacksonville, F1a. ......... ~ CLODUALDO G. GOMEZ.64. joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1968, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in the Philippines, he worked as a chief cook. last sailing aboard a SeaLand Service vessel. Brother Gomez makes his home in San Pablo, Calif. JUSTOM. GONZALEZ, 68, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the pon of Philadelphia. His first ship was the Petrochem, operated by Valentine Chemical Carriers. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Gonzalez last sailed in 1984 aboard the Overseas Harriette. He resides in Pennsauken, N.J. upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, Brother Graves sailed aboard the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Graves served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1954. He calls Federal Way, Wash. home. EARLN. GRAY SR., 67, began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Transhartford, a Hudson Waterways vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1988. Brother Gray last worked aboard the Overseas Ohio and has retired to New Orleans. From 1948 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Air Force. HENRY JONES JR., ~ 58, graduated from the Andrew · Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Hercules Victory. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertitkation program in 1982. Prior to hi~ retirement, he worked aboard the Liberty Star. Brother Jones makes his home in Liberty, Miss. RICHARD R. MOSS, 49, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Born in Califomia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. where he completed the bosun recertification course in 1988. From 1968 to 1970, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Moss calls Aransas Pass, Texas home. ; CHRISTO PSANIS, 64, 1 joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Gateway City, Brother Zurfluh worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Reliance. The Wisconsin native served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1958. He makes his home in Seattle. INLAND WILLIAM B. FURMAN, 57, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of Norfolk, Va. A :.-==-== ==---l native of Virginia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Furman last sailed aboard the Bruce, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Portsmouth, Va. i EDGARDO RAMIREZ, 60, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of New Orleans aboard the Steel Voyager, operated by Isthmian Lines. A native of Honduras, he worked as a member of the engine department. Brother Ramirez last signed off the Green Island, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He makes his home in Kenner, La. JOSEPH E. VAIN, 54, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 = = = = = and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. The Alamar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp .• was his first vessel. A native of Maryland, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Vain lase sailed aboard the Cape Mohiccm, an OMI Ship Management vessel. He makes his home in Baltimore. JEON MING WANG,72, joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Honolulu. Born in China, he worked in the engine department. Brother Wang sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises. His first, as well as his last, ship was the SS Independence. He has retired to Madison, Wis. RENE U. GUY POLLARDLOWSLEY, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the pore of San Francisco. His first ship was the Santa Maria, operated by Alpine Geophysical. A native of England, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior lO his retirement, he signed off the SeaLa.ml Explorer. Brother PollardLowsley resides in Seattle. JOSEPH GRAVES, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1966. Born in Texas, he sailed in the engine departL--====~ ment and operated by Sea-Land Service. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Born in Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Psanis last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Miami. YANES, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1969 aboard the Cottonwood Creek, ! operated by Ogden Bulk Transportation. Born in El Salvador, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed in 1995 aboard the Overseas Harriette.an Ocean Bulk Ships vessel. Brother Yanes calls Houston home. ROBERTD. ZURFLUH, 60, started his career with the Seafarers in 1959, sailing aboard Great Lakes vessels. He later transferred to the deep sea division. CHARLESE.J-:jfjiiij~i GARCIA SR., 65, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. From 1950 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Garcia calls Slidell, La. home. THOMAS 0. McCAUSEY. 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1969. Born in Detroit, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Marine Service vessel. From 1955 to 1959, he served in the U.S . Marine Corps. Boatman McCausey has retired to Long Beach, Calif. EDVARD TOUCHETTE JR., 63, first sailed with the SIU in 1960 from the pon of Houston. The Louisiana native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1980 aboard a National Marine Service vessel. During his career, he attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Touchette makes his home in Houston. RICHARDP. 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Houston. = = == ---CJ Starting out in the deep sea division, his first ship was the Bulk Leader. He later transferred to inland vessels, sailing as a chief engineer. Boatman Utley sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels, last signing off the Gretchen. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He has retired to Livingston, Texas. I UTLEY~ GREAT LAKES MUSID S. ELMODHil, 59, joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed in the engine Continued on page 21 Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA JACK W. ARELLANES Pensioner Jack W. Arellanes, 71, passed away October 15. Born in California, he started his career with the Seafarers in L..-_.;=:;=:i:i~---..J 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Arellanes sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in October 1979. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. He lived in Willits, Calif. SANDY CRAWFORD Pensioner Sandy Crawford, 83, died October 11. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1961. Brother Crawford worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. A resident of Philadelphia, Brother Crawford retired in December 1980. =----==---=;;;;;.i KWOKW.DER Pensioner Kwok W. Der, 70, passed away July 24. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1955 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Warem District (AGLIWD). Born in China. he became a U.S. citizen and lived in San Fram;is~o. Brother Der began receiving his pension in March 1994. HENRY B. DONNELLY PeMiMet Henry B. Donnelly, 78, died September 28. Brother Donnelly began his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in his native New York. He sailed in the steward dcpru1mcnt nnd upgrndcd hi:; :;kill:; nt the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Md .. where he grnduntcd from the :ttcward recertification program in 1980. A resident of Lacombe, La., Brother Donnelly retired in Septem· her mu_ CURTIS ELLIOTT Pensioner Cunis Elliott, 73, passed away September 24. Born in Texas. he joined the MC&S in 19521 before that union mer~eo with the srn·s AGLIWD. Brother EIHott was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pemion in August 1974. ·- CHRISTOS FERROUS Pensioner Christos Ferrous, 78, di@d Auguu 18. A native of Greece, he started his career with the Seafarers in ~~~==~~~ 1959. Brother Ferrous sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Daly City, Calif., he retired in April 1987. f B Seafarers LOG JACK FITZGERALD Pensioner Jack Fitzgerald, 73, passed away October 9. Brother Fitzgerald -, joined the SIU "" L in 1948 in the portofNew ==~=--==:;;;;.i York. Born in New Zealand, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Pioneer. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. and began receiving his pension in October 1985. MIGUEL A. HIPOLIT Pensioner Miguel A. Hipolit, 94, died October 2. He started his ~ career with the -? ~ Seafarers in 1947. Brother Hipolit sailed as l!i!!!·.;;.·:-:!1!!!!~~~ ?!!!!!~~ a member of the engine department and retired in October 1965. Born in Cuba, he became a U.S. citizen and was a resident of Miami. HELGE HOLMSTROM Pensioner Helge Holmstrom, 78, passed away December 5, 1997. A native of Sweden, he joined the SIU in 1962 in che port of New York. His first ship was the Seatrnin Savannah. Brother Holmstrom sailed in the enzine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg SchooL Prior to his retirement in December 1979, he last sailed as a ~hkf cl~trir;ian aboard the Afouttdrla. a Sea-Land Service vessel. He made his home in Stockholm. SANTIAGO M. KINJ\NAHAM Pensioner Samia~o M. Kinanaham, 74, died September 18. Born in the Philippines, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of Seattle. His first ship was the EtJgl~ Trtlv~I~r. operated by Sea Transport Corp. Brother Kinanaham worked as a chief cook and last signed off the Sea-L<md Tacoma. He wns a veteran of World War II. having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. A resident of Seattle, he beg~n receiving his pension in July 1993. ISIDOROS M. KYRIAKOS Pensioner Isidoros M. Kyriakos, 70, passed away October 12. He joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York. Brother ....___ _ _ _ __.. Kyriakos worked in the deck department and retired in November 199'.l Born in Greece, he became a U.S. citizen and resided in Metairie, La. CURTIS A. LADNER Curtis A. Ladner, 27, died October 10 due to complications resulting from a car accident. A native of Gulfport, Miss., he graduL..;;;.....!::::==~--l ated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1996 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Ladner lived in Slidell, La. and sailed as a member of the steward department. JAMES C. LEWIS Pensioner James C. Lewis, 72, passed away September 16. Born in North Carolina, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1965 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. His first ship was the Santa Malta. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1963. A resident of Newark, Calif., Brother Lewis began receiving his pension in October 1985. BASILIO R. MALDONADO Pensioner Basilio R. Maldonado, 79, died September 30. Brother Maldonado started his career with the Seafarers in 1953. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Anny from 1941 to 1943. Brother Maldonado resided in Carolina, P.R. and retired in July 1984. GEORGE E. MALONE Pensioner George E. Matone. 74. passed away September 29. He began sailing with the SIU in 1960 from the pon of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward depart· ment and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in May 1989, Brother Malone signed off the Cov~ Trada. He. was a resident of Houston. HUBERT S. MARTIN Pensioner Hubert S. Martin, 82, died September 28. Born in Tennessee, he started his career with the SIU in 1966 in ====-====-i the port of Seattle. He sailed in the engine depanment and began receiving his pension in June 1981 . Brother Martin served in the U.S. Army from 19~5 to 1957. He was a resident of Ludlow, Wash. JAMES A. MONTGOMERY Pensioner . . . James A. Montgomery 77, passecl away October 5, 1997. A native of Texas, he first sailed with the MC&S in '---'--------' 1947 from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Montgomery was a resident of Sunnyvale, Calif. and retired in December 1969. 1 WILLIAM W. QUIN Pensioner William W. Quin, 78, died September 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 to 1945. Brother Quin was a resident of Columbia, Miss. and started receiving his pension in 1980. RICHARD H. ROMERO Pensioner Richard H. Romero, 82, passed away July 29. Born in New Mexico, he joined the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Prior to his retirement in September 1973, he signed off the President Cleveland, operated by American President Lines. Brother Romero was a resident of Las Vegas, N.M. DAVID SAN MIGUEL Pensioner David San Miguel, 87, died-August 17. He joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of the Philippines, Brother San Miguel began receiving his pension in February 1976. DONALD R. SHIVELY Pensioner Donald R. Shively, 71, passed away during the early part of this year. Born in Nebraska, he began sailing with the MC&S in 1957 from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Shively resided in Lodi, Calif. and retired in June 1975. HAROLD W. SMITH Pensioner Harold W. Smith, 79, died in 1997. Brother Smith joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Washington native began receiving his pension in September 1983. He was a resident of San Francisco. ALEXANDER S. STANKIEWICZ Pensioner Alexander S. Stankiewicz, 74, passed away October 4. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the "--"'"'""-"---'-----"='---' Seafarers in 1943. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in April 1991, Brother Stankiewicz signed off the Tlwmpson Pass, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. He was a resident of Wilmington, Calif. PABLO E. TORRES - - - Pensioner Pablo E. Torres, 96. died September 21. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the SIU in 1942 from the port of Mobile. ~~!!I!!!!~~ Ala. Brother Torres worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in April 1967. He resided in Ponce, P.R. CARLOS TRONCOSO Pensioner Carlos Troncoso, 72, ' passed away October 11. Brother Troncoso joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port i..::;,_....;;...;;;:==~--1 of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department and retired in April 1981 . The Louisiana native lived in Metairie. JOSEPH A. YANIK -- Pensioner Joseph A. Yanik, 85, died September 29. He started his career with the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. The ..__...;;::;..._-.i___... ,f_, Pennsylvania native sailed in the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Northampton, Pa., he began receiving his pension in September 1979. Brother Yanik served in the U.S. Anny during the World War II years of 1941 to 1945. LOUIS ZWERLING Pensioner Louis Zwerling, 88, passed away September 25. A native of New York, he joined the Seafarers in 1941. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Zwerling was a resident of New York. He retired in June 1984. INLAND JENNIS S. ALEXANDER Pensioner Jennis S. Alexander, 82, passed away October 11 . A native of Nonh 1 Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Alexander sailed as a chief engineer and started receiving his pension in February 1979. He resided in Chesapeake, Va. r--:J':j!]¥3'f~-1 CURTIS C. CHAMBERLAIN Pensioner CUrtis C. Chamberlain, 83, died September 16. He started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native sailed as a captain. Boatman Chamberlain, a resident of Buena, N.J., retired in July 1980, CULLEN B. COLBERT Pensioner Cullen B. Colbert, 78, passed away September 30. Boatman Colbert joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port =======:.J of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed as a chief engineer and began receiving his pension in February 1988. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He made his home in Uriah, Ala. WILLIE EDWARDS Willie Edwards, 26, died October 3. Boatman Edwards sailed with the SIU from the port of New Orleans. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Queen Steamship Continued on page 20 December 1998 �steward department for good meals and service. Reminder given to keep noise to minimum while others are sleeping and to keep lounge areas clean. Next port: New York. ,;~fu <i rn1 St1a.tare~. LOG attempl$ lo print as ~any,~lgesls of union shipboard x.-·: : ... . . . . .• minutes as possible. OIJ D~$l~n; iiecause DI spaes /Imitations, : toi1Jtw111:ba omitted. _:::1;;•>:·--~\h · - - '8Jilps'm1nutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. · _@e inues requiring attention or resolutlan are addmsetJIJy t~1;. 11nton · upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The mittutes atB lheit lo!Watded to the Seafarers LOB for publlcatl1J11. ITB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), August 30-Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in New York. AB-Adam Talucci, 26, died in an accident aboard ship. Chairman stated Adam will always be remembered as a good man, one who could be counted on at any time, as well as an excellent Seafarers and brother. Rest of crew sent expressions of sympathy to Talucci family. Educational director stressed importance of safety at all times, especially when docking vessel. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. ITB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), August 30-Chairman Vagn Teddy Nielsen, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Joe M. Algiere, Engine Delegate Mohamed Radwan. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep messhalj clean and orderly_ Educati al director remind· ~ memben out necessity of obtaini aining record book in order to register. No beefs r di~puted ar reponed_ Suggestion matte and f orwarcted co contracts departmem for m~m~rs to be allow~ o file for vacatiM based on rotation as~i&Md tl'l shippine car<t. Next pon~ New York. areas of ship. Next ports: Arun, Indonesia and Tobata, Japan. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), August 30Chairman Leon Jekot, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director C. Tsipliareles. Payoff announced for September 3 in Port Elizabeth, N .J. Secretary thanked all departments for great teamwork. Educational director urged members to make upgrading at Piney Point a priority. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Request made for fans to be issued to all crew and for everyone to rewind and catalog movies when finished using them. Steward department given vote of thanks for great job. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), August 30Chairman Joel Miller, Secretary John Eric Bull, Educational Director George Phillips, Deck Delegate Fred Collins, Steward Delegate W. S. De Leon. Chairman noted vessel made first trip to East Coast. Canal transit was nice, but ship expected to rerum to 42-days runs or Asian shuttle. Secretary said movies are great morale builder and asked that everyone donate to movie fund. Educational director reminded crew members of nood to obtain TRBs_No beefs or dis uted OT reponed. Next pons; Long Beach, Calif.; Colon, Panama; Freeport, Baham11:;; and Miilmi, Fla. TY WAVE (Liberty Maritim~ , ugust 30---Chairman Roger J- Rein e, S@cr@tary F.. L Waihington Sr., Educatiortal USNS ALLEGIANCE (Maritrruu/IUM). AUitlSC 29-Chairman rnrecmr Charles Sandino. Deck Dele~atc RQdngu~z Gonzales, Engine Ddegate Carl Turner, Steward Delegate Hen.-y Gn~ene. Chairman announced vessel in Southwest Pass on September 14 with arriv~t ~nd payoff In New Orleans ronowing clay. Secretary reminded crew to clean rooms, defrost reefer boxes i\nd hlm in room keys for next person_ Educational <1irector urgea crew members Lo up~ade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md_ Some disputed ITT reported in deck depanmem. No beefs or disputed or noted from engine or Robert Coleman. Secrer.ary Tyler N. Laffitte, Deck Delegate Sten Brown, Engine Delegate Larry D. Wesley, Steward Delegate Fidel Thomaz. Bosun informed crew of ship's itinerary and payoff. He also expressed need for unity among crew to stand up for SIU policies OJ\ Maritrans vessels. Educational direc· tor urged members to go to Paul Hall Center to upgrade whenever possible_ He also stressed importance of supporting union through SPAD donations_No beefs or disputed ar reponed. Communications read and posted regarding payoff procedures. All were reminded that smoking is steward delegates. Bosun stressed prohibited in crew lounge and need for safety on deck when washing down holds. messhall as per contract. Several items requested aboard ship, includin~ Juice machine, service trays ancl salad bar in galley, coffee machine for officers' mess, and microwave ovens for both mess halls. LNG LEO (Energy Transpartation Corp-), August 30-Chairman Chorles H. Kahl, Secretary Henr;y Jones Jr., Educational Director Gtorgt Henderson, Deck Delegate D<mald Peterson, Engine Delegate David Vega, Stewar<l Delegate Amy K. Rippel. Bosun thanked an departments for safe work:. He also led discussion on transfer of ship's management and how important it is to donate to SPAD. Educational director stated for better paying jobs, Lundeberg School is a must. He reminded crew members to check zcards for expiration date md to apply for TRBs. Treasurer announced $280 in ship's fund and $150 in communication fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and to whole SIU crew for tidying up rec room and other December 1998 ITS JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation). September l 0Chairman Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Rayfield E. Crawford. President's report in latest WG read and discussed. Educational director appealed to crew members to upgrade and take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. No money in ship's treasury at present time, but thanks extended to all those who contributed to ship's bike fund. It was a great effort. Deck delegate reponed some disputed OT in his department concerning work of riding gang, mainly chipping and painting duties. None noted in engine or steward departments. Bosun thanked deck gang for work well done. Thanks also given to OVERSEAS MARILYN (Maritime Overseas), September 6--Chairman Marco Galliano, Secretary Raffaele Ascione, Educational Director Derrick D. Gates, Deck Delegate James Jowers, Engine Delegate Hector Frederick, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman had number of items to report. He noted payoff will take place upon arrival in New Orleans, TRBs are now necessary to register, tour of duty completion forms now on board, and transportation to port of engagement is payable upon completion of tour of duty only. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion for contracts department to look into extending prescription medicine benefits to cover dependents. OVERSEAS OHIO (Maritime Overseas), September 15-Chairman 1imothy D. Koebel, Secretary J. Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliott, Deck Delegate Robert Dorchester, Engine Delegate Mike McNally. Chairman reported on fumre of Maritime Overseas tanker fleet. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend Lundeberg School to increase skills and knowledge. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Several items referred to negotiating committee, including vacation after 90 days and question of emergency leave. Suggestion made to have company provide direct deposit into seamen's bank accounts as alternative to cash or check draw. Crew members asked to make list of any required room repairs. Padding needed for overheads in galley. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Carriers), September 20-Chainnan John Konetes, Secretary Antoinette Spander, Educational Director Georg@ H_ Bixby, Deck Delegate Frank Alvarez. Bn~ne Delegate Donal Swa1U1er, Steward Delegate All Quraish. Chairman advised crew to apply for TRB and emphasized its importance. He ako reviewed com. munications from headquarters. including present wage and pay scale, vacation benefits and pension plan contribution breakdown for each member. He notecl concern about openoo mail. Educational clirector recommended upgrading at Lundeberg School to advance job classification and skills. No beefs or disputoo or reported. Crew reminded to chc.ck z-card for expiration date. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), September 24Chairman Hayden W. GirFord, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose. Crew informed of deadline extension for TRBs, but noted books are nc.ces· sary when registering. Secretary urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and keep abreast of regulations penaining to shipping (STCW endorsements, TRBs). Educational director asked members to be aware of location of all fire stations and equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for information on medical cards. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), September 6Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary John F. Bass, Educational Director Clarence Langford, Deck Delegate James Morgan. Engine Delegate Walter R. Hutchinson, Steward Delegate Jaber Ali. Chairman announced end of good voyage. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Lundeberg School. He also reminded them of need to obtain TRBs. Treasurer announced $715 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. All aboard agreed new firefighting school in Piney Point is good idea. New washer and dryer requested in addition to new ice machine. QMED also suggesed ordering milder soap for laundry. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), September 6Chairman William Henderson, Seretary Edward C. Winne, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Steward Delegate Ali S. Delegate Ramon V. Duran, Engine Delegate Frederick V. Vogler, Steward Delegate Nasar A. AJ. Faqih. Chairman noted that supporting SPAD is important way to make union voice heard on Capitol Hill and that "Politics Is Porkchops" is same today as in Paul Hall's time. He also thanked steward department for job well done and good food. He stated to be competitive in job market with its continually changing requirements, crew members need to take courses at Piney Point and upgrade skills. Secretary gave vote of thanks to Bosun Wilson, all ABs and engine department members for keeping messhalls and crew lounge clean. Thanks also given to Deck Maintenance Mousid S. Omar for painting galley storeroom. Educa- Emergency Averted on S-L Consumer Steward/Baker Danny Brown (left) and Chief Cook John Foster not only do a great job feeding the crew on the Sea-Land Consumer, they also know when their food should be smoking or not. So when Foster recently smelled something burnin~ and it was not lunch, he investigated and discovered smoke billowing from the steering room area. He quickly informed the chief engineer, and crew members were mustered to put out the flames. At the next shipMard meeting, Bosun Francis Adams thanked Foster for his alertness and expressed his gratitude to the crew for their efforts in extinguishing the fire_ H;ydtra_ Chairman announced Coast Guard inspection next month. Some disputed OT reported in deck department relating to routine sea watches. No beefs or disputed OT in engine or steward depanments. Discussion held on rotary shipping md how SIU fought for years to keep it even though companies may be pushing for permanent jobs_Vote of thanks given to steward deparment. Next pons: Boston, Mass., Elizabeth, N.J., and Portsmouth, Va_ SEA·LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), September 15--Chairman Hugo Dermody, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Michael Brown, Engine Delegate Blademiro S. Santana, Steward Delegate Jorge Salazar. Chairman announced pay· off in Elizabeth, N.1. and advised crew to keep abreast of all new documents needed to ship, like STCW endorsements and 1RBs. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean. He also discussed importance of supporting SPAD in order to do groundwork for presidential election in year 2000. Educational director noted that best way to ensure job security is through upgrading at Lundeberg School. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. No beefs or disputed or noted in engine or steward departments. Clarification requested on rest period for day workers. Crew reminded of no smoking policy in lounge and messhall. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious meals and sincere efforts expended to ensure good trip. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina, Dominican Republic; and Houston, Texas. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), September 6Chairman J. R. Wilson, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris Earhart, Deck tional director reminded all hands that in order to register, they need to obtain TRB. No beefs or disputed OT reported in any of three departments. Communications from headquarters read regarding no payoff without presence of union official. Next port: Long Beach, Calif_ SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land Servi~e), September 17-Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lanette Lopez, Educational Director Kevin M. Bertel. Chairman discussed prospects of additional jobs, especially on Ready Reserve Fleet vessels due to bombings overseas. He advised crew members, friends and families to write congressional representatives in favor of keeping Jones Act. Educational director discussed Family Medical Leave Act and noted that everyone is entitled to benefit from it. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All letters and other communications received from headquarters read and posted in lounge. New mattresses requested by chief cook and electrician, and repair of drinking fountain requested. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship), September 20-Chairman Carl T. Lineberry, Secretary M. D. Hoeffer, Deck Delegate Glenn Thompson, Engine Delegate Warren H. Wright, Steward Delegate Lawrence E. Winfield. Chairman reported good trip, with most of crew returning after vessel was in shipyard. Secretary stated 11 new mattresses and 52 pillows ordered for crew. Treasurer announced $755 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters received and read to crew regarding payoff policy: no payoff without union representative present. Captain notified of need for new TV and radio. Steward and deck departments given vote of thanks from crew for great job. Next port: New Orleans, La. Seafarers LOB 19 �Toll-Free Number In Place For TRB, STCW Questions SIU members may call a tollfree telephone number that has been set · up to help answer Seafarers' questions about the STCW convention and the training record book (TRB). The number-877-789-STCW (7829)-connects members to representatives of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. Seafarers also may leave a message after 4 p.m. Messages will be returned as promptly as possible. This number is valid only for STCW and TRB questions. It cannot be used for shipping, claims or any other situations. As of August 1, 1998, Seafarers may not register to ship unless they either possess a TRB or have applied for one. This is the case for all SIU members, regardless if they sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes. Original TRBs are issued at no charge to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their application. There is a $25 charge for replacement books. 'Relaxed Assessment' Ending The deadline for relaxed assessment of the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training arrives on January L Therefore, SIU members have until the end of this month to take advantage of the relaxed assessment period. Specifically, they may demonstrate certain proficiencies listed in Chapter VI and then have an officer or other qual- ified assessor verify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. The only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements is by successfully completing Coast Guard-approved courses. Chapter VI-the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the TRB-requires documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. School Requests Feedback The Paul Hall Center asks that SIU members who fulfill the Chapter VI requirements please contact the school and convey this information. The center is attempting to help determine the extent to which the relaxed assessment method has been utilized. Seafarers may use the new tollfree number to report their compliance under the relaxed assessment period. Taking ESL for STCW A number of SIU members are taking advantage of the English as a Second Language (ESL) course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as a means of complying with new regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. Completing the course in October were (seated, from left) Abdul Mosa, Ali Ali, Taher Saeed, Shaibi Riyadh, {~tanding) Peggy D$n$ford {instructor), Dionisio Moreira., Younis Saleh and Mauricio Castro. For more information on the ESL class ~md all of the other r;Qi.ir~i;l~ availabl~ At th~ Paul Hall Center, see pages 11-14. Final Departures Continued from puge 18 co. as a member of the ~teward department. Brother Edwards was a resident of Marrero, La. JOHN G. EVANS Pensioner John G. Evans, 56, oasseo away September 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1961 from the port of Norfolk, """"'-'-'-""--'---' Va. Born in Virginii\, M se.iled in the deck department. A resident of Susan, Va.., Boatman Evans started receiving his pension in May 1980. April 1997, he signed off the T.J. Sheridan. Boatman Parlcer was a resident of Leland, N.C. LOUIS W. RAPISARDA Louis W. Rapisarda, 27 1 passed l\way September 14. Boatman - " Rapisarda graduated from the , Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1995 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. The New York native sailed in the steward department. He was a resident of New Port Richey, Fla. JIMMIE TATUM CLIFFORD L. HANNAH P9nsjon~r Clifford L Hannah, 84, died October 10. A native of Florida, he joine'1 the SIU in 1965 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman H;mnah sailed e.s a tugboat captain, primarily aboMd vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. He was a resident of Ovett, Miss. and retired in June 1982. GENE C. PARKER Pensioner Gene C. Parker, 59, died August 17. Bom in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1959. Boatman Parker started out in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. During his career, he earned his operators license and masters license. Prior to his retirement in 20 Seafarers LOii <"! .:. J ''·:~ Pensioner Jimmie Tatum, 74, died August 25. He joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he sailed in the L=-..::-='-'-....c.=----..~ engine depanment and began receiving his pen- sion in May 1986. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946. Boatman Tatum lived in Ingleside, Texas. GREAT LAKES ROBERT G. ECKLEY 17ii!Piliiiiiiii~--i Pensioner Robert G. Eckley, 68, passed away October 3. A native of Pennsy1vania, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1957. He worked in the duk department. last sailing aboard the American Marina, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of Philipsburg, Pa, he began receiving his pension in September 1994. GEORGE L. PIERCE Pensioner George L. Pierce, 69, died October 14. Born in New York. he began sailing with the SIU in 1952. Brother Pierce worked in the Live Healthy ••• Live Longer Editor's note: the following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. It has been documented that Americans are the fattest people on the planet. We spend only 10 percent of our income on food while people in other countries allocate up to 80 percent of their income to providing food for their families. The abundance of foods in this country and the relatively low cost of eating have caused us to become a nation of overweight people. People are living longer due to advances in medicine, but we are not exercising as much as our ancestors and, consequently, are gaining weight. Technology has m~de our jobs less physically stressful, and computers, televisions and convenience foods have made us more sedentary. The result is that more people are having health problems due to a lack of exercise and an increased consumption of fat-producing foods. There are several guidelines one can follow to effectively lose weight in a safe way. Fad diets do not work. Short-term losses are usually followed by a gain of weight in excess of what one weighed at the start of the diet. The most important component of losing weight is to cut down on the fat. Reduce the amount of fat calories consumed to under 20 percent of your daily intake. That means cutting down on bacon, dairy (such as cheese and butter), meats with high fat content and any foods that are fried. You can consume all fruits and vegetables in large amounts since they are almost totally fat free. Also reduce the amount of foods that are made from white flour. Breads, pastas, rice and potatoes should be eaten in moderation. Consume only 15-20 percent of calories from protein. Use lean cuts of beef, chicken that is skinless, and fish as sources of protein. Eat in moderation and drink plenty of water. It sounds easy, but old habits die hard. When the urge to eat potato chips and snack foods comes on, eat some fruit and raw vegetables with a fat-free dip. Try not to eat late in the evening when the body is slowing down and calories are burned slower. The key to losing weight is to combine a sensible eating program with exercise. Start by walking 20 minutes per day and increase gradually. Riding a bike, swimming, jogging, using a treadmill or aerobics will increase the use of calories and assist any weight loss program. Practice Makes Perfect engine department, last sailing aboard the Sam Laud, an American Steamship Co. vessel. A resident of Manitowcx;:, Wis., he started receiving his pension in January 1991. RAILROAD MARINE HENRYL.LEE Pensioner Henry L. Lee, 83, passed away August 14. A native of New Jersey, he , joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port _:...,..'. of New York. Brother Lee worked primarily for the marine division of Penn Central Railroad Co., sailing in the deck department. A resident of West Hempstead , N.Y. , he began receiving his pension in January 1974. Brother Lee was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Repetition is part of what makes a safe ship. That is why firefighting drills regularly take place on the SIU·crewed USNS Assertive, an oceanographic surveillance vessel. Here, AB Gary Carraway (right photo) and fellow crew members aboard the Assertive don safety gear and simulate extinguishing a shipboard fire. :. Tlie biographical ske~h of Robert J. "BQbby° Clintort tha['.? . ap~ru.-edin last month's Final Departures was incomplete. It should ". have read: Robert J. HBobbyH Clinton~· 65, passed awayAugust24. · A native of New York, he began his sailing career with the SIU as . ·a inemher of the deck-department: He worked aboard both deep sea·t vessels and dredges. Brother Clinton came ashore in the mid-1960s and worked at the Lundeberg School in its early days. He left to, pursue other opportunities before returning to the $chool in 1988. He served as an assistant to the vice president of the school. Later,. he moved to the West Coast and worked aboard Sea-Land vessels. A U.S. Anny veteran~ he served during the Korean War. He was a,,1£ resident of Federal Way, Wash. December 1998 �The "union of unions" was es5 tablished on this date in 1955 when the American Federation of (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) ~ ... Keeping the Money At Home Would Help Regarding the article in your October issue of the Seafarers LOG (page 5), I agree with U.S. Representative David Bonior. I, too, am against privatizing the Social Security system. In my opinion, if you put that system into the stock market, you will be making a big mistake. I heard about the stock market crash of 1929. It's the youngsters who want the Social Security system changed. If we keep it like it is, it will not run out of money in 2032. Also, if the U.S. quit sending aid to foreign countries that don't like us at all, we would have some extra money. Where does it say in Washington, D.C. that we have to help all these foreign countries? And where does it say, too, that it's OK to borrow from Social Security to pay for past wars. There are still many countries that owe us a war Pensioners debt from World War II, the Korean and Vietnamese wars and Desert Storm. When are these countries going to pay us back? L.D. Rust Wilmington, Calif. Giving Bill Doak A Better Send-off I am writing to you regarding the death notice that appeared in the October 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG in reference to William ''Bill" Doak. I realize you and the current staff of the LOG were not around in the '40s, '50s and '60; however, you do have access to the LOG archives and membership files. Someone on your staff should have done a little research. Bill Doak had quite a history with the Sill. First of all, Bill was not a native New Yorker. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I first met Bill during World War II. He was sailing as an AB aboard a Waterman ship that was torpedoed in the English Channel in late summer 1944. I was working on an Sill deep sea tug, the Sankaty Head. We got orders from the British Admiralty to assist the torpedoed vessel. We set out from the port of Southampton and found Bill's ship in the English Channel, listing danDearborn, Mich. ALI SALEH MAWARl,59, started his career with the SIU in 1966. Born in Yemen, he worked in the g'ne artmem, last sailing aboard the Buffalo, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Mawari makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. December Rosa Parks Day. In 1955, 431seamstress year- oId African-American Rosa Parks boarded a crowded bus in downtown Montgomery, Ala. for the ride home from her job in a department store. There was standing room only in the "Negro" section in the rear, but the weary Parks sat down in front and refused to give up her seat to a white man. The action caused her arrest, triggered a year-long boycott of the city bus system, and led to legal actions which ended racial segregation on municipal buses throughout the southern U.S. gerously. We proceeded to rig our towing cable to the stricken ship and towed her to the Swansea Shipyard, arriving a couple of days later. Both crews got together and went ashore that night in Swansea. We drank and partied to the wee hours of the morning. When I look back now, I realize there were several future Sill union officials aboard these two vessels. On the Sankary Head, there was Bob "Sailor" Hall, bosun and brother of Paul Hall; Johnny Arabaze, who later worked as an SIU organizer, patrolman and port agent; and myself. In addition to Bill Doak, the bosun aboard his ship was Gene Dakin, who years later worked as a patrolman in the pon of New York. This was the first time I met Bill. Subsequently~ I sailed wich him aboard Robin Lines ships before he became a Bull Line stiff. Speaking of Bull Line, Bill made the front page of the New Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) merged into a single trade union center-the AFL-CIO. The merger ended a 20-year split in the American labor movement growing out of differences over the form trade union organization should take. The merger recognizes that both craft and industrial unions are appropriate, equal, and necessary as methods of union organization. The Colored National Labor Con6 vention met for the first time in Washington, D.C. in 1869. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was organized in Columbus, Ohio in 1886 by 25 craft unions. 8 AFL President Samuel 13 Gompers died in 1924 at age 74. One of the labor leader's most York Daily News when we fought the Teamsters on the Bull Line docks in Brooklyn, just down the street from the union hall. Bill was clubbed over the head by a horseback cop and the New York Daily News ran a picture of him with a bloody white cap and blood running down his face. Bill's bloody cap was later put on display under glass in the Brooklyn hall for all to see. One issue of the Sea/are rs LOG featured a photo of the bloodsoaked cap with a story about Bill and the Bull Line beef. A full account of this story should be in the LOG archives. Bill worked for the SIU in Brooklyn in the late '50s as a life. boat instructor for three or four years. There are many Seafarers still active that Bill helped obtain their lifeboat endorsement. Bill also worked as patrolman in New York and organized on the Great Lakes. Bill was a very impressive guy. One day in the early '60s in Detroic. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Di~ttitt maxes specific provision for safeguarding the membership·s money and uniort finances. The con~titution requires a detailed audit by cenified public accoun• tams every year, which i~ to be mb. mined co the membership by the ~e«;rctary•treasurer. A yearly finance commilcee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their fimlings and rei;ommen· dations. Members of this committee may make dissentin~ reports. spedtic recommendations and sep· arate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are wade only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the December 1998 employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of the~e contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If mcm· bers believe there have been viola· tions of their shipping or seniority ri&hts as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to mem· hers at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all Sill contracts are available in all Sill halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (ITT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. famous remarks, in response to the question, "What does labor want?" was: "We want more schoolhouses and less jails, more books and ~ess arsenals, more learning and less vice, more constant work and fess crime, more leisure and less greed, more justice and less revenge." The Retail Clerks NationaJ 24 Protective Association (RCNPA) was chartered by the AFL in 1888. The RCNPA became the Retail Clerks International Union, which merged with the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America to form the UFCW in 1979. The Knights of Labor was 28 founded in 1869. The Knights broadened the labor movement beyon d a few skilled trades and reached out to all working men and women. Its goals of equal pay for equal work, abolishing child labor, and the eight-hour day provided a rallying cry for all workers. Mich., we were all sitting around in Al Tanner's office following a big organizing drive. Al Tanner was president of the Great Lakes District of the SIU and a vice president of the SIUNA executive board. Al asked Bill if he would like to work on the Great Lakes permanently. Bill sat there for a moment thinking about Al's offer and reached into his pocket and pulled out his seaman's card. Bill showed his card to Al and said, "my papers read Puerto Rican Waters only." Bill loved Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican people. He worked for many years on the island as a part time patrolman and as a one-man shoregang for SeaLand. I am sending this letter to you because I think it is a little sad that a great and popular Seafarer like Bill didn't get a better send-off. Jack Bluitt New Port Richey, Fla. · EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS WG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive hoard may clelegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges. trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immooiately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. sru. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment oppor- tunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct. or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and 1efund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify Sill President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 - �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARER S LUNDEBERG SCHOOL HARRY LIFEBOAT CLASS 581 ~~ Trainee Lifeboat Class 581-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 581 are (from left, kneeling) Joshua Davenport, Justin Von Sprecken, Philip Noto II, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Nicholas Craddock, Carey Foster Jr., Vilas Keith and Melvin Jackson Jr. Basic Firefighting-Earning their basic firefighting endorsements on September 11 are (from left, kneeling) Wilfredo Gatmen, Hussein Mohamed, Clemente Rocha, (second row) Mohamed Ahmed, Cecil Edwards, Muckbil Shaibi, James Fennessy, Leopoldo Viernes, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Robert Schindler, Ronald Hutchison, Albert W. Austin Jr., Lauro Mangahas and C. Jefferson. Advanced Firefighting-Marking completion of the advan~d firefighting Murse on SetJtember 12 ~r4' (from left, fir~t rrJW) Daniel Crawford, Yahya Al-S~qaf, David Mill-Graves Sr.. Chris Stringer. Jam~3 Reider, Bonifacio Lozado, Thomas Minton, (~~cond row) John Smith (instructor). Brian S~il~r. Glen James Sr., Kendra Savage, William Bruce, Eric Hy~on ami Ronald Dewitt. Bask Firefiahting • Maritrans-Graduating from the basic firefighting class on October 16 are (from left, front row) Randy Brinca, Eric Takakjian, (second row) James Haughey, Billy Sawyer Sr., William Howell, Richard Forrest, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor). Ronnie Fulcher and Sheldon Slusser. Basic Firefighting .j: Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the OetoMr 17 lifeboat class are (from left, kneeling) Erasno P. Guevara, Natividad Martinez, Ali H. Ali, Majed Alsunbahi, Gayl Payton, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Taher Saeed, Mohamed Mohamed, Richard Lord, Dionisio Moreira, Abdulhoma Mosa, Riyadh Shaibi, Walter Rocha. Ahmed M. S~leh, Jonas Bocaya, (third row) Talama Moega, Jose Garcia, Edward Adams, Rodolfo Moreira, Youni~ Salen. waseem Dhalai and Sean Wal:sh. Maritrans-Boatmen who sail aboard Maritrans vessels completed the basic firefighting course on September 18. They are (from left, first row) Ernie Hudgins, Rick Redmond (instructor), Randy Watson, Mi<;hael A. Downey, Richard Wylie, Vernon Elburn, (second row) Harry Keeler. Vic Daniels, Jimmy White, Kenny Kitchen, John Coyne, John Dean and Kenny Buttry. ) \ .~, ......IO<.....i~~·;_ t Oil Spill - Penn Maritime-Seafarers sailing aboard Penn Maritime vessels completed the oil spill class on September 23. They are (from left) Martin Malia, David Wade, John Harvard, Ben Graeff and David Lane. 22 Seafarers LOG 1 •. . # .. · .\\\,, ~ Tanker Assistant DL-Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker assistant DL course on October 30 are (from left, kneeling) Charles Valencia, Richard De La Cruz, Thomas MacGregor, Peter Sternberg, Ferdinand Gabuten, James Orlanda, (second row) Wayne Gonsalves, Phillip Troublefield, Richard Paturel, Jesse Sharp, Ameon Fuller, Nelson Martin, Teki Williams, Geronimo Gonzales, Reynaldo Telmo, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Vanessa Fickel, James Hagner, Walter Ratcliffe, Andre Terrell, Shane Landon, Rafael Cardenas and Peter Malone. December 1998 �The foUow!n~is the schedule f<?~ ~·~~s beginning in December and running to the ti~ few months of 1999 'at~tj}C:;seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of . . · . ~manship~ · located at ·. tbe--:<Pau1:.':Hail Center for Maritime~ Training . and :.:Jhl~cation in Piney Pointt Md. All programs are geared to imp~ove the job skills ::~{i>f·:Seafarers and to promote the.!\.merican maritime inqu$,tfy.. , :<}~"· Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the .needs of the rnem.bership, the maritime industry and-in times o.f conflict-the nation~s security. · the Saturda,Y be.f•', ·.. Students attending ~Y of these c lasses shouId c hec k in rre Febmary 1 t;~~~T~~!:J!;:=::::::~::~n:;~~=,:" :;..~:J:,1.mqeberg . S~l.l9P.l!n.~Y.·Call the admis.sio.ns. :office. a~. .....(~9. ~ ).~94..{)() 10. ... . : ..... .: : . .. ::· :::·· . ........... :......... .. ~ ;',, ' ' ' ·" ·" ... :·. . :. " " ' ' ' ·,\ ' ' , .. :::.:',':,;~· ·~: Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) :. Start Date Date of Completion January 11 February 15 January 29 March5 · · January 18 .•· January22 January 29 February 5 March 12 January 25 February 1 M~hS ·:.":," "':'.' ·.'::''.' .:February 19 · March 19 :~pril 9 Jaouacy8 Febrwiry 5 MarclJS April2 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _--'=--------~---------------~ Address ___________________________ With This applicacion, COPIES of the following must be senr: One hundred and twenty (120) days seacimefor the previous year, one day in che lase six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi ca1ing your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime. for the course if ii is Coasc Guard tested. All FOWf, AB and QMED applicants must subinit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The paymem should be made with a money order only, payabk co LMSS. COUKSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone----------- Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member If Ihe following information is nor filled END DATE BEGIN DATE D Inland Waters Member D OUT complt!tl!ly, your application Will nor be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# - - - - - - - - - - - Seniority-- - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes. course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - December '1998 LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the cqurse. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Luruieberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75. Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 1ms The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and F.ducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Attentton Seafarers The Lundeberg School Course Guide for 1999 is induded in this issue of the Seafarers LOG. Check it out on pages 11 - 14 and start thinking now about your upgrading plans for the new year. Gibson Reio Retl1•'Ds to Guam Sea/arers Prep Maersk Vessel After ROS Period After a two-month period in reduced operating status (ROS), the SnJ-crewed prepositioning ship SP5 Eric G. Gibson has returned to its overseas home in Guam. This summer, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel spent two months in Norfolk, Va. while waiting for new cargo. It then sailed to Sunny Point, N.C. in August, loaded the materiel and resumed its prepositioning mission. QMED Al (Skip) Herrmann, who sent the photos accompanying this story to the Seafarers LOG, reported smooth and routine operations aboard the Gibson both as Seafarers prepared it to leave Norfolk and during the loading in Sunny Point. SIU members first crewed the Gibson in early 1995, shortly after Maersk Line purchased the 784-foot ship. Formerly a Danish-flag containership, the vessel reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, underwent refurbishment and joined MSC's afloat prepositioning force. The modifications included crane installation and cargo-space air conditioning which makes the ship self-sustaining and suitable for the carriage of prepositioned cargoes such as tru~ks, tractors, ammunition, fuel, medical supplies and other materiel. Named after a U.S. Army Medal of Honor redpient, the Gibson 1~ more than 100 feet wide and can travel at up to 21 knots. The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship SP5 Eric G. Gibson takes on cargo in Sunny Point, N.C. Left: AB Steven Anthony operates the winches while tying up in Sunny Point, N.C. Below: Chief CMk Walter Man (right) and SA Don Benjamin prepare the first hot meal for the returning crew since the ship went into ROS. Bosun Ron Parndi~e (handling line) shows the ropes to DE;U Peet Carmus, who recently completed the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Third Mate and SIU hawsepiper Shawn Orr (left) waits with AB Horatiu Vintila to throw the first line over in Sunny Point. BR Saleh Soofi spruces up the Gibson following its two-month layup in Norfolk, Va. Right: Readying the lines for the Sunny Point docks is AB Raymond Austin. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF REDEDICATES ORGANIZATION TO FIGHT SUBSTANDARD SHIPPING SIU’S FAY REMAINS SEAFARERS’ CHAIRMAN AT FEDERATION’S INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS IN INDIA PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS’ EXTENSION FOR WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINES SIU CREWS 3RD DOUBLE EAGLE STEEL PROBLEMS ABROAD AFFECT GREAT LAKES ECONOMY SUPPORTERS CONTINUE TO SPEAK OUT FOR JONES ACT ABOARD THE RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN A FIRST PERSON VIEW FORM THE TOP OF THE WORLD SOCIAL SECURITY DEBATE FACES CONGRESS ON ITS RETURN SEAFAERS’ RELATIVE MAKES INTERNATIONAL NEWS; SURVIVES HURRICANE MITCH AT SEA BY RIDING LOG WESTCOAST DATES ANNOUNED FOR ITF GLOBAL MARINER’S TOUR ‘MAMA THERESTA’ PRICE TOUCHES LIVES OF ALL WHO KNOW HER TWO SIU CREWS HONORED AT ANNUAL AOTOS DINNER LOG RECEIVES FIRST PRICE IN LABOR PRESS ASSOCIATION CONTEST UNION WILL PROVIDE BASIC ENGLISH TESTS TO HELP MEET REGS DOUBLE EAGLE NAMES HAVE PROUD HISTORY TWINS STILL DOING GREAT NEARLY 19 YEARS LATER TOLL-FREE NUMBER IN PLACE FOR TRB, STCW QUESTIONS GIBSON RELOADS, RETURNS TO GUAM SEAFARERS PREP MAERSK VESSEL AFTER ROS PERIOD Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 60, No. 12 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/63845f0adfd07d346b5882af473fd0fb.pdf aa0fa27094a7272f6c4b8b3157626336 PDF Text Text SIONA Welcomes NMU as Affiliate_ l'age3 SIU on the Scene • 1n oes _ _ l'age3 �President's Report Preparing for the Next Century During the past year, there have been many positive changes within the Seafarers. We've crewed new ships bringing more jobs for our members. We've welcomed the announcement by an SIU-contracted company of new passenger vessels to sail around the Hawaiian Islands and along the U.S. coasts. They will be built in U.S. yards with the first coastal ships expected to sail late next year. We've seen the continue.d growth of the Paul Michael Sacco Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The most visible sign is the construction of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. And, as always, the courses are being updated, new equipment is being installed, and more members are being upgraded. We've noticed the continued success of the unlicensed apprentice program. Young men and women are entering our profession daily as they see a tremendous opportunity before them to build a solid career. Following the advances made for the members when we opened new halls in Brooklyn, Tacoma and Anchorage earlier this decade, we have renovated our existing facility in Norfolk, while purchasing a new, more convenient site for our New Orleans-based Seafarers. That hall should be open soon. And we are working to modernize other facilities as well. Why is all this being done? There are two reasons. First, the SIU must be-and will be-prepared to meet the challenges of the next century. As we near the end of the 20th century, we know the ships and technology of even just 30 years ago will not meet the needs of the new millennium without being upgraded. If you don't believe me, talk with a member who started sailing in 1970. Ask that mariner how much shipping has changed in the years since first going to sea. Ask that Seafarer how the job requirements have changed. Ask that member how containerization, computers, double hulls and international regulations have affected the way the job is done. That is why the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School is designed to constantly change and improve. The school's staff is always anticipating the future by working with national and international maritime representatives to meet and exceed the demands that will be placed on the members and the industry. That is how it was able to offer the first oil spill prevention and containment course and the first U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book in the country. And that is why the Paul Hall Center is building its new fire fighting and safety facility, upgrading its simulators and redesigning its curriculum. It is making sure Seafarers will be prepared for the new century of service aboard a new wave of vessels planned for the next millennium. There is also a second, very important reason the SIU enacts these changes. It i~ to make sure we remain prepared to serve as the nation's fourth ann of defense-a need we saw and met once again last month. Seafarers were ready when U.S. forces were called into harm's way to retaliate against Saddam Hussein's refusal to meet his promises to allow United Nations officials to inspect suspected chemical and offensive weapon sites in Iraq. When Allied forces were called to action, at least 10 Seafarers-crewed vessels were already in the Persian Gulf theater. The military did not have to worry where their supplies would be. They were at sea in task forces with American civilian mariners making sure the materiel was ready and available. Since the founding of this country, U.S. merchant mariners have answered the call and served to supply the troops. That is a tradition all mariners are proud of and one that present and future Seafarers have no intention of ever blemishing. These are the reasons why the SIU is preparing for the next century. Our union and our nation can expect no less. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, February 15, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) for the observanca at Presidents' Day. Normal business hours will resume the fallowing workday. Volume 61, Number 1 January 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFl.rCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Unions Announce Election Results NMU Returns Lioeanjie as MEBA, Teamsters Select New Leadership In election results announced last month, one union returned its president to the top position while the members of two other unions chose new officials to take them into the 21st century. Elected to a full term as president of the National Maritime Union was Rene Lioeanjie. Meanwhile, another maritime union-the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) -has a new president, Larry O'Toole. And the Teamsters will be led by James P. Hoffa, son of the late Teamsters president, James R. Hoffa. NMU Lioeanjie assumed the NMU presidency in February 1997 when Lou Parise left the office after being convicted in federal court. Lioeanjie, who started sailing in 1945, had been secretary/treasurer. He worked in the deck department aboard freighters, tankers and passenger ships before coming ashore for the NMU in 1955. The Dutch Guiana native has been active in the union's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. Other positions Lioeanjie held in the NMU included regional director of Latin America and the Caribbean and a vice president. Joining Lioeanjie on the NMU executive council are Kate Hunt as executive vice president/treasurer as well as John Cameron and Charles Stewart, vice presidents. MEBA O'Toole replaces Alex Shandrosky at the helm of MEBA this month following the membership balloting. His last position within the officers' union was director of the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School from 1991 to 1996. A member of MEBA since 1964, O'Toole sailed 12 years as a chief engineer. He has represented the union at International Labor Organization and International Transport Workers' Federation meetings. He also served on the U .S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. Elected with O'Toole to the MEBA executive board were Bob McFetters, secretary/treasurer; Paul Krupa, Atlantic Coast vice president; Ron Davis, Gulf Coast vice president; and Bud Jacque, West Coast vice president. Teamsters The Teamsters election returns the name of Hoffa to the top post in that union. James P. Hoffa was elected in a federally supervised nationwide secret ballot after the results of the 1996 balloting (in which Hoffa was narrowly defeated by incumbent Ron Carey) were overthrown by an independent review board because of campaign spending irregularities. Hoffa has been a lawyer representing Teamsters Joint Councils, local unions and individual members since 1968. He became executive assistant to the president of Teamsters Joint Council 43 in 1993. James P. Hoffa Rail Unions Announce Merger Jointly describing their proposed merger as "an historic agreement with enormous potential," the United Transportation Union (UTU) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) in late November announced they are forming "a new organization to represent operating employees on the railroads of North America." The UTU board of governors and the BLE advisory board approved the agreement's principles, including a framework for drafting a new "Constitution and Unification Agreement" by October 1, 1999. The new union is expected to begin operations effective January 1, 2000. "In committing ourselves to put aside decades of differences, we're looking forward to achieving a better quality of life for the families of those charged with the responsibility to operate the trains," said Clar~nce Manin, president of the BLE. "We've found common ground that will enable us to focus our energies immediately on the vital task of collective bargaining with our employers in a way that will protect the needs of both our unions' members." "Unification between the UTU and BLE is the most significant event in rail labor since the UTU was founded nearly 30 years ago," said Charles L. Little, UTU president, "and one of the biggest events ever in rail labor history. It is fitting that our new union will begin on the first day of the 21st century after our memberships vote for its creation. One thing is also certain that craft autonomy is guaranteed." UTU Assistant President Byron A. Boyd Jr. noted that "the members of our organizations will be the big winners in the unification of the UTU and the BLE. They will have even better representation and larger resources to serve their interests. This was the vision of Eugene Debs, and it is fitting that it will become a reality on January 1, 2000." Mobile MTD Bestows Awards SIU Port Agent Dave Carter (at podium) welcomes guests to the 1998 Greater Mobile (Ala.) Port Maritime Council annual awards dinner, which took place late last year. The honorees (photo right) included Donald Langham (left), international vice president of the Paperworkers; and Circuit Judge Douglas Johnstone. Langham received the "Labor Man of the Year" award, while Johnstone received the "Able Helmsman" award. January 1999 �Seafarers Render Support In 'Desert Fox' Strike At least I 0 Seafarers-crewed vessels already sailing in the Persian Gulf were providing logistical support to Allied forces attacking Iraq in mid-December as the Seafarers LOG went to press. Bombing and missile raids by U.S. and British troops were launched on the evening of December 16 after Iraqi president Saddam Hussein once again reneged on a promise made to United Nations officials to allow inspections of suspected nuclear, chemical and other offensive weapon sites in the country. Dubbed "Operation Desert Fox," the attacks came from sea- and land-based forces already in the Persian Gulf theater Continued on page 6 Among the SIU-crewed ships involved in "Operation Desert Fox" is the USNS Kane. NMU Alf iliates with SIONA Agreement Ends 60 Years of Fighting Between Unions At 11:10 a.m. on December 10, maritime labor histo- ry was made when officials of the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) and the National Maritime Union (NMU) signed an affiliation agreement bringing the NMU under the banner of the SIUNA. The affiliation means all the major U.S. unlicensed unions Gathering after the affiliation agreement was signed are officials from the two organizations. From the left are Larry Brundick, NMU counsel; Nero Threet, NMU executive VP/treasurer.; John Cameron, NMU VP; Augie Tellez, SIU contracts VP; Rene Lioeanjie, NMU president; Michael Sacco, SIUNA president; Kate Hunt, NMU VP; Dave Heindel, SIU secretary/treasurer; Leslie Tarantola, SIUNA counsel; Charles Stewart, NMU VP-elect; and Tai Simpkins, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee. Below are historic headlines from the Seafarers LOG showing various times the SIUNA and NMU worked together and discussed maritime unity. Editor's Note: The following is the full text of the joint press release issued by the Seafarers International Union of North America and the National Maritime Union to announce the affiliation. National Maritime Union Affiliates with SIONA WASHINGTON - The National Maritime Union (NMU) signed an affiliation agreement with the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA). The affiliation ends 60 years of struggle between the two organizations. "All American mariners will benefit by bringing the NMU under the SIUNA banner," SIUNA President Michael Sacco stated. "As we continue to revitalize and reinvigorate the U.S.-flag merchant fleet for service well into the next century, this affiliation helps ensure all unlicensed American mariners will stand together for more and better jobs," Sacco added. "We are happy to be working side-by-side with our brothers and sisters in the SIUNA," said NMU President Rene Lioeanjie. "We have seen enough of how division wastes our resources and undermines our effectiveness. We now can fully devote all of our efforts to improving the working conditions of our members and fighting for a bigger and stronger U.S.· flag fleet,tt Lioeanjie continued. With the addition of the NMU, the SIUNA is composed of 18 autonomous unions which represent more than 80,000 working men and women in such varied occupations as mariners, government employees, manufacturers, cannery workers and more. Among the maritime unions under the banner of the SIUNA are the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District: the Sailors' Union of the Pacific; the Marina Firemen's Union; the Seafarers International Union of Canada and the Canadian Marine Officers Union. Under the terms of the affiliation, the SIUNA and the NMU will work together to improve the quality of safety and working conditions aboard U.S.-flag vessels. The NMU and the SIUNA will be working towards establishing a joint training program to prepare their members for the challenges of the next century. Currently, the NMU Education Plan - which is jointly administered by the NMU and its union-contracted companies - has been conducting training courses for NMU members in all phases of training and upgrading including U.S. Coast Guard and IMO-mandated training at various locations around the country. Members of the Seafarers Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District have received the latest in job skill preparation at the joint labor-management operated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. since 1967. The center also produced the first U.S. Coast Guard accepted Training Record Book, which allow mariners to carry one bound document verifying their individual training meets international standards. The NMU will continue to be guided by its own constitution, negotiate its own contracts, elect its own officials and operate its own pension and welfare plans. NMU headquarters will remain in Washington, D.C. However, to meet the changing needs of the industry, the SIUNA and NMU will be looking into ways that they can jointly better serve their memberships. The NMU, founded in 1937, represented unlicensed mariners in the old Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). The SIUNA was chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1938. It is based in Camp Springs, Md. Since the merger of the AFL and the CIO in 1955, talks to bring the NMU and SIUNA under one banner have taken place sporadically. Despite fighting each other for contracts aboard U.S.-flag ships, the organizations have worked together on several issues including the exposure of runaway-flag shipping where shipowners abandon the country of their citizenship to seek non-traditional maritime nations in which to register their vessels and avoid the labor, safety and tax laws of their homeland. January 1999 now are part of the same organization, the SIUNA. The agreement also brought an end to 60 years of fighting between the two organizations. "This is an historic day, one that has been too long in coming," SIUNA President Michael Sacco stated. "Now, our organizations can work together to make the U.S.flag fleet stronger and provide new and better jobs for our members. All American mariners will benefit from this affiliation." NMU President Rene Lioeanjie noted the years of battle between the two organizations have taken a toll on the unions as well as the merchant fleet. "Let us now move forward together," the NMU president said. "Let us work to improve the lives of our members." News that the organizations were talking about a possible affiliation was first announced in March when the NMU held its constitutional convention on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The NMU delegates approved a resolution that stated "some form of affiliation eventually leading to a merger with another maritime union would be in the best interest of the membership." Sacco, in his address to that convention, reflected on the past problems between the organizations and called on the delegates to imagine what could be accomplished for the U.S.-flag fleet if the two stood together. Talks between officials from the two unions continued through the year, climaxing with the signing of the document last month. Under the terms of the affiliation, the SIUNA and NMU will work together to improve the working and safety conditions aboard U.S.-flag ships. The organizations also will undertake to establish a joint training program to prepare their members for the tasks facing them in the next century. Like the other U.S. maritime unions in the SIUNA (the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; the Sailors' Union of the Pacific; the Marine Firemen's Union; the Seafarers Maritime Union and the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union), the NMU will remain an autonomous union that elects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and oversees its own pension and welfare plans. SIUNA President Sacco said the model being followed in this affiliation is the one used in 1953 when the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) became part of the SIUNA. After years of operating autonomously, the MC&S eventually merged into the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. As noted above, the affiliation finishes six decades of struggle between the SIUNA and the NMU. Prior to 1935, all labor unions were affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Within that organization was the International Seamen's Union (ISU), headed by Andrew Furuseth. After World War I, the ISU had a membership of more than I 00,000 members. But by the mid- l 930s, it had fallen to less than 3,000. The ISU disbanded in 1937:· The NMU was founded that year and represented unlicensed mariners in the newly formed Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). One year later, the AFL chartered the SIUNA under the leadership of Harry Lundeberg. Over the subsequent decades, the waterfront saw numerous confrontations between the two unions as they tried to obtain contracts from non-union operators and take in new members. The fighting continued even after the AFL and CIO merged in 1955. However, the SIUNA and NMU did find ways to work together, particularly in the international campaign to expose and eliminate runaway-flag shipping which was taking American mariner jobs overseas. After the creation of the AFLCIO, the SIUNA and NMU entered into talks several times to bring the two organizations together. However, none of those efforts was successful. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Crews Allied's New Sea Eagle Seafarers recently crewed Allied Towing Corp.'s new ocean tug and barge Sea Eagle, marking additional job opportunities for the membership. Built at the Moss Point (Miss.) Marine shipyard, the 124-foot Sea Eagle entered service last fall. The boat and barge transport various chemicals from the northeast to the Gulf. The company which developed this articulated tug and barge, Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering, described the connection system as one that "operates by clamping the nose of the tug to a bar at the head of the notch, which the tug pivots around. Roll restraint is by a fixed pad of fenders on one side of the tug, and a movable set on the other. This enables the tug to remain connected in much larger seas than are possible when pushing with wires." The company also provided the following specifications for the tug: • Depth, Molded (Baseline @ Low Sheer) - 22 ft. • Main Propulsion Engines Two Alco 16-251F Diesels each rated 2,915 BHP at 900 RPM or Equal EMO pack age. • Reduction Gears - Two Reintjes - WAF 2255 HL 4.916: I Ratio Enjoying a brief and well-earned break are engine department members Harry Toohey and Louie Payne. • • • • • Total BHP - 5,830 BHP Propellers (2) - Bird Johnson "New Generation" Workwheels - 126" Diesel Generators - (2 x 99 kW, (1) x 99 kW) Gross Register Tonnage Under 200 GRT /SOLAS Compliant Crew Accommodation - 4 Double Strms/2 Single Strms. Mate Mark Tilly was among the first SIU members to sign on the new ocean tug. Greeting an SIU port representative aboard the tug in Norfolk, Va. is Captain Bob O'Neal. Maritime Briefs Rear Adm. Holder to Succeed Vice Adm. Perkins at MSC Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder will succeed Vice Admiral Jim Perkins as Commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command, when Perkins retires after nearly 35 years of Navy service. MSC announced that the change of command is scheduled for next month. "Rear Admiral Holder comes to MSC following a tour as commanding officer of Naval Amphibious Group Two," MSC stated in a news release. "Prior to that duty, he served as third commander of Naval Doctrine Command. "A 1968 graduate of Florida State University, Rear Admiral Holder took his commission after completing officer candidate school in Newport, R.I. He graduated with distinction from the Air Command and Staff College at Air University in Montgomery, Ala. While in Montgomery, Holder earned a Master of Science degree from Troy State University." Vice Admiral Perkins, a strong and visible backer of the U.S. merchant fleet, "ends a prestigious military career that began following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964, and includes combat assignments in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Somalia," MSC noted. Crescent Towing Receives ISO 9002 Certification SIU-contracted Crescent Towing announced it recently received certification of compliance with the internationally recognized ISO 9002 quality standards. Operating in the ports of New Orleans, Mobile, Ala. and Savannah, Ga., Crescent is believed to be the first ISO 9002-certified tugboat company in those areas. The certification "is the crowning achievement of our quality initiative," stated Crescent CEO Richard Murray. "We believe that by adhering to the principles of the ISO quality standard, it will help us to exceed our customers' needs and requirements through improvements in our service." In order to maintain the certification, companies must conduct periodic in-house reviews and also undergo semi-annual analysis by an international accreditation entity known as the American Bureau of Shipping Quality Evaluations. SIU members crew Crescent's fleet of 25 tugs. Crowley American Transport Earns Prestigious Ford Award Ford Motor Co. recently presented its prestigious Ql Award to SIUcontracted Crowley American Transport in recognition of the company's sustained levels of excellence in its quality systems, performance and customer satisfaction. In announcing the award, Crowley pointed out that it is one of "only a few ocean carriers to have received it, and is the first to have won it as an ISO 9002 certified carrier." Thomas Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corp., said he accepted the award "on behalf of the entire company and our 3,500 employees, who have committed themselves to the quality improvement process and customer satisfaction. It is a very prestigious honor for which we have a great deal of respect." SIU members crew Crowley vessels that operate on all three U.S. coasts and also provide service to Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Runaway-Flag Schemer Panama Tops World's Merchant Shipping Allied Towing's Sea Eagle transports chemicals from the northeast to the Gulf. Coast Guard Seeks 'Y2K1 Comments The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that it seeks public comment on "actions and control measures to minimize the occurrence and effect of potential Year 2000 (Y2K)-related equipment and system malfunctions aboard vessels, at port facilities and at marine terminals." In a notice published December 4 in the Federal Register, the agency warns that "malfunctions and failures of date sensitive automation and computer processes can potentially halt critical domestic and international maritime operations." For example, the Coast Guard notes, "Computer programs for engine automation systems that monitor the time between required engine maintenance are a good example of the Y2K problem. If these programs misread "00" as the year 1900 instead of 2000, they may interpret that 100 years has passed since the last engine maintenance was performed and respond by shutting down systems to avert damage to the engine. ''Temporary loss of main engine operation at sea on a calm day with no other ships in sight may only prove inconvenient. However, the unexpected loss 4 Seafarers LOG of a ship's propulsion in a narrow or crowded waterway could result in a serious casualty." By seeking public comments, the agency hopes to help prevent marine-related Y2K problems. Comments are due by March 4. In its notice, the Coast Guard flatly states that it does not "plan to address Y2K issues through new regulations. Rather, our goal is to use existing authority to respond to Y2K risks with a sufficient level of control to prevent casualties." To that end, the organization presents 10 questions (some multi-part) for readers' consideration, while making it clear that "comments on other issues addressed in this document are also welcome." The questions include: • Should the Coast Guard exempt vessels and facilities that can provide evidence of correcting any Y2K problems from any Y2K-related port movement or operational controls? • Should the Coast Guard consider suspending all How pervasive is the problem of runaway-flag shipping? According to a recent report by a foreign shipowners' organization, most of the top 10 nations in terms of merchant shipping tonnage are part of the runaway-flag scam. The Shipowners Association of Norway in December reported that Panama, with 4,877 vessels and a total tonnage of 93.2 million, topped the list, followed by Liberia, Greece, the Bahamas, Malta, Cyprus, Norway, Singapore, Japan and China. The report also stated that the total tonnage of the world's merchant shipping increased from 1997 to 1998. The number of merchant ships weighing more than 300 tons apiece last year reached 38,619, with a total tonnage of 494.1 million, according to the report. Reminder As part of the existing standard freightship and tanker contracts. Seafarers may qualify for an extra vacation day per month. However, the contracts department reminds SIU members that in order to obtain this benefit, they must secure and complete a "tour of duty" form when signing off the vessel. This one-page form, available aboard the ship, should be signed by the master with the ship's seal. It is the member's responsibility to keep the form until filing for vacation benefits. The extra vacation day will be paid to any eligible SfU member who successfuUy completes his or her tour of duty without injury or illness and who files the correct paperwork. If the Seafarer already has coUected some vacation pay prior to successfully completing his or her tour, then the extra day will be awarded on the last vacation check, once he or she completes the assignment and meets the verification requirements. Continued on page 6 January 1999 �Coast Guard Okays Paul Hall Center's STCW-Mandated Basic Safety Classes Courses Meet Convention's Chapter VI Requirements The U.S. Coast Guard has approved two courses offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education that will enable experienced Seafarers and new SIU members to comply with the Chapter VI-Basic Safety requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). Course dates will be published as soon as they are available and also will be posted on the SIU web site, located at http://www. seafarers .org. Meanwhile, the school is offering the training to members who already are enrolled in other classes at the Piney Point, Md. facility. The Paul Hall Center is believed to be the first maritime training school offering Coast Guard-approved courses that meet the Chapter VI requirements. One of the classes is a fourday, 28-hour refresher curriculum for Seafarers who have sailed before August 1, 1998. Mariners in this category have until February 1, 2002 to comply with Chapter VI. The other is a five-day, 40hour basic safety course for those with no sea time prior to August 1, 1998. Such mariners may not sail unless they meet the Chapter VI requirements. module No. I are personal responsibility, communication, emergency procedures, personal safety, safety equipment, and environmental protection procedures. Module No. 2 includes curriculum on inflatable life rafts, survival at sea and signaling. The 28-hour class also covers station bills, lifeboats, rescue procedures and personal lifesaving equipment. The third module covers first aid and CPR, including responder awareness and breathing awareness. Fire fighting and fire prevention constitute the fourth module. Subjects in this segment include chemistry of fire, heat transfer, fire detection systems, fire extinguishing systems, agents and methods, firefighting equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, personal protective clothing and more. As a condition of approval, the Coast Guard has the right, at any time, to inspect the Paul Hall Center's facilities, equipment and records; interview and survey students to aid in course evaluation; assign agency personnel to observe or participate in the class; and supervise or administer the required examinations or practical demonstrations. These are standard requirements for Coast Guardapproved classes. School Finalizing Basic English Tests 0---T.......... CERTIFICATE OF APPRdVAL BASIC SAFETY REFRESHER TRAINING ~""o&reJ"7 Scat-n• llany Lundcberg Sdoool or Seamanship la~ ~Uni M 11n '¥'P""""' '"4ininK ~ - ourlinffln Subpan C ol'P.an 10. Titk ~ CoJe ofF«luwl lhpl•tiotu. TIJil .,,,,,on.I u nJid tbfDUl/J tM uptnoon <I•« tJcJow, unlca.7 aoo1KT~w "™*~ - ~ /fJnh 1n <#CPR 1"-»2. 0 .......... In accordance with Coast Guard guidelines, each class is limited to no more than 20 students. These classes, which blend practical training and classroom instruction, do not replace the Paul Hall Center's basic firefighting or water survival courses as required by 46 CFR for Coast Guard endorsement as a lifeboatman. The new classes are fairly similar in that they largely cover the same subjects, but in varying degrees. Each is divided into four sections or modules that correspond with the Chapter VI requirements. Among the topics addressed in fl Tr!!P1al!I! CERTIFICATE OF APPRdVAL --by 40 HOUR BASIC SAFETY TRAINING Scafarcn' Harry Lundcbcrg School of Seamanship h M:tthy fNY"ltlh«I u •a •pprov«I tnlni"I C'OUnlr M ourlinfti in Subptur C or P.,., 14\ 71tk <M; C.-k o£F-'--l A~tion11. 'T'IW"!'P""""•-iiJ~tbe~tiootl•ttbdow,.unkuMJOnttl~Dl.lffDkMMtttlottbln#CFRHJ..JQZ Gerald P. M1antc The U.S. Coast Guard recently approved two basic safety courses offered at the Paul Hall Center to meet STCW requirements. The Paul Hall Center is finalizing the basic English test that Seafarers will take in order to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) as well as the International Safety Management Code (ISM). The SIU soon will administer the exam-a basic reading testwhen members register for a job. As reported in the December issue of the Seafarers LOG, SIU members who have successfully completed a course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (within an as-yet undetermined time period) will be "grandfathered" for this requirement and therefore will not need to take the test. The regulations prompting the English test are explained in Title 46, Part 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They relate to shipspecific familiarization. According to Coast Guard navigation and vessel inspection circular No. 4-97, ship operators "must provide written instructions to the master that documents the policies and procedures to follow with respect to all newly employed or newly arrived vessel personnel." Further, the written plan should instruct mariners to "visit spaces where they will perform their regular and emergency duties; locate muster stations, alarms, life-saving appliances, and emergency escape routes, as well as any firefighting and pollution response equipment they may use; meet their supervisor or other person(s) assigning duties; locate equipment necessary to perform their duties and learn the control and display features for that equipment; when convenient to vessel operations, observe the equipment in use by someone whose duties already require its use; activate the equipment and perform functions using the controls on the equipment, when conditions permit; locate operational manuals or other documentation needed to perform their duties; locate any personal protection gear required to perform their duties, as well as first aid/medical kits available at the work site; read and understand relevant standing orders, safety and environmental protection procedures, and company policies, clarifying any unclear or confusing material; read and understand the vessel's safety management system," among other assignments. More details about the test will be published in upcoming issues of the LOG. Mississippi Queen Hosts Safety Training .. :•:i'1J'/.tl!J.~ I Apprentice Program Is Nominated For 'Workforce Partnership' Award Senator Ted Stevens Praises Paul Hall Center's Training The unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has been nominated for the National Association of Private Industry Councils' 1999 Workforce Partnership Award. The nomination stems from one aspect of the unlicensed apprentice curriculum designed to facilitate entry-level employment opportunities aboard U.S.-flag ships for residents of Alaska. Senator Ted Stevens CR-Alaska) backed the nomination, informing the Washington, D.C.-based industry association that a number of his constituents have utilized the Paul Hall Center program to secure "gainful employment" that includes "full family medical, dental, pension, education and vacation coverage.... Needless to say, Alaskans are proud of this partnership and its accomplishments, and I hope the group considering their [nomination] for this award will give them every consideration for a job well done." Located in Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship January 1999 offer entry-level training for people ages 18 to 24, or up to 30 if they possess military experience. The unlicensed apprentice program consists of three segments. The first is a 12-week initial training phase that features vessel familiarization, fire fighting, first aid and CPR, water survival, vessel operations and maintenance, sanitation and other topics, with an emphasis on practical training. Next, students ship out for a minimum 90-day shipboard training and assessment phase. Students complete at least 30-day rotations through the deck, engine and steward departments. Department heads conduct student evaluations, and vessel masters verify appraisals. Students then return to Piney Point for department-specific training that prepares them to sail either as ordinary seamen, wipers or steward assistants. This phase includes the tankerman assistant DL course and the LNG familiarization class, thereby allowing students to meet STCW requirements for sailing on tankers, including LNG carriers. The long-standing tradition of shipboard safety training provided by the Paul Hall Center to SIU members sailing aboard The Delta Queen Steamboat Company's passenger vessels recently continued with practical courses aboard the Mississippi Queen. Included in the curriculum were damage control, chemical safety, certain aspects of fire fighting, and airway obstruction. Instructor Anthony Hammett commended crew members for their attentiveness and enthusiastic participation. Among those completing the training were Seafarers Bill Freitas, Fred Johnson and Dan Engle, joined for a drill by First Mate Alan Johnson. t .- l ' Seafarers LOG 5 �STCW Implementation Team Establishe.d Seafarers were among the hundreds of trade unionists showing their support for Avondale workers at a September rally in Washington, D.C. Avondale Seeks Foreign Workers As It Continues ta Fight Unionization In the midst of a protracted battle to keep unions out of the Louisiana facility, Avondale Shipyards, Inc. has petitioned the federal government for permission to hire foreign workers because of a so-called lack of qualified personnel, according to The Journal of Commerce. The action by the shipyard is its latest effort to ignore the will of its workers who voted 1,950 to 1,632 for union representation in June 1993. Since then, the company has used every stalling tactic possible to keep from negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. In its request, Avondale is seeking special visas for 100 temporary workers for up to one year to fill positions of welders, shipfitters, shipyard electricians and painters. The Departments of Labor and State can grant a waiver if they determine there is such a shortage. Avondale claimed boom times in the oil and shipbuilding industries in that part of the country have dried up the skilled workforce. However, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department pointed out that a February 1998 study conducted by the Louisiana Technical College showed more than 250 experienced workers in the vicinity of the yard were available for immediate employment. In fact, the July unemployment rate in that part of Louisiana was 20 percent above the national average. This is not the first time since the union vote that Avondale has looked offshore for its help. In 1996, it brought in 15 Scottish and English workers who stayed only three days before quitting because of poor working conditions and broken promises. One of those workers, quoted in a British newspaper, said safety conditions at Avondale were "50 years out of date." Unsafe working conditions was one of the reasons workers at the shipyard voted for union representation. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Avondale has che highest rate of deaths per employees as compared to any other major shipyard in the country during the 1990s. OSHA records the yard's rate as 1.02 deaths per 1,000 employees from 1990 to 1997. The next closest ratio is 0.29 per 1,000 employees at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi. Another issue raised by the Avondale workers is the company pays far less for comparable work than other domestic shipyards. The Metal Trades Department reports the average wage for an Avondale worker is $9.45 an hour. This is approximately 29 percent less than the amount paid to workers at other private contractors for the U.S. Navy and 48 percent less than workers at the nation's federal shipyards. (Avondale is a major contractor for U.S. Navy vessels, including the Bob Hope-class of preposi- Coast Guard Seeks Y2K Comments Continued from page 4 port operations for a period of time? If so, for how long? • Should vessels required to comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code include Y2K contingencies in their safety management system? • If the Coast Guard does impose Y2K-related port and vessel controls, short of a port shutdown, what additional safety measures should they requiretug escorts, additional manning, emergency steering and anchoring teams on watch, manual backups for all critical automated systems, and crew drills? Besides asking for comments, the Coast Guard already maintains a toll-free telephone number [(800) 368-5647] for questions on 6 Seafarers LOG the Y2K problem. It is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Additionally, the following internet web site (part of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Program) features regularly updated Y2K information: www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/Y2k.htm. Anyone interested in submitting comments in response to the Federal Register notice may send them to: Docket Management (USCG-1998-4819), Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room PL-40 l, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001, or call the project manager at (202) 267-1464 for more information. Comments and attachments should be unbound, no larger than 8Y2 by 11 inches and suitable for copying. tioning ships.) Since the National Labor Relations Board-supervised balloting was conducted, Avondale has used the court system and other legal efforts to prevent work on a contract with the unions of the New Orleans Metal Trades Council. Almost one year ago, an administrative law judge declared Avondale had violated labor law more than 100 times. He ordered the company to reinstate 28 illegally fired workers and Avondale's chief executive officer, Al Bossier, to personally read a cease and desist order to all the workers. To date, neither has been done. In September, hundreds of trade unionists rallied in Washington, D.C. in support of the Avondale workers. Two months later, the Global Mariner, an exhibition ship operated by the International Transport Workers' Federation to expose the plight of mariners aboard runaway-flag vessels, sailed the Mississippi River in New Orleans with banners and messages of support for the shipyard workers. For many in the maritime industry, STCW at times is a four-letter word. The international convention governing shipboard safety and mariners' credentials already has reshaped the regulatory end of the business, with more changes looming. Given the pact's breadth, the U.S. Coast Guard recently established an STCW "Implementation Focus and Coordination Team" to monitor and achieve nationwide execution of the convention. As part of that agenda, the agency on December 16 conducted a well-attended and spirited public meeting in Washington, D.C. to solicit industry input. The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took part in the meeting, as did other representatives from throughout the industry. STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original convention of 1978 was amended in 1995, as more than 100 nations ratified it. (The U.S. became signatory to the original convention in 1991 and also signed onto the amended treaty.) The agreement mainly applies to masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on deep sea vessels; it also covers mariners on domestic voyages if the vessel operates beyond the boundary line. The 1995 amendments took effect last February, and the Coast Guard in June published an interim rule incorporating them into U.S. regulations. "Putting STCW-related regulations in place truly is an ongoing process, and obviously it affects a lot of people," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center and a regular participant in international and domestic STCW forums. "The Coast Guard deserves credit for forming their implementation team. It can only help." The Coast Guard also is accepting public comments on STCW issues until January 15. Runaway-Flag Cruise Ship Hits Reef A cruise on Royal Caribbean's runaway-flag Monarch of the Seas ended in dangerous fashion December 16 in St. Maarten. The captain intentionally grounded the vessel after it struck a reef near the Caribbean island in the middle of the night. As the ship took on water during the ensuing four pre-dawn hours, all 2,557 passengers and 831 crew members were evacuated to shore. No injuries were reported. The Norwegian-flag vessel, which reportedly sustained significant damage on both sides of its hull, is owned by Miami-based Royal Caribbean International. Earlier in 1998, the company made headlines when it was fined $9 million by U.S. courts for what news reports described as a fleetwide conspiracy of illegally dumping waste oil at sea and deceiving the U.S. Coast Guard. Altogether, the company pied guilty to eight felony counts involving two separate indictments (one in Miami, the other in Puerto Rico) by the Justice Department. When the fine was announced, a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Agency pointed out, "The irony of this case is that this company has spoiled the very waters upon which its corporate survival and success depends. This action was further aggravated by Royal Caribbean when they decided to lie about their conduct." Seafarers on the Scene for 'Desert Fox1 Continued from page 3 and Diego Garcia. Among the SIU-crewed support vessels involved in the Persian Gulf area of operations according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) are four prepositioning vessels operated by Bay Ship Management: USNS Shughart, USNS Gordon, USNS Yano and USNS Gilliand. Another prepositioning ship-the Buffalo Soldier, operated by Red River & V.O. Partnership-also is involved. It is manned by the Seafarers Maritime Union. Two oceanographic survey ships operated by SIU-contracted Dyn Marine are in the region. They are the USNS Kane and USNS McDonnell. The SIU-crewed tanker Samuel Cobb (operated by Ocean Ships) is part of the force. Two MSC-Pacific Fleet vessels manned by members of the SIU Government Services division are assisting U.S. Navy forces. The pair are the fleet oiler USNS 1ippecanoe and fleet tug USNS Catawba. Seal arers-Crewed Vessels Deployed in Persian Gulf Theater (SOURCE: Military Seallft Command) Prepositioning Ships USNS Shughart USNS Gordon USNSYano USNS Gilliland (all Bay Ship Management) Buffalo Soldier (Red River & V.0. Partnership) Oceanographic Survey Ships USNS Kane USNS McDonnell (both Dyn Marine) Tanker Samuel Cobb (Ocean Ships) MSCPAC Fleet Oiler USNS Tippecanoe MSCPAC Fleet Tug USNS Catawba January 1999 �Foreign Steel 'Dumping' Hurts Otherwise Strong Lakes Shipping Season Tim Dugan, Bosun H. Lee White As Christmas neared, the Great Lakes enjoyed unseasonably mild weather. But, despite the relative warmth and an overall strong shipping season, SIU-contracted companies began issuing winter layup dates that started as early as December 11. Most SIU-crewed takers are expected to dock in their respective winter ports by the first week of this month. Many of the layup dates are two to four weeks earlier than usual because of continuing problems in the steel industry. Specifically, economic crises in many Asian countries and Russia have resulted in an onslaught of cheap imported steel in the U.S. In fact, the foreign product is being ..dumped," or sold at below cost, which violates international trade agreements. That dumping in turn has decreased the demand for iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the Great Lakes region, much of which is used in domestic steel production. Trade unions including the United Steelworkers of America and the SIU; Great Lakes ship operators including several Seafarers-contracted companies; and others either directly or indirectly involved in the steel industry have pushed Congress and the administration to end this predicament. The dumping already has caused major layoffs in northeastern steel mills and has caused a further skyrocketing of the U.S. trade deficit. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, Commerce Department officials had scheduled overseas meetings addressing this matter. 'This is very serious and it must be resolved," stated AB Rob Heath, who sailed on several Great Lakes ships this season. "Unfairly priced foreign steel hurts a lot of people in this country-not just mariners, but also steelworkers, business owners and consumers. "I don't think it's right that American workers lose jobs because of illegally dumped steel." Darren Lahaie, Watchman American Republic Layup Begins Most of American Steamship Company's (ASC) SIU-crewed bulkers were slated to lay up last month. The Charles E. Wilson docked in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. on December 11, followed by the Sam Laud in Toledo, Ohio on December 18. The American Mariner and H. Lee White were scheduled to reach their respective winter homes of Toledo and Duluth, Minn. on December 20, closely followed by the John J. Boland (Superior, Wis.), the American Republic (Toledo), the St. Clair (Duluth) and the Walter J. McCarthy (Sturgeon Bay). ASC's Indiana Harbor (Sturgeon Bay) and Buffalo (Toledo) were expected to lay up during the first week of this month. At press time, the only other available layup dates were for Cement Transit Company's Medusa Challenger and Inland Lakes Management's Alpena, both slated to shut down on Christmas. i·\. Mathew McNally, AB/Watchman H. Lee White Howard Herold, Wheelsman American Repu/Jlic Deckhand Charles Chizan (left) and Bosun Tim Dugan H. Lee White s ........._""=·w c;; ......~,,,..~--~ .. Joel Markle, Second Cook Mohsen Abdulla, Deckhand American Republic !v1edusa ChaUenger LEFT: Frank Reed, Watchman !v1edusa Challenger RIGHT: Darrell Bays, Steward Pathfinder Charles Chizan, Deckhand H. Lee White January 1999 ' Haddi Ahmed, Porter H. Lee White Seafarers LOG 7 �Membership Meetings Are Important Part Of Union Education Even though Seafarers are scattered in different parts of the world, when not at sea, they can keep abreast of news from within the union as well as from the maritime industry as a whole by attending monthly membership meetings at their nearest SIU hall. The meetings offer up-to-date information on contract talks, maritime legislation and national policies as well as providing a forum in which to discuss other issues of importance to the rank-and file membership and to the union's officials. Members are asked to clip the schedule below and post it on their ships' bulletin boards or keep it for personal reference. Seafarers also may refer to each issue of the Seafare rs LOG, which lists the dates of the next two meetings scheduled for each port. Membership Meetings in 1999 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 3 7 6* 2 7* 4 8 6 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 4 8 6 3 7 5 9 7 Wednesday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 10 8 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Algonac Friday after first Sunday B 12 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Houston Monday after second Sunday 11 16* 15 12 10 14 12 9 13 11 15 13 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 10 14 12 16 14 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 St Louis Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 19* 22 22 19 17 21 19 17* 20 18 22 20 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 19 23 23 20 18 22 20 17 21 19 23 21 Wednesday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 19 23 21 18 22 20 24 22 Friday after third Sunday 22 26 26 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 26 24 Philadelphia San Francisco Jursuy Cl1Y Tacoma September October November December •Piney Point changes created by Independence Day and LahOr Day holidays: Baltimore. Norfolk, Jacksonville and San Juan changes created by Veterans Day holiday; Houston change created by Presidents' Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday and Paul Hall's birthday holidays. WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT SKYROCKmNG COLLEGE COSTS? AN SIU SCHOLARSHIP CAN GIVE YOU ABOOST! COMPLm THIS COUPON AND MAIL TO: All Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college next fall are encouraged to apply for one of seven scholarships being awarded in 1999 by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Three of the four monetary awards will go to SIU members (one in the amount of $15,000, the other two for $6,000 each). Four scholarships will be given to spouses or children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners, each in the amount of $15,000. Eligibi1ity requirements are spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. The booklet is available by filling out and returning the coupon below to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. It also is available at all SIU halls. Winning a scholarship is a great way to help alleviate the ev~r-rising costs of tuition at both two- and four-year institutions of higher learning. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is April 15, 1999. So, now is as good a time as any to start the application process rolling. ~ r------------------------------------------, Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way camp Springs, MD 20746 P lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name of A p p l i c a n t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street A d d r e s s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number __________________--.____________ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1199 B Seafarers LOG L------------------------------------------~ January 1999 �Aided by ITF; Crew Gains $73,000 in Back Pay Combustible Waste Adorned Deck of Runaway-Flag Vessel The runaway-flag general cargo ship Gulf Star recently limped into the port of Toledo, Ohio with its decks littered with red bags of biohazardous materials, and its crew fed up. Unpaid for nearly five months and sailing without enough stores (among other problems), the crew in mid-September turned to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for help. Don Thornton, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, then assisted the multinational mariners in securing about $73,000 in back wages, plus various needed ship repairs. The SIU is one of the more than 500 worldwide ITF affiliates. Another member of the federation, the International Longshoremen 's Association (ILA), helped in the Gulf Star case by honoring a one-day strike by the crew. "Without a doubt, the ILA's support was crucial to the success of this incident," noted Thornton. Built in 1979 in the Netherlands, the Gulf Star is owned by a Greek and Panamanian conglomerate misleadingly named France Ship Management. It flies the Panamanian flag, but is operated by Coral Gables, Fla.-based Star Ship Management. In Toledo, Gulf Star crew members-including Colombians, Indians, Mexicans, Croatians and Guyanans-<alled Thornton not only because of the back wages, but also because of unsafe ship- board conditions. Among the problems were: • Potentially explosive chemicals that inadvertently had been mixed in the engine room. Personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard told Thornton that the chemicals-dumped into the bags marked "biohazard/infectious waste"presented a danger of spontaneous combustion. • A contaminated fresh water system, essentially rendered useless by saltwater. • Leaky hatches that resulted in damage to the cargo (sugar). • Lack of required navigational charts and other wheelhouse documentation. Not surprisingly, the ITF's intervention quickly generated results. Star Ship Management sent a fax to the ship, promising imminent partial payment of back wages and asking them to wait a little longer for the balance. The operator also promised relief for several crew members at the next port. "We have the best intentions to bring all wages up to date at the earliest opportunity," the fax reads in part. Nevertheless, crew members followed through with the strike and subsequently were paid in full. A one-day strike by the multinational crew (top photo) helped secure approximately $73,000 in back wages. Combustible material (inset) is stored on the deck of the runaway-flag Gulf Star-just one of many problems recently discovered aboard the general cargo ship. Equality State Crew Excels In Emergency Response Drill A smoke simulator (left photo) and simulated injury (right) lent realism to the emergency response drill aboard the SIU-crewed Equality State, part of the Ready Reserve Force. Blast Aboard Runaway-Flag Vessel Kills 1 Continued from page 24 Violation of U.S. Laws Norris said the Coast Guard's inquiry is all but complete and a report will be released. U.S. Coast Guard Commander Ken Parris, senior investigating and public affairs officer also based at the agency's Marine Safety Office in New Orleans, said, "If there is evidence of some misconduct, the Coast Guard would go before a hearing officer for a monetary payment" by the company. "A fine is set if there is some violation of U.S. law," he added. Parris said, "We have required the company to provide a letter of undertaking for something in the range of $100,000 for potential civil penalties relating to the vessel's entry into U.S. waters and this accident.'' A letter of undertaking is essentially a promissory note from the company's attorneys. A spokesman for Copenhagenbased Transmarine Management, the vessel's operator, contacted November 24, said his company intended to do their own investigation as well although he did not know "where it would lead." January 1999 When asked if Denmark had any authority in regard to the the Trans marine accident, Management representative said he was not sure. Treabnent of the Crew Reports on crew treatment vary. ITF Inspector Boudreaux noted that the operating company, Transmarine Management, has fulfilled its obligations under the ITF collective bargaining agreement. "The company paid off all the crew members and sent them home, paying for transportation," he said. Additionally, "the company has settled with the three injured crew members who are represented by an ITF attorney in New Orleans." "It was lucky this crew had an ITF agreement. I've seen lots of foreign-flag ships without any kind of labor contract. If that had been the case, the crew probably would have been a lot worse off," Boudreaux said. Under terms of the ITF contract, the company must secure the crew members' employment within 30 days that is equal or greater to their jobs aboard the Champion Trader. Boudreaux noted that under the ITF contract, the engine cadet's next of kin is entitled to a death benefit of $60,000. Negotiations continue between the IlF attorney and the seaman's father with the company over the death settlement. For an accident on a flag-ofconvenience vessel, Boudreaux found the operating company's actions relatively on the up-andup. "I've seen so many other ships like these where you just can't pin down anyone responsible," he said. Other sources believe that the main reason for such cooperation is that the accident happened in U.S. waters, which quickly exposed the parties involved. SIU Bosun Deano said he believes the company "ignored the crew after the accident. When I boarded almost a week after the accident, after talking to the crew, I went out and personally got these guys phone cards. The company still hadn't found a way for the guys to call home." The company spokesman said that no complaints had been lodged by the crew against Transmarine Management. Chief Engineer George Adams recently praised fellow crew members aboard the Equality State for their smooth work during an emergency response drill. The exercise took place in October while the ship, part of the Ready Reserve Force, was docked in Houston . A reduced operating status (ROS) crew executed the drill. Adams extended a "thanks and well done to Bosun Neil Matthey, to all other SIU personnel and to former SIU personnel now sailing with the American Maritime Officers in licensed capacities aboard the Equality State for their fine performance during the drill, conducted aboard the vessel in coordination with Interocean Ugland Management's New Jersey office. "The drill consisted of enact- ing an emergency scenario involving fire and injuries to personnel in confined spaces. A high degree of realism was achieved by the use of smoke-emitting equipment." Adams explained that the drill started with a general alarm and mustering at the emergency gear locker. Crew members then donned protective clothing and entered the safe but smoke-filled shaft alley. From there, they evacuated two shipmates using a stokes litter. "Bosun Matthey, Electrician Lowell Lem, Steward Henry Manning and DEU Donnis Wars are commended for their high level of professionalism and the extra effort required to successfully complete this extensive and challenging drill," Adams concluded. More Progress in Storm Recove_ ry Progress continues in the port of San Juan, P.R. as the area works to overcome the wake of Hurricane Georges. Wrecked cranes have been replaced in San Juan Bay, which has helped area shipping. Seafarers are doing their part in the recovery, including Electrician Felix Passapera, pictured above. Overall, Georges caused about $1.7 billion in damage in Puerto Rico. Seafarers LOG 9 �phottos Engagements, weddings, pride in the achievements of children and grandchildren-these are the everyday events so important in the lives of SIU members, who often are away from home for several months at a time. As always, the LOG welcomes your photos and will publish them on a periodic basis. '10 Seafarers LOG January 'I 999 �:Job WeU Done' for Crew of S-L Crusader SANJUAN HOUSTON From Houston to Baltimore to New Jersey and San Juan-a run known as the Puerto Rico Express-the SIU crew of the Sea-I.And Crusader works with true team spirit. The photos accompanying this article were taken in San Juan and Houston when the container vessel paid off in those ports. His immediate chores completed, GVU Francisco Torres is ready to go ashore in San Juan. Sharing a few smiles in the ship's galley are (from left) Chief Cook Greg Johnson, SA Trinidad Sanchez, Steward/Baker Brenda Kamiya and Relief Steward/Baker Kim DeWitt. Crew members get together following the vessel's arrival in port. From the left are Chief Engineer Kevin Cooper, Recertified Bosun Roberto Diaz and AB Robert Grubbs. While in the port of San Juan, Recertified Bosun Roberto Diaz rigs a lashing. SIU Safety Director Ed Kelly (center) chats with Seafarers Angel Figueroa (left) and Mariano Lito aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. 'Model' Shipmates Aboard Global Link Some people take snapshots to help them recall events. Seafarer Robert Bakeman (photo below) takes a different approach when it comes to his sailing career. The AB creates models of the vessels on which he works, including most recently the Global Link. Among Bakeman's fellow crew members on the cable ship during a recent assignment in the Caribbean were (photo right) steward department members (from left) SAs Said Abdullah and Luis Filippetti, Cook/Baker Connie Gaines, Chief Steward Brandon Maeda and Chief Cook Willie Grear. Also recently sailing aboard the vessel (op@rat@d by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. for Tyco) were {bottom right) Cook/Baker Brian Sargent, Chief Gook Wadsworth Jarrell and (bonom center) SAs Florenco Reyes and Richard Oliva-Ruiz. January 1999 Seafarers LOG 11 J �Year of Growth and Promise olitical action and solidarity with fellow trade unionists in 1998 were-as alwaysroutine for members of the Seafarers International Union. From joining the crucial fight against Proposition 226 in California to actively supporting pro-maritime candidates in the November elections, and from rallying with Avondale workers in New Orleans still seeking their first union contract to marching with members of the Transport Workers Union in Philadelphia who secured a fair pact following a 40-day strike, SIU members were on the front lines of the labor movement throughout the country. Yet, in a year of key political fights. a year when tensions repeatedly flared in the Persian Gulf, and a year when the maritime industry encountered an onslaught of new P regulations, what stood out most for Seafarers were job growth and future job opportunities. "When you look at the new jobs we gained in 1998, plus the growth opportunity that has emerged in the U.S.-flag cruise sector, it's clear that the SIU has a bright future," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "Combine that type of progress with the improvements taking place at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and I see very very positive developments for this membership." 1 More Jobs arly in the year. APL completed the reflagging of four Seafarers-crewed containerships under the Stars and Stripes that entered the U.S. Maritime Security Program. All four were constructed within the last four years and formerly flew the ensign of the Marshall Islands. Great Lakes division members welcomed the chance to crew three tug-barge units newly acquired by SIU-contracted companies: American Steamship Company's American Freedom and Ocean Venture, and Interlake Transportation, Inc.'s Pathfinder. Maritrans made history late in the year when it unveiled the country's first rebuilt double-hull barge, the SIU-crewed Maritrans 192. The company also launched the refurbished, double-hull tanker Diligence (purchased in 1997 from Chevron) with SIU members aboard. Those were not the only doublehull vessels to join the ranks of Seafarers-manned ships in 1998. In October and November, SIU members climbed the gangways of three "Double Eagle" tankers newly built in Newport News, Va. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Hvide Marine, the Diamond Shoals, Nantucket Shoals and Cape Lookout Shoals are scheduled to be joined by two more sister ships in 1999. Those vessels also will be crewed by the SIU. Around the time the first three Double Eagles were launched, Seafarers also greeted new employ- ment opportunities aboard the containership El Yunque, which will sail between Florida and Puerto Rico. A sister ship, the El Morro, will be crewed by SIU members early this year. Both vessels are operated by Sea Star Line, a joint venture that includes Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. America's sealift capacity increased as three newly built, SIUcrewed roll-on/roll-off vessels were christened in San Diego and New Orleans, respectively. On the West Coast, Seafarers crewed the USNS Watson and USNS Sisler, while in th Gulf, SIU members welcomed the Bob Hope-class vessel USNS Seay. The union also gained new jobs when it crewed the oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson (operate by Dyn Marine Services) and the Whether sailing aboard newly contracted vessels or longtime SIU-crewed ships, Seafarers remained dedicated to shipboard safety and efficiency. 12 Seafarers LOii January 1999 �SIU members in 1998 found new employment opportunities on ships operated by Maritrans, lnterocean Ugland Management, APL, Dyn Marine, Sea Star Line and other Seafarers-contracted companies. The union also welcomed three new SIUcrewed roll-on/roll-off ships which joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command's afloat prepositioning force. "harbor dass tractor tug Master~ operated by Crowley Maritime Services. Crowley plans five additional such tugs. 11 T he U.S.-flag cruise industry received a major boost when American Classic Voyages (parent company of SIU-contracted American Hawaii Cruises) announced plans for the first two deep sea passenger ships to be built in a U.S. yard in almost 50 years. That construction will take place at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. with completion of the first ship expected in late 2002. These will be the largest U.S. cruise ships in history, each capable of carrying about 1,900 passengers and measuring approximately 840 feet long. 1 ~E SITE or r OSE PH SACCO Ht E FIGHTING AND Similarly, in April, SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company (also a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages) announced plans to build five cruise vessels that will sail along America's coastlines. Delta Queen expects the first of the group to sail sometime next year. New Facilfties hile new jobs last year usually dominated the headlines in the Seafarers LOG, one announcement arguably rivaled any other as the union's top story of 1998. On July 16, the SIU and the Paul Hall Center unveiled plans for the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a six-building complex projected to open within the next few months. This million-dollar facility, currently being constructed W /. .. , !Y near the center's main campus in Piney Point, Md. will help enable SIU members to efficiently meet many of the new safety requirements stemming from the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention as well as other new regulations. The school is designed to virtually duplicate shipboard environments, including types of fires that could occur on vessels. Moreover, the center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship made numerous other improvements 1 in 1998, including the addition of state-of-the-art radar simulators, revamping of courses to ensure STCW compliance, and an expanded alliance with a professional education association. Elsewhere, the SIU purchased a building that will serve as the new union hall in New Orleans. Currently undergoing refurbishment, it is expected to open soon. Similarly, renovations are taking place at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. For the SIU, highlights in 1998 included groundbreaking for the Paul Hall Center's new fire fighting school (center photo), acquisition of a new SIU hall in New Orleans, improved training at the Lundeberg School and securing numerous new jobs for the membership. - ·#Xf ET Y SCHOOL January 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �Cableship Crew Treated to BBQ, While Awaiting Berthing Space The task of the cableship Global Sentinal is a formidable one: laying 2,331 miles of fiber-optic cable that will connect the major cities of Alaska (Fairbanks, Anchorage, Whittier, Valdez and Juneau) to Seattle, Wash. While recently in Alaska, awaiting berthing space in the port of Seward, the crew and company technicians (totaling about 104 persons) were treated to a good old-fashioned cookout by the steward department. In addition to the regular barbecue fare, several of the crew members took out their fishing poles, or even just hand lines, and caught some fish, which also were put on the grill. Chief Steward Shawn R. Fujiwara, who sent the accompanying photographs to the Seafarers LOG, says "the weather was great, and the backdrop of the rugged mountains and glaciers was simply outstanding. Even the sun made its presence known." He also added that everyone had a great time and were well satisfied. The vessel, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. for Tyco, makes its home port in Portland, Ore. SIU members, officers and technicians line up at the second grill, manned by Cook/Baker Douglas Neubauer, for some serious chow. Captain Neel looks from the bridge with approval at the barbecue below. St.. Louis AMMV Dedicates Monument for WWil Mariners SIU President Commends Memorial ...., '' :: ~ ., ' • r .... ' .. ' .,,..,._ , Mariners aboard the Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.'s Global Sentinel are in the process of laying 2,331 miles of fiber-optic cable. ,,<T~'-r•?' :'\'! V.1\H-~ifo,.f'J:t Y.f\.fHNi-, ,r.,l<\l\") ':,"J'( .•,ltl...•'!l·.~> f.\;J\.\dJ V\-;tt..\l.~ ~TS. ff)PSnl fl (.ot.. !!~ NOV \\ 1 1,Nt. t' f;,(}\)\.\.:VJ\ 1<.t~t. A\lt -8 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 9The following holiday greetings did not arrive in time to be published in the December issue. To Mrs. Cynthia Bright Hope this day and every day finds you and our family doing their best. I can't be there this year, but my heart and soul are always with you all, at any time of the year. Love you always and forever. Roderick K. Bright To Marion Beeching Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Beech. You're a good friend. John Clarke To everyone behind the counter in Houston Merry Christmas to one and all. You are a great bunch of brothers and sisters in a great port. John Clarke To Andy and Josephine Lopez Feliz Navidad y Prospero Afio Nuevo to you and your family. Love you, Johnny Clarke To Mr. and Mrs. A. Hickman and family For 20 years, we have been 14 Seafarers LOG friends. And I want you to know I love you, in my own way. You've been there for me. God bless you today and every day. I wish only the best for you in all you do. I mean this from my heart. Your friend, Henry B. Edwards To my son, Casey Today is a special day for you, my son, but then to me you're special every day. I truly hope you enjoy this gift of life and you learn from it. I'm glad to be home for Xmas. You're my Xmas present 365 days a year. I love you, Casey. Love, Daddy (Henry B. Edwards) To my uncle Joseph Freeman You 're very special to me, and thank you for being there for me and Casey. We love you very much, even if you don't know it. Have a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. You deserve it. Your nephew, Henry (and Casey) Edwards To Jim and Dee Byers I hope this holiday season and the years to follow bring you joy and happiness. Love, Brenda in Tacoma Culminating a year-long project, the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and Naval Armed Guard veterans recently unveiled a stone monument in St. Louis recognizing merchant mariners and Navy armed guard members who died during World War II. The marker bears the merchant marine logo and an illustration of a Liberty ship, along with its inscriptions. The SIU participated in a recent dedication conducted by the St. Louis-based Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and Naval Armed Guard veterans. During the November 11 ceremony, chapter members unveiled a stone monument in memory of U.S. merchant mariners and U.S. Navy armed guard members who lost their lives in World War II. The memorial is located at a veterans' cemetery in St. Louis. SIU President Michael Sacco, in a statement read during the observance, praised the local chapter for dedicating the monument. "You didn't just have a good idea, you took action," Sacco stated. "It is that kind of followthrough that characterizes America's merchant marine veterans. ''That's the commitment and determination that you showed during World War II, when you braved the ice of the North Atlantic and the fire of the South Pacific," he continued. ''That's the commitment and determination you showed when you kept going back to sea, even after enduring attacks by German U-boats that would have left lesser men too afraid to deliver the goods." He also commended the local chapter and everyone else involved in the arduous, but ultimately successful fights to secure veterans' status for World War II merchant seamen, including the recently enacted extension "that properly recognizes all World War II mariners as veterans." More than 200 people attended the dedication, including active and retired Seafarers, local government officials and representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard. An officer from the Samuel Parker Chapter said SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper's reading of Sacco's statement "was gratefully received and there was more than one moist eye noticed. Your words certainly contributed to making our dedication a success." Virginia AMMV Chapter Announces Meeting Dates The Hampton Roads (Va.) Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans invites active and retired Seafarers to attend their meetings, which alternately take place in . Norfolk and Newport News. In 1999, the chapter is scheduled to meet at the SIU hall in Nor1olk on the last Saturdays of March, June, ,September and December (each starting at 10 a.m.). Meetings also are slated for the American Legion Post 25 clubhouse at 7609 Marshall Ave. in Newport News on the last Saturdays of January, April, July and October (also beginning at 10 a.m.). For more information, contact Max Simerly at (757) 4134318 or (757) 247-1656. January 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 7 9 3 0 4 4 19 16 17 7 13 1 9 3 4 7 5 9 2 6 2 3 1 2 3 0 0 7 2 0 298 122 67 213 0 115 39 25 29 45 11 8 39 2 0 15 17 8 10 10 4 8 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 11 11 3 5 I 7 5 6 12 2 2 2 lS 8 6 9 Jacksonville San Francisco 18 14 lS 1O 22 7 Pu~rto 0 4 9 0 9 11 I 0 Honolulu . Houston 10 9 10 4 6 7 Louis o 0 2 Rico DECK DEPARTMENT 13 18 6 5 9 5 2 4 4 4 0 14 4 IO IO 6 18 17 24 18 8 5 16 4 9 7 2 3 8 3 2 28 IO 6 11 44 1 2 1 l 3 t 0 1 3 1 2 2 0 5 0 0 2 54 103 380 153 83 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 12 5 0 0 2 0 1 5 6 2 7 2 2 8 I 1 8 5 6 4 9 6 10 3 11 19 3 1 7 6 s 2 7 6 2 6 9 3 1 10 14 5 3 4 0 173 0 0 57 17 40 11 75 10 0 0 19 0 23 0 0 0 61 207 171 681 491 296 Baltimore 0 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco 2 4 4 Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 2 8 8 11 5 8 1 0 3 2 0 I 8 4 6 12 8 3 1 3 6 4 20 19 9 13 5 1 22 7 6 13 3 4 13 13 5 12 24 11 6 15 12 8 26 7 22 6 s 3 0 1 8 IO 0 4 6 4 5 0 2 0 12 0 8 46 0 6 8 30 33 3 22 I I 5 3 10 0 1 0 5 5 3 1 0 0 I 0 1 116 42 11 1 7 5 0 1 0 67 5 0 1 3 0 0 HECTOR BARNES Your daughter, Eleassier Balaga, is trying to get in touch with you. Please contact her c/o Mr. Carlton Bailey (of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in Oklahoma City) at (405) 231-5944, ext. LESTER JOSEPH GUELDNER SR. Anyone with information on Lester Joseph Gueldner Sr. and some of the ships on which he sailed is asked to contact his son, Cesaire GueldnerBinder, at P.O. Box 70473, Reno, NV 89570,· or Email him as cesairecj@aol.com. 0 0 8 4 3 0 0 0 0 250 67 15 0 LOG-A-RHYTHMS 0 Dreams by Albert W. Austin Jr. 223 906 197 9 3 3 Personals 124. 2 91 371 1 8 6 0 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 26 7 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 8 10 0 0 0 6 0 0 2 8 2 13 8 0 3 4 0 IO 10 0 3 5 7 0 1 6 7 0 2 5 3 0 51 4 20 0 8 0 3 0 0 0 0 12 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 106 137 35 I 0 0 1 2 Tacoma ................... Friday: February 26, March 26 Each port's meeting starts st 10:30 a.m. 4 5 15 11 7 27 8 St. Louis ................. Friday: February 19, March 19 0 1 6 6 1 0 25 9 San Juan ..................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Wilmington ............. Monday: February 22, March 22 0 38 0 New York ................Tuesday: February 9, March 9 2 3 114 9 4 2 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: February 16, March 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: February 18, March 18 185 2 3 Mobile .................... Wednesday: February 17, March 17 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: February 10, March 10 0 3 Jersey City .............. We.dnesday: February 24, March 24 2 1 53 3 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 11, March 11 4 0 3 0 0 I Houston .................. Tuesday: February 16*, New Bedford ..........Tuesday: February 23, March 23 26 3 Honolulu ................. Friday: February 19, March 19 Norfolk ...................Thursday: February 11, March 11 13 44 0 0 2 5 2 5 4 15 10 16 6 30 2 4 3 17 12 12 14 4 12 28 24 19 7 18 21 9 3 1 4 11 3 0 44 13 1 102 15 0 1 9 22 0 0 252 0 244 586 380 *''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. January 1999 5 0 1 473 3 5 77 7 15 2 Philadelphia 0 7 4 2 39 2 2 13 9 5 20 15 11 19 2 8 0 0 I 10 12 10 10 14 1 3 0 I 0 Port New York 0 5 5 0 4 3 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 6 1 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 8 1 •change creatt'd by Presidents· Day holiday 59 5 4 3 Monday: March 15 3 15 9 5 5 17 3 6 4 0 6 0 11 3 105 4 1 18 15 15 12 4 14 15 5 149 1 0 0 0 40 40 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: February 17, March 17 4 7 6 1 1 109 10 3 25 54 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: February 11, March 11 12 3 16 IO 41 0 2 6 1 7 7 5 18 22 9 1 2 8 2 Port 16 5 Algonac Totals 8 3 22 25 13 27 4 12 14 9 Piney Point ............. Monday: February 8, March 8 Algonac .................. Friday: February 12, March 12 39 11 Piney Point New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 4 7 8 12 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 28 23 7 7 1 2 0 St. Trip Reliefs 19 34 Port Wilmington Tacoma TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C February & March 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters How did it all start? I don't know! Something that started A long time ago. I guess it was But a dream. Just a dream A young boy dreams. Of ships and boats That sail the sea. Someplace I thought I'd like to be. And now I'm old And my hair's turned gray. And I have sailed Many a day. On ships and boats That sail the sea. Some dreams 1 think Are meant to be. (This poem was written by AB Albert W. Austin Jr. while at sea aboard the USNS Integrity, October 20, 1998.) Seafarers LOG 15 �'seaiare.S 1ntMrarlonat'lln1on' .- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DllflOfory NOVEMBER 16 - Michael Sacco President . JobnFay CL - Company/Lakes ~utive Vice President .David Heindel *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts . Roy A. ~ock" Mercer Vice Pre1;ident Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast ByronKeUey Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast .. ~ Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 10 0 19 2 0 7 4 0 19 18 DECEMBER 15, 1998 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 13 2 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 13 9 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 8 3 0 6 1 0 1 4 0 6 9 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 . (30 l) 899-0675 ALGONAC . 520 St Clair River Dr. . Algonac, Ml 4800 l 21 18 0 0 68 34 0 47 Totals All Depts *"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. 17 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters An~horage, BALTIMORE 1216 B. Baltimore St. NOVEMBER 16 - Baltimore, Ml) 2120.2 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327..4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 1<'.atihi St Honolulu, HI 96819 (B08) ~45-~n2 Region Atlantic Coast 0 3 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 35 3 0 1 41 6 Gulf Coast West Coast Totals Region Aclantic Coast : : ::.Q9.: ~Qn~s9m~&.: $.t . · ·... ., ........... ,,,.,.,,,.,. fo:;ey City, NJ 07'J04 (201) 435-9424 MOBJLE 1640 Dauphin lsland Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 418-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. 0 1 .~~$..,.: Wan9 . 'W~r~. J. Q. West Coast 0 17 Totals Region 0 Atlantic Coast 1 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 15 West Coast 0 16 Totals Gulf Coast 5 .. 0 0 .Q 0 ... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 · o..... · 0 4 15 0 5 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C "5 0 4 12 0 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT . ,. ·<. 0 ' 0 8 () DECEMBER 15, 1998 . . .. 1 s 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 0 2 5 0 38 .··:o2 11 0 0 0 0 13 2 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 12 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 13 0 7 0 7 13 27 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 2 s 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 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 .. :..'· :: SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l 6Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (781) 121-40~~ ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 341 l South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 18 Seafarers LOG Totals All Depts 74 6 17 31 5 12 64 9 *"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. 35 Pl C-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by William Kellett of Lafayette, Colo. was taken on July 13, 1945 aboard the S.S. Fort George, a T-2 tanker. It was taken in Abadam, Persian Gulf and represents half the steward department aboard the vessel, which was crewed by SIU members. In the back row are William Kellett and Second Cook/Baker Enoch Bautista. Harry J. Hanssen is on the right, kneeling. Other members of the Fort George's steward department were Robert McMahan, Charles Wall Jr., Samuel B. Forrest Jr., Richard E. Jackson and Ralph Bennen Jr. In 1946, Kellett broke an ankle and returned home. He then worked for the U.S. Post Office and the National Bureau of Standards, retiring with a government pension. Kellett organized a local chapter of the Merchant Marine Veterans, which presently has approximately 100 members and meets every other month. Fifty years after World War 11 ended, Kellett, now 74, again got in contact with Hansen. It turns out both men are putting out newsletters for Merchant Marine Veterans chapters-Hansen in Maine and Kellett in Colorado. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. Janual'J 1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their i working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. T hree recertified bosuns are among the 32 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 96 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Mauro DeLaCerda, Jerry K. McLean and Oscar C. Wiley Jr. are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck depanment at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's retirees. DEEP SEA SANTIAGO R.ALVARA· DO, 66, first sailed with the Seafarers in , 1967 aboard ... the East Point . Victory. . Brother Alvarado sailed in the engine depanment and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. He last worked aboard tho Westward Venture, operated by lntcrocean Ugland Management. From 1948 to 1950, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in New Mexico, he makes his home in Seattle. WATT BLOOD· WORTH, 61, graduated from : the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans . His first ship was the Alice Brown. The Louisiana native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the engine department. Brother Bloodworth last sailed aboard the Overseas Arctic and has retired to LaPlace, La. JOSEPHL. CLARK, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From 1952 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Clark last sailed aboard the Liberty Star. He calls Houston home. MICHAELJ. COYLE,46, graduated • from the Harry Lunde berg School of Seamanship in 1971 and _..;;:c;"-----=~· joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Achilles, a Newport Tankers Corp. vessel. Born in Philadelphia, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Coyle last sailed aboard the Paul Buck, operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. He makes his home in Philadelphia. January 1999 RUBEN DeJESUS, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Global Link, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother DeJesus has retired to St. Croix, V.I. MAURO DeLaCERDA, 63, first sailed with the SIU in 1968 aboard the Transorleans, a Hudson ~----~ Waterways Corp. vessel. A native of Texas, he saiJed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1991. Prior to his retirement, Brother DeLaCerda last worked aboard the Maersk Tennessee. He calls Houston home. LIONEL DUNKINS, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Houston. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Dynachem, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Brother Dunk.ins makes his home in Lake Charles, La. PATRICKL. DURNIN, 72, joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1962 in the port of San ' - - - - - - - - • Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Durnin last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Independence. Born in Oregon, he has retired to Gig Harbor, Wash. MELVINL. GREEN, 73, began his sailing career in the I 940s and joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. The =~~~=___J Oklahoma native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last worked aboard the Ogden Willamette, an Ogden Marine vessel. He was a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Mena, Ark. is home to Brother Green. THOMAS E. HARRIS, 59, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Flomar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. Born in Maryland, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, Brother Harris last worked aboard the LNG Capricorn. He has retired to Huntingdon, Tenn. WILLIE E. HOWARD, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1981 in the port of Seattle. The Arkansas native began working in the steward department and later transferred to the engine department. He upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Howard last sailed in 1995 aboard the Sea-Land Reliance. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He makes his home in Pomono, Calif. AMOSJARAMILL0. 72. began sailing in the 1940s and joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Colo- '-'-----===-~ rado, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Sea-Land Reliance. Brother Jaramillo calls Seattle home. ANDERSON J.JORDAN JR., 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1960 j and joined the ==--='-'-----!...111= Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Partner. Brother Jordan sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in Florida, he makes his home in Mobile. JERRYK. McLEAN, 57, first sailed with the SIU in 1962 from the port of New Orleans, working aboard the Del 1-=::='--"'~:;..;;=__. Sud, operated by Mississippi Shipping Co. Brother McLean graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963. The Tennessee native sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Brother McLean last sailed aboard the Overseas New Orleans and has retired to Kingsport, Tenn. JACK A. MORGAN, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Lake Charles, La., first sailing aboard the Cities Service T2 tanker French Creek.A native of Los Angeles, he sailed primarily in the steward department and upgraded i_:__...:.:::::== _J at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he also sailed aboard Great Lakes vessels and has worked in each of the three departments. He last sailed in 1993 aboard the SeaLand Hawaii. Brother Morgan caJls Wilmington, Calif. home. STANLEY C. PAEA, 65, started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Hawaii native attended the MC&S training school in 1959. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Paea makes his home in San Francisco . JOHNNY D.H.PARK, 66, joined the MC&S in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Hawaii, he makes his home in Aiea. Brother Park served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. JAMESB. RICHARD· SON, 58, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1967 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Mississippi, he upgraded his skills to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Brother Richardson has retired to Henderson, Nev. BOBBY SPENCER, 61 , joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Madaket, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, Brother Spencer signed off the Sea-La.nd Independence. The Georgia native served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He makes his home in Westminster, S.C. WILLIAMC. STEELE, 57, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in Port Arthur, Texas. Born in Arkansas, he t--=====--.1 worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the USNS Algol. From 1959 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Steele has retired to Jasper, Texas. LOUISJ. TALARICO, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1958 aboard theA.M. Byers, a Great Lakes vessel. The Cleveland native later transferred to the deep sea division. Brother Talarico worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Discovery. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. He calls Tucson, Ariz. home. JOHN E. WARD,71, first sailed with the SIU in 1946 from the port of New Orleans. The deck ==-===== department member last sailed in 1991 aboard the Del Mar, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. A native of Mississippi, he makes his home in Clinton. WILLIAMC. WEEKLEY SR., 56, started his career with the Seafarers in 1968. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the HM/ Defender, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. Brother Weekley has retired to Bay Minette, Ala. OSCARC. WILEY JR., 59, began sailing with the SIU in 1967, aboard the Steel Artisan, ~ operated by =---'= Isthmian Lines. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1987. Brother Wiley last sailed aboard the USNS Chesapeake. From 1956 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Oakland, Calif. BERTRAND A. WRIGHT, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1958 from the port of Mobile, Ala., aboard the Warrior, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1959 and worked in the steward qepartment, last sailing aboard the Cape Jacob, operated by American Overseas Marine. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Alabama native calls Mobile home. - Continued on page 20 Seafarers LOG 17 ~ J 1 �Anal Departures DEEP SEA the Lundeberg School. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Brandon, Fla. and re ti red in January 1987. VAGN ANDERSEN Pensioner Vagn Andersen, 84, passed away September 23, , 1998. Born in Denmark, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1956 aboard the ...,_____ _ _ _ ___. Montebello Hills. Brother Andersen sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1979. He was a resident of San Francisco. CAROL H. CARROLL Carol H. Carroll, 65, passed away October 24, 1998. Born in Illinois, she started her career with the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded her skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Sister Carroll was a resident of Etna, Calif. VICTOR A. COVER Pensioner Victor A. Cover, 80. passed away November 5, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port ~-----'---'=..I of Philadelphia. Brother Cover sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1939 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. A resident of Rocky Mount, N.C., he began receiving his pension in November 1983. ANACLETO DELGADO Pensioner Anacleto Delgado, 88 died November I, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New '------=~--"'=---'York. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Delgado resided in Rio Piedras, P.R. and retired in December 1975. LAURI A. EDSTROM Pensioner Lauri A. Edstrom, 85, passed away October 17, 1998. Brother Edstrom began sailing with the Seafarers in 1944 from the ==---==----===i port of Galvest on, Texas. Born in Finland, he worked in the steward department as a chief cook. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Finland, he began receiving his pension in September 1975. EDWIN M. FELKER Pensioner Edwin M. Felker, 71, died November 10, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Felker sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at 18 Seafarers LOG BENJAMIN E. FOWLER Pensioner ' Benjamin E. Fowler, 78, ' passed away October 27, 1998. A native of Georgia, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968. Brother Fowler worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Leader, operated by Ogden Marine, Inc. A resident of Cumming, Ga., he started receiving his pension in August 1986. i...:.__======.i LUIGI GALLO Pensioner Luigi Gallo, 84, died October 20, 1998. Brother Gallo was a charter member of the SIU. havini joined the union in 1938 in the port of New York. Born in Maine. he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. A reddent of Chid:a~aw, Ala .. he retired in October 1977. FRANCISCO A. GONZALEZ Pensioner Francisco A. Gonzalez, 75, passed away October 17, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of Baltimore. A .___ _ _ _ __, native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in December 1986. Brother Gonzalez resided in Arecibo, P.R. PAUL C. GUILLORY Pensioner Paul C. Guillory, 79, died October 10, 1998. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Lake Charles, La. ~~~=====~:::!l Brother Guillory worked in the engine department, first sailing aboard the Bents Fort. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army, from 1941 to 1945. A native of Louisiana, he retired to Mamou in July 1984. SATURNINO HERNANDEZ Pensioner Saturnina Hernandez, 79, passed away November 9, 1998. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in =-==..:...--=== 1943 in the port of New York. His first ship was the John McDonogh, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in August 1981, Brother Hernandez signed off the San Pedro, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He was a resident of Aguadilla, P.R. PAUL JAKUBCSAK Pensioner Paul Jakubcsak, 80, died October 17, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1942 in his native New York. Brother Jakubcsak sailed as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in December 1965. He was a resident of Flushing, N.Y. RAYMOND K. KIRBY career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, 1 Calif., sailing in the engine department. Brother Mitchell served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. A resident of Canby, Ore., he started receiving his pension in September 1992. PATRICK T. WILKINSON NORMAN OKRAY INLAND Pensioner Norman Okray, 77, died October 25, 1998. Brother Okray joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. A native of Michigan, he sailed in the deck department. He was a resident of Baltimore and began receiving his pension in March 1982. Walter L. Blume, 48, died September 23, 1998. A native of Texas, he first sailed with the SIU in 1989. Boatman Blume sailed as an engineer, primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. He was a resident of Galveston, Texas. Pensioner Patrick T. Wilkinson, 70, passed away November 24, 1998. Born in Missouri, he joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of St. Louis. Starting out in the inland division, he later transferred to deep sea vessels. Brother Wilkinson sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in February 1990. He lived in Paducah, Ky. From 1945 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Navy. WALTER L. BLUME Pensioner Raymond K. Kirby, 83, passed away October 16, 1998. Born in Oklahoma, he WILBERT W. MAIN began his ====~___,,...,.., Pensioner career with the Wilbert W. '-'----====-----' Marine Cooks WOODROW W. REID Main, 56, died and Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 from November 6, Pensioner the port of San Francisco, before 1998. A native WoodrowW. that union merged with the SIU's Reid, 83, passed of North Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Carolina, he away October Waters District (AGLIWD). A resibegan his career 30, 1998.The dent of Daly City, Calif., Brother South Carolina with the Kirby retireo in March 1978. native started = = = Seafarers in his career with 1960 from the port of Norfolk, Va. the SIU in 1944 Boatman Main last sailed as a capBRADFORD L. MACK in the port of tain. A resident of Blounts Creek, Bradford L. N.C., he started receiving his penBaltimore. He sailed in the steward Mack, 50, died sion in December 1992. department and retired in August October 20, 1979. Brother Reid made his home 1998. Brother in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Mack graduated JOHN L. SANBORN from the John L. Lunde berg Sanborn, 58, School's entry Linda L. Schell, passed away level training 48, died August September 22, ,., program in 24, 1998. Sister 1998. Born in 1966 and joined the Seafarers in the Schell began New York, he port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship sailing with the joined the SIU was the Tamara Gui/den. He sailed Seafarers in in 1995 in the in the steward department as a chief 1987 from the port of Houston. cook and was a resident of Long port of Houston. __:'fl..::'·= He sailed as a Beach, Calif. The Alabama native Born in Oregon, tugboat captain and upgraded freserved in the U.S. Army from 1969 -'-'-----"-='-"-'-'==.. she worked in quently at the Lundeberg School. to 1971. the steward department and upgraded From 1961 to 1964, he served in the at the Lundeberg School, where she U.S. Army. Boatman Sanborn lived graduated from the steward recertifiDISCORO MILITAR in Eatontown, N.J. cation program in 1990. She was a Pensioner resident of Kent, Wash. Discoro Militar, 98, passed away GREAT LAKES September 28, HARRY N. SCHORR 1998. A native Pensioner Harry of the EDWARD W. BRINK N. Schorr, 86, Philippines, he passed away " Edward W. started his September 26, Brink, 69, career with the 1998. He joined passed away SIU in 1943 in the SIU in 1953 September I , the port of New York. Brother in the port of 1998. Brother Militar sailed as a chief steward and New York. Brink joined the began receiving his pension in During his Seafarers in December 1973. He lived in ....._~-""""""""" career, he sailed 1959 in the port Hercules, Calif. in the steward department and was of Duluth, active in union organizing drives. A ======= Minn. He sailed HERBERT A. MILLARD veteran of World War II, he served in as a member of the engine departthe U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. A r~jiii;jijjii!iiiiiia--, Pensioner ment. The Ohio native served in the resident of Hemet, Calif., Brother Herbert A. U.S. Army from 1947 to 1950. Schorr began receiving his pension Millard, 71, Brother Brink was a resident of in March 1977. died October Clyde, Mich. 15, 1998. He joined the FREDERICK WIDPP Seafarers in TERRANCE W. HENRETTA ....,....--:::;~~:::;;;:;;:;:;:;:;;::::::i Pensioner 1964 in the port ., Terrance W. '"• ' Frederick of Houston. His Whipp, 86, died Henretta, 58, ==--===== first ship was October 31, passed away the Niagara, operated by Sea 1998. Brother October 27, Transport Inc. The Ohio native sailed Whipp started 1998. Brother in the engine department and retired his career with in August 1990. Brother Millard was Henretta joined the Seafarers in a resident of San Francisco. From the Seafarers in 1956 in the port , 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. 1971 in the port ..._====== of Baltimore. A ===....:=-:====i of Navy. Detroit. A native of Maryland, he sailed in the native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in engine department and attended an EDWARD G. MITCHELL the deck department. From 1959 to educational conference at the 1964, he served in the U.S. Marine Lundeberg School in 1970. He was a Pensioner Edward G. Mitchell, 71, Corps. He was a resident of resident of Baltimore and retired in passed away November 6, 1998. January 1978. Belleville, Mich. Born in Massachusetts, he started his i.;;.,;..._ January 1999 �pigest ~f Shipboard· . Union Meetings ·''the Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests otunion shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space " limitations, some will be omitted. · .Ships mlnutestlrst are reviewed by the union's contract depadment. Th~s~ ~~UBS; requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union · · ·· upon.111c.elpt.ol the shipsJ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded · . :. · ·· to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line), July 19-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Dan Gibbons, Deck Delegate Joseph Sauzek, Steward Delegate Pablo Alvarez. Chairman announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. July 21. Secretary advised crew members to help keep ship clean by returning dishes to galley and being careful with dirty shoes. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer announced $224 in movie fund but noted that with such short port time, movies have not been purchased recently. He will try to buy some this trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or steward departments. Engine delegate requested clarification of crane overtime to eliminate future problems. Crew requested infonnation on outcome of contract negotiations. Question raised re~arding supper relief for helmsman. Larger ice machine needed; alttrt\a.tivcly. individual refrigerators needed in each room. Next pon; Freeport, Bahamas. $EA LllJN (Crowley American :Fransport), August 17-Chairman Don Hamrick, Secretary Patton L, Cnldwell, Educational Director Rkhard Hannon. Chairman reminded crew of necessi y o paying dues. He also reminded everyone to take time to ensure working spaces are clean, orderly and safe. Al owing clutter to build up without corrective action will, at some point, endanger safety of those aboard vessel. Special care should be given when using hand tools. Educational director urged eligible crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Paul Hall Center. Captain will purchase movies for crew; is accepting requests. Several beefs reported which were resolved at meeting. Next port: New York. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Maritime Overseas), September 26-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Ray Shinpoch. Chairman announced payoff in Richmond, Calif. September 29. Steward asked crew to exercise more caution when walking around ship with cups of coffee. Crew requested ice machine for crew mess since galley to be kept locked at night. Educational director encouraged members to apply for upgrading courses at Piney Point to increase skills and be up-to-date on new required courses. He also reminded everyone to get training record books (TRBs) as soon as possible. Thanks given to first engineer, who donated money to ship's movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck department thanked SIU Apprentice Kevin McArdell for doing great job on deck during his month with them, and steward delegate noted apprentice is now with them and has also been doing great job. Clarification requested on penalty work (rest periods) for deck day workers on port watches. Crew also requested clarification on how to handle situation when someone ships out and gets noti- January 1999 tied after joining vessel that he got accepted into course at Piney Point and needs to report to school for class after only month or two after signing on. AIJ members asked to keep noise down on deck and not slam doors since there is always someone off watch trying to sleep. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Thanks also given to new DEU, Guy Leary, for great job. Next ports: Ferndale, Wash. and Richmond. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), September 13Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Deck Delegate Gregorio C. Cudal, Engine Delegate Benny A. Orosco. Chairman stated payoff to take place September 18 in port of Tacoma, Wash. Crew members advised to keep room doors locked while in port and have set of linen ready for replacement personnel. Educational director urged everyone to put in application for upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Report from headquarters announced larges:t fire fighting school in country dedicated to marine-related tires: to be built in Piney Point. It is scheduled to open in 1999 and will be named in memory of former Vice President oe h co. u ·on mad reserve one washing machine for greasy clothing and one for regular laundry. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land Service), September 27Chairman Lothar Reck, Secretary Richard Paulson, Educational Director E.B. Perreira, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Steward Delegate Thomas Gingerich. Chairman reminded crew members that TRB is needed to ship. He noted that while shipping has been fairly good, union needs to keep ever vigilant in order not to lose jobs. One way to help is by contributing to SPAD. Educational director added that upgrading skills at Lundeberg School is another way to keep union strong. Treasurer announced $182 in movie fund and $2.54 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to continue to do good jobs. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), October 11-Chairman Reginald Watkins, Secretary Albert Coale Jr., Educational Director J. Badgett, Deck Delegate Ron G. Owens, Engine Delegate Guadalupe Campbell, Steward Delegate Peter L. Crum. Chairman reminded crew members of payoff October 17 and asked all those getting off to make sure rooms are ready for replacements, dirty linen put in bags and all dishes and silverware returned to galley. Secretary noted upgrading at Paul Hall Center can help Seafarers comply with various new regulations impacting mariners. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce number of days required for retirement MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line), October 20Chairman Nathaniel A. Allin, Secretary Elena R. Curley, Educational Director Floyd Acord, Deck Delegate Eugenio S. deSousa, Steward Delegate S. Suraredjo. Chairman passed on message from Maersk Lines that, as of August 1998, unlicensed personnel welding on board ship will receive penalty rate. He thanked crew for outstanding job and asked everyone to help keep ship clean"it's always easier when everyone chips in." Secretary asked members to turn in bedding before arrival in Charleston, S.C. for laundry service. Educational director stressed need to obtain TRBs. He also handed out upgrading applications for Piney Point courses. Treasurer announced $22 in ship's fund. Anyone wishing to contribute to fund for future purchase of movies is welcome to do so. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on articles in LOG, including President's Report and status of Ready Reserve Fleet. Many crew members had served on prepositioning ships in past. Inquiries made regarding allotments as well as collection of unemployment benefits to be sent to contracts department. Crew requested steward department to order new pillows and shower curtains. Brother deSousa worked with captain on purchase of gym equipment. The weights should be in Charleston upon arrival. Hearty cheer given to steward department, "which is by far the best any of us has had the pleasure to sail with. We all have to call Weight Watchers before vacation." Next pons: Rotterdam, Holland; LeHavre, France; and Miami. OVeRSEAS VIVIAN (Maritime Overseas), October 2-Chairman Robert Zepeda, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational Director M. W. R b rso , Deck Delegate Stanley Williams, Steward Delegate Louis C. Johnson. Chairman announced payoff in Lake Charles on or about October 6. New crew lounge furniture now aboard ship. Crew members encouraged to check z-cards for expiration and obtain TRBs in order to continue sailing. Secretary reminded everyone payoff cannot occur until patrolman settles all beefs. Educational director recommended upgrading at Piney Point to increase job skills. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. None reported by engine and steward delegates. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship), October 12Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Miguel A. Pabon, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Jr., Engine Delegate L. Craig. Chairman noted good trip with payoff in New Orleans. Question raised about payment for Paul Hall holiday. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Response received from headquarters regarding previous question on retirement Suggestion made that DEUs rotate weeks in engine and deck departments. Crew requested cable for TV in crew quarters. Also asked that air conditioner in crane be insulated to prevent seepage of gas from stacks. Next ports: Morehead City, N.C. and New Orleans. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), October 11Chairman Roy Williams, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Sellers T. Brook, Deck Delegate John T. Emrich, Engine Delegate Rebecca Gaytan, Steward Delegate Joseph F. Laureta. Chairman told crew members of his vacation following payoff in Long Beach, Calif. on October 15. Secretary reported $40 in movie fund after purchase of three new videos. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of facilities at Lundeberg School for upgrading skills and wages. He also reminded them of necessity of applying for TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for good meals and clean ship. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), October 3Chairman M. Rivera, Secretary Franklyn Cordero, Educational Director Frank Bemer, Engine Delegate Jose E. Villot, Steward Delegate Robert T. Arana. Bosun reminded all crew members to work as safely as possible in port and at sea and to separate garbage same day. He asked those getting off ship to get clean linens for replacement personnel and reminded crew members to keep doors locked in port. Secretary thanked chief cook for preparing fresh tuna in Guam. Educational director stated importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center to fill union jobs and earn better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read President's Report in LOG to crew members and discussed trouble spots around globe and importance of maintaining U.S.-crewed, U.Sflagged merchant fleet. Vote of thanks given to steward department for well-prepared meals. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. Pushing Education With Each Meal Ovidio Crespo, who sails as a cook aboard the Sam Houston, serves up another delicious meal to his fellow crew members. Crespo notes that the master and crew on the Waterman Steamship vessel thanked the galley gang for a job well done this voyage. In addition to his cooking role, Crespo is an advocate for the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., stressing the need for all Seafarers to continue their education by upgrading their skills--for their job security and for the future of the union. from regular trash in order to comply with new ocean dumping laws. He also noted importance of getting TRBs to continue sailing. Secretary stated vessel rerouted to Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R. and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic to help with hurricane relief efforts. Educational director stressed importance of donating to SPAD and upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked SIU President Michael Sacco for job security, especially in military field. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Next port: Jacksonville. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), October 20Chairman Edward M. Cain, Secretary William Burdette, Educational Director Ramona P. Gayton, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Jesus Pilare, Steward Delegate Abdul Gabar H. Ahmed. Secretary noted that, while in Shanghai, unauthorized people (mainly Chinese dock guards) have been entering house unescorted for food and juice. Educational director stated clarification needed on who should sign off on TRBs. Treasurer announced $550 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Engine delegate noted some disputed OT regarding rate for burning trash. Steward delegate also reported on death of Chief Cook (and good friend) Bradford Mack. Collection to be taken up for family of Brother Mack. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), October 18Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McClusky, Educational Director Edmond Hawkins Jr., Deck Delegate Gregorio C. Cudal. Chairman announced good trip; crew worked well together. Arrival in Tacoma expected October 23 with payoff SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), October 4Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Educational Director Lorance Pence, Deck Delegate Dennis J. Goodwin, Engine Delegate William E. Cassel, Steward Delegate Edward J. Rue. Chairman reported good voyage with plenty of quality work being performed. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep living spaces and common areas clean. Educational director reminded crew members to turn in TRBs for mate to sign off on drills, training, etc. LOG has articles on procedures for using TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT in deck and steward departments. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Requests made to keep laundry room door closed when doing laundry at night and keep volume down on TV during meal hours. Bosun suggested double-bagging plastic trash for more sanitary conditions. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship), October 11-Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Claude C. Hollings III, Educational Director M. B. Santos. Chairman informed crew members of STCW requirements, including fire fighting, fire prevention, first aid and personal safety/ social responsibilities. TRBs also needed in order to register to ship. Educational director advised going to Piney Point to upgrade skills and earn more money. He also stressed importance of keeping SIU on top by contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $750 in ship's fund. No beefs or disput~d OT reported. Recommendation to reduce amount of sea time needed for retirement to be sent to contracts department. While in Suez Canal, everyone asked to keep doors closed. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work. Next port: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG AND DREDGE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period January I, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial statements Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,439,884. These expenses included $184, 141 in administrative expenses and $1,255,743 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 567 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits . The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $24,527 ,804 as of December 31, 1997, compared to $22,322,968 as of January l, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,204,836. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $3,644,720, including employer contribution of $239,143, employee contributions of $27,851, realized gains of $682,693 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $2,695,033. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: l. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; 4. service provider and trustee information; and 5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charges to cover copying costs will be $2.80 for the full repon, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also hnve the right to roooive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charie. a srntement of 115:;elli and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the J)lan and accompanying notes, or both. If you roquMt 11 CODY Of the full annual report from the plan administrator. these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as pan of 1hat reporr. The charge to cover copying co:m given above doo:; not include a charge for the copying or these portions of the repon because these portions arc furnished without charge. You also have the legally protech:id right to examine the annual report !lt the main office of the plilll (Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan. 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Wa:>hington D.C., or to obtain a ~opy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying 1rosts. RC(luescs co the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-j63K, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001. for the period January I, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ER ISA). Seafaring wives (above right) arrived at the picket site in a multi-colored bus, complete with banners showing their views, and shared in their support for the striking Steelworkers. As Seafarers joined the picket lines in support of Steelworkers Local 7945 in Tacoma, Wash. recently. many were accompanied by their wives and other family members. Arriving at the picket site in a multi-colored bus bearing banners reading "Women Supporting Unions," the group helped carry signs protesting Kaiser Aluminum's treatment of Lhe Steelworkers and provided welcome snacks throughout the day for the picketers. Kaiser Aluminum wants to cut employment levels at all five of its plants (two in Spokane, Wash. and one each in Newark, Ohio; Tacoma, Wash. and Gramercy, La.), including 32 jobs at the Tacoma site. The company also wants the right to contract out hundreds of other jobs. Under Kaiser's new proposal, wages, pensions and health insurance benefits would not conform to industry standards (like those at Alcoa or Reynolds). Additionally, Kaiser's proposal of a five-year contract would lock the SLeelworkers into a substandard agreement with no hope of improvement. Giving Support and Java, Too! Chief Steward Scott Opsahl (second from left) of Tacoma, Wash. shows his support for the striking Steelworkers by donating coffee and services from his mobile espresso van which he built in between tours of duty. "It definitely takes the edge off the picket line." says Opsahl, as he pours a hot double mocha grande for a brother Steelworker. Opsahl. a member since 1 80, started his SIU career as a waiter aboard the SS Independence. He attributes his perfect scores with the countless health inspectors throughout Washington state to the upgrading program at Piney Point, Md., which emphasizes sanitation. Opsahl, who traded in his beer mug for a thermal coffee cup two years ago, also thanks the union's ARC program for helping him. Besides county fairs, festivals and Harley-Davidson events, he also offers his services to the United Way and other non-profit organizations, donating to them a percentage of his gross sales. With him in the above photo are Skip Prior (an AFSCME representative who is documenting the U.S. labor movement) and some of the camera crew filming the picket and striking Steelworkers. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $26,472. These expenses included $26,472 in administrative expenses. A total of 3,958 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,018,318 as of December 31, 1997, compared to $568,467 as of January l, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,449,851. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $1,476,323, including employer contributions of $1,386,906, employee contributions of $10,952, and earnings from invescments of $78,465. Your Rights To AddHional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: I. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of .5 percent of plan assets; and 4. service provider and trustee infonnation. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.60 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 520 I Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S . Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 20 Seafarers LOG Pensioners JIMMIEL. CRABTREE, Continued from page 17 INLAND CHARLESR. CHARNOCK,62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1970. The Virginia native = = = = = = = upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the towboat operators program in 1973. Boatman Charnock sailed as a captain, primarily with Piney Point Transportation and last signed off the M. Jeanne Dudley. He makes his home in Tangier, Va. ENRIQUE CLEMENTE, 49, joined the SIU in 1979 in Puerto Rico. Born in New York, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Clemente sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. He has retired to Rio Piedras, P.R. 54, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977. A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Valour, a Maritrans vessel. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967. Boatman Crabtree calls Tampa, Fla. home. WILLIAM P. DANIEL, 56, joined the SIU in 1967. Born in Virginia, he sailed as a captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the tug Sea Tern, operated by Allied Towing Co. Boatman Daniel makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. THOMASB. HANN, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Hann worked as an engineer, last sailing aboard the Spartan, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Massachusetts, he has retired to Plymouth. RALPHV. HUGHES, 62, first saiJed with the SIU in 1957. Boatman Hughes sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement, he last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. The New Jersey native makes his home in Pennsauken. RICHARDB. JERVAS, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in New Jersey, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Jervas last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He calls Camden, N.J. home. January 1999 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Carnival Cruise Ships Still Don't Get It I finally saw a news brief about the results of the NationaJ Transportation Safety Board's findings and recommendations to the Carnival Co. after their near disaster July 20. The bold type heading simply stated, "Cruise ships urged to clean laundry vents." That was three months ago. It is a moot point. What needs to be addressed is the attitude and arrogance of the Carnival officials during the ship's fire. Does a piece of paper confirming their vents are clean give them carte blanche privileges to begin cruises again? Did the board forget the evasive and disingenuous communication from the captain to the Coast Guard7 Some sources indicate that had they entered international walers, they would have ignored any outside intervention. Thanks to the tenacity of the U.S. Coast Guard, a potentially volatile situation was averted. If it were not for the seriousness of the situation, cleaning vents would be considered a joke. What of passengers' complaints about the lack of communication? The Jast thing a passenger needs, when querying the ever-condescending cabin person about a smoke-filJed room, is a bow from the waist, a toothy grin and a blank stare. Anthony Nottumo Villas, N .J. .. . A Different Perspective On Keeping Jones Act The letter below was written in response to a letter to the editor which appeared in the October 27, 1998 edition of The Wall Street Journal. That letter fol lows. Dear Mr. Boudreaux, Not knowing the exact nature of your business nor the motivation behind your letter to The Wall Street Journal on scuttling the Jones Act, I will nonetheless try to express a different perspective toward its preservation. I work as a second mate/barge captain for one of the Jargest movers of petroJeum products on the eastern seaboard. Along with seven other crew members, most of us performing two jobs, we work a large seagoing tug and barge unit (200,000 bbls) that operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. We deliver our products-gasoline, jet fuel and home heating oil-safeJy, efficiently and at a reasonable cost to the consumer as reflected by the Jow prices at the pump. Our U.S.-tlag vessels are well maintained, make periodic visits to U.S. shipyards for overhauls, and we follow all the U.S. Coast Guard's regulations for a safe, responsible operation. The same could not be said if subdstandard foreign vessels with ill-trained polyglot crews were allowed into the trade. It is true we cannot compete with Chinese or Filipino seamen making a couple of hundred dollars a month, but I don't think we should have to. Doing that would be comparable to the Foundation for Economic Education firing you and bringing in a third worJd guy as president solely because he would work for $500 a month, plus room and board. Our system works fine as it stands, not only generating jobs for U.S. workers, but also putting toes of money into the U.S. economy and keeping the lifeblood (petroleum) of the nation flowing in a consistent. safe and economical way. Harry T. Scholer Orlando. Fla. The following is the letter in The Wall Street Journal to which Brother Scholer responded. Jeff Lagana recently attended the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. to earn his AB rating. While there, he also received three college credits for successfully completing all requirements for English 102: English Composition and Literature, a course that emphasizes development of analytical and essay-writing skills. A Maryland native, Lagana was a graduate of the first class in the new unlicensed apprentice program at the school. Before returning t? the school to upgrade, he sailed on an LNG ship carrying liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Japan. Presenting Lagana with his certificate of completion is his instructor, Joan I. Miles, Ph.D. 5 CALENDAR ...Q CJ ~ i . ~· January - The Industrial Workers of the World was founded in Chicago in 1905. Known as "Wobblies " these advocates of revolutiona~ unionism believed that only by builriing "one big union" could the wor :ers of the world combine to ove1 throw the management class. 2 Lo~don's had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. Ascab is atwo-legged animal with a cork-screw soul a water-logged brain. a combinau'on backbone of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, in 1929. In addition to his contribution to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, King was an earnest crusader for labor, particularly municipal and hospital workers. 1S Ralph Chapin published the 17 famous labor anthem "Solidarity Forever" in 1915. Nove_listJack birth12 day, m 1876. This excerpt is Amalgamated Meat Cutascribed to the author: "After God 26 The ters and Butcher Workmen January 1999 Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart's defense of the Jones Act is internally inconsistent (Letters to the Editor, Oct. 21). He begins by asserting that protecting the U.S. maritime fleet is necessary because of this fleet's importance to national security. Presumably, without the trade protection provided by the Jones Act, our fleet's size would dangerously shrink. But Mr. Hart ends by trumpeting the great economic efficiencies of our current fleet. If American flagships are as efficient as Mr. Hart reports, then they need no protection from foreign ships. Indeed, the greater competition promised by repealing the Jones Act would generate even greater efficiencies in U.S. shipbuilding and shipping. Donald J, Boudreaux President, Foundation for Economic Education Irvington-On-Hudson, N.Y. of North America was born in 1897 when it received a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) to organize "every wage earnerfrom the man who takes the bullock at the house until it goes into the hands of the consumer." The Meat Cutters merged with the Retail Clerks International Union in 1979 to form the UFCW. Samuel Gompers, the first 27 president of the AFL. was born in 1850 in London, England. He emigrated to the U.S. as a youth. A cigarmaker by trade, Gompers received some of the education that shaped his approach to unionism through his work on the shop floor. The core leadership of the trade union movement built in the 1880s came from similar groups of politicized workers. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SID Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halJs. If member& believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers AppeaJs Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times. either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in aU SIU halJs. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in au constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the sru unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as aU other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set fonh in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be soJicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SID President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 21 .J �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG 1 ""~.1 I li='FROAT SCHOOL CLASS ':-~, J. !'IJifs~ Trainee Water Survival Class 582-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 582 are (from left, kneeling) Timothy Bixby, Arthuro Ybarra Jr., Dennis Wilson, Nabil Ahmed, (second row) Aaron Thomas, Roger Steward, Thomas Larusso, Clifton Doonis and Ben Cusic (instructor). ""'"-. ~~· QMED-Completing their QMED training on November 13 are (from left, front row) Steve Ondreako, Jeffrey Fields, Michael Birke, Troy Williams, Clarence Ritchie, (second row) Robert Rogers, Randolph Patterson, Lothar Wick, James T. Beatty, Keith T. Adams and Drew Brown. Advanced Firefighting-Upgrading SIU members completing the advanced firefighting course on October 24 are {from left, kneeling) Alan Hollinger, Gustavo Osorio, Robert Pesulima, Domingo Barroga Jr., Philip Parisi, James Shepard, (second row) Harry Galdeira, Wan Salim. Emmanuel Wabe, Gabriel Arhin, Stormie Combs (instructor), {third row) Bryan Bush, Walter R. Seals. Stephen Swinton and Paul Curtis. Basic Firefighting-Upgrading graduates of the September 25 basic firefighting class are (from left, kneeling) Clarence Fortt, Abdul Alawy, Ali Akmar, William L. Mohica Jr., Josef Wouthuyzen, Wilton F. Caballero, (second row) Jesse A . Osborne, Tomas C. Robinson, Abdulhoma Mosa, Sergio Rojas, John Bulawan, Elpidio A Toyco and Stormie Combs (instructor) . FOWT-Eaming their FOWf endorsements on October 30 are (from left. kneeling) Jason A. Strickler, Michael Pierce, Jeffrey Ryan, David Dehart, William Young, (second row) Keith Manzano Jr., Joshua Ryan, Adam Ippolito, Robert McMurray, (third row) Leportre Jasper, Jermaine Love, Yakov Shubov, Myron Spivey, Levi E. Rollins, (fourth row) Glenn Wilkerson, Charles McGinnis, Timothy Flynn, Bill Romig, Mark Jones (instructor) and Jerome Schober. Able Seaman-Marking their graduation from the able seaman class on October 29 are (from left, kneeling) James Pierce, Romeo Macaraeg, Anthony Townes, Robert Jewell, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Matthew Voumard, Dave Poree, James Nottingham, Maranda Jackson, Anthony Simon, Steven Manning, Harry D. Williams Jr., (third row) J@rry Martin1!en, John Mullett. Joshua Morris and Tyron Dortch. Advanced Firefighting-Receiving their certificates of completion from the advanced firefighting course on October 2 are (from left, kneeling) David Salentre, Younis Saleh, Ali H. Ali, Rogelio Buenconsejo, Derek E. Ponamsky, (kneeling, second row) Gene Legate, Ahmed M. Saleh, Avila Cesar, Jeremie Riehm, Troy D. Banks, (third row) Chance Gould, Keith Finnerty, Mike Sleeper, Carl Montoya, Norberto M. Vera, Timothy Taylor, John McClinton, Kenneth McGregor, (fourth row) Anthony Hammett (instructor). Walter Ratcliffe, Sidney VVhitaker. Joe Turocy and Robert Grove. Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL course on November 27 are (from left, kneeling) Mark McNabb, Robert Rocanelli, Walter S. Harris, Gayl Payton, Lorie Christmas, (second row) Jennifer R. Cronin, John Conn, Michael Brown, Dennis S. Adjetey, Walter R Seals, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Michael Hester, Charles Abell, Ron Lupinacci, Erik Haik and Steve Cluff Jr. LNG Recertification-Graduating from the LNG recertification class on October 28 are (from left, first row) Gustavo Osorio, Maurice Baptiste, Robert Pesulima, Domingo Barroga Jr., Emmanuel Wabe, Gabriel Arhin, Russ Levin (instructor), (second row) Philip Parisi, James Shepard, Walter R. Seals, Wan Salim, Bryan Bush, Stephen Swinton and Paul Curtis. ~ 22 Seafarers LOG January 1999 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1999 UPBRAOING COURSE SCHEDULE ;nit! following is the;schedule fof classes ,beginning in January and running thrpugh April 1999. at .the Seafarers Harry' Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at.the Paul .~l€entetf~rMaritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.All programs are "' geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industr)'. ·Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the · maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation•s security. ···'Stuctents·· atiending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their •course"s start date. The courses listed here wiU begin promptly on the rooming of the ··start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Luttdeberg.,Sc~ool may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses ......... ............. ......... '.,. Start Date Date of Completion January 11 April 5 February 19 May14 M~l"(h MaKh 12 1 ·. . ~d~t ·kecertification (one day) March 12 :'.>:Automatic Radar Pfotting ~ids March 15 · (ARPA) Course Start Date Date of Completion Bo$Un Recertification March22 May3 Steward ~ecertification February 1 March9 Safety Spee/atty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) January 11 January 30 February 15 April 12 March6 Mayl Basic Firefighting January 18 January 25 February 1 March 8 January 23 January 30 February6 March 13 April 17 April 12 · Advanced Firefighting . March 19 . Bridge Management · Recertification Programs Goverrunent Vessels March 22 April 2 February 22 April 19 January 23 March6 Mayl Febnmry 1 Marchl March 22 February 19 March 19 April 9 January 12 February 6 March6 April 3 .Feb!aury 12 ····.February 26 April 2 · . Gall~y 'Oper.,~onsl ···January 11, 18, 25, Advanced Galley Operations · ·(Every week, starting Jan. 11) February 1, 8, 15, 22 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Certified Chief Cook/ . Chief Steward January 11, 25 February 8, 22 March 8, 22 . (Every_ other week, starti;,g Jan... 11) English as a Second Language (ESL~ January 25 or Adult Basic Education (ABE) March5 High Schqol Equivalen~y ~r~gram April 2 January 12 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and . · ·· · . · .. . Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be seni: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatil'l'}e for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and OMED l!Jl.plicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their 4J!J!lication. The pavment should be made with a monev order onlv. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone----------- Deep Sea Member D BEGIN DATE END DATE Dare of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: D No S I G N A T U R E - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes 0 No Firefighting: D Yes 0 No CPR: D Yes 0 No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - January 1999 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 Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 1199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise quali fied, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 - �Summary Annual Reports for Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan may be found on page 20. U.S. Government Investigates, ITF Pact Aids Crew Runaway-Bag Champion Trader &plodes; 1 KiHed Editor's note: Accidents are commonplace aboard runawayjlag vessels, but there is something unusual about the recent explosion and oil spill involving the Champion Trader. Namely, the fatal mishap aboard the Panamanian-flag ship took place in Louisiana waters, thereby providing a rare chance to quickly and thoroughly examine the catastrophe. The following account explores the cause of the accident, the actual explosion and the subsequent happenings, including helpful intervention by the International Transport Workers' Federation. The tale of the Champion Trader involves a reluctant. frightened group of crew mem~ bers who did not want to work on a fuel line. An explosion aboard the ship Orl~ans on October 29 killed oM mariner and injured four because those same crew members relented and worked on that fuel line. The blast also in New caused a substamiat oil spill. Normally, it is difficult to pin responsibility for investigations and prosecution to a single nation because a runaway-flag vessel may be owned, operated and manned by individuals from different countries and registered in yet another nation. For example the 20-year-old, I Recertified Bosun James Deano, who provided the photos accompanying this article, said of the runaway-flag Champion Trader, "Everything that I could see that is associated with safety was in despicable condition." Whether viewed from close range (photo at left) or afar (above), the damage to the Champion Trader is extensive, including a 35-foot hole and a winch blown off its deck mounts. Cables were used to hold hull plates after the late October explosion aboard the runaway-flag vessel in New Orleans. 531-foot Champion Trader is owned by a Norwegian company, managed by a business in Denmark, insured with a Danish P&I club, and operates under the Panamanian flag. Its crew members at the time of the accident included a Swedish master; Yugoslav chief mate, chief engineer and first assistant engineer; and 20 Filipinos. (By definition. runaway-flag ships. also known as flag-of-con· venience vessels, are carriers operating under the flag of one nation. yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to meet less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's resident nation.) Since United States law requires that the U.S. Coast Guard investigate all marine casualties in domestic waters-no matter the country of the ship's registration-the agency is examining the Champion Trader incident. This is also a ta1e of the benefits of collective bargaining agreements signed between the International Transport Workers' Federation (11F) and the operators of runaway-flag vesse1s. The IlF campaign to improve the conditions aboard such ships has achieved thousands of those agreements between the federation of more than 500 transport unions from around the world (including the SIU) and their employers. an explosion racked the Panamanian-flag ship, sending a fireball across the deck and leaving a giant 35-foot opening on the port side. The Coast Guard investigating officer, Lt. Andy Norris, said the vessel looked like a torpedoed World War II ship. SIU Recertified Bosun James Deano, who provided the photos accompanying this article, boarded the Norwegian-owned, Danish-managed vessel six days after the explosion. The nine-year SIU member said the damage was so extensive that, had the vessel been at sea, it would have perished. ITF Inspector Dwayne Boudreaux, who also saw the ship after SIU-crewed tugs brought it upriver, said the explosion "shattered the windows all the way up in the wheelhouse and oil was all over the ship." While visiting the vessel, Deane spoke to Allen Venzon, the ship's bosun, who told him the following: A cracked fuel line needed repair. The chief engineer showed the welder what to do. The welder refused because it was not safe. The chief insisted, telling the welder he does this all the time. After the chief's insistence, the welder proceeded. While the welder was working on the fuel line, the blast occurred. Norris, noting that the Coast Guard's investigation is ongoing, said it appears either the chief engineer or the first assistant engineer "were the ones who controlled that evolution." bunkers as soon as it tied up. The crew believed that the hole in the fuel line, discovered three to five days earlier, would have delayed the process, hence the decision to weld. Norris said the fuel line itself was intact after the explosion. "What blew was actually a port bunker tank about I 0 feet away" from the fuel line, Norris said. The port bunker tank is separated by a valve from the fuel line where the welding took place. Something happened that afternoon on October 29 that allowed an igniting substance-perhaps a spark or a flame-to travel into the fuel tank. Norris noted, "Which begs the question: What was the condition of the valve? Was it left open? Had it worked itself open? Was it that it was defective? Did it not close properly because of lack of maintenance?" Norris pointed out another area of concern: Why was a fuel line being welded in place? Prudent seamanship seemingly suggests removing that section of the fuel line, placing blank flanges at either end of the line left in place and conducting the welding in the engine room shop. 11F Inspector Boudreaux, who met the injured crew members the night of the explosion at the hospital and the remaining crew the next night at their hotel, was told that the welding started the morning of the 29lh and proceeded smoothly. Work on the fuel line began again after lunch. Soon thereafter the blast occurred. Bunker Tank Blows One Dead, Four Injured Explosion Rocks Slllp According to Norris (the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office/ New Orleans casualty investigator assigned to this case), the vessel was scheduled to take on Engine Cadet Lagnayo Reynaldo died in the blast. He evidently was near the port break, Norris said. "He was apparently propelled into the overhead by the The mighty blast on the Champion Trader occurred at about 3:30 p.m., at the mouth of the Mississippi River. In seconds, L SIU boatmen from Crescent Towing helped move the Champion Trader following the accident. Pictured from left to right aboard the Admiral Jackson are SIU Deckhands Jason Hughes and Bobby Milan, along with Captain Jack Donner. Shown aboard the Glenn Smith are Captain Thomas White (in wheelnouseJ, Engineer James Flatman (standing at sign's left) and Deckhand John Phillips. force of the explosion. He died of apparent head injuries." Welder/fitter Romeo Labapis's hands were burned; Marcelino Serviento, a wiper, suffered metal fragments in the face; and another crew member injured his back. The New Orleans pilot who was navigating the vessel up the river stood on the port side of the bridge when the explosion's upward force caused him to suffer injuries to his right knee, left hand, elbow and shoulder, along with cuts to his face and g1ass in his right eye, according to Norris. Fireball and Pollutlon As fuel was low in the port bunker tank. there was sufficient vapor to cause an immense explosion, sending a fireball above and across the deck. But, Norris noted, there was not much of a fire, and no firefighting actions were necessary. This may have been fortunate, said Deano. "While I was on board I saw the plastic potable water transfer hose in the fire station. That's not a fire hose and it shouldn't be used for fighting fires. As soon as that hose would be exposed to flames or laid on a hot deck, it would melt away or fall apart." The blast's impact folded the deck from the site of the explosion-both forward and aft, Norris said. Bosun Deane noted that the impact blew off a line winch from its deck mounts. The four tons of fuel in the port bunker tank spilled into the river. But the spill was exacerbated by 20,000 tons of palm and coconut oils from the number seven port wing cargo tank which poured into the water. That cargo tank is immediately forward of the site of the explosion. The lightness of the palm and coconut oils made cleanup difficult, taking more than a week. The severe structural damage to the vessel rendered it unseaworthy. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the vess·e1 remained restricted to a facility in New Orleans, said Norris. To Deano, the vessel looked like it had been dangerous from the start. "I'd have a problem leaving dock on that vessel because everything that I could see that is associated with safety was in despicable condition," he observed. Continued on page 9 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNIONS ANNOUNCE ELECTION RESULTS NMU RETURNS LIOEANJIE AS MEBA, TEAMSTERS SELECT NEW LEADERSHIP RAIL UNIONS ANNOUNCE MERGER SEAFARERS RENDER SUPPORT IN ‘DESERT FOX’ STRIKE NMU AFFILIATES WITH SIUNA SIU CREWS ALLIED’S NEW SEA EAGLE COAST GUARD SEEKS ‘Y2K’ COMMENTS COAST GUARD OKAYS PAUL HALL CENTER’S STCW-MANDATED BASIC SAFETY CLASSES SCHOOL FINALIZING BASIC ENGLISH TESTS APPRENTICE PROGRAM IS NOMINATED FOR ‘WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP’ AWARD STCW IMPLEMENTATION TEAM ESTABLISHED AVONDALE SEEKS FOREIGN WORKERS AS IT CONTINUES TO FIGHT UNIONIZATION RUNAWAY-FLAG CRUISE SHIP HITS REEF FOREIGN STEEL ‘DUMPING’ HURTS OTHERWISE STRONG LAKES SHIPPING SEASON AIDED BY ITF, CREW GAINS $73,000 IN BACK PAY EQUALITY STATE CREW EXCELS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILL JOB WELL DONE FOR CREW OF S-L CRUSADER 1998 A YEAR OF GROWTH AND PROMISE CABLESHIP CREW TREATED TO BBQ WHILE AWAITING BERTHING SPACE ST. LOUIS AMMV DEDICATES MONUMENT FOR WWII MARINERS SEAFARERS’ FAMILIES JOIN IN SHOW OF SOLIDARITY WITH STEELWORKERS RUNAWAY-FLAG CHAMPION TRADER EXPLODES; 1 KILLED Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 1 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/1daecec3d14d451442edc5b066e824e7.pdf 074d88b76367a476580b8780c8406db5 PDF Text Text Volume 61 Maritime in Congress Senator Lott Renews Call For Strong U.S.-Flag Fleet Number 2 NY Ferry Crew Saves Man _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 4 Norfolk SIU Hall Gets Facelift _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 4 House Coast Guard Chair Gilchrest Will Not Have Jones Act Hearings .Members React to NMU Affiliation _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 5 TAX TIPS FOR MARINERS-Pages12-13 �President's Report Terrorism at Sea Historically, piracy has been about theft and controlling sea lanes. In fact, it is defined as the robbery of ships on the high seas. But while that may have been the case centuries ago, piracy today has become outright terrorism. For a horrifying example, look no further than the Panamanian cargo ship Cheung Son that was hijacked near Hong Kong late last year. All 23 crew members reportedly were killed by the seven men who used a speed boat to intercept the vessel. The criminals actually held a party, complete with photos, to "celebrate" the event. Michael Sacco Unfortunately, this is not an isolated example. As the South China Morning Post reported, the Cheung Son case "is believed to be the ninth incident involving pirates hijacking and often murdering crews in the South China Sea in the past year." Indeed, figures released by international maritime and news organizations reveal that hundreds of mariners are taken hostage each year; dozens have been killed, on average, in the late 1990s. As one international monitoring group put it, "Modem piracy is violent, bloody and ruthless." Reports such as these are coming into the International Transport Workers Federation on a regular basis. The ITF consists of more than 500 transportation-related unions-including the SIU-from around the world. It is monitoring the increasing attacks on vessels and their crews, many of which are happening in the waters off southeast Asia since the Asian economic crisis began making headlines last year. Most of the attacks have occurred aboard smaller commercial vessels with under-trained, undermanned crews. However, the assaults are not limited to that particular part of the world. Pirate attacks can occur any place where defenses are weak and vessels are vulnerable. The Maritime Administration (MarAd) recently issued a statement noting, "Hostile actions directed at merchant shipping are a present and growing problem. These hostile actions include piracy, theft and terrorism." Crew members aren't the only ones endangered by shipboard terrorists. Last fall, 12 Indonesian pirates hijacked the Malaysian-registered tanker Petro Ranger which was loaded with 11,000 tons of fuel cargo. Imagine what would happen if a ship like that crashed into a port while the pirates were doing their misdeeds. Picture the takeover of a vessel carrying a nation's energy needs for vital industries, and what would occur if it rammed into shore. There is no doubt that the chances of an accident skyrocket while a ship is under attack. Pirates often leave fully laden vessels under way and without navigational command. Even the transfer of stolen cargo, like that aboard the Petro Ranger, poses an environmental threat. Seafarers know that it takes training and a steady hand to do tanker operations. How well-trained or calm is a terrorist when he tries to conduct fuel transfers while holding a ship hostage? MarAd lists a number of countermeasures that have been used to combat piracy. Without reciting them here, I'll guarantee that in order for those tactics to consistently be effective, they require well-trained crews. Not the kind found on runaway-flag vessels, many of whom buy their documents and have no business sailing aboard any ship. But instead, the kind of reliable, experienced mariners that compose the SIU. In fact, to make sure Seafarers are prepared to meet such a challenge, the Paul Hall Center recently expanded its curriculum so all members upgrading receive anti-terrorism training. Members who sail aboard ships contracted to the Military Sealift Command already have been receiving anti-terrorism training both at the school and aboard their vessels. These lessons provide SIU members with the basics needed to fend for themselves at sea as well as ashore. Recently, the government ordered all of its personnel who work overseas to have anti-terrorism training. The SIU is going even further. No matter if a Seafarer works aboard a government-contracted or -operated vessel or one sailing under a standard agreement, the union wants to make sure our members can take care of themselves in case an unfortunate, unexpected incident arises. We also must face the reality of possible threats to vessels through biological and chemical attacks. Already, Paul Hall Center instructors have received their certification in preparation to teach Seafarers how to deal with such dangers. We can only imagine how such a threat would be received by an untrained, unknowing crew. The SIU always has been concerned with the safety and well-being of its members, and the ships on which they sail. Through vital training such as the anti-terrorism class, the union through the Paul Hall Center continues to prepare Seafarers for the challenges and rigors of the next century. Volume 611 Number 2 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org February 1999 The Seafarers WG (ISSN I086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Mercer Retires After 50 Years of Service; Mangram Named as New I/ice President After more than 50 years of service as a mariner and union official, Roy "Buck" Mercer announced his retirement as vice president of the SIU Government Services Division. The union's executive board has appointed Kennett Mangram to fill Mercer's position. Mercer, 76, is the only person to have held the position of Government Services vice president. The post was created in 1985 shortly after the old Military Sea Transport Union (MSTU) merged into the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District following a vote by the membership. The Washington native began his seafaring career in 1942, mak- Roy "Buck" Mercer Kermett Mangram North America. He continued to work from the division's headquarters in San Francisco. "Buck Mercer has done a port agent there in 1987. Mangram was named by the SIU executive board in 1992 as assistant vice president for con- ing one trip as a messman aboard wonderful job for this union and tracts and contract enforcement. the Anny Transport Service vessel General Gorgus. He then joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in Seattle and worked his way up the galley ladder, eventually becoming a chief steward in 1948. Mercer continued to sail until 1956 "when Ed Turner pulled me off the Permanente Silverbow and made me a patrolman." He held that position in Seattle into 1961 when he was transferred to San Francisco. Soon thereafter, Mercer was named an organizer for the MSTU. By 1963, he was secretary-treasurer for the MSTU. He held that position until the merger was completed. During the 1970s, Mercer became a vice president for the Seafarers International Union of the members," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "No matter what he was asked to dofrom organizing to handling a member's special need-he did it well and gave 100 percent. "All of us in the SIU owe Buck a tremendous debt of gratitude. He will be missed, but I have every confidence that Kermett Mangram will be able to fill the tremendous shoes left by Buck." Mangram is a graduate of class 259 from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. His first assignment was aboard the Sea-Ltznd Seattle as a steward assistant in 1978. The Jacksonville, Fla. native came ashore in 1980 as a union education instructor at the school. He became a patrolman in the port of New York in 1981, then He was reelected to the post in 1996. The 44-year-old holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. He will be based in Norfolk, Va. where the Military Sealift Command (MSC) is consolidating its operations. (The Government Services Division represents unlicensed crew members aboard MSC-Pacific Fleet vessels.) Port Representative Chet Wheeler will continue to serve the members in San Francisco. Under Article X, Sections lG) and 13 of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District constitution, the president has the power to fill openings created by retirements between elections with the support of the executive board. Gore Announces Funding for NY/NJ Dredging The long-awaited dredging project at the port of New York and New Jersey-actively backed by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department-may begin as early as March, following last month's assurances from Vice President Al Gore that the five-year assignment will receive federal funding. Gore led the announcement of what has been dubbed a joint project cooperation agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the port authority. The pact paves the way for $733 million in total funding, with 75 percent coming from the federal government and 25 percent from the port authority. "President Clinton and I are committed to keeping our nation's ports competitive, and the port of New York and New Jersey is an economic engine for this entire region," the vice president said during the January 13 announcement in Port Elizabeth, N.J. "This funding, and our new partnership with the port authority will help prepare this port for a new generation of ships, keeping the port competitive and port jobs secure." The project is designed to deepen the Kill van Kull and Newark Bay channels to 45 feet (from their current depth of 40 feet). This will enable port access for many or all of the modern container vessels that require more than a 40-foot clearance. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart said the project "demonstrates what can be accomplished when the White House provides strong leadership, when a bipartisan coalition comes together to get something done, and when federal agencies are willing to work together. The result will be continued economic growth and more jo~s for the port and for the metropolitan New York ·and New Jersey region." The SIU along with MTD affiliates the International Longshoremen's Association and the International Union of Operating Engineers have worked for years to clear the various legislative, governmental and environmental hurdles to allow dredging to happen. Name the Training 'Vessel' At the Fire Fighting School Take off those helmets, roll up the hoses and get your thinking caps on! A contest is being conducted to name the "vessel" at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. The "vessel" actually is one of the buildings under construction at the facility. It is known as the burn building, where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting to learn firsthand how to battle blazes. Training aboard the "vessel" can be set up for a passenger ship, a ship's galley, an engine room, a tugboat, etc. The "vessel" will need a name when the school opens later this spring. The contest is limited to active and retired Seafarers, who may submit up to three names. The names must be received no later than April 10, 1999 for consideration. Examples of possible names are the SS Never Sail or the MV Inferno. (No obscene or foul sounding submissions will be accepted.) The judges' decision will be final. In case the same name is submitted and selected for the "vessel," the entry with the earliest postmark will be declared the winner. One grand prize and five runner-up awards will be offered. The grand prize winner will receive a ship's wheel and be invited to christen the "vessel" at the openin$J of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. Accommodations and travel expenses will be included. The five runners-up will receive SIU jackets. Winners will be announced in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG. Entries should be sent to Name the Vessel Contest, Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. February 1999 �Press Takes Notice of Runaways NY Times Lead Story Epitomizes Wave of Coverage Publicizing the plague of runaway-flag shipping is one of the main goals of the worldwide tour being conducted by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner. As the vessel resumes its North American itinerary next month on the West Coast, it brings a solid record of generating substantial U.S. media coverage. In recent months, newspapers including The New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Houston Chronicle, New Orleans Times-Picayune and many others have spotlighted the issue of runaway-flag shipping. Network television news Jim Given, ITF inspector with the SIU of Canada, is interviewed by a television reporter covering a recent runaway-flag case in Montreal. affiliates also have covered the story. Still, the print media have done the most extensive job in exposing the runaway-flag scam-in several instances publishing stories about actual cases, and not just about the Global Mariner. The depth of the coverage particularly was evident on January 3, when the Sunday New York Times-one of the most widely read newspapers in North America-published a front-page story on the fleet-wide conspiracy of Royal Caribbean Cruises. That article, which details the repeated and deliberate environmental crimes committed by Royal Caribbean (for which the company was fined a record $9 million), includes a nearly fullpage jump. It points out that Miami-based Senate Majority Leader Renews Call for Strong U.S.-Flag Fleet Editor's note: Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott ( R-Miss.) renewed his longtime commitment to the U.S.-flag merchant fleet with a statement published in the January 25 edition of the Congressional Record, the official daily chronicle of action taken in both the Senate and House of Representatives. As majority leader, Lott is the highest ranking member of the Senate and sets the agenda that body will follow. Printed below is the complete transcript of his statement, entitled "Increasing U.S. Maritime Competitiveness." (Mentions of "Mr. President" refer to the presiding officer of the Senate, not President Clinton.) Sen. Trent Lott (A-Miss.) calls on his fellow legislators and the White House to make U.S. maritime more competitive in the world market. Congressional and administrative action is needed to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry and level the playing field in the international shipping arena. This vital industry serves our nation's security by providing essential elements of our sealift capability-loyal crews and commercial ships. This sealift capability is required to project and sustain power abroad and preserve U.S. access to world trade. Two hundred years ago, protecting the U.S. merchant marine was one of the Navy's important missions. Today, the threat to the U.S. maritime industry is just as real. It may not come from February 1999 Barbary pirates, but the competitive disadvantages imposed both by this country and other countries are just as dangerous. Mr. President, the U.S. maritime industry has been the world leader in innovation over the last 30 years. It had to be because it competes in the world arena with one hand tied behind its back. International maritime trade has become increasingly dominated by foreign flags of convenience. A number of small countries have decided to generate revenue by creating ship registries and tax havens that impose few responsibilities or costs on their users. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in poor compliance with international safety standards and evasion of pollution liability. Continued on page 6 Royal Caribbean registers its ships in Norway and Liberia. By doing so, "Royal Caribbean saves approximately $30 million a year in United States taxes," states the story, written by Douglas Frantz. "We think the Global Mariner contributes to the publication of stories like these," said an I1F spokesperson. "The Royal Caribbean article is newsworthy because of the pollution incidents alone, but the paper goes far beyond that and really examines the issue of runaway flags and laws governing the sea." Other coverage has focused on cargo ships, such as the Argentine-flag tanker Campo Duran. On December 29, the Baltimore Sun reported that the Greek-owned ship had been detained by U.S. Coast Guard officials there because of numerous safety problems. "One of the Campo Duran's main engines doesn't work and the ship can't produce fresh water for drinking and bathing," reported Robert Little in the paper. "The ship also is leaking oil into its bilge so profusely that one of its cargo holds was converted to a slop tank, and the water separator required to clean the bilge doesn't work .... "After several more days of inspections, the Coast Guard found that the Campo Duran's radar plotting system didn't work, its emergency towing system was sitting on the stern uninstalled and one of its lifeboats was blocked in by 55-gallon drums House Maritime Chair Says He Won't Consider Jones Act in New Congress Even with all the other activities taking place on Capitol Hill since the first of the year, the Jones Act has found a way to make the headlines as the 106th Congress begins its work. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (RMd.), chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, last month told a Maritime Administration-sponsored conference, "I don't intend to deal with the Jones Act in any overt way over the next two-year period. Our plate is full." The subcommittee has jurisdiction over a number of maritime issues, along with the House Armed Service Committee. Among these are the nation's cabotage laws, which include the Jones Act. Part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, the Jones Act states that all cargo moved between two American ports has to be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-built and U.S.crewed vessels. In the last session of Congress, a bipartisan group of more than 240 members of the House of Representatives signed a resolution reaffirming their support for the nation's freight cabotage law. However, the passenger aspect of the cabotage law, the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886, is drawing some attention in both the House and Senate. Gilchrest noted he would "take a close look" at legislation being proposed to amend, or possibly scuttle, the passenger cabotage law. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, one bill to allow foreignflag cruise ships into the domestic trade had been introduced into the House. H.R. 248, offered by Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), is similar to legislation that came before the Senate during the last Congress. That measure, known as the United States Cruise Tourism Act, was opposed by the SIU because it would open all U.S. deep sea shorelines to foreign-flag cruise ships for domestic voyages. The Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill, but no further action was taken. A Senate version of H.R. 248 is expected to be reintroduced soon. The chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (which oversees the subcommittee), John McCain (R-Ariz.), stated before the last Congress adjourned that he would hold hearings during the t06th Congress on the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Other Issues Cabotage is not the only maritime issue of interest on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress are working with the Clinton administration to find a way to pay for the dredging required by many harbors. With containerships needing deeper drafts and the present sea lanes filling with silt and other particles, some ports may no longer be navigable in the near future. Dredging will be needed to stay operational, but the system to pay for it was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court almost a year ago. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90) may be the subject of a hearing during this session. Gilchrest said his subcommittee could meet to see if the law passed in the wake of the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989 is in need of updating or modification. Another item of interest is a review of the ad valorem tax charged to U.S.-flag shipowners who have non-emergency repairs performed in foreign yards. The SIU will monitor the legislative activity in Congress and update members as bills are introduced. Committee Chairs Usted Meanwhile, both the House and Senate have announced their committee and subcommittee chairmen for the 106th Congress. Regarding the groups that oversee maritime issues, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee again will be headed by Rep. Bud Shuster (R-Pa.). The ranking minority party member will be Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.). As noted earlier, Gilchrest will chair the committee's Coast Touring the ITF Global Mariner in Puerto Rico are (from left) SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez, Cardinal Aponte Martinez and ITF Director John A. Sansone Jr. The cardinal devoted his weekly television show to the cause of runaways. stacked on the deck. The ship has no heat, some of its toilets are filled with waste and crew members were living in an area that was supposed to serve as the ship's hospital." Similarly, the Navy Times (an independent publication) in its December 21 edition recounted the tale of the Pakistani-flagged Delta Pride. The shipowner, Star Shipping Lines of Greece, reportedly went bankrupt sometime last year. As a result, crew members were stranded aboard the vessel in the Gulf of Mexico for more than five months. They were not paid for 18 months. Navy Times staff writer Adam Katz-Stone reported that sanitary conditions on the vessel were predictably poor, and many of the mariners had scabies and lice. Other newspapers covering the runaway-flag fraud in recent months include The Miami Continued on page 5 Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) replaces Rep. Bob Clement (DTenn.) as the ranking minority member. There will be no changes in the leadership of the House Armed Services Committee, formerly known as the National Security Committee. The chair remains Rep. Aoyd Spence (R-S.C.), and Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) stays as the ranking minority member. Rep. Herbert Bateman (R-Va.) will oversee both the Military Readiness Subcommittee and the Merchant Marine Panel. Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) continues as the subcommittee's ranking minority member. On the Senate side, McCain retains the helm of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee with Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) remaining the ranking minority member. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) stay as the chair and ranking minority member, respectively, of the committee's Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee. Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) replaces Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) as the head of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Michigan's Carl Levin again will be the ranking Democratic member. Sen. Olympia Snowe (RMaine) takes Warner's seat as the chair of the committee's Seapower Subcommittee while Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) stays as the ranking minority member. Seafarers LOii 3 �Union Workers Give Facelift To SIU's Norfolk Ha Beginning this month, when Seafarers go to the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., they may notice a number of improvements to the 35-year-old building. Union contractors from the IBEW, Bricklayers and Roofers started working on the Norfolk hall last November. In January they completed the job, which included brick replacement and repair, window sealing, new interior lights and ceiling tiles, a fresh paint job and other general repairs. "All of the work was a product of the hall's age," noted Port Agent Jim Malone. "It's mostly routine upkeep, but the union workers did a good job and the ha11 is considerably improved." The exterior work was delayed by severe weather that hit the area in December and January. The hall opened in 1964. ·~:2 -·'::_ ~ . ' GOOD AS NEW? General upkeep and repair work has the SIU's Norfolk, Va. hall in good shape, much like when the building first opened in 1964 (inset). ABOVE: Port Agent Jim Malone handles the paperwork of AB Brock Booker (left) and Recertified Bosun Robert Lindsay. BELOW: SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (seated) is greeted by Chief Cook Mulai Ismael. New light fixtures and ceiling tiles, along with brick replacement and repair were among the improvements made at the hall. Rescue Heroes SIU Ferry Crew Saves 'Suicide Swimmer' Rescues at sea aren't exactly commonplace, but to some extent they go with the territorywhether that area is the deep sea, Great Lakes or inland waterways. What stands out about the December 18 rescue executed by Seafarers Steve Leschinski, Richard Lanzo and Elhadji Ndiaye of the NY Waterway passenger ferry Henry Hudson is that the man they saved from the frigid Hudson River fervently resisted their help. Nevertheless, the Seafarers pulled him to safety and no one was seriously injured in the December 18 incident. "It is clear that all of you acted above and beyond the call of duty during this event, by putting concern for your life aside while rescuing someone who fought back!" said NY Waterway official Russell Bostock in a letter to the three SIU members. Dubbed the 'suicide swimmer' by the New York Post, local resident Cheng Guo Seng-wearing only a pair of jeans-had jumped into the river from an elevated embankment in an attempt to drown himself. Someone in a smaller boat spotted Seng and then contacted the comparably 4 Seafarers LOG large Henry Hudson by radio, with the ferry bareI y 100 feet from Battery Park City. Captain Leschinski quickly maneuvered the ferry (which was carrying about 50 passengers) near Seng, and Deckhands Lanzo and Ndiaye readied the "man overboard" ladder. Lanzo de- scended the ladder and grabbed Seng's wrist. "He was fighting us off hard," Lanzo stated. Two passengers then offered to steady the ladder so that Ndiaye could assist Lanzo. The struggle continued for several minutes, but the deckhands eventually managed to get Seng into a rowboat that had arrived to help in the rescue. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey sent a congratulatory letter to the crew "for your heroic efforts and a job well done." Neither frigid water nor the resistance of an imperiled 'suicide swimmer' prevented Seafarers (from left) Richard Lanzo, Steve Leschinski and Elhadji Ndiaye from bringing the man to safety. Global Sentinel Aids Accident Victim Alaskan Man Bears Grizzly Experience (Editor's note: Chief Steward Shawn "Fuji" Fujiwara submitted the fallowing article to the Seafarers LOG.) Recently, the cable ship Global Sentinel was on a mission to lay the cable system known as Alaska-United-a 2,300-mile fiber-optic assemblage that will connect the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska with Seattle via the Alaskan ports of Whittier and Valdez. The ship made an unscheduled stop October 22 for repairs in the port of Seward, Alaska. There, the crew learned through an area newspaper that a local man had been attacked by a grizzly bear. Crew members then started a second mission: a donation drive for the accident victim, Karl Backlund. Very quickly, the crew raised more than $500 to help the man and his family, as they had no insurance. The victim's wife and children were given a tour of the ship, and they showed their gratitude by giving the crew some mooS'e meat. According to the press account, Mr. and Mrs. Backlund and family (incJuding their four children and two adult relatives) had been hiking near their home about a week earlier. Mrs. Backlund and the kids at some point returned home while Karl, his sister and her husband continued hiking. Suddenly, a grizzly seemingly caine from nowhere and lunged at Karl. The big bear gnawed at Backlund's head. Karl was flown by helicopter to an Anchorage hospital, where he underwent four hours of surgery to repair facial damage. Surgeons also removed a broken bear incisor from above his right eye socket. At this wntmg in late December, Karl is home and recovering from his ordeal. The crew of the Global Sentinel all wish him a quick recovery. The Global Sentinel is one of five ships operated by Transoceanic Cableship Co., a subsidiary of Tyco International. Postscript: News of the attack and the crew's generosity spread quickly in Alaska, both in newspapers and on the airwaves. When the ship docked in Juneau November 9, local residents stopped by and asked if the stories were true. Many thanked the crew for their generosity. - Shawn Fujiwara February 1999 �Clinton Lists Saving Social Security as Tap Priority Thanks to President Clinton's State of the Union address on January 19, the effort to protect Social Security well into the next century is now before the American people and the Congress for national debate. The president stated the need to preserve the federal program as his highest priority and called on the legislators to use the federal budget surplus to bolster the program. "First and above all, we must save Social Security for the 21st century," he told the members of Congress in his nationally televised address. "The best way to keep Social Security a rock solid guarantee is not to make drastic cuts in benefits; not to raise payro11 taxes; not to drain resources from Social Security in the name of saving it." He presented an outline to use projected budget surpluses over the next 15 years to shore up the federal retirement, survivors and disability program. The president called for bipartisan support "in saying to the American people, we will save Social Security now." His outline drew on many of the same guidelines set forth by the AFL-CIO last August. These Steel Crisis Continues Concerned that the administration's plan to stem the flood of dumped imported steel doesn't go far enough, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) reportedly will tum to Congress for support. USWA President George Becker described President Clinton's January 7 report to Congress on the surge in steel imports as "very disappointing, for while it recognizes that there is a serious problem, it does not outline any new initiative other than a proposal that Congress pass $300 million in tax breaks for the steel companies and provide heightened attention to the processing of trade adjustment cases." In a letter to the White House, Becker declared, "All key steel producing countries must immediately commit to fully reduce all of their steel exports to pre-crisis levels (July 1997) and the administration must hold all of them to this commitment. Without such a comprehensive approach, steel will be shifted among products and countries, thus nullifying the value of any relief." Apparently, the union will appeal to lawmakers from steel-producing states to see that such reductions take place. Meanwhile, an industry coalition that includes labor and management reports that the surge in steel imports-which reached unprecedented levels last year-already has led to more than 10,000 layoffs and several companies going bankrupt. SIU members sailing on the Great Lakes have felt the impact, as early layups (through December) had accounted for more lost sailing days compared to 1997-despite an unusual dearth of ice in the region. For example, the SIU-crewed Charles Wilson sailed 28 fewer days this past season compared with the prior one. (Many Lakes vessels transport raw materials used to manufacture steel.) Runaways Spotlighted by Press Continued from page 3 Herald, The (Savannah) Georgia Guardian, The (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Sun-Sentinel, the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News, the Virginian Pilot and the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. Additionally, industry publications such as the Journal of Commerce, Traffic World, Lloyd's List and others have covered cases of runaway-flag ships and the ITF's campaign against such shipping. The SIU, one of the more than 500 worldwide ITF affiliates, has long been active in the campaign against runaway-flag shipping. Also known as flag-of-convenience vessels, runaway-flag ships are carriers operating under the flag of one nation, yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to meet less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's resident nation. ITF Global Mariner Schedule of Upcoming U.S. Ports Arrival Departure March 4 March 8 San Francisco March 18 March 22 Portland March 24 March 28 Seattle March 30 April 5 Tacoma April 6 April 9 Port Los Angeles •• Members of the Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont, Texas visited the ITPs Global Mariner last fall in Houston, where they delivered reading material and other items. Pictured here (from left) are a crew member, retired SIU Bosun Angel Figueroa and two retired NMU members. February 'I 999 included the use of money from a government budget surplus to save Social Security rather than provide tax cuts, no cut in benefits and an assurance that the program will continue to serve those for whom it was intended when created in 1935. Immediately after the address, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said Clinton's presentation drew "a big cheer from working families. Using the federal budget surplus to do this returns the benefits of the strong economy to the people whose hard work made it possible. "We are especially pleased with the president's strong opposition to replacing our nation's most important family protection program with private accounts, and his commitment to strengthen Social Security for the next century," added the head of the national federation of labor. To back its conviction against privatizing Social Security, a representative of the AFL-CIO told the Senate Budget Committee on January 22 that proposals being offered to create individual investment accounts in the place of the federal program would "diminish protections that workers now have and would place working families in an even more precarious situation. The AFLCIO and its affiliate unions strongly oppose replacing any part of the Social Security system with individual accounts." The labor federation pointed out Social Security provides two out of every three older households with half or more of their retirement income. Regarding pensions helping with income, the AFL-CIO noted less than half of all older American households draw any pension benefits from past employers and only two of every five workers today are covered by a pension plan. "Social Security is the one part of our retirement income system that is actually working for everybody," the labor federation stated. "If Social Security is to changeand changes are necessary to make sure Social Security will be able to pay an benefits in the future-those changes must not jeopardize the system's capacity to provide workers with a guaranteed foundation of retirement security, nor must they undermine its family protections." Nearly 44 million people receive Social Security benefits. Almost one-third (14 million) are disabled or surviving family members. Both the Senate and House of Representatives will review and debate what to do about Social Security as the I06th Congress begins its two-year legislative session. Sealarers Say Time Has Come For SIUNA-NMU Al liliation Longtime Members See Alliance Benefiting All Unions Reaction from Seafarers to the new affiliation between the SIUNA and the NMU is full speed ahead, based on conversations by Seafarers LOG reporters with members around the country. At SIU halls and aboard ships, Seafarers described the affiliation as a positive step for the entire U.S. maritime industry. "I think it will help all maritime unions," said AB Burlin Pinion, a 35-year member of the SIU, while on watch aboard the USNS Soderman in Norfolk, Va. "The affiliation gives us more strength in negotiations and will result in better contracts in the future. "It's a positive move." At the Baltimore SIU hall, AB George Oberle pointed out that affiliation talks "were brought up many years ago, and I wish it had happened back then. This increases the size of our international union and it's a good move." A few Seafarers expressed hesitancy about the affiliation, pointing out the often contentious and sometimes violent history between the SIU and the NMU. But Recertified Bosun Billie Darley, who took part in some waterfront battles, said the time has come for this alliance. "They're a brotherhood of the sea, too. Anything we can do to help their progress, we should do," Darley said at the Jacksonville, Fla. hall. In San Francisco, chief cook and former Marine Cooks & Stewards member Jim Saxton said he knows from experience that affiliations can benefit all concerned parties. (The MC&S affiliated with the SIUNA in 1953, and it later merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1978.) "We needed this affiliation, for the simple reason that once all unlicensed unions are under one banner, we have more bargaining power. What are those old sayings? Divide and conquer, and united we stand." The affiliation was signed on December 10 and announced in last month's Seafarers LOG. It means that all the major U.S. unlicensed unions now are part of the same organization, the SIUNA. The agreement also brought an end to 60 years of fighting between the SIUNA and the NMU. News that the organizations were talking about a possible affiliation was first announced in March when the NMU held its constitutional convention on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The NMU delegates approved a resolution that stated "some form of affiliation eventually leading to a merger with another maritime union would be in the best interest of the membership." Under the terms of the affiliation, the SIUNA and NMU will work together to improve the working and safety conditions aboard U.S.-flag ships. The organizations also will undertake to establish a joint training program to prepare their members for the tasks facing them in the next century. Like the other maritime unions in the SIUNA, the NMU will remain an auto~omous union that elects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and oversees its own pension and welfare plans. With the addition of the NMU, the SIUNA is composed of 18 autonomous unions which represent more than 80,000 working men and women in such varied occupations as mariners, government employees, manufacturers, cannery workers and more. Paperworkers, Chemical Workers Merge A new merger between trade unions, approved last month in Las Vegas, will unite 320,000 workers across key sectors of American industry. "I am proud and honored that the members of the United Paperworkers International Union (UPIU) and the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW) have joined forces in a strong new union," said Boyd Young, formerly president of the UPIU and now the first president of the merged organization. The new union is called PACE, the Paper, Allied- Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union. "We chose this name because it represents all our members, including those from the Allied Industrial Workers (AIW)," said Young. The AIW merged into the UPIU in 1994. OCAW President Robert Wages is now the executive vice president of PACE. "When the merger discussions started with the UPIU, President Young and I committed to a basic premise," said Wages. "We were not interested in merging for the sake of being larger; we were interested in ere- ating a new, more powerful and progressive union prepared to do the work our membership expects." The UPIU and the AIW bring PACE members in pulp, paper, automobile parts, appliance manufacturing and a wide variety of other industries. Cement workers from the Independent Workers of North America affiliated with the UPIU in 1991. The OCAW's contribution includes members in oil, chemical manufacturing, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals and a variety of related industries. Seafarers LOG 5 �Avondale, Newport News Merger May Be Breakthrough for Workers AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department Is Cautiously Optimistic The multi-million dollar merger announced last month between Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding and New Orleans-based Avondale Industries may spell a positive conclusion to the five-and-a-halfyear fight for union representation at Avondale. Workers at Newport News are represented by the Steelworkers. Workers at Avondale voted for union representation in June 1993, but the company has slithered around judges' orders to negotiate a first contract, tossing up countless delays to deny that representation. A spokesperson for the Justice at Avondale campaign, which is coordinated by the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, said they are cautiously optimistic the merger will signal the end of Avondale's refusal to negotiate. The agreement between the shipyards has been described as a corporate merger that will leave each facility physically unchanged, although they will share the name Newport News Avondale Industries. No layoffs are expected, as the yards together face a $6 billion backlog. Newport News Shipbuilding Chairman and CEO William Fricks is expected to head the new entity, and officials from Newport News Shipbuilding reportedly will control seven of the 10 seats on the new board of directors. Fricks told a Virginia newspaper that he expects a resolution to the question of union representation at Avondale. Meanwhile, attorneys representing the Avondale workers and the unions involved in the saga anxiously were awaiting filings from the shipyard to the government required to expedite the merger. (Stockholders also must okay the deal, expected to be finalized in the second quarter of this year.) It is hoped that those filings will hasten a first union contract at Avondale. The Metal Trades Department issued the following statement after the merger was announced January 20: "We are hopeful that the announced merger between Avondale Industries and Newport News Shipbuilding is good news for the Avondale workers who have fought for fair treatment and respect for so long. "The workers voted for a union five years ago in order to do better for themselves and their families. They won the right to sit down and negotiate a union con- Sen. Lott Calls tar Strang U.S.-Flag Fleet Continued from page 3 America's fleet meets the most stringent safety standards and operates in a higher tax environment, and has steadily lost ground to these flag-convenience fleets. This situation is reaching the point where the U.S. commercial fleet's ability to meet our national security requirements may soon be in jeopardy. Mr. President, the solution to this problem has two parts. First, we must hold other countries accountable for providing reciprocity in access to maritime trade and meeting international standards for vessel safety, crew training and preventing pollution. The United States places very few restrictions on the use of our ports to facilitate international trade. Some countries, such as China, however, have imposed unfair burdens on United States and other foreign vessels conducting business there in an effort to protect their own businesses. The FMC, under Chairman Hal Creel's leadership, appropriately moved to head off problems in Japan's ports during the 105th Congress and is increasingly concerned about the situations in China and Brazil. While our nation encourages open competition in the commercial maritime sector, America only demands that it be fair and meet minimum standards for protecting our environment and our citizens. However, as a January 3, 1999, New York Times article reported, flag-of-convenience ships are using their foreign status and the lax oversight of their flag states to escape punishment for their intentional dumping of oil in the ocean not far from our coast. America should not allow the unscrupulous operation of unsafe ships with ill-trained crews to threaten the oceans, our coastlines or our citizens. I challenge the administration to aggressively combat these actions to the fullest extent of U.S. law. Under the leadership of Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John McCain, the 105th Congress provided the FMC with increased authority to address unfair foreign shipping practices. I invited the administration to work with the 106th Congress to provide increased legislative authority to counter attempts by foreign-flag ships to escape punishment for such unconscionable behavior. Second, we must level the playing field for U.S. companies competing in the commercial maritime arena. On the financial side, U.S. shipping companies provide equal or higher quality service than foreign competitors at a similar cost, yet foreign shipping companies are growing and U.S. shipping companies are shrinking. This happens because, unlike U.S. shipping companies, most foreign shipping companies pay little or no income taxes. In this capital intensive business, investments are flowing to those companies which provide a better return on investment, and the tax differential tilts this flow toward foreign companies. This is why foreign shipping companies are buying their U.S. counterparts instead of the other way around. This nation's tax policies should promote business growth, not stifle it. I look forward to working with Senator John Breaux to develop specific provisions. My colleague and friend shares an interest in maritime policy, and together we serve on both the commerce and finance committees. This provides us with an ability to shape maritime policy in the regulatory, tax and trade environments. Mr. President, U.S. shipping companies can compete and succeed in the world's international trade marketplace when competition is fair. Snuffing Out the (Practice) Blaze SIU members in a recent advanced fire fighting class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education practiced extinguishing fires, including the one below. The hands-on training is a key component of the two-week course. Pictured at left (from left) are class members Terry Cowans Sr., Pat Meagher and John Kamara. 6 Seafarers LOii tract, but the company has denied them that right through endless appeals and by breaking the law. We think this merger holds promise as a possible end to the litigation and the violation of workers' rights at Avondale, and we hope it will mean the beginning of the negotiations process. 'The Newport News workers are represented by a union-the United Steelworkers of America. The workers voted to unionize in 1978 in the third largest union election in history. Workers at Newport News have since negotiated many good union contracts with their company, and have a voice in addressing the kinds of issues that concern Avondale workers such as safety and respect. The union and the company have a solid working relationship, and we hope that Avondale workers will soon also have an opportunity to exercise their l~al right to have a voice on the job through a union contract. "The Metal Trades Council, AFL-CIO expects that the merger will be a favorable one for all parties involved-the shareholders, the workers, the Navy and other customers. We expect the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Justice Department's anti-trust division -as well as the shareholders and Avondale's government customers-to ensure that this is the case. This merger affords an important opportunity to improve upon Avondale's corporate governance structure and include a higher level of accountability. This opportunity is key in light of Avondale's history of ignoring majority shareholder votes. "As for future plans for the Justice at Avondale campaign, the Avondale workers will continue to shine a spotlight on injustice in the yard and continue to press for the company to honor their rights under the law." Labor Briefs I Tacoma Seafarers Aid Striking Steelworkers A number of SIU members in the Tacoma, Wash. area tried to boost the holiday spirits of striking Steelworkers by donating gifts for their families. Seafarers donated more than $1,000 worth of toys to the families of members of Steelworkers Local #7945, which is on strike against Kaiser Aluminum. The gifts were collected at the SIU hall in Tacoma and forwarded to the Steelworkers local. In another show of solidarity, Seafarers also have marched on picket lines with Local 7945 members. Kaiser Aluminum wants to cut employment levels at all five of its plants-two in Spokane, Wash. and one each in Tacoma, Newark, Ohio and Gramercy, La. That includes 32 jobs at the Tacoma site. The company also has proposed a substandard, five-year agreement. Union Ranks Grew By 100,000 in 1998 According to data released late last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, trade unions experienced a net membership growth of 100,000 in 1998 compared to the previous year. The BLS reports that union membership stood at 16.2 million entering this year. However, the percentage of union-represented workers dipped slightly in 1998, down two-tel}ths of one percentage point (to 13.9 percent) from the prior year. The government statistics also showed that union members earn more money than unrepresented workers. "Median weekly earnings for union members who work full time were about a third higher than the median for nonunion workers," the agency reported. In fact, union members earned an average of about $165 per week more than unrepresented workers. NLRB Backs Worker's Right Not to Scab at Paper Dwight Biermann isn't a union member, but his refusal to cross a picket line and train as a scab made headlines. The National Labor Relations Board recently ruled that American Publishing Co. illegally fired Biermann, a computer systems coordinator at the Herald Palladium newspaper in St. Joseph, Mich. Biermann would not go to the Chicago Sun-Times in anticipation of a possible strike in November 1997 by members of Local 71 of the Chicago Newspaper Guild. The company wanted to train him and several others in case the strike took place. Biermann said he came from a union background and would- not cross a picket line. He also acknowledged in a memo to management that "my stance on this issue could very well cost me my job. I accept that." The strike never occurred, but Biermann was fired that month. The Guild filed a complaint with the NLRB even though he wasn't a union member. Ultimately, the NLRB ruled that an employee can lawfully refuse to cross a picket line. The board also ordered the company to pay lost wages to Biermann, who now works as a production manager at the State News, based at Michigan State University in East Lansing. February 1999 �Making a Difference Seafarers Aid Families, FeHow Hondurans 1.n Wake of Hurricane Mit:cb. Devastati.on Sometimes five people can make a difference. Just ask the survivors of Hurricane Mitch in the Honduran town of Santa Rosa de Aguan. This community on the banks of the Caribbean Sea was ravaged for days by the storm at the end of October. Reports from the area said flood waters from the Aguan River, a mud slide from the mountains and a tidal wave from the sea all descended on Santa Rosa de Aguan during the storm almost wiping it off the map. The town made international news when one of its residents, Isabel Arriola de Guity, was found in the Caribbean clinging to a log 50 miles from shore six days after she was swept from the roof of her house. She is the sister-in-law of Chief Cook Julio Guity, who sails from Houston. Guity received updates of the storm's disaster while sailing aboard the Patriot. As reported in the December 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG, he signed off the vessel to return to Houston to see what could be done to help his native land. At the same time, his cousin, AB Victor Medina, also came back to Houston from his job on the Overseas New Orleans to work on getting aid to his homeland. Spearhead Relief Drive The pair, with other Honduran-born SIU members, spearheaded an effort among Seafarers, the Texas labor community, churches and the Honduran residents in Houston February 1999 to gather and deliver food, clothing, medicine and other aid. "They did a remarkable job," noted SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. "They completely filled a container which they sent on a ship with other relief items to La Ceiba [Honduras]." Medina, Guity and other Seafarers collected more than $6,000 and bought goods needed by their relatives and others in Santa Rosa de Aguan. Working with the Honduran-based Organization of Ethnic Advancement of Communities (ODECO), they cut through government red tape and quickly got the supplies sent to their homeland. Arrive wHh Supplies Then, Medina and Guity as well as Chief Cook Mariano Norales and DEU Carlos Nunez flew to La Ceiba to meet the container when it arrived. "We wanted to make sure it got to where we promised it would go," Medina said. "We also felt we had to be there to help our families." With so many roads and bridges out of commission, the Seafarers (who were joined on their trip from Houston by another Honduran native, Carlos Colon) rented skiffs, known locally as "pangas,'' to carry the supplies to Santa Rosa de Aguan. It took the five men 24 hours to unload the container into the pangas. "Remember, these men were doing all this on their own time at their own expense," noted Corgey. Once the skiffs were loaded, the trip along the Honduran coast took 11 hours. "Devastating" was the term used by Medina to describe his first reaction at seeing his home town when he and the others arrived with the supplies. "I couldn't believe it. Everybody's house that remained was a shack." Many, many other homes no longer existed. Records brought back by the group showed more than 40 people had died or were missing. Among them were family members of the men. First Goods from U.S. While other relief items had filtered into the community, the Seafarers brought the first items from the United States. Among the goods were beans, rice, cooking and fuel oil, sugar, flour, soap and much more. "They knew we were coming because we had sent messages through relatives," Medina recalled. "But when they saw us, their faces lit up. They said it was one of the most beautiful things to happen. It was a very, very, very good thing." The members, donned in Seafarers caps and shirts, stayed in Honduras from November 14 to December 12 to help with the recovery. They were the subject of several newspaper articles. "Now everyone there knows who the SIU is," Medina said. ''They were very grateful." Despite having very little remaining after the storm, the townspeople of Santa Rosa de Aguan wanted a special way to express their appreciation. They created a plaque for SIU President Michael Sacco and all the Seafarers who came to their aid and had the members bring it Working in Honduras on the distribution of aid are (from left, kneeling) Carlos Colon, Mariano Norales, (standing) Julio Guity, Celeo Casildo (president of ODECO), Carlos Nunez and Victor Medina. back to Texas. The plaque now hangs in the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum in Piney Point, Md. for all to see. Many Helped "We really want to thank President Sacco, Dean Corgey, [Assistant Vice President] Jim McGee and all the others who helped us," Medina stated. "Without their work, we would not have been able to do all that we did." Adding to his remarks was Chief Cook Fernando Guity, a cousin of Julio Guity. · "All the members have been so kind," Fernando Guity told a reporter for the LOG. "I was at sea when the LOG carried the story. All the people on the ship asked if I was related. When I said yes, they asked how they could help. "Since I've come back to Houston, the whole Honduran community here appreciates what [the Seafarers] have done," the eight-year SIU member said. More Aid Needed Because of the devastation, relief efforts in Honduras-as well as the neighboring countries of Nicaragua and El Salvadorwill take years. Therefore, the group of Seafarers will continue to collect aid for their fellow Hondurans. "They are still in the emergency phase down there," Medina pointed out. "They need food, medicine and clothes. "But soon they will need to start building. We want to help supply the blocks, cement and roofing materials to help them. Just like we did with the food and medicine, we want to collect the money and deliver the materials ourselves to make sure it gets to the people who need it. "They are not asking us or expecting us to do everything. They just need a helping hand and whatever anybody can spare is a big, big help." The AFL-CIO is working with the U.S. Agency for International Development to assist the victims of 1-Jurricane Mitch. Among the groups accepting donations earmarked for the relief effort are the American Red Cross, CARE, Salvation Army, Save the Children and many church organizations. Donations also may be sent to the West Coast Ports Council, 1221 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002. The donations should be marked for the Honduran Relief Effort. Seafarers LOG 7 �Keeping Up With The Paul Hall Center Former SIU President Paul Hall (1914-1980), who directed the school's opening in 1967, believed that academic courses contribute to the effective job performance of Seafarers. An informed, well-rounded person, Hall reasoned, is more likely to be a better shipmate. Today, the school maintains that philosophy, which is why the GED program is available to SIU members such as Martin Nelson {third from left). Nelson recently earned his diploma at Piney Point while also completing his training as a member of unlicensed apprentice class No. 576. Pictured with him are {from left) Joan Miles and Peggy Densford from the academic department and Theresa Price, retired school employee who encouraged Nelson to enroll in the GED program. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., offers a wide range of vocational and academic classes. Students at the center's Harry Lundeberg School may choose from a schedule that features everything from entry-level to officer training, and from general academic education to college courses (potentially leading to an associate's degree). The photos on this page provide a sampling of the Paul Hall Center's value to Seafarers. An important part of the unlicensed apprentice program is the 90-day shipboard assignment, during which students rotate through all three departments. Recertified Bosun John E. Stout recently sent these photos of apprentice Mary Bado working in the deck department aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. The bosun reports that Bado did a good job. Lundebel'fl Staff Spells Victory: Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center, had two goals when the school reeently participated in a spelling bee at a local high school. "First, we wanted to help a good cause, because this was a fund-raiser for an area school," he says. "Second, I didn't want to be the first team eliminated." The group from Piney Point far exceeded that aim, winning the six-team competition. The spelling bee lasted 11 rounds and included two teams of teachers and three local businesses, along with the Paul Hall Center team. Eglinton's group won when academic instructor Rick Prucha spelled "maelstrom." The winning team of {front row, from left) Prucha, Liz Reisman (associate director of the medical department) and Eglinton dressed as unlicensed apprentices for the occasion, and they were supported by students {back row, from left) Justin VonSprecken, Roger Steward, Joshua l)avenport, Clifton Doonis and Nabil Ahmed. In late 1998, the school added new radar equipment to help Seafarers more efficiently meet Coast Guard requirements and to boost their skills. Among the first SIU members to utilize the state-of-the-art equipment were boatmen from Moran Towing. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) Roger Ortega, Jeff Willis, Freddy Hamilton, (standing, first row) David Rushing, Michael Freeman, Steve Wells, Thomas O'Neal, George Morales, Doug Bowen, Ernie Costa, {second row) Jake Jarrell, Douglas Crawford, Mark Provose, Mark Penland, Charles Young and Mark Fulto. B Seafarers LOG Febmary 1999 �celebrating the ~Holidays tile SIU Way ... Aboard Crowley Tugs SIU boatmen on five Crowley tugs received the latest union news and holiday greetings when Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox climbed aboard the vessels on Christmas Day. Appropriately, Cox wore a Santa cap when meeting on the conventional tugs Sea King and Sea Prince, the zdrive tug Tioga and the new tractor tugs Admiral and Master. ''The members work on Christmas, and this was just my way of reminding them that the SIU is always there for them," Cox noted. Working aboard the Tioga are crew members (from left) Engine Utility Deso Hrboka, Captain Jim McNutt, Deck Utility Damir Kucar and Mate Hank Scott. , c- r L'i The Sea Prince's crew includes (from left) Cook Utility Dave Verschoor, Captain John Rakyta, Engine Utility Hugh Wain, Trainee Engineer Javier Montano and AB Adolph Romero. Captain Steve Warford (left) and AB Mike Privette (right) greet Port Agent Cox near the Sea Prince. Cook Utility Larry Jamieson prepares breakfast aboard the Sea King. AB Adolph Romero dons safe- ty gear near the Sea Prince. Captain Burt Thompson (right) welcomes Port Agent John Cox aboard the tractor tug Admiral. .... Deck Utility John lvankovich poses for a photo aboard the Admiral. Standing by the Sea King are (from left) Cook Utility Dave Verschoor, Port Agent John Cox and Cook Utility Larry Jamieson. Working on a special holiday treat is Cook Utility Dave Verschoor. I. r:. They may have worked during the holidays, but Seafarers aboard the Master show that they still enjoy seasonal goodies in the galley. Pictured from left to right are AB John Dimeglio, Engine Utility Tom Crowley (no relation to the company CEO) and Captain Rick Cavalier. ... Aboard Allegiance The crew of the Allegiance (above) enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner, including (at right, from left) GSU Charlfred Autrey, Bosun Samuel Porchea and Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte. Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte brings out freshly baked rolls. Finishing up their meals are (at left) ABs Castillo Jose and Dennis Zuniga. At right, Bosun Samuel Porchea (center) shows his appreciation to Chief Cook Sherman Harper (left) and Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte. February 1999 Seafarers aboard the Allegiance enjoyed an expansive Thanksgiving menu provided by Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte, Chief Cook Sherman Harper and GSU Charlfred Autrey. The fine feast included tasty vegetables and appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, banana nut bread, stuffed deviled eggs, olive cheese balls, crab meat salad, baked potato, mashed potatoes and several others. Delectable entrees also were on the menu, including broiled striploin steak; roast tom turkey with dressing, gravy and cran- berry sauce; baked Texas smoked ham with fruit sauce; and roast prime rib of beef au jus. Listed as the "chef's special selection" were filet mignon and baked lobster tails. For those who had any room left, the dessert menu was eye-popping. Pumpkin, peach, apple, blueberry, pecan, sweet potato and mincemeat pies were served. Several varieties of cakes, cookies and candies also were available. The Allegiance is a tanker operated by Mari trans. A full assortment of tasty desserts followed the Thanksgiving feast. Seafarers LOG 9 �WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT SKY·HIGH COLLEGE COSTS? BEFORE YOU HIT THE PANIC BUTTON, THINK SIU SCHOLARSHIP College tuition costs never seem to stop rising. And just when you think you can afford to continue your education, they rise yet again. Well, for Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college next fall, there is no reason to panic because in 1999, the Seafarers Welfare Plan is again offering seven scholarships. Three of the awards will go to SIU members (one is a $15,000, four-year cpllege stipend; the other two are $6poo, two-year awards to study at a vocational school or community college). The other four scholarships will be given to spouses or unmarried children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners, each in the amount of $15,000. Candidates should indicate on the application form whether they are planning to attend a two-year or four-year program. The $15,000 college scholarships will be paid at the rate of $3, 750 per year over a fouryear period. The $6,000 awards will be paid at the rate of $3,000 per year. Eligibility requirements are fully , explained in a booklet which also contains an application form. The booklets are available at all SIU halls or may be received through the mail by filling out and returning the coupon below. In addition to the scholarship application form, a number of other items must be submitted at the same time. These include: • Autobiographical Statement. Space for this is provided on the back of each application form. • Photograph of Applicant. This should be a blackfvvhite or color passport-type picture. • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate if it is not already on file with the Seafarers Welfare Plan. (Only applicants for a dependent's scholarship are required to furnish this item.) • High School Transcript and Certification of Graduation. Request both of these items from your high school and ask that they be sent directly to the scholarship committee. • Official Copy of High School Equivalency Scores. If you earned a high school diploma by tak- ing the General Education Development (GED) test, have the Department of Education in the state where you took the exam (or if you were in the military, the appropriate military agency) send an official copy of your scores directly to the scholarship committee. • Letters of Reference. At least three letters are required for all applications. They should be gathered from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's character, personality and career goals. • SAT or ACT Results. The ACT or SAT test must be taken no later than February 1999 so as to leave enough time for the results to reach the scholarship selection committee·in time for evaluation. This may seem like a lot of work. But, don't panic. There is plenty of time if you start the process now. April 15, 1999 is the last day in which applications are being accepted for this year's scholarship program. Name of A p p l i c a n t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street A d d r e s s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __....._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. '2199 10 Seafarers LOG L------------------------------------------~ February 1999 �ReftniJisbed H11macao Carries Bigger Containers New Hatch Covers Boost Capacity of NPR, Inc. Vessel ........ The Humacao got under way with an experienced galley gang including (from left) Chief Cook Donald Mann, SA Anna Alexander and Chief Steward Ray Jones. When the SIU-crewed Humacao left dry dock last fall, it did so with a substantially increased cargo-carrying capacity. The vessel last year was refitted in Baltimore with hatch covers that allow the Humacao to carry 53-foot containers. Before, the ship usually transported containers ranging in size from 20 to 45 feet. "It's very uncommon for a ship to be outfitted to carry 53-foot containers," observed AB Mike Hall, a crew member during the Humacao's initial voyage last September. He pointed out that new railings and lash gear also were installed during the drydock. From there, the Humacao resumed its regular run between the ports of Philadelphia; San Juan, P.R.; and Jacksonville, Fla. "We transport just about everything," said Captain Dennis Schroeder. Operated by NPR, Inc., the Humacao "keeps a very tight schedule," added Hall, an eightyear member of the SIU and frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Signing in for the union meeting is Center for Maritime Training and Chief Electrician William Payne. Education. In Baltimore, the vessel was refitted with new hatch covers, railings and lash gear. Sanjuan Buzzes With Activity The port of San Juan, P.R. is one of the busiest for SIU members. Recently, SIU officials from Santurce snapped these photographs to provide a sampling of seafaring life in that area. Waiting for the next job call at the SIU union hall in Puerto Rico are, from left, AB Abad Calero, DEU Jose Canales and OMU Jorge Bermeo. AB Melvin Sea-Land San Juan home and caused by Leguillon waits for the Producer to dock in so he can visit his check on the damage Hurricane Georges. Crane Maintenance Electrician Theodore Quinones communicates to crew members below. Chief Cook George begins preparations for lunch aboard the Mayaguez, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Ready for work is Crane Maintenance Electrician Orlando Flores. Reporting to the dock are, from left, Engineer R. Rodriguez, Crane Maintenance Electrician J. Santana and AB J. Gonzalez. Left: Aboard the Nuevo San Juan are, from left, AB Roberto Feliciano, Engine Utility Benjamin Stanley and Chief Engineer James Williams. February 1999 Seafarers LOG 11 �HOW TO PREPARE A TAXRETURN Step 1. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-20 and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • eal estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1998 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. correct. Check the return to make sure it is Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form I 040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040- V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 66b, 66c and 66d on their Form I 040. Line 66b is for the bank's routing number. Line 66c indicates the type of account, and line 66d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption-for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,750 per person. In 1998, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Deducting Work-Related Meals When Traveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $36 per day in the continental U.S. and $40 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $32. In some locations it is $40, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box below to the right). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 1998, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is I 00 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Deducting Work-Related Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or WHERE TO GET INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions from 7:00 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m. Monday through Saturday (local time). Publications: 1-800-829-3676 operators will take orders for publications. "#17 Your Federal Income Tax" and "#552 Record Keeping for Individuals" are two publications that many people find especially useful. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under "United States Government, Internal Revenue Service." Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency's taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. l-800·829-4477 is the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the letter "R" or number "7" will repeat the topic and the letter "C" or number "2" will cancel the message. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. This telephone service is available from 7:00 a.m. until 11 :30 p.m. (Jocal time). Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax fonn). Include a social security number with the letter. 12 Seafarers LOG Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 1998, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $124,500 of federal adjusted gross income (or $62,250 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 1998, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,030 and no qualifying children - $341 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $26,473 and with 1 qualifying child - $2,271 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $30,095 and with 2 or more qualifying children - $3,816 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form I 040, schedule EiC to see if they are eligible for the credit. which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming credit is claimed. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributions-The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Fonn SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. ADDITIONAL DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS FOR 1998 Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 1998, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $400 per child. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the "HOPE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after June 30, 1998, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Learning Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $1,000 of interest paid after December 31, 1997 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs-Taxpayers can contribute up to $4,500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in Presented on these two pages o that have been prepared especi deduction amounts tor 1998, extensions and where ~-·••••••••••••• WHICHRECO. Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed WHICH INCOME Ni The following kinds of income do not need • Benefits from government welfare program • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffi • Maintenance and Cure. • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance • Disability retirement payments (and other • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. • Life insurance proceeds received because of • Amounts received from insurance because o casualty to the extent the amounts were more th the home. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. February 1999 �STANDARD DEDUCTION WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of seamen working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11)] provides that "no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, inte.rstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer." The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual 'lb.is is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions. (Note that the personal exemption deduction is $2,700.) Filing Status Standard Deduction Single ................................. $4,250 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman-despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year-was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. children ............................ $7,100 OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME WHICH INCOME TO REPORT Married filing separate return .................. $3,550 Head of household ............. $6,250 Should a seaman find himself or her- In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • • Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Accumulation distributions from trusts. Mexico City, Mexico • Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). Nassau, Bahamas • Earned income from sources outside the United States. Paris, France • Director's fees. Rome, Italy • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. • Endowments. • Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. Lump-sum distributions. self overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Bonn, Germany Caracas, Venezuela London, England Ottawa, Canada Riyadh, Saudi Arabi Sao Paulo, Brazi • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. Sydney, Australia • Embezzled or other illegal income. Tokyo, Japan. HOW TO FILE AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A or Form 1040. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 1999 to file his or her 1998 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file his or her tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due (as noted on line 6 of the form below). If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as ''Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. e Seafarers LOG are handy fax tips tor mariners. Included are the new eral information, a form for filing get additional information. STOKEEP on that person's last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 1998, the taxpayer's personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. NOT BE REPORTED It is important to bear in mind that the filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook from having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due the U.S. government from the individual filing the extension. The deadline for filing the form and any taxes due is April 15. 'f' DETACH HERE 'Y Form Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return 4868 Department of the Treasury be reported on the federal tax return: An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Below is Form 4868 which may be used by Seafarers to file for an extension. This form will be recognized by the IRS. Additional copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests. That number is 1-800-829-3676. Also, Form 4868 is available from all main IRS branch offices. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Internal Revenue Service For calendar year 1998, or other tax year beginning Identification 1 , 1998, ending OMB No. 1545-0188 ~®98 ,19 Individual Income Tax Your name(s) (see instructions) · ng, medical costs. Address (see instructions) mages, etc. for injury or sickness. City. town or post office, state, and ZIP code efits) paid by the Veterans' Administration. 2 illed. Your social security number 3 Spouse's social security no. Complete ONLY If Filing Gift/GST Tax Return person's death. loss of the use of a home due to fire or other the cost of normal expenses while living in This form also extends the time for filing a gift or generation-skipping transfer (Gsn tax return if you file a calendar (not fiscal) year income tax return. Check below only if requesting a gift or GST tax return extension, and enter your tax payment(s) in Part IV: Yourself..,.. February 1999 D Spouse..,.. D 9 Total liability. Add lines 6, 7, and 8 $ 10 Amount you are paying. . . . . ..,.. If line 10 is less than line 9, you may be liable for interest and penalties. See page 3. Seafarers LOG 13 �Sea Star Line's El Yunque sails between Florida and San Juan, P.R. with an SIU crew. Chief Electrician J.R. Cirafisi has his work cut out for him as he reads up on the containership's electrical system. El Yunque Welcomed Into U.S.-Flag Trade The SIU-crewed El Yunque is the first of two vessels operated by Sea Star Line to pursue the container trade between Florida and Puerto Rico. Its sister ship, the El Morro, will be crewed by Seafarers later this year, possibly as early as next month. The combination roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) and lift-on/lift-off (LO/LO) ships are capable of speeds of up to 24 knots. The El Yunque sails from Jacksonville every Thursday and Port Everglades on Friday, arriving in San Juan Sunday night, with cargo availability each Monday morning. The El Morro will provide an additional sailing each week between Jacksonville and San Juan. "These high-speed ships enable us to provide the largest variety of service Sonny Herrera, the bosun aboard the El Yunque, is happy with the RO/RO ship and its crew. options to our customers," stated Mike Shea, president of Sea Star Line. "Sea Star will offer containers and trailers ranging from 20' to 53', refrigerated cargo services, underdeck water-tight auto and truck stowage, flat beds and lowboys and the ability to move heavy machinery, boats on trailers and everything else that rolls onto fast and versatile ships." "The union welcomes this new entry into the U.S.-flag maritime trades," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez during the October membership meeting. Tellez also noted that the vessels are covered by the Standard Freightship Agreement. Sea Star is a joint venture which includes Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. AB Mark Holman stands gangway watch. AB Ronald Mena joined the ship for its initial Florida to Puerto Rico run. Racks are removed from the El Yunque's deck to be used for RO/RO operations. Loading stores into the crew's icebox is SA Steven Ruiz. Right: Ready for breakfast is DEU Marcus Pittman. 14 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Manny Basas checks the ship's stores for the next voyage. Left: Chief Steward Francis Ostendarp takes time between meals to keep the galley clean. February 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 1998 - JANUARY 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York 30 Philadelphia ·5 ' Baltimore ,12 5 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 12 11 23 14 Jacksonville 42 San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 21 Totals 27 35 15 12 5 12 12 9 15 8 3 12 24 1 3 22 2 275 0 1 2 153 3 3 10 3 7 10 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. .Louis 18 1 5 7 12 IO 19 10 10 10 2 6 18 2 8 3 2 29 16 8 18 IO 3 3 1 26 7 1 2 8 3 2 0 75 2 4 9 21 2 I 194 3 4 80 6 11 3 11 2 3 2 7 0 3 1 2 6 0 I 3 0 6 3 5 5 3 0 1 3 1 4 3 6 5 3 8 3 1 3 0 34 11 2 3 IO 2 ~ t 2 0 1 5 8 0 2 5 1 0 0 4 26 7 7 7 19 17 16 3 5 8 0 1 Wilmington 13 18 3 1 0 0 3 11 3 12 0 2 26 21 12 18 15 24 7 12 20 1 3 10 0 9 4 0 1 8 7 6 7 6 2 0 0 0 0 58 21 47 209 1 116 6 4 2 0 9 28 9 l 2 2 0 0 0 2 1 3 2 1 4 18 12 12 2 9 6 12 0 25 46 7 8 3 5 3 12 2 2 8 0 13 5 0 2 0 0 8 10 2 2 3 0 0 0 15 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 43 10 0 139 58 20 109 17 2 14 2 4 0 Baltimore 4 0 0 4 1 0 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 2 0 0 11 9 9 16 4 16 4 3 0 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: March 23, April 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: March 16, April 13 New York ................Tuesday: March 9, April 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Tacoma ...................Friday: March 26, April 23 Wilmington .............Monday: March 22, April 19 Each portts meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals MICHAEL GOMES Please call Steve and Sophie at (818) 886-6093. ROMERO RUSTY 4 3 1 3 6 10 0 0 2 0 I 0 Mobile .................... Wednesday: March 17, April 14 St Louis ................. Friday: March 19, April 16 6 8 0 87 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday'. March 24. April 21 San Juan ..................Thursday: March 11, April 8 0 2 2 6 2 16 15 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 11, April 8 San Francisco .........ThulNday: March 18, April 15 7 2 3 0 48 11 Houston .................. Monday: March 15, April 12 2 3 7 0 I 0 Honolulu ................. Friday: March 19. April 16 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 4 0 2 4 0 9 10 0 9 27 I 6 35 3 0 9 7 0 0 11 0 0 0 71 2 0 249 5 6 0 5 75 23 0 13 39 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 25 2 1 10 2 23 1 An old friend, Roselle Meacham, is trying to get in touch with you. Please write her at 627 South Conestoga St., Philadelphia, PA 19143; or telephone (215) 474-9298. CORDELL AND MICHAEL DUNN Please contact Leon and Alice Fountain at (253) 582-0966. Flag Flies for First Time 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port 1 2 6 5 11 16 2 2 15 0 2 3 4 17 15 5 13 11 0 0 0 8 13 31 24 24 5 15 22 IO 0 0 0 13 6 29 5 0 2 11 2 47 9 100 11 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 136 34 102 111 0 92 266 228 265 424 300 201 215 968 640 379 7 7 4 4 6 1 St. I..ouis 0 2 0 0 0 40 4 0 17 0 158 584 446 3 9 6 17 2 29 7 2 3 54 4 l 8 2 5 4 s 2 *''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Febmary 1999 4 8 4 0 3 4 44 3 5 San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston 14 15 2 0 18 5 13 1 8 0 19 9 Jacksonville Totals All Departments 183 2 3 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: March 17, April 14 Philadelphia ...•.•....•. Wednesday: March 10, April 7 3 2 5 6 11 5. 3 4 Totals 418 l 6 0 3 0 San Francisco Piney Point Algonac 3 0 0 0 97 59 11 62 22 14 39 3 0 3 15 5 16 22 9 18 12 3 14 24 l 2 0 7 6 6 9 I 3 4 6 5 8 1 S 9 8 18 24 New York Philadelphia 0 0 Piney Point .............Monday: March 8, April 5 Baltimore ................ Thursday~ March 11, April 8 17 7 15 3 3 4 7 I 8 3 2 2 6 4 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Algonac .., ...............Friday: March 12t April 9 22 19 32 57 39 49 11 4 14 Port Totals 8 11 0 97 4 6 14 0 Jacksonville 12 13 7 15 130 Algonac 0 0 2 8 5 5 5 1 1 0 77 0 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans *"'REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Piney Point Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 6' 15 3 5 4 2 2 7 2 2 6 9 10 6 2 9 9 12 Port New York Philadelphia Trip Reliefs ·1( . ' fa ' '24 9 TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C March & April 1999 ...__ Recertified Bosun Doyle Ellette gets the honors as he raises the Stars and Stripes aboard the Diamond Shoals tor the first time. Operated by lnterocean Ugland Management, the vessel is the third Double Eagle tanker crewed by Seafarers. The three new vessels, named after old U.S. Coast Guard light ships, are built with double hulls in order to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. NOTICE TO SEAFARERS If your vessel is not receiving the Seafarers LOG regularly, please contact the LOG office. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarel'S lnfemational Onion DireofOl'J DECEMBER 16, 1998 - JANUARY 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay .Ex;ecutive Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Augnilin Tttltz Vice President Con.tracts . ............ ... Byron Kelley ........ Vii;.¢ Ptesident Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey ..Vice President Gulf Coast · · Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . .. . Kt!nnett Mangram . Yic.e Pre-s\dent Government Services HEADQUARTERS 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC S20 St. Clair River Dr, Algonac, Ml 4800 l Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 34 6 0 19 I 0 6 4 0 14 16 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Jaek Catrey · ·· Vice President Atlantic Coast Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 2 16 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 10 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 5 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 10 0 9 0 18 4 0 9 1 0 I 1 0 5 6 0 33 40 13 0 27 Totals All Depts 73 0 *"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. 12 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DECEMBER 16, 1998 - JANUARY 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 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 17002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, .lnland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes~ Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 1 47 1 49 0 3 0 0 3 0 2 0 8 10 0 0 0 6 5 1 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 17 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 17 9 0 9 4 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 36 5 45 0 6 0 1 7 0 1 14 0 15 0 1 0 0 0 1 13 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 1 Totals All Depts 75 3 16 19 1 6 74 8 *"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. 0 17 0 16 33 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 2 39 NORFOLK ll5Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point. MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCJSCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 161h Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 f6 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Peter J. Mistretta of Baltimore, Md. was taken at a seaman's club in Bombay, India. The deck department member and his crew mates had just gotten off a l T-2 tanker. The I weather was very hot, so the group went for some refreshments at the local club. Mistretta, now 77, is second from right. He began sailing in 1947 and retired in 1986. George Schmidt, second from left, died in 1996 at the age of 79. It was the first trip for both men. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. February f 999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. O ne recertified steward and one recertified bosun are among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 80 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Steward Robert I. Fagan and Recertified Bosun Maurilio Zepeda are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified graduates, seven of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, nine shipped on inland vessels and five plied the Great Lakes. Ten of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, eight shipped in the engine department and three sailed as members of the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA Steamship Corp. vessel. The California native sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Groening last sailed aboard the Overseas Ohio. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Fresno, Calif. CLIFFORD C.HALL,65, joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Missouri, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed in 1993 aboard a vessel operated by Hudson Waterways. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Hall has retired to Frederickstown, Mo. ALBERTT. BATIS, 65 , joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in ~':. 1962 in the ,Ajjl port of San L.:....:.:"-'--;:.:..===·;:::.; ~~:.::::: ::±;_.i .··' Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. A native of Hawaii, he makes his home in Honolulu. FREDERICK l~iii.i~I C. HARRIS, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1952 from the port of Baltim re. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Harris last sailed in 1996 aboard the Gulf Trader, operated by Apex Marine Management. The Maryland native served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He makes his home in Houston. ROBERTI. FAGAN, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. Brother Fagan last sailed aboard the· Wright, operated by American Overseas Marine Corp. He continues to reside in Baltimore. MAURILIO ZEPEDA, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Houston. Brother i.::_-===----' Zepeda worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1982. He last sailed aboard the Mt. Washington, a Bay Ship Management vessel. A native of Texas, he has retired to LaMarque. WILLIE H. GORDON, 64, started his career with the MC&S in 1967, before that union merged with L.-......:::::=~=::..;__-'-' the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Gordon last sailed aboard the APL Korea, operated by American Ship Management. He calls Wilmington, Calif. home. INLAND RICHARD C. GROENING, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Hastings, a Waterman February 1999 r--:i;;;;;;;;;~--, JAMESJ. CARR SR., 68, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the deck department as a tankerman, last sailing in 1984 aboard a Sheridan Transportation Co. vessel. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Carr makes his home in Holmes Beach, Fla. WOODHAM D. EVERETT, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1974, after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. Born in Mississippi, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman Everett makes his home in Lake, Miss. DEANL. MARCUS, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1976 from the port of Houston aboard the National Voyager. Boatman Marcus worked in the deck department and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by National Marine Service. A native of Texas, he makes his home in Pasadena. r:.a.:-1 GEORGE H. MONTALVO, 40, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1978. Born in Texas, he worked as an ==--=== engineer, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Montalvo calls Groves, Texas home. PE OJ. MORET,59, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Moret makes his home in Puerto Rico. ..------___,,,...-__, ROBERTO ROBLES, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1976 in Puerto Rico. Boatman Robles worked ====-=== in the deck department and signed off the El Morro, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he calls Guaynabo home. ANGELD. SANCHEZ, 58, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 in his native Puerto Rico. He started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Sanchez last sailed in 1997 aboard the Jupiter, operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. He makes his home in Toa Baja, P.R. MIGUELA. VAZQUEZ, 55, joined the SIU in 1977 in Puerto Rico. Boatman Vazquez worked as an engineer, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. Born in the nation of Colombia, he has retired to Santurce, P.R. JAMESD. WILSON, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1968. He sailed as a tankerman and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Wilson last sailed in 1986 aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. The Missouri native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959. Boatman Wilson makes his home in Baldwyn, Miss. GREAT LAKES ROYAL J. BOOKER, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Detroit. A native of Iowa, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Booker sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. His last ship was the Detroit Edison. He makes his home in Chestnut Mound, Tenn. MiiiiiiL:~ PAUL T. GOSDA, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Gosda sailed in the deck department as a wheelsman. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the J.A. W. Iglehart, operated by Inland Lakes Management. Born in New York, he has retired to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. - RONALDP. KRUG, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Born in Ohio, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1984 aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel. Boatman Krug has retired to Cleveland. MOHAMED G. SHAIBI, 55, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, he sailed in the ===--==-.:==-i deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Shaibi last sailed aboard the American Mariner, operated by American Steamship Co. He calls Buffalo, N. Y. home. STANLEY SZEJBACH, 66, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Szejbach worked in the engine department. The Michigan native sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management. His last vessel was the Alpena. He makes his home in Alpena, Mich. Remembering WWII Mariners Several members of the Hampton Roads (Va.) Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, which includes a number of retired Seafarers, traveled last year to Normandy to revisit the site of the Allies' D-Day triumph in World War II. Here, Ray Hurst (left) and an unidentified man display the chapter's flag with the white cliffs of Dover, England in the background. Seafarers LOii 17 ~ 1 �Final Departures DEEP SEA WILLIAM D. ALVARO Pensioner William D. Alvaro, 82, passed away December 19, 1998. Born in Hawaii, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the pon of New York. Brother Alvaro sailed as a chief steward. A resident of Gulfpon, Fla., he began receiving his pension in March 1972. CLEMENT BAIRSTOW - Pensioner Clement Bairstow, 79, passed away November 25, 1998. Born in Rhode Island, he joined the Seafarers in 11-..-_:_-:L_~., 1943 in the port of Boston. Brother Bairstow worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1982 aboard the Ponce, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. A resident of Hallandale, Fla., he began receiving his pension in April 1991. ANDREJS BRINGIS Andrejs Bringis, 56, died October 14, 1998. Brother Bringis sailed with the SIU from 1969 to 1974 from the port of Seattle. The deck department member's first ship was the SeaLand Anchorage. Born in Latvia, he became a U.S. citizen in 1965 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. Brother Bringis was a resident of Shelton, Wash. EDWARDJ.BROADERS Pensioner Edward J. Broaders, 80, passed away December 1, 1998. A native of Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in August 1983, Brother Broaders signed off the Delta Caribe, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. He made his home in Denton, Md. HENRY S. CHEMEL l"]iiiiiiiiii~I Pensioner Henry S. Chemel, 84, died recently. Born in Poland, the Hollywood, Fla. resident began sailing with the SIU in 1955 from the port of Miami. He worked in the engine department, most recently in 1978 aboard the Delta Norte, operated by Delta Steamship Co. Brother Cherne! began receiving his pension in February 1979. ABRAHAM FEINSTEIN Pensioner Abraham Feinstein, 86, died September 27, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the SIU in 1944 in the '----'===---' port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Feinstein was a resident of New York City and retired in October 1974. 18 Seafarers LOG VICTOR FERGUSON Pensioner Victor Ferguson, 83, passed away October 21, 1998. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S), before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A resident of Panama, Brother Ferguson retired in September 1975. EDWARD H. GOING Pensioner Edward H. Going. 83, died November 26, 1998. A native of New Hampshire, he was a charter member of the ==~___:--=::i Seafarers, having joined the union in November 1938 in the port of Baltimore. During his career, he sailed in the engine department, attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Going was a resident of Staten Island, N.Y. and started receiving his pension in August 1978. THOMAS J. HENRY Pensioner Thomas J. Henry, 74, passed away November 17, 1998. Brother Henry began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of New York. He started working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. The New Jersey native lived in Mount Holly and retired in February 1987. ROBERT S. HESS Robert S. Hess, 48, died November 24, 1998. He graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1970 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The New York native sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1987. Brother Hess was a resident of St. Augustine, Fla. JAMES J. KEEFE Pensioner James J. Keefe, 87, passed away December 30, 1997. Brother Keefe started his career with the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He worked as a chief steward. Prior to his retirement in October 1974, he signed off the Hawaii Bear. Brother Keefe lived in Huntington Beach, Calif. STEPHEN B. KUTZER Pensioner Stephen B. Kutzer, 78, died November 19, 1998. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the :.___....:::~=-_J Seafarers in 1948 from the port of New York. Brother Kutzer worked in the deck department and started receiving his pension in May 1976. He was a resident of Shamokin, Pa. EVELYN M. LAMUN Pensioner Evelyn M. Lamun, 79, passed away October 11, 1998. She started her career with the MC&S in 1956 aboard the Monterey, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Illinois and a resident of San Jose, Calif., Sister Lamun retired in May t 970. EDWARD H. LUDOLPH Pensioner Edward H. Ludolph, 81 , died October 12, 1998. Born in California, he joined the MC&S in 1954, before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD. Brother Ludolph began receiving his pension in July 1974. He was a resident of San Francisco. LLOYD D. MOSS Pensioner Lloyd D. Moss, 73, died November 24, 1998. Brother Moss graduated from the MC&S training school in 1962 and joined that union in the port of San Francisco, before it merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Texas and a resident of Glen Rose, he retired in December 1978. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. WILLIAM H. MUELLER Pensioner William H. Mueller, 90, passed away November 19, 1998. He joined the MC&S, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of Haddonfield, NJ., he began receiving his pension in July 1974. ALBERT N. RINGUETTE Pensioner Albert N. Ringuette, 74, passed away December 12, 1998. Brother Ringuette began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of Baltimore. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, graduating from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1947. Brother Ringuette lived in Seattle and started receiving his pension in January 1989. MARCELINO VALENTIN rr&iiiiiiiiiiil Pensioner Marcelino Valentin, 84, died December 12, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Valentin sailed in the engine department and retired in August 1976. The Puerto Rico native was a resident of Mayaguez. -----------=---' WAYNE STEWART Wayne Stewart, 39, passed away November 29, 1998. A native of Louisiana, he graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training ~!!!!!!!!!l program in 1980 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Stewart sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of New Orleans. TUVAO T. TAULA Pensioner Tuvao T. Taula, 69, died November 23, 1998. Born in American Samoa, he began sailing with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Philadelphia. During his career, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Taula last sailed in 1979 aboard the Ogden Yukon and started receiving his pension in 1994. He was a resident of Vista, Calif. VICTOR B. TIGETT Pensioner Victor B. Tigett, 68, died November 3, 1997. A native of New York, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Houston. He worked in the engine department and retired in May 1994. From 1951 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Tigett Jived in Galveston. Texas. GREAT LAKES ALBERT J. VERWILT Pensioner Albert J. Verwilt, 82, passed away December 22, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the engine department, upgrading his skills at the Lundeberg School. He also was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Highlands, N.J ., Brother Verwilt began receiving his pension in December 1986. CHARLES C. WILLIAMS Pensioner Charles C. Williams, 73, passed away December 2, 1998. A native of North Carolina and a resident of Norfolk, Va., he started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of Norfolk. Brother Williams sailed in the steward department as a chief cook. Prior to his retirement in July 1990, he signed off the liberty Seas. A veteran of World War II , he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1963. INLAND RONALD B. AUSTIN Ronald B. Austin, 35, died November 2, 1998. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Austin worked as an engineer and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Sea Robin, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. A native of North Carolina, he was a resident of Buxton. FRANCIS SLOANE Francis Sloane, 64, died February 25, 1998. Brother Sloane began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of Baltimore. The Missouri native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1994 aboard the Fidelio. He was a resident of New Orleans. City, Fla., Boatman Higgs began receiving his pension in October 1976. CHARLES E. HIGGS Pensioner Charles E. Higgs, 89, passed away June 22, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Tampa, Fla. He sailed as a chief engineer, primarily aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. A resident of Plant RALPH LESLIE Pensioner Ralph Leslie, 78, passed away November 26, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1960. Born in Ohio, he worked in the '-------"'-""-----"'~= engine department, last sailing aboard the St. Clair. A resident of Toledo, Ohio, Brother Leslie began receiving his pension in September 1985. JAMES J. MULCAHY Pensioner James J. Mulcahy, 75, died November IO, 1998. Brother Mulcahy started his career with the SIU in 1976 ~-------' in his native New York. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retire ment in October 1988, he signed off the Roger M. Keyes, operated by American Steamship Co. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. Brother Mulcahy was a resident of Tempe, Ariz. RAILROAD MARINE MICHAEL L. WANCA . . - - - - - - - . Pensioner • Michael L Wanca, 81, passed away November 29, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in =---'~=!!::......:.....:== 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Wanca worked as a bridgeman, primarily for Penn Central Railroad Co. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Jersey City, N.J., he started receiving his pension in November 1982. CORRECTIONS The photos of Discoro Militar and Harry N. Schorr were switched in last month's Final Departures. The correct obituaries follow. DISCORO MILITAR l~iiiiiiiiiii~l Pensioner Discoro Militar, 98, passed away September 28, 1998. A native of the ~~~=.z.J Philippines, he started his career with the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. Brother Militar sailed as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in December 1973. He lived in Hercules, Calif. HARRY N. SCHORR Pensioner Harry N. Schorr, 86, passed away Sept. 26, 1998. He joined the · SIU in 1953 in the port of = = :;...;:_-...::.....::::::....__..New York. He sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Brother Schorr was a resident of Hemet, Calif. and began receiving his pension in March 1977. February 1999 �Digest Of Shipboard "lrriiin ~Meetings ~~~ ~eitail)m fOG attempt$ to print as many digests of union shipboard ' · \i/ :minutes as possible. On occasion, because ol space . . · ·. limitations, some will be omitted, :>t:::;·~:sflipl'minutes llrst are:riiiilewed by tho union's contract depal1ment. · ·:rhose issues tf!i/iiifl"n.·fitientloir or re10/utlun are addressed by the union · upon·recelpfot:the"shlps' minutes. The minutes are tllen forwarded · · to the Seafarers LOG for publication. COURIER (Marine Transport), October 20-Chairman Norman K. Armstrong, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Cleveland West, Steward Delegate Jessie James. Chainnan announced ship to arrive following day in Beaumont, Texas. Items on order expected at that time. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading opportunities available at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given high marks for job well done. Payoff expected in Philadelphia at end of month. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), October 18-Chainnan David Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Deck Delegate Michael Hall, Steward Delegate Donald J. Mann. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. October 24. Educational director reminded everyone to obtain training record books (TRBs) in order to register and ship. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. None in engine or steward departments. Request made for new heat exchanger because water is too hot. Recommendation made to have contrac s de a m t into vacation pay every 60 days instead of 120. Questions also raised regarding bringing family embers on board and about captain putitng out draw every five days. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. JEB STUART (Waterman Steamship), October 8-Chairman Thomas Temple, Secretary William Williams, Deck Delegate Kent Arnold, Engine Delegate Joe Martin, Steward Delegate Mario Henriquez. Chairman reported to crew of requirements needed to meet basic safety training in accordance with Chapter VI of STCW. Educational director stressed need to apply for TRB. Bosun has application forms. TRBs may be signed on pages 47-54 by any officer. Secretary advised crew members to secure personal belongings while in port. Treasurer announced $25 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Chairman noted that Seafarers LOG, especially President's Report, is extremely important. Articles in LOG keep members up-to-date on union and maritime-related activities and let them know if need exists to write congressmen to help pass certain legislation of importance to SIU. Ship inspection to take place October 16. Everyone asked to assist in helping vessel pass by doing their part. Next port: Diego Garcia. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), October I I-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Lee Frazier, Educational Director Angel Rivera. Chairman announced port arrival time. Stressed need for TRB when registering to ship. Secretary noted provisions will be at dock on October 17. February 1999 Next voyage-to Bangladeshexpected to last approximately 75 days. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Both deck and steward delegates reported beefs in respective departments. None reported by steward delegate. Request made for additional washing machine and dryer. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department for further consideration that after 20 years with SIU, members should be able to buy out. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line), October 11-Chainnan John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Nicholas Vieira, Deck Delegate Joseph Sauzek, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Chainnan announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. October 15. Still waiting for ice machine; hope it arrives in Miami. Secretary asked everyone to help keep ship clean. Request put in for crew list sheets and forms for minutes. Educational director reminded crew members of opportunities available at Piney Point. Brother Sauzek taking over movie fund, which currently contains $55.83. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Written clarification requested regarding updated ae con rac . o asked hat work schedule for GVA be sent in writing. Ship's crew requested survival suits, especially for North Atlantic winters. Thanks given to chief cook for excellent food preparation and service. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), October 30-Chairman Ray Tate, Secretary Milton Yarnell, Educational Director Horace D. Jones, Deck Delegate Michael Duggan, Steward Delegate Arturo Lopez. Chairmen led discussion about supporting union by upgrading skills. He also urged members to read Seafarers LOG and keep up-to-date on union rules, policies and new issues. Secretary talked about contract and said he feels lucky to be part of strong union. Educational director stressed need for upgrading at Lundeberg School and advised working members to keep union apprised of shipboard activities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for headquarters to look into changing wording on vacation checks and of reducing time necessary for retirement. Clarification also requested on extra vacation day. COURIER (Marine Transport), November 8-Chainnan Norman K. Armstrong, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Ralph Neal, Engine Delegate Joseph Preuito, Steward Delegate Jessie James. Chairman announced vessel en route to Texas. Educational director talked about great facilities at Paul Hall Center for upgrading Seafarers. Troy Mitchell elected ship's treasurer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun to check with captain regarding ship's fund and whether company is part of money purchase pension plan. Request made for new VCR. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman Steamship), November 29Chairman Theodore J. Bush, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Jim Laratta. Secretary announced fresh stores to be brought aboard in Morehead City, N.C. Educational director reminded crew members of necessity of obtaining TRBs. Treasurer noted $110 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Port agent to address problems with crew mess duties. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), November 21Chairman Reginald Watkins, Secretary Paul Stubblefield, Educational Director James W. Badgett, Engine Delegate Antonio Norman. Chairman read letter concerning seatime requirements for retirement. He also reported job well done with good group of crew members and especially thanked Shaun Bonefont and Nathaniel Salter, the two unlicensed apprentices. Secretary asked that everyone get rooms ready for replacements by bagging dirty linen and placing it in passways and removing all trash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New washer and dryer requested by crew, especially with extra personnel on board. Also need new VCR and tape rewinder. Chief engineer let crew use his this trip. Crew members happy to have steward and chief cook back from vacation. LNG AQUARIUS (PRONAV Ship Management), November 15Chainnan Monte R. Pereira, Secretary Franklin Robertson, Deck Delegate Richard Spencer, Engine Delegate Joseph Jay mo , teward e egate . Stoiber. Chairman talked about changeover from ETC to PRONAV, which talces place November 17. He asked crew to keep working in professional manner. Educational director suggested that, with current state of shipping industry, everyone get as much education as possible, even sitting for license if time is available. Upgrade skills at Lundeberg School and take coures that will help provide job security and increased pay. Treasurer · announced $500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chief cook and bosun requested everyone keep noise down. New water glasses requested. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. LYKES ADVENTURER (Crowley American Transport), November 19-Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Secretary McKinley Jones Jr., Educational Director James B. Porter, Deck Delegate William C. Horton, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman reported movie locker open at all times during crossings and locked while ship in port. Bosun in process of malcing additional video storage space. New TV on board in crew lounge this trip. Would like to use some of ship's fund for antenna hookup. Thanks given to third engineer for his repair work on TV. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Paul Hall Center or be left behind. ''The more training you have, the better your skills and job prospects will be." Treasurer announced $50 in ship's fund to be used to upgrade TV reception. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters regarding payoffs as well as President's Report in LOG read and discussed. Request made to have elevator fixed to stop on Deck B. Vote of thanks to steward department for great job. Next ports: New York and Norfolk, Va. sible revision of pension plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Shipholding), November 5-Chairman Chris Kicey, Secretary A. Spangler, Educational Director George Bigby, Deck Delegate Mark Kerr, Engine Delegate Donal R. Swanner, Steward Delegate Ali Quraish. Chairman noted mail opening issue resolved. He also spoke about article in Sea/are rs LOG regarding affiliation of SIUNA and NMU and reviewed President Mike Sacco's report on Sill's 60th birthday. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), November 22-Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Allen D. Parker, Deck Delegate John Thomas Emrich, Engine Delegate Rebecca Gaytan, Steward Delegate Joseph Laureta. Chairman thanked everyone for smooth trip, with special thanks to steward department for good food. Secretary expressed appreciation for donations to movie fund, which Shipboard Meeting on the Osprey ~ Bosun Robert Lindsay (seated, second from left) presides over a union meeting aboard the Osprey earlier last year. Robert E. Thompson Ill, who sent this photo from the Osprey-Acomarit vessel to the Seafarers LOG, did not identify everyone in the picture but noted that it includes AB Jose Castro, Chief Steward Justo Lacayo, Chief Cook Steve Dickson and AB Enrique Bravos. Educational director recommended all crew members utilize Paul Hall Center to advance job classification and skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received aboard vessel on safety management program. Crew members asked to sort room trash prior to placing in dumpsters on ship's stem. Captain Hockenberry's memo read on allotments and foreign articles detailing why's and wherefore's. Anyone still unsure should ask questions. Request made for new VCR for rec room. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Honolulu; Johnston Atoll; Ulsan, South Korea; and Okinawa, Japan. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship), November 8Chainnan Samuel Reed, Secretary R.K. Bright, Deck Delegate James R. Stiller, Engine Delegate David Dunklin, Steward Delegate Henry Edwards. Chainnan announced letter on raise received. Secretary thanked crew for great trip. He urged them to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. Educational director announced $433 in ship's fund and stressed necessity of upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several suggestions made to be forwarded to contracts department, including return of 14-day vacations and counting standby jobs toward seatime. Special thanks given to steward department for excellent service in all areas. SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land Service), November 10--Chainnan Terrance Murphy, Secretary James Wright, Educational Director G. Ackley, Steward Delegate C. Short. Chainnan announced payoff at next port. Crew members urged to continue having TRBs checked off. Educational director thanked officers involved with various shipboard classes, especially first aid lectures and training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion sent to headquarters regarding pos- added nearly 40 new movies over last three trips to video library. Fund still has balance of $100. Educational director advised crew members to attend courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested union to review for safety unloading of containers aboard ship. Vessel is built to load at side ports. Also requested review of seatime requirements for retirement. Steward noted milk has had to be frozen to extend life. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), November 8Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Steve W. Bigelow, Deck Delegate Dennis J. Goodwin, Engine Delegate W. E. Cassel. Chairman thanked deck department for good job. He also announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Letter received from headquarters responding to questions from prior trip. All hands gave steward department vote of thanks for great job. U5NS ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), November 1Chainnan Sam Porchea, Secretary Catherine Hays, Educational Director Larry Wesley, Deck Delegate Steve Brown, Engine Delegate John Miranda, Steward Delegate Charlfred Autry. Ship has started slop chest, with profits going to ship's fund to eventually be used to purchase stabilizer for satellite dish. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Fans needed in four crew rooms; first engineer to be informed. Written clarification requested on number of items, including day's pay in lieu of day off, penalty hour for union duties, ~leaning of radio shack and clothing allowance for cleaning tanks, among others. Steward department thanked for good food with special thanks to Chief Cook Sherman Harper for serving meals with much enthusiasm. Next ports: Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas. Seafarers LOG 19 �- SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUl'l'LEMENTARY l'EllSIOll PLAN This is a summary of the annual report nfthe Mes Supplementai;y·Pension Plan; · EIN ~1~6097a56 for the period ended'January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The a.onual.tepPrt has been filed with the Jnternal Revenue Service, as required under . the: Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ER ISA). Basic F'mancial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $J,383,747. These expenses included $179,524 in administrative expenses and "$1~204,223 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,553 persons . ::were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although ..!l~l all of these persons had yet earned the right to rereive benefits. The value of plan assets after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $11.589 ,292 .. ilS.ofDecember 31, 1997, compared to $11,524,150 as of Janu<ll)' 1, 1997. During the plan yc:<P', the plan experienced an increase jn its net assets of $65, 142. This increase includes unrealized appreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the current value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the c-ost of any assets acquired during the year. The plan hnd n total income of$ l ,448.889. including' realized gains of $274,310 ·from the sale.of assecs and enrn'ngs from investments of $1.174,S79. Minimum Fumfmg Standards . .. ·'An actuary',s statements shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERJSA. Your Rights to AddHional lnformauon - I I I Your have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report; 1. an acwuntant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; 4. service provider and trustee information; and 5. transactions in excess 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Trustees of MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 520 l Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to ex.amine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs, Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. I I r .. .. ~ t SOlfltJIRf AllllUAL REPORT I This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, EIN 136100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERJSA). I FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST Basic F"manclal Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $35,842,202. These expenses included $4,877,110 in administrative expenses and $30,965,092 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 23,536 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets. after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $562,498.325 as ofDecember31, 1997, compared to $523,998,670as of January 1, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $38,499,655. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year,. The plan had a total income of $74,341,857, including employer contributions of $5,805,263, realized gains of $11,893.534 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $56,643,060. A Great 'Love of the Sea' Story (Editor's note: The following story is one of true love, written by AB Mark Kerr about the marriage of his crew mate, QMED Donal Swanner. The photos were taken by QMED Roy Robinson.) nce upon a time, way back on a cold November starlit night in 1957 in a then-small seaport of Seattle. a young Seafarer named Donal "Gypsy" Swanner, sailing in the engine department, meets a delightfully witty and very pretty young lady named Judith Grots. Not long after their meeting and courtship, this young Seafarer sets sail for a Far East voyage. The newly acquainted couple embrace and exchange sweet thoughts of one another, bid farewell to each other, and he departs with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime. Several years of courtship pass and Donal finally asks Judith for her hand in marriage. They are married in the small town of Sulpulpa, Okla. in the summer of 1969. After the exchange of those sacred vows and a dreamy honeymoon, he departs on yet another sea voyage with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime. During the 35 years of marriage, they spend many memorable moments together enjoying the simple things in life. Judy likes to camp and go hiking. She spends a great deal of time in the great outdoors, nature trails, country-style living. So over the years, as with many a good marriage, each partner learns to accept from one another their values, needs and shortcomings. Judy learns to accept the love of the sea that her husband loves so much that again he must depart and return to sea on yet another sea voyage with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime. As with many a great love story, all beginnings must come with endings, and on September 29, 1998 at 1740, Judy Grots Swanner passed away at the age of 59 due to complications from cancer. At the request of his bride, she wanted her body, mind O and soul to remain with him every day, and her ashes were finally laid to rest at sea on November 12, 1998 at 2306 GMT. Gypsy Swanner noted the exact burial site to be Latitude 17.59.4N and Longitude 165.32.1 W. The burial service was conducted by Captain D. M. Hockenberry, master aboard the Paul Buck, and attended by the entire crew paying their respects for their SIU brother's loved one. As Gypsy parted with the ashes, and again on yet another sea voyage with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime, finally she will be with him forever. QMED Roy Robinson (left) and AB Mark Kerr pose for a photo aboard the Paul Buck as it departs Portland, Ore. for Hono· lulu. Captain D. M. Hockenberry (left) extends his condolences to QMED Donal Swanner during the burial service of Swanner's wife from aboard the Ocean Shipholding, Inc. vessel. Seafarer/Author r Announces Book Special AB Larry Reiner, author of two novels primarily set aboard ship, reports that his publisher is extending sale prices on the books for SIU members. ea arers may order Reiner's new book, The Other Shore, for $20 through Integra P savings). Or they may order both his novels (The Other Shore and Minute of Silence) for a total of $36, postage prepaid. Be sure to specify that you are an SIU member and that you want Integra's "special offer" in order to receive the discount. Books may be ordered at Integra's internet site, www.integrapress.com; by phone at (602) 996-2106; by fax at (602) 953-1552; or by writing to: Integra Press 1702 W. Camelback Rd., Suite 119 Phoenix, AZ 85015 Cape Texas Meets MSC's Challenge Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of BRISA CAPE TEXAS Your Rights to Additional Information NORFOLK VA. You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5. service provider andtrustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to rover copying costs will be $3.50 for the full annual report, or 10 cents for any page thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Au th Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (OOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs, Requests to the OOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 20 Seafarers LOG Last fall, a number of SIU-crewed ships composing part of the Ready Reserve Force were activated for unannounced drills. One of those vessels is the Cape Texas, operated by Apex Marine Corp. When in reduced operating status, the 635foot ship is based in Houston. Pictured in the ship's galley during the activation are (top photo, from left) Chief Cook John Foster, Chief Steward Bruce Mesger, SA Birdie Lawson and Recertified Bosun Billy Eastwood. Shown at right are (from left) ABs Heley Mareno, Harold Caldeira and John Gilliam. The Cape Texas, along with the other Seafarers-crewed vessels, successfully met the goals of the activation exercise. February 1999 �were bringing back German prisoners of war on a Liberty ship when the war was declared over. They were all young kids. The news came over the radio in German, and they knew they were going back home. Richard Heffiey Cardiff, N.J. I Letters to the Editor (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) (Brother Heffley signed on his first ship, the Kansan, when he was just 16. He has since received certificates of appreciation for his contribution to our nation's defense and security from New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman as well as from French President Franrois Mitterand and the French defense attache.) SIU Withstands World of Politics As the membership of the Seafarers International Union celebrates 60 years of dedicated service in support of U.S.-flag participation in the world of ocean commerce, politicians will come and go, regardless of what they do or fail to do. But the Brotherhood of the Sea is forever! James W. Krebser Stuart, Fla. . . Remaining in Touch With the SIU Union Thank you for mailing me the Seafarers LOG. After 33 years of going to sea with the MC&S, I get to keep up with what is going on in the union as well as the sad news of my many friends who went over the bar for the last time. When I went to sea, I was like a kid at a circus all the time. But what I learned on the passenger and cargo ships helped me obtain good jobs after I retired. Gordon P. Driscoll Warren, Ore. . n Memory of ... "Rotterdam Slim" "Rotterdam Slim," a ship's chandler for more than 60 y , pas e away recently. When a ship would visit the port of Rotterdam, Holland, he would pr vide the crew members with "Rotterdam Slim" souvenirs such as watches, crystal, cheese and many other items. He was loved by all SIU members who met him and will be sorely missed. The photo above was given to me while on a visit to Rotterdam aboard the Sea-Land Newark Bay by his stepson, Arthur, who has taken "Slim's" place. "Slim" knew the value of a strong American merchant marine and will be a fond memory for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. · Robert S. Hess St. Augustine, Fla. . . Brother Heffley Gets Veteran Recognition I would like to tell the young seamen of today what it was like during World War II. I was there in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 for the allied invasion of Europe-D-Day. Allied ships had been sunk in order to make a bulkhead for the troops to land on. They would then fly the seamen home to sail more ships back over there. My ships brought back Gis from Germany and France. We . ~ LOG Article Brings Back Memories of Thule I am not a merchant mariner, but I am a retired Navy quartermaster who spent 19 of my 23 years on sea duty. Each month I am given a copy of the Seafare rs LOG by a friend. I enjoy all your articles. In the December 1998 issue, you printed an article by Chief Steward Pooler, who told us of his second trip to Thule, Greenland to refuel the Air Force base. This brought back memories. Please allow me to share them with you. Thule Air Force base was established in the summer of 1951 as a listening post in the cold war with Russia. The base is approximately 3,000 miles from the geographical North Pole. In June 1951, the USS Casa Grande LSD 13, an assault landing ship dock, in company with other ships carrying Army personnel, supplies and equipment, departed Norfolk, Va. to build the base at Thule. The Casa Grande, equipped with an ice breaker bow, was to be used to break through the ice for the shallow draft LSTs that were transporting the pontoon causeways that would be anchored to the shore and used to offload men and equipment. They would also be used by the landing craft transporting personnel to and from shore. A number of times the Casa Grande was called upon to break through an ice floe for the LS Ts. In Thule, I was ordered to run an LCVP to transport personnel from ship to shore, ship to ship, and act as a lifeguard for the deck seamen working over the side painting. Two of the Casa Grande deck seamen elected to stand on an iceberg that was lodged against the port quarter rather than the required stage. The seamen slipped from the iceberg into the water but were pulled out almost immediately. They were sent to sick bay for the customary shot of brandy, hot shower and a change of clothing. They were returned to duty none the worse for wear. The air temperature was 42 degrees, but I do not know what the water temperature was. With 24 hours of daylight, the personnel constructing the base were able to work around the clock. Until mid-August, it was pretty much routine. The men and equipment were reloaded for the return to Norfolk on August 21in a snowstorm. Part way through an ice floe, the Casa Grande, equipped with a hydro-electric steering system, experienced a steering casualty. Fortunately, the system was returned to service in a few minutes and we were able to continue our journey. We did not see any white polar bears either. Donald R. Miller, QMC USN Retired Staten Island, NY Researcher Seeks Help In Locating Tug Cos. I am researching a tugboat and one of your readers may be able to help me. I am trying to locate someone who may have worked on the Lorain, built by Great Lakes Towing Company in 1915. In the 1940s, the tug went to the R.C. Huffman Construction Company. It was renamed the Cabot in 1950 while owned by Merrit-Chapman & Scott Corp. and used by them in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. In 1968, Providence Towing Corp. of Miami, Fla. is listed as the owner, and in 1972, Allan M. Kennedy Jr. of Minneapolis. Other than the Great Lakes Towing Company, I have not been able to find an address for these companies. If someone can fill me in on some of this tug's history, please contact me. MichaelJ.McCorlllick P.O. Box 21 Kaukauna, WI 54130 Proud to Be Union Last year, Virginia became the first state in the nation to authorize a specialized license plate dedicated to AFL-GIO members. The tags feature the state federation's logo along with "Union Labor" and "AFL-GIO." Union members with vehicles registered in the Old Dominion may order the tags through Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle offices. Either the state will assign a number or vanity tags can be requested as long as they use no more than six digits. However, the above tag already has been taken by SIU Communications Director Daniel Duncan. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the March 8, 1999 headquarters membership meeting to review the 1998 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in February 1999 all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed hannful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/are rs LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the me.mber should notify union · headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 - �- Lundeberg School Graduating Classes 1~ .... ....-.-:-{/ . .....--....,. ,. -.,_ ., ; SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL .~.•;~~-. LIFEBOAT CLASS "':i"~~ .l , ..:.ff'IR ~f,.. i:; H 3 .. :tm r. Trainee Water Survival Class 583 - Graduating from trainee water survival class 583 are (from left, kneeling) Carlos Vargas, Jason Pratt, Edric Hernandez, Bert Lincoln Reynolds, (second row) Misti Thornbrugh, Victor Harvey, Daniel Buffington, Christopher Ledlow, Kris Setterington and Ben Cusic (instructor). \ SCHOOL 1 '\. : .,, ~ ~ !~t.~~:- LIFEBOAT CLASS 584 ' Trainee Water Survival Class 584 - Trainees completing water survival class 584 are (from left, kneeling) Jason Dew, Kevin Addington, Jonathan Buffington, Charles Jones, Kenneth Salgado, (second row) Casey Taylor (instructor), Daniel Borden, Hamil Gregorio, Hugh Crossan Ill, Ray Avie Jr., Randy Ledesma, Todd Conley, Salvatore Migliara, Roosevelt Clark and Paul Weil. fc' ~ I " \! ... r'-·-- !f!li • • ,F ~,.A'"' f Third Mate-Marking their graduation from the third mate class on December 11 are (kneeling) Joseph Turocy, (second row, from left) Richard Grubbs, Keith Finnerty, David Salentre, Jeremie Riehm, John McClinton, (third row) Robert Grove, Christopher Kavanagh, Michael Sleeper, Ben Johnson and instructors Mike Smith and Brad Wheeler. Able Seaman-Earning their AB endorsements on December 11 are (from left, kneeling) John Seibert Jr., Larry Childress, John Kearns, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) James Walmsley, Kenneth Stathos, Michael Patterson, Michael Watson, Saul Townsend Ill, (third row) Anthony Brantley, John Paffrath and Troy Hedrick. Upgraders Water er completing the upgraders water survival course November 13 are (from left, front row) Matthew Voumard, Larry Childress, Michael Patterson, John Kearns, John Seibert Jr., Anthony Brantley, (second row) Michael Watson, John Paffrath, Saul Townsend Ill, Troy Hedrick and Paul Curtis. Basic Firefighting-Seafarers graduating November 6 from the basic firefighting course are (from left, kneeling) Don Dwerk, Alphonso Davis, Mario Batiz, Rickie Zelaya, Lorie Christmas, Andrew Jones, (second row) Rick Redmond (instructor), Wayne Gonsalves, Vanessa Fickel, Michelle Waters, Pablo Lopez, Richard Tasse, Rodolfo Moreira, (third row) Musad Alawad, Michael Wilford, Edward Adams, David Sullivan, Jose Garcia and Talama Moega. Advanced Firefighting-Upgrading graduates of t~e October 30 advanced firefighting class are (from left, kneeling) Taher Saeed, Mohamed Mohamed, Richard Hicks, Waseem Dhalai, Majed Alsunbahi, Gayl Payton, Dave Lomot, Dawn Williams, (second row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Brandy Carter, Walter Harris, Eric Perez, Walter Rocha, David Waligora, Sean Walsh, Talama Moega, (third row) Robert Borden, William Osborn, Thomas Moore, John Foster and Reeves Hornby. Advanced Firefighting-Graduating from the advanced firefighting class on November 13 are (from left, kneeling) Mustari Lalong, Elmo Malacas, Robbie Ballard, Jesse Natividad Jr., Ferdinand Gabuten, James Perez, Michael Miller, (second row) Robert Maschmeier, Joan Ellis, Davie Guyton, Ramon Camacho, Gregory Blaylock, Edwin Bonefont, Dana Cunningham, Maurice Baptiste, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Franz Winiker, Michael Ruggiero, John O'Connell, Kent Doctor, Marcus Garvey and Raphael Vargas. LNG Recertification-Receiving their certificates for completing the LNG recertification course on November 20 are (from left, kneeling) Jesse Natividad Jr., Michael Miller, Mustari Lalong , (second row) Franz Winiker, Ramli Mohamed, Ramon Camacho, James Perez, Michael Ruggiero, (third row) Edwin Bonefont, Gregory Blaylock, Russ Levin (instructor) , Joan Ellis, Davie Guyton, Raphael Vargas, Robert Maschmeier, Dana Cunningham and John O'Connell. 22 Seafarers LOG February 1999 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The folJowin.g is the schedule for classes beginning in February and running through . M~y :-J~29::· attlie . 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 the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime ; ind.ustry. . . .. •. · Please note tha(this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membershipt the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's. s~rt date:. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the .•.:S.t,art.4~~~f:. . . : . . . '. \'.•.::.··,,·!':••·:·•:,... . .. ... :.. . ;: : ": : ~e?.:f~S!~c~~o.,~ave · any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the . LUridebe~g School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Recertification Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification March22 May3 Steward Recertification February 1 March9 LNG Recertification MaylO May27 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) February 15 March 15 April 12 May IO March6 April 3 Mayl Deck Upgrading Courses :::Able Seaman Radar.·. Ob8erv~riunlimited Start Date Date of Completion AprilS Mayl4 March8 March 1 March 12 MaylO May IS May31 Junes February 22 April 19 March 6 Mayl May29 Radar Recertification (one day) March 12 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) March 15 March 19 Bridge Management March22 April 2 Course Start Date Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May3 / elding Advanced Firefighting '" ' Jiity''' llf' March 8 April 16 May3 June 11 Febroary22 March 19 April 19 May14 Lifeboatman/Water Survival STCW Basic Safety Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course Start Date Ga y Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every w ek, starting Jan. 11) February 1, 8, 15, 22 March 1, 8, 15" 22, 29 April 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every otlur week, stoning Jan. 11) February 8, 22 March 8, 22 Apl'il 5, 19 March 1 March22 Mayl7 May24 February 19 March 19 April 9 June4 June 11 February 22 Mareh22 March 6 April 3 April 19 May 18 Mayl May29 February 1 Government Vessels June 11 QMED IDiesel Engine Technology April 12 Date of Completion "", . . . . J,,,>.,. . '"';,.,... .,.,,' February 6 March 13 April 17 February 1 Basic Firefighting May10 Engine Upgrading Courses Marine Electrical Maintenance I May29 February 8 Febraury 12 February22 February 26 March29 April 2 March 15 March20 Academic Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses May3 June 10 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. __Jc_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWZ: AB and QMED awlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their g.pplication. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No 0 Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the c'ourse. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken February 1999 D No CPR: D Yes DNo DATE RETURN COMPLETED APPL/CATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 2199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Summary Annual Reports for MCS Supplementary Pension Plan and Seafarers Pension Plan may be found on page 20. SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona welcomes 250 guests to the port's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Seafarers and pensioners and their families, as well as friends of the SIU, helped make the day a memorable one. Enjoying good company and a sumptuous array of holiday fare are (clockwise from front) recently retired Bosun Oscar Wiley and his wife; (looking to the side) Denise Celona, wife of Asst. VP Nick Celona; Rachael Bochettie, wife of retired MC&S union official Roger Bochettie; Gail Loretta, wife of Chief Steward Ray Loretta; Theresa Madesti and her husband, Mel Madesti, a retired MC&S union official. Bountiful Banquet Held For Bay Area Members Thanksgiving dinner at the festively decorated SIU hall in San Francisco has gotten to be a "real event" over the years. This past holiday was no exception. More than 250 guests--everyone from active members, pensioners, labor union officials, local politicians, judges and shipping company representatives-were in attendance. Coordinated by chief stewards Burt Richardson and Ray Loretta, much of the standard holiday fare, including nine 15-pound hams, was prepared by SIU volunteers. Additionally, Alioto's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf cooked 20 turkeys for the occasion, and a number of delicious desserts were donated by Martha Rivera, a friend of the union. Words of welcome from SIU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone and Assistant Vice President Nick Celona got the festivities off to a start. There was even a surprise cake presented to Jack Henning in celebration of his g3rd birthday. Henning, known as a "champion of the working man," is the retired executive secretarytreasurer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. The photos accompanying this article were taken by Third Cook Clifford Scott. Enjoying the Thanksgiving dinner are Bosun Peter Amper and his wife, Rose. Santa Starts in Mobile Presenting Jack Henning with a surprise birthday cake are Chief Steward Luella Sproul (left) and Martha Rivera, who made the cake (right). Looking on are Art Pulaski (behind Sproul), the executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, and retired SIU West Coast Vice President George McCartney. t!i'Q Making it look easy to feed 250 people are, from left, Chief Cook John Blasquez, Chief Cook Clarence Page, Chief Steward Raymond L. Loretta and Chief Steward Burt Richardson. Santa made a surprise appearance at the Mobile, Ala. membership dinner last month, spreading holiday cheer to more than 100 members, pensioners and their families. In addition to the Christmas festivities, everyone was treated to a delicious holiday meal, provided by the SIU staff at the Mobile hall. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MERCER RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE; MANGRAM NAMED AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR NY/NJ DREDGING PRESS TAKES NOTICE OF RUNAWAYS SENATE MAJORITY LEADER RENEWS CALL FOR STRONG U.S.-FLAG FLEET HOUSE MARITIME CHAIR SAYS HE WON’T CONSIDER JONES ACT IN NEW CONGRESS UNION WORKERS GIVE FACELIFT TO SIU’S NORFOLK HALL SIU FERRY CREW SAVES ‘SUICIDE SWIMMER’ GLOBAL SENTINEL AIDS ACCIDENT VICTIM CLINTON LISTS SAVING SOCIAL SECURITY AS TOP PRIORITY STEEL CRISIS CONTINUES SEAFARERS SAY TIME HAS COME FOR SIUNA-NMU AFFILIATION AVONDALE, NEWPORT NEWS MERGER MAY BE BREATHROUGH FOR WORKERS SEN. LOTT CALLS FOR STRONG U.S.-FLAG FLEET SEAFARERS AID FAMILIES, FELLOW HONDURANS IN WAKE OF HURRICANE MITCH DEVASTATION KEEPING UP WITH THE PAUL HALL CENTER REFURBISHED HUMACAO CARRIES BIGGER CONTAINERS SAN JUAN BUZZES WITH ACTIVITY EL YUNQUE WELCOMED INTO U.S.-FLAG TRADE BOUNTIFUL BANQUET HELD FOR BAY AREA MEMBERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 2 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2325e1d78f5cf5c95a6a86504d4b7417.pdf 434d63a2ccd9bd31706316c3589c286e PDF Text Text National Security Demands Strong .s DEPART~· U.S.-Flag Fleet! Military, Elected Officials & Administration Outline Maritime Goals for Next Century During last month's meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board in Miami, U.S. Air Force General and TRANSCOM Commander Charles T. "Tony" Robertson (standing) ., thanks MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco for the tremendous cooperation demonstrated between the U.S.-flag commercial industry and the U.S. armed forces. Pages 3, 5, 14. Bad Exposure Continues For Runaway-Flag Ships Boatmen sailing aboard Gulf Caribe tugs recently joined the SIU and approved a 10-year contract. The newly contracted company operates towing vessels and barges between Mobile, Ala. and Ponce, P.R. The new SIU members received a pay raise and were enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan under terms of the contract. Pictured on the deck of one of the tugs are (from left) OS David Kuithe, Engineer Joseph Murray and OS/Cook Ronald Gibbs. Page 3. Runaway-flag shipping stayed in the news last month from the prolonged saga of the oil-leaking New Carissa, to the federal hearings regarding Carnival's flaming Ecstasy, to a detailed NY Times Magazine piece on the abandoned Delta Pride (above). It all added up to more unwanted publicity for the runaway-flag scam, also known as flag-of-convenience sh~pping. Pages 2, 6. Seafarers Give Thumbs-Up To New STCW Safety Class New Orleans Hall Almost Set to Open ~~~~~~~~~~~-Page4 --~~~~~~-Page& Union Tackles Y2K Compliance _ _ _ _ _ _ Page7 �President's Report Why We Get Involved Last month, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board held its winter meeting and proved once again how a group that represents so many different workers in such a wide variety of industries can actually have so much in common. The MTD is composed of 32 different unions . (including the SIU) and 23 port councils located around the United States and Canada. Nearly 8 million workers are represented by the unions belonging to the MID. On top of my duties with the SIU, I also serve as president of this AFL-CIO constitutional department. Although the name may read Maritime Trades, the Michael Sacco issues taken up by the department are wide-ranging. That is why the MTD could boast such an outstanding array of speakers last month to update the board on such issues as national security, Social Security, Avondale Shipyard, dumped steel imports and runaway-flag shipping. Those of us in the SIU know the vital role we play in the nation's security. We crew the ships that supply our troops when they are called to action overseas. But when the head of the military's logistical command, Gen. Tony Robertson, provides the briefing, then the whole board knows how the military appreciates the crucial role played by American workers in our national security. The general said America's mariners, longshoremen and shipbuilders are critical because the U.S. Transportation Command "absolutely, positively cannot get the job done without the support of America's commercial maritime industry." To support Robertson's remarks, Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart reemphasized the administration's strong support for the U.S.-flag fleet, from the Jones Act to the need to keep building vessels in U.S. shipyards. Also, four members of the House Armed Services Committee - Reps. Ike Skelton (the ranking Democrat), Neil Abercrombie, Lane Evans and Patrick Kennedy - spoke on the importance of the U.S-flag fleet to the nation's defense for the next century. The issue of preserving Social Security is a hot topic. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and his executive assistant, Gerry Shea, outlined the labor federation's campaign to keep this federal program strong for all Americans. From Capitol Hill, Rep. Peter Deutsch talked about Social Security's importance to older Americans, such as the ones he represents in South Florida. A major labor struggle is taking place at Avondale Shipyard. That is why the MID invited the president of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, John Meese, and his coordinator for the campaign, Bill Reagan, for an update on the unity of the workers in the Louisiana facility. The owners of Avondale for more than five years have been ignoring the will of their workers to be represented by a union contract. Despite constant court rulings against them, the owners of Avondale continue operating as if the laws of the nation do not apply to them. If they are allowed to get away with this, it could harm all working people - organized or not. The MID and all of labor supports the Avondale workers. George Becker, the president of the Steelworkers (also an MID-affiliated union) noted that since low-cost foreign steel started being dumped on America's shores last year, 10,000 American steelworkers have lost their jobs and three domestic producers have declared bankruptcy. That obviously is not good for American workers. Additionally, Seafarers on the Great Lakes saw their season come to an end earlier than expected because the steel mills they provide with iron ore had to scale back production. The ripple effect from this has hurt rail workers, miners and others nationally. This isn't just a steelworkers problem. It affects all of us and the MID supports legislation to end this crisis. Finally, the threat of runaway-flag shipping needs no explanation to Seafarers. We have been battling this plague for more than 50 years through the worldwide campaign being waged by the International Transport Workers' Federation. ITF Assistant General Secretary Mark Dickinson came from London to discuss this issue. It involves some shipowners who for decades have gone overseas to exploit workers in nations which pay low wages and provide minimal, if any, labor and safety standards. Today, this practice is being copied in the textile, manufacturing and electronics trades. There has been a steady decline in the number of good-paying jobs in these industries as companies look to abandon the American workers who made their businesses so successful in their search to lower their production costs. Needless to say, this affects all of us. These are just some of the issues that are confronting American workers today. Naturally, our primary focus is to make sure Seafarers maintain the jobs they already have while providing new and better ones to take us into the next century. But we also must stay alert to the concerns of other working men and women because the efforts designed to hurt them could also be used to come after us. Likewise, the strategies they implement for success can be repeated to our advantage. Volume 61, Number 3 March 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 2 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG AP/Wide World Photos Cleanup crews rake oily sand from the grounded cargo ship New Carissa last month on the beach near the entrance to Coos Bay, Ore. The runaway-flag vessel spilled at least 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker oil. More Unwanted Publicity For Runaway-Flag Ships Oil-Leaking Freighter Gets Nationwide Attention; NY Times Magazine Story Further Exposes FOCs When the runaway-flag freighter New Carissa went aground at Coos Bay, Ore. on February 4, it touched off more than two weeks of nationwide media coverage. The television, newspaper and radio reports focused on efforts to clean up the 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel that spilled from the Panamanian-flag, Japanese-owned ship, as well as risky and rare attempts to ignite the remaining oil (and thereby prevent it from spilling). Those stories also further publicized the pitfalls of runawayflag shipping [also known as flagof-convenience (FOC) shipping]. While not all of the New Carissa coverage included mentions of runaway flags, the FOC scam did receive periodic reference in news wire stories available throughout the U.S. and on the internet. One story by the Associated Press said that U.S. Rep. Peter Defazio (D-Ore.) "plans to file a bill to prevent companies from shipping goods under 'flags of convenience,' or countries with histories of not following international law for training and equipment. Panama, where the New Carissa is registered, is on the Coast Guard's watch list of such countries, [DeFazio] said." Similarly, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) last month stated that if the New Carissa were an American-flag ship with an American crew, the accident "wouldn't have happened in the first place." Meanwhile, the recent surge of runaway-flag coverage also continued last month with a detailed New York Times Magazine piece on the Delta Pride. Part of the newspaper's Sunday edition, the February 7 issue of the magazine devoted four full pages to the tale of the Pakistani-flag vessel, abandoned six months ago in the Gulf of Mexico by its bankrupt Greek owner. These stories followed numerous others that in recent months have spotlighted the often dangerous and inhumane conditions found aboard some runaway-flag vessels. As reported in the February issue of the Seafarers LOG, newspapers including the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle and New Orleans Times-Picayune as well as other media outlets have contributed to an escalation in exposing the typical conditions associated with runaway flags. Last month's Times piece offered particularly poignant insight. "All too often, the merchant marine has become a kind of sweatshop on the high seas, with workers laboring in perilous conditions for little, or even no, pay," wrote Thomas Hackett. "The world's cargo ships sail mostly under dubious registries, flying so-called flags of convenience from countries with low safety and health standards and little muscle to guarantee the welfare of their workers." Hackett also reported that "in addition to the Delta Pride's crew, there are currently 200 men on 10 ships around the world that have been stranded in foreign ports by their employers. Ship owners have been known to unload their cargoes and then deprive a crew of food and water until, hopeless, the men give up the vessel as well as any claims to back wages. Most of the sailors on the Delta Pride, for instance, haven't been paid since they signed on - for some of the men, more than two years - or been in contact with their families since they unloaded their cargo last May." While the New Carissa was a news story in its own right, the other coverage at least partially may be attributable to stepped-up efforts to generate publicity by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Comprising more than 500 transport-related unions worldwide, including the SIU, the I1F is in its 50th year of battling against runaway-flag shipping. Among other efforts, that campaign includes bringing FOC ships under I1F contract; aiding distressed mariners aboard runaway-flag ships and other foreignflag vessels that are not runaways; and holding shipowners accountable for their crew members. The campaign also currently features the worldwide tour of the ITF's exhibition vessel, Global Mariner. Publicizing the plague of runaway-flag shipping is one of the main goals of the tour, which this month resumes its North American itinerary on the West Coast. Runaway-flag ships are carriers operating under the flag of one nation, yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to meet less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's resident nation. f See related story, page 6 Discuss West Coast Maritime Recently, SIU officials from San Francisco got together with California's newly elected governor to bring him up to date on the latest maritime issues affecting Seafarers in the Golden State. From the left are SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, Governor Gray Davis and SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. March 1999 �Maritime Stays Vital to National Security Military, Gov't Officials Pledge Support to Jones Act, Maritime Security Program at MTD Winter Meeting Representatives from the military and the government pledged to continue their support for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet when they addressed the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) winter executive board meeting last month. The theme for the annual twoday gathering in Miami was "U.S. Maritime Industry: Ready and Able, Whenever, Wherever, for the Nation's Security." The MTD executive board is composed of officials from its 32member unions (including the SIU) and 23 regional port councils, representing 8 million workers. The department, one of eight for trade and industries recognized in the AFL-CIO constitution, deals specifically with issues affecting U.S.-flag shipping from vessel construction to crewing to allied trades as well as the other concerns that affect the nation's working people. "Operation Desert Fox was just the latest example of how our nation's military knows it can count on U.S. mariners," MTD President Michael Sacco told the board. "No questions were asked, no hesitation shown in responding. These seafarers had a job to do and they did it to the best of their abilities. "That is why the people who are charged with planning the needs of the armed forces count on a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet to be ready and available. American seafarers have never let our troops down and have no intention of ever doing so." U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY READY&ABLE WHENEVER, WHEREVER FOR THE NATION'S SECURITY AJIERIOA'S SIJJPJJUJJ IJERS rl • •dilRJNERS AND LONGSHOREMEN TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Tony Robertson tells the MTD executive board of his unwavering support for the jobs being performed by the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. He gave the remarks last month in Miami. Military Appreciation Backing up Sacco's remarks was the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), which oversees the logistical movement of American troops and their supplies worldwide. possible without the unprecedented partnership we enjoy with the U.S. maritime labor community," noted U.S. Air Force General Charles T. ''Tony" Robertson Jr. "Let there be no mistake: Sealift is absolutely critical to this country's national security, and you can quote me on that!" Robertson thanked Sacco for all the cooperation over the years between military and the U.S. ;"cuCISI Assoc. ri<ers of Ar • Making his point that defense spending should include the building of United States merchant vessels in American yards is Rep. Neil Abercrombie. Saying there is no substitute for U.S. mariners supplying U.S. troops is Rep. Ike Skelton, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart definitively reaffirms the Clinton administration's solid endorsement of the Jones Act during the MTD meetings. IMO Sets Tougher on Forged Documents The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently vowed to crack down on what it described as "a proliferation of fraudulent STCW certificates of competency, [and] authentic certificates reportedly issued on the basis of forged foreign certificates, which had been found during port state control inspections and applications for recognition of certificates." During a December meeting in London of the IMO's subcommittee on standards of training and watchkeeping - in which the SIU participated - the panel cited numerous cases of forged or otherwise improperly issued documents. This included a 20year-old mariner who had been issued a master's certificate for ocean-going ships. The subcommittee pointed to "a growing concern that some countries may be issuing certificates on the basis of certificates issued by another country without verifying the authenticity of the original document or the right of the individual to hold the document." March 1999 In response, the IMO called upon nations signatory to the STCW convention to "take all measures necessary" to ensure proper issuance of documentation to qualified mariners. This includes strict enforcement of the treaty and intensifying other efforts to eliminate improper issuance of documents. An editorial concerning this matter in the London newspaper Lloyd's List pointed out, "It would help if those who issue certificates on the basis of another party's documents actually follow the prescribed procedures, which are designed to provide a reasonably effective barrier against the palpably bogus." That same editorial stated, "The pity is that there are still owners who look for cheaper solutions to their crewing requirements and scour the world for those willing to sail on their ships for the lowest wages. Desperate people, and the 20-year-old with a master's license probably falls into that category, exploit the system just as his owners were undoubtedly exploiting him." maritime community. He told the audience about annual ship manning exercises, known as "Turbo Activation," in which labor unions, ship managers and others have answered the call of the military to crew and make seaworthy vessels in the Ready Reserve Force fleet with no advance notice. "It is a superb test of readiness, crew and labor union response, and ship manager capability. And every sector maxed the course." Robertson reaffirmed the military 's support for· both the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) and the Maritime Security Program (MSP). "The Jones Act is a proven performer that supports both our nation's military security and its economic soundness .... I also firmly believe that the MSP fleet provides the best method to ensure the availability of U.S. merchant mariners to crew our organic surge fleet of reserve ships." MarAd Backing Support for both of these maritime initiatives also came from the Clinton administration representative to the meeting, U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart. "I can't say it enough. You have to be supportive of the Maritime Security Program," stated the head of the Maritime Administration. "We have to own a merchant fleet. It has to be U.S.-flagged. We cannot depend on other countries. What you don't own, you can't control." Hart explained the MSP was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1996 following a fiveyear campaign. He noted it was not too early to begin thinking about what' will replace the program, designed to provide funds for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels over a period of 10 years. (Companies included in the MSP agree to provide these vessels as well as their infrastructure in times of national emergencies.) He included in his maritime forecast continued backing of the Title XI loan guarantee program to build vessels of all types in American yards. "I am convinced we can revitalize shipbuilding in the United States." Concerning the nation's freight cabotage law, Hart told the board, "There is no support by the [Clinton] administration for any legislation that harms the Jones Act!" Words from Congress Joining with Robertson and Hart on the continued need for a strong U.S.-flag fleet were several members of Congress. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), the ranking minority member of the House Armed Services Committee, stated, "American commercial crews and U.S.-flag ships are necessary for the national security of our country. They provide the manpower and equipment necessary to transport vital supplies and personnel around the globe in times of national emergency." The Missouri legislator added security also is provided through the Jones Act because its fleet "helps to provide a basic manpower pool of U.S. mariners that can be utilized in times of national emergencies, and there is no substitute for that!" Responding to recent calls for a new missile defense system, Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii) asked, "If we're ready to put billions of dollars into a defense that doesn't even exist yet, how come we can't put one dollar forward to build the ships in American shipyards with American workers sailed by American seafarers that puts us number one in the merchant marine trade around the world?!" Abercrombie, a longtime supporter of U.S.-flag fleet, serves as the ranking minority member on the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee. He also is a member of the House Merchant Marine Panel. Continued on page 5 Gulf Caribe Crews Join Ranks of SIU The Seafarers' banner now is flying from a fleet of towing vessels based in Mobile, Ala. as the crew members who work for Gulf Caribe Maritime ratified a 10-year contract. The unanimous vote of the crew took place February 10 in the Gulf Coast port city. According to SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, the new SIU members received a pay raise, were enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and became eligible to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship under the contract. 'They were very excited to come aboard and we look forward to having them with us," Judd noted. Gulf Caribe operates two towing vessels between Mobile and Ponce, P.R. One runs grain from Alabama to the Caribbean island, while the other tows a barge loaded with railroad chemical tank cars. The towboats are the Caribe , Pioneer and the Caribe Challenger. Included with the bargaining unit are licensed engineers, unlicensed engineers, able bodied seamen and ordinary seamen. SIU officials involved in organizing Gulf Caribe included Judd, Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Mobile Port Agent Dave Carter and New Orleans Patrolman Chris Westbrook. Seafarers LOG 3 �Fire Fighting and Safety School Scheduled for May 18 Opening Ceremony Will Unveil Paul Hall Center's Newest Addition The ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is slated for May 18 in Piney Point, Md. "Construction of the various components of the school is progressing quite well," noted Jimmy Hanson, director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. ''Thus far, everything has gone according to plan, with no major stumbling blocks." The fire fighting and safety facility, located on school property near the Paul Hall Center's main campus, is a multi-building complex where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting, water survival, first aid and CPR, Name the Training 'Vessel' At the Fire Fighting School Here is your chance to attain fame and fortune! Well, maybe not. But this is still a pretty cool opportunity. A contest is being conducted to name the "vessel" at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. The "vessel" actually is one of the buildings under construction at the facility. It is known as the burn building, where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting to learn firsthand how to battle blazes. Training aboard the "vessel" can be set up for a passenger ship, a ship's galley, an engine room, a tugboat, etc. The "vessel" will need a name when the school opens. The contest is limited to active and retired Seafarers, who may submit up to three names. The names must be received no later than April 10, 1999 for consideration. Examples of possible names are the SS Never Sail or the MV Inferno. (No obscene or foul sounding submissions will be accepted.) The judges' decision will be final. In case the same name is submitted and selected for the ''vessel," the entry with the earliest postmark will be declared the winner. One grand prize and five runner-up awards will be offered. The grand prize winner will receive a ship's wheel and be invited to christen the "vessel" at the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. Accommodations and travel expenses will be included. The five runnersup will receive SIU jackets. Winners will be announced in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG. damage control and confinedspace safety training. Featuring the most modern, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment, it will be utilized beginning shortly after the ceremony. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, the safety school - named in memory of the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco - will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. It will include two classrooms, but most of the facility is designed for hands-on training. For example, the buildings will house replicas of an engine room, galley, lounge and fo'c's'le. Also included will be a two-story maze with moveable partitions, outdoor training pads, a compressor room and other features. In planning the buildings, equipment and layout, representatives of the SIU and the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration and Military Sealift Command to help ensure that the courses taught there will meet various federal guidelines necessary for class cer- Although many areas of the country have been blitzed by severe weather this winter, Maryland has enjoyed a relatively mild season, which has aided construction of the Paul Hall Center's new fire fighting school. The top photo shows the burn building, which is seeking a name. (See sidebar to the left.) The other photo shows classroom sites and more. tification. This will benefit Seafarers who are required to take Coast Guard-approved safety courses in order to sail. The union and school also extensively consulted with local fire and rescue professionals to assure maximum efficiency in design, plus compliance with different specifications governing the construction and operation of such a facility. Seafarers May Utilize Lundeberg Courses For ~ollege Credits ACE Assessment Boosts Paul Hall Center water survival training, which was successful and fun. "Overall, the class covers a lot of issues that are importanC' The four-day, 28-hour curriculum was crafted to enable Seafarers to comply with the Chapter VI Basic Safety requirements of the STCW convention. It is for SIU members who have sailed prior to August 1, 1998. Mariners in this category have until February l, 2002 to comply with Chapter VI. Similarly, the school created (and the Coast Guard approved) a five-day, 40-hour basic safety course for those with no sea time prior to August l, 1998. Those mariners may not sail unless they meet the Chapter VI requirements. In accordance with Coast Guard guidelines, each class is limited to no more than 25 students apiece. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., has joined a select number of organizations which have added value to their courses through college credit recommendations as a result of a review conducted last fall by the American Council on Education's (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service. A team of course-content specialists, selected from college faculty, reported that the curriculums at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship are comparable to college-level courses and may be used as transfer credit at ma~y colleges and universities. ''This evaluation underscores the ·high quality of your organization's education and training," wrote ACE Communications Director Stephen Sattler in a letter to the school confirming the su9cessful evaluation. For Seafarers, the ACE assessment means that an SIU member who successfully completes one or more of the vocational or academic courses available at Piney Point may receive college credit for it. The final decision rests with the college or university, although the ACE recommendation typically is a strong and positive influence on that determination. Other organizations which have utilized the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service include the AT&T School of Business; Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.; Union Pacific Railroad; and the United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp. Jo Ann Robinson, director of the recommendation service, pointed out that the program "has helped thousands of employees earn a college education. Colleges and universities also have been well served by ACE, because qualified adults from the work force are continuing or completing their college education in record numbers." In fact, according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Education, more than 40 percent of American adults take part in some type of formal educational activity each year - the vast majority because they want to earn an academic credential. Additionally, late last year the school announced an agreement between the Paul Hall Center and ACE designed to help Seafarers meet STCW requirements. The expanded alliance stems from a 1995 STCW amendment Continued on page 9 Continued on page 9 Water survival training is one of the hands-on components in the Paul Hall Center's STCW Basic Safety class. New STCW Basic Safety Class Is Well-Received by Seafarers The Paul Hall Center's new U.S. Coast Guardapproved STCW Basic Safety class for experienced Seafarers contains very useful information and moves at an appropriate pace, said SIU members who completed the course last month. Seafarers also reported that the course effectively mixes hands-on training with classroom instruction, and is bolstered by a well-written guide produced by instructors at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. "It exceeded my expectations," stated Bosun Mike Presser, an 18-year member of the union and a frequent upgrader at the school in Piney Point, Md. ''The class moves along swiftly, it's straight to the point and it gives us what we need. It's a good course all the way around." QMED Keith Samburger, who joined the SIU in 1986, said the hands-on training "makes things hit home a lot better. For instance, I learned a lot in the 4 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �Labor Continues Grassroots Effort to Bolster Social Security Members of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board were urged to take the momentum gained last year in the nationwide battle to repel "paycheck deception" legislation and keep it going to strengthen Social Security. MTD President Michael Sacco reminded the board of the victories gained in more than 30 states last year when legislation and ballot initiatives aimed at limiting how working people could participate in the political process were turned back. "This could have been the political death knell for American workers," Sacco, who also heads the SIU, told the board, which was gathered for its annual meeting on February 15 and 16 in Miami. The MTD is made up of 32 unions and 23 port councils representing approximately 8 million workers. "It was a fight we simply could not afford to lose, and we didn't!" Sacco recalled how the labor movement launched a nationwide grassroots campaign to educate union members and their families so they could tell others what was wrong with the measures. He noted this same effort must take place to preserve Social Security AFL-CIO Asst. to Pres. Gerald Shea outlines the federation's campaign to fight for Social Security. Reminding MTD board members how labor sets standards used by all workers is Rep. Peter Deutsch. Rep. Patrick Kennedy calls on labor to continue its successful education effort from last year. because so many millions of Americans depend on the federal retirement, disability and survivors' program. Sacco then introduced Gerald Shea, assistant to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, to outline labor federation's strategy to strengthen the federal system. Calling this campaign one of the "biggest battles" labor has tackled in years, Shea pointed out one victory already has taken place in the effort. He noted last year many in the press were asking in their stories what kind of a privatized system would replace Social Security. Now, articles reflect how President Clinton plans to use the budget surplus to aid the system with little to no mention of privatization. "People lack good information about the real value of Social Security," Shea told the board. "A lot of people simply don't understand what is going on with Social Security." He noted the program provides the majority of retirement income for most retirees and that percentage has been growing in recent years because fewer people have private pensions that can help when they stop working. Despite accounts that Social Security is going bankrupt, Shea stated the system under its present funding formula could continue making its scheduled payments until the year 2032 when it would be forced to reduce benefits by some 25 percent. "Many people do not realize Social Security has paid out more than $5 billion since its inception without missing a payday," Shea said. He added that when people understand the privatized approach shifts the risks to the individual and will cost the government more to administer, "they really start to think very differently about it. "Our campaign is designed to give people the information and show them the value of the system." It is a grassroots effort aimed at union members and their families, encouraging them to talk with their friends and neighbors, he stated. Noting how this method worked last year to turn back antiworker legislation, U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-Fla.) called on labor to continue the fight for Social Security. "Would there be Social Security without labor? I doubt it - impossible!" said the congressman whose district in South Florida includes many retirement communities. "Labor sets the base line for all of America." U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (DR.I.) added that the anti-worker efforts displayed in Congress during the last four years and rejected by working men and women across the country have made "me understand why I am a labor Democrat." He spurred the board to continue the grassroots effort st~ed last year. USWA's Becker: Steel Dumping Crisis Hurls All Workers The president of the United Steelworkers of America told the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board at its winter meeting last month that the dumping of foreign steel into the United States is an issue that affects all trade unionists. ''This is a labor issue," George Becker informed the audience. "We don't have enough steelworkers jobs, brothers and sisters, that we can give away to keep the economies of Russia and South Korea and Japan and Brazil and India - to keep them going. And, I submit, you don't either! "We have to be able to take care of our own and we haven't been doing this." Becker told the board that 10,000 jobs in the steel industry have been lost, while three major domestic steel producers have gone bankrupt, in the last year since the Asian economic crisis began. "Our jobs are at risk. They can't make it with the steel that is being dumped into the United States today." Affirming Becker's concern was U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (DIll.). He told the executive board "hundreds of workers have lost Continued on page 14 As MTD Pres. Michael Sacco listens, Steelworkers Pres. George Becker explains how the steel dumping crisis affects all trade unionists. Avondale Workers Fighting for Recognition The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board called on its 32 affiliated unions and 23 port councils to continue their support of the workers at Avondale Shipyard who have been fighting for a union contract for more than five years. The board, holding its annual winter meeting in Miami last month, noted that the workers continue to show solidarity despite never-ending roadblocks stacked against them by the management of the Louisiana facility. Reminding the board members what the workers have struggled against since voting for union representation in 1993, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President John Meese said these men and women have won time after time before the National Labor Relations Board and in the federal court system, yet Avondale refuses to recognize their decision. He noted each attempt to thwart the will of the workers has only made them more determined. "Our committee [of Avondale workers] assures us if we had to go back to an election tomorrow, we'd win again," Meese noted. Bill Reagan, the Metal Trades' coordinator for the Avondale campaign, added signs of the solidarity include lunchtime demon- Rep. Lane Evans expresses his concern over job cuts in the steel industry in his Illinois district. Latest in Runaway-Flag Fight United Food and Comme~a\ Workers lnternat10nal Umon . ders1 Pottery, Pla.stic.r or1<ers /nternat1on8' Union Continued on page 14 Maritime Needed for U.S. National Security Continued from page 3 During the meeting, MTD executive board members approved statements calling on Congress and the administration to continue their support of the Maritime Security Program and the Jones Act. Board members also urged Congress to continue efforts to use American yards for shipbuilding, to preserve the March 1999 Passenger Vessel Services Act (the nation's passenger cabotage Jaw), and to work with the industry to find a way to fund domestic harbor maintenance dredging. The board expressed its appreciation for retired MTD Vice President Willie Zenga, who has spent the last several years working with federal, state and local officials to find a way to safely dredge the port of New York and New Jersey so it can handle modern commercial vessels. Additional board action was taken on the need to protect workers, home owners and small business people when utility deregulation laws are implemented; the fight for just trade laws that respect the concerns of working people both in the U.S. and the implementing countries; and the passage of the water resources bill. ITF General Asst. Sec'y Mark Dickinson updates the MTD executive board on the global campaign to rid the high seas of runawayflag shipping. He thanked the unions involved in the ITF exhibition ship Global Mariner's visit to the United States last fall, while reminding them of the ship's return to country along the Pacific coast this month. Seafarers LOG 5 · �Imminent Opening Is Anticipated For New Orleans' New Hiring Hall Facility Expected to be Ready No Later than April 2 The SIU's New Orleans-area hiring hall is scheduled to relocate no later than April 2 and possibly sooner. Seafarers who utilize the existing hall on Jackson Ave. are asked to stay in touch with officials there for the latest news concerning the move. The SIU last year purchased the newer facility, located at 3911 LaPalco Blvd. in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, some nine miles from the current hall. Since then, the building has undergone renovations and expansion to meet the union's operational requirements. When the new hall opens, the clinic in that area also will change. Coinciding with the opening on LaPalco Blvd., the new clinic for Seafarers will be Westbank Surgical Clinic on the Westbank Expressway in Marrero, La. (see New SIU Hall In New Orleans Area (schedule to open by early April) 3911 LaPalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 Phone: (504) 328-7545 Fax: (504) 328-7549 New SIU Clinic (effective upon opening of hall) Westbank Surgical Clinic Doctors Building 4475 Westbank Expressway Marrero, LA 70072 Phone: (504) 347-8471 Fax: (504) 340-2885 box). Services will remain available at the Tulane Center for Occupational Health until the changeover happens. Renovations to the new SIU hall in the New Orleans area include constructing a wall for the shipping board and many other improvements. NY Times Chars Foreign-Flag Cruises Operating In U.S. As NTSB Investigates Fire an Ecstasy At the same time the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was conducting a public hearing on a July 1998 fire that erupted aboard the Carnival cruise ship Ecstasy, the New York Times published a front-page article on how that company and others in the business flout the nation's labor and tax laws. Under the headline "Cruise Lines Reap Profit from Favors in Law" in its February 19 edition, the Times article stated, "Doing business under a decades-old loophole in the federal tax code, and protected by an increasingly powerful lobbying force, the 17 major cruise lines pay practically no income tax even though they are based in this country and 90 percent of the passengers are Americans. "The cruise lines, all of them registered in foreign countries, do not observe the nation's labor laws, minimum wage law and many environmental and safety regulations," added the story written by Douglas Frantz. The article pointed out how the world's largest cruise firm, the Carnival Corporation based in Miami, has garnered $2 billion in profits during the last three years, while paying less than one percent in income taxes on this amount. The next largest company - Royal Caribbean, also from Miami does not even have a line on its financial statements for income tax payments, the Tzmes reported. Yet, an investigation by the paper showed these foreign-flag cruise companies operating out of American ports had political action funds and lobbyists working on Capitol Hill to influence Lakes Season Begins Low water levels and continued concern regarding the dumping of foreign steel have cast some uncertainty over fitout dates for the 1999 Great Lakes sailing season, even as a few vessels began sailing late last month. These included the SIU-crewed Medusa Conquest, Mary E. Hannah and Daryl C. Hannah. Seafarers are asked to keep in touch with the SIU haJls in Algonac, Mich. or Duluth Minn. as more fitout information becomes available. The 1998 season officially ended on January 30, 1999, when the SIU-crewed Paul H. Townsend reached its winter layup berth in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Lake Carriers' Association reported that U.S.- flag carriage "increased slightly on the Great Lakes during the 1998 season," according to their estimates. However, the group also reported that "dumped steel significantly impacted the Lakes Jones Act fleet. The initial tally for iron ore (moved last year) shows a decrease of 580,000 tons, yet at one point in the season, U.S.-flag ore cargoes were 2.3 million tons ahead of 1997's record pace." Altogether, the association estimates that U.S.-flag ships on the Lakes moved 125,314,425 tons of cargo during the 1998 seasonan increase of about 82,000 tons compared to the previous season. 6 Seafarers LOS legislation that would benefit them. The paper said the cruise industries' association, known as the International Council of Cruise Lines, had made political donations during the 1997-98 cycle amounting to $166, 146. Additionally, the council spent $557 ,023 for lobbying in 1997. Ecstasy Aftermath Meanwhile, the NTSB hearing disclosed the origin of the blaze aboard the Ecstasy to have been lint, ignited by a welder's spark, catching fire in the laundry room. Witnesses at the two-day factfinding hearing, held February 17 and 18 in Miami, included the ship's captain who answered questions from investigators on the decision-making process of battling the blaze. Shortly after the Ecstasy set sail from the port of Miami on the afternoon of July 20, the cruise ship loaded with 2,565 passengers and 916 crew members had black smoke and flames pouring from its aft mooring deck. The fire was brought under control by shipboard firefighting crews (including shoreside firefighters helicoptered to the vessel), a U.S. Coast Guard firefighting vessel and commercial tugboats equipped with monitors. During the questioning of Ecstasy Captain Vittorio Sartori, the master stated he "wanted to avoid panic" throughout the course of the fighting the fire. Based on his initial reports from crew members checking the blaze, he did not think it was as serious as it became. That is why he refused the Coast Guard's first offer of help, which came 18 minutes after the initial fire alarm sounded at 5: 10 p.m. Sartori noted a lot of alarms were going off at the time but thought it was "nothing important" because he had experienced previous incidents during his sailing career when warnings would sound due to someone smoking in a cabin. ' The captain said he ordered the cruise director to bring the passengers to an open area on the deck. Again, he stated he wanted "to make sure the passengers not react with panic." Once the passengers were gathered, he gave the alarm to notify the crew of the situation. He avoided a question from one NTSB member on whether Carnival was advising from shore what to do. When asked why some people had life jackets and others did not while they were gathering in the open area, Sartori responded some passengers could not return to their cabins because of the fire to retrieve their jackets. He added "there were sufficient jackets on deck." (Shortly after the fire, the NBC News show "Dateline" ran a clip from its archives aboard the same vessel a few years earlier showing boxes on the deck marked as con- tammg life jackets when none were inside.) In response to being asked if he considered returning to the dock to allow shore-based crews to fight the fire, Sartori said he had "adequate manpower to extinguish the fire at sea." He added the crew acted "without hesitation." (As noted in the September 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG, several passengers - including a fire chief from Texas vacationing aboard the vessel - questioned in their local newspapers the procedures used and the lack of mformation from the crew.) He told the investigators he maintained a minimum speed out of Miami in case he had to steer the vessel to keep the smoke from blowing across the ship. The NTSB plans to take the information received during the hearing and make recommendations to improve passenger safety. The federal agency was able to conduct this hearing because the Liberian-flag cruise ship was within U.S. territorial waters when the fire was spotted and fought. Had the Ecstasy sailed a few miles further east into international waters, the NTSB would not have had such jurisdiction despite the overwhelming number of American passengers on board. During last month's NTSB hearing, Capt. Vittorio Sartori points to a display as he explains the events surrounding last July's fire on the Liberian-flag cruise ship Ecstasy near Miami. March 1999 �Tackling the Y2K 'Bug' CG Infor mat ion Specialist Examines 2000's Potential Impact If the thought of computerreliant ships smashing into ports, or highly automated airplanes spiraling out of the sky aren't enough to convey the potential dangers of the now-infamous Y2K situation, then consider this real-life experience of U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral George Naccara, who heads the agency's broad effort to combat the millennium bug. Naccara recently was overcharged by about $5,000 on his monthly credit card bill, because of a computer error related to renewing an insurance policy beyond the year 2000. Internet Site Offers Y2K Starting Point Y2K's worldwide scope predictably has led to numerous resources addressing the problem's many aspects. For mariners interested in this issue, a suggested starting point is the U.S. Coast Guard's internet site devoted to Y2K. It is located on the World Wide Web at www.uscg.mil/hq.gm/y2k.htm.(The dash between the letters "g" and "m" is part of the site address.) The site's introduction proclaims that it "does not provide the solution, but it will provide the means for people and industry to express concerns and discuss possible answers to Y2K, a problem that we all face." The rear admiral's encounter obviously pales in comparison to the seriousness of those hypothetical disasters, but it is yet another example of the myriad difficulties presented by Y2K (the abbreviation for year 2000). "Y2K has helped make the entire country realize our tremendous dependence on information technology," Naccara said last month at a meeting of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. "That includes many of the critical systems on ships. And the United States economy is extraordinarily dependent upon maritime shipping." It defines the problem as "arising from the widespread use of a two-digit field, not four, to represent the year in computer databases, software applications and hardware chips (for example 06/18/85). Difficulty will arise in the year 2000 when the year is "00" and computer based systems will be unable to differentiate it from 1900 - the assumption of a single century. "Programs and computerbased equipment may fail or produce flawed data as they attempt to perform calculations and sorting routines. If corrupted data goes unrecognized, the problem can be passed through interfaces to other automated information systems .... "Many of today's computer hardware, heavy equipment and machinery may have embedded computer chips with this Y2K problem." He mentioned navigation and engine control systems, cargo gauging equipment, vessel traffic management tools, communications devices and "in essence, any system that supports shipping or cargo handling operations" as susceptible to the Y2K bug. In fact, N accara, the Coast Guard's chief information officer, pointed out that as many as 10 other "critical dates" i:nay cause similar problems. For instance, he cited September 9, 1999 (919199) - which, in some computer languages, is a command meaning "cease operations." "The Coast Guard experienced a Y2K disruption in early 1997," he recalled. "We had a failure in a software program at the Coast Guard Institute in Oklahoma City. The program triggers mailing to all correspondence course enrollees of an end-of-course test with a three-year completion window. In January 1997, the threeyear window suddenly fell beyond the start of the new millennium, and the program, unable to correctly interpret the '00' end date of the year 2000 malfunctioned, and in so doing deleted hundreds of student records. The staff at the institute required two weeks to correct the problem. It was a sobering wake-up call." Since then, the agency has assigned a large staff to address the Y2K issue and made it a top priority, Naccara noted. He explained that the Coast Guard has made substantial headway on this matter by following a fivestep approach that includes increasing awareness, assessing information and control systems, repairing or terminating those sys- Cape Fear Towing Adds New Tractor Tug in Wilmington, N. C. terns, validating the repaired systems and returning them to use. "We expect our boats, ships and planes will be ready and operating on January 1, 2000 and thereafter, with minimal disruption," he said. Nevertheless, both last month and in earlier testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure, Naccara acknowledged that even the most diligent preparations won't completely eliminate this global problem. "Two things are certain. One is that not all government, business or industry systems will be repaired in time," he said. "The second certainty is that errors will surface in repaired systems, both during testing and then during actual operations. Independent testing contractors have found error rates from 2 to 10 percent in systems that have been repaired and tested by their owners." He then discussed various contingency plans, and also noted that the Coast Guard "plans no additional regulatory actions related to Y2K." Naccara said that strong cooperation within the maritime industry, coupled with the fact that "we already have the regulatory authority we need to ensure safety in our ports and on board vessels," preclude the need for further rules. Naccara also pointed to this month's Y2K summit in London as vital to enhancing "contingency and outreach plans" for ships and ports. More than a dozen major maritime trade organizations are expected to attend. Union Takes Big Strides Toward Y2K Compliance Management information systems personnel at SIU headquarters, located in Camp Springs, Md., have made substantial progress in ensuring that the union's communications and record-keeping mechanisms are Y2K compli- . ant. The medical claims system became compliant late last year, as did the phone systems at headquarters, at all SIU halls and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The clinic system (used to track physical examinations and drug-test data for the membership) was Y2K compliant when it was completed in 1992. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and union plans and accounting departments are using Y2K compliant software. Louisiana Merchant Marine Bonus Deadline Approaches July 1 Is Cutoff for Newly Eligible Mariners SIU boatmen at Cape Fear Towing in Wilmington, N.C, including (above left, from left) Engineers David Register and Donald Todd, recently welcomed the addition of a new tractor tug, the Fort Bragg (also pictured below left). The new boat was built in Maine, and it joins Cape Fear's fleet of docking tugs, such as, pictured directly above, the Fort Caswell. From the left are Captian Doug McDonald, Engineer Lewis Farrow and Deckhand/Relief Captain Roy Honeycutt. March 1999 The State of Louisiana is paying a $250 bonus to merchant mariners from that state who sailed during the latter stages of World War II. The bonus had been limited to those who served during the period between December 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945. However, enactment last year of the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act (supported by the SIU) extended some veterans' benefits to mariners who sailed between August 16, 1945 and December 31, 1946. As a result, Louisiana has expanded the bonus to include those residents that served during the latter period. An unremarried surviving spouse of a merchant mariner whose death was related to that service also may be eligible for the bonus. ''Anyone who served in the merchant marine between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 and was a resident of Louisiana at the time of entry into service, who have not already done so, are encouraged to apply for the bonus. All applications must be received by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs on or before July 1, 1999," stated the department in a recent press release. For more information and an application, contact the State of Louisiana-, Department of Veterans Affairs, Post Office Box 94095, Capitol Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095, or telephone (225) 922-0500. President Clinton signed the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act on November 11 (Veterans' Day). This followed unanimous passage of the legislation in the House and Senate. In January 1988, the secretary of the Air Force, the branch of the services that oversees veterans' matters, awarded the status to some World War II mariners following an eight-year court battle. However, the announcement stated World War II veterans' status for merchant mariners would end nearly a year-and-a-half before the other branches of the service. . Merchant marine veterans' groups joined with maritime unions, including· the SIU, to lobby Congress for the extension. Bills were submitted in each Congress following the announcement, but they never got past the committee stage until last year. Seafarers LOG 7 �The Sea-Land Consumer loads cargo in Elizabeth, N.J. (left) bound for victims of Hurricane Georges in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. At right, the vessel unloads the containers in San Juan, watched over by the ship's mascot {above). S-L Consumer Carries Cargo On Crescent Run Electrician Howard Hedra is ready to help in loading the containers aboard the vessel. The Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Consumer have a lot to be happy about-a good crew, a clean ship, delicious food (especially at Thanksgiving) and important cargo. According to DEU John Cooper (who sent the Seafarers LOG the photos on this page), the vessel crewed in Norfolk, Va. in October of last year, following 35 days in the shipyard, and has been on the Crescent Run since then. This route takes them from New York to Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina in the Dominican Republic; and Houston. On a recent voyage, the vessel carried containers loaded with building supplies and other equipment for the residents of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, whose islands were devastated by Hurricane Georges (which struck the Caribbean beginning September 21 before proceeding to the U.S.). Cooper reports that delicious Thanksgiving Day and Christmas dinners were served aboard ship, complete with all the usual holiday trimmings. Another notable meal took place November 19 en route to San Juan in celebration of the container ship's 25th year of service with Sea-Land Service, Inc. Roast prime rib of beef au jus, eggplant parmigiana and broiled filet of sole were among the offerings at the anniversary festivities. One particular sight the crew members enjoyed took place while on a run from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico. Sea Star Line's El Yunque was heading into port for her first load of cargo. (See feature on page 14 of the February LOG.) Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Consumer expressed their sincere thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco and the contracts department for getting these new jobs and helping keep the union strong. Learning the operations of the different departments aboard the Sea-Land Consumer is unlicensed apprentice Matt Nguyen. Getting the ship ready for arrival in port are DEU John Cooper (left) and AB Bennie Spencer. The port door of the Sea-Land Consumer gets a new coat of paint from AB Juan Ayala. Keeping the rooms in order is BR Americo Garayua. Rachel Cutler-Washington, who sails as assistant cook and messman aboard the container ship, refills the juice containers. AB Phil Harmon is completely full after a delicious meal and looks forward to the union meeting that evening, as is noted on the board. Bosun Frank Adams does his part to keep the ship in top condition. The entire crew appreciates the great meals prepared by Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt (above). LEFT: The task of splicing some wires before the vessel docks in San Juan is completed by AB D. McGath. B Seafarers LOG Crew members agree that the food aboard the Sea-Land Consumer is great. From the left are AB Larry Bradley, AB Steve Ledermann and OMU M. Yafai. March 1999 �Admiral Holder Succeeds Admiral Perkins as MSC Head U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder became the 22nd commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) during a February 12 change of command ceremony at the Washington (D.C.) Navy Yard. Holder succeeds Vice Admiral James B. Perkins III, a vocal backer of the U.S. merchant marine who served a 24-month tour at MSC. Navy Admiral Jay L. Johnson, Chief of Naval Operations, and Air Force General Charles T. "Tony" Robertson, head of the U.S. Transportation Command, were the keynote speakers at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 600 people from MSC and other segments of the maritime industry. Holder, a New Jersey native and 1968 Florida State University graduate, joins MSC after serving as commander of Amphibious Group Two, a position he has held since 1997. His at-sea assignments include serving as the commanding officer on the amphibious warfare ship USS Widbey Island during her maiden voyage in 1987 which included a period of presidential support during the 1987 economic summit in Venice, Italy. He also commanded the amphibious assault ship USS Austin in 1992. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Holder served on the staff of the 7th Fleet commander as fleet exercises and amphibious warfare officer. Fo1lowing Desert Storm, he served as the assistant chief of staff for operations and plans at Amphibious Group Two until 1992. His shore duty assignments included working as aide to the commandant 6th Fleet Naval District/Commander Naval Base Charleston, S.C.; company officer and special assistant to the commandant, U.S. Naval Academy; and as assistant surface commander assignment officer, Naval Military Personnel Command. MSC provides worldwide ocean transportation for the Department of Defense. As the commander, Holder is responsible for more than 100 ships (including SIU-crewed vessels) which provide a variety of sealift services such as underway replenishment to Navy combatant vessels, specialized oceanographic and undersea surveillance, afloat prepositioning of U.S. military equipment, and transportation of Department of Defense fuel, military gear, building materials and other supplies. Admiral James Perkins (right) salutes his successor as the head of Military Sealift Command, Admiral Gordon Holder, during last month's change of command ceremony in Washington. Cleveland Crew 'Proud and Pleased' Ta Take Part in Humanitarian Effort Clothing Donations in Liberia Aid Needy Citizens Editor's note: Bosun David J. Garoutte submitted the following article. The most recent voyage of the SIU-crewed Cleveland (a Sealift Inc. C-5 breakbulk freighter) recently called on various West African ports. The schedule put her in Monrovia, Liberia between Christmas and New Year's Day. The class helps Seafarers meet the Chapter VI requirements of STCW. Before departing from the United States, the ship received about 50 large bags of clothing from the Lake Charles (La.) emergency procedures, personal Seamen's Center, to be distributed Continued from page 4 safety, safety equipment, and · to needy people in a port of our "The course I took covered a environmental protection proce- choice. We originally chose Freetown in Sierra Leone; but, lot of key subjects," added dures. Module No. 2 includes curricu- due to fighting in that country, we Presser, who graduated from the Lundeberg School in 1981. "It lum on inflatable life rafts, sur- were diverted to Liberia. There, we designated one half helps that the training books are vival at sea and signaling. The 28hour class also covers station bills, of the clothing for distribution to concise and easy to understand." As reported in the January lifeboats, rescue procedures and citizens in Zwedru, which is located in eastern Liberia. This issue of the Seafarers LOG, these personal lifesaving equipment. The third module covers first part of the country sustained masclasses do not replace the Paul Hall Center's basic fire fighting or aid and CPR, including responder sive damage from 1990-96, a water survival courses as required awareness and breathing aware- period known as the Liberian Civil Crisis. by 46 CFR for Coast Guard ness. Today, it is an area to which Fire fighting and fire prevenendorsement as a lifeboatman. The new classes essentially tion constitute the fourth module. refugees are returning from cover the same subjects, but in Subjects in this segment include neighboring Ivory Coast. These varying degrees. Each is divided chemistry of fire, heat transfer, refugees returned with few posinto four sections or modules that fire detection systems, fire extin- sessions and to homes that have correspond with the Chapter VI guishing systems, agents and methods, fire fighting equipment, requirements. Among the topics addressed in self-contained breathing apparamodule No. 1 are personal tus, personal protective clothing responsibility, communication, and more. Safety Course Is A Success been partly or completely destroyed. The average monthly personal income there is about $10 (U.S.). So, needless to say, clothing is much needed and appreciated. Clothes were given to Shannon Ward of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to be distributed through their office in Grand Gedeh. She kindly offered the background information for this article. We gave the other half of the clothing to Mr. Yusufu Kaba of the Liberian Islamic Union for Reconstruction and Development, a Bosun David Garoutte and fellow crew members aboard the Cleveland eagerly participated in delivering clothing to needy citizens of war-ravaged Liberia. national organization that works in many areas throughout Liberia. This clothing will be distributed in the Massatin Leper Colony in northwest Liberia's Cape Mount County. In that colony, population 360, lepers live with their families. Due to the conditions associated with leprosy, those who have the disease typically are unable to work, placing additional responsibilities on family members. WFP provides food to the colony and income is earned through petty trading. We were advised that the people at Massatin greatly will benefit from the donations. Crew members aboard the Cleveland, from the captain on down, were very proud and pleased to participate in this humanitarian and goodwill gesture. When you see firsthand the true need of these people, there is nothing like the feeling that you get from knowing you are helping to make a difference, if only a small one. The SIU can be pleased and proud as well to see that we are carrying on the traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea, and expanding on it, too. School Gets Positive Review Continued from page 4 requiring an external auditing process known as a quality standard system, or QSS. ACE last year received U.S. Coast Guard authorization as a QSS. This means that ACE will be able to approve Paul Hall Center courses as fulfilling STCW requirements, much the same way as the March 1999 Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC) has okayed applicable classes in the past. ACE is one of three entities approved by the Coast Guard to serve as a QSS for facilities providing training and education to meet STCW requirements. The other two are the American Bureau of Shipping and Det Norske Veritas. Chief Steward Miguel Vinca (left) and Chief Mate Mike Leidelmeijer .(second from right) join Liberian representatives Abraham Sanor, Victor Massaqui and Yusufu Kaba in helping coordinate the donation. Seafarers LOG 9 �Rough Weather, Good Spirits Abound Throughout USNS Effective Voyage A recent voyage aboard the TAGOS vessel USNS Effective demonstrated that a first-rate steward department and shipboard camaraderie can overshadow difficult sailing conditions. AB Chris Edyvean reports that during the USNS Ejfective's journey in the North Pacific, beginning in September and ending in December, "the weather was the worst that most of the crew had ever encountered, including some very rough seas. But the crew morale was still high, thanks to Chief Steward Greg Noble, who went beyond his duties to ensure good meals were put out; and Chief Mate Mike Coulbourne, who planned several activities during the voyage, including a Halloween costume party that probably was the highlight of the trip for most of us." Assisting Noble in the steward department were Chief Cook Jose Sepulveda and SA Musa Ahmed. Edyvean, a 1992 graduate of the Paul Hall Center who provided the photos accompanying this story, says that notwithstanding the weather, the USNS Effective conducted routine surveillance operations for the U.S. Navy during its voyage. Operated by Maersk Line Limited for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the USNS Effective spent the vast majority of that time at sea, docking briefly in Yokohama, Japan. According to a copy of the ship's minutes, upgrading at the Paul Hall Center was a popular topic during shipboard union meetings. Crew members noted the school recently installed state-of-the-art radar simulators, and they also discussed the impending opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. I Forming part of the USNS Effective's crew are (top photo, from left) medical department representative John Thomas and Bosun·George Keblis, plus (bottom photo) AB Jerry Galletta and 2nd Mate John Stephens. AB Chris Edyvean, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center's L!Jndeberg School of Seamanship, says the USNS Effective endured remarkably foul weather. OSs Carolyn Foster (top photo) and Walter Lichota (below) help ensure smooth operations aboard the surveillance vessel. ;;i Credited by shipmates for helping keep morale high during a recent voyage aboard the USNS Effective are (from left) SA Musa Ahmed, Chief Steward Greg Noble and Chief Cook Jose Sepulveda. Payoff on the Sea-Land Atlantic Operated by Maersk Line Limited, the USNS Effective gathers various oceanographic information for use by the United States Navy. 'Busch' League Move Budweiser Proposes Using Mexican Bottles for U.S. Beer During a recent payoff aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic in Elizabeth, N.J., Seafarers discussed the latest union news and upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Pictured from left to right, clockwise beginning with photo at upper left, are Chief Steward Edward Porter, Electrician Ralph Garner and Chief Cook William Muniz; Bosun John Bertolino; SA Hamed Ali and GUDE Fadel Ghaleb; and AB Larry Combs. Citing the need to preserve American jobs "and the future of the U.S. glass industry,'' the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers Union (GMP) last month asked the U.S. Department of Labor to freeze Anheuser-Busch's import of Mexican bottles. The union said Anheuser-Busch purchases 5 percent of its annual glass bottle supply from a Mexican company. It also called the brewer's plan to buy $200 million in foreign bottles "a potential disaster for the American glass industry." Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department is urging "all who agree that American-made beer should be distributed in American-made bottles - not in imported bottles" to call a toll-free number. The department asks consumers to call Anheuser-Busch at 1-800342-5283 to support the campaign. Callers need say no more than ''American beer in American bottles," according to the GMP. Anheuser-Busch, which makes Budweiser and other beers, has agreed to buy $200 million worth of bottles from a nonunion Mexican glass maker for delivery early this year. The GMP says this action may result in thousands of lost American jobs, both in the glass industry and in industries that supply the bottle makers. 10 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �CHOW TIME: Enjoying a well-earned meal break in the galley are Seafarers (top) Toney Smith and (below) Roger Cash. GUDE Yahya Ghalab is all smiles as he climbs the gangway while the ship is docked in Wilmington, Calif. in January. SEA-LAND EXPLORER Pictured from left to right on the Sea-Land Patriot's deck are ABs Mark Stevens and Gerry Gianan. Bosun Shawn Evans (left) and AB Richard Volkart form part of the Sea-Land Patriot crew. LEFT TO RIGHT: AB E.F. O'Brien, Bosun Skip Yager and Chief Steward William Burdette pose for a photo. LEFT TO RIGHT: AB Jack Martin, Bosun Shawn Evans, SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox and QMED Horst Baetjer take a break. EA-LAND PATRIO Helping make the SIU-crewed Sea-Land containership a good feeder are (1-r) Chief Cook Ernest Polk and Chief Steward Ruben Casin. AB Joe Smoler carries stores. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY March 1999 Chief Steward Donald Spangler (right) and Chief Cook Joseph Wouthuyzen GSU Greg Rice Pausing in the galley are Chief Cook Joseph Wouthuyzen (left) and Port Agent John Cox. Seafarers LOG 11 �Sode1manSe Entering its second full year of service to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the SIUcrewed USNS Soderman has a tough act to follow, based on its performance in 1998. The vessel last year received numerous accolades from the armed forces for support missions in Bosnia and Kuwait as well as other duties. "These guys were fantastic," said Captain Michael Burke while the enormous ship recently was tied up in Norfolk, Va. "We got a lot of recognition and the whole crew deserved it. They did a great job." The Soderman crew members began the new year honing their familiarization with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, as the vessel prepared for a mandatory audit as part of ISM's implementation. Shipboard safety classes constituted a major part of that preparation. "The main thing, whether you're reading about ISM or working in your department, is to have a good attitude, and for the most part that has been the case on this ship," noted Recertified Bosun Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley, a 32-year member of the SIU. The Soderman was delivered to MSC in November 1997, following a lengthy conversion that left it with 300,000 square feet of cargo stowage area. The roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel features seven decks, is almost 907 feet long and consistently sails at 24 knots, Burke stated. Formerly a commercial containership, the Soderman (converted at National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. in San Diego) can carry an entire U.S. Army task force, including more than 1,000 tanks, trucks and other military vehicles. The Soderman 's finest moment to date may · have occurred last August. As part of the NATO peacekeeping mission known as Operation Joint Forge. the vessel delivered U.S. Army combat support equipment and supplies bound for Bosnia to a port in Croatia. It was the largest ship ever to call on that region (part of the former Yugoslavia), and the delivery saved valuable time and money for the Army, according to MSC. Like the four other converted RO/ROs that are part of a 19-ship program to bolster U.S. sealift capability (as called for by a Pentagon study following the Persian Gulf War), the Soderman is named for a Medal of Honor recipient. Longtime Seafarer AB Burlin Pinion (right) finishes his watch as AB Will Martin (above) relieves him at the shack. f2 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �FuB Speed Ahead in 1999 ENOUGH FOR YA? While the an was in the Persian Gulf, Bosun .y" Tankersley confirms that the ·mately 120-degree heat indeed is to fry an egg on deck. Afan:h 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �With Seafarers Aboard the Overseas Philadelphia 'Wonderful' Thanksgiving Meal Appreciated Aboard Pres. Adams Fellow Crew Members Commend Galley Gang Crew members aboard the President Adams expressed their appreciation for the fine Thanksgiving feast put out by the Seafarers who comprise the vessel's steward department. In separate notes, deck department members (represented by the SIUNA-affiliated Sailors' Union of the Pacific) and officers commended the galley gang of Chief Steward Lito Acosta, Chief Cook Charlie Mroczko and Assistant Cook/Utility Mike Briscoe. "The extra time and effort to lay out the sumptuous buffet table is truly appreciated. The deck department would like to - extend our sincere appreciation," wrote Rich Cahill, I. Thorbjornsen, Rolando Gerbacio, Marty Joseph, Donald Persian and Bert Genita. The officers agreed. "They put together a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks. They went above and beyond their duties to make an exquisite meal that set a comfortable holiday atmosphere at sea for Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving meal was 'the best ever: We couldn't have asked for a better holiday meal at sea," wrote Master G. Hasselbach and the other officers. Seafarers aboard the Overseas Philadelphia recently welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco (top photo, right) as well as other SIU officials and representatives of the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School when the vessel docked in Piney Point, Md. With no gangway available, Sacco and the other visitors climbed the ship's Jacob's ladder and met with the crew to discuss the recent NMU affiliation with the SIUNA, plus other news. They also praised the crew for maintaining an exceptionally clean vessel. Struggle Continues at Avondale Continued from page 5 strations at worksites. He pointed out that a workers' safety committee in the shipyard provided the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with enough information that the federal agency had to conduct its own investigation. "They jumped in with both feet, eight investigators for two weeks at the end of last year," Reagan recalled. "We can make a difference." The inspectors spotted numerous violations at the shipyard, which has a death rate three times higher than any other such facility in the United States, he added. Reagan pointed out community support continues to grow with politicians and religious groups, thanks to recent news stories like those generated when the International Transport Workers' Federation exhibition vessel Global Mariner docked in New Orleans last November. The courage of the Avondale workers in this multi-year struggle also attracted the attention of AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in his remarks to the MTD executive board. "Here are 5,000 workers who overcame employer intimidation and harassment and voted for union representation over five years ago - five years ago and they still don't have a contract, and this is an employer that depends on taxpayer dollars for 90 percent of its business," Sweeney stated, referring to the fact that most of Avondale's work is procured from Navy contracts. "We're fighting back in New Orleans and across the country by organizing entire communities to support the rights of workers to join unions and we're demanding elected officials join us - not just in their official capacities and not just in making our governments model employers, but also in their roles as moral leaders of our communities." In a statement approved .by the MTD executive board, the department, its unions and port councils "stand united in condemning the company's unlawful antiworker policies and call upon the federal government to take immediate steps to rectify this unfortunate situation." f4 Seafarers LOG ,ir,:' CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Chief Steward Lito Acosta and Captain G. Hasselbach meet in the ship's exercise room; Acosta displays part of the holiday feast; Chief Cook Charlie Mroczko and Assistant Cook/Utility Mike Briscoe also share in the credit for the meal. Steel Dumping Crisis Impacts All Workers Continued from page 5 Metal Trades Dept. Pres. John Meese (above) and Avondale coordinator Bill Reagan (below) update the MTD board on organizing activities at the La. shipyard. their jobs in my district because of steel dumping." The congressman pledged to find a way to help the industry and its workers. Becker cited U.S. trade policies as the reason steel and other domestic industries, like rubber and textiles, are suffering. He said U.S. government officials are more interested in exporting technology and capital to create manufacturing jobs overseas so we can import these goods at "rock bottom prices." "Look at trade overall," the Steelworkers president asked the board. "We lost 272,000 industrial jobs in the United States last year! You can't ~up­ port Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid on minimum wage jobs!" MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco followed up Becker's remarks by noting how the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet had to tie up early for winter because steel mills were cutting back. This action affected not just mariners, but also miners, railroad workers, chandlers and many others. "Everyone in this room is affected in some way," Sacco noted. The board supported a statement calling on the Congress to enact legislation to restrict the unfair levels of steel being imported into the United States. It also seeks agencies within the federal government to take swift action to restore the U.S. steel market to the conditions before the dumping of steel began. The Steelworkers and the SIU are two of the 32 affiliated unions, representing nearly 8 million workers, within the MTD. March 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 +TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C TIDAL SIUPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New.York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans : <Jacksonville :~ s·~ Francisco W'tlmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu · Houston · St. Louis .Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 6 8 14 8 15 31 21 33 21 7 4 35 2 0 0 228 10 7 17 4 5 9 5 10 16 14 4 2 10 2 9 12 11 9 10 4 12 11 2 2 2 125 4 8 2 10 2 7 10 I 6 Port · New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 5 5 7 10 2 6 5 2 0 0 3 9 8 4 0 9 10 12 6 2 1 11 10 4 2 19 9 7 15 7 7 18 3 2 0 134 . Philadelphia 8 2 Baltimo~ . '·"" . "' 4 Norfolk 3 Mobile 4 New Orleans 4 0 115 3 5 4 0 6 3 0 6 2 9 1 0 0 46 0 0 0 23 5 0 0 1 19 1 19 4 0 4 8 11 0 7 IO 13 IO 11 3 32 10 2 4 4 8 52 6 6 15 · 12 18 19 0 Houston 20 St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 12 0 5 0 126 5 5 8 8 8 2 5 0 3 0 3 11 71 27 31 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 8 10 1 2 1 0 0 3 3 2 3 0 3 5 4 5 13 6 7 5 1 2 13 5 4 14 2 4 0 0 82 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 8, May 6 San Juan ..................Thursday; April 8, May 6 7 3 I 0 4 9 0 3 St. Louis .................Friday: April 16, May 14 24 10 19 12 15 12 12 26 10 8 10 22 6 9 6 6 2 0 2 0 0 40 1 0 0 9 3 10 25 3 10 4 15 6 San Francisco .........Thursday: April 15, May 13 Tacoma _..................Friday: April 23, May 21 Wilmington .............Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 2 6 2 2 4 8 Personals MEMBERS OF LIFEBOAT CLASS #199 Kirk Piper from Lifeboat Class #199 has photos of some of his classmates and would like to hear from them. He may be reached at (330) 836-2487, or write him at 970 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44313. WADSWORTH JARRELL Please contact Gomer Davis at 425 W. Dakota Ave., Hayden Lake, ID 83835; or telephone (208) 773-3034. 0 JANE ELAINE PRICE 7 3 1 3 8 1 84 0 0 8 1 0 0 0 29 Please contact Maggie Kemp at (904) 353-1698 as soon as possible regarding your mother. 46 3 3 31 4 4 21 14 15 14 6 27 27 9 15 29 13 20 2 6 7 44 86 14 13 43 28 36 2 20 22 0 6 0 43 239 0 0 0 12 0 0 4 0 6 13 5 7 4 0 4 5 0 5 FRANCIS OSTENDARP Please contact Tom Beauchesne at (302) 323-1790. EDWIN MARVIN ARNOLD or anyone with information on him, please call Carmelleta at (323) 256-1111. Seafarers Take Part in Inauguration 3 9 3 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 23 I 81 259 237 164 946 641 388 *"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. March 1999 3 3 6 14 7 0 194 6 17 8 306 14 1 2 0 0 0 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 13, May 11 15 2 195 0 417 2 7 8 19 1 0 15 282 26 so 0 0 0 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: April 20, May 18 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: April 7, May 5 1 0 0 118 0 0 0 408 Mobile .................... Wednesday; April 14, May 12 180 2 0 10 534 Jersey City .............. Wednesday~ April 21, May 19 431 0 2 0 90 2 15 2 6 6 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 8, May 6 71 3 1 110 14 3 New York ................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 0 0 31 51 54 20 18 16 Houston .................. Monday; April 12, May 10 1 4 41 146 47 I~ 23 Honolulu ................. Friday: April 16, May 14 0 2 31 144 13 1 I 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 46 7 Duluth .....................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 I 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT '·''16 3 0 ,,4 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 3 1 3 6 3 2 0 0 1 6 2 16 5 1 7 14 4 0 6 10 2 4 13 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 7 2 10 3 2 8 0 7 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 106 11 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 8 3 3 9 2 0 3 4 5 0 2 6 4 2 3 8 7 0 3 4 10 8 5 16 2 7 8 6 1 12 3 g 7 8 5 10 7 5 2 2 3 5 2 5 0 . 3 '7 14 3 2 1 1 0 0 31 12 2 63 0 19 13 34 65 Baltimore ................Thursday: April 8, May 6 4 2 0 0 6 9 Algonac ..................Friday: April 9, May 7 18 3 3 0 0 8 12 10 2 2 14 4 94 24 Piney Point .............Monday: April 5, May 3 11 1 165 ++REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C - Memllersllip Meetings · Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 49 0 1 2 1 3 2 5 0 0 4 3 9 5 5 10 6 9 10 2 1 11 1 5 I 0 8 2 1 0 11 8 1 6'' t DECK DEPARTMENT s 8 8 4 3 3 4 l 1 9 8 3 2 3 3 12 4 5 13 3 93 Trip Reliefs 24 4 3 0 0 2 San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu 7 6 1 l 5 Jacksonville 21 6 5 Port New York 10 21 7 21 1 2 82 FEBRUARY 15, 1999 April & May 1999 The state house in Annapolis, Md. was the setting for Maryland Governor Paris Glendenning's inauguration in January. Seafarers were well represented as honor guards at the swearing-in ceremony for the governor. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lak.eS - JANUARY 16 - CL - Company/Lakes •· •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Aiigus~ T~llU. FEBRUARY IS, 1999 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP urt·•·••!i··x<············"·•·•·········· Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice 'Pi:esident Atlantic Coast DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone . Vice President West Co$t Kennett Mangram Vice President Government Services ... Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 31 4 0 19 2 0 3 4 0 16 13 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 l ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·O. 3 2 0 31 3 0 12 1 0 1 4 10 HEADQUARTERS SWlAuthWay Camp Springs. MD 2-0746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 18 Totals All Depts 23 0 69 0 11 0 58 5 *"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. (8 J0) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 JANUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building FEBRUARY 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HJ 96819 {808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX n002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353.-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jeffley City, NJ i>7302 (201) 435-9424 MOBU..E 1640 Dauphin lsland Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48UnionSl New Bedford. MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 76130 (504)529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Norfolk. VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 s. 4 St. Philadelphia. PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Pointr MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Fl Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16lh Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 0 2 ~es, !nlaqd Water,s ~~ West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 5 46 0 0 11 0 0 14 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 ,~, 1nJan.d Waters .,14 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast West Coast Totals 0 13 0 1 ,o DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 '4 0 32 , ='* Q 5 0 1 8 45 9 1 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l J~ ltr 0 0 0 0 13 1 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 'p ,o 0 0 1 1 o- 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 .:'.K·. :;,.k 0 5 0 10 0 0 0 5 16 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~:::;.: 0 1 15 0 o: 16 0 ~·-..f:ful:;...:* 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 73 4 12 12 1 4 74 5 *"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. 6 32 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, sent to theSeafarers LOG by Pensioner Thurston Lewis of Arkadelphia, Ark., is of the deck crew members at a seamanship class aboard the SS Del Norte in 1950. The ship was on the New Orleans to Buenos Aires, Argentina run. In a note to the Seafarers LOG accompanying the photo, Brother Lewis mentions that he later saw the ship's hull being cut up for scrap in Kaosiung, Taiwan. Now 81, Brother Lewis is second from left in the photograph (with the arrow pointing to his head). He joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New Orleans, starting in the deck department and later changing to the engine department. He retired August 1, 1974. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. (310} 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafare rs LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. I nland Captain Charles V. Tucker is among the 11 Seafarers who are announcing their retirements this month. Representing 4 7 years of active union membership, Brother Tucker graduated from the towboat operators upgrading program offered at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. This program was designed to prepare qualified mariners for licenses under U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring such documentation for all operators of uninspected towboats and tugboats. Including Brother Tucker, four of the retirees signing off navigated the inland waterways; six shipped in the deep sea division; and one sailed aboard Great Lakes vessels. Six of the retiring pensioners sailed in the deck department; three worked in the steward department; and two were members of the engine department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA GEORGEE. FRIES, 54, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1965 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Fries worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. The New York native served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966. He makes his home in Paramount, Calif. the HM/ Astrachem, operated by IUM Corp. Brother Otto makes his home in Santa Fe, Texas. NAJI GEORGE SILALAID, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. Born in Indonesia, he sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Silalahi last sailed aboard the LNG Libra, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. He has retired to Brooklyn, N.Y. HASSAN, 70, started his career with the ' SIU in 1963 in the port of San 1 Francisco. Born in Yemen, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Hassan last sailed in 1993 aboard the Guayama, operated by NPR, Inc. He has retired to Yuma, Arizona. JACKIER. MCDANIEL, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. A native of New Mexico, he sailed in the deck departmentandwasactivein union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother McDaniel calls Houston home. FREDERICK --·------- E. OTTO, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of Galveston, Texas. His first ship was the Liberty Flag. The Texas native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard JOSEPHF. ''BUTCH'' ZHEMECK, 70, first sailed with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia, aboard the Glacier Park, operated by Pacific Tankers. During his career, he sailed in the steward and engine departments. Brother Zhemeck came ashore in 1966 and worked in the maintenance department at the Brooklyn, N.Y. hall. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Anny from 1948 to 1952. He makes his home in Philadelphia. INLAND PIDLIP E. AYERS, JR., 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1960. A native of North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded to 1st class pilot at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Ayers last sailed aboard the tug AMMV Honored by MTD ~ommercial mnal Union The executive board of the George Searle in this effort," statAFL-CIO Maritime Trades ed Herberger. "He was tireless, he Department (MTD) congratulated was on the side of the right, and the American Merchant Marine it's a privilege for me to help preVeterans (AMMV) last month for sent this wheel." successful conclusion of the arduSacco, who also is president of ous fight to extend veterans' ben- the SIU, noted that the MTD efits to all World War II mariners. "proudly supported this bill from During the board's meeting in the beginning. We supported it Miami, MTD President Michael because it so obviously was the Sacco and retired U.S. Maritime right thing to do. Plain and simAdministrator Al Herberger pre- ple, without the commitment and sented a ship's wheel to AMMV bravery of all of our merchant President George Searle, commem- mariners, the Allies would not orating enactment of the Veterans' have won the war." Benefits Enhancement Act. Searle recalled that when the The MTD actively supported AMMV (which includes many passage of the legislation, which retired SIU members and some the House and Senate unanimous- active ones) formed the Merchant ly approved last fall and which Mariners Fairness Committee a President Clinton signed on decade ago, the group was tasked Veterans' Day. Sintilarly, Admiral with working to extend the cutoff Herberger firmly baeked the bill, -date. He said they immediately which extends benefits to mariners and consistently received strong who sailed between August 16, support from numerous unions 1945 and December 31, 1946. throughout the AFL-CIO. "It has "I can personally attest that no been a hard job, and I thank every one worked harder or longer than one of you!" ;tery, Plastics International Carly, operated by Turecamo Maritime. From 1955 to 1959,he served in the U.S. Air Force. He has retired to Mullica Hill, N.J. CHARLESF. MCDANIEL, 65, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of St. Louis. The Pennsylvania native worked as a chief engineer. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. Boatman McDaniel makes his home in Georgetown, Ohio. CHARLESV. TUCKER, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. ~==-~~=i Boatman Tucker sailed in the deck department and graduated from the towboat operators program at the Lundeberg School in 1980. The Alabama native worked as a captain, last sailing aboard a Crescent Towing Co. vessel. He calls Chickasaw, Ala. home. WENCESLAO VAZQUEZ, 57, joined the SIU in 1976 in Puerto Rico. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Prior to his retirement, Boatman Vazquez last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Las Piedras, P.R. EAT LAKES ALIM. AHMED,49, began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, he worked in the steward department. His final vessel before retirement was the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. Brother Ahmed makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Message from the Lane Victory The S.S. Lane Victory ship memorial invites all active and retired seafarers to visit the ship and share experiences with the working crew. The "Lane" is still a working ship, but crew members always have a special welcome for fellow mariners. It is tied up at Berth 94, San Pedro, Calif., and the vessel is open from 0900 to 1630 daily. \ntemat.\onat Long \nternationci Asl, ardAero Marine &Vneet Ulited Mine :>taurant Em I Union lntemational and P.., George Searle (standing, center}, president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, accepts a commemorative ship's wheel from MTD President Michael Sacco (left} and retired U.S. Maritime Administrator Al Herberger last month in Miami. The presentation recognized AMMV's efforts to extend the cutoff date for veterans' benefits for World War II mariners. Pictured in the foreground is MTD Vice President Jack Stewart. Attention Seafarers: Make Maritime' Voice Heard! Co tribute to SPAD! March 1999 Seafarers LOG 17 - �DEEP SEA FLOYD G. ALLEN Pensioner Floyd G. Allen, 76, passed away January 4. Born in New York he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1948. Brother Allen last sailed aboard the Delta Venezuela, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He was a resident of Shickshinny, Pa. and began receiving his pension in August 1988. CARL E. BEARD Carl E. Beard, 65, died August 27, 1998. Brother Beard started his career with the SIU in 1959. The Pennsylvania native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He made his home in Baltimore. CHARLES E. BELL .-----=====-----. Pensioner Charles E. Bell, 73, passed away January 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. A i...:....::,__;;~==;;.o;..___, native of Georgia, he sailed in the galley gang and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. A resident of Oakland, Calif., Brother Bell started receiving his pension in October 1988. CLIFFORD A. BELLAMY Pensioner Clifford A. Bellamy, 77, ,.. died December 22, 1998. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Bellamy worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alaska. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of Gooding, Idaho and retired in November 1986. r---===~-, DANIEL A. BRASS Pensioner Daniel A. Brass, 69, passed away January 12. Born in Maryland, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Brass sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Augusta, W.Va., he began receiving his pension in July 1994. ALFONSO CAMPANELLA Alfonso Campanella, 59, died November 21, 1998. A native of Italy, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S), before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Campanella sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. · FRANK CORVEN Pensioner Frank Carven, 72, passed away December 17, 1998. He gradu- - f8 Seafarers LOG ated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New II York. Brother ~ Carven worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Hawaii, operated by SeaLand Service. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Sun City, Ariz., he began receiving his pension in December 1991. I WILLIE D. CRAWFORD =---=----, Pensioner Willie D. Crawford, 70, died January 10. Born in Florida, he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. He sailed ....__ _ _ _ _ _ in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Brother Crawford retired in November 1985. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. PEDRO N. DELVALLE Pensioner Pedro N. DelValle, 82, passed away November 13, 1998. A native of Puerto Rico, he started his career with the Seafarers in ===---""'---"'== 1941 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother DelValle made his home in Humacao, P.R. and began receiving his pension in June 1981. ~--,;;;;;;::;;;;;;;;=,.-- ALBERT G. ESPENEDA Pensioner Albert G. Espeneda, 95, died January 8. Brother Espeneda joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of New York. A native of the Philippines, he sailed in the steward department. From 1918 to 1932, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of New Orleans, he retired in October 1968. LAZARO Z. FABRO Pensioner Lazaro Z. Fabro, 86, passed away November 21, 1998. Born in the Philippines, he started his career with the MC&S in 1942, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Fabro began receiving his pension in February 1974. He was a resident of San Francisco. EDWARD F. LEASGANG Pensioner Edward F. Leas gang, 87, died September 23, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port , of New York. '---"------"'---- During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Seattle, Brother Leasgang retired in December 1975. A veteran of World War II, the Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1943. ~~====~-=~ WILLIAM LOVETT Pensioner William Lovett, 75, died January 11. Brother Lovett started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. Prior to his retirement in December 1988, he signed off the American Heritage. He was a resident of New York City. JOHN C. MADSEN John C. Madsen, 70, passed away December 23, 1998. Born in Connecticut, he began sailing with the SIU from the port of San Francisco in 1992. Brother Madsen worked in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Constellation. He was a resident of Honolulu. RAYMOND J. MCPHILLIPS Pensioner Raymond J. McPhillips, 72, died December 4, 1998. Brother McPhillips first sailed with the Seafarers in the L...:;..=-=---='---=_. 1940's. Born in Rhode Island, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. A resident of Porter, Texas, he began receiving his pension in August 1986. J CHARLES D. MERRILL 1---:::;;iii"i~ft-I Pensioner Charles D. Merrill, 77, passed away November 5, 1998. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1942 in the .__________~ port of Philadelphia. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. Brother Merrill retired in June 1976. He was a resident of Mobile, Ala. JOHNMITTE Pensioner John Mitte, 81, died October 25, 1998. After 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he started his career with the MC&S in 1963 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of California, he made his home in Kelseyville. Brother Mitte started receiving his pension in March 1983. RAYMOND J. MOORE r~iiiiiii:--1 Pensioner JENE LEGG Pensioner Jene Legg, 73, passed away December 22, 1998. Born in Kansas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Legg sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of seamanship. A resident of Yuma, Ariz., he began receiving his pension in February 1988. =:---=::........::=== Raymond J. Moore, 65, passed away November 28, 1998. Brother Moore joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New York. The Pennsylvania native worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Potomac, a Connecticut Transportation Co. vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Mantua, N.J., he retired in March 1998. DALTON H. MORGAN Pensioner Dalton H. Morgan, 83, died January 9. Born in Louisiana, he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the - - - - - - - port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Morgan was active in union organizing drives and started receiving his pension in January 1981. He lived in Kerrville, Texas. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. JOHN B. NOBLE ---===---, Pensioner John B. Noble, 66, passed away December 16, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. The Empire State native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification class in 1989. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. A resident of Anchorage, Alaska, Brother Noble retired in October 1995. PIERRE A. NORMAND ,....,.....,====-:=-=i Pensioner Pierre A. Normand, 84 died November 30, 1998. Brother Normand began sailing with the MC&S in 1957 from the port of \,...;.;;.;.=-----~ San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in France, he became a U.S. citizen and made his home in Las Vegas. Brother Normand started receiving his pension in December 1977. DAVID K. NUNN Pensioner David K. Nunn, 80, passed away December 29, 1998. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port '-------~ ofNewYork. He sailed in the galley gang and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1977. Brother Nunn came ashore as an SIU representative and worked in the San Francisco hall. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of San Mateo, Calif., he retired in June 1981. Pensioner John S. Orfanides, 86, passed away October 27, 1998. Brother Orfanides joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Wilmington, Calif., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Turkey, and a resident of Hawthorne, Calif., he retired in February 1972. RALPH A. OVERAND Pensioner Ralph A. Overand, 72, died November 1, 1998. He began sailing with the MC&S in 1957 aboard the Matsonia and graduated ==-=---"=='"'"' from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Prior to his retirement in March 1979, Brother Overand signed off the Mariposa. Born in Colorado, he made his home in Chula Vista, Calif. AUGUSTO L. PACHEO Pensioner Augusto L. Pacheo, 78, passed away November 12, 1998. A native of the Philippines, he started his career with the ====--== Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Pacheo worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Rover, operated by Ocean. Carriers, Inc. A resident of the Philippines, he began receiving his pension in December 1981. FRANCIS PHILLIPS Francis Phillips, 66, died October 30, 1998. Born in South Carolina, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1960 and ,___ _ _ _ _ _ joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Phillips sailed.in the steward department and upgr.aded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. LADISLAO SEMANA Pensioner Ladislao Semana, 86, passed away November4, 1998. Born in the Philippines, he started his career with the ====-=--...;;:;===- MC&S, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of Waipahu, Hawaii, he began receiving his pension in July 1974. ELZIE C. O'NEIL CHARLES E. SHARP ...,...---------, Pensioner Elzie C. O'Neil, 73, died October 19, 1998. Born in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU from the port of '-------~ Norfolk, Va. Brother O'Neil sailed as a member of the deck department and started receiving his pension in December 1977. He was a resident of Norfolk. l'-:iiii"\iiiiiiiia:----1 Pensioner Charles E. Sharp, 76, died December 31, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland ..,. native sailed as a member of the engine department and retired in July 1978. He served in the U.S . Navy from 1944 to 1946. Brother Sharp lived in Baltimore. March 1999 �-,;::r---~-- --------------------- -------- - -- - - - -- puted OT reported. President's Report in Seafarers LOG read regarding Ready Reserve ships. Bosun said it makes him proud to be an SIU seaman. New dryer received for crew laundry room. Steward department given vote of thanks for wonderful meals, especially Thanksgiving. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. OVERSEAS OHIO (OSG Ship Management), October 29Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliott. Chairman reported on policy of having steward or bosun sign form attesting to cleanliness of quarters and giving it to captain prior to payoff. He also led discussion about section in tanker agreement dealing with reporting on time when all hands are called. No beefs or disputed OT announced. Letter from Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez regarding checking of rooms prior to departure read and discussed. Crew informed of proposed affiliation with NMU. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Richmond, Calif. and Valdez, Alaska. 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine Corp.), November 15-Chairman Paul Griffin, Secretary Lauren Oram, Educational Director M. Reuter, Deck Delegate Rich Hilbert, Engine Delegate Robert Elliot, Steward Delegate David Gibson. Chairman read letter from c ntracts department. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School and obtain training record book (fRB) and TCW endo ement. Trea urer stated $150 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on when s will be needed and who should sign them. Crew asked to not lock scuttles, and when alanns go off in holds, someone should be sure to respond. Job well done to steward department for great food. Next ports: Saipan and Guam. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 29-Chairman Harold Sebring, Secretary Charles Scott, Educational Director Nathaniel Gaten, Deck Delegate Everette W. Sanders, Engine Delegate Simeon G. Valencia, Steward Delegate Obencio Espinoza. Chairman reported payoff December 3 in Houston. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills for better wages and job security. He also reminded crew about importance of donating to SPAD. No beefs reported. Some disputed ar brought up in steward department. New chairs requested for crew mess. Vote of thanks given to steward department and to ship's unlicensed apprentices, Levy Calzado and Noel Corrales. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), November 29Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Tookie Davalie, Deck Delegate Leonard Zimmerman, Engine Delegate Nathan Rippey, Steward Delegate Steve Bowmer. Chairman stated payoff to take place in New Orleans December 9. Union official needs to be present. Educational director reminded crew members of need to apply for TRB in order to register. He also encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. Some disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Crew requested tape rewinder, VCR, galley toaster, new crew mattresses and washing machine for crew laundry. Couches in crew lounge also need recovering. Next ports: New Orleans and Houston. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Maersk Line), November 8-Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director James Atwell, Engine Delegate Ali Abdulgani, Steward Delegate Wadsworth Jarell. Chairman talked about possible SIU-NMU affiliation. He also noted captain's refusal to purchase ironing board and irons for laundry rooms. Ship scheduled to sail for Japan with no docking invo Vessel to return to Saipan November 16. Stores will be received in Saipan. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and obtain TRBs before registering to ship. Treasurer stated $50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for better dental benefits for those working under standard contract and better distribution of new movies aboard ship. Titus Enters 1999 OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), November 29-Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary M. Flores. Chairman reported good voyage from U.S. to West Africa and thanked deck department for hard work. Ship to pay off on arrival in New Orleans. Educational director encouraged crew members without TRBs to apply immediately or they will not be able to register to sail aboard SIU-contracted vessels. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Communications read regarding change in direct maQagement of operating company. Everyone reminded to take malaria tablets each Friday. Suggestion made for those who take relief jobs for 60 days or less to get transportation back to original port. Khaled Shamman (left) and Saleh Mohamed, both GSUs, help ring in the new year aboard the LTC Calvin P. Titus. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), November 30-Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Deck Delegate Raul Guerra Jr., Engine Delegate Rudolph Lopez, Steward Delegate Alberto Falcon. Chairman led discussion on TRBs and of need to get book signed by captain. He also talked about being respectful of fellow crew members by keeping noise down. No beefs or dis- March 1999 OVERSEAS NEW YORK (OSG Ship Management), November 24-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Danny Brown, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Timothy Smith, Engine Delegate Samuel Maddo, Steward Delegate Alphonse Dixon. Chairman noted broken ice machine now repaired. He announced payoff November 27 in Wilmington, Calif. At last payoff, SIU rep advised crew that captain should sign TRBs, however, captain informed chairman he would not. Secretary asked crew members to fill out crew list. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of opportunities for upgrading at Paul Hall Maritime Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Deck delegate reported some disputed OT. Discussion held pertaining to STCW requirements. Crew members asked to return movies to proper storage area when through with them. Bosun thanked deck gang for great job and extended vote of thanks to steward department. One minute silence observed for departed brothers and sisters. OVERSEAS OHIO (OSG Ship Management), November 22Chainnan Timothy D. Koebel. Chainnan informed crew of new fonn to be filled out regarding reliefs, attesting to familiarity with duties and ship's equipment. Those · re ieved al o o sign form verifying quarters are cleaned before being paid off. Bosun led discussion on new vacation "bonus days" policy and will have it clarified by patrolman. He also reported that two-man watches as outlined in letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez not being adhered to, resulting in disputed deck department OT. Educational director urged all crew members to show professionalism in carrying out duties of their ratings. Communications from headquarters read and posted pertaining to reliefs and use of ship's elevator at night. Thanks given to steward department for fine cuisine, and Chief Steward Jeff Smith wished happy vacation. Next ports: Ferndale and Anacortes, Wash. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), November 21Chairman Leon T. Jekot, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Steward Delegate Luis A. Lopez. Chairman announced payoff in Port Elizabeth, N.J. November 26. No time off in port since everyone expected to attend Coast Guard drill at that time. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain TRB and have it signed before end of year. Treasurer announced $13 in movie fund and said all contributions are appreciated. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. None reported by engine or steward department delegates. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into increasing pension. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent meals. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), November 22Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Deck Delegate Gregory Cudal, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza. Secretary noted that with deteriorating weather, crew members should secure items in messhalls and other areas or notify steward to do so. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading opportunities at Lundeberg School, adding that more skills means more money and more choices. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Oakland, Calif. and Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), November 22Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational headquarters read and discussed, including President's Report from Seafarers LOG on importance of crewing vessels in Ready Reserve fleet. Captain to pass along any information regarding new MSC contract. Bosun made new cabinet for videos. Everyone asked to help keep ship clean, especially with riding gang coming aboard this trip. Vessel expected to go to shipyard to be fitted for prepositioning status. Next port: New York. -- OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), December 3Chairman Richard Bradford, Secretary Paula Kaleikini, Educational Director Jerry Patton, Steward Delegate Roger Mosley. Chairman announced next New Year's Greetings from the Titus - Crew members aboard the LTC Calvin P. Titus wish everyone good tidings throughout the new year. From the left, standing, are Bosun Scott Heginbotham, AB Bruce Bussert and AB John Jacob. Seated are ABs Armon DeBlois, Bob Fincher and Metwally Taha. Director C. M. Devonish, Deck Delegate Daniel Miller, Engine Delegate Gerado Moreno, Steward Delegate Leo Castro. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. November 25. He informed crew of upcoming 45-day shipyard period and thanked everyone with shifting ship many times during 6-day stay in San Juan, P.R. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain TRBs as soon as possible and also get STCW endorsement to comply with new safety regulations. Treasurer stated $1,498.4 7 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding new ship's meeting form. He also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about crewing new MarAd ships and building new passenger vessels for Hawaiian trade. Suggestion made to change vacation policy. Discussion held on installation of present TV antenna and possibility of purchasing satellite TV. Second ice machine needed, especially in hot climates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals, homemade baked goods and for keeping messhalls and pantry in tip-top condition. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina, Dominican Republic; and Elizabeth, N .J. LYKES ADVENTURER (Crowley American Transport), December 17-Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Educational Director James B. Porter, Deck Delegate Richard L. Thomas, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman noted fax sent to headquarters to find out about prepo training needed for crew. Suggestion made for everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point and to obtain prepo status. Treasurer announced $50 for new TV antenna. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from trip will be to East Coast. All crew advised to remain aboard until relieved. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked to consult Seafarers LOG for headquarters communications since vessel not usually in port long enough to get to hall. Movies furnished by company. Anyone wanting specific movies should submit request to captain before arrival in Long Beach, Calif. VCR head cleaner tape should be purchased at same time. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), December 8-Chairman Hugo Dermody, Secretary Edward C. Winne, Educational Director Steve Kues, Deck Delegate Clemente Rocha, Engine Delegate Roy S. Frett, Stewarc.t Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Discussion held on letter sent to union pension plan concerning credit for seatime. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading facilities at Piney Point. Crew members reviewed letter from headquarters pertaining to reliefs and time allowed to get back to home port to take new job. SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land Service), December 11-Chairman Joseph Artis, Educational Director Kevin Bertel, Engine Delegate Earl Olson, Steward Delegate Amanda F. Suncin. Chainnan announced payoff on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. December 11. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain signoff on TRBs before end of year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters received concerning payoffs at sea or in port without presence of SIU patrolman. Everyone asked to help keep ship in good shape by cleaning up after themselves in crew lounge and returning dirty dishes to galley. VCR tape rewinder requested. Seafarers LOG 19 �Atlantic City Will Host Union Industries Show Free AFL-CIO Event Scheduled for May 14-17 The 1999 AFL-CIO UnionIndustries Show - the largest Made in the USA exhibition of union workers' skills and services, featuring millions of dol1ars worth of union-made, American-made products - is scheduled for the New Atlantic City Convention Center, May 14-17. The SIU and its affiliate union, the United Industrial Workers, once again will participate in the show, which annually draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Various UIW-made products as well as passenger-boat trips aboard vessels crewed by Seafarers will be among the goods and services on display. A showcase of the quality and variety of union-made, Americanmade goods and services, this year's exhibition will cover floor space the equivalent of five football fields. Admission is free. The show is considered by many as the largest job fair in the country. for young people, in particular, the show is regarded as a prime place to get a firsthand look at the wide range of good jobs available for those who prepare for them. The show will feature more than 300 trade unions as well as companies with union-represented employees. Additionally, scores of guests will talce home tens of thousands of dollars worth of union-made goods that are on display - bigticket items, small-ticket items, and those in between, from cereal products and ice cream to household appliances and motor vehic1es, and much more. For additional information, contact the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department at (202) 628-2131. Conducted in a different city each year, this will be the second time in the show's 61-year history that it has been staged in Atlantic City. The first time was in 1987. In addition to SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co., UIW-contracted companies participating in last year's show included A&E Products (which manufactures clothing hangers), Church and Dwight (Brillo pads, dryer cycle products and nonscratch scouring pads), Cott Beverage (soft drinks), Franklin International (wood glue), Heinz Pet Products (animal food), La Victoria (Mexican food products), the Hotel Queen Mary (tourist attraction and historic former liner in Long Beach, 'Calif.), Tri-Union International (canned tuna and salmon products, including the Chicken of the Sea label) and Worthington Foods (canned and frozen foods that are cholesterol-free and lowfat or fat-free). April is: Scholarship Deadline Nears April is just around the corner-next month, to be exact -and that means now is the time to mail your scholarship application in order for it to be received by the April 15 deadline. If you plan to attend college next year and would like to try for one of seven monetary awards being given by the Seafarers Welfare Plan to help qualified Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children finance a college-level educatlon-it is not too late to apply. Even though there is only one month to fill out the fonn, collect all the necessary paperwork and mail it in, the process can be completed with a little organization. First, an application form is required. The booklet containing this form may be obtained from any SIU hall or by filling out the coupon below and returning It to the scholarship program of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Eligibility requirements are spelled out in the booklet. The application form, itself, is easy enough to fill out, but the entire application package contains a number of additional items which must accompany the form. They include: ti' autobiographical statement, t/ photograph, ti' certified copy of birth certificate, ti' high school transcript and certification of graduation or official copy of high school equivalency scores, t/ college transcript, ti' letters of reference, and ti' SAT or ACT results. With the cost of a college education rising each year, the annual scholarship is one SIU benefit that can help members and their families realize their educational goals. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program by April 15. Do it now!! r-------------------------------------, P lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name of A p p l i c a n t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 3/99 L----~--------------------------------~ Attention: Tankermen ..IV"<>~Is The 20 ~a."01 Seafarers LOG The Tim.e To "'U"pgra.de ..A...-t ~an. Ce:n..--te:r! See ~age 2 3 • SUlflfABY AllRllAL llEl'OBT FPR .SEAFARERS lfACAr,ON FIJND This is.a srimmar)" of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Fund. EIN 13~5602047, Plan No. 503~··rodhe peiiodJanu~:l, 1997 through Decemlrer 31. · 1997. The annual report has been filed· with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Basic Rnanclal statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $26,146,074 as of December 31. 1997. compared to $24,282,651 as of January l, 1997. During the plan year. the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,863.423. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciati<>n in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets al the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $38,554,TIS. including employer contributions of $37, 142,825, realiied losses of $2,927 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,414,877. Plan expenses were $36,691,352. These expenses included $3.842A28 in administrative expenses and $32,848,924 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report; I. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. service proyider and trustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report.. or any part thereof. write or call the Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-421 l; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or lO cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge. a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompa~ nying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and ~t the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C .• or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.. Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARE Ef IDIARY This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Welfare Fund and Subsidiary. BIN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January I, 1997, through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $23,785,749 as of December 31, 1997, compared to $19,744t955 as of January I, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,040,794. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $44, 187,839, including employer contributions of $41,944,913, realized gains of $72,212 fr<;>m the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,561, 102, and other income of $609,612. Plan expenses were $40,147,045. These expenses included $4,766,443 in administrative expenses and $35,380,602 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rlgllls To lddltlonal Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. service provider and trustee infonnation; 3. assets held for investment; and 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fun~, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.20 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.• Washington, DC 20210. March 1999 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Seafarer Remembers Eventful Career Last summer for the first time in many years, I visited an SIU hall (in this case, Algonac, Mich.) and picked up a copy of the Seafarers LOG. After reading the issue, I thought possibly some of you would like to reminisce about "old times" with me. I began my seagoing career by shipping out through the Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP) hall in San Francisco in the summer of 1944. I am not going to recount my entire seagoing life, but a few highlights will suffice to show the adventures and experiences I had. My first ship was the Henry H. Blood, a Liberty ship, on· which I was an OS for eight months in the South Pacific. The single most significant event was carrying the 1st Philippine Division to the invasion of Luzon at Lingayen Gulf. I next served as quartermaster on the Young America, a C2 trooper, which carried six LCMs cradling six LCVPs. The ship had a crew made up of merchant seame , fued guards, Coast Guard, arines and assorted Navy personnel. Most important was carrying the 63rd Seabees home from Manila. Our convoy of three troop ships and a destroyer left Palau for K wajalein, and we turned out to be the closest ship to t Indianapolis when she was sunk. Arrival was rung in San Francisco at 12:01 VJ Day night. I was aboard the C-5 Marine Flasher (Matson Lines) in 1945 for her shakedown cruise. This ship later became famous for carrying Jewish refugees from Europe to New York. Finally, I am one of the few left who sailed on a World War I Hog Islander, in this case, the Alcoa Voyager, in 1946. In 1947, I transferred my membership from the SUP to the SIU Great Lakes division and was issued my full book. I served on a number of lake boats as well as ocean-going ships on the East and Gulf coasts, but I remember most my three seasons as wheelsman on the Greater Detroit. Finally, in the fall of 1949, I retired my book after a short but eventful six-year career. John W. Bill Snaden Florence, S.C. ... ... Retiree Responds to Previous Letter to Ed. (Editor's note: The following letter is a reply to Harry T. Scholer's letter in the January 1999 LOG, written in response to a letter by Donald J. Boudreaux, which appeared in The Wall Street Journal.) Capt. Scholer's letter written to the editor of the Seafarers LOG detailing his response to Mr. Donald J. Boudreaux's letter in The Wall Street Journal has a paragraph about safety and on responsible o erations American-flag ships as compared to runaway-flag ships. Besides shipyard inspections, there are semi-annual and annual Know Your Rights . FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and condi- March 1999 J. W. Bill Snaden, at left in striped shirt, was part of the Lundeberg stetson-wearing SUP deck crew on the Liberty Ship F. Southall Farrar (Union Sulphur) in 1946. The vessel was delivering a load of coal bound for for St. Nazaire. In photo at right, Wheelsman Snaden rules the bridge on the Greater Detroit during the summer of 1949. inspections on U.S. ships when they are in an operational mode. All hands participate. If a ship does not pass inspection, the American operator takes a big hit. And you can't pick an inspection date or the port in which it is done--below freezing in Boston, Mass. or Portland, Me., 100 degrees in New Orleans or Mobile, Ala. I often think of these things in my retirement, and not fondly! Pressure testing fire hoses, renewing provisions and safety equipment in a lifeboat full of snow, hauling 100-pound sandbags to weight-test life boats when water is not permissible. And when the test is over, rowing against a 10knot current in the Mississippi River. These are only some of the conditions U.S. ships must meet in order to receive a certificate of approval. Foreign-flag ships, however, have no such restrictions. They are like a neighbor's dog: if they don't hold it on a tight leash, it will do its dirty work on someone else's property. The ship that you read about or see on a once-pristine beach or trying to navigate Canal Street in New Orleans has generally been · tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. found to have a history of mechanical problems. They know the problems and make a choice. And those choices often turn to disaster. Not to worry. They will show you a piece of paper that gives them permission to continue their reckless behavior. Anthony Notturno Villas, N .J. , · rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied. the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lund1b1r9 School Graduating Classes Shipboard Sanitation-Unlicensed apprentices from class 586 complete one of the requirements in their training. They are (from left, first row) Chad warren, Erik Fowler, Paul Flores, Alvin Clark, Shannon waldrumTwigg (instructor), (second row) Kenneth Jones, Manuel Oliveras and Jeffrey Smith. Basic Fire Fighting, CPR, First Aid-Members of class 585 graduate from one aspect of their training. They are (from left, kneeling) Johanna Saul, Hamil Gregorio, Heather Frizelle, (second row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Ronald Gloston, Adel Alameri, (third row) Chad Schultz, Joshua Pierson, Jevon Vontoure, Michael Bragdon, Justin Germain, Jason Foster, Daniel Bratta and Terrell McMillian. - Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL course on January 29 are (from left, kneeling) James Moore, Roman Kasparyan, Robert Mullen, Thor Waagsbo, Giuseppe Ciciulla, Douglas Edwards, (second row) James Shaffer (instructor), Ryan Palmer, Kevin McArdell, Charles Jensen, Zachary Henning, Shaun Bonefont, Joey Jordan, Michael Blue Jr., Jean Horne, Keithen Pugh, Yazid Muhammad, (third row) Nathaniel Salter, Richard Pepper, Mary Bado, Kimberly Mendonca, Randy Diaz, Levy Calzado, Antoine Robinson, (fourth row) Kanin Bennett, Peggy VVilson, Noel Corrales, Jack Drossos and Christopher Burich. Power Plant Maintenance-SIU members completing the power plant maintenance course February 19 are (from left, front row) Alphonse Thomas, Robert Laidler, Paul Pagano, Robert Richer, Louis Santiago, Ron Oyer (instructor), (second row) Jose Vazquez, Nathan Hollander, Sheldon Greenberg, Torry Kidd and Charles Skeen. Fireman/Watertender & Oiler-Marking their graduation from the FOWT class on February 19 are (from left, first row) Philip Curtis, Kathie Newkirk, Regina Terry, Leocadio Colon, Ortega Celina, Guadalupe Campbell, Antonio Perez, Mark Jones ins ruct r, (second row Brandon Scott, Benjamin Vernon, Keith Mcintosh, (third row) Flavio Suazo, Christian Andrews, Wilfredo Custodio, Jerome Slade, Ibarra Ma a, Kenneth Garner, Manuel Little, Hiawatha Williams, (fourth row) Keith Riddick, Dwayne Perrin, Donald Burlingame, Mike Haller, (fifth row) Daniel Gish, Adam Hansen, Dan Pappas and James Orlanda. Basic Fire Fighting (above)-Earning their basic fire fighting endorsements on January 22 are (from left, front row) Ronald VVilson, Stanley Howard, Darren Parker, Cynthia Schlegel, Richard Gathers, Abedon Lujan, John Smith (instructor), (second row) Patrick Cleveland, Eugene Lynch, Randy Powell, Myles Janecka, Bryce Cutler, Michael Seyler, Larry Stanback, (third row) Jeffrey Ferris, Leray Leasure, Frank Read, Rommel Artis, Peter Seifert, Sinclair Oubre and Eden Latta. Galley Operations-Under the expertise of instructor Ed White (left) and assistant instructor Maria Aulisio (right), . , upgraders complete the galley operations course. They are (from left) Allan Gorman, Sara Barahona and Grant Armstead. Water Survival - Trainees from class 585 and upgrading Seafarers graduate from the water survival class on January 9. They are (from left, front row) Heather Frizzelle, Adel Alameri, Jevon Vontoure, Johanna Saul, Stanley Howard, Eugene Lynch, Ed Boyer (instructor), (second row) Ronald Gloston, Chad Schultz, Daniel Bratta, Jason Foster, Jeffrey Ferris, Richard Gathers, Ronald VVilson, Randy Pyle, (third row) Joshua Pierson, Jeff Hardwick, James Walmsley, Rommel Artis, Peter Seifert, John Gales, Douglas Edwards, (on davits) Justin Germain, Terrell McMillan, (in lifeboat) Michael Bragdon and Rachel Sanner. 22 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook-VVith expert instruction from John Heymanski (right), the newly graduated chief cooks are (from left) Joseph Birke, Othello Dansley, James 0. Kidd Jr. and Roslyn Brooks. r I Advanced Fire Fighting-Upgrading graduates of the advanced fire fighting class ending January 22 are (from left, kneeling) Patrick Meagher, George Buisson, Alvin Thompson Jr., Thomas Higgins, Terry Cowans Sr., Phillip Lau, Jafar Jafar, (second row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), James Furby, Bernabe Pelingon, Mario Baja, Shawn Williams, David Ford, Rafael Comesana, Mike Abdullah, John Kamara, (third row) Jack Lytjen, Carlton Griffin, Anthony Lieto, Jeffrey Stuart, Randy McKinzie and Zdravko Kerestes. March 1999 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1999·UP:GRAOINGLCOURSE·SCHEDULE. ~·- ., "··-· ,.,..••.• ·.• •••.• ' ••• -. _., • ' ··~. •I. • Steward Upgrading Courses ' The foJlow.jJ)g;;f$)thit'§afi~;iiI¢: <fci:f:;gl~$.s~ . ~gi,11rl,ing in March running through June 1999 at theSeafaforsHarry Lundeberg.Scf:i@l)?f Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and. to promote the American maritime industry. ·i . Pleas~; t.lQ~~ .~h~t t.~is schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritinie'fodusti)f arid-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's ~~~ date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start ~: Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. and :. Start :Oate ·• Course . Gallef'Ope~tions/ ·· Advanced Galley Operaticms · (Every week, starting Jan. 11) Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week, starting Jan. 11) dates: '" . Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 5 May 14 Radar Observer/Unlimited March 1 April 26 June 7 March 12 May7 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 March 8, 22 April 5, 19 May 3, 17,31 June 14, 28 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) March 15 April 12 May 10 June 7 April 3 Mayl May29 June26 Basic Firefighting MarchS April 12 May3 May 10 May31 March 13 April 17 May7 Mayl5 Jones Advanced Firefighting April 19 May IO Mayl May29 June 18 Radar Recertification (one day) March 12 May7 June 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) March 15 May 10 March 19 May14 Bridge Management March 22 April 2 Government Vessels March 1 March 22 May17 May24 March 19 April 9 June4 June 11 Start Date Date of Completion Lifeboatman/Water Survival May3 June 11 May3 July 23 March 22 April 19 May 18 June 14 April 3 Mayl May29 June 25 MarchS April 16 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) April 5 May3 April 30 June 11 March 29 May24 June 21 April 2 May28 June 25 Tankerman (PIC) Barge June 28 August6 March 15 ay March 20 ay April 19 June 14 July9 Engine Upgrading Courses QMED lectrical Maintenance I -,~ 1 ··~·-~;~ Power Plant Maintenance May 14 Academic Department Courses Recertification Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion May3 June 10 Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses Bosun ecertification March 22 May3 LNG Recertification May 10 May27 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. __Jr:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. AU FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The payment should be made wilh a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # - - - - - - - - - - B o o k # - - - - - - - - - - S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the Sfll..SS trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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: Primary language spoken March 1999 D Yes D No CPR: 0 Yes ONo SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfu.lly complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney P&int. RETURN COMPLEI'ED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 3199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Summary Annual Reports for Seafarers Vacation Plan and Seafarers Welfare Fund may be found on page 20. Quartet Recognized at Membership Meeting For Gaining GED While Learning New Trade Four unlicensed apprentices discovered their training at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship meant more than learning a profession. It allowed them to earn a high school equivalency diploma, known as a GED. The quartet - Christopher Burich, Noel Corrales, Jean Charles Horne and Joey "Joe" Jordan - received a standing ovation from their fellow Seafarers when they picked up their diplomas from President Michael Sacco at the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. All four, who are in the third phase of their training, smiled from ear to ear when they appeared on stage and acknowledged the cheers from the audience, especially from the members of the unlicensed apprentice classes, who knew what they had been through. "At first, this took a lot of time," stated Corrales, a member of class 577. "It was getting in the way of going to classes." But Corrales already had set a goal of becoming a merchant mariner. He is the third generation in his family to sail and he wants to climb the engine room ladder to become an engineer like his father, Mark Corrales. (His grandfather, AB Blair Corrales, sails with the NMU.) "I had to see what was more important. If I can't get this [the GED], then how can I get a license?! "It was an internal goal I set and I met it." Corrales spent his phase II apprenticeship aboard the Liberty Sea. "I loved it and can't wait to get back to sea," added the Houston resident. Fellow 577 classmate Home already was working for his GED when he was accepted into the unlicensed apprentice program. "I needed to learn a trade and I heard about this through friends," the Jacksonville, Fla. resident told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "I didn't know about the GED here and I already had been through a lot (working toward a GED) at a junior college back home. I was happy to find it here and took my last classes to complete it." Horne served on the Faust during his phase II training. Like Horne, Burich also was looking for a profession with a future. The San Jose, Calif. native was working as a fisherman in Alaska when he found out about the unlicensed apprentice program from Anchorage SIU Representative Harold Holten. "When I came here, I heard about the GED and knew I needed it," said the member of class 576. "I feel a lot better having it." The Sea-Land Trader served as the site of Burich's phase II education. Jordan is a second generation Seafarer. He became interested in pursuing a career at sea after listening to stories from his stepfather, Bosun Acknowledging the cheers from his fellow union members at the meeting is Noel Corrales. Jean Charles Horne tells the audience how much it means to him to have the GED. Christopher Burich thanks the Lundeberg School staff for helping him obtain the GED. Joey Jordan (right) receives congratulations from SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel last month as SIU President Michael Sacco prepares to deliver another diploma. Posing with SIU President Michael Sacco (center) after the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. are unlicensed apprentices and high school equivalency diploma graduates (from left) Christopher Burich, Joey Jordan, Jean Charles Horne and Noel Corrales. George Perry. "I decided I wanted the GED and took the writing test and passed," Jordan recalled. The Wallace, N.C. resident sailed aboard the Great Land during his phase II learning petiod. Since the GED program was inaugurated at the Lundeberg School in 1970, more than 1,000 members have acquired their high school equivalency diplomas through the facility in Piney Point. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MORE UNWANTED PUBLICITY FOR RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPS MARTIME STAYS VITAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY IMO GETS TOUGHER ON FORGED DOCUMENTS GULF CARIBE CREWS JOIN RANKS OF SIU FIRE FIGHTING AND SAFETY SCHOOL SCHEDULED FOR MAY 18 OPENING SEAFARERS MAY UTILIZE LUNDEBERG COURSES FOR COLLEGE CREDITS NEW STCW BASIC SAFETY CLASS IS WELL-RECEIVED BY SEAFARERS LABOR CONTINUES GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO BOLSTER SOCIAL SECURITY USWA’S BECKER: STEEL DUMPING CRISIS HURTS ALL WORKERS AVONDALE WORKERS FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION IMMINENT OPERNING IS ANTICIPATED FOR NEW ORLEANS’ NEW HIRING HALL NY TIMES CHARS FOREIGN-FLAG CRUISES OPERATING IN U.S. NTSB INVESTIGATES FIRE ON ECSTASY LAKES SEASON BEGINS CG INFORMATION SPECIALIST EXAMINES 2000’S POTENTIAL IMPACT INTERNET SITE OFFERS Y2K STARTING POINT UNION TAKES BIG STRIDES TOWARD Y2K COMPLIANCE LOUISIANA MERCHANT MARINE BONUS DEADLINE APPROACHES S-L CONSUMER CARRIES CARGO ON CRESCENT RUN ADMIRAL HOLDER SUCCEEDS ADMIRAL PERKINS AS MSC HEAD CLEVELAND CREW ‘PROUD AND PLEASED’ TO TAKE PART IN HUMANITARIAN EFFORT CLOTHING DONATIONS IN LIBERIA AIDY NEEDY CITIZENS ROUGH WEATHER, GOOD SPIRITS ABOUND THROUGHOUT USNS EFFECTIVE VOYAGE SODERMAN SEAFARERS: FULL SPEED AHEAD IN 1999 ‘WONDERFUL’ THANKSGIVING MEAL APPRECIATED ABOARD PRES. ADAMS AMMV HONORED BY MTD QUARTERT RECOGNIZED AT MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR GAINING GED WHILE LEARNING NEW TRADE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 3 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c2337c2c71d06f1ece1f3ee503c7e023.pdf a91005210846c8fd868dd8d1accf5d23 PDF Text Text Volume 61 vv Sea a To Come .. Number 4 s s• At Sea American Classic Voyages Chairman Philip Calian signs the agreement for construction of two new U.S. -flag cruise vessels. Standing directly behind him is Ingalls Shipbuilding President Jerry St. Pe', whose company will build the first new cruise ships in an American yard in more than 40 years. Witnessing this historic event last month in the Mansfield Room of the U.S. Capitol are (from left) Sen. Daniel Inouye, Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and Sen. Thad Cochran. Contract Signed for Two New U.S.-Flag Passenger Vessels Great Lakes Towing in February christened three new "Z' tugs. Page 4. �President's Report I Excitement Builds Twenty years ago, excitement rippled through the SIU as we geared up for a task the union had never faced: the crewing of a U.S.-flag passenger ship. 'The Oceanic Independence was returning to the U.S. flag and the company doing it signed with the SIU to provide the manpower that ship needed. Every one of us involved in the project felt great anticipation and enthusiasm. For the Lundeberg School, this opportunity meant developing new classes and training methods to thoroughly prepare Seafarers for the many jobs they would tackle when they climbed her gangway. Needless to say, the SIU met the challenge and, in Michael Sacco June 1980, the Independence became the first passenger ship to sail under Old Glory in 10 years. Within two years, SIU members were crewing her sister ship, the Constitution, when it returned to service as a U.S.-flag vessel. Today, that excitement is building again. In this issue of the Seafarers LOG, we are getting our first glimpses of the next generation of U.S.-tlag passenger ships. Although there will be many differences between these new ships compared to the Independence and Constitution, one thing that remains the same is Seafarers will crew the vessels. They will be state-of-the-art cruise ships, incorporating the latest technology and advances. The drawings on display during last month's Capitol Hill signing ceremony showed how magnificent these ships will be. While media attention has focused on the passengers' appointments, the crew facilities have not been ignored. They, also, are being fitted to meet the needs of the next century. Like it did two decades ago, the staff at the Lundeberg School is preparing the facility to train Seafarers to crew this next generation of passenger vessels. Even the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School was designed with these ships in mind. This is a tremendous opportunity and the SIU will be ready. While all of us in the union look forward to these new ships, others also are proud of this latest confirmation that the U.S.-flag commercial fleet is, indeed, being revitalized. As I mentioned earlier, the signing ceremony between American Classic Voyages, which will operate the vessels, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, which will construct the bottoms, took place in the U.S. Capitol. Three senators, two representatives, the maritime administrator and the secretary of the Navy actively participated in the event. Brothers and sisters, we are not the only ones excited about the growth of the U.S. fleet. These new passenger ships are a continuation of the fight we have been waging throughout the 1990s to prepare the merchant fleet for the next century. Success happens to those who are determined, dedicated and driven. Many of you worked hard talking with and writing to your elected officials during the five-year battle to pass the Maritime Security Act, which was signed into law in 1996. This measure made sure the U.S.-flag containership fleet remained viable and strong into the first part of the next century. We have seen the construction and launching of a new fleet of U.S.built, double-hulled tankers. Seafarers now are working aboard the first four, with the fifth expected to come out later this year. Meanwhile, the military's review of the Persian Gulf War revealed the need for a larger fleet of military prepositioning vessels. Today, SIU members around the world crew the newly built Bob Hope and Watsonclass of ships as well as others that have been converted to sail at a moment's notice to supply American forces when they are called to duty. Several SIU-contracted companies have added to their fleets the new tractor tugboats as they see what will be required in the way of harbor work in the years to come. There also have been other developments in the U.S.-flag passenger trade this decade. In 1995, the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. added to its inland fleet the American Queen, which at that time was the largest overnight passenger vessel built in the United States in almost 40 years. Last year, American Classic announced plans for five coastal cruise ships, designed to look like those that sailed along the coastlines at the tum of the 20th century. The first of these new vessels is expected to be sailing sometime in 2001. Yes, there is a lot to be excited about. But we cannot rest on our laurels. There still is more work to be done for all of our members - no matter if they sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes; no matter if they are aboard containerships, tankers, bulkers, dredges, cruise vessels or tugboats. The 21st century is rapidly approaching. We will continue to work to improve and modernize the U.S.-flag fleet. We will continue to provide new jobs for Seafarers. We do this because we plan to be part of this exciting new chapter in America's history for a long, long time. Volume 61, Number 4 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org April 1999 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFl.rCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Maritime Administrator Hart Visits SIU Hall in Honolulu U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart recently got a firsthand look at how a union h~!l operates, as he stopped by the SIU hall in Honolulu. In town to speak to the Hawaii chapter of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, Hart toured the SIU hall on February 5. He met several SIU members and congratulated GU Tessema Tefera, who that week had received his U.S. citizenship and his union membership book. Hart also examined the rotary shipping board and discussed the various documents and training now required for mariners. Additionally, he discussed with Seafarers and with SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz the expanding job opportunities with American Hawaii Cruises; the SIU's numerous training initiatives including the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program; the Chapter VI (basic safety) requirements of the amended STCW convention; and the importance of the Jones Act (America's freight cabotage law). The maritime administrator is an outspoken supporter of the Jones Act, a law which provides jobs for U.S. citizens, boosts the country's economy and aids national security. In town for a speaking engagement, U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (center) recently toured the SIU hall in Honolulu. There, he met a number of Seafarers, including GU Tessema Tefera (right). Explaining the rotary shipping system to U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (right) is Neil Dietz, port agent at the SIU hall in Honolulu. Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves 1998 Union Records Group Issues Annual Report To Members A committee of veteran rankand-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during last month's union meeting in Piney Point, Md., have reviewed the SIU's financial records for 1998 and found them to be in good order. Each department was represented on the committee. Elected from the deck department were Recertified Bosun Terry Cowans Sr., a 25-year member from Mobile, Ala., and AB Tom Moore, from Baltimore and with the SIU 10 years. The lone engine department member was QMED Joe Pomraning, who sails from Baltimore. Pomraning, a member for 18 years, also served as the committee chairman. Representing the galley gang were Recertified Stewards Lovell McElroy Sr. (a 24-year member from Mobile), Gerald Hyman ( 18 years, from Norfolk, Va.) and Gina Lightfoot (16 years, from Jacksonville, Fla.). The final member of the committee was Chief Cook Donald Mann, who has been with the union 18 years. He sails from Baltimore. ''This committee worked very hard and we found everything to be in order," Pomraning stated. Reviewing the union's 1998 financial records are (from left, going counter-clockwise around table) Gerald Hyman, Terry Cowans Sr., Lovell McElroy Sr., Donald Mann, Tom Moore, Gina Lightfoot and Joe Pomraning, who served as chairman. "Our brothers and sisters have entrusted us to do this very important job and we are performed our duties to the best of our abilities." The use of an annual financial review committee is required by Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution. It reads: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations." QMED Joe Pomraning, an 18year member of the SIU, signs off on the committee's report. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, May 31, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) tor the observance of Memorial Day. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. April 1999 �Contract Signed for Cruise Ships Work Starts Next Year on First U.S.-Flag, U.S.-Built Deep Sea Passenger Vessels Since 1958 Construction on the first large cruise ships to be built in an American yard in more than 40 years will begin shortly, following last month's Capitol Hill contract signing ceremony between SIUcontracted American Classic Voyages and unionized Ingalls Shipyard. Ingalls is expected to start work on the first of two 840-foot, 1,900-passenger vessels early next year. That vessel, which will hold a crew of 650 mariners, is scheduled to begin service for American Hawaii Cruises around Hawaii by 2003. "This announcement represents a continued resurgence of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and is a major boost for the U.S.flag cruise industry," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. 'The SIU has had a long partnership with American Classic and we are pleased that the company has undertaken this initiative to expand its operations." American Classic's subsidiary American Hawaii Cruises operates the SS Independence, which has been crewed by Seafarers since it returned to the American flag and began sailing around the Hawaiian Islands in 1980. SIU members also crewed its sister vessel, the SS Constitution, between 1982 and 1995 when it went out of service. Many Witnesses The historic signing, which took place March 9 in the U.S. Capitol, was witnessed by elected officials, Clinton administration members and the media. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) called the agreement between American Classic Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott calls the agreement to build the ships "a marriage made in heaven." and Ingalls "a marriage made in heaven." is Lott, whose home Pascagoula where Ingalls is located, added, "I think we have something that is going to be very important, very vital for shipbuilding as a whole and certainly for the cruise industry and for America. I can't wait to see these ships sail and provide cruise opportunities on American-built ships." The Mississippi senator praised his colleague Daniel Inouye (DHawaii) for garnering the support to pass the 1997 U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, which paved the way for the signing. Sen. Inouye acknowledged Lott's remarks by saying, "A lot of things can happen if we do it in a bipartisan fashion." P nta n Su port Besides Inouye, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Reps. Bob Livingston (R-La.) and Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) sponsored the 1997 bill in Congress. The measure is part of a larger project to convert American shipyards from Navy Sec'y Richard Danzig states the construction of the cruise vessels offers many lessons. More coverage appears · on pages 12-13 military to commercial constructions. Designs used in the cruise ships are expecte.d to be incorporated in future Navy vessels. "This program has much to be proud of," Inouye stated. "The Department of Defense supports this because we will revitalize the shipbuilding industry, which is very important, and thereby keep down the cost of shipbuilding by, I might say, hundreds of millions of dollars." His remarks were echoed by Navy Secretary Richard Danzig, who added, "We are delighted from a national defense standpoint with this arrangement. "It is good for ship workers. It is good for shipyards. But, above all in my view, it is good for national defense." Danzig noted the lessons learned from building the cruise ships would provide the Navy with tremendous money savings. National defense was not the Saluting all who made the contract for the vessels possible is Rep. Neil Abercrombie. only maritime issue discussed at the announcem.ent ceremony. Several speakers said the new construction shows the value of the nation's cabotage laws. itime industry for working together to make the vessels a reality. Rep. Abercrombie arrived immediately after an overnight flight from sunny Hawaii to snowy Washington, D.C. to witness the signing. "This is the start of a new revival of the cruise industry in the United States of America with American shipbuilders, American workers and American sailors. This industry will take off in the 21st century," added the Hawaiian legislator. In his comments, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) looked at the snow accumulating outside but said "the sun is shining brightly in the U.S. Capitol." He likewise praised all involved in making the cruise ships possible. Backing for Cabotag Create New Jobs Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), whose district includes the Ingalls Shipyard, stated the teamwork shown among the legislators, maritime industry, military and labor should be used to fight for the freight and passenger laws. "I hope we will continue to work together on the preservation of the Passenger Vessel Act and the Jones Act, that reserves coastwise commerce for American-made, American-owned, Americancrewed vessels that live by our rules," Taylor told the audience. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart also renewed the administration's support for the two laws, then added he was "looking forward to the first two cruise ships and many others to come." He saluted the labor officials representing sailing and shipbuilding members and the mar- After saluting everyone involved, Philip Calian, American Classic Voyages chairman, noted the entire effort will create 5,000 jobs ashore and at sea. "This will maintain a large base of seafarers for times of national emergency," he added. "We are proud to be doing our part to expand the U.S.flag cruise industry." The president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Jerry St. Pe', declared the agreement "puts the last piece of the puzzle together to make this happen. It is somewhat a return to the future. We built the last cruise ships [the SS Brasil and SS Argentina] built in this country." St. Pe' pointed out he was a young reporter covering the launching of those two vessels in 1958, while Sen. Lott was a member of the high school band performing at the event. 4th Double Eagle Tanker Begins Service ,• Seafarers are working aboard the fourth Double Eagle tanker operated by Interocean Ugland Management. The HM/ Ambrose Channel set sail earlier this year, joining the HM/ Diamond Shoals, HM/ Cape Lookout Shoals and HM/ Nantucket Shoals as the newest U.S.-built tankers. One more double-hulled vessel - the HMJ Breton Reef - is expected to come out of Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding later this year. It also will be crewed by SIU members. According to SIU Norfolk (Va.) Safety Director Pat Vandergrift, who met with the crew as the ship was preparing to sail in February, everyone was looking forward to working on the new vessel. "Everything was in great shape - all shiny and new. Bosun Robert Pagan told me all the crew members could not wait to get the ship to sea," Vandergrift said. All five tankers are owned by Hvide Marine, Inc. They were built with double hulls to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Each is named after an old U.S. Coast Guard light ship. Each tanker is approximately 600 feet long with a beam of about 106 feet. April 1999 Sealarers Sailing El Morro In Puerto Rico Trade -ABOVE: With Old Glory waving behind them, ABs Bartow Bridges (left) and Mark Kerr (right) met with SIU Rep. Amancio Crespo when the newly built vessel docked recently in Puerto Rico. RIGHT: Chief Cook Kristin Krause prepares to return to the SIU-crewed HM/ Ambrose Channel in Ponce, P.R. The SIU-crewed El Morro is providing regular service between Florida and Puerto Rico, the second vessel in the Sea Star Line fleet to do so. SIU Port Agent Tony McQuay met with crew members during a payoff last month in Jacksonville, Fla. He reported everything was going smoothly on the vessel, which began operations earlier this year. "Bosun Steve Copeland and Steward Kris Hopkins told me this is a good-working crew," McQuay told the Seafarers LOG. "All the members are getting acquainted with the ship and find it in good shape." The El Morro 's sister ship, the El Yunque, began sailing late last year. The ships offer roll-on/roll-qff as well as lift-on/lift-off service on a weekly basis. They can handle containers and trailers from 20 feet to 53 feet as well as flat beds, heavy machinery, refrigerated cargo and vehicle transport. The vessels are operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Sea Star Line, which is a joint venture of Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. Seafarers LOG 3 �Seafarers Crew New 'Z' Tugs Boats Provide Harbor Towing Service in Pearl Harbor Seafarers are sailing aboard the three new "Z-class" tractor tugs christened earlier this year by Admiral Towing and Barge Company. The tugs - named Z-Three, ZFour and Z-Five - are operating under a U.S. Navy contract to provide harbor towing services at the Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Operations commenced early last month. SIU members and officials attended the christening ceremonies in mid-February at Seattle's MARCO Shipyard, where the boats were construct- ed. Each of the tugs is 95 feet long, 32 feet wide and has 4,000 horsepower with a bollard pull exceeding 110,000 lbs. Each operates at a top speed of 14 knots. "The Z-class design was developed to accommodate an entire range of towing services, including shiphandling duties, salvage, firefighting, oil recovery, tanker escort, and ocean and coastal towing of vessels and barges," noted Admiral Towing in announcing the christenings. ''The new tugs have been modified to meet the special needs of the Navy and include special above- and below-water fender systems to accommodate assistance to submarines." The Z-drive is an integrated unit that replaces conventional propellers and rudders. It performs propulsion as well as steering, thereby enabling the tug to push or pull in any direction. The design greatly improves maneuverability. SIU members also crew vessels operated by Admiral Towing's affiliate company, Great Lakes Towing, which currently is in its lOOth year. Both inside and out, the new tugboats feature the most modern design and equipment. Don Nolan Name P For Lundeberg School The trustees for the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship have named Don Nolan as the facility's new vice president. Nolan, 53, has been on the staff of the school since 1968 when he was hired as a chief cook shortly after the Piney Point, Md. facility opened. Since then, he has served in a variety of roles including steward department instructor and culinary director. During his tenure at the school, the Pennsylvania native also has been involved in numerous projects including recruitment and management. Nolan comes from a union background. His father was a member of the United Mine Workers. Other members of his family are Steelworkers. Don Nolan Prior to corning to the Lundeberg School, he served in the U.S. Navy. He holds a vocational teacher's certificate from the University of Maryland. TOP: The Z-Three is christened in Seattle. DIRECTLY ABOVE (from left): Among those attending the ceremony were Richard Berkowitz of the Transportation Institute, SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Recertified Bosun Dana Cella. USNS Antares Sails to Balkans To Assist NATO Peacekeepers SIU members aboard the fast sealift ship USNS Antares recently helped in the NATO peacekeeping mission in the Balkans known as Operation Joint Guard. The February assignment marked the second time in the past seven months that the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC), which operates the Antares, has been called to transport American military equipment and supplies to the volatile region - an area that includes Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia. The 946-foot cargo ship docked in Rijeka, Croatia along the Adriatic Sea in late February. Earlier, approximately 92,000 square feet of combat equipment from the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas, had been loaded aboard the rollon/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel in and Beaumont, Texas, Wilmington, N.C. That military equipment came from six different U.S. military installations including Fort Hood and Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Riley, Kansas. According to MSC, more than 200 shipping containers and 25 Army helicopters were lifted aboard the Antares in Beaumont while 54 pieces of "rolling stock" were driven up the ship's side ramp to stowage positions inside the vessel. Following the Beaumont load-out, the Antares sailed to Wilmington where 15 more helicopters, 25 shipping containers, nine wheeled vehicles and other general cargo items were loaded. The ship then departed Wilmington February 9 for the 18-day transatlantic voyage. The Antares, capable of traveling at up to 30 knots, is believed to be only the second U.S. Navy ship to dock at the Balkan port. The SIU-crewed USNS Soderman, one of MSC's large, medium-speed RO/ROs. transported 1st Cavalry Division cargo to the region in August 1998. USNS liordon Rescues Fishermen in liulf The SIU-crewed USNS Gordon last month rescued two people in the Persian Gulf from a sinking fishing boat. The prepositioning vessel was at anchor around 6 a.m. when crew members spotted two citizens of the United Arab Emirates in distress. The fishermen were waving and clinging to their mostly submerged 12-foot boat. Reacting quickly, the Gordon launched its 16-foot rigid-hull inflatable boat to rescue the stranded pair. ''With high winds and choppy 4 Seafarers LOG seas jostling their orange rescue craf4 and English of little use, Gordon's rescue party relied largely on encouraging smiles and gestures, coaching the terrified survivors to release their grip on what was left of their rapidly sinking boat," noted the U.S. Military Sealift Command in an account of the rescue. The ordeal lasted only 28 minutes. It ended with the fishermen climbing aboard the 956foot military support ship, where crew members gave them dry clothes, breakfast and a movie to watch while waiting for the local coast guard to transport them ashore. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC, described the rescue as "a perfect example of seamanship in the finest tradition." SIU members crew the Gordon as well as other prepositioning ships operated by MSC. Those vessels strategically place U.S. military equipment around the globe, where it remains readily available if needed by U.S. forces. Seafarers aboard the USNS Gordon helped rescue two fishermen. April 1999 �Legislators Ask IRS to Estimate Taxes Lost to Foreign-Flag Cruise Vessels Two lawmakers have asked the Internal Revenue Service to provide estimates of how much truces U.S.-based, but foreign-registered cruise companies would pay if they were not exempt from income tax and other liabilities. The representatives, Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), said in a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti that this information is needed in case Congress takes up legislation that would cripple the Passenger Vessel Services Act by allowing foreign-flag cruise ships to carry passengers between different U.S. ports. (The Passenger Vessel Services Act is the cabotage law that states passengers moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed and U.S.-built vessels.) Several bills to modify the act were offered in the last session of Congress but got no further than a committee hearing. The SIU opposed each of the measures offered. In an interview with the New York Times, Defazio said the Clinton administration has estimated the cruise ship industry is avoiding billions of dollars in truces annually. The article, published March 12, noted the 17 U.S.-based cruise companies had annual revenues of $10 billion, but are registered in countries that do not have income truces. While U.S. elected officials are looking into the true laws governing the foreign-flag cruise industry, another article published March 29 by Fortune showed these same cruise lines are not providing much economic support to the Caribbean islands they visit. Allen Chastanet, the former Royal Caribbean Pleads Guilty to Dumping In a surprise move, Royal Caribbean Cruises pleaded guilty in a Los Angeles federal court to three charges of dumping oily bilge water earlier this decade. The March 22 admission by the world's second largest cruise line followed a three-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles in late February. The charges concerned covering up oily waste discharges with false records that were presented to the U.S. Coast Guard by the Nordic Prince crew during three separate ship inspections in Los Angeles between January and October 1994. The maximum fine for each count is $500,000. Additional charges are expected to be placed against the company later this year in New York and Alaska. The Seafarers LOG reported in February that Royal Caribbean already had paid a $9 million fine for dumping that occurred between 1990 and 1994. The company and U.S. government reached a plea bargain for that fine following separate indictments in Miami and San Juan regarding similar cover-up incidents aboard five vessels, including the Nordic Prince. The New York Times ran a front-page story in January describing how Royal Caribbean repeatedly had committed environmental crimes. Following the Los Angeles indictments, Royal Caribbean said it has admitted to the problem and taken measures to correct it. Meanwhile, a Miami television station reported one of Royal Caribbean's ships, the Enchantment of the Seas, suffered an engine room explosion and fire March 11, three hours after sailing from St. Thomas. No one was injured in the incident. However, passengers leaving the ship in Miami told the television station they were scared and did not believe they were receiving all the information necessary during the incident. SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (right) talks maritime with Rep. Gene Taylor (left), one of two legislators asking the IRS for an estimate on how much money in tax revenues foreign-flag cruise companies based in the U.S. would pay if they were not tax exempt. director of the St. Lucia tourism board, told the magazine, "Sixty five percent of the cruise industry's profits come from the Caribbean. But only 7 percent of their employees come from the Caribbean and only 1 percent of the taxes they pay go to the region." The article noted local govern- USCG: Grain Company Violates Jones Act Agency Determines Tug Firms Are Under Japanese Control The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the operation of two tugboat companies sailing on the Mississippi River and its tributaries because the federal agency found the firms "did not meet the qualifications to engage in coastwise trade." Following a two-year investigation, the Coast Guard stated MV One, LLC of Covington, La. and Paragon Marine Services, Inc. of St. Louis operated under the control of Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. (CGB ), which is a Louisiana-based subsidiary of a Japanese federation of agriculture cooperatives known as Zen-Noh and a Japanese commodities trading company called Itochu Corp. (In the May 1993 Seafarers LOG, Zen-Noh was listed as one House Passes Coast Guard Budget Bill Includes Tighter Runaway-Flag Controls, Plus Permanent Ban On New User Fees With broad bipartisan support, the U.S. Coast Guard authorization for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a margin of 424-7. Passage is expected shortly in the Senate. The bill calls for $3.8 billion in spending for FY 2000, increasing to $4 billion in 2001 (excluding pension payments). Last year, an SIU-supported measure calling for a three-year moratorium on new user fees levied against mariners or the marine industry passed with overwhelming support. Under the Coast Guard authorization bill, this moratorium on new fees would be made permanent. Sentiment in Congress for this measure grew when legislators felt attempts were being made to skirt the ban and implement new fees which might disadvantage American maritime companies. Also included in the bill is a measure originally April 1999 ments are forced to deal with the garbage and heavy traffic created by the cruise ships and their passengers. An example of such discrepancies was the $14 million being spent by St. Lucia for a cruise terminal expansion and additional $14 million being spent to push tourism, yet the $6.50 per passenger tax levied on each vessel only brings $1.9 million to the economy. When 13 islands tried in 1993 to increase the per-head tax on the cruise ships, the companies countered by saying they would sail elsewhere. The effort fell apart within weeks. A St. Lucia survey conducted in the early 1990s found visitors who stayed overnight or longer on the island spent 30 times as much as those who disembarked from a cruise ship docking there. One hotel manager complained to the magazine that he has "to pay hotel occupancy true, income tax, social security - all those taxes," while the cruise ships do not. Even the U.S. Virgin Islands are feeling the pinch in terms of revenue. Their average number of overnight tourists has fallen 26 percent to 440,000 since 1988 while those who visit for part of. a day aboard cruise ships has risen by half to 1.6 million. As noted in an Associated Press story of February 21, cruise ship passengers make up 80 percent of the tourists in the Virgin Islands, but provide a mere 25 percent of the total tourism revenue. To the Virgin Island economy, this represents an annual income of $600 million from visitors, down 33 percent in the last five years. introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ron Wyden (DOre.) in response to the New Carissa disaster. This provision requires all vessels, foreign and domestic, to notify the Coast Guard at least 24 hours before entering U.S. territorial waters. The purpose is to give the Coast Guard sufficient time to check vessels' histories in order to bar substandard ships before they enter American waters. Among the items that would have to be reported are the port of destination, time of entry into the territorial waters, and whether a vessel is carrying dangerous cargo or if any hazardous conditions exist aboard the ship. It also gives the Coast Guard the authority to direct the movements of a vessel in U.S. waters. The provision, introduced in the House by Rep. Peter Defazio (D-Ore.), responded to the concerns that the New Carissa sailed too close to shore during a gale, "a practice local pilots shun," noted Sen. Wyden. of several international agribusinesses working within the North American Export Grain Association to scuttle U.S. cargo preference laws.) lmpennlsslble' Control 1 The agency found in a letter dated February 2 to th~ head of Paragon that "Consolidated has an impermissible controlling interest in Paragon," which owns one tugboat outright and operates 14 other vessels for MV One. The investigation, requested by the family-owned Mt. Vernon Barge and Fleeting Service of Indiana, was conducted jointly by the Coast Guard and U.S. Maritime Administration. It noted Consolidated at times had paid invoices from Mt. Vernon for services rendered to Paragon. It revealed 25 percent of the Paragon's stock is owned by Consolidated. The letter further stated, "Under a fleet operating agreement, Paragon is required to 'act at all times in the best interest of [Consolidated].' The fleeting agreement requires Paragon to help maintain good customer relations between Consolidated and its customers. It further requires to consult with Paragon Consolidated concerning the number, identity and qualifications of persons Paragon plans to assign to certain positions; and requires Paragon to seek Consolidated approval before making any addition or improvement to Consolidated-owned equipment costing $5,000 or more." 'Pervasive Presence' The Coast Guard concluded that "the pervasive presence of CGB, Consolidated and Zen-Noh Grain Corp. officers in the organizational structure of Paragon coupled with the strictures of the Consolidated/Paragon fleet operating agreement, including Consolidated's extraordinary control of hiring, spending and management decisions clearly demonstrate that Consolidated has an impermissible controlling interest in Paragon. That impermissible controlling interest requires a finding that Paragon does not meet the controlling interest criteria set forth in Section 2 for eligibility to operate vessels in the coastwise trade." The "Section 2" referred to in the letter signed by Thomas L. Willis, director of the Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center, concerns the standards required in the Jones Act to be declared an American company. That provision finds "corporations wishing to document vessels in the coastwise trade must have 75 percent of its stock owned by U.S. citizens. Further, the president or CEO or its chairman of the board of directors must be U.S. citizens. However, even if these criteria are met, the corporation can still be found ineligible to document vessels if a controlling interest in the corporation is held by non-citizens. A non-citizen controlling interest determination can be made if it is found that citizens owning stock have a trust or fiduciary obligation in non-citizens, or if non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the corporation." (The Jones Act is the nation's freight cabotage law. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, it states cargo moved between two Continued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU's Alaskan Recruitment Program Wins National Award A unique joint initiative between the Seafarers International Union and Alaskan-area private industry councils won national recognition last month for its success in providing jobs for young people from the nation's northernmost state. The National Association of Private Industry Councils (NAPIC) honored the SIU and the Anchorage/Matanuska-Susitna Private Industry Council for their work in training, then employing, Alaskans aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. The presentation took place March 1 in Washington, D.C. at NAPIC's annual forum. Initiated in 1997 as a way to lower unemployment rates in Alaska, the program has attracted recruits from all over the state. It is strongly backed by Alaska's congressional delegation - Sens. Ted Stevens (R) and Frank Murkowski (R) and Rep. Don Young (R) - and its governor, Tony Knowles (D). The union and council were declared one of two distinguished honorees by the association. Only an Oregon-based training and employment venture ranked higher among the approximately 600 entries and took the top prize. 'This means a lot to all of us involved in the program," SIU Anchorage Representative Harold Holten said after receiving the Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership Designated Honoree Award on behalf of the union. "Everyone involved has worked hard to promote this in Alaska and make it work. We could not have done it without the backing of the SIU, the shipping companies who sail into Alaska, the fine people at the private industry council and, of course, Senators Stevens and Murkowski, Congressman Young and Governor Knowles as well as their staff's." "It is hard to believe how far we have come in less than two years," noted Lynn Taylor, job partnership training program director for the city of Anchorage. "When Harold and (SIU Assistant Vice President) Bob Hall first presented this to us, we couldn't believe what was available. We had never heard of these opportunities in the merchant marine." Under the program, young men and women who meet the requirements to enter training at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship are recruited by local government and job training officials. Holten works with these groups to screen the recruits and ensure they meet the qualifications required by the U.S. Coast Guard to hold a merchant mariner's document. Once approved, they begin learning the skills needed to sail aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels through the Paul Hall Center's three-phase unlicensed apprentice program. The first phase takes place at the center, located in Piney Point, Md., where the students receive hands-on and classroom training to learn basic seamanship skills. This part takes 12-weeks. Under Phase II, the Alaskan recruits work aboard a U.S.-flag vessel whose itinerary includes Displaying the awards presented to the SIU and the Anchorage Private Industry Council for their work in recruiting young Alaskans to the U.S. merchant marine are SIU Representative Harold Holten (left) and Lynn Taylor from the city of Anchorage. ports in their home state. They sail for 90 days to learn about life at sea by working in all three unlicensed departments. Phase ill training returns to the Paul Hall Center where the students receive department-specific training. Upon graduation, they are shipped out to their first job aboard a U.S.-flag commercial vessel. The success of the Alaskan effort has spawned a similar project in Hawaii. Lundeberg School Vice President Don Nolan stated the facility is willing to work with other councils and groups around the country interested in finding good, dependable employment for their young people. However, the Alaskan recruit- ment initiative was not the only project noticed by NAPIC in its award. It commended the riding gang program for Alaskan residents implemented by the SIU and local Alaskan governments last year. Like the unlicensed apprentice recruitment effort, this also is an ongoing project that is training Last Frontier state residents to work aboard SIU-contracted vessels that dock in Alaska. This program has caught the attention of Rep. Young who addressed the first class of riding gang recruits on their graduation day last summer in Anchorage, where their training took place (see the July 1998 Seafarers LOG). Unlicensed apprentice Mary Bado meets with SIU President Michael Sacco following the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. 32-Hour Radar/ARPA Course Approved Sea-I.and Capt. Praises Upgraders are taking advantage of the Paul Hall Center's newly approved 32-hour automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA) class. The United States Coast Guard on March 1 certified that the course meets the applicable requisites of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), as well as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). In making that assessment, the agency evaluated both the course content and the school facilities. Deep sea masters and mates as well as limited license holders doing coastwise work will be required to successfully complete a 32-hour ARPA course. In addition to inland masters and mates, the school anticipates that bosuns and license candidates will be the main enrollees in its newly approved course. 'The approval is super news for the school and the member- Apprentice for Work A graduate of unlicensed apprentice class 576 continues to draw praise for her work aboard the Sea-Land Innovator during her second phase of training in the program. In a letter sent to the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, Master Brian S. McNamara saluted Mary Bado for her hard work and dedication to learning during her 90-day stint aboard the containership. In his letter, McNamara said he recommended "Bado very highly to you in her desire to complete her studies at Piney Point and in getting her documents as an AB. "Mary has sailed with me aboard the Innovator as an apprentice. While she has grown in stature, knowledge and experience in each department she has worked, she has excelled in the deck department. I have found her sober, industrious, competent and dependable in the performance of all duties assigned her. She is pleasant to everyone and is a very good shipmate. ''Mary is liked and respected by officers and crew alike for her sense of humor, high degree of integrity and demonstrated sense of loyalty to her shipmates. I am convinced Mary would make a superlative AB, and I would very much want to see her return to the Innovator. Her enthusiasm and energy are her strong points with which she can and will go far." The Seafarers LOG published in its February 1999 issue a report from the Innovator's bosun, John E. Stout, on the progress Bado was making during her phase II training. (The unlicensed apprentice program is divided into three parts. Phase I, taken at the Paul Hall Center, provides the basic introduction into seafaring, including safety, water survival and first aid training. Phase II allows the student to experience life in all three departments aboard an SIU-contracted deep sea vessel. The final phase returns the apprentice to the center for specialized training in the department that he or she plans to enter.) Bado graduated from the unlicensed apprentice program earlier this year. She now sails as a GUDE aboard the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips, operated by Maersk. 6 Seafarers LOii Several upgrading courses have been added to the Paul Hall Centers schedule. See page 23. ship," said J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located in Piney Point, Md. He added that the school is utilizing the most modern radar simulators. The 32-hour class specifically satisfies the following requirements: 46 CFR 10.301-304, IMO resolution A.482 (XII) and STCW Code Sections A-1112, B1112, A-11/1, and A-11/2. Last year, the school completed a major upgrade of its radar equipment for use in simulator training. Five new state-ofthe-art Furuno ARPA radars were installed in September. The modernization also utilizes the five Raytheon radars already housed at the facility. The Furunos are outfitted with automatic radar plotting aids and electronic chart display (ECDS). The ECDS allow the center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship to acquire and display images and conditions of any and all ports worldwide. Additionally, among other improvements, the new system adds real navigation aids including GPS and Loran-C along with features like precipitation clutter, search-and-rescue transponders (SARTS) and Racons. The center's Raytheon radars are integrated with the newer items as well as with new software. Seafarers upgrading at the school (in applicable courses) will have the chance to utilize a training vessel equipped with the newer radar, which has the same capabilities as those used in simulaJion. Students at the Paul Hall Center utilize the school's modern radar equipment (also shown in top photo) as part of the recently approved 32-hour ARPA course. April 1999 �Memories, Hope and Pride Beam from Newest Class of Recertified Stewards It was a time for families, a time for legacies, a time to remember the past and a time to look toward the future. It was March 8 - union meeting day in .Piney Point, Md. and graduation day for the latest class of recertified stewards. Fourteen galley gang members successfully completed the recertification course, the highest level of training offered by the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship for steward department members. During their five weeks of learning, the upgraders received hands-on training at the school's culinary lab, picked up the latest in sanitation methods, participated in computer training, and took refresher lessons in firefighting, safety and first aid. They also met with SIU President Michael Sacco and representatives from the union's contracts, welfare, government affairs, training, communications and vacation and pension funds departments. Graduation day was the culmination of all that and more as each of the stewards described to their fellow Seafarers what it meant to them. Pride Obvious The pride felt by George Vorise was evident to all. He wore a tuxedo to the ceremony. The Jacksonville, Fla. member then told those attending how proud he was to be a Seafarer and what it meant in terms of security, both financial and professional. Sharing in the celebration of graduation day were the families of two members - Joseph Laureta and Dien Short. The Laureta family sat in the front row of the auditorium after flying to Maryland from Hawaii. The 16-year union member informed everyone he was delighted to have his wife Tenie, son Troy and daughter Cheesa with him for this special day. "These are the people I do it for," Laureta stated. "Our families are why we work hard and keep pushing so we can give them the best life possible." Short, who sails from the port of Tacoma, noted his wife Maria was with him for the event. He SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez congratulates Tom Barrett upon graduating from the recertified steward program last month. acknowledged how important upgrading has been in providing a better lifestyle for himself and his soon to be growing family. Rich Heritage Gina Lightfoot was introduced to the audience as "a legacy" by SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Her father, Roan Lightfoot, served as an SIU official, including port agent in Paducah, Ky. Lightfoot reflected on what the union has meant to her throughout her life. She told the unlicensed apprentices attending the meeting that she got her start at the Lundeberg School, with this graduation "being the culmination of 16 years of hard work." She offered herself as proof that "you can accomplish great things with the SIU." Also recalling his beginning as a trainee in the Lundeberg School's old entry level program was James Harris. He addressed his remarks to the unlicensed apprentices urging them to work hard to learn a career. To show how far they could go if they put their minds to it, Harris acknowledged a fellow Lundeberg School trainee who was in the class just before his and last month sat at the dais as a union vice president: Kermett Mangram. Harris pointed out he had Families play an important role in the lives of Seafarers. Being recognized during the recertified steward graduation ceremony are (from the left) Cheesa, Troy and Tenie Laureta who came from Hawaii to be with Joseph and (on the right) Maria Short who traveled from Washington state with her husband Dien. April 1999 returned to the school four times for upgrading since 1978. "I always look forward to returning to Piney Point to upgrade my skills and see all the familiar faces." Another member who got his start from a union training school was Lovell McElroy Sr. Unlike Lightfoot and Harris, his first lessons came from the old Marine Cooks and Stewards facility in Santa Rosa, Calif. shortly before that union merged with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. He told his fellow Seafarers about jobs that used to abound on passenger ships which provided young people with an entry point into the profession. He said he was happy to hear work was under way to build new U.S.-flag passenger ships that will offer many new jobs to SIU members. "I've learned that the SIU and its officers still continue as their primary focus to make sure Seafarers maintain the jobs they already have while providing new and better ones to take us into the next century,'' said the 24-year member who sails from Mobile. Looking Ahead With an eye to the past, other graduates spoke about the future. Colleen Mast talked about her start aboard the American Hawaii Cruise ships and how she wanted to move up the ladder. Like McElroy, she was excited to Through teamwork, all things are possible as Miguel Pabon (left) and Dana Zuls show off a fried rice dish they created during training. hear about the new ships and new jobs soon to be available to Seafarers. Mast called on the unlicensed apprentices to follow her lead to upgrade as often as possible to ensure these jobs are filled by the best trained mariners. "I recommend upgrading and getting endorsements every chance you get because it definitely improves your chances of shipping out," noted the Wilmington, Calif.based member. Her comments were echoed by another steward from the Southern California port, Tom Barrett. A graduate of Lundeberg School Class 307, Barrett added, "It is good to move up in your field, and you can always learn more." Daniel Maxie looked directly at the unlicensed apprentices and reminded them they are the future of the SIU. He urged them to learn all they could, work with their shipmates when at sea and upgrade as often as possible. Another member from Wilmington centered his remarks on the future of the union and his fellow Seafarers. Teamwork is what this lesson in the culinary lab is all about as Lovell McElroy (left) and Gina Lightfoot (right) work with Chef Allan Sherwin. Dana Zuls, who began sailing 23 years ago in St. Louis, called on those at the meeting to continue upgrading. Zuls noted he has sailed inland and Great Lakes .as well as deep sea and found his five trips to the Lundeberg School helped him in his career. "Upgrading will make you better informed and make being a crew member easier." Zuls found the sanitation and computer skills courses to be beneficial and he particularly praised Chef Romeo Lupinacci for his "guidance, friendship and delicious soups which he made and shared his recipes with me." Thanks to School Others in the group also spoke highly of their time at the school. Frank Martin, who sails from Jacksonville, stated his appreciation for the refresher classes in baking skills taught by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education. He said he saw many changes in the school since he first upgraded in 1987. "I feel the changes in the steward department program have improved a great deal in recent years in comparison with my first upgrading experience. As with any education process, an individual will gain from that course by only whatever amount of effort he is willing to put forth," Martin said. Attending the school for the first time was Philip Paquette from the port of Norfolk, Va. He pointed out the firefighting course and its instructors as highlights of his training. In particular, he singled out Anthony Hammett, who teaches the firefighting course. "The SIU should be proud to have such a Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 7 �Another 'Millennium Bug' In 30 Years? Common Fix for Y2K Glitch May Not Last It's called the millennium bug, but the dreaded Y2K computer glitch may resurface a lot sooner than 1.000 years from now. A recent article by the Associated Press cites numerous computer experts who assert that the method most widely used to combat Year 2000 failure only will work for about 30 years at most. ''The temporary fix, using a San Francisco's 'Tom Tom' Succumbs to Heart Attack Retired San Francisco Patrolman Kwong Jin Hom, known to almost all as "Tom Tom," suffered a fatal heart attack January 23. He was 75. After the native of China served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards. He worked primarily as a waiter and head waiter aboard American President Lines and Matson vessels before coming ashore in 1966 as a dispatcher in the San Francisco hall. Hom continued working behind the counter when the MC&S merged with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1978. His familiar face greeted members and their families until he retired in 1994. "Tom Tom was liked by everyone;' noted retired SIU Vice sophisticated twist of logic to fool computers, is highly controversial because it's intended to work for only a few decades," reported AP writer Ted Bridis in mid-March. "One expert describes computers already fixed with the technique as 'little ticking time bombs waiting to go off."' The technique is known as windowing, and it reportedly is being used in more than threefourths of "repaired" computers worldwide. It is a cheaper and faster - albeit less stable - fix than the permanent repair, known as expansion. Industry representatives from business and government who are quoted in the AP article scoffed at windowing, likening it to a BandAid, compromise or side-stepping of the problem. Some accused programmers and supervisors of settling for the relatively quick fix because, one way or another, they probably won't be around in their current jobs to face the eventual consequences. One private consultant told Bridis, ''We'll replace this in 20 years, but isn't that exactly the same thing we said back in the 1960s?" No matter how it is approached, the Y2K issue is costly. For example, the U.S. federal government is spending billions of dollars on the Y2K issue, with some agencies embracing the windowing technique while others eschew it. Meanwhile, a newly issued U.S. Senate report on Y2K warns of potential trade disruptions at the end of the year and tags the maritime industry as lagging in preparedness. Released last month, the 160-page report also notes the potential difficulties that loom when companies or governments try to share information after December 31, pointing out that non-compliant systems may corrupt compliant ones. Soderman Crew Passes with Flying Colors Kwong Jin Hom President West Coast George McCartney. "He was an institution in the San Francisco hall and will be missed by all." Hom's remains were cremated and scattered at sea. Film Maker Kubrick Dies Produced SIU Documentary in 1953 Film maker Stanley Kubrick passed away March 7. Although famous to many for his works "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Dr. Strangelove," and "A Clockwork Orange," one of Kubrick's first films was made for the SIU. Titled ''The Seafarers," the 1953 production was put together at the request of Paul Hall, who at that time was the head of the SIU. The union used the black-and-white documentary to show mariners who worked aboard non-union vessels what life in the SIU was like. The union was involved in many organizing drives in the early '50s. Some seamen had their lives threatened if they were seen entering a union hall or associating with someone representing organized labor. Hall thought a film could be run in meeting rooms and other places to show the value of belonging to the SIU. He hired Kubrick, who was just beginning his film career after being a photographer for Look magazine. The movie proved to be a highly successful organizing tool. ''The Seafarers" uses many of the film techniques and images associated with Kubrick in his feature movies. Copies of the ''The Seafarers" are available for viewing at the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Stewards Graduate The SIU-crewed USNS Soderman recently passed a mandatory audit that is part of the International Safety Management Code (ISM). Pictured above, commemorating the favorable review aboard the converted roll-on/roll-off vessel in Norfolk, Va. are (from left) AB Kevin Newsome, AB Freddie Viniegra, Captain Mike Burke, Chief Engineer Peter Sederquist, SA Lolita Bon, Chief Cook Tim Taylor, QMED Alan Nelson, AB Brock Booker, Bosun Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley, AB Martin Josephson, Wiper Al Greene and Wiper Oomiciano Nonato. Servicing a rigid inflatable boat are (left to right) Bosun Whitey Tankersley, QMEO Alan Nelson and Third Assistant Engineer Brendan Doherty. Working on deck during a brisk afternoon while the vessel is docked in Norfolk, Va. are ABs Kevin Newsome (left) and William Martin. SA Elida Miguel and Chief Cook Tim Taylor help ready lunch on the 907-foot ship. AB Freddie Viniegra helps keep the vessel, part of MSC's prepositioning fleet, looking good. Continued from page 7 quality instructor and person on its staff." Gerald Hyman, who has upgraded nine different times in his 18-year career, summed it up for all when he said, "Study hard and keep on trying." The other member of the graduating class, Miguel Pabon, had to ship out prior to being recognized at the meeting. B Seafarers LOii New Recertified Steward George Vorise shows what graduation meant to him by wearing his tuxedo to the ceremony. April 1999 �Sea-Land Crusader Earns Annual Safety Award Displaying the trophy earned by the Sea-Land Crusader crew for its outstanding safety record in 1998 are (from left) DEU Luis Perez, AB Angel Passapera, Bosun Roberto Diaz, Chief Steward Joe Emidy, Chief Cook Josue Iglesia and AB Roy Payne. SIU members sailing aboard the Sea-Land Crusader in 1998 did their part to help the vessel earn the company's prestigious "Best in Fleet Safety Award." The ship was notified of the award in February. Criteria for judging the winner included zero lost-time injuries; clear demonstration of what SeaLand describes as "a proactive and aggressive" safety program; full compliance with company policies, including participation in an International Safety Management Code (ISM) audit; an improved safety record from the previous year; and more. After finding out the Crusader had won, Captain Dan Murphy commended the entire crew for its efforts. "Although safety training has always been a priority on this vessel, increased time and effort was spent reinforcing safe work practices,'' he noted. "All hands pulled together to watch out for each other." Murphy also credited "strong shoreide support" from Sea-Land as a big factor in the vessel's excellent safety record. Pictured abord the Sea-Land ship during a voyage late last year are SA George Koulouris (left) and DEU Francisco Torres. Ruling Says Company Violated Jones Act Continued from page 5 domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed vessels.) Foreign Control Evidence ABs Angel Passapera (left) and Roy Payne share in the excitement as the vessel win's Sea-Land's annual safety award. Regarding the vessels owned by MV One and operated by Paragon, the Coast Guard (in a January 13 report and released publicly as part of a related court case) stated "evidence shows that foreign-owned companies exert control over the members of MY One." The basis for this statement came from a review of documents that two of the individuals who organized MV One had approved who could be owners of the company. Along with one other person, these two individuals are the managers of MY One. The records further revealed the two received no money from MV One but were paid by CGB Enterprises and Zen-Noh Grain. Additionally, 22 percent of MY One stock is owned by Paragon. The Coast Guard noted each manager is a U.S. citizen, as required by the Jones Act. Yet, it added that under the laws of Louisiana a company set up like MV One is "not to be treated like a corporation." The federal agency concluded "enough evidence has been obtained to show that it appears more likely than not that Paragon Marine Services is indirectly controlled by CGB Enterprises, Inc. a corporation that does not meet citizenship requirements for the purposes of obtaining coastwise endorsements. "Therefore, under 46 CPR 67 .31, Paragon fails to meet stock interest requirements because non-citizens, namely CGB Enterprises, Inc. and its parents, Z.en-Noh and Itochu Corp., exercise control over Paragon Marine Services, Inc. As a result, all members of MV One LLC are not citizens of the U.S. for the purpose of obtaining coastwise endorsements on the certificates of documentation of its vessels. "Therefore, vessels owned by MV One are ineligible for documentation with endorsements for the coastwise trade. Likewise, the vessel owned by Paragon is ineligible for documentation with a coastwise endorsement." MV One appealed the decision, but it was turned down by a panel of judges from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on March 5. The company's vessels then were tied up. This is not the first time Consolidated has come up against the Jones Act. Following purchase of the company by the Japanese concerns in the late 1980s, Consolidated sold its barge fleet in April 1990 after a litigation frpm a competitor who argued the company was violating the freight cabotage law. Crewing Cape Ships In Carolina Wilmington, N.C. is the home port for two SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force vessels, the Robert Maiello and GUDE Tracy Maiello on the Cape Lobos, (middle photo) Bosun John Cape Lambert and Cape Lobos. Among the Seafarers forming part of the reduced operating Konetes, GUDE Ed English and QMED Christopher Benzenberg on the Cape Lambert, and status crews on the U.S. military support ships are (left photo, from left) Chief Steward (right) Bosun Thomas Grosskurth and QEE Thomas Stead aboard the Cape Lobos. Aprll 1999 SeafarelS LOB 9 �The SIU-crewed USNS Bob Hope is a two-year-old roll-on/roll-off ship built for U.S. military support missions. It was delivered to the U.S. Military Sealift Command last November, following sea trials. During a recent stop in Norfolk, Va., Seafarers welcomed aboard a photographer from the Seafarers LOG. With Seafarers Aboard the USNS Bob Hope SA Kevin Lynn Chief Steward Javier "Deli" Delosreyes OMU John Flavin DEU Louis Champa ' l L-:.- U.U' From left: SA Jarvis Bell, OS Louis Green 10 Seafarers LOG AB Stephen Martin From left: AB Anthony Pacely, OS Louis Green, OS Denetrica Brooks April 1999 �Red Circle Crews Approve Contract Seafarers who sail aboard offshore vessels operated by Red Circle recently approved, by unanimous vote, a new three-year contract. The agreement calls for wage increases, with corresponding increases in overtime and penalty rates. The pact also stipulates an increase in company contributions for medical benefits. Red Circle operates three offshore boats with numerous large barges that are covered by the contract. The tugs are the Gail B., Theresa F. and Allison C. The Gail B. primarily transports grain from Florida to Puerto Rico, while the other two usually carry phosphorous (used in fertilizer) from New Orleans to Tampa, Fla. Helping shift the barge Martha B. to a tank full of grain is AB David House in Catano, P.R. AB Roy Rhodes receives timely instructions via radio for shifting a Red Circle barge. Among those who will benefit from the new contract is AB/Cook Leon Lemoine. Chief Cook Walter Wise intently prepares a delicious A 15-year member of the SIU, AB John Gaylor stands by to operate the winch. lunch aboard the Red Circle tugboat Gail B. Great Holiday Meals on Yano Seafarers aboard the USNS Yano spent the holidays supporting U.S. troops engaged in Operation Desert Fox - the bombing and missile raids against Iraq. The way Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador saw it, such a vital mission need not prevent Yano's military and civilian crew members from enjoying generous holiday menus on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. "I believe the meals help boost morale and help the overall atmosphere aboard the ship," said the longtime SIU member in a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG. Mirador and his fellow steward department members - including Chief Cook Mark Dyer and SAs Ernest Brinkley, Rodolfo Moreira and Amin Zain - put out delicious assortments on the holidays, though not at the expense of good nutrition. As pointed out by Mirador, who graduated from the Paul Hall Center's steward recertification program last August, healthful menus at sea nowadays are emphasized like never before, thanks to increased dietary education. Along those lines, the Yano's holiday meals included plenty of delightfully arranged fruits and vegetables, including celery sticks, carrots, radishes, beets, green beans, broccoli, corn on the cob, pineapples, pears and more. Also featured on the menus were shrimp cocktail, steamed rice, crab pasta salad, candied sweet potato, dinner rolls, roasted turkey, baked glazed ham, prime rib and other selections. For dessert, crew members chose among assorted cakes, pies and cookies. Mirador, who has sailed aboard numerous SIUcrewed military support vessels, reported that the Yano crew members "were very appreciative of the food. They're a great crew, and I must say this is the nicest ship I've ever been on." The Yano is a roll-on/roll-off ship nearly 900 feet long. From left, SA Ernest Brinkley, Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador and Chief Cook Mark Dyer help keep the USNS Yano~ galley smoothly operating during Operation Desert Fox. April 1999 Chief Cook Mark Dyer serves dessert to ABs D. Roach and M. Ramos. Seafarers LOG 11 �THEATER 12 Seafarers LOG April 1999 �DECK PLAN Ready for the Next Generation """""'·'.,....-'UI While Seafarers continue to perform their jobs e~~~=~:!===:::::====l­ aboard the SS Independence, construction soon 1-----------'-t•~i~ will start on the next generation of U.S.-flag 1- - - - - - - - - . . , , . . - cruise ships. Artists' conceptions of what the new vessels will look like appear on these pages. American Classic Voyages, the parent company for SIU-contracted American Hawaii Cruises, plans to have the first ship in service in the Hawaiian Islands trade by the year 2003 . .The vessels will be 840 feet long with a 105foot beam. The draft will be just over 26 feet. The gross tonnage is expected to be 72,000. The top speed for the ships will be 22 knots. The estimated crew size for these bottoms is 650 people apiece. As designed, each vessel will have 950 cabins to accommodate approximately 1,900 passengers. Each will feature an 840-seat theater, a 590seat cabaret, a 1,060-seat dining room, a fourdeck atrium and 85,850 square feet of open deck space. Seafarers, like those pictured here aboard the Independence, continue to express how much they look forward to these ships joining the U.S.flag fleet. The Seafarers LOG will provide construction updates as the work progresses. April 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 - �• There are a number of milestones in every calendar year. We already have celebrated the beginning of 1999, watched as the two best football teams squared off in the Super Bowl, shown affection to our loved ones on Valentines Day and paid our taxes by the 15th of this month. The next step is thinking about where to spend our summer vacation. There are so many possibilities. Do I want to relax, go fishing, start an exercise program? Do I want to do something educational, sightsee, spend quality time with the kids or grandchildren? For many people, the decision on where to spend a few days or weeks of vacation can be problematic. But Seafarers are lucky. They have the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., which each summer, is made available for vacationing SIU members and their families. Just a short drive from Washington, D.C. and all that our nation's capital has to offer, the center is the perfect location from which to base a summer vacation. Everything a family with diverse interests could ask for is close by. Without even leaving the gates of the campus-located on 65 acres in Southern Maryland at the confluence of the Potomac River and St. George's Creek-there is so much to take advantage of at Piney Point. The facility provides a health spa, tennis courts, olympic-size swimming pool, sailboats and miles of beautiful landscape for peaceful walks or picnics. Comfortable accommodations and three meals a day are extra bonuses. Nearby, in historic southern Maryland, are many famous landmarks and other attractions where one may be entertained by seafood festivals, arts and crafts exhibits, antique shows, country auctions and acres of UNION MEMBER VACATION unspoiled parkland. RATES And for those who wish to venture even further, A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Alexandria, Va. are short disfamily. tances away, offering many historic and educational sights Member $40.00/day that every member of the family can enjoy. Spouse 10.00/day A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two Child 10.00/day weeks per family. So think about it now, talk it over with Note: There is no charge for children your family and secure your reservation by clipping the 11 years of age or younger. The coupon below and mailing it to the Seafarers Training and prices listed above include all meals. Recreation Center at Piney Point. --------------------r--------------------------------------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone number: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: _ __ 2nd choice: _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limit(!d to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 4199 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG April 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals 18 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 8 IO 4 2 3 7 1 5 4 2 1 17 4 2 16 12 5 5 8 2 10 3 11 10 10 8 15 10 14 2 9 10 2 5 22 29 22 22 6 5 1 7 11 0 10 0 8 2 l 0 11 2 2 2 6 6 I 4 130 70 191 0 79 6 6 6 4 11 4 9 17 4 14 15 8 2 2 4 9 2 5 1 2 4 3 4 4 2 3 0 3 2 3 4 3 0 7 8 5 3 2 3 1 0 0 46 70 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 11 8 2 4 22 23 18 4 16 1 2 0 210 95 26 23 11 3 I 17 17 23 5 2 1 3 26 1 0 1 0 0 11 IO 7 17 6 6 8 12 0 138 0 48 0 0 0 0 1 111 97 42 83 63 17 37 13 IO 14 3 3 11 10 8 6 18 26 18 21 2 10 8 1 2 0 2 8 2 6 4 5 5 0 4 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 2 4 7 0 0 l 0 6 0 243 11 1 0 0 0 85 35 34 8 58 4 3 25 15 12 19 3 14 5 0 6 0 3 2 0 8 5 2 3 13 0 9 6 3 6 0 5 2 2 4 6 1 1 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 1 42 19 109 3 44 16 0 2 2 2 16 8 8 2 0 8 2 0 3 2 0 3 9 3 0 5 0 2 0 4 2 56 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 11 8 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 6 3 11 10 9 35 8 0 0 4 0 4 11 9 0 0 0 7 24 2 IO 2 0 0 9 12 4 2 0 0 25 20 15 22 1 39 0 0 0 0 5 8 5 0 1 39 19 2 1 0 7 8 6 10 4 0 3 21 23 I 1 5 14 13 13 7 2 0 2 7 6 22 55 5 31 36 0 6 8 0 1 1 0 0 37 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 12 3 14 5 8 7 146 4 0 3 3 1 0 1 2 0 4 3 198 3 0 6 1 2 8 0 5 0 0 3 8 l 21 13 3 65 0 4 2 17 9 0 1 1 0 5 0 1 0 1 21 JO 0 15 17 0 0 2 13 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 44 187 145 25 94 88 0 81 282 1 241 549 469 276 408 278 160 163 946 715 419 7 2 0 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: May 6, June 10 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: May 19, June 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday: May 12, June 16 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: May 18, June 22 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 11, June 15 NewYork ................Tuesday: May 4, June 8 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 6, June 10 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 13, June 17 St. Louis ................. Friday: May 14. June 18 Wilmington ............. Monday: May 17, June 21 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ALLAN GREENWOOD Please contact Edith Greenwood at (941) 4333069 or via email at meeshasma@webtv.net. WILLIAM JAWORSKI Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of William Jaworski, please contact his cousin Michele Le Van at (302) 836-3239. LOOKING FOR LIBERTY LIFEBOAT Retired SIU member George R. Canaday, currently the director of the U.S. Merchant Marine Museum in Anderson, Indiana is seeking a World War II Liberty ship steel hull lifeboat, manufactured by Globe American Corp. of Kokomo, Indiana. Anyone with useful information in this endeavor may reach Brother Canaday at 1230 Jackson St., Anderson, IN 46016, telephone (765) 643-6305,fax (765) 643-2301. JACK UTZ Jack Utz would like to hear from retired SIU members via email. He can be reached at Ariang@theramp.net. 17 4 3 10 Houston .................. Monday: May 10, June 14 5 9 2 4 8 3 Honolulu ................. Friday: May 14, June 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: May 21, June 25 5 I 1 3 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: May 12, June 16 1 6 2 1 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 13 6 0 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 6, June 10 San Juan ..................Thursday: May 6, June 10 3 1 7 Algonac .................. Friday: May 7, June 11 4 1 3 3 5 6 0 5 1 4 Piney Point ............. Monday: May 3, June 7 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: May 5, June 9 6 3 7 l 5 5 0 3 9 1 6 3 0 3 8 9 3 17 2 5 2 3 0 424 11 2 2 0 13 20 3 2 16 3 3 43 *"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. April 1999 15 1 3 3 4 5 1 12 7 6 0 6 48 56 19 9 19 9 14 0 13 4 3 23 17 37 62 43 7 2 3 10 19 I 15 7 5 5 31 3 26 0 6 0 8 12 4 5 3 52 5 4 0 5 14 0 l Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 12 2 10 17 14 I 2 2 1 1 12 2 0 2 25 11 5 10 3 3 8 6 2 4 9 Port New York Philadelphia **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Oass A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York ·· 40 Philadelphia 3 Baltimore I 16 Norfolk Mobile 14 New Orleans 18 29 Jacksonville 30 San Francisco Wilmington 29 32 Tacoma Puerto Rico 10 Honolulu 5 15 Houston St. Louis 3 Piney Point 3 Algonac 0 Totals 248 Port NewYork Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs Nlay & June 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters BBQ Helps Crew Celebrate Holiday 4 8 95 15 0 14 The Maj. Stephen W. Pless was in Malaga, Spain during a recent holiday. To celebrate, the captain and crew aboard the Waterman Steamship Line vessel held a cookout aboard ship and invited some of the local citizens. "A good time was had by all." Seafarers LOG 15 �I Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes . Seafamrs Dil'iclot, International Union . . .. · · ·· .. · · ·· ········ . :. FEBRUARY 13 - ::::::::::.· Michael Sacco President John Fay Executive Vtee President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vtce President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . Kennett Mangram Vice President Government Services ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Autb Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 52-0 SL Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 {810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 CL - *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houstont TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE l 640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478·Wl6 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529·1546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (7 l8) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 0 30 4 0 15 2 0 7 3 0 18 19 L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Cl~ L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 l 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 0 29 3 0 10 1 0 6 3 0 18 17 Totals All Depts 28 7 63 70 4 0 0 0 *"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. 24 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410)327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Company/Lakes MARCH 12, 1999 FEBRUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Cl~B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 0 0 4 0 1 5 1 0 2 Lakes, Inland Waters 43 0 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 14es, Inland W!te~ West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 1 45 0 2 0 I ~,6 0 0 0 ,o, 0 17 0 0 0 1 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I 1 1 MARCH 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 9 11 1 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 ,0 0 0 1 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 41 9 52 0 0 3 0 0 16 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 3 81 2 7 13 1 6 86 Totals All Depts *"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. 0 17 0 17 34 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 4 42 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4St. Philadelphia. PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 34t1 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON .510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) .549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner George A. Burke of Brooklyn, N. Y. was taken in early 1952 aboard the Bull Lines steamship Kathryn. The vessel had just made a special stop in Norfolk, Va. to pick up the governor of Puerto Rico, Don Luis Munoz Marin, (standing directly behind life ring on right) and his family after meeting with President Harry Truman and the U.S. Congress. Brother Burke is pictured in a white cap, standing behind the governor. Now 71, he joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. He retired January 1, 1993. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. April 1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A mong the 20 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are three recertified bosuns and one recertified steward. Representing more than 125 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Christos D. Florous, Stanley J. Jandora and Howard C. Knox and Recertified Steward Yen M. Huey graduated from the highest level of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 11 of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, six sailed the inland waterways, one plied the Great Lakes and two sailed in the Atlantic Fishermen's division. Eleven of the retirees sailed in the deck department, while five worked in the engine department and four were members of the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA NA SAR ALFAQIH, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of San Francisco. '--------'=~-_, Born in Arabia, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the SeaLand Innovator. Brother Alfaqih makes his home in Wilmington, Calif. THOMAS E. CORRELL, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Antinous, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Correll sailed as deck/engine/utility and signed off the Sea-Land Crusader. A native of New York, he calls Brooklyn home. CHRISTOS D. FLOROUS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1968, sailing aboard the Transwestern, ===.:..... operated by Hudson Waterways. Born in Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981 . Prior to his retirement, Brother Florous signed off the Falcon Leader, operated by Seahawk Management. He has retired to Astoria, N. Y. April 1999 YENM. HUEY, 63, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in Santa Rosa Calif. in 1969 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification program in 1990. Brother Huey last sailed aboard the President Truman, operated by American Ship Management. Born in China, he calls San Francisco home. STANLEY J. JANDORA, 81, first sailed with the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Arthur L. Perry, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. A native of New Jersey, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. Brother Jandora last sailed aboard the Wilson, operated by Wilson Shipping. During his career he was active in union organizing drives. From 1932 to 1936, he served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Brother Jandora makes his home in Colts Neck, NJ. HOWARDC. KNOX, 64, started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York, aboard the Northwestern Victory. Born in Jamaica, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981. Brother Knox last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. He has retired to Mt. Vernon, N.Y. JOSEPH J. MOLL JR., 60, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in ===.::::=.:.:.:~===-i 1964and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Brother Moll worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Robert E. Lee, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. A native of Florida, he makes his home in Destin. ARMANDO MONCADA 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New Orleans. During his career, he sailed in all three departments: deck, engine and steward and upgraded his skills at the Lunde berg School. Born in Honduras, Brother Moncada makes his home in New Orleans. . THOMASJ. 'MURPHY, : 65, first sailed : with the SIU : in 1980 in the port of Honolulu. A native of Illinois, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Murphy last sailed in 1995, aboard the Long Lines operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He makes his home in Pearl City, Hawaii. HOOKERG. PRICE, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sam Houston, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Price has retired to Chesapeake, Va. CLEMENTE ROCHA JR., 62, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in "---'-===='----' 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of Houston. The Texas native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the SeaLand Hawaii. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Rocha makes his home in San Antonio, Texas. INLAND GERARDH. FREBURGER, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Maryland, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Freburger last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Street, Md. transferred to the deck department. Boatman Greenway upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the towboat operator program in 1979. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S . Army. He last sailed in 1995 aboard the Sea Robin, operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He has retired to Oriental, N.C. DONALD J. GREGORY, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1989 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Gregory makes his home in Forest Hill, Md. JULIANP. McALPIN, 62, started with the Seafarers in 1970. During his career, he worked in the ~----~ deck department, last sailing as a captain. The Tennessee native last sailed in 1993 aboard the Apollo, operated by Sabine Transportation Co. Boatman McAlpin calls Cortland, Miss. home. KIRBY K. NELSON JR., 61, began sailing with the SIU in 1980 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Army. The Georgia native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off a Crowley Towing and Transportation vessel. Boatman Nelson makes his home in Savannah, Ga. JOSE A. NUNEZ,65, joined the Seafarers in 1986 in the port of San Francisco, sailing aboard the USNS Hess, operated by LSC Marine, Inc. Starting out in the deep sea division, he later transferred to inland vessels. Born in Uruguay, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. Boatman Nunez has retired to Luquillo, P.R. GREAT LAKES PERRY E. WILLIS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Detroit. Born in West Virginia, he worked as a wheelsman, last sailing in 1989 aboard the Paul Thayer, operated by Pringle Transit Co. From 1951 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Willis makes his home in Rainelle, W.Va. ARANTIC FISHERMEN .--:====----· MICHAEL SPINOLA, 57, joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1967 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Massachusetts, he worked as an engineer, last sailing aboard the St. Mary. From 1961to1964, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Spinola calls Gloucester, Mass. home. THOMAS J. SPINOLA, 61, started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1967 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. During his career, he sailed in all three departments. Prior to his retirement, Brother Spinola last sailed aboard the St. Mary as a member of the engine department. A native of Massachusetts, he makes his home in Gloucester. JOHN W. GREENWAY, JR., 65, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he started out in the steward department and later Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA ALFRED J. AUSTIN Alfred J. Austin, 57, passed away January 21. Brother Austin started his SIU career in 1972 in the port of Detroit, sailing ======= aboard the car ferry Vi.king, operated by Ann Arbor Railroad Company. The New York native later transferred to deep sea vessels. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Austin was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. - ROSCOE BATTLE Pensioner Roscoe Battle, 73, died December 18, 1998. A native of New York, he graduated from the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1963, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Battle, a resident of Hayward, Calif., began receiving his pension in April 1984. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and again during the Korean Conflict, from 1942 to 1946 and from 1952 to 1953, respectively. EDMUND C. BURKE Pensioner Edmund C. Burke, 85 passed away January 29. He started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Burke retired in January 1976. ANDRES C. CASTELO Pensioner Andres C. Castelo, 80, passed away January 23. Born in the Philippines, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of New York. During his career, he sailed as a member of the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Castelo began receiving his pension in May 1980. FELIX COSME Pensioner Felix Cosme, 83, died January 16. Brother Cosme joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Puerto Rico and a resident of Oakland, Calif., he retired in February 1966. SAM GREGUREV Pensioner Sam Gregurev, 87, passed away December 15, 1998. He started his career with the MC&S in 1946 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Yugoslavia, he began receiving his pension in August 1970. Brother Gregurev was a resident of San Francisco. EVALDKAMM r - - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Evald Kamm, 87, died January 29. Born in Estonia, he joined the Seafarers in 1950 in the port of New York. Brother Kamm sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Astoria, N. Y., he retired in December 1976. FRANK KEPROSKY Pensioner Frank Keprosky, 83, passed away January 19. A native of 18 Seafarers LOG Pennsylvania, he joined the MC&S in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Keprosky resided in Anaheim, Calif. and retired in October 1974. GERALD R. KIDD Pensioner Gerald R. Kidd, 60, died February 7. Born in Virginia, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1976. Prior to his retirement in January 1999, he signed off the Guayama, operated by NPR, Inc. Brother Kidd was a resident of Baltimore. TOMMY T. KUTEI TommyT. Kutei, 60, passed away February 12. Brother Kutei began his SIU career in 1983 from the port of Honolulu, sailL---"----'-"'-'---'-~ ing aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Born in Palau in the Pacific Islands, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Honolulu. HENRY LYNCH Pensioner Henry Lynch, 81, died December 11, 1998. He joined the MC&S in 1956 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Louisiana, Brother Lynch began receiving his pension in November 1973. CHARLES E. MICHAELS ,...,,..,..--====--::-::-,.,,-, Charles E. Michaels, 81, passed away November 11, 1998. Brother Michaels started his sailing career with the Seafarers ====:=...J in 1960 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Florida native sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1938 to 1945. CLIFFORD L. NICKERSON Pensioner Clifford L. Nickerson, 95, died January 28. Born in Louisiana, he began his SIU career in 1947 from the port of .___ _ _ _ __..New Orleans. Brother Nickerson sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in February 1970. He was a resident of McComb, Miss. EDSEL W. SHOLAR Pensioner Edsel W. Sholar, 68, passed away December 16, 1998. A native of North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in ==---=-----' 1969 from the . the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia and a resident of Norfolk, he sailed as a member of the steward department. port of New York. Brother Sholar sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Asheboro, N.C., he started receiving his pension in March 1997. HENRY A. SIMMONS ..---___,..,==== Pensioner Henry A. Simmons, 71, died January 1. Brother Simmons joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. A native of South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department as a chief cook and retired in August 1989. He was a resident of Pineville, S.C. CYRIL A. SPENCE Cyril A. Spence, 61, passed away July 13, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of New York. The New .___ _ _ _ ___.York native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. Brother Spence was a resident of Bronx, N.Y. GABRIEL THOMPSON Pensioner Gabriel Thompson, 78, passed away January 22. Born in Massachusetts, he joined the MC&S in 1963 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The galley gang member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and retired in February 1991. Brother Thompson was a resident of Seattle. DARRELL TOUCHSTONE Pensioner Darrell Touchstone, 40, died December 30, 1998. A native of Florida, he graduated from the Lundeberg .__~;:,.;,.:.;.:."-'---~.;.____. School's entry level training program in 1977 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1991. A resident of Pensacola, Fla., he began receiving his pension in September 1997. PEDRO A. VIRUET Pensioner Pedro A. Viruet, 83, passed away November 6, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1943 in the port ==----~ of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Viruet retired in June 1970. He was a resident of Arecibo, P.R. ROBERT W. WALKER Robert W. Walker, 57, died on February 1. Brother Walker joined INLAND LEWIS J. ALBERTSON Pensioner Lewis J. Albertson, 77, passed away December 7, 1998. A native of North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Albertson started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., he began receiving his pension in February 1988. GERALD W. ANSELL Pensioner Gerald W. Ansell, 67, died January IO. He began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North ======= Carolina, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator program in 1973. Boatman Ansell started receiving his pension in April 1994. From 1949 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. WILBUR N. AUSTIN Pensioner WilburN. Austin, 68, passed away January 21. Boatman Austin joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port ""'-'-------' of Norfolk, Va., after a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department and attended two educational conferences at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Wanchese, N.C., he retired in April 1995. THOMAS M. BRESLIN Pensioner Thomas M. Breslin, 86, died December 11, 1998. Born in Ireland, he started his career with the SIU in 1963 in ===== the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Breslin sailed in the steward department and retired in March 1982. He was a resident of Douglassville, Pa. DOROTHY M. CRIPPS iiiiiiililiiii Pensioner Dorothy M. Cripps, 73, passed away February 11. Sister Cripps joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port ==--.;.__;;.;;=-----•of St. Louis. A native of Missouri, she sailed in the steward department and began receiving her pension in November 1991. She made her home in Staunton, Ill. ULZA J. DUPREE Pensioner Ulza J. Dupree, 94, passed away December 27, 1998. He began his career with the Seafarers in Port Arthur, Texas. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward department, primarily aboard vessels operated by Sabine Towing & Transportation. A resident of Port Arthur, Boatman Dupree started receiving his pension in July 1969. DWAYNE EMBREY Dwayne Embrey, 61, died January 7. Boatman Embrey joined the SIU in 1974. During his career, he sailed in the deck and steward departments. In 1977, he attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. The Mississippi native served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1962. He was a resident of Belleville, Ill. BILLY B. HOLCOMBE Billy B. Holcombe, 60, passed away December 2, 1998. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Holcombe worked in the engine department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Penn Maritime, Inc. A native of Alabama, he was a resident of Stockton. EDWARD W. HULTZ Pensioner Edward W. Hultz, 65, died December 25, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he started his career with the SIU in 1955 in L . ; ; . ; ; . : . : = = - " - - - - - - ' the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member upgraded to first class pilot at the Lundeberg School and attended an educational conference there in 1978. Prior to his retirement in April 1995, Boatman Hultz signed off the Cape May, operated by Coleman's Launch Service. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Mickleton, NJ. BERNARD J. "BRUNO" IWANOWSKI Pensioner Bernard J. "Bruno" Iwanowski, 81, passed away January 26. Boatman Iwanowski began his SIU =====---_.. career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in November 1979. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He was a resident of Stevens Point, Wisc. CALVIN C. LASSITER Pensioner Calvin C. Lassister, 70, passed away January 9. Born in Arkansas, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port L...------~ of Houston. Boatman Lassister worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Doucette, Texas, he began receiving his pension in April 1993. Continued on page 20 April 1999 �The SeBfarers LOG allempl8 to print 8$ many digests of union shlpboant minutes as possible. On occasion, because:ol1paceN ,- Jlmilations, 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 ta the Seafarers LOG for publication. HM/ DYNACHEM (IUM), November 27 - Chairman Paul Lucky, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Engine Delegate Victor Quioto, Steward Delegate James Harris. Crew stated it has not received reply from union concerning vacation pay withholding tax. Chairman reported that new SIU-contracted vessels are being crewed. Secretary reviewed a tax guide received from IRS. He told members about SIU crewing RRF vessels for government exercise that went well. Crew discussed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into reducing seatime to qualify for vacation and pension. Crew stated SIU medical cards should list benefits covered, thereby facilitating the processing of paperwork by health-care providers. New exercise equipment has been purchased. Crew discussed shipboard training segment for unlicensed apprentices from Lundeberg School. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 1 - Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel River a , Deck Delegate Howard Blanks, Engine Delegate Jamal Jabila, Steward Delegate Kenneth Bethea. Educational director encouraged crew to "better your skills and pay by upgrading in Piney Point." He urged members to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read letter from SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, who was responding to earlier inquiry. Crew asked contracts department to consider reduction in required rotary seatime as well as time required to attain 'B' book. Crew discussed with patrolman an incident pertaining to removal of VCR from lounge. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department and to DEU A. Bruno for "excellent job" on sanitary duties. Crew donated $350 to Red Cross for disaster relief for Honduran and Nicaraguan victims of Hurricane Mitch. Next port: Boston. Together Again They had sailed together before and were happy to find themselves reunited aboard the Diamond Shoals. From the left are Second Mate Joseph Angelillo, Chief Mate Kimberly Borges and OMU Angel Figueroa. April 1999 GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 29 Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Al Balactico. Crew discussed "Know Your Rights" section published in each issue of Seafarers LOG. Crew discussed department jurisdiction. Crew thanked steward department for "wonderful" Thanksgiving meal. GREAT LAND (TOTE), November 2 - Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary Muhamad Sani, Educational Director Michael Phillips, Steward Delegate Jioia DeLeon. Crew discussed TRBs and which sections require sign-off. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew submitting request to contracts department regarding vacation checks. Crew discussed information received from U.S. Coast Guard concerning paperwork required for mariners' documents. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), November 10Chairman Joel Miller, Secretary G. Thomas, Educational Director E. Ford. Crew asked contracts department for clarification regarding stand-by. Educational directoF reminded crew to renew documents on time and pay quarterly dues on time. Steward delegate discussed recent oil-spill containment drill. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), November 29 Chairman Marvin Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Deck Delegate Efstratios Zoubantis, Engine Delegate Roman Hill, Steward Delegate J. Thacker. Chairman reminded crew to keep deck and gangway clean. He encouraged crew to read president's report in Seafarers LOG. Secretary reminded crew to clean rooms and leave clean linen for next crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested that required time for vacation check be halved. Crew thanked steward department for Thanksgiving feast and overall job well done. ITS BALTIMORE (Sheridan Transportation), December 6 Chairman Patrick Ray, Secretary Richard Worobey. Crew asked contracts department for clarification on article in December LOG regarding dues vs. agency fees. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed desire for greater flexibility in on-and-off schedules. Crew stated thicker coveralls are needed when working in colder climates. Crew identified need for improved communication between the union and company. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (OSG Ship Management), December 21Chairman Roberto Zepeda, Secretary F. T. Di Carlo Jr., Educational Director Milton L. Israel, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Jackson, Engine Delegate Charles S. Demourelle, Steward Delegate Cesar A. Avila. Department delegates reported no beefs or disputed OT this trip. Suggestion made to contracts department to improve medical coverage for spouses and dependents of Seafarers and to supply medical coverage identification cards. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Texas City, Texas. MAJ. STEPHEN W. PLESS (Waterman Steamship), December 6-Chairman Robert E. Hagood, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Adolfo E. Schultze, Deck Delegate William Kratsas, Engine Delegate R. Woods, Steward Delegate Nick Andrews. Chairman expressed need for all crew members to file for training record books (TRBs) and informed them of need for TRB to register to ship out. Vessel due to arrive in Palma de Mallorca, Spain on December 7. Payoff to take place two days later. Relief crew will be on 10:00 launch. Those persons being relieved will debark on 12:00 launch with bus waiting to take them to hotel. Educational director reminded everyone of various courses available at Lundeberg School in Piney Point and stated all should take advantage of them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's Report in Seafarers LOG read and discussed and crew gave vote of thanks to SIU President Mike Sacco for fine job he is doing. Question raised as to why crew does not get ammo bonus and officers do. Chairman explained memorandum of understanding voids it from standard contract. Memorial Day barbecue/cookout held in Malaga, Spain. Local residents invited aboard to help celebrate. Thanks given to steward department for good meals, cleanliness and sanitation, especially Chief Cook Nick Andrews, ACU Faith Downs, SNPantry Raford Nixon and SA/BR Tom Misko. PETERSBURG (Bay Ship Management), December 6 Chainnan Eddie Hall, Deck Delegate Daniel Ticer Jr., Engine Delegate Reginald Hunter. Vessel completed training exercise with U.S. Navy in South Korea and returned to Guam. Chairman reminded crew to have officers sign TRBs where appropriate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department for clarification about midnight curfew instituted by chief mate. SEA FOX (Crowley), December 6 - Chairman Robert Richer, Secretary Norman Cox, Educational Director Philip Brew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested copy of benefits available under SIU medical plan. SEA-LAND ATLANTIC (SeaLand Service), December 6 Chairman John Bertolino, Secretary Edward Porter, Educational Director Ralph Garner. Crew received chairs for mess hall and crew lounge. Chairman thanked crew for pleasant voyage and announced payoff. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done and commended them for Thanksgiving dinner. Next port: Boston. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), December 1Chairman Hayden W. Gifford, Deck Delegate Paul J. Limback, Engine Delegate Steve K. DuPre. Chairman discussed need for crew members to have TRBs signed before end of year. Most already have had books signed by chief mate. He noted crew very active in drills and safety meetings. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Education director stated lots of ships crewing up, so everyone should be sure to have all documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on wiper standing by for bunkers and cleaning of fuel Cirafisi, Deck Delegate Douglas A. Hodges, Engine Delegate Jorge R. Bonelli. Chairman announced receipt of letters from union officials regarding vessel's organizational status. Educational director noted STCW course held aboard ship, supervised by Chief Engineer Richard Ouelette for benefit of crew and officers. He also reminded everyone that upgrading at Last Shot of the Year on the Diamond Shoals Following an end-of-the-year payoff in Houston, crew members aboard the Diamond Shoals gather for a group photo taken by OMU Angel Figueroa. They are (from left, front row) GVA Cecil Edwards, AB Cleveland West, OMU David Dehart, OMU William Young, (second row) CPU Alvin Burroughs, Recertified Steward Jose A. Rivera, Recertified Bosun Doyle Ellette, (third row) AB Tom Arriola, AB Matt Holley, Chief Cook Stephen Avallone, AB Ronald Davis and AB M.L. Jackson. strainers. Stewards given thanks for maintaining spotless mess and decks and for making ship "a feeder." Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), December 13 Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director C.M. Devonish. Ship headed to New Orleans then Mobile, Ala. for 35-day layup. Educational director reminded crew to acquire and utilize TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to negotiate increased vacation time. Ship still needs another ice machine. Crew thanked steward department for great food and homemade baked goods. Bosun thanked entire crew for maintaining clean ship. Next port: New Orleans. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley), January 2 - Chairman A. Alwaseem, Engine Delegate David Davis Jr., Steward Delegate Demont Edwards. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Houston. No beefs or disputed Of reported. Crew asked contracts department for clarification on rest period. Crew thanked steward department for holiday efforts and thanked church for Christmas presents for ship. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), January 17 - Chairman David Garoutte, Secretary Miguel Vinca, Deck Delegate Abubakar Idris, Engine Delegate William Blankenship, Steward Delegate Romalies Jones. Chairman announced that upcoming voyage will include three ports in West Africa. He commended crew for good job cleaning cargo hold. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for good meals and also praised GSU Luis Rochez for keeping mess hall clean. Crew sent photos and article to Seafarers LOG. Next port: Lake Charles, La. EL YUNQUE (Sea Star), January 8-Chairman Charles 0. Herrera, Secretary Manny Basas, Educational Director Joseph R. Lundeberg School is one way of securing jobs for future. Secretary asked crew members to return movies after watching or within 24 hours. He thanked all hands for helping keep recreation room and messhall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew waiting for microwave oven. Suggestion made to look into pension being increased to keep up with cost of living. Vote of thanks given to Chief Steward Basas and the steward department for the great meals, especially those to celebrate Christmas and New Year's. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman), January 3 - Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Miguel Pabon, Educational Director F. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Donald Hood, Engine Delegate Lawrence Craig, Steward Delegate Marco Guevara. Chairman reminded crew to have officers sign TRBs where appropriate. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. New dryer needed for crew laundry room. Next port: Morehead City, N.C. NEDLLOYD HOLLAND (SeaLand Service), January 28 Chairman Paul Domes, Secretary Pablo Alvarez, Educational Director Craig Niedzielski. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director reminded crew that he is available to discuss nutrition information. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management ), January 3Chairman Richard Bradford, Secretary Paula Kaleikini, Educational Director Ernest Cox, Deck Delegate Joseph Allum, Steward Delegate Carmello De La Cruz. Chairman noted those crew members not being relieved in Portland will remain on articles and not be paid off until it is their time to be relieved, or captain is Continued on page 20 Seafarers LOG 19 �~ Ships' Digests Continued from page 19 relieved, whichever occurs first. Educational director stressed the importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun stated good job done by unlicensed apprentice this voyage. Oiler Cox complimented steward department on great food and service. Next port: Portland, Ore. PETERSBURG (Bay Ship Management), January 17 Chairman Eddie Hall, Secretary Oscar Angeles, Educational Director John D'Alessandro, Deck Delegate Daniel Ticer, Steward Delegate Wendy Fearing. Educational director encouraged crew to stay current in all requirements and training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of keeping all shipboard areas in sanitary condition. /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), January 17 Chairman Edwin Rivera, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Rashawn Richardson, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Mohamed Hussien. Chairman reported smooth sailing with good crew and productive working relationship with officers. He noted captain has helped keep TRB systern in order. Secretary echoed thanks regarding captain's willingness to work closely with SIU members in regard to TRBs. Secretary thanked crew for keeping common areas clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Elizabeth, N .J. Chairman said he feels privileged to work and sail with this crew. He reminded crew to assist unlicensed apprentices when they come aboard. He discussed affiliation of SIUNA and NMU. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to explore possibility of adjusting pension. Crew thanked steward department for cookout. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), January 24 Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Frank Berner. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. and reported smooth sailing. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted letter from SIU President Michael Sacco and VP Augie Tellez was posted concerning affiliation of SIUNA and NMU. Crew said they are happy the ship has resumed its regular schedule. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), January 17 Chairman Calvain James, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore, Educational Director Chris Tsipliarels, Steward Delegate Thomas Milovich. Chairman said crew should be present at sanitary cabin inspections or search. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments for helping maintain ship's house in good order. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crew that donations to seamen's mission in Boston are being accepted. He thanked them for Christmas gifts. Next port: Boston. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), January 18 - Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Ed Winne, Educational Director Rex Bolin. CALE DAR 14 Cs ...Q 0 April ~ i. B 4 i ~1'-! ~ ...)' Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968 while helping striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn. 12 Harlan Florence Reece, active in County, Ky. coal strikes and authol" of the famous labor song "Which Side Are You On," was born in 1900. In 1939, John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath was published. The novel of social protest dramatized the story of "Okies"workers who migrated from Oklahoma's dust bowl to the groves of California-and experienced tremendous hardships and exploitation along the way. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), January 17 - despised, the neglected, the downtrodden, and the poor." 20 attacked In 1914, company gunmen atent colony of striking miners and theirfamilies in Colorado, setting it ablaze and killing 19 men, women and children in what is remembered as the Ludlow Massacre. 27 James Oppenheim's poem, "Bread and Roses," was pub1S A.can-American Philip Randolph, an Afrilished in Industrial Solidarity in and one of the most influential trade unionists in the U.S. labor movement, was born in 1889. The organizer and president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, an all-black union, Randolph said: "The essence of trade unionism is uplift. The labor movement traditionally has been the haven for the dispossessed, the 1946. "Our lives shall not be sweated/from birth until life closes/ hearts starve as well as bodies; give/ us bread, but give us roses," the poem reads. It was penned after Oppenheim saw a sign held by young mill girls picketing in the 1912 strike against woolen companies in Lawrence, Mass. Chairman Dennis Brown, Secretary G. Sivley, Educational Director Steve Bigelow, Steward Delegate Reynaldo Telmo. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and thanked crew for smooth voyage. Educational director asked all crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew received response letter from SIU Contracts VP Augie Tellez. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Crew thanked B. Padaoan for going ashore in Kaohsiung to buy movies. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. LNG TAURUS (Pronav Ship Management), January 24 Chairman Daniel Marcus, final Departures Continued from page 18 JOHN W. MARSHALL =======i Pensioner John W. Marshall, 94, died October 18, 1998. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. Boatman Marshall sailed as a captain and retired in March 1969. He was a resident of Cambridge, Md. In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Department 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r-------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 4;99 (Please Print) Name: Social Security No.: _ _ _ I _ _ _ I _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union.file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L-------------------------------------------------~ 20 Seafarers LOG Island. A resident of Yulee, Fla., he began receiving his pension in November 1997. GREAT LAKES LEO R. DZIESINSKI Pensioner Leo R. Dziesinski, 88, died January 28. He started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of ==.;.;.;...;.;..;;;;._==~;;;...t Cleveland. A native of Michigan, he sailed in the deck department and retired in January 1978. Brother Dziesinski was a resident of Alpena, Mich. ALI B. FITAHEY JOSEPH J. ''PETE" PIETRAS ==------.Pensioner Joseph J. "Pete" Pietras, 75, passed away January 14. Boatman Pietras joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port '-""--"'------..... of Baltimore. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1985. A veteran of World War Il, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 to 1966. Boatman Pietras was a resident ofWanchese, N.C. CLARK PETIT Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Curtis Jackson, Deck Delegate John Ray, Engine Delegate Mark Freeman, Steward Delegate Brian McEleney. Chairman thanked crew for pleasant tour. He discussed latest developments in Pronav's reflagging efforts. He reminded everyone to continue working safely. Secretary thanked crew for keeping lounge clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer thanked AB Harry Massa for donation to ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Crew read fax sent from union headquarters. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Clark Petit, 36, passed away October 17, 1998. A native of Minnesota, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996 from the '--------~ port of Algonac, Mich. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Petit was a resident of Rockford, Ill. CLARENCE A.ROBISON Pensioner Clarence A. Robison, 70, died January 17. A native of Mississippi, he joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Robison sailed as a chief engineer and began receiving his pension in July 1993. From 1952 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Argyle, Fla. JAMES E. STEWART Pensioner James E. Stewart, 68, died January 14. Boatman Stewart started his career with . the SIU in 1979 in the port of =~..;.._---~ Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Maryland, he worked in the steward department, sailing primarily for NATCO. His first and last vessel, coincidentally, was the Sugar Pensioner Ali B. Fitahey, 72, passed away October 16, 1998. Br her Fitahey joine the Seafarers in 1965 in the port ~:=.....;.;;;......;.;.;.;,_;.:.;__;:=~ of Detroit. Born in Arabia, he became a U.S. citizen and sailed as a member of the deck department. He began receiving his pension in November 1995. HUNTER F. GRIMES Pensioner Hunter F. Grimes, 92, died December?, 1998. Born in Virginia, he started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port =====---' of Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Grimes sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in July 1976. He made his ho~.e in Alexandria, N.Y. STEPHEN J. HERMAN Pensioner Stephen J. Herman, 79, passed away December4, 1998. A native Pennsylvanian, he began sailing with the '---'=====c..""""' Seafarers in 1959. Brother Herman sailed in the deck department and retired in November 1984. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. He was a resident of Miami Lakes, Fla. ATLANT1C FISHERMEN ENRICO V. STRESCINO Pensioner Enrico V. Strescino, 81, died February 5. A native of Massachusetts, he began his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1940 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Strescino sailed in the deck department and retired in December 1980. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He made his home in Gloucester, Mass. April 1999 �Letters:to"the Editor •. . I (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) in hydrogen sulfide content. One case study showed a depreciation to 85 percent of its initial starting concentration. Although corrosion does account for some consumption of the sulfide content, it is shown that the natural partitioning in the vessel and ventilation of the inert gas (IG anti-ignition blanket) acted as a means for the Recollections from a release of the hydrogen sulfide. Retired Captain These releases of the IG system In the August 1998 edition of have always been known to the LOG, I read about the passing depreciate the volatile organic of Adrian J. Janacek. I had the carbons, but until recently, it has pleasure of having this fine sailor not been researched as a carrier onboard the SIS Summit when we for other absorption gases. A United Kingdom company started the Aleutian Island Service and a Brazilian oil firm are develfor Sea-Land Service in 1972. He was a man you could oping an on-board processing always count on, and he had a lot plant to develop this discovery of of great stories, too! One that hydrogen sulfide content deprecistands out in my mind is when ation. Without major modification Sea-Land asked us to go into to existing crude carriers, they Balboa Bay, look around and take predict that the on-board process a few pictures, if possible, to can serve to reduce the hydrogen determine if they would meet a sulfide during sea transport. The fish processor there. I asked if removal of hydrogen sulfide anyone had a suitable camera. ("sweetening the crude") from the Adrian Janacek said that he did cargo can add a value of anywhere and would bring it to the bridge. I from $.50 to $2.00 per barrel. As seamen, we are interested thought that he would have more in this development: it concerns than a baby Brownie, but was not ready for what he showed up with. the future and future development Adrian came to the bridge with a of seaborne transportation for large aluminum suitcase full of petroleum products. Following is expensive, state-of-the-art ca ra a review of how it will work. By forcing circulation of the equipment. H some great pho s, sent them on to marine inert gas that is over the crude and operations, and they eventually circulating same to a regenerator, did use Balboa Bay for a meeting the scavenged hydrogen sulfide can be oxidized to sulfur. Since place with the processors. At this point, I would like to sulfur concentration is fractional say that we had a very good crew in crude oi concentrati a ha on that vessel. Seems that the no significant effect on product unusual nature of the service price, the sulfur can be returned to the cargo, thus eliminating any attracted very good people .... In closing, I will share a little by-product or waste. Ensuring a information about myself. Prior to closed system also will serve to obtaining my license in 1957, I control the volatile hydrocarbon sailed in the fo'c'sle as a permit loss that is inherent in the man in the SUP. Also put in some seaborne transport of petroleum time on a tuna clipper, the reason products. for joining the SIU Cannery Those brothers and sisters of Workers and Fishermen's Union of the SIU who are familiar with the Pacific. During this time, I tankers will attest that since the sailed on several SIU ships, among initiation of Inert Gas and Vapor them the Raphael Semmes, Ponce Recovery Systems, our contracted de Leon, and others that I can no ships are already equipped with longer recall the names of. It was closed systems. The addition of a during my time on SIU ships that I regenerator for hydrogen sulfide acquired a taste for grits, rebel pot removal would be only a slight roast and Waterman strawberries modification and, according to (stewed prunes). estimates, a three-week shuttle I do appreciate receiving the journey could generate a savings Seafarers LOG. of $412,000 at current oil prices. This research is for existing Raymond P. Karlsvik tankage and for surface ventilaRaymond, Wash. tion. If such a process were to be initiated from beneath the cargo, in essence "sparging" the product, Report on Oil Transport it would be even more effective. Developments This process can offer advantages Although I am no longer over traditional methods and actively sailing, I still maintain an pipeline transmission. We may see interest in the industry. Presently this and other developments as my occupation is as a contracted time progresses for there is a operator in Brazil. future in maritime commerce, perIt has recently been reported haps more than we can imagine. that in a shipment of crude oil by Kudos to the SIU for encourtanker, there is a slight reduction aging their members to continue . ... their education. To be prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, upgrading at Piney Point is sound advice. Albert T. Wheeler Morgan City, La. LOG Keeps Retiree Up to Date I would like to thank you very much for my continuing subscription to your monthly Seafarers LOG. I read your paper cover to cover, as I am still interested in all news that has to do with the Seafarers. I especially appreciate the news that you place in your paper regarding the merchant marine in World War II, since I sailed merchant ships starting in May 1941 on the Great Lakes. I began sailing in the deep sea division in 1942 until June 1946. Tony Dattalo Jensen Beach, Fla. ... ... Union Offers Opportunity I joined the SIU in 1966 and retired in 1993. To this day, I'm thankful for the opportunities I found through the union. I served the SIU well, and the SIU served me well. Some people will complain no matter what. But in all my years with the SIU, I had a chance to earn a good living. That's not something to be taken for granted. I just want to give credit where it's due. Johnny Reb Greenville, South Carolina (Editor's note: Brother Reb, a.k.a. Revels Poovey, would like to hear from Seafarers with whom he sailed. He can be contacted at 100 East Pelham Rd., Greenville, SC 29615. ... ... Good Help Found In San Francisco I would like to bring to your attention two gentlemen union brothers from the port of San Francisco. Vincent Coss and Romeo Lumanlan are two of the nicest people I've known. Both of these union men have been encouraging, polite, helpful and professional. Further, they always take time to help or assist a member in need. They are an asset to the members and the union, and I'm grateful for the encouragement and help they've given me. I'm proud to be an A-book seaman in the SIU, and to work with men like these. With more than 30 years of shipping, from ordinary to bosun, I feel I'm a good judge of character. These union men are two of the best. John Sokolik Reno, Nevada Attention Seafarers: Our flag at sea is good for America ... and important to you. April 1999 Contribute toSPAD Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditiona1ly has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job . discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEB ERG SC HOOL LIFEBOAT CLAS 7~~M<.., .t 58 6 ~ ~~:_ .. ~~J.11 l ... Welding-Marking their graduation from the welding course on March 19 are (left to right) Pati .Taototo, Allen Newgen, Nathan Hollander, Charley Sheen, Gonzie Knott, James Forby and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). ~}"~~~ Unlimited Radar Observer Upgraders successfully finishing the unlimited radar observer class on March 12 are (front row, from left) James McAtee, Chris Schleis, Robert Wobil, Daniel Crawford, Victor Frazier, Bernabe Pelington, (second row) Mike Mayo, Roman Kasparyan, Albert Austin Jr., Richard Dewitte, Stephen Swinton, Charley Darley, (third row) Mike Davis, Al Schmitt, Carlton Dorrance, Bill Bruce and Rhett Davis. Chief Cook-Recently completing the chief cook course are (from left) Kirk Bean, Doug _Flynn, Helen Mitchell, John Hetmanski (instructor), Jose Constantino and Richard Jones. Advanced Firefighting-Seafarers graduating March 5 from the advanced firefighting course are (from left, front row) Paul Heilnessey, James Moore, Jeff Petherbridge, Celina Ortega, (second row) Shelia Lewis, Lonnie Jones, Angel Perez, James Prado, John Smith (instructor), (third row) John Barnard, Alvin Smith, (fourth row) Earl Castan , Jason Monroe, Ernie Gay, Chuck Carson, (fifth row) Reginald Hunter, Reuben Fife and Rafael Franco. Great Lakes Conveyorman-SIU members completing the Great Lakes conveyorman class on March 19 included Andrew Nowak, George "Robert" Keeley, McNally, Jay Linx, Stever Habermehl, Michael Hayes, Guy Hemenger, Joel Markle and Norman Guild (instructor). Tankerman Assistant-Upgrading graduates of the March 5 tankerman assistant class are (from left, front row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Michael Phillips, Martin Ramos, Mario Baja, Idris Abubakar, Terry Cowans Sr., Tom Higgins, Brian Shelburne, Chris Hays Jr., (back row) Moe Jeff, Collins Agyemang, Scott Lucerne, Zdravko Kerestes, Damon Parker, Bobby Brown, Joseph Merriweather, Chris Johnson and Jeromy Vaughan. \r T Inland AB-Graduating from the inland AB course on March 12 are (front row, left to right) Brian Murray, Alan Johnson, William Durham, Michael Bashore, Ray Blahnik, Tim Thompson, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Earl Douthtie, Mike Cushman, Dennis Fitzpatrick, David Ali, Bob Timmons, Salem Omar and Salin Yahya. 22 Seafarers LOG STCW Basic Safety-Receiving their certificates for completing the new STCW basic safety course on February 12 are (front row, from left) Rick Redmond (instructor) , Thomas Higgins, Bud Marshall, Julita Crodua , Paul Hennessey, Rudolph Christian, Russ Levin (instructor), (second row) James Furby, Larry Stanback, Alvin Smith, Jeremie Riehm, Roland Peters, (third row) Pati Taotodo, Keith Shamberger, Ambu Man (CPR dummy), Michael Presser, Bob Bell, Patrick Meagher, Douglas Edwards and Zdravko Kerestes. April 1999 �··· LUNDEBERGSCHOOL· 1999 ·UPBRADINB:COURSE SCHEDULE (;;"ertified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward . (Every other week, starting Jan. II) The following<is·die ·schedule for clas~es p(}ginni~g ·jn April an.d running · through July 199? . a~_, the Seafarers Harry Luil,(Jeb~rg School of Seamanship. located at the l'a.-yl:l'.I.ml Center for Maritifl.!~::.lf~~ll~ng and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership~ the marl.time industry and-in times of conflict-the nation~ s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. April 5, 19 May 3, 17,31 June 14, 28 July 12, 26 . ~«.cet;tltlcatlon Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion LNG Recertification MaylO May27 1 Beck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 5 May 14 Radar Observer/Unlimited April 26 June7 May7 June 18 Radar Recertification (one da,y) May7 June 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) MaylO Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) April 12 MaytO Mayl May29 June 26 June7 Junes Advanced Firefighting April 19 May 10 Mayl May29 Government Vessels May17 May24 June4 Jone 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 19 May18 June 14 Mayl May29 June 25 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) May24 June 21 May28 June2S Tankennan (PIC) Barge MaylO May14 May15 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date_of Compl~tion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May~. June 11 QMED May3 July 23 May3 June 11 Power Plant Maintenance June 28 August6 Welding April 19 June 14 May14 July9 April 17 May7 MaylS April 12 May3 MaylO May31 Basic Firefighting Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion May3 June 10 Course Start Date General Education Courses Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starling Jan. 11) April 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 5, 12, 19, 26 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (I 20) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their apolication. The pavment should be made with a monev order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ B o o k # - - - - - - - - - - S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes 0No SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 0No Primarylanguagespoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April 1999 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the caurse. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 4199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and E.ducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified , of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Attention Seafarers: Looking for a fun, relaxing and affordable summer vacation spot? See page 14. 'Brotherhood of the Sea' Helps Stranded Foreign Mariners Gulf Seafarers Aid Delta Pride's Weary Crew Logistical challenges didn't stop Seafarers in Texas from helping with the collection and delivery of stores to the ill-fated Delta Pride. AB Sinclair Oubre, who heads the Apostleship of the SeaDiocese of Beaumont, Texas, and SIU Boatmen David Dorrell, Willy Mack Istre, Billy Bowers and Jim Prater all had a hand in providing relief to the famished crew of the abandoned Pakistaniflag cargo ship. "It's amazing how much a few people, using the means that are at hand, can do to help brothers of the sea in their time of need," stated Oubre, who also credited local pilots, marine companies and community members involved in the effort, including SIU-contracted Higman Towing. By now, thanks to nationwide media coverage, the harrowing plight of the Delta Pride is wellknown to many. The ship's crew of 23 went unpaid for two years and was abandoned in Tampico, Mexico in May 1998 after its owner went bankrupt. (The owner alternately has been identified in various press accounts as either Star Shipping Lines of Greece or Tristar Shipping Lines in Karachi, Pakistan.) From then until last November, the mariners suffered a torturous fate. Their stores ran out, so they drank rainwater and ate fish that they caught using makeshift lines. Power supplies were all but exhausted, leaving the 740-foot ship dark and without heat or air conditioning. Health problems predictably followed, and by November the mariners were threatening to commit mass suicide. "The people were dying ~n front of me," the vessel's captain told the Associated Press. Using torches to heat heavy fuels for the engines, plus other ingenuity, the crew somehow prodded the Delta Pride to limp the 300 miles to Brownsville, Texas. A voyage that normally would have taken no more than 24 hours instead lasted almost three full days; but, the vessel indeed made it to U.S. waters on November 24. Captain Eddie Max Stovall of the Brazos-Santiago Pilots Association may have been the first person in that area to discover the depth of the Delta Pride's condition. He took the initial call from the Delta Pride after it had dropped anchor approximately three miles from the Brownsville harbor. "They kept insisting that they needed launch service, for which they didn't have clearance," Stovall told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "But their requests were very unorthodox ~ ·; -.e., .... .,.· .:. ~ lM~ After subsisting on rainwater and whatever fish they caught, the Delta Pride crew members gratefully accepted food and beverages donated by Texas residents (and transported part of the way by SIU members). Here, local pilot Eddie Max Stovall (wearing baseball cap) poses with the Pakistanis after a delivery. and vague. Finally, the captain broke down and said, 'My crew, they're dying. We have no food."' The pilot notified the U.S. Coast Guard and also contacted the local international seamen's center. That led to press coverage, which Oubre spotted while at the Beaumont diocese, some 350 miles north along the Texas Gulf Coast. Due to failed safety and mechanical inspections of the Delta Pride, the Coast Guard denied port entry. However, Stovall coordinated initial aid for the mariners. He and fellow pilots Jim Franceshi, who sailed with the SIU for about 10 years, and Robert Tullis delivered food and fresh water to the men. "They were so weak, they could only take three gallons of water at a time on a heaving line,'' Stovall recalled. Meanwhile, representatives from the Apostleship of the Sea helped build upon those earliest relief efforts. A group of citizens from the Port Arthur area who are involved with the diocese contact- ed local parishes and publicized the case. Area residents donated substantial amounts of canned goods and other relief items. "Then a new problem emerged," Oubre noted. "How would we get all the food collected to Brownsville? 1bis had begun as a small collection, but became enough to fill three pickup trucks." Enter Higman Towing, whose tugs and barges sail the length of the Intracoastal Waterway. Oubre worked with representatives from Higman, the U.S. Propeller Club of the Sabine, and R&R Marine Services of Port Arthur (a ship repair yard) to coordinate transportation of the food with minimal disruption to the parties' respective work schedules. As a result, the SIU-crewed Jesse Gunstream docked at R&R Marine Services on February 15. "R&R had placed shrink-wrap on the pallets of food to protect them from weather," Oubre observed. "As soon as the Jesse Gunstream arrived, the shore gang immediately lifted the pallets onto the deck of one of the barges, and m a few minutes, the crew me continued on to Rio Hondo (near Brownsville)." A week later, the stores arrived on board the elta Pride via a pilot boat. "The crew members whelmingly expressed appreciation," explained Stovall, who added that Brownsville-area residents made several other donations. "They were in a bad situation through no fault of their own, but they remained extremely courteous and dignified." Although the story probably cannot be labeled as having a happy ending, there were some positive developments last month. Eleven of the 23 crew members were repatriated, and the other 12 found hospitality at a Catholicrun refugee center while making travel arrangements. Also, the Delta Pride reportedly was auctioned for scrap for $300,000, with some of that money accounting for back pay, travel and other expenses. illE FREE WlCE-STAA. FREO£RltKSSUllG, 'Ill. Stranded seamen finally come ashore Bureaucratic ordeal lasted 10 months llfMAOfU Eiu.RO Asscallled P<HS WSQtJTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas -The last 12 crew members stranded aboard a rusting cargo ship came ashore yesterday, end· lng a IO.month ordeal durlng which they staved oft' scurvy and suicidal thoughts and caugl1t rain water and fish to survive. "I'm very thank!Ul to God," Capt Maqsood Ahmed said. "We were prisoners at sea without At first, the malnourished Delta Pride crew only could accept very light loads, using a heaving line. As the months passed, the crew grew stronger and shipboard power partially was restored, enabling easier movement of donated stores such as those pictured here. commlttln1 a crime." These.uoenweretbelastofa23man crew &om Karachi, Pak· tslan, to leave the Delta Pride, a broken.down Crelahter that has been anchored about four miles off the aouth Texas coast since J11$l before Thanksgiving. Yesterday, the lmmigntjon and Naturalliatlon Service said the crev.'lllen could remain in the • 11 up t 30 days while with Mexican officials followed, leadinitO the seizure or the ship's documents and the crew's pass· J>OrU. SOS calls were liJ10red as llie al>Oard the shlJ> became more desperate by the da." With fuel ione, there was no 'l.11Y to run the air conditioner or lights, and the SO-year-old ship became dark and hoL The seamen eventually lived off whatever rain water and fish they could catch. With no clean waterforbathlng and washing clothes, rashes and early signs of scurvy were setting In. "The people were dying in front of me,» said Ahmed, who was on his first voyage as captain. By November, the men were threatening to commit mass Sul· clde. That's when Ahmed found a JlO bW in bis dresser drawer and was Inspired by the "In ns The horrific story drew lots of media coverage in the United States, including this piece. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR HART VISITS SIU HALL IN HONOLULU RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES 1998 UNION RECORDS CONTRACTED SIGNED FOR CRUISE SHIPS 4TH DOUBLE EAGLE TANKER BEGINS SERVICE SEAFARERS CREW NEW ‘Z’ TUGS DON NOLAN NAMED VP FOR LUNDEBERG SCHOOL USNS ANTARES SAILS TO BALKANS TO ASSIST NATO PEACEKEEPERS USNS GORDON RESCUES FISHERMAN IN GULF LEGISLATORS ASK IRS TO ESTIMATE TAXES LOST TO FOREIGN-FLAG CRUISE VESSELS ROYAL CARIBBEAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DUMPING USCG: GRAIN COMPANY VIOLATES JONES ACT HOUSE PASSES COAST GUARD BUDGET SIU’S ALASKAN RECRUITMENT PROGRAM WINS NATIONAL AWARD SEA-LAND CAPT. PRAISES APPRENTICE FOR WORK 32-HOUR RADAR/ARPA COURSE APPROVED MEMORIES, HOPE AND PRIDE BEAM FROM NEWEST CLASS OF RECERTIFIED STEWARDS ANOTHER ‘MILLENIUM BUG’ IN 30 YEARS? SAN FRANSCISCO’S ‘TOM TOM’ SUCCUMBS TO HEART ATTACK FILM MAKER KUBRICK DIES SEA-LAND CRUSADER EARNS ANNUAL SAFETY AWARD RED CIRCLE CREWS APPROVE CONTRACT ‘DESERT FOX’ DOESN’T PRECLUDE GREAT HOLIDAY MEALS ON YANO GULF SEAFARERS AID DELTA PRIDE’S WEARY CREW Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 4 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3df2b4467b8b39efdf305b8cc7c61f05.pdf 15f0b718dcac986436ddb100c073bee1 PDF Text Text SIU members and their families on April 8 celebrated the grand opening of the SIU's new union hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. (pictured above). The building, located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd., drew very positive reactions from the approximately 250 in attendance. Seafarers particularly Family-Friendly a I Opens In New Orleans praised the new hall's accessibility, cleanliness and layout. Joining the festivities were (left photo, from left to right) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Clarence Scott, SIU President Michael Sacco, Recertified Bosun Teddy Bush and his wife, Kathy, AB Lee Selico and his wife, Edwina, and Teddy and Kathy's sons, Isaac and Morocco (front). Pages 3, 9. NMU Members Praise Paul Hall Center Lakes Seafarers Kick Off Season Though still impacted by foreign steel dumping (see page 2), the Great Lakes sailing season is in full swing. Among the Seafarers crewing vessels on the Lakes are Deckhand Mohamed Mohsin (left photo, aboard the American Mariner) and AB Jeff Johnson (right, on the Sam Laud). Page 7. Maritime Unions Reaffirm Readiness ________________________________ ~Page3 NMU upgrader Owen Carr thanks SIU President Michael Sacco for the hospitality he and other NMU members have received since beginning clas5es at the Paul Hall Center. NMU members started taking classes at the center last month as part of the affiliation of the National Maritime Union with the SIUNA. Between them are NMU President Rene Lioeanjie and NMU upgrader Fahd Yahya. Page 4 Fire Fighting School Opens This Month --------------------------------------------------------------------------Page24 �[ President's Report Looking Ahead Preparing for the future is more than a slogan in the SIU. It's our way of life. As this decade nears its end, the groundwork we laid during the 1990s already is paying off for a vibrant beginning to the next century. Our primary focus has been jobs, and being able to handle the influx of Seafarers to crew the new liner ships, tankers, passenger vessels and tugboats that have been-and will be-coming under SIU contracts. The latest example of planning ahead and being prepared came last month when the new hiring hall Michael Sacco for New Orleans opened its doors. This beautiful, newly refurbished facility, located in the West Bank suburb of Harvey, shows the commitment the SIU has made to meet the challenges of the next century. The inviting atmosphere in the hall will encourage members to bring their families when they come to the hall. There is plenty of on-site parking-a need cited by many members who had shipped out of the old hall. This is the fourth new facility to open since 1994 when the Brooklyn hall moved down the street to its present location. In 1995, the SIU moved into its new location in Fort Lauderdale. The following year, the Seattle hall transferred to Tacoma to be closer to the port. Since then, we also have renovated the Norfolk hall and are working on our Wtlmington site. But the SIU does not intend to stop there. We look forward to announcing soon new facilities for Seafarers who sail out of Baltimore and Puerto Rico. All of this has been done with the members and their needs in mind Regarding jobs, what could be more exciting than the passenger ships that were announced last month in the LOG?! The contract signed in the U.S. Capitol between American Classic Voyages and Ingalls Shipyard is dynamic proof of the revitalization of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, a campaign the SIU has been leading throughout the 1990s. The early work paid off with the passage of the Maritime Security Program in 1996. Now we are witnessing how that faith in the U.S. merchant fleet is expanding. In that same April issue of the LOG which announced the passenger ships, we saw Seafarers crew a new Double Eagle tanker, a series of tractor tugs and a roll-on/roll-off vessel. During the last half of this decade, SIU members have climbed the gangways to a great many ships, including the new fleet of military prepositioning vessels. And there is more to come. Not only is there one more Double Eagle tanker due out of the shipyard, but SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co. plans to launch the first in its fleet of coastal passenger ships sometime next year. As always, Seafarers will be prepared for these jobs aboard the new vessels thanks to the upgrading program at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. The school's staff constantly is improving the curriculum to make sure SIU members receive the latest information and can work with the newest technologies when they return to their vessels. The school also has been the industry leader in providing oil spill prevention and containment classes, developing the Coast Guardaccepted training record book and offering approved STCW self-certification courses. Later this month, the center will open the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, the most up-to-date training facility in the world for learning how to battle shipboard blazes. Once again, Seafarers will benefit thanks to the union's and the school's commitment to the future. Now, one more group of American mariners will benefit. We are pleased to welcome the members of the National Maritime Union, who began taking classes at the center last month. They have been very impressed with the facilities and with all the SIU members they have met. During a recent visit to the school with NMU President Rene Lioeanjie, several NMU members pulled us aside to say they have never been treated better at any of the other training schools they have attended as they have at the Lundeberg School. I thank the staff of the school and the Seafarers who are upgrading for welcoming our NMU brothers and sisters. Volume 61, Number 5 May 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~T6 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright <O 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG Big News Comes.in Threes For Avondale, Newport News OSHA Fines New Orleans Yard; Steelworkers Strike in Virginia; General Dynamics Bid Rejected There were three major developments last month concerning New Orleans-based Avondale Industries and Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. The most recent occurred April 15, when the Department of Defense announced its opposition to General Dynamics Corp. 's proposed $2 billion acquisition of the Virginia shipyard. The company immediately halted its bid, clearing the way for a previously planned merger between Newport News and Avondale. The other stories concerned $537,000 in new fines levied against Avondale by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) for nearly 500 "serious and willful" hazardous conditions at the shipyard; and a strike by members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) at Newport News. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney applauded the Pentagon's decision opposing the General Dynamics acquisition, but quickly pointed out the need to correct those other issues at the respective yards. Rejecting the General Dynamics takeover "appears to be based on sound judgment and on a thorough examination of the longterm implications of such a deal to America's shipbuilding workers, the economy and our nation's defense," stated Sweeney, who heads the national federation of trade unions. He also said that the resultant likelihood of a Newport NewsAvondale merger means ''the U.S. Navy should do an immediate and thorough investigation at Avondale, a major U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessel supplier. Avondale routinely ignores federal laws and battles federal agencies which aim to protect workers at the shipyard .... Yet even in the face of federal scrutiny, Avondale is recalcitrant, refusing either to acknowledge its wrongdoing or to follow OSHA's orders to make its shipyard safer." The fine against Avondale announced by OSHA on April 5 was the second-largest in American shipbuilding history. OSHA cited Avondale for 473 separate instances of unsafe working conditions. These include 266 instances of "willful" violations concerning uncovered manholes, unsafe scaffolding, unguarded high work areas, and improperly installed anchorage points to support workers when they work at great heights. A "willful" violation is the most serious of OSHA's categories. It means that the company knew about the safety problem, knew it was a violation, and yet did nothing about it. OSHA fined Avondale $70,000--the maximum penalty -for each of the four broad categories of willful violations. Seven workers have died at Avondale since 1990, three of whom fell down manholes or from great heights. Avondale's death rate is three times higher than other shipyards with major Navy contracts. Avondale Industries has received $32 billion in Navy contracts since 1993. That year, the workers voted to form a union to make the shipyard safer, to bring their wages and benefits up to par with those of other shipyard workers, and to earn respect on the job. In response, the company waged war on its workers-a federal judge found that Avondale broke the law more than I 00 times during the union campaign and illegally fired 28 workers. Avondale has refused for nearly six years to abide by their workers' choice and negotiate with the union, thus continuing a pattern of resistance to federal laws protecting workers. Meanwhile, at Newport News, 9,200 Steelworkers went on strike April 5. The key issues are hourly wages and pension benefits. "We've bent over backward so much, our head's almost touching the ground," said the president of USWA Local 8888, Arnold Outlaw. "There's not much further we can go." Sweeney pointed out that Newport News "just announced first quarter profits of $18 million on top of the $66 million profit for 1998. In addition, the company has access to a $150 million pension surplus. Given the company's fmancial success after years of wage freezes and worker concessions, the time has come for fair treatment for workers at Newport News." Steel Dumping Bill Advances to Senate House Passes Legislation to Curb Illegal Imports With strong bipartisan support, the House of Representatives on March 17 approved legislation designed to curb record levels of illegal steel imports that are wiping out American jobs. By a vote of 289141, the House passed the Steel Import Limitation bill (H.R. 975), then sent it to the Senate. Consideration of the bill in the Senate may occur this month. The SIU strongly supports the measure and encourages Seafarers and their families to contact their senators and ask them to pass it. (The SIU web site, http://www.seafarers.org, includes links to Senate email addresses. To contact the Senate by telephone, dial 1-202-224-3121.) Seafarers on the Great Lakes have felt the impact of dumped foreign steel since last year. As foreign nations in the midst of economic crises illegally sold their product to the U.S. at below production costs (a practice known as dumping), prices became depressed throughout this nation. That, in turn, slashed American steel companies' income and forced massive layoffs. Altogether, more than 10,000 U.S. steelworkers have been laid off or have lost their jobs because of this crisis. It also meant reduced cargo movement on the Great Lakes, because many of those materials are used in steel production. Hence, last year's sailing season prematurely ended, and this year's kicked off later than expected. Statistics tell part of the story: • Last year, steel imports from Japan more than doubled, while imports from South Korea were up 90 percent. • Imports from Japan, Russia and Brazil currently account for more than 25 percent of U.S. sales of hot-rolled steel-up from only 4.3 percent in 1995. • The dumping drove down U.S. steel companies, income by 60 percent for the first half of last year. In publicizing the problem, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) pointed out that other countries limit steel imports with deterrents such as government quotas and mill-to-mill agreements. The U.S. does not use such methods, leaving the nation vulnerable to dumping. After the House passed H.R. 975, USWA President George Becker commented, "The Congress of the United States not only opened up their eyes to what was happening, they opened up their hearts for the workers and their families and the community ..... We're on to the Senate, and we're going to go at it with the same intensity, the same fervor that we went with this one." The Steelworkers, backed by the AFL-CIO, pushed the bill for a year and a half. The Steel Import Limitation bill directs the President to impose quotas, tariff surcharges, or negotiate enforceable voluntary export restraint agreements in order to ensure that the volume of imported steel products during any month does not exceed the average volume of imported steel for the 36-month period preceding July 1997. It also directs the secretaries of the treasury and of commerce to implement a program for administering and enforcing the restraints on such imports. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the customs service to refuse entry into the U.S. customs territory for a three-year period any steel products that exceed their allowable levels. The bill also directs the secretary of commerce to establish and implement a steel import notification and monitoring program. It requires anyone who intends to import steel products into the United States to first obtain an import notification certificate; sets forth certificate requirements; and directs the secretary of comme~ to publish on a. weekly basis through the Internet certain information obtained from steel import notification certificate applications regarding imported ·steel, including country of origin, the port of entry, quantity, value of steel imported, single producer or exporter countries, and whether such imports are entered into a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone. May 1999 �Maritime Unions Reaffirm Support For American Forces in Balkans Military Plots Strategy for Possible Sealift Campaign in Eastern Europe As military planners design strategies for possibly bringing supply ships to Mediterranean ports in Eastern Europe, the presidents of the nation's maritime unions have reminded President Clinton the U.S. merchant marine stands ready to help in the Yugoslavia/Kosovo conflict if and when it is called out. Joining SIUNA President Michael Sacco in a letter of support addressed to the White House shortly after the North Atlantic Treaty Organization {NATO) bombing campaign began in late March were National Maritime Union President Rene Lioeanjie; Masters, Mates and Pilots President Timothy Brown; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association President Lawrence O'Toole; and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay. The maritime union presidents told Clinton, "On behalf of the men and women of America's merchant marine, we want you to know that we stand ready to serve our nation in any way we can to assist American and NATO forces in the current military and humanitarian crisis in the Balkans. "The men and women of the American Merchant Marine are 'standing by' awaiting orders to supply NATO forces in the Balkans, and they are also available to bring humanitarian aid to the displaced people of the Balkan peninsula." The letter concluded by reminding the president of the loyalty and dependability of American mariners during previous conflicts. "The history of the supply effort which supported our troops during Operation Desert Stonn has demonstrated that the American Merchant Marine can be relied upon to assist the Commander in Chief in the execution of the military and foreign policy of the United States. Our merchant marine and our loyal and dedicated mariners are once again willing and able to serve, as we have served since our nation was formed." The NATO campaign began in late March as an effort to stop the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo by troops loyal to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. The daily bombing raids, which have included U.S. military aircraft, created a massive refugee situation in the neighboring countries of Albania and Macedonia. While trying to provide food, clothing and temporary shelters for the refugees, NATO and private relief organizations have been devising plans for relocating the thousands upon thousands of people fleeing Kosovo until the fighting stops. The head of the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command, a New Orleans SIU Hall Opens to Rave Reviews Seafarers Applaud Facility's Layout & Location Seafarers are utilizing the new SIU hall in the New Orleans area, following its grand opening on April 8. Located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey, La., the facility debuted to positive reviews. "It's a clean building in a nicer neighborhooddefinitely an upgrade," stated AB Vic DiGiorgio, one of approximately 250 people who attended the ceremonial opening. "It's easily accessible, right off the interstate, and the area for job call is nice. Plus, it has a big parking lot" Captain Tim Gegenheimer also cited the plentiful parking spaces as a welcome improvement. "It's better all the way around. Personally, I live just 10 minutes away, which is great. The new hall has plenty of parking, it's in a quiet neighborhood and the building's layout is good." Among those attending the opening were active and retired Seafarers and their families; officials from SIU-contracted companies; local political representatives; SIU officials, and others. In a brief address, SIU President Michael Sacco said that the new hall is another example of the union moving in the right direction. "The SIU purchased this building and modified it to meet the membership's needs. We're constantly looking toward the future," he noted. As with the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash. and Fort May 1999 Purchased last year and refurbished to better serve the membership, the SIU's New Orleans-area hall opened for business in April. Lauderdale, Fla., the Harvey facility is a refurbished bank. Its features include a counter and shipping board, two offices, a small conference room, a lobby area used for membership meetings, new restroom facilities (built to Americans with Disabilities Act standards), an area for members and guests to enjoy coffee or other refreshments, and vending machines (which weren't available at the old hall on Jackson Ave., and from which the union takes no profit whatsoever). There is at least one other notable item: an window etched in tribute to Joseph Sacco, SIU execu- The hall features an etched-glass tribute to the late SIU VP Joe Sacco, bearing the words, "The Brotherhood Lives.• tive vice president who passed away in 1996. Known to all as Joey, he worked for many years in the SIU's Gulf Coast Region. More photos ofthe New Orleans hall grand opening on page 9. division of the U.S. Tranportation Command which handles logistics for American armed forces, discussed this problem when he met with the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on April 14. U.S. Army Major General Mario Montero Jr. informed the audience that military and civilian personnel already are in Italy examining port facilities in that nation and nearby Greece in case sealift is activated for humanitarian or military re-supply needs. He noted his command looks "at handling sustainment supplies and refugee relief supplies." Montero pointed out that in the wake of the Persian Gulf War, the U.S. government and military found it "too costly" to store materiel in "lots of iron piles all over the world." He added that is why the armed forces are using prepositioning ships (crewed by Seafarers), located around the world and ready to sail to a hot Mjr. Gen. Mario Montero, head of the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command, tells the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club that America's sealift is a ieam effort" between the military and commercial fleets. spot at a moment's notice, to deliver the goods that are needed at the time they are required. The general also thanked the representatives from the U.S.-flag shipping industry present for being a vital part of the command's capability to respond to an emergency. He broke down America's sealift as being "one-third active [vessels], one-third reserve and one-third our industry partners. It's a team effort to respond. Without you, we could not do the nation's bidding." SMPPP Statements Sent to Seafarers Members Give Thumbs-Up to Revised Format Annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) recently were sent to participating SIU members. According to telephone records maintained by the firm that manages the plan, Seafarers are responding favorably to the statement's revised layout. The form, issued in March, has been rearranged for greater clarity. The SMPPP originated in the 1996 standard freightship and tanker agreements, and subsequently has been included in some other SIU contracts (all of which were ratified by the membership). Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members also may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a vacation plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member's wage-related pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on behalf of employees. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. The annual statement includes the following information: member's name, address and social security number (which is also the participant's account number); date of mailing; the opening balance for 1998 (which was the year-end 1997 closing balance); contributions received on member's behalf for payrolls received through December 31, 1998 (listed individually and in total); interest earned and administrative expenses charged; any payouts made to the member in 1998; and the closing balance for 1998 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year's annual statement). Seafarers wiJJ be able to colJect the funds within their SMPPP accounts by reaching retirement age, becoming totally and permanently disabled, or leaving the industry. However, the SMPPP was designed to encourage members to use it as retirement savings. For more information, Seafarers may call toll-free 1-800-485-3703. SMPPP facts also are posted on the SIU's web site at http://www.seafarers.org/log/archive/may97 s6.htmJ. SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN The window bears the SIU logo with the words, "The Brotherhood Lives -In Memory of Joe Sacco." "You knew that when you were with Joey, you had his full attention," said SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, who thought of the window. "He was always there for everyone in this union, always supportive without being asked. This is just a small way for others to remember him." As for the hall itself, Judd reported that all concerned are enjoying it. "It seems to have instilled a sense of pride," he explained. "The fact that it's practically brand new, it's clean and it's in a safe place all adds up. The layout is much more functional than the old hall, also." c/o Basil Castrovinci Associates Inc. 323.5 Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 April 1, 1999 (800) 485-3703 (201) 963-9600 Social Security Number: JOHN DOE 123-45-6789 123 SMITH STREET ANYTOWN, TX 12345 Summarized below is the status of your Money Purchase Pension Plan Individual Account as of 12131/98 INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT STATEMENT EMPWYER VOLUNTARY BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT AS OF: 12/31197 $622.18 S0.00 CONTRIBtmONS RECEIVED ON YOUR BEHALF FOR YEAR ENDING. 1998 $325.78 S0.00 YOUR SHARE OF 1998 $103.28 S0.00 -$25.83 S0.00 INVESTMENT INCOME: LESS 1998 ADMINIS1RATIVE FEE: $0.00 S0.00 $1025.41 $0.00 LESS ANY PAYOUT(S) YOU HA VE RECEIVED : BALANCE IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT AS OF 12/31198 SEALAND 1998 Period From 01/01/1998 SEALAND SE ALAND DETAIL TRANSACTIONS FOR Emolover Period To 01/31/1998 Days 31.00 1 Contribution 02/01/ 1998 02/28/1998 I 28 .oo l $50.12 03/01/ 1998 03/3 1/ 1998 31.oo l $5.5.49 SEALAND 06/01/ 1998 06/30/1998 S53.20 SEALAND 07/01/ 1998 07/31/1998 Jo .oo l 1 31.00 SE ALAND 08/01/ 1998 08/31/1998 31.00 $55.49 182.oo l $325.28 I Total ~ $55.49 This sample statement shows the revised format as well as various information that is included on the annual form. Seafarers LOii 3 �'Eternal Flame' Selected for Burn Building Name Steward Poggio/i's Submission Chosen from More than 175 Names Offered in Contest The SS Eternal Flame will become the name of the burn building at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School when the facility opens later this month. After studying and sorting through the more than 175 entries submitted by 69 active and retired Seafarers, the judges selected Eternal Flame as a tribute to the late SIU executive vice president for whom the school is named. Although two Seafarers submitted Eternal Flame, under the rules published in the February and March Seafarers LOG, the grand prize winner would be the entry postmarked with the earliest date. That honor went to Recertified Steward Carl T. Poggioli of Honolulu. His entry was dated w~• F • t01<. ~01,t$T"Oo,) ... "~~ L-------~~;:~~~ Above are some of the letters submitted in the name the -Vessar contest, including the winning entry from Recertified Steward Carl T. Poggioli of Honolulu. March 15. Brother Poggioli will receive a ship's wheel and has been invited to christen the ''vessel', when the school opens on May 18. SIU Pensioner William "Flattop" KoOowitz of Brooklyn submitted the other Eternal Flame entry. His offering was marked March 24. He will receive an SIU jacket. Don Nolan, vice president for the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, served as one of the four judges. He said the crew had a SIU Pres. Michael Sacco shows NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie the "engine very difficult time selecting a win- room• in the burn building-to be named SS Eternal Flame-at the ner and consolation awards Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. because of the many fine entries. Other entries included the (The other judges included Jim of Brooksville, Maine; Retiree Hanson, the center's director of Anthony J. Novak of New word "fire" in their submissions. health and safety; SIU Com- Orleans; and Captain William F. Among those were Fire Drake, Fire Snuffer and Fireball. munications Director Daniel Palmer of Conroe, Texas. Retiree James D. Howison of Several of the entries rememDuncan; and Seafarers LOG bered late SIU officials as well as Managing Editor Jordan Biscardo.) Seattle entered the Vulcan. During the two months of the ships upon which they sailed. Three other "vessel" names "With so many great suggeswere selected for the runner-up contest, entries came from all over awards. They were the Endless the country. Deep sea, inland and tions, it took some time to go Flame, the Flashpoint and the Great Lakes members presented a through all of them and narrow the entries down to a few," Nolan Vulcan. All members who submit- wide arrangement of nfU]les. Some of them wanted to said. "We thank everyone who ted these names will receive SIU include Sacco in the name of the participated because they providjackets. Offering the Endless Flame bum building "vessel." Variations ed some very creative names." was Recertified Steward Ronald included Smokey Joe, Joseph See page 24 for an update on Sacco Fire Extinguishers, Joseph R. Muoli of Baltimore. the fire fighting school Three members submitted Sacco Hot Spot and The Pride of construction. Flashpoint". AB Robert Bakeman Joe Sacco. NMU Members Praise Upgrading at Paul Hall Center The first members of the SIUNA-affiliated National Maritime Union to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. have nothing but praise for the facilities and the Seafarers they have met there. The adjectives "wonderful', and "unbelievable" were heard over and over again when SIU President Michael Sacco escorted NMU President Rene Lioeanjie as he met with upgraders at the center on April 16. "I did not expect anything like this," NMU galley gang upgrader Bienvendio Pagan told Lioeanjie, who made an unannounced visit to the facility. "Everyone has been friendly and very cooperative. This is nothing like any of the other training schools rve been to." "They treat you right," added NMU member Owen Carr, who is taking the able bodied seaman course. "The instructors take the time and make sure you understand." The NMU members also thanked Sacco for all the courtesies they have received during their training. "We are treating the NMU members no different than Seafarers," Sacco noted. "They are finding out what it is like for a training facility to respect them as the professionals they are." Lioeanjie stated he was very pleased with what he was hearing from the NMU members. "They didn't know what to expect when they came here. We tried to tell them based on our past visits, but everything is working out better than any of us could imagine," the NMU president said. Don Nolan, vice president for the Center's Luneberg School, told Sacco and Lioeanjie of one incident between individual SIU and NMU upgraders attending the SIU President Michael Sacco points out some of the features of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School to NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (left) and Vtee President Charles Stewart. STCW Basic Safety class. The two were paired as roommates. Before the first day was over, they had become friends and made plans to study together as well as work with one another. Before leaving Piney Point, Lioeanjie along with NMU Vice President Charles Stewart and AFL-CIO Maritime Committee's Executive Director Tai Simpkins toured the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is scheduled to open this month. NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie {far left) listens to NMU steward upgrader Alba Ayala. Also taking part in the conversation (from her left) are upgrader Bienvendio Pagan, Paul Hall Center Chef Romeo Lupinacci, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, upgrader Dulip Sookhiram and NMU VP Charles Stewart. NMU AB upgraders meet wrtn tne ~IU ana NMU presidents at Piney Point. From the left are Owen Carr, NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Fahd Yahya, Abdul Hassan, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee Executive Director Tai Simpkins, Ernesto Evangelista, Laura Cash-Santos, Casimiro Garza and NMU VP Charles Stewart. 4 Seafarers LOG NMU members taking the STCW Basic Safety class last month were the first to graduate from the Paul Hall Center. They upgraded with Seafarers, who are designated with SIU after their names. From the left are (front row) Instructor Rick Redmond, Fahd Yahya, Edison lnumen, Alfred Acheanpong, Bernabe Pelingon (SIU), Garrick Slack, (second row) Philip Diego {SIU), Unity Bosdick, Ignacio Blanco, Anthony Perry, Mario Marcial, Vemall Marshall, Clifford Lacon, (back row) Heath Darrel, Don Hubbard, lsoline Major (SIU), Eric Tart and Mark Zlfcak. May1999 �NY Unionists: Save Local Maritime Jobs Rally Urges Retention of Sea-Land, Maersk Business; Carriers Considering Bids for Northeastern Operations More than 1,000 trade unionists rallied April 12 outside New York's World Trade Center to urge preservation of thousands of local maritime-related jobs by retaining business from Sea-Land Service and Maersk Line. Two dozen SIU members participated in the demonstration, which was organized by the New York-based International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). The boisterous event was intended to spur New York Governor George Pataki and New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman to extend a successful port lease bid to the two shipping companies. Sea-Land and Maersk, which share vessels, containers, tenninals and other assets, account for a substantial amount of cargo volwne in the port of New York and ·New Jersey. They are considering a new lease proposal from that port as well as competitive bids from Baltimore and Halifax, Nova Scotia to relocate much of their northeastern waterborne commerce. Each of the proposed leases is believed to be for at least 25 years. A decision may be announced sometime this month. ILA President John Bowers stated that the potential relocation of the carriers' northeastern hub "jeopardizes more than 3,500 longshore jobs in this region. Everyone in this region should be concerned about the potential loss of jobs. Not just longshore jobs, but tens of thousands of other jobs related to the movement of cargo into and out of this port." Prior to the rally, Bowers also told Pataki and Whitman that he believed "negotiations between New York and New Jersey regarding issues unrelated to the Sea-Land and Maersk negotiations" repeatedly had delayed the port's proposal during a recent three-month period, thus increasing the likelihood that another port would snatch the business. Whitman attended the April 12 event and subsequently extended a tentative offer to the companies, even though it ultimately requires Pataki's approval because the port is jointly operated. Press reports indicate that Whitman's proposal is approximately $120 million in state incentives. Meanwhile, Maryland officials reportedly have offered to construct a $200 million, 330-acre marine terminal in Baltimore if its bid is successful. An April 14 article by Robert Little of the Baltimore Sun indicated that the state also has promised to improve Baltimore's railroad access--currently perceived by some as a shortcoming, and no small factor considering that SeaLand is owned by rail giant CSX Corp. The estimated 750,000 shipping containers annually handled by the bid winner would triple Baltimore's cargo volwne. Halifax reportedly has bid on a lesser volume of the companies' business. Shortly after receiving Whitman's proposal, Sea-Land and Maersk, which have had some joint operations since 1995, said they will not comment on their decision while they review the bids. However, a Sea-Land official reportedly described the New York-New Jersey bid as "competitive," while a Maersk spokesman indicated a desire for a fairly expeditious decision. - - SIU members and officials were among the more than 1,000 trade unionists taking part in the April 12 rally outside New York's World Trade Center. The demonstration was aimed at saving local maritime jobs that would be impacted by a potential relocation of Sea-Land and Maersk terminal business. Among the Seafarers at the rally (photo below) were SIU Representatives Jack Caffey Jr. (far left) and Jack Sheehan, SIU member Charles DiCanio and SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey (far right). MERPAC Continues Crafting Suggested STCW Standards REC Restructuring Delayed at Least 2 Years The U.S. Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) last month delved further into developing national perfonnance measures for evaluating mariner competence in accordance with the amended STCW convention. Meeting April 1 at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., the group emphasized the need to ensure that all mariner demonstrations of competency in an STCW category titled "basic safety training" are evaluated using uniform minimwn guidelines. "Some of these standards will be established quickly, while others will take longer," noted Bill Eglinton, MERPAC chairman and director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, located in Piney Point, Md. "In any case, the United States will set the standard internationally for mariner training. By February 1, 2002 (the final implementation date for the STCW amendments), only the best training schools will remain." Also at the meeting, Coast Guard officials reported that a lack of funding has slowed the planned restructuring of its regional examination centers (RECs ). The agency still intends to proceed with privatizing certain aspects of licensing and docwnentation; but the RECs likely will remain in their current state for at least two more years. As its name indicates, MERPAC provides advice to the Coast Guard concerning merchant marine personnel matters such as training standards, certification and fitness. The volunteer group includes representatives from throughout the industry-labor, management and government. AB Sinclair Oubre is a member. In addition to the committee May 1999 members, more than 100 volunteers answered a recent Coast Guard call for input on developing the national performance measures for evaluating mariner competence. (The request was published in the Federal Register on Februacy 12.) Together, they are working toward an early Year 2000 deadline for submitting a written response to the agency's concurrent request for performancemeasure suggestions. (They plan to have a draft by July 1.) "It boils down to making sure that the standards established in the STCW amendments (as enacted by signatory nations) are realistic and fair," stated Oubre, who heads a MERPAC working group focused on ratings forming part of a navigational watch. "As U.S. merchant mariners constantly are being pounded about being internationally competitive, what will keep us that way is our quality of training and professionalism. No amount of money can replace a rating who is qualified and welltrained. "However, it will be up to the regulatory agencies like the Coast Guard to make sure that unqualified employees are barred from foreign-flag ships." STCW is the abbreviation for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention took place in 1978, with the U.S. signing on in 1991. The convention was amended in 1995, as 132 countries (including the U.S.) signed on. Some of those amendments took effect in 1997, with others still awaiting implementation. The basic aim of STCW is setting minimum international qualifications for masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on deep sea merchant ships. STCW does not apply to mariners on inland merchant vessels, but does apply to mariners on domestic voyages if the vessel operates beyond the boundary line. As noted in the Federal Register, the 1995 STCW amend- ments require that candidates for certification must establish their competence in a wide range of subjects, depending on the functions they perform and their shipboard responsibilities. The amendments include standards of competence in the form of tables that identify areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, which must be demonstrated, and describe general criteria for assessing whether an individual meets the standards. DOT Nears Full Y2K Compliance A top official at the U.S. Department of Transportation (OOn told Congress last month that the department is nearing full "year 2000" compliance for its hundreds of "mission-critical systems," including those operated by the U.S. Maritime Administration. DOT Deputy Secretary Mort Downey, a strong advocate of the U.S. merchant marine, informed a special Senate committee on Y2K that approximately 90 percent of the vital systems within the department's various administrations have been updated for Y2K. He also stated that DOT officials are working with international organizations and foreign governments to help bring about Y2K readiness in the maritime and aviation industries. Sometimes referred to as the millennium bug, Y2K has become common parlance for describing potential technological problems associated with the turn of the century. The dilemma involves computer equipment-found in everything from ships and airplanes to VCRs and coffee makers-that may misread 2000 as 1900 due to programming that only accounts for a single century. It is a multi-billion dollar, worldwide issue made more complex by inevitable interfaces between compliant and non-compliant systems. Despite the daunting task, Downey told the Senate committee that he is "fully confident that all of DOT's vital computer systems will effectively make the transition on January 1, 2000 .... Every mission-critical system at DOT will be repaired, replaced or retired by the 2000 deadline. Period." He reported that nwnerous DOT administrations already have achieved full Y2K compliance for their respective vital systems, among them the Maritime Administration, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the Surface Transportation Board and others. "The only systems projected to be completed after June are six systems which belong to the U.S. Coast Guard," Downey added on April 14. "The Coast Guard has completed work on 84 percent (62 of 74) of its mission-critical systems. Due to com- plicated logistics and weather conditions in Alaska, the Coast Guard has scheduled completion of its final system, the Valdez Vessel Traffic System, in October 1999 although it now appears that the existing Valdez system will be remedied much sooner. The Coast Guard will do all it can to improve on this schedule, and the commandant has assured me that the Coast Guard will accomplish its Y2K mission well before the end of the year." The deputy secretary also acknowledged that the shipping and aviation fields face particularly difficult predicaments because of their international characteristics. "There is a larger potential for international failures, adversely affecting our own domestic and cross-border operations," he explained. "We continue to meet with foreign representatives in order to cooperate on Y2K issues. Secretary (Rodney) Slater raised the Y2K readiness issue with his European counterparts during meetings in Germany, Belgiwn and England during the last week of March and earlier in the year with Western Hemisphere and African transportation ministers. Last week, we met with representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Transport, who reported on good progress being made in their country." Meanwhile, as reported in the March issue of the Seafarers LOG, management information systems personnel at SIU headquarters have made substantial progress in ensuring that the union's communications and record-keeping mechanisms are Y2K compliant. The medical claims system became compliant late last year, as did the phone systems at headquarters, at all SIU halls and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The clinic system (used to track physical examinations and drug-test data for the membership) was Y2K compliant when it was completed in 1992. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and union plans and accounting departments are using Y2K compliant software. Seafarers LOG 5 �Upgrader Praises Academic Department, Encourages Seatarers to Pursue Education Editor ~ note: Recertified Steward Georg Kenny is working toward his associate s degree through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. As part of those studies, he recently completed a political science class at the school in Piney Point, Md He met the governor of his home state, West Virginia s Cecil Underwood, during that class and subsequently submitted the following article to the Seafarers LOG. Prior to taking the Paul Hall Center's political science course, I had little interest in politics. I hadn't bothered reading the Constitution of our great nation. The Bill of Rights, which guarantees basic freedoms, was unknown tome. I also was generally distrustful of politicians. My outlook has changed for the better, after working with the academic department at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Today, I have a better understanding of how government works. I've seen it in action by attending seminars in Washington, D.C. on matters of national interest (specifically, Y2K). A visit with Governor Cecil Underwood of my home state of Culinary Instructor Batten Wins Prestigious Award Chef Commends Seafarers for Progress Jack Batten, a culinary instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, recently received the "Chef of the Year" award from the Nation's Capital Chef's Association. The award is considered the most prestigious one issued by the volunteer association, a philanthropic group which includes about 500 members-among them chefs, culinary educators, students, distributors and suppliers. "My wife owns half of this award," Batten stated. "She does so much work in the charitable events and other activities of the association." Included among those events is an annual culinary arts salon in Washington, D.C. conducted by Batten and his wife, Janet, in conjunction with another industry affair. When contacted by the Seafarers LOG for a story about the trophy, Batten steered the conversation to his work with SIU members upgrading at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located in Piney Point, Md. "Teaching is what I enjoy most about the food business," noted Batten, an American Culinary Federation certified executive chef and chef instructor at two Maryland community colleges. "In the SIU, it's neat that the mariners want to keep themselves upgraded and taught." Batten believes that, as public awareness of various aspects of nutrition have increased-involving everything from food content to calorie counts, and food preparation to sanitation-and culinary equipment has improved, so too have Seafarers in the steward department become more proficient at their work. "We have students today who are doing things that, 20 years ago, only executive chefs did,'' he explained. "Nutrition and health is a big issue now, whereas you never heard about it 10 or 15 years ago. Today, people want to eat well." Batten added that the field constantly offers new lessons and challenges. "I've been doing this for 30 years, and I still learn something every day." 6 Seafarers LOG Instructor Jack Batten credits steward department Seafarers with enthusiastically pursuing their upgrading courses. West Virginia allowed me to tell him about the Seafarers International Union. I explained to the governor about the continuous educational opportunities and employment and the major medical and pension benefits that the SIU can offer to residents of that state. My studies also included meeting Dr. Sam Tully, West Virginia's chief technological officer, and field trips to county commissioner meetings in Leonardtown, Md. that raised my awareness of local issues. I also commend my instructor, Peggy Densford, for helping me understand the complexity of government and respect the efforts of its participants. In addition to the political science course, I recently studied English literature with Joan Miles. She, too, is a gifted instructor. Recertified Steward Georg Kenny (left) presents an SIU jacket to West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood on March 25. Brother Kenny recently completed the political science course at the Paul Hall Center. I was a high school dropout. Today, I aspire to obtain a college degree. I am very, very grateful to the Seafarers International Union for initiating and maintaining our school. But, most of all, for encouraging Seafarers to further their education by participating in the various academic programs available at Piney Point. Over the years, I have heard many seamen express regret for not pursuing their education. They would say there wasn't enough time or that they were too old. These are erroneous thoughts. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and its academic department always have the time for you. As the saying goes, "It's never too late to learn." Training Vessel Osprey Upgraded The MV Osprey, a training boat berthed at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., recently underwent refurbishment designed to enhance the school's unlicensed apprentice curriculum as well as certain upgrading courses that comply with the STCW convention. Formerly a U.S. Navy patrol boat, the Osprey earlier this year passed its Coast Guard inspection, thereby opening the door for students (including those pictured above) to conduct on-board training exercises with the boat underway. The Osprey's features include Furuno and Ratheon radars, plus a global positioning system. Its training uses include firefighting, steering, line-handling, navigation, rudder and steering commands and more. Lakes Seafarers Complete On-Site Diesel Engine Course Seven Seafarers sailing in the Great Lakes division recently completed an on-site diesel engine technology class conducted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The four-day course took place in Cleveland aboard the Great Lakes Towing Co. boat Ohio. SIU members who successfully finished the class were Lonnee Aakeberg, Cary Gimpel and his father, Don Gimpel, Grant Hult, Dave Plunkett, Gary Rutenbar and Tim Zbin. Instructors Ron Oyer and Bill Saul utilized the Ohio ~ engines for hands-on training. Classroom instruction also was included in the class, which took place March 9-12. Among the topics were diesel engine theory; two- and fourstroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of diesel engines. "The school was glad to accommodate Great Lakes Towing's request for this class,'' noted Saul. "All of the participants were great students and actively took part in the course." Students including Lonnee Aakeberg (above, left) and Don Gimpel benefited from using Great Lakes Towing machinery (pictured at left) during the practical training segments. The four-day diesel engine course took place aboard the tugboat Ohio (bottom photo). May1999 �Watchman Leonard Thomas American Mariner QMED Tom Tucker American Mariner Deckhand Jason Stone (left) and AB John Spezia Tugboat Montana Porter Mohamed Yahya ASC Sam laud Wiper Hamid Hizam American Republic Second Cook Raymond Maynard Sam Laud QMED Kassem Abdulla American Mariner AB Gerald Bollinger Wiper Matt Posten American Mariner St.John Watchman Joseph Hance American Mariner May 1999 Deckhand Robert Jewell Watchman David Gapske American Mariner Sam Laud AB Robert Petko Porter Y. Kaid St.John American Republic Seafarers LOG 7 �Sea-I.and Consumer Galley Just Like Mom's Kitchen One of the most difficult aspects of being a merchant mariner during a holiday is spending it away from the family. But on the Sea-Land Consumer, as on many SIU-crewed vessels, fellow crew members are the family, and the ship's galley talces the place of mom's kitchen-from which come many of the traditional holiday favorites. After a selection of appetizers, Christmas dinner aboard the Sea-Land Service vessel started with homemade split pea soup and went on to roast tom turkey with cornbread dressing and giblet gravy, roast prime rib of beef au jus, and baked glazed Virginia ham. Vegetables included mashed potatoes, acorn squash, peas and carrots and cranberry sauce. The desserts, too many to list, included Boston cream pie, balced Alaska, apple pie and creme caramel. In the March issue, the Seafare rs WG ran a feature on the Sea-Land Consumer and some of the notable meals served aboard that containership. Since then, additional photos have been received, which are printed on this page. The little touches-a decorated Christmas tree and a table-top dancing Santa-help crew members aboard the Sea-Land Consumer get into the spirit of the season. Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt and Assistant Cook Rachel CutlerWashington work very hard to make each holiday a memorable one. ABs Phil. Harmon (left) and Steve Ledermann enjoy a festive meal together. Even the control room, where DEU John Cooper is working, has its own decorations. ABs Bennie Spencer (left) and Larry Bradley (right) are appreciative of all the work Assistant Cook Rachel Cutler-Washington has done to make the holidays special. B Seafarers LOG Enjoying the holiday fare is one aspect to spending Christmas at sea, but there's never a lack of work to be done. ABs Larry Bradley (left) and Phil Harmon get out the paint brushes to spruce up the containership before its arrival in Houston. May 1999 �DEU Pedro Ramos, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Retiree Mario Zelaya DEU Florencio Bermudez, AB Gregory Hickman, AB Bernard Blunt, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez AB Lee Selico, his wife, Edwina, and SIU President Michael Sacco QMED Rogers Bankston, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey AB Joe Labeau, DEU Charles Gray Chief Steward Joe Birke and wife, Delores \ SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Retiree Ray Cuccia Sights from Grand Opening of New Orleans Hall ELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME Captain Thomas White and wife, Stacey The photos on this page provide a sampling of the grand opening last month of the SIU's new union hall in Harvey, La. More photos from the event will be published in the next issue of the Seafarers LOG. Identifications are listed from left to right unless otherwise noted. Very special thanks to Barbara Brouillette-Perez and Jessica Smith for providing the photos. I Retiree Duke Duet and his wife, Maggie, AB Dave Messik, Retiree Beau James SIU Exec. VP John Fay, Retiree Charlie Corrente ••, 1999 SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Retiree Charlie Corrente, Steward department member Dustin Heindel. SIU Rep. Chris Westbrook, guest Kim Gray, SIU Rep. James Brown, secretary Narcille Barbe, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd and wife, Nancy, secretary Barabara Vicknair SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Retiree Louie Babin AB Dave Collins, Retired SIU Port Agent Joe Perez, AB Charlie Touzet AB Vic DiGiorgio, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Deckhand Herbert Hebert, Captain Tim Gegenheimer, Deckhand Alfred DiGregoria, Engineer Willie Judd SealarelS LOG 9 �Monthly Hawaiian Luaus Fann Solid Base for S-L Enterprise Pride A "happy steward department means a happy ship," according to Franchesca Rose, recertified steward aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. And much of that sense of well-being can be derived from pride in one's job and the great training offered to SIU members at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., she said. The photographs on this page, sent to the Seafarers WG by Rose, were taken during a shipboard barbecue to say "Aloha and Mahala" to Chief Cook Mohamed Omar, who had finished his rotation aboard the SeaLand Service vessel. Recertified Steward Franchesa Rose (right) meets her mother, Judith Hopfe, at the Honolulu airport. Mrs. Hopfe supplies leis and flowers from the family farm for the shipboard barbecues aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. "We just want to let you all know that if you ever get Brother Omar on your ship, consider yourselves blessed. For he is a man filled with lots of knowledge, talent, creativity, devotion to his job-and his fine gourmet cooking," wrote Rose on behalf of the ship's crew and officers. "We also want to thank our steward utility, Romeo Mansala, for all his hard work. He does a wonderful job," continued Rose, "and the crew appreciates his fine efforts." The three-person steward department aboard the SeaLand Enterprise plans a barbecue every trip, if not for a special event like the good-bye to Omar, then just to keep morale high. Rose said she makes many of the Hawaiian-style dishes one would find at a typical luau-kalua pig, laulau, lomi salmon, sashimi, poke, opihi, poi and coconut pudding. "Some will try the food, some won't dare," noted the steward, "but we have a great selection for everyone." Since the vessel stops in Honolulu, the flowers and garlands for the luaus come from Rose's family's farm. Her mother and father pick the blossoms, make the leis and ensure the items arrive aboard ship before it departs-and she extended much appreciation to them as well. Beneath a banner reading, "Thanks, Omar, we'll miss you," Chief Cook Mohamed Omar (above) shows off his good-bye cake while SA Romeo Mansala (right) attends to the grill. . ~ The unlicensed crew and officers alike sing the praises of their chief cook. From the left are Chief Engineer Dave McNeil, Chief Cook Mohamed Omar and Captain Tom McKay Jr. Luau delicacies (left) and desserts (above) are both beautifully prepared and arranged by the galley gang, using many of the skills acquired at steward department upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. 10 Seataren LOG The departing Omar (left) is given a rousing "Aloha and Mahalo" by AB Abdulhamid F. Musaed. May1999 �I Students Rally Against Sweatshop Labor Reminiscent of the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations of the 1960s and the anti-apartheid movement in the early '80s, college and university students are again showing their force-this time by protesting the use of sweatshops in the making of sweatshirts, caps, coffee mugs and other gear bearing their school logos. Student groups at more than 20 institutions, including Duke, New Hampshire, Georgetown, Princeton, Wisconsin and Michigan, are staging sit-ins, rallies and other forms of protest to call on their administrations to adopt a policy to ensure that licensed apparel is produced in factories that pay workers a living wage and do not exploit children. The protests are directed at university-contracted apparel companies, asking that they disclose the names and addresses of the factories with whom they do business. In the past couple years, students on a number of campuses began pressuring their administrations to adopt a code intended to guarantee that items bearing their school logos would not be made in sweatshops. The code they are advocating would require disclosure of factory locations and allow inspections of the sites. It also would include provisions against forced labor, child labor and unsafe working conditions. Most apparel companies assert that sweatshop labor is not used in the production of the items found in college bookstores. But many companies do not disclose the locations of their factories, and their claims cannot be verified independently, the activists say. "It's important for us to know where the factories are because then people will be able to monitor them to make sure they're not sweatshops," said one Duke senior. Some colleges and universities have responded to the student pressure by agreeing to require monitors and adopt measures intended to remedy sweatshop conditions. Seventeen of the institutions, including Harvard, Yale and Duke, last month announced they would join a new factory-monitoring group, the Fair Labor Association, which has established a code of conduct for apparel producers in addition to providing measures for monitoring plants for violations. Duke University adopted the nation's strictest code which, in addition to disclosure of factories' nanies and addresses, also includes requirements for a living wage. Port of NY/NJ to Remain Competitive A long-awaited dredging contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month to deepen the channel into the port of New York/New Jersey. The $23.6 million deal-the first of eight construction contracts in a $750 million roject-was awarded to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. to unclog the Kill van Kull channel, which is only 40 feet deep, between the major container terminals on Newark Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Because the large, newer containerships need at least 45 feet to safely navigate harbors on the East Coast, it was feared that Baltimore, with its 50-foot channel would cause the New York/New Jersey port to lose up to 60 percent of its container cargo if the Kill van Kull channel were not dredged. The port is now attempting to convince Maersk Line and Sea-Land Service, Inc., two of its largest carriers, not to flee to Baltimore to build a new terminal. "This deepening project ensures that our port will remain competitive and meet the needs of our customers well into the next century," stated Lillian Borrone, port commerce director at the East Coast's largest containerport. The actual work to dredge the channel-to be started following the submission of a safety plan-involves the digging and ocean disposal of nearly 500,000 cubic yards of material by September 6, 2000. Former SIU Official Jack Bluitt Dead at 72 John "Jack" Joseph Bluitt died at his home in New Port Richey, Fla., Wednesday, March 17. He was 72. Born in New York in 1926, Bluitt was only in his teens when he joined the SIU in 1943. He started helping out behind the service counter in the New York hall, and began sailing in the deck department as an OS, working his way up to bosun. The 42-year SIU veteran came ashore as a union official in 1958 and was sent by SIU President Paul Hall to the Great Lakes region in 1961 as a patrolman in Detroit to work with Fred Famen, the headquarters representative there. (The port later moved to Algonac, Mich., where Bluitt was port agent and headquarters representative from 1975 until his retirement in 1985.) During the Vietnam War, Jack (as the New York dispatcher) would spend many a day from 6:00 a.m. until midnight making sure SIU-contracted Fla. and Hampton, Va. are teaming up to restore the mothballed American Victory and convert it into a museum. Built in 1945, the American Victory has been part of the U.S. Reserve Fleet on Vrrginia's James River following the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU members, the vessel was one of more than 500 Victory · ships that debuted near the end of World War The American V1etory, once crewed by SIU members, is being converted into a museum that will be berthed in Tampa, Fla. •ay1999 Jack Bluitt Wednesday, Bluitt would drive the 20 miles from his home in New Port Richey to Dunedin (near Clearwater) to pick him up, and the two would go fishing or to antique shows or the racetrack. For almost two years, the two of them also visited another retired SIU member, J.R. O'Brien, in a nursing home, and "Jack would give him a lot of attention," Drews reminisced. Jack Bluitt was buried in West Hampton, L.I., next to his wife, Julia, and son Brian. He is survived by eight children and five grandchildren. Brother Donnelly Gets Final Wish • On December 20, 1998 at 12:45 p.m., the ashes of Brother Harry B. Donnelly were scattered from the fantail of the Green Island by the ship's master, Jay W.B. Frank, and Bosun Calvin Miles (in photo at right) outside the Strait of Gibraltar. In attendance were many of the Waterman ship's crew (above), representing all departments in both the licensed and unlicensed ratings. Bosun Miles asked for a minute of silence, and the flag was lowered to half staff. Master Frank noted that the ashes -Were respectfully consigned to the brine that is common to all of us who ply the seas. He is, therefore, still among us and now has eternal peace in perpetual communications with his brothers of the sea: American llictory Will Be Museum Editor :SO note: Retired Recertified Bosun Andrew Boney recently contacted the Seafarers LOG with information for this story. Retired mariners in Tampa, ships destined for Vietnam were properly crewed, according to Red Campbell, retired contracts vice president. Vice President Great Lakes Byron Kelley, who succeeded Bluitt in Algonac, liked him very much. "It can truly be said," Kelley stated, "that Jack was the kind of guy who devoted his entire life to the welfare of the SIU members." Known for his ability to communicate with members, Bluitt was just as comfortable before government panels as in 1977 when he testified before a congressional committee on the state of Great Lakes shipping and what should be done to improve the working conditions of boatmen in that area. SIU pensioner Peter Drews, who knew Bluitt for 42 years, both in New York and Algonac, counted him among his best friends. Drews retired from the SIU in 1986 and gave up driving in 1988. He said that for 11 years, like clockwork each II. During Vietnam, it was operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. Now, a non-profit group in Tampa endeavors to tum it into a museum that will be berthed next to the Florida Aquarium. The organization, known as The Victory Ship, Inc., took possession of the ship via an act of Congress. They since have begun an ambitious fund-raising campaign for the transportation and conversion of the ship. According to press reports, plans call for the American Victory to feature interactive displays recreating aircraft attacks and counter-measures, among other scenarios. A spokesman for the organization told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper, "I hope visitors will walk away and say, 'You know, I never knew that people of such great valor served our country."' For additional information, contact The Victory Ship, Inc. at (813) 228-8766. 'Living Wage' in New Jersey Earlier this year, the Hudson County (N.J.) Board of Freeholders adopted an SIU-backed •nving wage" ordinance that will boost pay and benefits for hundreds of workers in the county. The ordinance mandates that in new contracts (as well as renewals of current agreements), workers at private firl1\S staffing county buildings will receive at least 150 percent of the federal minimum wage. It further requires such companies to provide health and vacation benefits. The ordinance primarily impacts security guards and janitors. Pictured above (from left), commemorating this action, are SIU Representative Ed Pulver, who serves as president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council; Pete Busacca, secretary-treasurer of the council; and Bill O'Dea, a government official who proposed the ordinance. Seafarers LOii 11 �Deep Sea, Inland Seafarers Are Active in 'Charm City' Throughout the port of Baltimore, SIU members are a visible part of the work force. During a typical day last month, a reporter from the Seafarers LOG found Seafarers manning tugboats and military-contracted ships as well as assisting in the refurbishment of a newly contracted surveillance vessel. SIU-contracted inland companies Moran and McAllister have offices in 'Charm City,' as does Transoceanic Cable Ship Co., a Tyco subsidiary that operates Seafarerscrewed vessels including the Global Link, Global Mariner, Global Sentinel, Charles Brown and Long Lines. Other Seafarers-crewed deep sea ships also are among the vessels that load and off-load in Baltimore. The port itself is enjoying an upswing in general cargo, including strong showings this year in rollon/roll-off cargoes, containers, breakbulk and forest products. The photos on these two pages were shot April 13. McALLISTER Jacob Bryan, port engineer at McAllister, sailed with the SIU from 1959 to 1984. AB Holly Schaper is part of crew helping refurbish the lance ship. MORAN TUG S : .../ For Chief Engineer Terry Faulkner, pictured aboard the Brian A. McAllister, the SIU is a family affair. His son Keith sails as an AB with the union. Exhibiting teamwork on deck are DEU Rich Allen (left) and Bosun Tom Moore. A Seafarer for 23 years, Buzz Fenn is a familiar face at the McAllister dock in Baltimore. Checking a fuse box is QMED/ Electrician John Miller. 12 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Harry Galdeira readies another fine meal. QMED Bill MacCulloch enjoys a brief coffee break. May 1999 �\ TOR CAPE WRATH Cleaning carbon out of a turbo is DEU Dave Page. the SIU surveil- Chief Engineer Chuck Holmes (left), an SIU hawsepiper, says QMED Rob Scott and the other Seafarers aboard the vessel are doing a good job. QMED Teddy Wallace records an entry in the engine room. Troubleshooting a telephone Electrician Lenny Bonarek. Aboard the Hawkins Point, Deckhand Dayvien Johnson (left photo) and Engineer Gary Lavinder head to an evening assignment. Engineer Bill Epps (right) greets former Seafarer Manuel San Pedro. Deckhand Wally Lindley reports to the tug Cape Romain. Untying a line on the Hawkins Point is Deckhand Calvin Johnson. Primed for the next job is Engineer Kenny Hudgins. CAPE JOHNSON Pictured from left to right are QMED/Electrician Taylor Clear, GUDE Decarlo Harris and Bosun John Toomey. CAPE WASHINGTON Forming part of the ROS crew are (from left) Electrician Steven Kafka, GUDE Walter Lupo and Bosun Rick James, joined by SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Mar 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �- ired of the hustle and bustle of city streets, jam-packed shopping malls and stuffy community parks? Dread spending your summer vacation at a crowded beach resort or camping ground? Then this year tum your sights to Piney Point, Md., home of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Ideally situated on the banks of the St. George's Creek, all the ingredients for a fun-filled vacation can be found on the grounds or within driving distance of the center. Entertaining day trips throughout historic southern Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can fill time between fishing trips or tennis matches right on the center's facilities. The Paul Hall Center, which houses the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and educational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and a six-story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of waterfront property. A number of the rooms in the training and recreation center are set aside during the summer months for vacationing SIU members and their families. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and in the lobby is the Sea Chest, where personal items, maga- T zines, snacks and SIU souvenirs are sold. Your stay at Piney Point, which can last up to two weeks per family, also includes three delicious meals each day. At the center are a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health spa (including Nautilus, free weights, universal gym, sauna and steamroom) and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This peaceful setting provides the opportunity for both water and land-based expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for a good fishing spot. With 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. The school's marina also serves as the home of the Nianitou, the last pleasure vessel owned by President John F. Kennedy. The vessel was restored in 1990 by SIU pensioners. Across the grounds is the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum. The library contains more than 17,000 volumes on maritime and labor history, while the museum features a collection of ship models, historical nautical instruments and union memorabilia. One does not have to venture too far outside the gates of the Paul Hall Center to get a sense of history. St. Mary's County was the first proprietary colony in America, the first colony to practice religious tolerance, the first colony to have peaceful relations with the native Indians, the first Maryland capital and the first place a request for the women's right to vote was recorded. History aside, there are plenty of other attractions in Southern Marylandseafood festivals, art exhibitions, antique and craft shows, country auctions, concerts and theatre productions. But if you crave more than the easy southern Maryland way of life, you could venture into the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C,less than a two-hour drive from the Paul Hall Center. The Capitol, White House and Supreme Court all offer daily tours. A favorite for many families is a tour of the FBI headquarters as well as a UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES r--------------------------------------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse 10.00/day Child 10.00/day visit to the U.S. treasury's printing site, where one can actually watch the nation's paper currency being made. The Smithsonian Institution holds hundreds of exhibits (all free) and provides hours of fun for the entire family. Among the Smithsonian museums are those for natural history, American history, and the most popular-the National Air and Space Museum. One of the best of its kind is the Washington National Zoo. Hundreds of rare animals live in their natural habitats, including the rare panda bear. There are many more sights to behold in the area. The Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln memorials each has its unique surroundings and places to rest and share a picnic lunch. Paddle boats also may be rented by the hour-a fun way to get a look at life in Washington. Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are also well worth a visit (National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Mt. Vernon). Or you can catch an Orioles' ball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. It will take more than a day-or even a weekend ~to see some of the more famous landmarks and attractions in the area. But by using the Paul Hall Center as an affordable base from which to plan your vacation days, what you do and don't do is entirely up to you. To take advantage of this unique benefit to SIU members and their families, send in your reservation form now. Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. Telephone number: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ 3rd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 5199 go fishing. • • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG May1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea June & July 1999 MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 lfemllersllip Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland W~ *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmingt~n Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 10 16 9 6 18 15 16 4 9 35 18 8 16 20 14 30 27 8 8 11 3 4 7 33 1 4 0 254 15 2 2 1 139 8 2 10 4 6 12 3 3 11 2 2 10 4 5 0 83 Piney Point Algonac Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 13 13 7 S 4 I 3 5 0 4 12 12 2 3 5 2 17 8 4 IO 28 4 16 6 6 21 7 4 27 II 2 7 8 2 6 6 12 8 26 2 2 2 2 1 5 1 0 0 98 64 190 Reliefs 0 1 8 11 49 4 3 12 18 10 46 1 5 0 0 l 0 7S 0 133 89 29 l STEWARD DEPARTMENT 6 5 2 0 s 10 4 8 6 2 3 2 5 1 3 1 25 31 58 38 49 2 7 2 7 17 6 6 29 3 0 3 II 7 4 0 3 1 1 0 3 62 9 11 7 0 7 Piney Point .............Monday: June 7; Tuesday: July 6* (•change creoled by Independence [)(ry holiday) -·-----~· 5 1 0 13 4 6 7 7 8 21 8 12 13 6 4 14 3 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Oass A Class B Class C Trip ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 2 10 7 l 2 1 3 2 3 7 0 3 6 6 4 2 3 13 0 2 4 3 2 12 9 4 2 7 6 7 9 2 12 3 12 6 0 1 2 1 0 4 8 3 4 4 2 20 l 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 31 32 67 111 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 436 25 s s 4 10 11 13 s 34 16 15 22 10 7 20 3 6 0 201 24 12 8 6 4 2 Baltimore ............•...Thursday: June 10, July 8 20 7 4 Dulutb ..................... Wednesday: June 16, July 14 14 20 11 Honolulu •..•.......•.....Friday; June 18, July 16 21 26 18 12 4 9 19 1 17 Houston ..................Monday: June 14, July 12 3 5 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 15, July 13 0 205 0 New York................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 97 11 6 2 11 8 0 4 7 3 4 s 0 2 11 2 4 9 1 5 24 2 9 10 9 6 11 2 4 3 1 7 0 6 3 0 1 0 138 36 13 3 Algonac ..................Friday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 10, July 8 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: June 23, July 21 Mobile •••••m•·•· ........Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday~ June 22, July 20 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 9, July 7 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan ..................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis .................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington .............Monday: June 21, July 19 Each port's meeting starts st 10:30 a.m. Personals EDDIE BURKE Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 2 0 6 4 3 24 26 21 19 8 7 1 3 0 138 8 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 10 1 2 0 3 0 4 5 6 3 2 3 10 10 s 1 3 l 7 1 2 4 1 68 1 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 17 Port 7 0 0 29 0 0 52 194 75 12 0 12 0 160 Totals All Departments 577 490 289 0 1 2 7 9 6 8 6 4 2 0 0 13 21 18 8 14 2 35 12 3 14 13 20 1 9 14 2 2 1 4 3 2 2 0 6 1 0 1 6 0 0 13 7 0 2 2 0 0 0 33 l I 0 0 111 2 0 38 0 0 0 0 21 8 4 5 s ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 20 6 0 l 2 0 2 4 0 0 0 7 II 3 0 0 0 5 0 2 3 3 0 6 13 3 9 0 0 6 5 0 3 6 0 11 11 3 0 2 0 4 0 4 22 60 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 39 117 112 9 l 7 12 5 5 3 2 320 229 139 - 14 0 3 37 40 13 10 1 31 33 2 18 6 3 3 10 2 1 6 3 s It has been a long time since Alan and Jackie Martyn have heard from you. Please write them at P.O. Box 6507, Los Osos, CA 93412; or telephone (805) 528-0229. Keeping on Top of Deck Duties s 0 0 8 2 1 0 0 236 103 29 Cesar Gutierrez, bosun aboard the Liberty Star, tackles a wire-splicing job while the Liberty Maritime vessel is en route to Haifa, Israel. 9 60 29 0 4 0 2 1 19 15 7 2 15 2 15 11 12 27 17 10 28 s Cl--111111111 10 10 17 21 4 11 3 by George Buisson 44 96 20 22 5 0 14 -------8 8 7 4 0 0 16 6 0 0 80 297 241 953 743 403 *"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. May 1999 0 1 14 3 0 ··--· 0 14 9 6 15 l 7 4 451 J3 2 2 ------~- New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 2 12 9 14 18 5 1 1 19 3 L06-A-RHmlMS ... River of Love A woman is like a river, shes soft but powerful at the same time. Treat her right and she will keep you afloat at a steady stream. Such as a river, she has her ups and downs, but faithful and reliable like the mighty Mississippi. Like a river, she cannot be dammed or controlled, she must be let free to flow at her own speed and course. But such as a river, she is the source of all life. AB George Buisson wrote this poem in 1991 while working on the MN Advantage during the Persian Gulf war. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sealare1S lnfematlonal llnlon Dlret:IOIY MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - Company/Lakes John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindd Se~retaly-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack CafTey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coa.51 Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kennett Mangnm Vice President Government Services . .. HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (30 I) 899--0615 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 9 0 13 2 0 10 3 0 19 28 L - Lakes NP - Non Priority · TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 7 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 I STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 I ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 16 0 8 0 7 2 0 15 26 Totals All Depts 0 65 42 0 19 4 0 46 *"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. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 l (810) 794-4988 9 38 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #tC .Anchorage.AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (20 l) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 - NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 321'-7545 NORFOLK Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pill.ADELPHIA 2604 s. 4 St. t 9148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 15 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 t) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma. WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N . Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG I 6 so 3 13 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 3 0 7 0 1 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 3 39 9 51 0 1 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 4 0 0 17 0 0 2 0 4 0 2 17 0 2 0 I 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 16 36 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 40 PI C-FROM-THE-PAST l JS Third St 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 0 2 0 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals All Depts 90 3 13 19 1 6 86 3 *"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. NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY I I 232 (718) 499-6600 Philadelphia, PA 0 2 45 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class .C 16~ This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Third Mate/AB Keith W. Finnerty of Baltimore, who has been an SIU member since 1984. The picture is of his father, Bosun Thomas C. Finnerty (left) and a shipmate (whose name he can't remember except that he was from Boston). It was taken while ashore in LeHavre, France shortly after World War 11. The elder Finnerty was an SIU member from 1943 until 1958. He recently became eligible for an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard for service in the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWI I. He also received medals for all three war zones (Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean) as well as the Combat Ribbon for action under fire. Additionally, the Russian government sent him a medal for his participation in the dangerous runs to Murmansk during the war. Now 76 years old, Thomas Finnerty still reads every issue of the Seafarers LOG. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are a total of 21 members who have retired after many voyages on the world's oceans, waterways and lakes. Eleven of those signing off their ships for the last time sailed in the deck department, seven shipped in the engine department and three were members of the steward department. Among those joining the ranks of the retirees, eight served in the U.S. military-three each in the Army and Navy, and one each in the Air Force and Marine Corps. This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: seven from the Midwest, five in the Gulf states, four on the West Coast, three in Puerto Rico and two on the East Coast. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. J DEEP SEA ALOA AGOSTINO, 71, started her career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1961 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Sister Agostino last sailed aboard the USNS Soderman as a member of the steward department. Born in Wisconsin, she has retired to Corono Del Mar, Calif. MIGUELA. ALICEA,47, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975 from the port of New York aboard the Azalea City. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1968 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Caguas, P.R. CLARENCE E.ANDERSON, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the John C., operated by Atlantic Carriers. A native of Kentucky, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Anderson last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Newark and makes his home in Adrian, W. Va. From 1965 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Army. KASSIM A. HARHARA, 52, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of San Francisco aboard the Overseas Dinny. During his career, he May 1999 worked in all three departments, last sailing in the steward department aboard the Sea-Land Independence. Born in Yemen, he has retired to Seattle. upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Williams last sailed aboard an NPR Inc. vessel. He makes his home in Carolina, P.R. INLAND TOMASA. PEARCE,65, first sailed with the SIU in 1966. Born in Mexico, he worked in the de.ck depart...____......____..~~ ment. Brother Pearce last sailed aboard the Zapata Ranger. He makes his home in Boulder City, Nev. WILLIAMS. TANN0,66, started his career with the MC&Sin 1968, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD, sailing aboard the Monterey. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Brother Tanno last sailed in 1996 aboard the Cape Isabel, an American President Lines vessel. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Born in Hawaii, he has retired to Los Angeles. RUBEN A. VELEZ SR., 53, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was Our Lady of Peace. Starting out in the de.ck department, he later transferred to the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Velez last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. The Puerto Rico native calls San Juan home. FREDERICK V. VOGLER, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco sailing aboard the Longview Victory. The California native worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Vogler has retired to Chino, Calif. GEORGE A. WILLIAMS, 53, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and THOMASM. ASTON SR., 61, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1962.The Mississippi native was a member of the ~=-...;"-'-'-' engine department. During his career, he worked primarily for Dravo Basic Materials. Boatman Aston makes his home in Bourg, La. JOHND. BROOKS,62, began sailing with the SIU in 1975 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Brooks worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Born in Ohio, he has retired to Dundas, Va. STEWART G.CORRY, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Texas native worked in the de.ck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Corry makes his home in Houston. ROBERTW. DAWSEY, 66, first sailed with the SIU in 1987. Boatman Dawsey worked as a captain, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing. His last boat was the Mark McAllister. A native of Mississippi, he resides in Pearlington. HENRY L. NEWKIRK, 64, began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman Newkirk last sailed in 1982 aboard the Estelle Stone. A native of North Carolina, he resides in Wilmington. WILLIAM H. RUSSELL, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1954 from the port of New Orleans. Boatman Russell worked in the de.ck department, last sailing as a mate aboard the Resolute, operated by Dixie Carriers. A native of Louisiana, he makes his home in Metairie. From 1959 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Army. BOBBYR. SIMMONS, 55, first sailed with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Simmons last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Land O'Lakes, Fla. GREAT LAKES LEONARD L. BARNARD, 68, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Barnard worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Buffalo, operated by American Steamship Co. The Michigan native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1952. He has retired to Benzonia, Mich. EDWARDG. FIKE, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1952. The Ohio native started out in the engine department and later transferred to the de.ck department. He last sailed aboard the Virginia, a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Brother Fike resides in Parma, Ohio. MELVINR. -···-· KIRCHOFF, .: ..,.· 57, joined the ;\ Seafarers in fa 1963 in the ·=:; port of Alpena, .,.,. Mich. Brother Kirchoff worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management. He last sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. The Michigan native makes his home in Posen. - JULIAN C. MARTIN, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1959 from the port of Detroit. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department as a mate. Brother Martin last sailed in 1977 aboard the J.A. Kling, operated by American Steamship Co. He has retired to Saginaw, Mich. AHMED A. SHOHATEE, 58, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he began working in the engine department and later transferred to the de.ck department. Brother Shohatee last sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. He makes his home in Detroit. Thanks Given to Obregon Crew The captain and crew of the PFC Eugene A. Obregon recently were sent letters of appreciation from the U.S. Navy for the outstanding support the maritime prepositioning vessel provided the Navy during exercise Dynamic Mix '98. The galley gang (right) is comprised of (from left, standing) SA Jorge Mora, Chief Steward Patrick __.~ Helton, Chief Cook Rudolph .......~........__ _ _ __:.__ Xatruch, SA Edita Miguel, SA Arnulfo Lacayo, (kneeling) Asst. Cook/Utility Mauricio Castro and SA Saleh Mohamed. (SA Mary Jones is not pictured.) _..L..._ l•~rf6ii'S~r=l!!Bf7T!,~--I Members of the f! deck department (left) during -..--..-...4 Dynamic Mix '98 are (standing) Bosun Henry Bouganim, (from left, kneeling) ABs William Michael, Gregory Hickman, Henry Sondie, Charles Frisella and Arthur Reed. In the engine department of the •r::::;lli~~~~=• Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel ~Ni~,~--JiiliiillR (bottom) are (from left: QMEDs Maximo Dising and Robert Farmer, DEU Jose Bermudez, and QMEDs Ronald Lukacs and James Brock. Seafarers LOG 17 - �DEEP SEA CAYETANO B. AGONY Pensioner Cayetano B. Agony, 92, passed away December 18, 1998. A native of the Philippine Islands, he started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1944 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Agony's first ship was the Cape Isabel, and prior to his retirement in January 1971, he signed off the Idaho. He was a resident of San Jose, Calif. JOHN L. ARVANITES Pensioner John L. Arvanites, 65, died February 3. Born in Greece, he joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. ======:::::..::i Brother Arvanites sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney, Point, Md. His first ship was the Orion Comet and he last sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in July 1998. RAYMOND V. BAKER Pensioner RaymondV. Baker, 68, passed away February 8. He first sailed with the SIU in 1948 aboard the Powder River, a Cities Service tanker. Brother Baker worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Leader. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Baker was a resident of Houston. He retired in August 1995. ERVIN BRADLEY ·· Pensioner Ervin Bradley, 78, died February 7. Brother Bradley started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of Mobile, Ala. '--~=:::====;___JBorninSouth Carolina, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He lived in Mobile and began receiving his pension in May 1982. DICK T. BRINKLEY Dick T. Brinkley, 59, passed away in February. Born in Texas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1980 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Brinkley started out in the inland division and later transferred to deep sea vessels. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1957 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Brinkley was a resident of Los Angeles. ROBERT A. BUTLER Pensioner Robert A. Butler, 76, died February 12. A native of Arkansas, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Butler sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1977. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. He was a resident of New Orleans. 18 Seafarers LOG JAi SUNG CHAR CLARENCE V. HENRY Pensioner Jai Sung Char, 80, passed away January 22. Born in Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Prior to his retirement in February 1984, he sailed aboard the Maui, operated by Matson Navigation. Brother Char was a resident of Honolulu. Pensioner Clarence V. Henry, 71, passed away February 27. He was a heavyweight boxing contender prior to joining the ~==~ MC&S in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. His first ship was the Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co. During his seafaring career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. military. Brother Henry was a resident of Harbor City, Calif. He retired in 1983. JOHN N. CHIORRA ===== Pensioner John N. Chiorra, 80, died February 23. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in West Virginia, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Chiarra was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. A resident of Allentown, Pa., he began receiving his pension in March 1969. THOMAS WOODROW DICKENS Pensioner Thomas Woodrow Dickens, 82, _ ·= ·,...••·• passed away March 8. Brother Dickens began sailing with the SIU in 1941 from the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native sailed in the steward department and retired in June 1978. He was a resident of Hammond, La. ROBERT W~ FERRANDIZ r-::::::::.::::~:::-::7~:-=::--t Pensioner Robert W. Ferrandiz, 73, died March 6. \ . He joined the ·' Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. The Empire State native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. A resident of Las Vegas, he started receiving his pension in April 1987. EDWARD F. GARRITY Pensioner Edward F. Garrity, 76, passed away February 13. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the SIU in 1953 from the port of New York. He worked as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Brother Garrity was a resident of Philadelphia and retired in December 1987. LEWIS J. "CURLY" GOODWIN -----=-------. Pensioner Lewis J. "Curly" Goodwin, 83, died May 27, 1998. Brother Goodwin joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port ~====== of New York. Born in Maine, he sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in May 1970. From 1934 to 1939, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of Portland, Maine. GEORGE C. HOFFMAN Pensioner George C. Hoffman, 81, passed away February 13. A native of Louisiana, he started his career with the === Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in September 1979. From 1938 to 1941, Brother Hoffman served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a resident of New Orleans. MARTIN M. ITURRINO ======:="'1 Pensioner in the deck department and retired in April 1987. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Brother Lujan made his home in Los Molinos, Calif. ROBERT 0. LYONS Pensioner Robert 0. Lyons, 80, passed away February 14. Brother Lyons joined the MC&S in 1950 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Illinois and a resident of Berkeley, Calif., he began receiving his pension in December 1980. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. military from 1941 to 1945. Pensioner Marion M. Martin Jr., 78, died recently. A native of Virginia, he began sailing with the SIU in 1948 from the '---====:....__.=_J port of New York. Brother Martin sailed as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1943. A resident of Pearlington, Miss., he retired in October 1978. Pensioner Jeannie Ekimoto Medina, 82, passed away January 13. A native of California and a resident of San Francisco, she joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Sister Medina's first ship was the President Cleveland. Prior to her retirement in October 1976, she worked aboard the Mariposa. DOROTHY KEMISH RAYMOND A. MILLY Pensioner Dorothy Kemish, 74, passed away January 26. Sister Kemish started her career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Her first ship was the Mariposa. Born in England, she was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. and began receiving her pension in June 1978. Pensioner Raymond A. Milly, 87, died January I. Brother Milly began sailing with the MC&S in 1956 aboard the Lurline, operated by Matson Navigation, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in June 1973. Pensioner Melecio T. Llacuna, 85, died January l 0. He joined the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in the Philippine Islands, Brother Llacuna made his home in San Francisco. He retired in 1978. EDWARD J. LOFLIN Pensioner Edward J. Loflin, 82, passed away January 18. Brother Loflin started his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Alcoa Corsair. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and engine departments. The Mississippi native began receiving his pension in October 1981. He was a resident of Sea Level, N.C. JOSEPH E. LUJAN Pensioner Joseph E. Lujan, 78, died" March 17. Born in New Mexico, he joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Greeley Victory. Brother Lujan sailed WILLIAM M. ''DUKE" PEARSON Pensioner William M. "Duke" ·Pearson, 81, passed away November 7, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the ======..:.=:..:.i MC&S in 1948, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Pearson came ashore in 1972 to work at the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. A resident of Waianae, Hawaii, he began receiving his pension in September 1975. KENNETH G. PETERSON MARION M. MARTIN JR. Martin M. lturrino, 87, died February 16. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of New =.;.;,._,;,==York. Brother Iturrino worked in the steward department and retired in December 1976. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a resident of Alexandria, Va. MELECIO T. LLACUNA N.J., he began receiving his pension in October -1982. JEANNIE EKIMOTO MEDINA DELMAR B. MISSIMER Pensioner Delmar B. Missimer, 73, passed away February 1. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Missimer sailed in the deck department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of New Orleans, retiring in May 1986. JOSEPH PASZEK Pensioner Joseph Paszek, 79, died February 15. Born in Poland, Brother Paszek began his care;er with the SIU in 1947 in the port =~__;:;;=::...c..=== of New York. He was a member of the engine department. During World War II, he sailed in the merchant marine and was decorated by President Truman for heroism. A resident of Marlboro, Pensioner Kenneth G. Peterson, 64, died February 10. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1966 aboard the Duke Victory. =======..i The Michigan native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Peterson last sailed aboard the Westward Venture, an lnterocean Management Corp. vessel. A resident of Hancock, Mich., he retired in January 1996. INLAND CHARLES A. CHINN Pensioner Charles A. Chinn, 71, passed away March J2. Born in Tennessee, he joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port ==~==== of New Orleans. Boatman Chinn sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in May 1995. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Memphis, Tenn. GREAT LAKES GEORGE H. SYLVESTER Pensioner George H. Sylvester, 86, died December 15, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1954 in the port of Alpena, Mich. Brother Sylvester worked in the steward department, sailing primarily aboard the S. T. Crapo and the J. W Boardman, operated by Huron Portland Cement Co. A resident of Port Richey, Aa., he began receiving his pension in July J983. RAILROAD MARINE JOSEPH BOLMARICH Pensioner Joseph Bolmarich, 92, passed away February 28. Born in Austria, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Bolmarich sailed as a deckhand and worked primarily for the marine division of the New York Central Railroad Co. He was a resident of Brick, NJ. and began receiving his pension in May 1971. EDUARDO SACCONE Pensioner Eduardo Saccone, 94, passed away February 13. Brother Saccone joined the SIU in J 960 in the port of New York. He sailed as a deckhand and retired in February 1970. Born in Italy, he was a resident of East Northport, N.Y. May 1999 �Ships lllJqutes first are rsvlewsd by the union's contract depattrnent. Those Issues requiring attention or resolution are addmssed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), December 30-Chairman Edwin Rivera, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Rashawn Richardson, Deck Delegate Walter Harris, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Mohamed M. Hussein. Chairman reported all well aboard ship with no beefs or disputed ITT. Secretary thanked crew members for efforts in keeping house and mess decks clean. President's Report from latest Seafarers LOG read and discussed. Also talked about ITF and need to expose runaway-flag shipping. Steward department thanked for great holiday meals. Next ports: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas. OOCL INSPIRATION (Sea-Land Service), December 17-Chairman Neftali Santana, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Clarence R. Langford. Director met with chief mate to establish guidelines for getting TRBs signed off by January 1, 1999. Mate agreed to sign booklets. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service)-December 13Chairman John Stout, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Salvadore a are, Engine Delegate Robert A. Rush, Steward Delegate Lovie Diaz. Chairman stated this was last trip to Caribbean and TRBs should be signed by December 31. Those getting off should clean cabins, leave keys behind and keep all doors locked while ship in port. New VCR will be brought aboard in Long Beach, Calif. He also reminded crew members of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary thanked chairman, ABs and engine department for job well done preparing for ship inspection. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Back door locks fixed on 01-02 level. Fumigation needed to rid ship of unwanted pests. Robert W. Gilliam. Chairman reminded crew members to renew STCW by taking signed TRBs and one photo to Coast Guard before 2002. Secretary noted payoff today and reminded crew of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. He also mentioned new fire fighting school being built there. No beefs or disputed ar reported. COURIER (Intrepid Ship Management), January 27-Chairman Charles Foley, Secretary Eva Myers, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings, Steward Delegate Antonio Martinez. Chairman announced payoff January 30. He'll try to get completion of tour forms from boarding patrolman. New TV antenna purchased. Treasurer stated $600 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to purchase movies with part of money. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), January 28Chairman Stephen Argay, Secretary Michael Hammock, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Steward Delegate Erasmo Guevara. Chairman happy to announce all well aboard vessel with no accidents and all departments working well together. Secretary echoed sentiments, adding everyone has done good job. Educational director stressed that Lundeberg School is one benefit for Seafarers-so take advantage of it. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. New antenna needed and ordered, hopefully in time for Super Bowl. In discussing recent LOG, crew members pleased to hear about new passenger ship in Hawaii. They are also looking forward to completion of new fire fighting facility in Piney Point. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: New York. CAPT. STEVEN L. BENNETT (Sealift, lnc.)-January 26Chairman Samuel Brunch, Secretary Ronald Lupinacci, Deck Delgate Lee Kruger, Engine Delegate Edward Lewis, Steward Delegate Enrique Agosto. Chairman reviewed previous minutes and described positive measures being taken. Repairs to furnishings completed, new mattresses ordered and gym now operational. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Crew should be aware of mandatory classes needed to continue sailing. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Clarification of OT requested, including explanation in detail of regular and premium ar listed by hours and amounts. AB requested new vacuum cleaner for crew deck. JEB STUART (Waterman Steamship), January 22Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Educational Director Michael Scinto, Deck Delegate Desiree M. Crockett, Engine Delegate ElSayed Mohamed, Steward Delegate Tommie Marshall. Chairman reminded crew that anyone may call a meeting aboard ship. Secretary noted steward department's food budget is only $8 per day, so not to waste food or cabin stores. Educational director reminded everyone to watch expiration dates on all endorsements. Also noted Seafarers must have STCW to sail in future and encouraged everyone to take advantage of fine facilites at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed ar reported. All members asked to consider request to contracts department to have 3 percent wage increase applied toward increased insurance benefits (dental, medical) and to think about how they wish to vote. New VCR to be purchased for crew lounge. Next port: Diego Garcia. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum)-January 31Chairman John Mossbarger, Secretary Cynthia Caster, Educational Director Alex Resendez III, Steward Delegate LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), January 24-Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director John R. Parkhurst, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine May 1999 Delegate Charles.E. Bibbs, Steward Delegate Donald Sneed. Chairman noted that after leaving Haifa, Israel, vessel will enter shipyard in Lisbon, Spain for about five days. He also stated three new ships coming out this year, so lots of jobs should be available. He reminded crew members to apply for TRB and upgrade whenever possible. Educational director asked that all movies be returned to library before arrival in Haifa. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management)-January 24Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Steve Dickson, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Duane Costello, Engine Delegate John W. Robinson Jr. Chairman noted despite arduous voyage, all departments performed very well. New computer chips installed in dishwashers to minimize leaks. Educational director stressed importance of applying for TRB and upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He added that if English is not first language, Lundeberg School can help. Treasurer announced $65 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported in deck and steward departments. Engine delegate stated amount owed DEU rectified. Discussion held on efforts of Global Mariner to aid ITF in exposing devious practices of flags of convenience. Thanks given to steward department for keeping crew well fed. Thanks also given to entire crew for maintaining area in good, clean condition. Next port: Wilmington, Calif. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), January 31Chairman J. R. Wilson, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Keith Manzano, Deck Delegate M. Napier, Steward Delegate Carmelo De a Cruz. Chairman reminded everyone to read Seafarer LOG. Information contained will help keep Seafarers updated on latest changes in inudstry and new regulations that affect their ability to earn a living working on deep sea ships. Educational director suggested everyone plan on returning to Lundeberg School to upgrade skills for better job performance. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Crew thanked union for money purchase pension plan. Bosun said ship is best feeder in long time. Next ports: Portland, Ore.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Japan. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Service), January 31Chairman John T. Baker, Secretary Joseph S. Smith, Educational Director Randall Firestine, Deck Delegate Bill Burke, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Levie, Steward Delegate Carlito Navarro. Chairman received telex reply from contracts department regarding disputed ar. Bosun encouraged crew to donate to SPAD. Educational director reminded crew members to take advantage of facilities at Piney Point to upgrade and fine-tune skills. Crew members aboard ship collected $300 to donate to Seamans Mission in Charleston, S.C. toward construction of seamen's club there. They also want to start ship's fund for purchase of movies. Disputed OT reported in all three departments regarding restriction to ship in Italy. Thanks given to steward department for "always going that extra mile." Crew of Sea-Land Independence enjoying change in runs-"the Mediterranean is great." Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C., Freeport, Bahamas; and Miami, Fla. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), January 24Chainnan John Stout, Secretary John J. Alamar, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Kenneth W. Craft. Chairman reminded crew members to lock recreation and coffee rooms while in port. All hands should apply for STCW endorsement. Steward flown home from Yokohama, Japan; new steward SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), January 4--Chairman Shawn Evans, Secretary Robert Miller, Educational Director Ron Belcher, Deck Deleage Mitchell Santana, Engine Delegate Horst G. Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernst Polk. Chairman thanked crew for good trip and reminded everyone to take care in disposal of garbage-no aerosol cans in trash Deck Department On the Job ~ In the port of San Juan, P.R., AB Ron Mena (left) and Bosun Luis Ramirez start the work that needs to be done on the deck of the El Yunque. The RO/RO vessel is operated by lnterocean Ugland Management for Sea Star Line. replaced in Pusan, South Korea. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend Lundeberg School and upgrade job skills. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department to change vacation plan from 120 to 90 days; also to have optical and dental plans upgraded to 100 percent coverage for active members. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), January 17Chairman Milton F. Caballero, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Dirctor Elwyn L. Ford, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Charles T. Powers. Chairman reported vessel returning to 42-day run following 19-day period in shipyard. E-mail received regard- ing NMU affiliation with SIU. Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School. Some ar disputed in deck and steward departments, and clarification requested on delayed sailing due to bad weather. VCR and rewinder need to be repaired or replaced. Also need replacement of mattresses for all unlicensed crew rooms as soon as possible. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), January 31Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Deck Delegate Josefino A. Casugay, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate William K. Moe. Chairman announced arrival and payoff on February 5 in Tacoma, Wash. While in port, crew members asked to keep doors locked. Departing members should make sure cabins left clean with new set of linens for next person. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Paul Hall Center to advance in maritime industry. He also thanked crew for donations to movie fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Discussion held based on President's Report in Seafarers LOG regarding Global Mariner exhibit and threat of runaway-flag shipping. Request made for plastic insurance card to be issued for doctors' visits. Vote of thanks given to steward department and chief cook. and no plastic items overboard. Educational director noted benefits of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Communications received from headquarters regarding affiliation of NMU with SIU. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent holiday meals. WESTWARD VENTURE (IUM), January IO-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Michael F. Meany, Educational Director Patrick Scott, Deck Delegate Fadel N. Saleh, Steward Delegate Vicki Habenicht. Chairman welcomed unlicensed apprentice Josh Davenport aboard ship. He noted safety is everyone's job and to take time to listen to supervisors on safety matters. "We must all work together on this." He mentioned talk of possible trip to China and advised crew to be sure to have TRB when registering. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Steward new aboard ship. Said he will make every effort to do job and keep within contract on food matters, but noted company food budget per man per day is below industry standards and might be reason for high turnover in steward department. He stated he would keep union apprised of situation and noted captain understands problem and is working with him. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion to have only two job calls a day10 a.m. and 1 p.m.-will be forwarded to headquarters. Crew members asked to keep noise down in passageways and respect shipmates off watch who are trying to sleep. GUS DARNELL (OSI), February 1--Chairman Salvatore Ciciulla, Secretary Bob Easley, Educational Director William H. Day, Steward Delegate Arthur Medeiros. Chairman led discussion on difficulty getting reliefs for bosun, ABs, chief cook, steward and pumpman. Secretary reminded crew members of need to keep TRB up-to-date. Educational director advised Seafarers to use Lundeberg School facility as much as possible for upgrading and additional education. Several beefs brought up in all departments. Bosun and crew thanked steward department for excellent job. Seafarers LOG 19 .... �.... Seafarers celebrating Thanksgiving Day at the union hall in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) AB Rafael Franco, DEU Jose Canales, DEU Sabino Pacheco, Pensioner Guillermo Grajales, Chief Cook George Koulouris, OMU Reinaldo Roman, AB Jay Patrick and SA Angel O'Neill. As the Guayama sails into the port of Jacksonville, AB Rodriquez Gonzales (left), Bosun Raymond Gorju (center) and AB Timothy Jackson have their photo snapped. Practicing his marlinespike seamanship, Bosun Bernardo Cruz splices mooring lines for the cable ship Charles L. Brown in St. Thomas, USVI. (photo by Kathy Chester) While in the port of San Juan, P.R., Guayama crew members participate in a boat drill. OMU Daniel Campbell (left photo), who is the engine department delegate on the El Morro, makes a safety check during his 8-12 watch in San Juan, P.R. At right, DEU Jerry Diaz and Steward/Baker Mike Davalie load stores aboard the Gus W. Darnell in Pt. Loma, Calif. AB Hector Sanchez receives his SIU book from SIU Representative Amancio Crespo at the San Juan, P.R. hall. Snow and ice cover the decks of the Sea-Land Trader as AB Robert Natividad (left) and Bosun Jerry Borucki load cargo in Valdez bound for Hawaii. On board the Sea-Land Spirit, Chief Cook Mike Robles makes a pot of soup for lunch. In the port of San Juan, P.R., crew members aboard the Guayama are ready for a payoff. From the left are AB Ray Johnson, Wiper Cecil Edwrads, AB Timothy Jackson, Bosun Raymond Gorju, AB Rodriquez Gonzales, Third Engineer James Spell and OMU Peter Cooley. Ready to work on the Sea-Land cranes in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) Crane Maintenance Engineers Tony Rosa and William "Bill" Turner and Engineer Don Col6n. Taking a break at the Sea-Land docks in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) Crane Maintenance Engineers Bobby Colantti, Billy Bland, Tony Mohammed, Ray Prim, Bosun Luis Perez, SIU Port Agent Steve Ruiz, AB Juan Lopez, Crane Maintenance Engineer William Turner, AB Tony Rodriguez, Crane Maintenance Engineer Carlos Marcial and SIU Patrolman Victor R. Nunez. 20 Seafarers LOG DEU Louis Gattuso checks out the galley of the USNS Sisler while in the San Diego shipyard. May 1999 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Sea/arers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely bas is.) Giving Recognition Where It Is Due The photograph at right is of Jimmy S. Nishikiori. Born and raised in Yokomaha, Japan, he has a wife, Ritsuko, and a daughter, Kaneko. Mr. Nishikiori has worked with the Yokohama Seamans Club for close to 40 years. During that time, he has been a friend to all seamen and has been instrumental in making sure they got back to the right dock at the right time. In addition to his duties as a waiter, he gives advice on where to go for good local food, what to see and how to use the local bus service, among other things. He is a good friend to the SIU, and most of us "China Coasters" know him quite well. After twenty years of sailing, I realize that no one has ever thanked him or given him any recognition for his service to those of us out here on this west coast, so I hope he will see this letter in the Seafarers LOG and know that ·all of us who pass through "Yoko" on our ships recognize and appreciate his diligent service. Rec. Bosun James D. Rader Oakland, Calif. All Seafarers Deserve Respectful Treatment In the February Seafarers LOG, the featured subject was runaway-flag ships and the prob- 0 -0 CALENDAR ,. 0 ~ (l!f 1111 ~""°" ~ May Asian/Padftc American Heritage Month Harris "Mother" Jones was 1borMary born in 1830. The renowned laorganizer, who lived to be 100, said, "I live in the United States, but I do not know exactly where. My address is wherever there is a fight against oppression. My address is like my shoes; it travels with me. I abide where there is a fight against wrong." In 1888, 19 machinists at the 1Georgia East Tennessee, Virginia, and Railroad assembled in a locomotive pit to decide what to do about a wage cut. They voted to form a union, which became the International Association of Machinists. May Day, or International Work1theers' Day, which commemorates historical struggle of working people around the world. Jimmy S. Nishikiori terns that they both cause and endure. We aboard the SS Osprey recently encountered a glaring example in the port of Bourgas, Bulgaria. We were tied up in front of a small ship which we took no real notice of at the time. As our cargo was unloaded, we found out that the crew of the vessel Olga J had been abandoned by her owners for more than five months and had been without pay for 11 months. The crew was from Ghana and had been subsisting on the charity of other vessels. They could not leave the terminal and had no resources whatsoever. Imagine being so far from home, not knowing where your next meal will come from, and no contact with your family. These men are seafarers, risking their lives every day so that obligations can be fulfilled, yet they are deserted in a foreign port, all alone. We sent them food, money and a message of goodwill. Then we were on our way. How long will they be there? We want to know that they made it home safely to their loved ones. workers participating in a general strike at McCormick Harvester Co. in Chicago. Four workers were killed, and anarchists called a public rally the following day at Haymarket Square to protest the police brutality. As the peaceful protest drew to aclose, abomb was thrown into the police line. One officer was killed and several were wounded. Police responded by firing into the crowd, killing one and wounding many. The incident kicked off an intensive campaign against labor leaders and other activists, and eight anarchists were later framed for the bombing. A1A HONORING OUR NATION'S MARITIME HERITAGE. became the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). In 1886, Philip Murray was 25 born in in Blantyre, Scotland. He was the USWA's founding president and head of the Congress of Industrial Organizations from 1940 until his death in 1952. Henry Ford's opposition to 26 collective bargaining was in evidence on this day in 1937, when company goons attacked United Auto Workers (UAW) organizers at the "Battle of the Overpass" outside of the River Rouge plant. Though General Motors and Chrysler signed collective bargaining agreements with the UAW in 1937, Ford held out until 1942. permanently replace striking workers. Employers used this weapon against striking workers sparingly until the 1980s, when its use increased under the influence of the Reagan Administration's antiunion policies. of America, having ratified the merger agreement at their respective conventions, convened as delegates of the merged union, the Insurance Workers International Union. The 15,000-member union merged with the United Food and Commercial Workers in 1983. In 1917, the Amalgamated 18 Meat Cutters and Butcher In 1835, the Ladies Shoe 28 Workmen initiated a huge organizBinders Society was formed ing campaign in packinghouses in New York. across the U.S. that brought membership from 6,500to100,000 two years later. of the Memorial 30 Anniversary Day massacre at Chicago's Republic Steel plant in 1937. Police attacked strikers, killing seven, wounding 100. - Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's (Editor s note: The crew of the money and union finances. The SS Osprey received a letter of constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accounthanks from the crew of the Olga tants every year, which is to be subJ "for your kindness by offering mitted to the membership by the us with some food items. . . . We secretary-treasurer. A yearly highly appreciate the offer and finance committee of rank-and-file hope this will help us live for members, elected by the membersome time, and we pray for ship, each year examines the almighty God to help you and finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommenyour crews for your voyage.) dations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and sepSIU Pension Is arate findings. No Laughing Matter TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds When my husband, Richard of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes Heikus, and I opted for the retire- and Inland Waters District are ment plan that would provide the administered in accordance with widow with a small monthly the provisions of various trust fund income, we chuckled about it agreements. All these agreements because the amount seemed so specify that the trustees in charge small. Well, this widow is not liv- of these funds shall equally consist ing on the income we had at that of union and management repretime, and my pension check at sentatives and their alternates. All Christmas, in particular, was a expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon godsend. approval by a majority of the Richard married late in life, trustees. All trust fund financial but he was a wonderful husband. records are available at the headFor a kid from Cleveland, sea- quarters of the various trust funds. manship provided a life that SHIPPING RIGHTS. A memallowed him to see some of the ber's shipping rights and seniority world and make some good are protected exclusively by confriends. tracts between the union and the I miss him, and reading the employers. Members should get to Seafarers LOG gives me pleasure. know their shipping rights. Copies Thank you. of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If memDarlene Heikus bers believe there have been violaYakima, Wash. tions of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certiMAY22,1999 fied mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: In 1938, the U.S. Supreme In 1959, delegates of the In16 27 Court issued the Mackay surance Agent's International decision permitting employers to Union and the Insurance Workers In 1886, at the height of the 3day,movement In 1942, the Steel Workers for the eight-hour 19 Organizing Committeefonnally police opened fire in acrowd of May '1999 We care aboout our brothers of the sea. We care that these men should be treated with the dignity and respect which they deserve. We care. Steve Dickson, Chief Steward Robert Lindsay, Bosun (on behalf of the crew of the SS Osprey) Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FuJI copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in aJI SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in aJI constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/arers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immedi!ltely notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 2'1 - �1 -- -. I Lundeberg School Graduating Classes Government Vessels Earning their government vessels endorsement last December are (from left, kneeling) Jennifer Cronin, William Maggio, Robert Racanelli, Dawn Williams, (second row) Mark McNabb, Thomas Cyrus , Liberto Viray, Eric Lund, Clyde Plunkett, Mark Cates (instructor), Walter Seals, (third row) Scott Seiler, Erik Haik, Drew Brown, Edward Adams, Ignatius Muzich, John Conn and Steve Cluff Jr. -. Water Survival Class - Completing the water survival class on March 5 are (from left, first row) Ben Cusic (instructor), Jerome North, Otis Reynolds, John Alba, Chris Mills, Miguel Collazo, Christopher Daniels, Melvin Hill, (second row) Steven Cook, Joshua Weir, Nestor Montoya, Antonio Washington, Shantonn Fowler, Emani Viii, James Brasher, Rebecca Gayton and Randy Senatore. Government Vessels - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on February 19 are (from left, front row) Randy Diaz, Peggy Wilson, Mary Bado, Kimberly Mendonca, Keithen Pugh, Noel Corrales, Michael Blue Jr., Mark Cates (instructor), Carlton Dorrance, Charles Larson, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Shaun Bonefont, Christopher Birich, Nathaniel Salter, Levy Calzado, Charles Jensen, Yazid Muhammad, (on left forklift) Antoine Robinson and (on right forklift) Jean Horne . ...... \\ "· FOWT Prep-Seafarers successfully completing the FOWf Prep course December 11 are (from left, front row) Robert Manning, Dominic Osboro, Lauro Delim, Tony Barnes, Alex Diaz, Allan Hinkle, Jose Blanco, Nicanor Amores, (second row) Erik Owen, Aaron Tomilson, Gregory Shields, Harry Flambures, Ernesto Datuin, Nar DelaCru, Armando Lucin and Mark Jones (instructor). Government Vessels - Successfully completing the government vessels class, also in March, are Mark Cates (instructor), Keith Mcintosh, Carlos Perez. Regina Terry, Ibarra Mangaya, Don Burlingame, Marvyn Chester, Kathie Newkirk, Kenneth Gamer, Lupe Campbell, Antonio Perez, Ronald Wilson, Leocadio Colon, Rommel Artis and Ron Oyer (instructor). Galley Operations- Earning their certificates in March for completion of the galley operations course are (from left) Adam Saleh, Marcus Nicholas, Louis Morris, Gloria DeTiege, Anitra McLeod and Maria Aulisio (assistant instructor). Able Seaman - Upgraders graduating from the AB class February 19 are (from left) Jeffrey Ferris, Patrick Cleveland, Eden Latta, Darren Parker, Peter Seifert, Cynthia Schlegel, Stanley Howard, Abedon Lujan, Rommel Artis, Leray Leasure, Randy Senatore, Richard Gathers, Randy Powell, Miles Janecka and Tom Gilliland (instructor). .- QMED-Graduating on April 16 from the QMED course are (from left, kneeling) Michael McGlone, Justin Valencia, Bryce Cutler, Glenn O'Leary, (second row) Randy Pearson, Gene Wheelis, Marijan Masnov, John Gamache and Michael Seyler. Their instructor was Barney Kane. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Firefighting-Receiving their certificates for completing the basic firefighting course February 5 are (from left, first row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Lincoln Fraser, Julita Crodua, Connie Gaines, Bob Bell, Pat Coppola, (second row) Thor Waagsbo, Paul Eich, Chris Hendrix, Roman Kasparyan, John Peden and Ken Johnson. May1999 �LUNDEBER6 SCHOOL 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the next few months at the Seafarers Harty LundeP-erg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Tra~ and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills. ofSeafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturd41 before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Ret:ertlflt:atlon l'lograms Course Start Date Date of Completion LNG Recertirtcation MaylO May27 SaftllJ Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiari7.ation/ Assistant Cargo (DL) MaytO June7 August2 June26 Basic Firefighting May3 MaylO May31 May7 Mayl4 June4 Advanced Firerighting MaytO May29 Government Vessels Mayl7 May24 July 12 June4 June 11 July 30 Lifeboatm.an/Water Survival Mayl8 June 14 Julyll May29 June 25 July23 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) May24 June21 July 1l Julyl6 May28 June25 July 16 July 30 MaylO May14 May29 August20 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June28 August6 Radar Observer/Unlimited June7 July 12 June 18 July 23 Radar Recertification (one day) May7 June 18 July23 May14 June2S MaylO Junell Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) Engine Upgrading Colll'Ses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May3 June 11 August9 September 17 QMED May3 September 13 Julyl3 December3 Diesel Engine Technology May3 Junel Power Plant Maintenance Jnnr. 28 September 17 August6 Novembers June 14 July 9 g Steward Upgrading Courses May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward May 3, 17, 31 June 14, 28 (Every othel' week, startllig Jan. 11) July 12, 26 Academia Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses May3 JunelO In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self- Start Date Galle Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starting Ja~ 11) Tankerman (PIC) Barge study. Additional courses are being added to the Lundeberg School curriculum for the second half of the year. They will be listed In the June 1999 Issue of the LOG. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address ------------------------~ (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatin;1e for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. AU FOJf7: AB and QMED qppllcants must submit a U.S. Coqst Guard ''" el $135 with their qpplicqtion, The pqyment should be llUllk with a mono order only. pqyable to LM$S. Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No 0 Home Port ------------ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No Ifyes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - May '1999 ----------- SIGNA1URE Date Off: -------------~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School ofSeamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 5199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private. non-profit. equal opportunity institution and admits students. who are otherwise qualified. of any race. nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission. access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOii 23 �Escape to Piney Point lhe Plal Hall Center can pnvlde SIU emben and their &mUla with .U the Ingredients for• memonble 19111mer ncatJ.. Pl8a JMr esc8pe te PlaeJ Point toUy. lee Pll• 14 for *'8111. Fire Fighting School i' Opens This Month Mark Dickinson of the lntemational Transport Workers• Federation (center) recently checked on the progress of the fire fighting and safety school. Updating him are (from left) Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center; Jimmy Hanson. director of health and safety; Don Nolan. vice president of the school; and John Mason of American Service Technology, Inc. The fire fighting building (above) features a twolevel engine room (below) and shaft alley with bubbling water that simulates bilge fires. It also includes various types of shipboard doors. hatches and ladders (left). The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education this month will unveil an addition that is enormous both in its size and its probable impact on Seafarers' training. The ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is slated for May 18, with classes commencing shortly thereafter. Located on school property near the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., the new complex will host courses for upgrading and entry-level Seafarers. Basic and advanced fire fighting, first aid and CPR, damage control, water survival and confined-space safety are among the classes that will be taught there. ''It's difficult to overstate how valuable this new facility will be for Seafarers," noted Jimmy Hanson, longtime director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center. "It's one-of-a-kind in terms of specifically being designed for mariner fire fighting and safety training." Built through the financial backing of the International Transport Workers' Federation, the fire fighting and safety school will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. It will include two classrooms; a two-story mare building with moveable walls and props; a damage-control room with water flow and a recessed floor; a water survival trainer; a main fire fighting building designed like a ship; a compressor room where students will learn to takecompresair samples and service ~~~-~..IL -·­ The bUilding aoove wm nouse two classrooms that feature television monitors connected to computers utilized by instructors. It also encompasses a damage-control room; shower and bathroom facilities; rooms for working with compressors and portable fire extinguishers; and (right) a water survival trainer. sors; an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers; outdoor pads connected to propane lines, and more. Overall, the campus-named after former SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco, who passed away in 1996--will feature the most modern, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment Next month's issue of the Seafarers LOG will include detailed coverage of the ceremonial opening, plus a closer I school's many features. ' ':{~,:~~.,. The maze building looks fairly ordi om outside; but, inside is a well-det · story facility that will challenge even the most experienced upgrader. It features numerous props, four separate entrances, ladders cut at the same angle as those aboard ship, and moveable walls which allow varying simulations. :a•~~.-;;;!!'~ iii · \ ~~~~~~~~~~:~~;;~== � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES BIG NEWS COMES IN THREES FOR AVONDALE, NEWPORT NEWS STEEL DUMPING BILL ADVANCES TO SENATE MARITIME UNIONS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN FORCES IN BALKANS NEW ORLEANS SIU HALL OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS SMPPP STATEMENTS SENT TO SEAFARERS ‘ETERNAL FLAME’ SELECTED FOR BURN BUILDING NAME NMU MEMBERS PRAISE UPGRADING AT PAUL HALL CENTER NY UNIONISTS: SAVE LOCAL MARITIME JOBS MERPAC CONTINUES CRAFTING SUGGESTED STCW STANDARDS DOT NEARS FULL Y2K COMPLIANCE UPGRADER PRAISES ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT, ENCOURAGES SEAFARERS TO PURSUE EDUCATION CULINARY INSTRUCTOR BATTEN WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD LAKE SEAFARERS COMPLETE ON-SITE DIESEL ENGINE COURSE SIGHTS FROM GRAND OPENING OF NEW ORLEANS HALL MONTHLY HAWAII LUAUS FORM SOLID BASE FOR S-L ENTERPRISE PRIDE FORMER SIU OFFICIAL JACK BLUITT DEAD AT 72 AMERICAN VICTORY WILL BE MUSEUM FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL OPENS THIS MONTH Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 5 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/da814fd655f4701dc1e37e63c58e2831.pdf 7849dad0ef8c8fc1c4fadb6c85817485 PDF Text Text ... The newest campus of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education-the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School-opened May 18. The facility provides Seafarers a central location within minutes of Piney Point to upgrade their skills in damage control, search-andrescue, water survival and first aid as well as fire fighting. RIGHT: ITF General Secretary David Cockroft lights the eternal flame which will blaze in memory of the late SIU executive vice president, Joseph Sacco. �New Legislation Targets 'Saipan Scam' President's Report SIU Joins Coalition to Restore Integrity of 'Made in USA' Label What a Week Two major events took place last month in the same week that allowed the SIU and the whole U.S.-flag maritime industry to look with pride at our past while envisioning a bright and shining future. Those two events were the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the observance of Maritime Memorial Day. On both days, we took the time to remember what it took and who allowed us to get to where we are today. But, we also took the opportunity to look ahead and see what new and exciting challenges lay before us. Michael Sacco The opening of the fire fighting school had long been a dream of my brother and the many others who have worked through the years to make the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education the best facility for preparing men and women to become merchant mariners, as well as for upgraders to learn more about their trade and improve themselves. Many of us remember those long bus rides to Earle, N.J. Getting up in what seemed like the middle of the night, the trip alone made you feel as if you already had worked a full day even before the training began. Now, we have this beautiful, world-class facility in viewing distance of the center's main campus in Piney Point. This school is designed to train merchant mariners now and well into the future on how to battle blazes, conduct search-and-rescue missions, execute water survival techniques, perform damage control operations and so much more. Besides having all that in one spot, the school has plenty of room to grow. When plans call for a different type of training to meet the needs of mariners, the school-just like the Paul Hall Center has done since it opened in 1967-can adjust and offer those classes. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is one of a kind, and it is here for Seafarers to use. Then, just two days later, the nation's capital paid its respect to the men and women of the U.S. merchant marine who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Three separate ceremonies took place in Washington, D.C. Legislators, military officers, maritime industry representatives and union officials recalled past achievements and honored those who went before. However, there was a twist this year. All the speakers at the services additionally declared the best way for America to honor its past merchant mariners is to make sure the nation retains a strong U.S.flag fleet in the future. From Transportation Secretary Slater to Navy Undersecretary Hultin to MSC Commander Holder and the other speakers came commitments to continue the U.S.-flag maritime revitalization program that has taken place throughout the 1990s. All stated America needs U.S.-built, U.S.-crewed vessels to be ready in case of war or national emergency. By doing so, the country will provide the ultimate tribute to the merchant mariners who have served the United States so ably for more than 200 years. We, in the SIU, know how bright the future is. Seafarers have been crewing the latest vessels to come out of American yards-from tankers to prepositioning ships to tugboats. Seafarers will be climbing the gangways to the new Hawaiian cruise ships and the smaller coastal passengers vessels when they begin service shortly after the tum of the century. Seafarers across the country have been shipping out of new halls closer to where they catch their vessels. And there is more to come. Yes, it is important to remember where we came from. The opening of Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and Maritime Memorial Day gave us that opportunity. But, what a future the SIU and the whole U.S.-flag fleet has. It is exciting to realize where we are heading. We will continue doing our part to make sure Seafarers are ready for the challenge. Volume 61, Number 6 June 1999 lbe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~'' 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOS The Take Pride in America Coalition, which includes the Seafarers, recently applauded new bipartisan legislation aimed at stopping abuses by foreign-owned sweatshop factories in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI or Saipan). The Washington, D.C.-based coalition includes trade unions, businesses, consumer groups and human rights organizations. It aggressively is publicizing the reform bills through an internet campaign (see www.takepride.org) and other resources. A dozen SIU members formed part of the crowd of approximately 100 supporters at a Capitol Hill press conference April 30 announcing the bipartisan bills in both the U.S. House and Senate. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Bob Franks (R-N.J.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Senators Spencer Abraham (RMich.) and Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.). These bills, each titled the Made in USA Label Defense Act, would close loopholes in current U.S. law that provide incentives to foreign interests and others in Saipan to build and maintain what numerous witnesses say are oppressive sweatshops. Specifically, the bills would protect U.S. consumers, taxpayers and workers by forbidding Saipan from labeling its foreign-made products as "Made in USA," and by no longer allowing Saipan to escape paying more than $200 million per year in import duties SIU members join AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Dept. President Charles Mercer (sixth from right) in applauding the recent announcement of new legislation designed to stop Saipan sweatshops from using the Made in USA label. on the foreign-made products it exports to the U.S. "The bipartisan and bicameral launch for Saipan reform legislation by this diverse and powerful team of legislators sends a strong signal to the Congress and to the American people that the time has come to stop the Saipan scam," said Charles E. Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department. "Previous efforts at reform have repeatedly been undercut by entrenched special interests. But the courageous leadership of these congressmen and senators will help break the legislative logjam for the benefit of consumers, taxpayers and working men and women across the nation." "It's wrong for Congress and the American people to stand back and do nothing when CNMI has been converted into a satellite for the Communist-dominated Chinese garment industry," stated ~ep. Fra~s . "It 1 ULU';\ . · · · '1 1s deceptive and misleading to American consumers to allow the words 'USA' to appear anywhere on products made by foreign workers, in foreignowned factories with foreign materials. "We've given the Chinese a backdoor entrance into the dutyfree market," he added. "By setting up shop in CNMI, the Chinese clothing manufacturers are escaping the import duties and quotas that America imposes on goods manufactured in mainland China." Senator Abraham noted, "The time has come to say enough is enough. We should no longer accept a situation where foreign companies simply move their operations to a U.S. possession for the sole purpose of avoiding quotas, duties and tariffs that would apply to their products if they continued to operate out of their own country." "Plain and simple, we are here today because we want to restore the integrity of the Made in USA label," Rep. Dingell said. "When you think of Made in USA, images of indentured Chinese workers making below minimum wage in abusive Chinese factories don't usually come to mind. It is an insult to American consumers and a rip-off of the American taxpayer." TOP PHOTO: Carlos Moore, an official from the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, weighs in on the Made in USA Label Defense Act. RIGHT: Reporters, Seafarers and .1 other attendees at the April 30 press conference in Washington, D.C. hear. about some workers in Saipan who live in wire-enclosed, rat-infested and unsanitary housing facilities and who have been forced to sign contracts requiring that they follow Chinese law, even in the U.S. territory. Scholarship Committee Selects 7 Winners The Seafarers Welfare Plan has announced this year's SIU scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. Since the inception of the program in 1953, 269 have been awarded. Laura L. Cates, a recertified steward, was awarded a $15,000 scholarship. Presently sailing aboard an LNG vessel, she will return in time to start classes at Tacoma (Wash.) Community College in the fall. She is considering a career in criminal justice. Deep sea members Matthew L. Dunn and Dorothea L. Hoffman, also from Washington state, were each awarded $6,000 to continue their college education. Dunn, an AB, plans to complete a two-year paralegal program at Edmonds (Wash.) Community College. Hoffman, a IO-year veteran of the SIU, already has a degree in graphic arts. The deck department member has decided to fine-tune her computer and graphic arts skills at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash. Four graduating high school seniors were selected to receive the $15,000, four-year scholarships for dependents of SIU members. They are Thomas G. Anderl, son of AB Kenneth Anderl; Carla L Longanecker, daughter of inland member Lewis Longanecker; Keis/a Passapera, daughter of AB Angel Passapera; and L John Vassalotti, stepson of inland member Dannie Card Sr. For a more in-depth look at each of the scholarship winners, see page9. This year's selection committee, meeting in San Diego, was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The panel was comprised of the following scholars and academicians: Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago. Also on the scholarship selection committee were Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio, Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College. June 1999 �First-Class Fire Fighting School Opens Facility Is Major Addition for Paul Hall Center SIU members and representatives from throughout the U.S. maritime industry celebrated the ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School on May 18 in Valley Lee, Md. The high-tech facility, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is by all estimates an enormous boon for mariner safety training. Specifically built to simulate different types of shipboard blazes and other marine mishaps, it features the latest equipment. "This is a modem, unique, convenient school designed exactly for merchant mariners," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "The number one requirement for mariners these days is safety training, including fire fighting. With that in mind, this school's value is very apparent." A distinguished array of guest speakers and an audience of approximately 250 people joined in the ceremonial opening, which took place on a pictureperfect afternoon. Among those commending the new school-named in memory of the late SIU SIU member Carl Poggioli (left) won a contest to name the burn building. For his leading entry (the Eternal Flame}, the recertified steward received a ship's wheel and helped christen the facility. Water survival training is one of many types of safety schooling available for Seafarers at the new campus, part of the Paul Hall Center. executive vice president who passed away in 1996-were U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral James Card; U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gordon Holder, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart; Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson; American Council on Education Director Jo Ann Robinson; and International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) General Secretary David Cockroft. Jim Hanson, director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center and a key figure in determining, implementing and fine-tuning the fire fighting school's features, also addressed the crowd. "So many people deserve credit for this school. But we shouldn't overlook the leadership of Mike Sacco in making this dream a reality," Hanson stated. Afterward, he described the value of the school for Seafarers. "It's not only a frre fighting school, but also a facility for water survival training, damage control and confined-space safety training. And we control the types of fires, instead of depending on another facility that's geared toward land-based fire fighting." For SIU members who in years past traveled as far as Earle, N.J. for fire fighting classes administered by the Paul Hall Center, that is welcome news. "This is a far cry from New Jersey," observed QMED Sheldon Greenberg, who joined the SIU 21 years ago in Jacksonville, Fla. "I still remember the bus trips and pulling over for those boxed meals. This [new school] is something else, and I'm glad I was here for this." . The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School features a "bum building" designed like a vessel (and named the Eternal Flame); a maze building with moveable partitions also patterned after ships; a water survival training facility; classrooms including computers and television monitors for reviewing videotaped drills; a damage control room with water flow and a recessed floor; a compressor room where students will learn to take air samples and service compressors; an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers; outdoor pads connected to propane lines, and more. It is a hygienically safe facility. "Without a doubt, this is one of the most wellequipped facilities in the world," said the ITF's Cockroft. "The SIU should feel justifiably proud." "You.don't d? something like this if you don't believe in your future,n SIU President Michael Sacco tells the crowd at the fire fighting school's ceremonial opening May 18. For additional coverage of the opening of the Joseph Sacco Are Fighting and Safety School, see pages 13-16. Board Focuses On STCW Assessments, Verifying Training Calian Updates Timeline for New Passenger Ships The other subsidiary, American Hawaii Cruises, runs the SS Independence out of Honolulu on seven-day voyages around the islands. Seafarers have crewed this vessel since it returned to operations in 1980. The head of American Classic Voyages noted all responses to the new bottoms have been positive. He said the company undertook the expansion to ensure the U.S.-flag would be part of the growing cruise industry. He added the U.S.-flag industry, maritime labor and the government Philip Calian, president and CEO all worked together during the of American Classic Voyages, tells the Washington, D.C. last couple of years to make the Propeller Club the first of five effort possible. coastal cruise vessels will be sail"We believe that the best ing in early 2001 while the initial defense to criticism of the new ship for Hawaii will be operaPassenger Vessel Services Act, tional in 2003. the Jones Act and other criticisms that occur from day to day- cruise industry." Joining Calian at the Capitol especially in Washington-is to build new ships and expand the Hill luncheon was Lawrence J. Cavaiola, vice president of govU.S.-flag fleet," stated Calian. "We're doing just that. We will ernment operations and strategic continue to do our part to pre- development for Litton Ingalls serve and grow the U.S.-flag Shipbuilding, a union-contracted shipyard which will construct the two deep sea passenger vessels. Please. be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring He laid out the building timeline halls will be closed on Monday, July 5, 1999 (unless an for the two cruise ships, the first emergency arises) for the observance of Independence Day. to come out of a U.S. yard in Normal business hours will resume the following workday. more than 40 years. Members of the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club found out how soon the U.S.-flag passenger fleet will expand when American Classic Voyages President and CEO Philip Calian addressed the group on April 27. Calian told the audience that the frrst of five 225-passenger diesel-driven "coastal vessels" should be ready for service in early 2001 while the initial of two 1,900-passenger cruise ships should be operating around the Hawaiian Islands by 2003. Seafarers will · crew this new fleet of U.S.-built, U.S.-flag vessels. American Classic Voyages subsidiary Delta Queen Steamboat Co. will operate the five smaller ships. They will sail along the Atlantic Coast as well as the Pacific Northwest and northern California. SIU members already work aboard the Delta Queen, company's Mississippi Queen and American Queen steamboats, which sail in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. June 1999 The Paul Hall Center for (ACE); the SIU and the Paul Hall Maritime Training and Educa- Center took part in the confertion's deep sea and inland adviso- ence, designed to meet the indusry board examined a typically try's constantly changing needs. broad range of industry topics last In addition to discussing the month during its 32nd annual relaxed assessment and forming meeting in Piney Point, Md. the auditing team, the group conAmong the key points tinued refining unJicensed apprenaddressed during the two-day tice programs for inland and Great conference were a reopening of Lakes Seafarers; reviewed the the Coast Guard's relaxed assess- work during the past year of the ment period for meeting the Coast Guard's Merchant Marine requirements of STCW Chapter Personnel Advisory Committee VI; and establishment of a coop- (MERPAC); agreed to continue erative joint auditing team that upgrading the center's simulators; annually will review the center's checked the structure and functions of the NMC; sampled the training-records database. The meeting took place May content of the Coast Guard's new 18-19, coinciding with the cere- STCW web site (located at monial opening of the Joseph http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/); conSacco Fire Fighting and Safety sidered the ongoing effort to establish physical standards for School. mariners; and revisited a long list Representatives of SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and .of noteworthy accomplishments inland companies; the Coast during the previous 12 months Guard and its National Maritime stemming at least in part from the Center (NMC); the U.S. Maritime advisory board's 1998 workshop. Administration; the U.S. Military Deadline Extension Sealift Command; the National Perhaps of most immediate Transportation Safety Board; the Continued on page 5 American Council on Education Seafarers LOG 3 �Seafarers Complete Delegate Training On SS Independence l ff.,-6L~~~<'il •'Mt%%'%%~~*~ Successfully completing the on-site delegate training are (seated, from left) Mohamad Kassam, Omar Kassem, Muthana Koraish and (standing) Hussein Elemary. Dozens of Seafarers who crew the SS Independence recently completed union delegate training aboard the American Hawaii Cruises passenger vessel. The two-day workshops took place in late March and were by SIU Vice conducted President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz. Participants examined numerous topics, including social responsibility; identifying and handling grievances; effectively communicating with fellow union members, union officials and company personnel; the general structure and function of the labor movement; and much more. Each participant also received a site-specific training manual crafted by Marrone and Dietz. Among the union delegates participating in the two-day program are (seated, from left) Greg Cuda!, Jim Netzel, Mike Zoabi, (standing) Kevin Smith, Joel Pfister, John Stringer, Peter DePierro, SIU VP Nick Marrone, Brandy O'Hara and Kevin Manning. ILA Hails Sea-Land/Maersk Decision Ta Keep Hub in Part al New Yark Officials from the International Longshoremen 's Association (ILA) welcomed the announcement last month by Sea-Land Service, Inc. and Maersk Line, Inc. to keep the companies' joint northeastern deepwater hub in the Port of New York and New Jersey. That decision will help maintain an estimated 25,000 maritime-related jobs in the New York area, including those of approximately 1,000 ILA members, noted ILA President John Bowers. Bowers and other ILA officials commended New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (R), U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and others for their respective efforts in securing what is believed to be at least a 25-year agreement with Sea-Land and Maersk. The lease calls for various upgrades at the port, financed in part through $120 million in state funds that were added fairly late in the negotiations. The companies-which share vessels, contain- ers, terminals and other assets-had been considering competing bids from the Port of Baltimore and the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, respectively, to relocate much of their northeastern waterborne commerce (consisting of about 750,000 shipping containers annually). In a joint statement, Maersk and Sea-Land credited those ports for submitting "very comprehensive and competitive proposals. These are outstanding ports." Maryland Governor Parris Glendening (D) indicated that Baltimore's bid-which included an offer to construct a $200 million, 330-acre marine terminal-brought positive exposure for the port. "We showcased the Port of Baltimore to an international maritime audience, and that audience clearly liked what it saw," the governor said. "Our strong showing ... will yield dynamic new opportunities in the future for new business and new jobs." SIU President Michael Sacco (left) congratulates Unlicensed Apprentice Timothy Bixby for successfully completing the work required to earn his high school equivalency diploma. Bixby thanked the staff of the Paul Hall Center when he spoke after receiving his GED during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. l'tVn In f\IVU:nt\/A At"L•l,;iO Finding the Union Label ED INDUSTRIAL WORKERS SIU Active at AFL-CIO Union Industries Show The SIU and its affiliate union the United Industrial Workers, along with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, took part in the 62nd annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show, conducted this year in Atlantic City May 14-17. Sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department, the yearly event showcases the quality and variety of union-made, American-made goods and services. Tens of thousands of visitors turned out for the show at the New Atlantic City Convention Center. Altogether, the free program featured more than 300 unions and companies with union-represented employees, plus giveaways of many of the 4 Seafarers LOG union-made goods that are on display-big-ticket items, smallticket items, and those in between. "The show is considered by many as the largest job fair in the country," noted the national federation of trade unions in publicizing the exhibition. "For young people, in particular, the show is regarded as a prime place to get a firsthand look at the wide range of good jobs available for those who prepare for them." Along those lines, the Paul Hall Center operated a booth at the four-day affair, featuring detailed information about the school and its various curriculums, including the unlicensed apprentice program. Visitors crowd the SIU-UIW booth at the AFL-CIO Union Industries Show last month in Atlantic City. Providing facts about the Paul Hall Center's entry-level training, upgrading courses and academic classes are Bart Rogers (left), school rep., and Leo Bonser, SIU headquarters rep. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Representative Ed Pulver lend a hand during the show's setup. June 1999 �Leon Hess Dies at 85 Propeller Club Honors Rep. Young The Congress' only member to hold a merchant mariner's license, U.S. Rep. Don Young (A-Alaska), was honored for his many years of service and support for the American-flag fleet by the U.S. Propeller Club in late April. Posing with the congressman (center) and his wife, Lu, during the ceremony are Robert McMillen (left}, co-chairman and CEO of Saltchuk Resources (which includes SIU-contracted TOTE}, and SIU President Michael Sacco. Board Told Relaxed Assessment Extended Continued from page 3 interest to SIU members, the Coast Guard confirmed during last month's meeting that the deadline for relaxed assessment of the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training has been extended through the end of this year. All indications are that this will be the final such extension. This announcement means SIU members may continue utilizing a relatively convenient method of meeting some of the Chapter VI requirements. They may demonstrate certain proficiencies listed in the chapter and then have a qualified assessor verify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. The only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements (the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the SIU's training record book) is by successfully completing Coast Guard-approved courses. Chapter VI requires documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. The extension has one proviso: Assessments must be conducted according to MERPAC's standards for basic safety training. With that in mind, the advisory board reviewed in detail those standards. VerHylng Records On another important subject, the working group on auditing procedures presented results of the most recent audits of the Paul Hall Center's training-records database. Such reviews are required to verify mariner training according to STCW and ISM guidelines. The school has been audited by the Coast Guard, contracted companies, ACE, the state of Maryland and others. John Torgersen of Det Norske Veritas reported that a 1998 review found 99 percent accuracy in the center's system when the school possesses the information about a mariner's training. "However, we need a better method of getting information into the database," he said. Torgersen pointed out there have been instances when a com- June 1999 pany has had proof of a given certification, but that information wasn't relayed to the school. Further illustrating this issue's challenges, J.C. Wiegman, assistant director for vocational education at the center, noted that the school also has uncovered legitimate but non-applicable certifications received by mariners. "The company and the mariner may have information regarding the certification, but it may not be for a Coast Guard-approved course, and it may not meet certain other requirements," he explained. Ultimately, the board chartered a rotating, volunteer audit team designed to avoid duplicating work and to provide some continuity while equitably sharing the workload. (Some of the members will serve two-year terms, others one-year assignments.) That team will conduct an annual audit and report its findings at the following meeting of the advisory board. Many Accomplishments Representatives of the union and the school specified various achievements since last year's meeting. They include the construction of the fire fighting school; installation of new radar equipment; establishment of entry training programs for inland and Lakes mariners; production by the school of numerous study guides and ship-specific videotapes; approval by the Coast Guard for nine classes (either new approvals or renewals) including STCW basic safety and tanker familiarization; and approval by MSC of the school's damage control and anti-terrorism training. Other accomplishments included continuation of off-campus, company-specific training provided by the school; "train the trainer" certifications earned by 3 5 Paul Hall Center instructors; Coast Guard certification of the training vessel Osprey (used for deck department and safety training); internet access throughout the school; new and upgraded computer equipment at the Paul Hall Memorial Library; ACE approval of the school's curriculums and certification of some of them for continuing education credits; securing ACE as a "quality standard system" reviewer, as required by the 1995 STCW amendments; restructuring steward department classes to allow more flexible scheduling; and more. The Seafarers International Union lost a longtime friend with the death last month of Leon Hess. He was 85. Hess began working for his father during the Depression, driving a 625-gallon truck delivering home heating oil. He eventually reorganized the bankrupt business into a major petroleum company, Amerada Hess Corporation. SIU-crewed integrated tug/barges (ITBs) operated by Sheridan Transportation Corp. are part of a wholly owned subsidiary of the company created by Hess. The Sheridan vessels included the ITBs Baltimore, Groton, Jacksonville, Mobile, New York and Philadelphia. During World War II, Hess served as petroleum supply officer for General George S. Patton, providing fuel for Patton's successful tank attacks. After the war, he built his own centralized storage systems. By the 1950s, the first Hess refinery had been built. That was followed by a chain of Hess gasoline stations in 1960, which went public in 1963. He expanded his business with the takeover of the Amerada Petroleum Corporation in 1969 and built what was then the world's largest oil refinery on St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. He ran the company as chairman and CEO until 1995, at which time his son, John B. Hess, took charge of the company (although the son no longer owns it). He continued on as a company official. But there was more to the man than his financial success. Hess was a great philanthropist. When Hurricane Hugo leveled much of St. Croix in 1989, H~ss paid to rebuild not only his refinery, but also the island's schools, which he believed were more important. Perhaps Hess was best known as the sole owner of the New York Jets football team. He is survived by his wife, Norma; two daughters, Marlene Hess and Connie Williams; his son, John; and seven grandchildren. WWII Discharges Finally Processed Puzzling Change Had Delayed Issuance of Documents After a mysterious delay, eligible merchant marine veterans finally are receiving honorable discharges certifying them as World War II veterans. Some of the mariners who applied for recognition under the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act (an SIU-supported measure signed into law late last year) began receiving their discharges in mid-May. It is expected that the rest will receive theirs in the very near future. Many of the applicants were confused and upset by the largely unexplained lag in processing the applications-particularly when they received their own canceled checks for the application fee, but no discharges. Inquiries by officials from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) revealed the hang-up: an unauthorized, oneword change in legislative language for which no one claimed responsibility. This alteration apparently took place sometime after the House and Senate unanimously approved the bill last year, but before it was signed by President Clinton. According to the AMMV and Capitol Hill news reports, someone changed the term "honorable discharge"-which appeared in the original Senate bill five times-to read "honorable certificate." Moreover, that person or group reportedly did so without the knowledge or approval of key members of Congress. Joe Katusa, national volunteer chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee (which led the fight to secure passage of the bill), credited Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (RMiss.) for helping resolve the controversy. Lott wrote the initial bill and gained broad bipartisan support for it. "The upshot is that eligible applicants are receiving honorable discharges, which was the original intent of the bill," said Katusa. The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act extends veterans' status to U.S. mariners who sailed during the period between August 16, 1945 and December 31, 1946 (the date cited by President Harry Truman and the U.S. Congress as the official end of the war). Previously, those individuals had been denied such recognition, even though people who entered the armed services during that same time were awarded .war veterans' status. All Saved as Fire Engulfs Cruise Ship Authorities continue to deal with a growing oil slick created when a 700-foot Bahamian-registered passenger ship burned and sank on May 20 in the busy shipping lanes of the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Sumatra. The Sun Vista went down without loss of life after all 1,093 passengers and crew members were evacuated. However, details of the evacuation as well as the efforts to combat the fire were still being questioned as the Seafarers LOG went to press. News reports stated a fire broke out in the engine room of the 36-year-old Sun Vista around 2:30 p.m. on May 20. Passengers said they began seeing and smelling smoke soon thereafter. Some recalled hearing fellow passengers ask the captain if everything was under control and being assured it was, even though some of the crew had donned life jackets. The captain called for outside help around 6 p.m. and gave the abandon ship signal. Passengers and crew dispersed to the 18 lifeboats and four life rafts. Many newspaper articles from around the world quoted passengers saying that crew members were as panicked as they were. Several statements were given that lifeboats were overcrowded and poorly stocked with motors that did not work. One report noted a lifeboat had trouble being properly lowered, while others told of dif- ficulties pushing the rescue crafts away from the ship which, in turn, delayed the launch of waiting lifeboats. Many passengers-including Americans, Canadians, Britons, Indians, Japanese and Russians -told reporters they thought they were on their own version of the Titanic, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, taking 1,500 lives as it went down. A group of Australians even sang the theme from the movie "Titanic" as they drifted from the sinking Sun Vista. The Titanic theme carried to the ship's captain, who told investigators he used the movie to alert the crew, composed of 26 nationalities, of the dangers of working at sea. In an Associated Press (AP) report, Captain Sven Bertil Hartzell of Sweden stated his crew was not very attentive during weekly training sessions, so he showed the film. "But after they had seen the movie, all of them suddenly became very attentive and followed instructions carefully," Hartzell told the AP. Yet, passengers reported crew members literally dove into already overcrowded lifeboats following the abandon ship signal. The Sun Vista was returning to its home port of Singapore on its regular six-day cruise schedule. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. SeafarelS LOG 5 �Fallowing 6-Year Wage Freeze, Steelworkers Want ta Share In Va. Shipyard's Profitable Times Thousands of members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) remained on strike at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding late last month, even as the two sides negotiated for the first time since the job action began April 5. Meeting on May 24 under the supervision of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Hampton, Va., the union and the shipyard apparently made little headway in resolving the dispute, which centers on wages and pension benefits. "I don't think the company has any intention of trying to bargain in good faith," said Arnold Outlaw, president of USWA Local 8888, which represents 9,200 employees at the yard. "I think they are trying to break the spirit of the union." The USWA points out that-in response to the company's claims of financial distress-its members went six years without a raise and made other concessions. If they accepted the shipyard's contract offer, "it would barely bring compensation back to 1993 levels [in terms of purchasing power], even if the company's entire wage offer were paid up front instead of spread out over four years." The union also described Newport News Shipbuilding as having "the worst pensions in the industry," and pointed out the company proposes to reduce employee medical coverage. Meanwhile, the yard last year made profits of $66 million. In the first quarter of 1999, it reported a 13-percent increase in profits compared to 1998. "While wages at Newport News Shipbuilding have been frozen, hourly earnings in the shipbuilding industry have increased by 13.2 percent," said the USWA in a release. "And the total compensation of Newport News Shipbuilding's CEO, William Fricks, increased by 256.8 percent, excluding stock West Coast Remembrance SIU members demonstrate their support for striking Steelworkers at Newport News (Va.} Shipbuilding. options." During last month's negotiations, the USWA offered to reduce its previous demand for wages by 25 percent, to an across-the-board increase of $3.70 per hour through 36 months. The union noted that the average worker is paid about $13.50 per hour by the shipyard "for some of the most difficult and technically complex work imaginable, including the installation and refueling of nuclear reactors." The shipyard said it would review the union's proposal, but a Newport News spokesperson described the company's reaction as "disappointed." One union member who has worked at the shipyard for 11 years told the Associated Press that the employees deserve a fair Chief Cook Darryl Jackson (left} and OMU Keith Mcintosh weigh in with their backing for brother and sister trade unionists from USWA Local 8888. Seafarers from that region have marched and rallied with the striking Steelworkers outside the shipyard gates. Meeting at the Steelworkers hall before a recent rally are SIU members (from left} AB James McCarthy, AB Butch Austin, Bosun Kevin Gatling, Recertified Bosun Nate Leary, OMU Hugh Woods, Chief Cook Darryl Jackson, SA Avis Hawkins, SA Bridgette Mcintosh, Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador, AB Gary White and Retiree Tony DeBoissiere. National Maritime Memorial Day Proclamation May 21, 1999 .,,.,.,,..Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney carries a wreath aboard the Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien during the vessel's annual memorial cruise in San Francisco Bay on May 15. McCartney represented the SIU during the service. .. Nat'I Maritime Day Memorials Remember Past, Focus on Future Continued from page 28 for Maritime Training and Education while in Piney Point, Md. He came across the memorial in the Paul Hall Library dedicated to the Seafarers who lost their lives during World War II. After reviewing the names, he equated it to the listing of the sailors who went down aboard the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, as Americans willing to do what was necessary for their country. "No lack of volunteers, no questions about will they go as they sailed into harm's way. We should remember all of our heroes in dungarees who served during that war-the world war-the thing we call a conflict in Korea, the thing we call the Vietnam conflict. We should remember them always, and we should alwayson a day like today especiallypay special honor. "We should pay special tribute to their brothers and sisters who sail the oceans today because their proud traditions are what carry on for us. They continue to deliver for us today," Holder stated. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater welcomes unlicensed apprentices to the MarAd ceremony. From the left are Lane Schroeder, Bobby Ellis, Demichael Dews, Ray Lewis and Jarian Hutchison. 8 Seafarers LOG The history of the United States has always been linked to the sea. For more than two centuries, American ships and crews have made enormous contributions to the strength of our economy, the security of our shores and the success of our efforts to create a more peaceful, prosperous world. Today's U.S. Merchant Marine is building on that rich maritime heritage. Our commercial ships and marine infrastructure-and the dedicated men and women who are part of our maritime industry and U.S. Merchant Marine-continue to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing marketplace and the expanding globalization of trade. Our merchant fleet is a key component of our nation's intermodal transportation system, carrying more than one billion tons of cargo between domestic ports and supporting our connection to overseas markets. The fleet helps .facilitate our engagement in world affairs and helps protect U.S. national security Interests. Recognizing that a strong America requires a strong merchant marine, my administration has worked closely with the Congress to promote the development and maintenance of a modem, efficient, well-balanced merchant fleet, capable of facilitating international commerce and meeting the military needs of our armed forces during times of conflict or national emergency. Through the Maritime Security Program and the Volunteer lntermodal Sealift Agreement, which implement the Maritime Security Act of 1996, we have forged new public-private partnerships to ensure that our country will maintain a modern commercial fleet owned and operated by U.S. citizens and crewed by well-trained, highly skilled American sailors. We have strengthened U.S. shipyards through the National Shipbuilding Initiative. We also have helped keep our shipbuilding industry competitive in the global marketplace by providing financing guarantees, granting tax deferrals and making it easier to operate ships under the U.S. flag. The United States Merchant Marine has served our nation boldly and well through challenge and change. As we enter a new century, we must reaffirm our commitment to this proud legacy. We must maintain the strength and vitality of our merchant fleet and the skills and training of the men and women who have made America a great maritime nation. By doing so, we will ensure that U.S.-flag vessels continue to sail the world's oceans, preserving our leadership of the global economy, strengthening our prosperity and defending our freedom for generations to come. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the president to issue annually a proclamation callings for its appropriate observance. Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, president of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1999 as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all merchant ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. William J. Clinton June 1999 �Graduating Bosons Stress the Importance Of Ongoing Education at Paul Hall Center Informed SIU Members Help Keep Union Strong No matter how long one has been a member of the Seafarers International Union or how many times one has upgraded his or her skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., there is always something new to learn-some knowledge that can then be imparted to the younger members who are working their way up through the ranks. That is what 12 deck department veterans discovered as they completed the bosun recertification course at the facility last month. For the six weeks leading up to their graduation ceremony at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Wilfredo Acevedo, Victor Beata, Rafael Clemente, Mark Shannon Downey Sr., Thomas Grosskurth, Brian Isenstadt, Steve Kastel, Roan R. Lightfoot, Kenneth L. McLamb, Juan M. Rivas, Anthony J. Sabatini and Robert Wiles worked and studied together to complete the highest curriculum available at the school for those members who sail in the deck department. Nothing, however, in that sixweek period could prepare them for their final act of graduationspeaking before those assembled at the membership meeting: fellow classmates, other union members, unlicensed apprentices, officials and guests. And many of the recertified bosuns found it a lot more difficult than they had imagined. Yet all overcame their initial nervousness. First up to the podium to receive his graduation certificate was Acevedo. The 49-year-old deep sea member, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., thanked the union officials and school instructors for the opportunity to participate in the course. In remarks directed to the unlicensed apprentices, he stated that the union has been good to him and urged them to never stop learning. Beata, 44, said, "I have always been proud to be a member of this union." When he came out of the Navy in 1978 and joined the SIU as a trainee in Class #250, the school's vocational training was just beginning to develop the strong program it has today, he noted. Beata, who sails from the port of San Juan, P.R., stressed the need for the unlicensed apprentices to keep educating themselves and never be afraid to ask questions. He said, "We have much to thank our past and current leaders for. Because of their determination and dedication and hard work in the past, our future continues to be bright." Echoing his words was Clemente, who emphasized the importance for the younger Seafarers to keep working very hard so they would have no trouble making a good living in the maritime industry. The 55-year-old Clemente sails from the port of San Francisco. Expresses Gratitude Downey has been a member of the SIU for 31 years, joining at the age of 16 in New Orleans. He told the assembly with gratitude that in all those years, the union always provided a job for him when he was ready, as well as the opportunity for him to earn a good living for him and his family. "And when I retire," he continued, "I'll feel safe knowing my pension is secure." To the trainees just starting out, Downey said: "No matter ~' Six weeks of hard work pays off for the graduating recertified bosuns as they pose with union officials following the membership meeting in Piney Point. From the left (front row) are Wilt redo Acevedo, Juan Rivas, Victor Beata, SIU President Michael Sacco, Steve Kastel, Vice President Collective Bargaining Augie Tellez, Anthony Sabatini, Kenneth Mclamb, (second row) SIU Representative George Tricker, Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Rafael Clemente, Brian lsenstadt, Mark Downey Sr., Roan Lightfoot, Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan and Thomas Grosskurth. Not pictured is Robert Wiles, who had already shipped out. what job you are given or how small it is, always do the best you can and feel proud of your work. Develop good work habits-people do notice, and it does matter!" The bosun recertification program is designed to update Seafarers who sail as bosuns on trends in the maritime industry, including changing shipboard technology and the latest seamanship techniques. But many of the graduates found the refresher courses to be the most interesting and useful. Downey, in particular, mentioned the wire splicing class. Some ships still require wires to be spliced, he noted, but years may go by before you are required to do it, so a refresher course can help prevent skills from rusting. As part of the six-week curriculum, the bosuns were updated by SIU officials, including President Michael Sacco and Vice President Collective Bargaining Augie Tellez, on the union's latest efforts to ensure job security for all Seafarers. They also met with representatives from the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department. From these meetings, the 12 men took with them, among other things, a greater understanding of effective contract enforcement and the union's health, vacation and pension programs, which they can clarify for their fellow shipmates at sea. Impressed with Staff Recertified bosuns meet with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie at the school. June '1999 Grosskurth, 41, was very impressed with the staff and instructors at the school. During his six weeks, he said he was made to feel not just as a member of a union but as part of a family. The recertified bosun also was grateful for the opportunity to review and upgrade his deck skills which, he believes, will help him in his day-to-day activities aboard ship and also in the instruction of other crew members. Another learning experience for Grosskurth, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., was finding out the importance of politics in keeping the SIU strong. After meeting with President Sacco and visiting Capitol Hill, he became aware of the hard work and dedication needed "to make our union what it is today. I appreciate all All the upgrading recertified bosuns were called to the podium to accept their graduation certificates and say a few words to those assembled at the membership meeting in Piney Point. From the left are Wilfredo Acevedo and Brian lsenstadt. that is being done in Washington on our behalf." Grosskurth highly recommended upgrading to his fellow Seafarers and said if was a learning experience he will always remember. Isenstadt joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1978 and now sails from Baltimore. With the ships of today heavily relying on computers, Isenstadt found the computer lab very helpful. He also thought the social responsibility class was a great idea and gained an understanding of dealing with people in different situations. Being able to sit down with representatives of the various union departments for question-and-answer sessions was also very informative for the 48year-old, who has upgraded at Piney Point before. lsenstadt noted that today's seamen are increasingly more responsible for sophisticated equipment aboard vessels. He urged the unlicensed apprentices to pursue their studies and come back to the school to upgrade. Only by continually learning can the union-and the industryremain strong. Aid with Responsibilities Kastel, who joined the union in 1978 in the port of New Orleans, said the experience of this recertification course wiIJ help him in his leadership job as chairman of the ship's committee, especially his recent training in communicating with fellow Seafarers in a more effective manner, including avoiding and resolving conflicts. This was the ninth time Kastel, 50, has returned to the facility to upgrade his skills. Now sailing from California, he believes training and upgrading is vital to any SIU member's survival in the industry. Kastel came away this time not only with additional skills, but also with a greater appreciation for the amount of time and effort SIU officials spend making sure that the voice of the U.S. merchant marine is heard in Congress. A 1982 graduate of the entrylevel trainee course at the Hafl)' Lundeberg School, Lightfoot, 38, has come full circle by returning for recertification. Like his sister Gina Lightfoot, who graduated as a recertified steward earlier this year, he sails from the port of Jacksonville. Lightfoot thanked the union for the opportunity to continue his maritime education and said he would highly recommend the experience to his fellow shipmates. Through a combination of hands-on exercises and classroom work, the bosuns completed advanced classes in wire splicing and navigation. They utilized the Paul Hall Center's simulator, did in-depth work in areas critical to the nation's military sealift operations-such as helicopter maneuvers, damage control procedures, forklift handling and Hagglund crane operation-and refreshed their fire fighting and emergency first aid skills. McLamb, 47, particularly believed the fire fighting and CPR courses as well as knowing what to do in emergency situations Continued on page I 0 Seafarers LOii 7 �AB Wheat's Invention Deemed a Success f Richard Thomas Wheat, who sails as an AB from the port of San Juan, P.R., now can add another designation to his name-that of inventor. U.S. patent number 5,752,287 was issued to Wheat May 19, 1998 for his design of a screw paint brush-a paint brush for the 21st century, as he calls it. "I came up with the idea while on the Shining Star five years ago," the 50-year-old deck department member told a reporter from the Sea/arers LOG in describing the origins of his invention. It took until last year before his application was finally accepted and the patent granted. Painting aboard ship can be AB Richard Wheat demonstrates the versatility of his patented invention: a paint brush which can be screwed directly onto a pole. challenging, to say the least, noted Wheat, especially in tight spaces or very high spots. Sometimes a pole is needed to get to some of the harder-toreach locations. In these cases, a paint brush is usually taped onto a pole. Removing the tape can be very messy, and paint is liable to spatter all over, including into the user's eyes. Wheat believed he could improve on this concept by utilizing the poles, which already are on board all ships, and devise a paint brush that could screw onto those poles. Additionally, the band, which secures the nylon bristles, could be angled as needed to complete any task. Wheat's final concept for the new paint brush is a three-part one involving the band, a 6-inch handle (with threads at both ends) and the pole. It was given a full product-test by crew members aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii, where Bosun Billy Hill, AB Quintin S. Herrera and AB Jesus M. Velazquez deemed it "the right tool for the job." Seafarer Sinclair Oubre Honored By Propeller Club, Coast Guard AB Sinclair Oubre recently received honors from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Propeller Club - Port of the Sabine. Both organizations recognized Oubre, a Catholic priest who serves as Diocesan Director of the Apostleship of the Sea in Beaumont, Texas, for his "exceptional meritorious service furthering the welfare of professional mariners in the Port Arthur, Texas region," said a spokesperson for the Port Arthur International Seamen's Center. Oubre received the Propeller Club chapter's "Maritime Man of the Year" award and a "Meritorious Public Service Commendation" from the Coast Guard on April 21 in Port Arthur. During the awards presenta- tions, Oubre was credited for his wide-ranging efforts on behalf of mariners. Those works include serving on the Coast Guard's Personnel Merchant Marine Advisory Committee (MERPAC); facilitating the financing and construction of new local apartments for retired mariners; and spearheading an inaugural safety fair for local shrimpers that included participation by the Coast Guard, the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and others, and in turn allowed the shrimpers to reduce their respective insurance costs. He also was applauded for expanding the Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont into a fully developed ministry, and for spurring creative fund-raisers. As part of the awards ceremony, Pete "Bananas" Prevas passed away May 17 after an extended battle with cancer. He was 71. Prevas was a longtime fixture in the Baltimore maritime community. After serving in the U.S. Navy Armed Guards (aboard U.S.-flag merchant ships) during World War II, he joined the SIU B Seafarers LOG Pete Prevas (right) poses with his longtime friend, retired SIU Asst. VP Bobby Pomerlane, at a 1995 event in Baltimore. with his boyhood friend, Bobby Pomerlane, in 194 7. Although he The bands come in five different sizes and are color-coded (white, gray, black, yellow and red). This system will help keep the brushes organized when hung up for storage and should make them last at least 10 times longer than previous brushes, noted their inventor. The new screw paint brush is being manufactured in New Jersey, and buyers are starting to come forward, especially ship- AB Quintin Herrera (left) and Bosun Billy Hill (above) find the paintbrush "the right tool for the job" aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. ping companies. Wheat, who joined the SIU in 1976, says that he and other Seafarers take pride in doing the best job they can with the tools at hand and believes his invention will be one that not only can help his fellow crew members but also "be a fantastic thing for this industry." Alfred J. Austin, an SIU member since 1972, passed away earlier this year, at age 57. He sailed in the deck department and resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. Recently, Brother Austin's remains were scattered at sea, as per his wishes. Brooklyn-based SIU Safety Director Sean Ryan sailed with Brother Austin and penned the following as a tribute. In Memory of Shipmate A poem and dedication by SIU Brother Sean Ryan AB Sinclair Oubre receives the "Maritime Man of the Year" award from the Propeller Club-Port of the Sabine. $5,000 was donated in Oubre's name to the organization of his choice. He selected the building fund of the Port Arthur International Seamen's Center. I remember well coming out of school A new Piney Pointer for everyone to fool You looked out for me, took me under your wing And showed me what it meant to be a Seafarer, a union member and a working machine Though the years go by like the rolling swells We stayed in touch through good and bad times as well We swapped sea stories, like most crew members do And hung out in the mess hall until time to tum-to SIU officials and representatives of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently welcomed U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles "Tony" Robertson Jr. (second from left) to the campus in Piney Point, Md. Gen. Robertson is the head of TRANSCOM, which oversees the logistical movement of American troops and their supplies worldwide. On May 25, he joined SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and othersJn a detailed tour of the center, including the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The general's tour included lunch served by upgraders in the steward lab and observance of several courses, among many other stops. Above (from left), Tellez, Gen. Robertson, SIU Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth, Dispatcher Bonnie Johnson and American Service Technology Pres. John Mason review procedures used in the manpower office. 71, Succumbs To Cancer ........ Remembering Seafarer Al Austin Gen. Robertson Inspects Paul Hall Center Pete Prevas, ~ started in the galley gang, Prevas worked in the deck department and upgraded his abilities. Twenty years after becoming a Seafarer, he obtained his license and joined the Masters, Mates and Pilots. Retired SIU Assistant Vice President Pomerlane remembered his friend of six decades as "someone who always participated, who always donated to the cause. He was a good SIU brother. He knew everybody. He was a dear, true friend ." You told me one day that the doctor said you were ill But you said you felt fine ~d for him to stick the pill Your illness took you from us like a squall on the sea But we know deep in our hearts your spirit flies free You will be missed dearly by your wife and children all And by your SIU brothers and sisters down at the hall To my shipmate and friend who loved to sail You will be forever missed And remembered till my departure bell Aboard the OOCL Innovation, operated by Sea-Land Service, SIU members prepare the remains of AB Al Austin for discharge into the . . sea. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Felix Santiago, QMED Owen Duffy, Chief Steward Edward Dunn and AB Edward Williams. In right photo, Captain Joseph Novellino presides over the ceremony. June 1999 �Seven Look to Future, Thanks to Scholarships Each of the seven recipients of this year's Seafarers Welfare Plan's scholarship has a vision of themselves in the future. Whether through the practice of teaching, law, medicine, writing, architecture or any number of other possibilities- the one unifying element is that they want to make a difference; they want to have a positive impact on society. And the awards they won, totaling $87,000, will help them toward their personal goals. The three deep sea members and four dependent children of Seafarers were selected by a panel of educators who thoroughly evaluated the applicants' forms, letters of recommendation, grades and extracurricular activities (see story on page 2). What follows are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and goals of each of the scholarship winners. Seafarers Scholarships Recipients of the Seafarers WeHare Plan's scholarship awards for 1999 are (from left, top row) Seafarers Laura L. Cates, Matthew L. Dunn, Dorothea L. Hoffman, (second row) Dependents Thomas G. Anderl, Carla L. Longanecker, Keisla Passapera and L. John Vassalotti Ill. ships, the ocean and all the places he has seen as a member of the SIU, but now wants to develop different skilJs and a new career. As a recipient of one of the two $6,000 scholarships for Seafarers, he plans to complete a two-year paralegal program at Edmonds (Wash.) Community Col1ege. In his scholarship application form, Dunn wrote, "I have benefited greatly by being a member of this union. It has shown me how necessary a strong labor union is in maintaining good conditions, good pay and dignity and pride for workers." A look at some of the abhorrent conditions aboard flag-of-convenience vessels has convinced the Seattle resident that people need to be protected from unscrupulous labor practices. With this in mind, Dunn may specialize in labor and employment law. The second $6,000 award was presented to Dorothea L. Hoffman of Auburn, Wash. After graduating from high school in Ellensburg, Wash. in 1976, she attended Western Washington University, earning a degree in graphic arts. She worked as a graphics consultant and typesetter for three-and-a-half years and then decided to travel, taking off for a year to tour Australia, Fiji, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Tahiti. Upon arriving in Hawaii, she wrote, "I heard about the 'White Ships' and thought it was a great way to see the islands." In December 1988, she signed on the SS Independence as a deck lounge stewardess-and that started her career with the SIU. She then switched to the deck department and moved back to the Seattle area. She caught a couple ships during Desert Storm, tried a tanker, an LNG and finally ended up on a cable ship. She lately has been working aboard the Global Sentinel where she has performed a variety of duties-from cable AB to splicer/joiner, to bosun mate and even relief bosun In this, her tenth year with the union, she believes she has final1y satisfied her wanderlust and has decided to return to school (Green River Community Co11ege in Auburn) to fine-tune her computer and graphic arts ski11s Laura L. Cales, a deep sea member who has been sailing with the union for the past 17 years, is the recipient of the $15,000, four-year scholarship for Seafarers. The 43-year-old recertified steward from Tacoma, Wash. graduated from high school in Lansing, Ill. in 1974 and completed a not-so-successful semester of college the following year. "Fortunately," she wrote on her scholarship application form, "I had the opportunity to join the Seafarers International Union. It instilled in me that positive direction which allowed me to develop my talents and excel in performance." Starting as a deck lounge stewardess aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels in 1981, she worked her way up to recertified steward, sailing on different kinds of ships and attending many upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center on the way. She also was selected in 1996 to serve as a member of the credentials committee, a group of six rank-andfile Seafarers which reviewed all nominating petitions of SIU members seeking office in the 1996 district-wide elections in the union's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. In the winter of '98, she started college courses once more, this time receiving a 4.0 grade point average. She believes it is time to resume pursuing her dreams of a higher education. "Earning a bachelor's degree," she wrote, ''will both enrich my life and arm me with the skills needed to choose the most fulfilling path. I am committed and ready to accomplish these goals." Cates is considering a career in criminal justice, believing that a college education ''will open a realm of possibilities for my future, one which must afford me the best chance of making a real difference." She is sailing on an LNG vessel between Indonesia and Japan and will return in time to start classes at Tacoma (Wash.) Community ColJege in the fall Dependent Scholanhlps Several years after graduating Thomas G. Anderl, 18, wants from high school in Missoula, Mont., Matthew L. Dunn, 31, to do something fulfilling with his completed the entry-level pro- life and help people at the same gram at the Lundeberg School in time, probably in the field of 1990 and upgraded to AB the fol- computer engineering or possibly lowing year. as a doctor. He acknowledges he loves Anderl is the son of Delsa and June 1999 cal instrument called "cuatro." She even had an opportunity to play for the pope in Italy. In her desire to help people, she worked as volunteer, assisting the elderly at a convalescent center for more than a year, making them "feel cared for and important" Tutoring children is another way Passapera used her extra time, "because helping them get good grades makes them realize how important education is and how helpful it is to get what you want in life." Passapera will use her $15,000 monetary award to attend Colegio Universitario de Humacao in the fall. The fourth $15,000 scholarship winner is Louis John Vassalotti Ill of Lancaster, Pa. The 17-year-old son of Susan B. Card and stepson of Dannie K. Card Sr., an inland member since 1969, graduated last month from St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Del. with a 4.0 grade average. Vassalotti wrote in his scholarship application that "as I advance in my education, I realize every year that there is stilJ so much I don't know. I firmly believe that a strong education is the key, not only to improving oneself but also improving society as a whole." With that thought in mind, the young man dedicated his high school years to improving his mind and claims that the active role he has taken in his education is paying off. Thanks to his study of history, he notes, he is much more aware of social problems in the world. And because of his science courses, he can understand the causes of chemical or physical processes that occur in nature. Last year, Vassalotti won the Williams College Book Award, given to a junior in the top five percent of his or her class who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity and has made a significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the school. He was on the highest honor rolJ during his four years of high school and this past December, gained early admission to his first choice college-Brown University in Providence, R.I. Vassa]otti is still unsure as to what his major will be but is considering chemistry, English, philosophy, music and Spanish. "I can see myself being many things someday, and the occupations that most appeal to me right now are those of teacher, writer/journalist and musician." He mentioned chemistry, English, philosophy and Spanish because they are the academic subjects that most fascinate him. But being a teacher, he believes, would give him the opportunity to give back to students the gift of learning. And writing is an enjoyable pursuit. But outside of the classroom, music is the activity that is most exciting and fulfilling for him, providing "an amazing balance," and the thought of being a musician for the rest of his life "sounds to me like another fulfilling occupation." Whichever road he chooses, the $15,000 scholarship will help Vassalotti continue to take advantage of his love of learning at Brown. a Kenneth Anderl. His mother is a Throughout her varied activifishery biologist; his father joined ties in high school, she has always the SIU in 1990 and sails as an AB striven for excellence and is gradaboard the Overseas Juneau. uating this month fifth in a class of Anderl's early years were spent 243. She also has taken a number with his family in Guam and of academic courses at Central Ecuador. When his family Florida Community College, returned to Washington state, he where she maintains a 4.0 grade was accepted into the Edmonds point average. School District Challenge ProIn addition to her academics, gram, where he completed the she was editor of the high school regular high school curriculum at yearbook for the last three years, Mountlake Terrace High School class president for three years, (taking advanced placement prom committee chair, homecomEnglish and history, as well as ing chair and played on the discompleting all the math classes trict champion softball team as offered-up to college calculus), well as a number of other sports as well as 22 credits at Edmonds teams. She also was a member of Community College. the Spanish Club and helped The summer before his senior organize a two-day seminar year, Anderl began volunteering at which focused on comforting a soup kitchen in Seattle. And cancer patients. The future is wide open for while not widely regarded as glamorous work, he found it a Longanecker, who plans to study most rewarding part of his week architecture, international rela-an activity through which he tions or environmental science. helps make a positive difference "In any one of the three majors," she wrote, "I know there is an in many people's lives. Music also has been an impor- opportunity to help people and the tant part of Anderl's life since the world." If architecture is her fourth grade, and he hopes to con- choice, she plans to work on tinue playing for many years to developing more economicaJly come. He studied the violin for and environmentally safe designs one year, later switching to the for buildings and homes. If it trombone and has since diversi- should be international relations, fied to play tuba, euphonium and she hopes to better the relationtimpani. In the ninth grade, he was ships between countries through a accepted into the Mountlake clearer understanding of each Terrace High School Jazz nation's history and culture. If Ensemble, during which time the environmental science is her decision, then she would like to pursue group won numerous awards. Computer programming is a different means to solve the another interest of the graduating growing radioactive waste probsenior, who is intrigued by the lem and help clean up contaminatpower of a person to give a ed areas of the world. Longanecker admits that her machine the logic necessary to future at this time cannot be reliperform useful tasks. With help from the $15,000 ably determined, but "one thing is award, Anderl hopes to pursue a for sure: I plan to make a differcomputer engineering degree at ence." Her $15,000 scholarship the University of Washington but will help toward that end. Keis/a Passapera from Humanotes he is keeping an open mind. Another interest, he wrote in his cao, P.R. would like to study law scholarship application, is the pos- "because I think it is the best way sibility of becoming a doctor. He to help people." wrote that by becoming a doctor, The 18-year-old daughter of "I would be able to make positive Norma and Angel Passapera is changes in people's lives. I have graduating from Colegio San always wanted to help people, and Antonio Abad in Humacao with a this would be my opportunity to 4.0 grade point average. Her do something fulfilJing with my father, an SIU member since life." 1970, sails as an AB, most recentPrinceton University, the U.S. ly aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Coast Guard Academy or the In addition to her excellent University of Florida are the grades, belonging to the National schools chosen by 17-year-old Honor Society and winning the Carla Louise Longanecker, who National Mathematics Award, wants her life and work "to have a Passapera has participated in positive impact on society and the many of the extracurricular activities at her high school, including world." She is the daughter of Beth and track and field. She was a member Lewis Longanecker, an inland of the school chorus and enjoys music very much, playing a musimember of the SIU since 1978. Seafarers LOG 9 �Lots to Do on Lakes SIU members are doing their part to help ensure smooth cargo movements on the Great Lakes. SIU Representative Don Thornton recently met with Seafarers on various Lakes ships and provided the photos on this page. QMED Pat Myler - H. Lee White AB John Vegh 111 - Conveyorman David Young - Medusa Conquest OS Brian Gelaude - Deckhand Glenn Ransom Medusa Conquest Cook Gerald Rifenbark Medusa Conquest Medusa Conquest Bosun Charles Neigebauer American Republic Recertified Bosuns Ready for Leadership Roles Following Graduation Continued from page 7 would make him a more capable leader. This was the third time McLamb has returned to the school to upgrade since joining the union in 1978 in Houston, from where he still sails. He thanked the staff and instructors for making him feel at home and acknowledged the SIU leadership for helping Seafarers keep up with the rules and regulations that affect their livelihood. "The SIU works as a team," he concluded. "And as long as we are a team, we can and will stay on top." Rivas joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans in 1977, when he was 21 years old. He now sails from the port of Houston. Rivas has attended many upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center over the past 22 years, but graduating from the bosun recertification program "is the most rewarding of my career." The school, he noted, is such a tranquil place in which to learn, "and I would urge all members to take advantage of these educational facilities. Without upgrading, our choices for jobs are limited." Addressing the unlicensed apprentices, Rivas stated, "You are in a great union, and I want you to take advantage of the opportunities that the school has to give you. Study hard. Ask questions. Listen to your supervisors-and work together SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates Thomas Grosskurth and his wife, Delores, following the membership meeting. 10 Seafarers LOG team." Sabatini, 44, joined the SIU in. San Diego in 1989. Shipping from the port of Wilmington, Calif., Sabatini previously attended the facility four times to upgrade his skills. He believes this course has better prepared him for his job at sea. He said he knows more about the background of the union and the school, and through the various classes in which he received instruction-particularly the water survival and fire fighting programs-he now feels more comfortable passing this information on to other crew members aboard various vessels and better equipped to deal with emergency situations. Wiles, the last of the graduating recertified bosuns, shipped out early and was unable to attend the ceremony. The 54-year-old Wiles sails from the port of Mobile, Ala. Victor Beata, Juan Rivas and Anthony Sabatini advise the unlicensed apprentices in the audience to continue their education through upgrading courses and to not be afraid to ask questions. June 1999 �Recertified Bosun Cesar Gutierrez, SIU President Michael Sacco \ l Retiree Duke Duet and wife, Maggie QMED Buddy Barber, QMED Scott Duckworth, QMED Geoffrey Denesse, AB Charles McPherson j Retiree Louie Babin, Retiree Paul Lighten, Bosun Hugo Dermody Sights from Grand Opening of New Orleans Hall ELCOME (BACK) TO OUR NEW HOME AB Steven Mayer l Retiree Jose Mata Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt As reported in detail in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG, the SIU recently opened a new union hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. At the grand opening on April 8 and during the ensuing weeks, Seafarers who visited the new facility described it as a welcome improvement. The photos on this page, provided by Barbara BrouillettePerez and Jessica Smith, offer a sampling of the grand opening. Identifications are listed from left to right. AB Dawud Yamini Cook Michael Carter Engineer Jimmy Gervais, Deckhand Chance Gould Retiree Juan Gonzalez and wife, Felicia AB Willie Judd, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey AB David Collins with wife, Larra, and son David II June 1999 QMED Bobby Milan, QMED Scott Duckworth Retiree Antonio Villanuova, SA Cirilo Centeno, Deckhand Thomas Martinez Boloi, DEU Florencio Bermudez Seafarers LOG 11 �Editors note: The language used by the typical Seafarer to describe his everyday life aboard ship has different origins. Many of the words derive from the need to give a name to an object or a situation which occurs only in the maritime industry. A majority of nautical expressions used by todays Seafarers date back to the days of the early naval powers of the world-England, Holland and the Scandinavian countries. In a reprint from a 1965 Seafarers LOG, below is a short list of selected maritime terms to give Seafarers and their families a brief idea of where their everyday sea talk originates. ± with women. In HolJand, ladies used the word the word "dek" to mean cover, clothe or adorn themselves. Sailors from the Netherlands who were building a ship's floor used the word "decken," which meant to cover. FOC'SLE - Properly known as the forecastle where the ship's crew lives. Forecastle found its way into the sailor's vocabulary back in the Middle Ages when European ships had a "forwearde castel" which was used for defense against hostile vessels. Seamen in those times could stand on this raised, fortified platform in the bow, getting the advantage of height over an enemy's decks. Some time later, forecastle came to be known as a raised deck which sheltered the crew's quarters. BALLAST - Heavy material carried in a ship's hold to increase stability in the absence of cargo. Ballast originates from the Old Danish word "baglast." "Last" meant burden, and "bag" referred to rear. Taken together, baglast meant ''to stow in the rear of a ship to tilt up the bow." GANGWAY - The runway or board with cleats used to board a ship or the ladder up a ship's side. Gangway derives its pronunciation from the Old English expression "gangweg," which literally meant "a going way" or a passage. BATTEN - Strips of iron that fit over hatches to secure the covering tarpaulins. Batten comes from Teutonic and French sources. The Teutonic word "bat" meant good or preserved. Also contributing to its meaning was the world "baton" which is French for cudgel. The French took this expression from the Latin word meaning wooden stick. BILGE - The section of the hull which curves below the waterline. This is the place where water seeping through the ship collects. A better word for bilge would be belly, which is another form of the Old French word "boulge" or bulge. BOSUN -The unlicensed seaman who directs the work of crew members in the deck department. The formal pronunciation of bosun is boatswain, which goes back to the times when the Anglo Saxons used the expression "bat swegen." Bat referred to boat, and "swegen" had its origins in a Norse word meaning servant or lad. DECK - The covering over the beams which is the ship's floor. Deck owes its origin to an association 12 Seafarers LOG HELM - The wheel which guides the rudder of a ship. On modem ships, the helm is often referred to as the wheel. On sail ships, crew members still refer to it as the tiller. Helm has dual origins, coming from the Icelandic word for rudder and the Middle English term "balm" or handle. LAUNCH - To set a vessel afloat. Launch found its origin from a Middle English word meaning to hurl or throw forward like a spear. Its usage was later extended to mean thrusting or hurling a boat into the water. The expression was derived from the French word "lancer,'' meaning to throw or hurl. PILOT - A person with expert knowledge of local navigation who guides a ship to its mooring place. Pilot is one of the few words in the seaman's language that dates directly to the Greek. The Greeks used a word "pedotes," meaning steersman, to which was added a suffix referring to rudder or the blade of an oar. The expression found its way across the Mediterranean to France, where it is now pronounced "pilote." vessel can be loaded under various conditions. The Plimsoll Mark honors the memory of Samuel Plimsoll, a member of the English Parliament who waged a bitter campaign against shipowners who greedily overloaded their ships during the 19th century. The heavily weighted ships would often be lost a~ sea, but the callous owners would make big profits from the insurance on them. Thanks to Plimsoll's fight, Parliament finally passed a law setting safe load limits for ships flying the Union Jack. PORT - The left side of the ship. The port side of a ship was also known as the larboard side, dating back to the 17th century when the only loading port on a ship was on its left side. Thus, seafarers started talking about the "loading side," or "ladeboard," which became larboard. SCUTTLE - To sink a ship by boring holes in her hull, or by opening the sea cocks. Old-timers once used the word scuttle to mean the square holes bored through the deck or in a hatchway which a seaman could use to get to the next deck or through a bulkhead. Used literally, the word means to sink a vessel by cutting scuttles in it. SKIPPER - A ship's captain. Seamen can thank their Dutch predecessors for this expression which came from the word "schipper." Schip was the Dutch word for ship_, The suffix "er," meaning agent, was added to complete the word. \\ STARBO ARD - The right side of the ship. Seamen started referring to the starboard side of a ship after hearing a similar Old English expression which meant steering side. This use dates to· the time when the steering board was located on the right side of a v~ssel. STEM - The foremost beam of the ship's bow, which is joined to the keel. All forward plates on a ship are joined to it. Stem originates from an English word meaning tree, which in turn, derived from an older word meaning post. June 1999 �A Proud Day for the·SIU Paul Hall Center Opens Joe Sacco School . e~ '\)... ~~ The ceremony begins with the ~. ~ pledge of allegiance, led by Paul _ Hall Center apprentice James Miller .~ ~ Jr. (wearing cap). :~"' \t\ · / ABOVE: A standing room audience applauds during the ceremonial opening last month . RIGHT: Commemorative plaque recognizes the support of the ITF in building the facility. ;;..___....:.___._ F rom atop the bridge deck of the Eternal Flame, SIU President Michael Sacco and distinguished guest speakers praised the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School during the ceremonial opening of the latest addition to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A standing room only crowd, composed of union, military and government officials; upgraders and apprentices; employees; and friends and family members, gathered May 18 in front of the Eternal Flame-the bum building of the new campus in Valley Lee, Md., near the Paul Hall Center's campus. Following an invocation by Father Matt Siekierski of the Sacred Heart Church in LaPlata, Md. and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by unlicensed apprentice James Miller Jr., President Sacco welcomed those in attendance and said how very proud he was of the remarkable facility named in honor of his brother, Joey, who passed away in 1996. name-came into fruition. President Sacco also thanked the many individuals and organizations-particularly the International Transport Workers' Federation for its support-that played a part in making the school a reality. "The result," he said, "is a school that will improve the performance of SIU members and other U.S. mariners who utilize it-which, in tum, benefits ship operators and the industry as a whole." He also introduced a pioneer of sorts-Ken Conklin, retired Marine Corps major and former commandant of the Paul Hall Center-who first came to Piney Point when it was "just a mudhole and helped build a strong foundation for what was to come." Former Paul Hall Center VP Ken Conklin (left) and current VP Don Nolan Father Matt Siekierski "Today, we honor the past. We celebrate the present. And we prepare for the future," he remarked. "Both as a rank-and-file member, and later as the Sill's executive vice president, Joey understood the need for quality vocational training and education for mariners." Joe Sacco had a vision of the kind of fire fighting school he wanted and had talked about it for many years. It was, in fact, his ideas and enthusiasm that helped lay the grouridwork for this new facility. And on this beautiful day, with the sun shining on the gathering, his vision-bearing his June 1999 With safety being the number one requirement for today's mariners, the fire fighting facility will train seafarers at a modem, unique, conveniently located school designed exactly for them. It is the SIU's way of planning for the future, of making sure the maritime industry continues to grow, the SIU president said. "We are optimistic about the growth of the U.S. merchant marine," Sacco noted in his closing remarks. "This school is a shining example of how we're working to make that growth a reality." The issue of safety and the importance of safety training was echoed by Vice Admiral James C. Card, U.S. Coast Guard, who presented Sacco with a certificate of appreciation for the work the union has done in helping SIU members comply with current officers, as well as the center's administrators and instructors for their leadership and expressed amazement that the school was constructed in just eight months. SIU Pres. Michael Sacco and Coast Guard Vice Adm. James Card Coast Guard regulations, especially the basic safety training and fire fighting skills needed to conform with the STCW amendments. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, U.S. Navy, commander of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), also stressed the importance of safety training, pointing out "there is nothing that can ruin a good day at sea like a fire aboard ship." There are many different possible scenarios for a shipboard fire, he said, and the mariners and apprentices who use the new fire fighting school will learn how to handle all of them. American had the right to voteand now the first place in the nation where such a state-of-theart, marine-specific fire fighting and safety training facility is located. Jo Ann Robinson, director of the American Council on Education (ACE), added her congratulations "for this wonderful accomplishment." It is the ACE which, for the past 25 years, has reviewed the curriculum provided at the Paul Hall Center and has certified courses for college credit. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco "The Maritime Administration is proud to be a partner with all of seagoing labor," Hart said as he presented a dedication plaque to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. "Joey's memory will be preserved." An avid supporter of the U.S.flag fleet when he served in the U.S. Congress and a representative of the district in which the Paul Hall Center is located, Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson expressed his pride in representing St. Mary's County, where the center is situated. ACE Director Jo Ann Robinson and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco She presented a certificate to President Sacco on behalf of her organization for the continuing high quality of courses provided by the school to unlicensed apprentices and upgrading Seafarers alike. Next up to the podium was Jimmy Hanson, longtime director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center. Instrumental in the design and construction of the new facility, Hanson expressed Continued on page 14 SIU Pres. Michael Sacco and Navy Rear Adm. Gordon Holder Holder added that Joe Sacco's spirit will live on in this facility, which complements the extensive curriculum already offered at the Paul Hall Center. He presented President Sacco with certificates for two government vessels courses which currently meet the requirements of the MSC. U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart thanked the union's Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson From the time settlers landed on the Ark and the Dove in 1634, he noted, Southern Maryland has been a unique place, a place of many "firsts." It was the first place in the United States where a woman became an attorney, where a bill allowing religious tolerance was passed, where an African- Center Safety Director Jim Hanson and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco Seafarers LOG 13 �Safety Facilities Designed Spe T 1 LEFT: This plaque recalls the person in whose memory the school is named. BELOW: Speaking from the 'burn building,' SIU President Michael Sacco explains that the fire fighting school was a longtime vision of his brother, former SIU Exec. VP Joseph Sacco. en months after the groundbreaking ceremony and eight months after construction officially began, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is open for business. The campus, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is composed of three main buildings with several other areas dedicated to educating mariners on how to combat and suppress shipboard fires. The structure that immediately captures most people's attention is the black three-story bum building, which was christened by Sacco's widow, Judy, during the May 18th ceremonial opening as the Eternal Flame. This threestory edifice is designed to replicate in areas a bridge, an engine room, shaft alley and other facili- ties found aboard a vessel. Through computer technology, propane-gas fires are lit to simulate dangerous situations that could occur at sea. Upgraders attack the fire as if they were battling a petroleum, grease or electrical fire or some other condition. The computers, controlled by instructors, will sense how the danger is being handled and respond accordingly. Next to the Eternal Flame is the maze building. This multi-storied structure is configured to prevent light from entering its various rooms so upgraders are forced to work in total darkness as a team in a search-and-rescue mission. Among the obstacles within the maze are a fo'c's'le with a bed and chest of drawers, a galley with refrigerator and other items located on a ship. The hatches and other features throughout the school are constructed exactly like those aboard ship. A Proud Day for the SIU Continued from page 13 his thanks to the school and the county-and "all the people behind the scenes"-for their help in making this dream come true. Hanson then presented Sacco with a unique fire fighting helmet bearing Joey Sacco's name as well as Eternal Flame. Flying in from London to attend the ceremonial dedication was David Cockroft, I1F general secretary. In looking over the new training facility, Cockroft noted that the financial contribution given by the 11F was money well spent. "It is a world-class institution," he said, ''the best, most well-equipped facility of its kind anywhere in the world, and the whole maritime community should be proud." He added that the SIU, under Mike Sacco's leadership, promotes not only the U.S. merchant marine, but also international solidarity. "Whatever their nationality," he said, "seamen have a good friend in the SIU." He thanked the admirals for the military support the I1F is getting for their work in fighting the runawayflag system and added that safety and well-trained mariners are fundamental to the quality of shipping. "Together," he concluded, "we can make a difference." President Sacco introduced Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli, who won a contest to name the "burnbuilding vessel" at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School-the structure where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting to learn firsthand how to battle blazes. After studying and sorting through more than 175 entries submitted by active and retired Seafarers, judges selected Poggioli's entry-the Eternal Flame-as the one which best exemplified the spirit of the school and of Joey's legacy. Sacco presented Poggioli with a ship's wheel "for naming the vessel and for participating and doing a great job as a union steward." The Eternal Flame was then christened by Judy Sacco, Joey's widow, with the assistance of Poggioli. At the same time, on the other side of the school, next to a pole flying the American flag and between two Lighting a perpetually burning flame in Joe Sacco's memory on the campus is ITF General Sec'y David Cockroft. ground markers dedicating the school to the memory of Joe Sacco, an eternal flame was lit by Cockroft. Finally, the members of the audience toured the new school and equipment to see for themselves the results of an extraordinary vision by a man who strongly believed in the need for vocational training and education for all Seafarers. With a tip from Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli, who suggested the name Eternal Flame for the burn building, Judy Sacco (Joe's widow) christens-with a splash-the structure that is designed to replicate shipboard blazes. f4 Seafarers LOG Water survival training takes plac Confined space safety trainin the school, located in Valley L June 1999 �ifically for Training Seafarers Between these two buildings is an outdoor bum area that features the kinds of pipes and hoses found aboard a tanker as well as a helicopter pad located aboard some vessels. Students again would battle propane-based fires designed to replicate blazes that could occur if a fuel line burst or a chopper experienced problems. (The pad features a full-size helicopter model.) On the other side of the campus is a structure containing classrooms and water survival training. The building features several rooms complete with desks and video monitors for textbook training. Another room is designed to assist upgraders in the use of the breathing apparatus. There also is a lounge area for students. Further in the facility is an indoor pool that will be used for water survival training. The school has the latest in deep sea survival crafts so upgraders will be used to handling these vessels in case an emergency ever develops. Adjacent to this area is a damage control room with a recessed floor to allow training to take place while water rises. Finally, the campus features a pad for training students on the use of fire extinguishers. "This is a world-class facility all Seafarers can be proud of," SIU President Michael Sacco noted. "This is like nothing else in the country, specifically designed for mariners. This is another way the Paul Hall Center is ready for the 21st century." Housed inside the classroom facilities are a compressor room where students will learn to take air samples and service compressors, an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers, and more. e a The maze building has a bridge mock-up. Upgraders will learn how to operate the many types of fire extinguishers. Search and ·rescue training will occur inside the two-story maze building. On-site classrooms will allow upgraders to immediately review how they fared in practical training, then go back for more hands-on work. Guests inspect the engine room housed on the first deck of the Eternal Flame. (left photo), damage control (center) and basic and advanced fire fighting (right) are among the courses that will be conducted at e, Md. June 1999 Reactions from Seafarers continued on next page Seafarers LOG 15 �Left to right: Recertified Bosun Brian lsenstadt, Splicer/Joiner Lyle Davis, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco 'A Priceless Entity' Seafarers See Many Benefits In New School fter touring the new oseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety chool and watching the facility's ceremonial opening May 18, longtime SIU members and new Seafarers alike were emotional in describing its splendor. "It's a priceless entity to the Paul Hall Center. It's convenient, accessible and superbly welldone," stated AB Al Salazar, who recently joined the SIU. Like many of his fellow Seafarers, Salazar also commended school and union officials for "making this school happen. I'm very impressed, and I will give 100 percent dedication to (SIU President) Mike Sacco." QMED Alphonse Thomas, a 34-year member of the SIU, nearly choked up when asked for his opinion of the school. "It just blows me away, makes me proud. I can't find words to describe the feeling," Thomas declared. Moments later, he explained that he views the new facility as representative of the SIU's progress throughout his career. "I look at the SIU as a home, and all of our leaders were raised in that same home and family," said the New Orleans-area Seafarer. "The fire fighting school shows how far we've come and how hard we've worked. And it shows damn good leadership." Debbie Sutton, an OS upgrading in the Paul Hall Center's AB course, noted she wished all SIU members could have attended the ceremony. "It was so beautifully done, I'm sorry that not everyone could be here. But the school means a wonderful opportunity for all SIU brothers and sisters. Where else can you get an education like this?" she said. Both Recertified Bosun Brian Isenstadt and Splicer/Joiner Lyle Davis stated that there is no comparison between the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and other fire fighting institutions they have examined. "I've never seen anything like this one," said Isenstadt, who joined the SIU in 1977. "Members can get all their safety training right here. It's a real tribute to Joe." "Fire fighting is a key requirement for mariners, so this new school is great for us," added Davis. AB Jerry Foley pointed out that the guest speakers' respective comments "lets us know they're working together with us and that we have a bright future. I enjoyed seeing them at the ceremony." The speakers included Vice Admiral James C. Card ·of the U.S. Coast Guard; Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, U.S. Navy, commander Military Sealift Command; U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart; Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson; Ms. Jo Ann Robinson, director, American Council on Education; and ITF General Secretary David Cockroft. Foley added that the school "not only will put us on the map, it'll put us at the top. Once we get [more] NMU members here with us, it'll be smooth sailing." George Mazzola AB expressed similar sentiments. "It's a first-rate school, and I think it will open new doors for us," he said. "It's going to help in ways we haven't yet realized." QMED Sheldon Greenberg emphasized the uniqueness of the school. "You learn about shipboard fire fighting here, that's what's so great about it. There's not another facility like it in the country," he noted. "I'm very impressed, and I think this helps make my future secure." "It's so beneficial that the school is built to simulate shipboard fires," echoed AB Denyse Sineath. "The training will be a real-life scenario and will show us what it's really going to be like out there at sea." Left to right: AB Jerry Foley, QMED Sheldon Greenberg Nick Marrone SIU VP West Coast Kermett Mangram SIU VP Gov't Serv. Dean Corgey SIU VP Gulf Coast 16 Seafarers LOG Bosun Tom Soresi June 1999 �,. Welcome Ashore _, Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead T wo recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 13 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 96 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Arnold J. Eckert and Paulino Flores Jr. and Recertified Steward Roosevelt Sampson are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, six of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, three shipped on inland vessels and four plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, four shipped in the steward department and three sailed as members of the engine department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA ARNOLDJ. ECKERT, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1963. Born in Canada, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. Prior to his retirement, Brother Eckert sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. He makes his home in Granite Falls, Wash. PAULINO FLORES JR., 51, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Detroit, operated by Sea-Land Service. Brother Flores sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification course in 1989. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Expedition and has retired to San Juan, P.R. ROBERTA. LANG,65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Columbia, an Ogden Sea Transport Co. vessel and his last ship was the Carolina, operated by NPR, Inc. Born in Connecticut, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lang resides in Jacksonville. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. WILFREDO RAMIREZ, 66, first sailed with the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. During his union career, he worked in all three departments and upgraded frequently at the training center in Piney Point. The Puerto Rico native last sailed as a utility deck engine (UDE), aboard the PFC William B. Baugh, a Maersk Line, Ltd. vessel. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1953. Brother Ramirez has retired to the Bronx, N.Y. ROOSEVELT SAMPSON, 65, joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards v<· (MC&S) in ,r? 1966. He first ~,..? , sailed aboardthe Hawaiian Builder, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in Arizona, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, graduating from the steward recertification program there in 1982. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Sampson last sailed aboard the President Roosevelt. He makes his home in Pinole, Calif. WHEELER M. WASHINGTON, 54, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1965 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Walter Rice. Brother Washington worked in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the union's facility in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Washington has retired to Mobile, Ala. INLAND JACOB A. BRYAN, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Baltimore. During his career, he worked in all three departments. Boatman Bryan last sailed in 1984 as a chief engineer aboard the Ranger, a tug operated by Sonat of Maryland. A native of Maryland, he calls Baltimore home. HOWARD GROS, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1970. Boatman Gros sailed primarily with Dixie Carriers as a member of the deck department. A native of Louisiana, he makes his home in Belle Chasse. ROBERT A. VANLUVEN, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1970. During his union career, the deck department member held the positions of AB and captain. Boatman Van Luven last sailed in 1985 aboard a National Marine Co. vessel. He was born in Michigan and makes his home in Port Neches, Texas. .------:-:==--, GREAT LAKES CLIFFORD CADREAU, 53, started sailing with the SIU in 1968, aboard the Philip Minch, a Kinsman Marine Transit Co. vessel. Born in Detroit, he sailed as a wheelsman in the deck depart- ment. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Indiana Harbor, operated by American Steamship Co. Taylor, Mich. is home to Brother Cadreau. ARTHUR J. DURFEE, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Duluth, Minn. The Minnesota native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1985 aboard a Zenith Dredge Co. vessel. Brother Durfee has retired to Duluth. EDWARDC. ELDER, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1976 from the port of Detroit. His first ship was the Joseph S. Young, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Elder last sailed in 1995 aboard the St. Clair, operated by American Steamship Co. He makes his home in Campobello, S.C. ALIS. SHEMMAN, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he worked as a member of the engine department. He last sailed in 1994 aboard the Sam Laud, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Shemman calls Dearborn, Mich. home. HMI Petrachem Crew Updated at Shipboard Meeting Keeping up-to-date on the latest STCW regulations was one of the topics discussed during a recent meeting aboard the HM/ Petrachem in Wilmington, N.C. Pat Vandergrift, safety director at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., provided these photos and reported that several other issues (including food quality, mail service and the Seafarers LOG) also were addressed aboard the chemical carrier, operated by IUM. Pictured at right, some of the crew members wait for the meeting to begin. They are (from left) AB Jack Lamotta, AB Paul Cadran, Second Pumpman Oscar Garcia and AB Donley Johnson. Below is the docked vessel in Norfolk. June 1999 Above: Posing in the ship's galley are (from left) UA Tim Bixby, Chief Steward John Lee, Chief Cook Clarance Mack and SA Herman Stith. Below: Enjoying their lunch before the start of the meeting are (from left) CPU Nick Aguilera, Bosun Kenny Mclamb and OMU George Demetropoulos. Seafarers LOG 17 �._,_ ·, ·... · ' . .'. . . . lfe11er16fe f 1catie11 Are lade at Pi1ey Pei1t As many SIU members already have discovered, the Paul Hall - mentor peach festival? Center in Piney Point, Md. offers all the ingredients for a memorable These are just a fraction of the many activities going on this sumsummer vacation-and it's a benefit available only to Seafarers and mer in southern Maryland. their families. Using the Paul Hall Center as your base, day trips throughout the The facility, situated on the banks of the St. George's Washington, D.C. area are a perfect way to make sightseeing Creek, offers comfortable accommodations, three more relaxing and fun. delicious meals a day, lots of activities and an \___ There's something in the area that everyideal location from which to take in the · 6\ · one in the family will find interesting. local sights. And even if you've been to The Paul Hall Center, which ~'.. ~ Washington before and visited the houses the largest training facili..J. ; ' lt . -. ____ *~Washington Monument and the ty for de~p sea merchant sea- ~ .......,--==- ~~ ~ l1~4lf-!;i. ~~;:.-;;.~.------ ~-' <~. c--·--_-~ -- ·-.· :.: . -· _ Lincoln and Jefferson farers, mland waterways h .\. _. . ~ . . :,-·~-~ < - -~--= Memorials, there is always boatmen and Great Lake ii~ -~ ~ -.-:-:-:-::~~~:~::.'. _____ ~~something new to see. Even mariners in the United ·~- . ~~ 1 ==·~·:-:~~=~"'::-:~:=-~ -· the Washington Monument States, is composed of a ~ ==· ---.--·m looks different right now, number of administrative NJ! · ' , ~ =-:: rn encased with scaffolding and educationa! buildings ~ _ \-· _ - ' __ -~ = ="' • ~')) \\ while renovations are being as ~~II as a library and ~ .. :~ ~""1-~-~~~=- -_~'f'i . . :..~~::/ performed. The exhibits at mantime museum and a =-- --:-""----~i·-- ~-- {'~ D ···~ _:.=:.--i the Smithsonian lnstitusi~·story training and recre,-- ~. ~. ~=~~ ·~ tion's many museums-a ation center on more than ~ · ;: 1 - -- -•. . . . drive of only about an hour60 acres of waterfront proper- - · --- \::::> '· and-a-half from Piney ty. A number of the rooms in Point-are always changing. The the training and recreation center Air and Space Museum and the are set aside each summer for vacamuseums of natural and American histioning SIU members and their families. tory are all spaced out along the Mall, At the center are a picnic area with grills within easy walking distance of each other. A and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, a couple of the more popular things to do in health spa (which includes Nautilus, free weights and a universal Washington are tour the FBI building and go to the Bureau of gym, a sauna and steamroom), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and Engraving and Printing to watch U.S. money being printed. Of plenty of picturesque space for peaceful walks or jogs or picnics on course, there is also National Zoo and its famous panda bear. the beautifully landscaped grounds. Everyone loves the zoo! This peaceful setting provides the opportunity for both water- and And unless you've been to Washington within the last couple land-based expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers years, you've probably not visited the monument to President may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Encompassing 7.5 acres, it is the first major a good fishing spot. With 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. national memorial erected in honor of a 20th century president. Baltimore is home to Camden Yards, so you might want to take Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. The school's marina also sesves as the home of the Manitou, a sailthe family to an Orioles' game. But there also is a terrific aquarium boat owned by President John F. Kennedy. The vessel was lovingly in Baltimore as well as many ethnic areas, each with their own restaurestored in 1990 by SIU pensioners. Across the grounds is the Paul Hall rants and shops. Library and Maritime Museum. The library contains more than 17,000 Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are well worth a visit. At Arlington volumes on maritime and labor history, while the museum features a National Cemetery, a moving setting in itself, one can watch the collection of ship models, historical nautical instruments, maritimechanging of the guard each hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns. Mt. Vernon is the home (and burial place) of our first related posters from World War II and other union memorabilia. Nearby are many famous landmarks and other attractions where president, George Washington, and tours of his elegant homestead one may be entertained. There are seafood festivals, arts and crafts give visitors an idea of just what life was like in the 1700s. exhibits, antique shows, country auctions and fairs-and acre upon A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per acre of unspoiled parkland. Also on the county schedule this sumfamily. To take advantage of this unique benefit, the first step is to mer are flower shows, a soap box derby, golf championship and Civil fill in the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Training and War reenactments. Or how about a butterfly show, horse toumaRecreation Center in Piney Point. The rest, as they say, is history. ffl lf.!· ' r---------------------------------------, SEAFARERS lRAINING & RECREATION CENTER UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Vacation Reservation Information Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Social Security number: Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center may not exceed two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day 10.00/day Spouse Child 10.00/day Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. 3rd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 6199 L-~-------------------------------------~ 18 Seafarers LOG June 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Loui · ey Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia altimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 23 7 3 25 7 9 2 10 10 14 19 2 15 6 11 2 14 29 17 5 13 15 10 18 31 28 13 2 17 28 11 10 24 8 7 7 17 9 3 7 4 18 21 29 13 4 8 11 11 46 5 5 6 5 2 6 49 12 4 9 2 2 IO 2 0 0 1 10 10 9 9 13 5 6 2 3 3 8 2 3 0 6 5 2 l 2 138 81 29 13 l 4 8 6 7 16 32 19 14 3 13 19 0 2 2 0 0 0 8 0 I 5 5 5 3 0 I 4 0 4 0 l 5 15 5 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 26 3 2 2 6 14 6 10 7 15 2 1t 7 6 2 7 2 15 6 2 26 3 56 4 0 0 0 9 l 22 8 52 164 8 0 129 599 425 265 0 12 45 4 3 15 r4 12 20 45 15 5 10 1 6 15 0 4 12 13 11 39 21 17 26 7 9 19 4 3 45 206 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 10 6 0 9 2 1 0 0 21 2 74 0 1 8 7 I 3 0 110 24 0 0 3 4 1 0 0 3 1 5 8 8 5 14 1 7 2 0 3 0 49 1 0 3 0 0 12 l 0 0 0 18 7 1 5 5 33 440 354 8 32 54 30 31 4 17 22 4 9 5 13 11 4 12 2 6 0 120 4 0 2 6 0 5 l 3 2 3 0 0 33 0 3 6 l 2 0 0 13 3 1 27 22 11 18 2 0 0 33 8 3 14 14 24 16 12 30 21 9 7 18 4 3 15 6 4 90 40 20 3 27 107 0 0 0 0 16 0 9 84 304 231 194 183 975 698 414 0 Phil~elphia ............ Wednesday: July 7, August 4 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 15, August 12 San Juan ..................Thursday: July 8, August 5 St. Louis .................Friday: July 16, August 13 (•change created by Poul Holl birthday holiday) Esch port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 2 2 0 65 l 3 7 4 New York. ...............Tuesday: July 6, August 3 Wilmington .............. .Monday: July 19; Tuesday, August 17* 11 0 1 5 9 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 13, August 10 3 90 l 3 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: July 21, August 18 Tacoma ................... Friday: July 23, August 20 253 1 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 8, August 5 4 4 0 3 6 Houston .................. Monday: July 12, August 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 8, August 5 0 1 3 8 Honolulu ................. Friday: July 16, August 13 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: July 20, August 17 2 8 0 117 3 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: July 14, August 11 11 8 17 5 9 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Mobile .................... Wednesday: July 14, August 11 2 11 Algonac .................. Friday: July 9, August 6 0 0 *"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. June 1999 16, 0 14 4 10 19 3 57 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 10 12 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 0 4 8 3 0 4 l3 6 0 4 10 3 0 4 2 3 2 0 4 14 0 2 2 I 0 22 57 6 4 0 2 8 0 0 2 0 0 11 0 9 0 118 11 8 13 16 2 0 4 1 0 4 0 0 0 23 3 184 s 9 2 4 18 5 10 432 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 10 8 0 4 0 1 0 2 3 2 2 6 4 3 5 4 6 7 9 7 IO 13 5 9 4 3 3 4 3 2 6 9 3 4 4 0 6 4 3 5 18 5 1 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 2 95 19 14 19 9 81 2 I 0 2 3 6 16 45 10 11 12 1 0 0 5 22 25 27 54 113 2 14 3 I 22 0 3 18 23 0 l 13 I 8 I 0 0 2 6 4 ~ 0 2 16 50 0 I 3 I 3 4 3 1 9 2 I 9 8 3 157 12 1 202 1 3 3 4 7 81 18 4 7 1 2 2 8 13 19 18 130 16 5 22 12 2 2 9 56 6 8 6 252 23 6 0 4 2 Piney Point .............Tuesday: July 6*; Monday: August 2 ($change created by Independence Day holiday) 2 0 I 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 22 2 Trip Reliefs 2 8 0 4 2 0 MAY 15, 1999 July & August 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 0 Personals THOMAS J. VAIN Please contact your brother, Joseph, at (410) 5630329 - urgent. THOSE WHO KNEW ROBERT A. BUTLER The family of Robert A. Butler would appreciate hearingfrom anyone who knew him and who would be willing to share information about their dear departed uncle. Please direct correspondence to: Dr. Robert F Butler, 10014 Canterbury Farms Ct., St. Louis, MO 63128. Cl--111111 LOG-A-RHYTHMS ... Reflections by Harry T. Scholer A gaze at himself in the mirror Crowfoot lines by his eyes Skin slowly turning to leather Old age and time, how it flies. Once a boy on the bank of the river Watching ships as they stood out to sea Dreaming offaraway places A life of adventure, carefree. From home to a berth in the Navy Foreign ports beckon and call Sailing four years on the ocean A seaman now, for the long haul. Merchant ships of all kind and description Years spent crossing the sea A mariner as his profession Was all he wanted to be. In time though hes grown a bit wiser Home and family beckon and call A few more years on the ocean An ex-seaman now, for the long haul. Harry T. Scholer sailed with the SIU for a number of years and is now a second mate aboard the tug Independence. Seafarers LOG 19 �, -- - - - ---- -- -- . - Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntemaflonal Union Directory APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services '4 .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston. TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Founh Ave. Brooklyn. NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHIIADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-00 l 0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SAN TURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16V% Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis. MO 63116 (314) 152-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272- 7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (3 l 0) 549-4000 20 Seafarers LOG 0 28 10 0 12 5 0 8 3 0 11 31 L- Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 7 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 6 2 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 I 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 6 0 0 21 9 0 6 3 0 7 3 0 IO 25 44 9 0 15 0 49 59 0 Totals All Depts *"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. 40 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters APRIL 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Company/Lakes TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 43 5 50 0 0 24 0 24 0 0 19 0 19 0 1 0 I 2 0 10 0 5 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I 1 0 MAY 15, 1999 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 10 0 2 5 7 0 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 2 2 0 2 33 9 44 0 3 5 0 17 0 12 29 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 78 9 0 27 17 2 94 Totals All Depts *"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. 2 2 32 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST ~ These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Richard McAll of Saraland, Ala. He joined the SIU in 1947 and sailed in all departments, most recently in the deck department. The photo on the left was taken in 1949 when McAll caught a giant 260pound freshwater catfish while fishing in the Surinam River near Paranas in Dutch Guiana. He was sailing aboard the SS Alcoa Planter, which was doing shuttle duty between the British West Indies and Canada. The photo on the right is of McAll (in waiter's uniform) and his brother, Edward (left). Together, they reeled in a 240-pound grouper while at anchor in Trinidad on the Alcoa .cavalier. (Also in the photo is crew member George Dean). It took three hours and 15 minutes to land the fish, McAll remembers. McAll, who retired in 1986, is enjoying his life in Alabama and claims he is now a househusband-and a good one at that. "I must be doing something right; he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG, "because my wife just bought me a brand new truck." June 1999 �final Departures DEEP SEA GERMANABAN Pensioner German Aban, 95, passed away March 20. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Southern Counties. Brother Aban sailed in the steward department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1923 to 1945. He was a resident of Chesapeake, Va. and began receiving his pension in September 1977. EDMUND ABUALY Pensioner Edmund Abualy, 77, died March 14. • A native of Portugal, he started his career with the SIU in 1941 in ==='---' the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Brother Abualy was a resident of Woodbury, N.J. and retired in August 1986. PEDRO L. AGTUCA nsioner Pedro L. Agtuca, 86, • passed away April 2. Born in the Philippines, Brother Agtuca began his career with the Seafarers in 1943 from the ort of New York. He sailed in the ste department as a chief cook. A resident o Port St. Lucie, Fla., he started receiving his pension in May 1971. ring to the steward department. During his career, he upgraded in Piney Point, Md. and was active in union organizing dri===i ves. A resident of Daytona Beach, Fla., Brother Benner retired in August 1976. BENSON L. BRATTON Pensioner Benson L. Bratton, 78, passed away January 27. Born in Massachusetts, Brother Bratton joined the MC&S in 1970 in the port of Los Angeles, sailing as a member of the steward department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1945. The Los Angeles resident began receiving his pension in February 1986. RUBIN M. CANONIZADO Pensioner Rubin M. Canonizado, 75, died March 8. Born in the Philippines, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1966 in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Hawaiian Motorist, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Canonizado sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in 1988. WAYNE T. COLE Pensioner Wayne T. Cole, 71, passed away April 2. A native of Wisconsin, he first sailed with the Seafarers in · 1959. Brother ~;____..;:==---===-i Cole worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From 1949 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Bay City, Ore., he retired in July 1989. DONALD R. CONN BAYARD W. BALDWIN Pensioner Bayard W. Baldwin, 66, died April 14. Born in Oklahoma, he first sailed with the SIU in 1963. During his union career he worked in the deck department aboard both inland and deep sea vessels. Prior to his retirement in October 1997, he sailed on the Liberty Sea, operated by Liberty Maritime. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Baldwin made his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. CARL H. BARBER Pensioner Carl H. Barber, 90 passed away February 20. Brother Barber .;:..~ joined the i " Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the ..__ _ _ _ _ _ , late 1940s in the port of Los Angeles. Born in Illinois, he was a resident of Lomita, Calif. and began receiving his pension in April 1970. J: VALENTINE H. BENNER Pensioner Valentine H. Benner, 84, died April 16. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in his native New York, first sailing in the deck department and later transfer- June 1999 Pensioner Donald R. Conn, 84, died recently. Brother Conn joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. He first shipped aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in Iowa, he sailed in the steward department as a chief steward. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army and Navy from 1939 to 1945. He lived in Cave Junction, Ore. and began receiving his pension in March 1982. ROGERS. COWPERTHWAITE • Pensioner Roger S. Cowperthwai te, 75, passed away February 18. Born in West Virginia, he started his career with the l==:...._--=:::.i Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Cowperthwaite sailed as a member of the steward department and retired in October 1979. He was a resident of Retsil, Wash. FRANCIS T. DiCARLO Francis T. DiCarlo, 37, died February 27. A native of New York, he graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School's entrylevel training program in 1980 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His =====:::..__J first ship was the Sea-Land Philadelphia. Brother DiCarlo sailed in the steward department. He upgraded his skills to become a recertified steward in 1995. He was a resident of Green Cove Springs, Fla. President Lines. The Oklahoma native served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1941 . He was a resident of Compton, Calif. and began receiving his pension in September 1979. WILLIAM B. H. HOM VINCENZO P. DiGIACOMO Pensioner Vincenzo P. DiGiacomo, 82, passed away February 25. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1940 in the port of Baltimore. Born in New York, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief electrician. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and attended educational conferences in Piney Point, Md. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Brother DiGiacomo was a resident of Phoenix, Ariz. He retired in December 1970. GILBERT S. DOERNER Pensioner Gilbert S. Doerner, 87, died March 3. 1 Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed with the MC&S. Brother t..==....:::=--=::..._..:....=::..;.i Doerner worked in the steward department, most recently as a chief steward. A resident of Huntington Beach, Calif., he began receiving his pension in February 1975. EDWARD M. ELLIS Pensioner Edward M. Ellis •. 75, passed away April 8. Brother Ellis ~~. . ...., began his career with the · .~ Seafarers in niA~ 1961 from the 1 i....::.-..::.._:==.:::...:1.:.... '' ·..:..__J port of Jacksonville, Fla., sailing aboard the Sword Knot. The Georgia native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School. From 1941 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Navy. The Jacksonville resident retired in April 1989. PEDRO A. GARCIA Pensioner Pedro A. Garcia, 85, died February 12. He started his career with the MC&S in 1945, sailing aboard the Virginian. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He made his home in Houston. Brother Garcia began receiving his pension in February 1969. RAUL A. GOTAY Pensioner Raul A. Gotay, 58, passed away March 13. Born in Puerto Rico, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1969 from the ======.i port of New York, first sailing aboard the SeaLand Houston. He started working in the engine department and later transferred to the steward department. He also upgraded his skills in Piney Point. Prior to his retirement in December 1997, Brother Gotay sailed as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He was a resident of Gainesville, Fla. Pensioner William B. H. Hom, 86, died February 4. He started his career with the MC&S in 1938 in the port of San Francisco, sailing aboard the President Taft, an American President Lines (APL) vessel. Born in China, he worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in April 1969, he was aboard another APL ship, the President Wilson. Brother Hom was a resident of San Francisco. ARMAS E. JANSSON Pensioner Armas E. Jansson, 95, passed away March 23. Born in Finland, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port ·- --=== of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Worcester, Mass., Brother Jansson started receiving his pension in August 1972. WILLIAM KARPIAK 1-::lJllJilililii!Jl~-I Pensioner William Karpiak, 77, died March 25. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1958 in ---==....:===---' the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Del Norte. Brother Karpiak worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. A resident of Manchester, N.H., he retired in February 1987. BIERNEY R. KAZMIERSKI Pensioner Bierney R. Kazmierski, 72, ~~ml passed away February 11. Brother Kazmierski joined the Seafarers in .....__ _ _ _ __, 1944 in the port of New York. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills. From 1946 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Livingston, Mich. and started receiving his pension in April 1987. JACK C. PROCELL . - - - - - - - - - . Pensioner Jack C. Procell, 75, passed away March 17. A native of 1 Louisiana, he 1 joined the Seafarers in 1946 in Port ==-====-=:::J Arthur, Texas. Brother Procell sailed in the deck department and retired in March 1982. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Procell was a resident of Metairie, La. ALFRED SMITH .----------.,Pensioner Alfred Smith, 74, died recently. Brother ' Smith began sailing with the SIU in 1958 from the port of New York. A native of Florida, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Merrimac. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Brother Smith started receiving his pension in November 1989 at his home in Thonotosassa, Fla. HENRY THOMAS Henry Thomas, 68, passed away February 27. A native and resident of Mobile, Ala., he started his career with the SIU in 1967. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1983. From 1953 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. MICHAEL J. THOMAS Pensioner Michael J. Thomas, 82, died March 6. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. The Maryland native worked in the steward department as a chief cook, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Pacer. A resident of Baltimore, he began receiving his pension in November 1984. JERRY Z. MILLER MALCOLM THOMPSON Pensioner Jerry Z. Miller, 77, passed away March 19. A native of Louisiana, he joined the .... Seafarers in ../ ·~ 1940 in the port ._____;:::;==----=L=u=£'~'-',., of New Orleans. His first ship was the Afoundria, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He sailed in the steward department and retired in October 1990. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Miller was a resident of New Orleans. Pensioner Malcolm Thompson, 62, died February 6. Brother Thompson began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of New Orleans, aboard the Del Santos. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department as a chief cook. He retired in October 1991 in New Orleans. l I JAMES M. HEROD Pensioner James M. Herod, 79, passed away December 29, 1998. Brother Herod joined the MC&S in 1945 in the port of Seattle. He worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Harrison, operated by American deck department. Brother Olson upgraded his skills and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and projects. He served as a delegate to the 1984 Crews Conference in Piney Point. Brother Olson last sailed aboard the SS Constitution. A resident of Las Vegas, Nev., he began receiving his pension in May 1986. FRED A. OLSON Pensioner Fred A. Olson, 77, died April 3. Born in Washington, he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He started working in the steward department, later transferring to the ISADORE N. TOPAL Pensioner Isadore N. Topal, 79, passed away January 21. A native of Greece, he joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing aboard the High Point Victory. Brother Topal worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Traveler. Following his retire- Continued on page 22 Seafarers LOG 21 - �Continued/rampage 21 ment in July 1984, he returned to Chios, Greece to live. JOSEPH M. "JOE" TUCKER Pensioner Joseph M. "Joe" Tucker, 63, passed away April 1. Born in California, he graduated from the MC&S training school ::;...__...:....;;_..=..-== in 1961 in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined that Union in the port of San Francisco. Brother Tucker sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in June 1996, he worked aboard the President Eisenhower, an APL vessel. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Tucker was a resident of Suisun City, Calif. GRACIANO A. ULEP Pensioner Graciano A. Ulep, 89, died February 16. Brother Ulep joined the MC&S in 1941 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Cleveland. Born in the Philippine Islands, the steward department member last sailed aboard the Santa Monica. A resident of French Camp, Calif., he began receiving his pension in January 1973. GEORGE VEGA Pensioner George Vega, 80 passed away January 21. A native of Hawaii, he began sailing in the steward department with the MC&S in 1943 fr0m the port of San Francisco. His first ship was APL's President Johnson. Prior to his retirement in January 1975, he worked on another APL vessel, the President Polk. Brother Vega was a resident of Honolulu. PATRICK F. VIEIRA Pensioner Patrick F. Vieira, 75, died February 22. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the William Wirt, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Trinidad, he worked in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Vieira was a resident of Clermont, Fla. He retired in June 1964. Pensioner John Wright, 79, died February 3. Born in Michigan, he began his career with the MC&S in 1946 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Wright sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Vallejo, Calif., he retired in December 1974. Yanisses, 87, passed away January 5. Born in Greece, Brother Yanisses joined the SIU in 1950 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and returned to his native country when he retired in June 1970. BECKETT YOUNG LLOYD S. JARRETT Beckett Young, 44, died April 5. Born in South Carolina, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1991 from the port of San Francisco, sailing aboard the USNS Wilkes. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1976 to 1982, he served in the U.S. Army. Pensioner Lloyd S. Jarrett, 78, passed away March 11. He first sailed with the SIU in 1962. Boatman Jarrett worked primarily with Radcliff Materials and began receiving his pension in August 1977. He was a resident of Morgan City, La. JOACIDM YANISSES fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil Joachim Pensioner LEONARD J. "LENNY" ZIMMERMAN Leonard J. "Lenny" Zimmerman, 50, passed away January 23. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1992, sailing i===1~~~~ aboard the SeaLand Anchorage. Born in Ohio, he worked in the deck department. Brother Zimmerman last sailed aboard the Liberty Wave. He was a resident of Seattle. INLAND JOHN E. BROWN Michael Ventry, 49, passed away February 4. A native of Louisiana, he graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School's entry-level training program in 1969 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Trenton, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Ventry sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the school, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981. He was a resident of New Orleans. Pensioner John E. Brown, 84, passed away March 18. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed as a tugboat captain. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 to 1942. Boatman Brown was a resident of Port Haywood, Va. and began receiving his pension in April 1985. Pensioner James D. Whittington, 85, died January 14. Born in Texas, he started his career with the MC&S in 1946, sailing aboard the Irving M. Scott. Prior to his retirement in July 1973, the steward department member signed off the Mariposa. Brother Whittington was a resident of Oakland, Calif. LUM F. "WILLIAM" WONG Pensioner Lum F. "William" Wong, 75, passed away October 10, 1998. He joined the MC&S in the port of San Frandsco in the 1940s. Born in China, he became a resident of San Francisco. Brother Wong began receiving his pension in August 1973. 22 Seafarers LOG FLOYD C. HAYNES Pensioner Floyd C. Haynes, 78, died April 4. Born in Tennessee, he first sailed with the SIU in 1980, aboard the Sugar Island, a North American Trailing Co. vessel. Boatman Haynes sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the Army Transport Service from 1943 to 1945. A resident of Tampa, Fla., he retired in March 1991. MICHAEL VENTRY JAMES D. WIDTTINGTON worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother '--~-----_J Harris lived in Huffman, Texas and began receiving his pension in December 1985. THOMAS D. NESMITH Thomas D. Nesmith, 58, died February 19. A native of Alabama, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1995. Boatman Nesmith sailed primarily with Penn Maritime as a tankerman and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He was a resident of Lakeland, Fla. FRANCIS P. O'CONNELL Pensioner Francis P. O'Connell, 75, passed away April 13. Born in New York, he , started his · career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman O'Connell worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1963. A resident of Virginia Beach, Va., he began receiving his pension in December 1987. 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. A resident of Rio Piedras, P. R., Boatman Rosario began receiving his pension in June 1991. JOHN E. SOUTHARD Pensioner John E. Southard, 63, died March 27. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He sailed as a captain and upgraded his skills at the union's facility in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in February 1998, Boatman Southard sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Medford, N.J. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. WILLIAM F. STILL JOSEPH CALOMO MILDRED G. BAILEY Pensioner Joseph Calomo, 85, passed away February 2. Brother Calomo joined the Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Italy, he became a resident of Gloucester, Mass. He sailed as a captain. Brother Calomo started receiving his pension in 1978. Pensioner Mildred G . Bailey, 86, passed away February 23. Sister Bailey started her career with the SIU in 1952 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. The Michigan native sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving her pension in October 1975. She was a resident of Palatine, Ill. ANTHONY D. BOURRIE Anthony D. Bourrie, 46, died June 25, 1998. Born in Florida, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971 from the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Bourrie sailed as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. JOHN J. DOYLE THOMAS LUPO Pensioner Thomas Lupo, 85, died February 16. A native of Michigan, he n joined the ~ Fishermen's t \ Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Brother Lupo made his home in Gloucester, Mass. and retired in January 1975. ===-----. Pensioner John J. Doyle, 89, passed away February 17. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Doyle sailed in the deck department. A resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., he began receiving his pension in July 1974. David C. Rickards, 66, died February 18. Boatman Rickards joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. During his career, he sailed in both the deck and steward departments. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1953. He was a resident of Shunk, Penn. and Estelle Manor, NJ. EDMOND J. GAGNE OBDULIO ROSARIO Pensioner John J. Granlund, 78, passed away February 15. Born in Wisconsin, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Joe S. Pensioner Obdulio Rosario, 76, passed away December 18, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in WILLIAM E. YOCKEY William E. Yockey, 71, died January 15. Brother Yockey joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Alpena, Mich., sailing aboard the E.M. Ford, operated by Huron Cement Div. The Michigan native sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a resident of Alpena. GREAT LAKES DAVID C. RICKARDS Pensioner Morgan A. Harris, 75, passed away April 11. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1944. Boatman Harris started sailing in the deep sea division and later transferred to inland vessels. He Pensioner Hugh J. Macinnis, 93, died April 3. He first sailed with the SIU in 1950. Brother Macinnis worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. as a member of the deck department. A resident of Allen Park, Mich., he began receiving his pension in June 1982. AnANTIC FISHERMEN CARL HARRIS MORGAN A. HARRIS HUGH J. MacINNIS William F. Still, 31, passed away February 27. Born in Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 1989 from the port of New Orleans, sailing aboard the Delta Queen. Boatman Still sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. From 1985 to 1988, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of New Orleans. =====.,....,....,,,= Pensioner Carl Harris, 72, died October 28, 1998. Boatman Harris began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. A native of Tennessee he worked as an engineer. He retired in April 1997 to Erwin, Tenn. Morrow, operated by Red Arrow Steamship Co. Brother Granlund worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the G.A. Tomlinson, an Oglebay Norton Co. vessel. A resident of South Range, Wis., he started receiving his pension in December 1985. Pensioner EdmondJ. Gagne, 87, died October 5, 1998. Brother Gagne started his career with the SIU in 1949 in the port of Alpena, Mich. Born in Canada, he sailed in the deck department and retired in June 1976. He was a resident of Englewood, Fla. JOHN J. GRANLUND RAILROAD MARINE WILLIAM L. RAINS Pensioner William L. Rains, 85, passed away March 27. Brother Rains joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He worked in the deck department and sailed primarily with the marine division of Penn Central Railroad Co. The Virginia native was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1945. Brother Rains was a resident of Bohannon, Va. He retired in May 1977. Attention Seafarers: Support SPAD June 1999 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes a1 po1Slble. On occasion, because of space llmltallons, 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 HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), February 7Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Joseph R. Vitela, Deck Delegate James E. Dixon, Engine Delegate Rogelio Castellandos, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman announced arrival in Lake Charles, La. February 9 with payoff following day. Vessel expected to remain two weeks and then load for trip to West Africa. Secretary advised crew members to help keep messhall clean and return all dishes to galley. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading classes at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Everything running smoothly in steward department. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work. Next port: Banjui, West Africa. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Lan Service}, February · an Billy Hill, S Jonny Cruz, Edu · Director Robert Hall, Delegate Richard T. Wheat, Engine Delegate S. Davis, Steward Delegate David Valle. Payoff scheduled February 10 in Elizabeth, N .J. Those leaving ship reminded to clean room and leave clean linen for next person. ecretary urged crew members to su SPAD, especially with · election just U.S. pres1 around corner- an e jobs and job security for SIU mem rs. Educational director advised everyone to read Seafarers LOG to find out current events in union and keep abreast of changes (like TRBs and STCW). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reminded to separate plastic from regular trash. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Elizabeth; San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina, Dominican Republic; and Houston. ,Stocked _ and Ready While performing crane maintenance at the SeaLand Terminal in San Juan, P.R., ABs Melvin Leguillon and Juan Lopez get the necessary equipment from the dockside warehouse. June 1999 GLOBAL LINK (Transoceanic Cable}, March 3 I-Chairman Jose S. Gomez, Secretary Brandon Maeda, Deck Delegate Melvin Singletary, Engine Delegate Peter Littman. Chairman explained need to move coffee machine to more central location to benefit both officers and unlicensed crew. He also mentioned new microwaves on order to replace old ones. Discussion led by chairman on ccinstruction of fire fighting and safety school at Paul Hall Center scheduled for May 18 opening. New school will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. He also noted it will hot\se two classrooms but is mostly designed for hands-on training. Treasurer announced $1,919.82 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked by chairman for superb job coming out of Charleston, S.C. shipyard and gettin vessel back into shape. Ship headed to St. Croix, USVI to offload spare cable and then to stand-by position in St. Thomas. HMI DEFENDER (Hvide Marine}, March 28-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Richard Gracey, Deck Delegate John Yates, Engine Delegate Ken Stratton, Steward Delegate Ernie Batiz. Chairman announced payoff in Lake Charles, La. first part of April. He reminded crew to separate food waste from garbage. Garbage will be taken ashore in Tampa. Steward asked that all crew members leaving ship get set of linen for replacement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to work together to keep passageways clean. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Tampa and Lake Charles. ffB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation}, March 2Chairman Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Royfield E. Crawford, Educational Director Stanley Sporna, Deck Delegate Paul S. Szalus, Steward Delegate Eugene Perez Jr. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary and educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Lundeberg School. Treasurer announced fund for bike growing. Treadmill just purchased for $500. Request made for clarification of Article III, Section 14 on call-backs in port. Suggestion proposed for contracts department regarding increase in optical benefits. Crew members reminded of leaving clean room for next Seafarer. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: New Jersey. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line), March 28-Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Joseph C. Birke, Educational Director Samuel E. Monroe. Educational director reminded crew of facilities available at Paul Hall Center for upgrading. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have bosun read aloud president's report from LOG. Also proposed for contracts department to look into reinstating one day off after one trip. New TV and radio antenna needed. Request made for union to speak with company about new air conditioning unit for gentry crane. Steward department given vote of thanks. Next port: Charleston, S.C. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line}, March 21-Chairman Mark A. Holman, Secretary Stephanie K. Hendrick, Educational Director Peter Murtagh, Deck Delegate Kevin O'Neill. Old business discussed regarding need for refrigerators and ice machine. Steam cleaner for carpets received, but still awaiting new mattresses. Chairman noted no injuries this voyage. He asked everyone to report safety hazards to bosun. He thanked crew for good job during Coast Guard inspection in Charleston. Everyone was well prepared. Secretary announced $400 in ship's fund. Educational director urged everyone to get TRBs and attend upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. Letter received from headquarters regarding making New Bedford an "all ports" shipping.hall. Crew requested information on, especially statements from, money purchase pension plan. VCR needs repair or replacement. Crew requested survival suits be placed on board and that everyone help keep ship in tiptop condition. Heading to South American ports of Colom bi~ Ecuador and Peru. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.}, April IS-Chairman D. Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Joel Trotter. Chairman reported new washing machine on board. Educational director advised crew to get STCW endorsement and TRB and to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New coffee maker ordered. Drinking fountain in crew mess needs repair as does missing tile in crew quarters. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to look into increase in vacation pay. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Vote of thanks also given to Capt. James Biggs for new TV for crew lounge. OOCL INNOVATION (Sea-Land Service), April 4--Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Edward P. Dunn, Educational Director Randolph Tannis, Engine Delegate Owen Duffy. Chairman read president's report from March LOG. Discussion held on upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. Educational director also suggested crew members review safety films. Secretary thanked crew for keeping common areas and messhall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension plan for members. Crew \ requested video tape rewinder for lounge, new chair for electrician and list of area doctors who will accept SIU medical plan. Vote of thanks to steward Dunn and his department. Ship heading to European ports in Holland, England, Germany and France, returning for payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. in May. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSC Ship Management), March 5-Chairman Daniel Laitinen, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Steward Delegate Obencio M. Espinou. Chairman thanked crew for good job and announced payoff in Baytown, Texas March 6. He reminded crew of educational benefits available through Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reports all are happy, thanks to steward department. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding), March 5Chairman Dana Naza, Secretary Lovell McElroy Sr., Educational cue grills and repair VCR in crew's lounge. Dan Brinson dedicated vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. SEA-LAND GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service}, April 4-Chairman Gary Gambrel, Secretary Edward Haber, Engine Delegate G. Johns, Steward Delegate Robert H. Arana. Secretary advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG for up-to- Moves Up the Seniority Ladder During a union meeting aboard the Mayaguez in San Juan, P.R., DEU Michael Joel (right) fills out an application to receive his SIU membership book. With him are Electrician Michael Martykan (left) and SIU Representative Amancio Crespo. Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Michael Edwards, Engine Delegate Gilbert Tedder, Steward Delegate Manuel Lata. Chairman reported need for ABs and QMEDs in union. All interested Seafarers should upgrade at Piney Point for those ratings. Secretary added that future of American-flag passenger shipping is bright, thanks to leadership of Mike Sacco. Secretary also brought information concerning money purchase pension plan and explained benefit with crew. He also talked about unlicensed apprentice program. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading in order t9 compete for jobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members made suggestion to be submitted to contracts department to increase number of paid vacation days in next contract. Thanks given to steward department for continuing strong working skills, high sanitation standards and for providing good meals daily. Ship heading to ports in Spain, Portugal and England. SEA FOX (Crowley}, April 9Chairman Marc A. Marcus, Secretary Charles Curley, Educational Director Todd F. Moreland, Deck Delegate Charles B. Johnson, Engine Delegate Moses Mickens Jr. Chairman discussed selling of ship by Crowley. Secretary thanked crew for keeping vessel clean. Educational director noted TRBs absolutely necessary in order to register; also need STCW endorsement by 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done and to deck department for their help. Next port: Charleston, s.c. SEA-LAND CONSUMER (SeaLand Service}, April >-Chairman Frank Adams, Secretary Wayne Wilson, Steward Delegate William Pitt. Chairman noted everything going smoothly. Crew lounge has been retiled and new furniture arrived. Mattresses for rooms, however, not yet aboard ship. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to order two barbe- date information on union and maritime industry. Educational director clarified dental plan coverage and reminded everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point Treasurer announced $40 in ship's movie fund. Some disputed OT noted in deck department to be turned over to patrolman at payoff. No beefs reported by all three department delegates. Crew requested new videotapes from company. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Houston; and Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND HAWAll(Sea-Land Service}, April 12-Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Jose A. Rivera, Educational Director Rex Bolin, Deck Delegate Richard T. Wheat, Steward Delegate David Valle. Chairman announced arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. April 14 with payoff scheduled. Discussion held on safety policies and alcohol awareness. Secretary urged crew to take advantage of training available at Piney Point. Educational director reminded crew to obtain TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done and for great shipboard barbecues. Bosun thanked all departments for good and safe voyage. Next port: San Juan, P.R. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service}, April 4--Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Ed Ombac, Educational Director Mohamed Alsinai, Deck Delegate Julio Mattos, Steward Delegate Miguel A. Robles. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG and announced payoff in Tacoma. He stated next trip may be on East Coast and led discussion on safety on deck during bad weather. Educational director suggested everyone attend courses at Lundeberg School and check out new fire fighting facilities named in memory of Joe Sacco. Treasurer noted $30 in fund for unlicensed ·crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deparbnent delegates. Crew thanked steward department for job well done, especially steward assistant for always keeping messhall neat and tidy. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOii 23 �I , Letters to the Editor (Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) U.S.-Flag Cruise Surpasses Others The lead article in the April 1999 Seafarers LOG was especially interesting to me and my wife. In March of this year, we took a trip to Hawaii aboard the SS Independence, visiting five ports in the Hawaiian Islands. As a former Seafarer, I always promised myself that I would someday sail on a ship as a passenger. We have made five cruises, and this is the first time we cruised under a U.S.-flag ship crewed by SIU members. It was like "old home week." This was truly our best cruise of the four others we have taken. The wisdom of the owners, American Classic Voyages, whose foresight in building two new stateof-the-art ships (also in a U.S. shipyard) shows that the U.S. merchant marine can compete with any foreign flag for passengers. The SS Independence, a somewhat faded but proud lady, is pampered and polished by caring SIU members who cater to the wishes of her guests. Our cabin steward, Dana Washington, who aspires to upgrade to chief steward at Piney Point, Md., is a credit to the union and to his craft. The ship had an excellent menu and largerthan-usual cabins, and the on board activities were outstanding -making for a memorable voyage to Paradise. As Michael Sacco stated in his president's report, "The excitement is building again with the anticipation of these new vessels Keeping Cape May Primed Seafarers form part of the reduced operating status crew aboard the Cape May and do their part to keep the Ready Reserve Force vessel primed for activation. Pictured aboard the ship in Norfolk, Va. are (from left) OMU Jeff Bull, AB Billy Hanbury, Electrician Donald Christian, Bosun Melvin Nichols and Chief Steward John Reid. possessing both the best in marine architecture and with an American crew." Right on, Mr. Sacco. We plan to book a maiden voyage with American Hawaii Cruise Lines when one of the new ships goes into service in the year 2003. Russell G. Hinkel Bensalem, Pa. Editors note: Brother Hinkel sailed with the SIU from 1946 until 1953. . . Still Waiting for Equal Treatment Few Americans know of the record of U.S. merchant mariners during World War II. It began with six ships being sunk before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The first, the SS Robin Moor, occurred in May 1941, when she was torpedoed by a German submarine. My first knowledge of this loss came when I later served with an officer from this ship. The record continued: 866 ships were lost from enemy action-and not one ever defaulted. One hundred of our vessels were lost on the Russian Run alone, and more than 400 were lost on the East Coast of the U.S. in 1942. Our merchant marine lost more men in percentages than all of our armed forces, except the Marine Corps. The main reason for our heavy loss was that our men refused to surrender, and most went down with their ships. Our government rewarded us by waiting 43 years, when most of us were dead. Then, in 1988, we were given our awards and rights under the G.I. bill. U.S. law firms have proven we survivors of World War II lost more than $80,000 in benefits. Also, the state of Pennsylvania paid $500 to each of our state veterans of that war, but the U.S. merchant marine survivors are still waiting. Peter Salvo McKeesport, Pa. Are You Receiving All Yom Important Mail? In drder to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Department 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r-------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 6199 (Please Print) FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained Name: Social Security No.: ____ I ____ I _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L-- - --------------------- - ------ -- -- - -------------~ 24 Know Your Rights Seafarers LOii from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meet~ ings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be soliCited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from July through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Receniflcation Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion Steward Recertification June 28 August 2 Bosun Recertification August 23 October 4 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) August Z September 27 November 1 August 20 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting July 12 August 23 September 27 October 18 July 16 Deek Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Advanced Firefighting Radar Observer/Unlimited July 12 August 9 September4 July 23 August20 Septem her 15 Radar Recertification (one day) July 23 August 19 October 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) July 26 August23 October 18 September 13 November 8 July 23 September 24 November19 Government Vessels July 12 August 16 September 6 September 27 November 1 November 8 November29 July 30 September 3 September 24 October 15 November 19 November26 December 17 Lifeboatman/Water Survival July 12 August 9 September 6 October 4 November 1 November29 July 23 August20 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) July 12 July 26 August 2 August 9 August30 September 20 September 27 October ZS November 1 ovember 8 November22 November29 December 13 July 16 July 30 July 12 July 31 August 28 October23 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler August 9 Oc r 11 September 17 November 19 September 20 October 29 September 13 December3 September 27 November 5 November 8 December 17 Refrigeration Systems Maintenance Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date Galley Opera Advanced Galley Opera (Every week, starting Jan. 11) Chief Steward (Every other week, starting Jan. 11) August 6 August 13 September 3 September 24 October 1 October 29 November 5 November 12 November26 December 3 December 17 Academic-Department Courses July 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ August 27 October 1 October 22 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 tern her 6, 13, 20, 27 Courses July l2, 26 August 9, 23 September 6, 20 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name --------------------------- Address_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (! 20) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED aplicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 wjth their apolication. The Pavmenl should be made wilh a monev ortler only. Pavable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member Date of Birth D END DATE --------~ Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the center's trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any upgrading courses at the school? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primarylanguagespoken -------------------~ June 1999 ----------- SIGNATURE Date Off: -------------~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. · RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/99 Seafarers LOii 25 �Paul Hall Canter Graduating Classes Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) - Graduating from the new radar class on March 19 are Mike Smith (instructor), Jeffrey Fackett, David Salentra, Roberto Candelario, Charles Darley, Allan McCoy, Daniel Crawford, Richard DeWitte and Gary Koshland. Government v~els - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on March 19 are (from left, front row) Marvyn Chester, Antonio Perez, Guadalupe Campbell, Regina Terry, Kathie Newkirk, Keith Mcintosh, Randy Powell, Kenneth Gamer, (second row) Leoncadio Colon, Carlos Perez, Richard Gathers, Ibarra Mangaya, Philip Curtis, John Dean, Flavio Suazo, (third row) Jeffrey Ferris, Peter Seifert and Rafael Franco. Tankerman (Pl C) Barge - Seafarers successfully completing the tankerman (PIC) barge class on March 20 are (from left, front row) Martin Garcia, Fred Cantrell, Bob Leija, Wayne Goddard, Jeffrey Petherbridge, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Ben Graeff, Randy Isenhart, Mark Bosse, John Cronan, Carlton Dorrance, Isom Ingram, (third row) Boyce Wilson, Ron Centanni, Roman Kasparyan, Jeff Davis, Michael Presser, Alek Turko and Archie Bodden. Galley Operations - Earning their certificates for completion of the one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations course are (from left) Donald Irvine, Anitra Mcleod, Emani Viii, Mohamed Wasel, and James Prado with their instructor (far right), Chef Ed 'Nhite. Chief Cook - Successfully completing one of the recent chief cook course modules are (from left) Jimmy L. White Jr., James Bennefield, Lionel Packnett, Chef John Dobson (instructor), Donald Huffman, Helen Mitchell and Othello Dansley. In front of each of the graduates is a plate topped with chicken cordon bleu, their lesson for that day. 26 Seafarers LOii Certified Chief Cook - Successfully completing the course of study for a certified chief cook are (from left) Chef John Dobson (instructor), Donald Huffman, Jimmy L. White Jr., James Bennefield, Othello Dansley and Lionel Packnett. Chief Cook - Upgraders graduating from a module in the chief cook course are (from left) Douglas Flynn, Chef Alan Sherwin (culinary department head), Loicy Jones, Maria Aulisio (assistant instructor) and Jose Constantino. Their instructor, not in the photo, is Chef John Hetmanski. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Chef Ed White (instructor), Anitra Mcleod, Desmond Lynch, James Prado, Mohamed Wasel, German Solar and Emani Villi. June 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes ·r -lt - :~ ~ ;Tl~ Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on March 2 are (from left, front row) Samuel E. McDaniel, Tefera Tessema, Cezary Woznica, Regina Terry, Wendy Fearing, John Morrison, John Cronan, (second row) John Soares Jr., Gregory Shepard, Mark Francois, John Parkhurst, Patrick D'Alessandro, Peter Seifert, Craig Holdredge, Stormie Coombs (instructor), (third row) Secundino Arzu, Roy Payne, Jay Linx and Devin Glossin. Chief Cook - Successfully completing one of the chief cook modules are (from left) Chef John Dobson (instructor), Bienvenido Pagan, Jose Constantino, Dulip Sookhiram, Alba Ayala, Roy Jeru, Curtis Wiiiams, Jeffrey VanSlambrouck and Douglas Flynn. .\ ' Tanker Assistant - Upgrading graduates of the tankerman assistant class on April 2 are (from left, front row) Justin VonSprecken, Tawnia Stucker, Car1os Ortiz, Philip Noto II, (second row) Thomas DeCar1o, Jerome North, Stanley Howard, Andrew Seabon, Reginald Hunter, Jomo Young, Philip Diego, (third row) John Wells, Eddie Pittman, Al Smith, Jason Monroe, Rommel Artis, Jim Shaffer (instructor), (fourth row) Jason Gay, Melvin Ratcliff Jr., Steven Dieken and Robert Williams. "-. Able Seaman - Successfully completing the six-week course leading to endorsement as an AB on May 14 are (from left, front row) Casimiro Garza, Tony Olaya, Denyse Sineath, Dani~l.Vasquez, Alfonso Salazar, Ernesto Evangelista, (second row) David Loison, Linnell Coleman, Sean McDavitt, Sven Bigg, Ken Abrahamson, Jeffrey Hardy and Lewis Findley. Their instructor, not pictured, is Casey Taylor. Galley Operations - Finishing another module in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Chef Ed Wlite (instructor), Susan Garrett, Mary Ann Schade, Bryan Powell, Patricia Geras, Mohamed Wasel, Emani Viii and German Solar. June 1999 Crane Maintenance Electrician - Receiving their certificates for completing the dockside crane maintenance electrician course on April 9 are (from left) Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Lawrence Holbert, Michael Stravers, Andrew Balash and Richard Beckett. Anitra Mcleod (center) is completing her studies at the Lundeberg School. She is graduating from a culinary program at Baltimore International College with an associate's degree in baking and pastries. A graduate of Leonardtown High School in St. Mary's county, Anitra hopes to return to the Lundeberg School after graduation to work as a staff member in the culinary department. \Nith her are Chef Ed White (left) and Chef John Hetmanski. Seafarers LOG 27 �- Memorable Vacations Are Made at Piney Point All the Ingredients for a memorable vacation are available at the Paul Hal~ Center in Piney Point, Md. See page 18 for details. Future Spotlighted, Past Honored During Maritime Day When the crew of the USNS Indomitable heard in March their vessel was going to be featured in the National Maritime Memorial Day celebration at the Washington Navy Yard, the Seafarers on board immediately got to work in sprucing up the ship. "We were honored to be selected," Bosun Robert Taylor told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "We were happy to oblige for this ceremony, honored to pay our respects to those who went before and glad to show off the ship." Taylor, an eight-year veteran of the SIU, Jed the crew who made sure the ship was spotless when it was opened to the public following the Military Sealift Command (MSC)-sponsored event in the nation's capital. Among those inspecting the Maersk Line-operated vessel were SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Rear Admiral Gordon Holder (who heads MSC) and Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart, as well as military representatives from several nations. While Taylor and crew were standing by for visitors, the undersecretary for the U.S. Navy was telling an audience of several hundred on the pier how well the American merchant marine has performed when called and how it will be depended upon in the future. 'Vftal and Alive' After calling mariners "the fourth arm of defense,'' Jerry M. Hultin reminded all that U.S.flag, American-crewed ships delivered the first crucial materi- Unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center gather around (in suits from left to right) Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart, SIU President Michael Sacco and Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater during MarAd's National Maritime Memorial Day service. als to U.S. forces in the Middle East eight days after Operation Desert Shield began in 1990. He praised all maritime unions for their efforts, particularly singling out the SIU for expanding its training program to meet the needs of the time. Hultin then noted the partnership between the U.S.-flag fleet and the military remains "vital and alive today," adding that the armed forces "could not perform their mission" without the commercial fleet. The undersec'retary saluted all mariners by saying, "Another day at sea is service above and beyond the call of duty." Also taking part in the MSC service were two Seafarers who USNS serve aboard the Indomitable: AB James Meahl and OS Melvin Skinner. Meahl assisted in laying memorial wreaths in the Anacostia River while Skinner served as the wreath-bearer for the merchant marine. "It was great to have that opportunity," said Skinner, who is from Chesapeake, Va. "But we are a team with a lot of people from different places all doing our jobs and doing it the best we can." Several Ceremonies AB James Meahl (right) joins with Rear Adm. Gordon Holder (left) and Navy Undersec'y Jerry Hultin in saluting those mariners who paid the ultimate price. The event was part of a series of ceremonies in Washington on May 20 remembering American merchant mariners who died while serving the United States aboard commercial vessels. Similar services, in which Seafarers participated, were held around the country. Carrying the wreath dedicated to merchant mariners who died for their country is OS Melvin Skinner. Congress designated Maritime Memorial Day in 1933. Its established date is May 22 to commemorate the sailing of the SS Savannah, the first steam vessel to cross the Atlantic. Because the 22nd fell on a weekend, the national ceremonies took place this year on the 20th. While the day is designed to remember those who went before, many speakers used the occasion to reaffirm their support for the U.S.-flag fleet, including the head of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Coast Guard. Strong Future Honors Past After Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, speaking at MarAd's service, saluted those who set the high standard of service for American mariners, he said the future looks bright for those sailing- as well as those who will sail-U.S.-flag commercial ships. The secretary quoted President Clinton, who said, "'As we look forward to the challenge of the 21st century, we continue to rely on our nation's maritime industry and the U.S. merchant marine to keep America competitive in the global economy."' Slater concluded, "When I consider the legacy of courage and sacrifice and achievement that we honor today, I have no doubt whatsoever that America's merchant marine and the entire maritime community will master these challenges and will ensure that the best days of the merchant marine ... are yet ahead of us. "I think that is the way for us to really respect the rich legacy that is ours, a legacy that has been paid for through sweat and toil, but also through the commitment to the thing that we hold really dear, and that is life itself. This is a very important industry. The people that we honor today deserve the honor that we give them." Joining Slater at the MarAd ceremony in remembering the past while calling for a strong future was U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.), a member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. The legislator said much is asked of the men and women who crew U.S.-flag vessels. He recalled the accomplishments of those who went before and noted World War II-era Liberty ships were built in the district he now represents. "As we look to the past to express our gratitude for that sacrifice, we must also look to the future. We must be aware as a nation that our peace, our security, our freedom and our economy depends on a strong American shipping industry-Americanmade ships, American crew- to represent us, to carry our goods overseas, and, if the time comes once again, to once again carry the needed military supplies," Baird stated. Pays Respect In opening the MarAd event, Administrator Hart paid tribute to those mariners who died for their country. He noted few regular Memorial Day celebrations recall the "valor, courage and supreme sacrifice" made by seafarers. "The United States owes our wartime merchant mariners an enormous debt of gratitude. They served under the most perilous conditions with only their North Star, the historic traditions of the American merchant marinelove of country, duty to serve, belief in the cause-to follow,'' Hart told the audience of shipping officials, military officers and labor representatives. "It is important that Americans never forget the sacrifices made by the merchant marine during World War II. Let us never forget the critical importance of America's merchant marine to this nation. It remains critical today and will be, as far as we can see, into the future,'' he added. Speaking on behalf of American merchant mariners at the MarAd ceremony was the president of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, Captain Tim Brown. Brown reminded the audience that more than 700 merchant ships were sunk during World War II with nearly 6,000 mariners dying at sea or in prisoner-of-war camps. He noted the past year saw mariners who sailed between August 15, 1945 and December 31, 1946 finally receiving recognition as World War II veterans, like the others who fought in the struggle had a half-century ago. Also taking part in the MarAd event was Eric Mensing, vice president for military affairs and government affairs with American President Lines (APL). While noting APL lost a third of its fleet during World War II, he said the company continues to build on the proud tradition set by those mariners to work in global trade as a key to world peace. 'Competent and Professional' Between the MSC and MarAd services was a luncheon hosted by the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club. The keynote speaker at the event was the coin. mander of the MSC, Admiral Holder. He called the jobs performed by U.S. seafarers "competent and professional. I am proud of th people ca mers." He reminded his audience that the men and women who went down with their ships "gave their lives to the nation, not to a company." Holder, who participated in the opening of the Joseph Sac~o Fire Fighting and Safety School two days earlier, said he inspected the campus of the Paul Hall Center Continued on page 6 U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (0-Wash.) pays tribute to those who went before while calling for a strong fleet now and in the future. \\. . ' u.s NAVAL S~+Ip ' . IN[}JM ITAB L Standing by to assist visitors touring the USNS Indomitable is Bosun Robert Taylor. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW LEGISLATION TARGETS ‘SAIPAN SCAM’ SIU JOINS COALITION TO RESTORE INTEGRITY OF ‘MADE IN USA’ LABEL FIRST-CLASS FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL OPENS BOARD FOCUSES ON STCW ASSESSMENTS, VERIFYING TRAINING SEAFARERS COMPLETE DELEGATE TRAINING ON SS INDEPENDENCE ILA HAILS SEA-LAND/MAERSK DECISION TO KEEP HUB IN PORT OF NEW YORK SIU ACTIVE AT AFL-CIO UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW LEON HESS DIES AT 85 WWII DISCHARGES FINALLY PROCESSED ALL SAVED AS FIRE ENGULFS CRUISE SHIP FOLLOWING 6-YEAR WAGE FREEZE, STEELWORKERS WANT TO SHARE IN VA. SHIPYARD’S PROFITABLE TIMES GRADUATING BOSUNS STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF ONGOING EDUCATION AT PAUL HALL CENTER AB WHEAT’S INVENTION DEEMED A SUCCESS SEAFARER SINCLAIR OUBRE HONORED BY PROPELLER CLUB, COAST GUARD REMEMBERING SEAFARER AL AUSTIN GEN. ROBERTSON INSPECTS PAUL HALL CENTER PETE PREVAS, 71, SUCCUMBS TO CANCER A PROUD DAY FOR THE SIU PAUL HALL CENTER OPENS JOE SACCO SCHOOL SAFETY FACILITIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR TRAINING SEAFARERS ‘A PRICELESS ENTITY’ SEAFARERS SEE MANY BENEFITS IN NEW SCHOOL FUTURE SPOTLIGHTED, PAST HONORED DURING MARITIME DAY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 6 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/37c7d149fe4d3750cbf6b8f195988eac.pdf 8898941eec99d96c85be5967c22a037e PDF Text Text WYl\Y.seafarers.org Volume 61 Number 7 Christenings Signal The tanker HM/ Brenton Reef (center) and the tugboats Atlas (left) and Scout (right) recently joined the Seafarers-contracted fleet, marking more jobs for SIU members. Additionally, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. (also an SIU-contracted company) announced it will launch the Columbia Queen to provide riverboat passenger cruises in the Pacific Northwest, starting in April 2000. Page 3. After instructors at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education conducted the final equipment checks at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, classes there officially began in late May. Thus far, the new addition (located in Valley Lee, Md., near the Paul Hall Center's main campus) has impressed students and guests alike, including legislators, administration officials and the head of TRANSCOM. Pages 12-14. Merger Talks Under Way Between SIU and NMU_Page2 �President's Report Signs of Success It has been a slow, tough campaign, but America's union movement is showing signs of continued growth. Last month, a federal agency released to the public the fact r---"""C'"""-.....,...,,,,""""" that workers are holding and winning more representation elections than in previous years. And these elections are for an everincreasing number of working men and women. During the 1980s and early in this decade, all you would hear and read in the news was that labor had lost its clout, that unions were Michael Sacco obsolete. Well, that certainly is not the case now! The proof is in the numbers. Last year, union membership overall increased for the first time in years. The AFL-CIO didn't make up this fact. It came from the government's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trend is continuing this year. In Los Angeles, 75,000 home health care workers voted to join a union because they wanted dignity and respect on the job. In Puerto Rico, 66,000 teachers, cafeteria workers, secretaries, maintenance workers and others with the education department won the right for union representation. Miners, grocery workers, hotel employees, government workers and so many more are saying they want a voice in their workplaces. They want what Seafarers have: solid contracts with good wages and benefits. The SIU has been a part of the growth in the nation's union movement. Just look at the next page. New vessels plying the waters. Another riverboat on the way. All of these represent more jobs, more opportunities and more growth for the SIU. Since the beginning of the year, the Seafarers LOG has steadily announced new cargo ships, new tugs and new passenger vessels coming to companies contracted to the SIU for crewing. That's progress. The union pledged to find more jobs for Seafarers so they will be ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. To meet that task, the SIU has been upgrading its union halls while the Paul Hall Center has expanded with the opening of the fire fighting school as well as continuing its updating of courses. The SIU has quite a list of accomplishments so far, but we are in no way ready to rest on our laurels! There is so much more to do and many more opportunities to investigate. Just like the SIU, the AFL-CIO is not stopping to catch its breath. The fight at the Avondale Industries shipyard is one example of how much work still has to be done. Despite those workers voting overwhelmingly for representation, the company continues to manipulate every loophole it can to keep from negotiating a contract. It has been six years since the vote, yet the workers remain strong. They are resolved to win this battle and get what they deserve. These men and women-along with the tens of thousands of others who have just gained recognition or are fighting for itprove the labor movement is a vital force in America's business and economic life. For our present members and those to come, the SIU and the AFL-CIO will continue to make sure working people have a voice at their workplace, are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and provide for their families in a manner in which they can be proud. Volume 61, Number 7 July 1999 lhe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN I 086-4636) 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 (30 I) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Talks Under Way Concerning NMU Merger with Seafarers Sill President Michael Sacco and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie have met to explore the possibility of the NMU merging with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. The presidents have created committees to study such a merger. Among the topics included in the discussions are training for the members, job security, seniority and combining of various operations. No time table or deadlines have been set for these talks. Since the affiliation of the NMU with the Seafarers took place last year, the reaction by members from both unions has been positive. Seafarers have welcomed NMU members to upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. An agreement has been reached between the newly created Alaska Tanker Company and the SIU and NMU which covers crew members sailing from both unions. In both of these cases, rank-and-filers of the two unions are standing side-byside learning in the classroom and working aboard ship. Officials from the SIU and NMU have initiated merger talks. Meeting last month at SIU headquarters are (from the left, clockwise) NMU counsel Larry Brundick, AFL-CIO Maritime Comm. Exec. Dir. Tai Simpkins, NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie, NMU VP Charles Stewart, NMU Agents Ike Williams and Rusty de Roussett, SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel, SIU Exec. VP John Fay, SIU Counsel Leslie Tarantola and SIU VP Contracts Augustin Tellez. Avondale Bills Navy $5.4 Million To Continue Fight Against Unions Pro-Ltlbor Vote Has Been Denied for Six Years June 25 marked the six-year anniversary of the date on which employees at Avondale shipyard in New Orleans voted for union representation. The extent to which the company has used every imaginable stalling tactic to avoid the outcome of the vote is considered by many a sadly extreme story in its own right. However, the announcement last month that Avondale billed the U.S. Navy $5.4 million to pay the shipyard's anti-union lawyers shed a bizarre new light on the case. Continued on page 4 Seafarers show their support for Avondale workers during a recent demonstration near the New Orleans shipyard. Pictured from left to right are Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt, AB Charles Troutwine, AB Randy Bolling, AB William Bolling and Pensioner Beau James. Tax Bill Ottered ta Make Janes Act Vessel Construction Easier Congress is considering tax legislation to make it easier for U.S.-flag shipping companies to build new vessels for the Jones Act trades. Introduced last month by Rep. Jim McCrery (RLa.), the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine Revitalization Act (H.R. 2159) already has drawn bipartisan support from Reps. Wally Herger (R-Calif.), William Jefferson (D-La.) and Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii). McCrery told his fellow members of the House of Representatives when he presented the measure that the bill "is critically important to the modernization and growth of the United States maritime industry, our nation's fourth arm of defense. "I am convinced that the best way to ensure that our nation continues to have the militarily useful commercial vessels and trained and loyal United States-citizen crews we need to support our interests around the world is to enact those programs and policies that will better enable our maritime industry to flourish in peacetime," the Louisiana congressman added. "I am equally convinced that one important way to do so is to provide a tax environment for our maritime industry which more closely reflects the favorable tax treatment other maritime nations provide their own merchant fleets." H.R 2159 would alter the present Capital Construction Fund (CCF) law to make it easier for U.S.-flag shipping companies to deposit income earned from their U.S.-flag vessels into the pre-tax account that can be withdrawn later to construct Jones Act vessels in U.S. shipyards. McCrery said the change in the CCF law, first implemented as part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, would assist U.S.-flag companies in their efforts to modernize the domestic fleet. (The Jones Act, part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, states that goods moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed and U.S.built vessels.) By expanding the type of income eligible for deposit, U.S.-flag shipping companies engaged in the Jones Act trades will have a stronger source of capital to build new vessels needed in the next century. "This change would be good for the whole industry," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "It creates and ensures jobs for American shipbuilders as well as American mariners." Another provision of H.R. 2159 would change existing law relating to the payment of a 50 percent ad valorem duty on the overseas repair of U.S.-tlag ships. Under the present law, this 50 percent duty must be paid to the U.S. Treasury for non-emergency repairs made in a foreign country's shipyard. The legislation offers an alternative allowing for the payment of the duty directly into a CCF account, thus providing a direct benefit to U.S. shipyards. H.R. 2159 has been assigned to the House Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees for consideration. No hearing date for the measure has been scheduled. July 1999 �NEW SHIPS MORE JOBS Fifth 'Double Eagle' Christened; Crowley, G&H Launch New Tugs On the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, Seafarers recently welcomed new additions to the SIU-contracted fleet. Signifying more jobs for SIU members, the new vessels are the "Double Eagle" tanker HM! Brenton Reef, operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Hvide Marine; the tugboat Atlas, operated by G&H Towing in the Houston area; and Crowley Maritime's harborclass tug Scout, based in Long Beach, Calif. "As always, the SIU is proud to provide the best-trained mariners in the world to crew the new tanker and tugs," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "We welcome the jobs and the responsibility of helping ensure safe, efficient operations." f"dth Tanker Recertified Bosun Victor Beata and Chief Steward Michael Pooler each expressed favorable impressions of the HM! Brenton Reef, slated to begin its first voyage as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. The 620-foot tanker, which features double-hull construction and state-of-the-art electronics and safety systems, successfully completed sea trials in late May and was christened June 18 at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. It weighs 46,000 tons and can carry various chemicals in its 14 specially coated tanks. Additionally, the ship has a beam of slightly less than 106 feet and can travel at up to 16 knots. Like its four SIU-crewed predecessors in the Double Eagle program, the HMI Brenton Reef "responds to the mandate of Congress and the American people to build double-hull tankships that will transport petroleum and chemical products in U.S. waters in the safest manner possible," commented Jean Fitzgerald, chairman, president and CEO of Hvide Marine. "Her entry into the Jones Act market marks another step forward in the evo1ution of environmentally friendly marine transportation." Atlas: Strong Impression Captain Nelson "Frenchy" Breaux has sailed aboard a number of new tugboats, but he rates G&H's twin-screw Atlas at the top of the list. "Everybody's enjoying it. It's everything that can be expected and more," he remarked. Breaux said the Atlas "is very modern, especially when it comes to safety features. For instance, it has internal heat sen- sors throughout the boat hooked into all three alarm panels. There are also internal smoke detectors. "The interior of the boat is really comfortable, too, and I believe that promotes safety. When a crew feels comfortable, they work better." Christened earlier this year during a gathering of approximately 250 guests, the 96-foot tug performs harbor docking at several Texas ports including Houston, Galveston, Freeport, Corpus Christi and Texas City. "The Atlas truly is state-ofthe-art," observed SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, who attended the christening ceremony in Galveston. "As a former engineer, I was very impressed with the engine room. The crew quarters and galley facilities are first-class, also, and there's easy access for maintenance and repair to all the systems." Built at Main Iron Works in Houma, La., the Atlas has 3,900 horsepower and can travel at greater than 13 knots. It was christened in memory of Newton Rayzor, chairman of the board of directors of Intracoastal Towing & Transportation Corp. (for which G&H operates the boat) who passed away in February. "Mr. Rayzor was a good and fair employer," Corgey noted. "The SIU always had a good working relationship with him." He added that the eight Seafarers who participated in (photo by Jim Hemeon) The SIU-crewed HMI Brenton Reef successfully completed sea trials in late May. The "Double Eagle" tanker was scheduled to start its maiden voyage late last month. the christening "did an outstanding job representing the union and the company in a professional, courteous way." Those SIU members included Breaux, Mate David Andrisek, Quartermaster Sean Arbogast, Quartermaster Jon Crampton, Asst. Engineer Tim Dement, AB Larry Hadley, Chief Engineer Jimmy "Indiana" Payne and Oiler Brian Taylor. New Harbor-Class Tug In Southern California, the newest of Crowley's SIUcrewed harbor-class tugs also garnered praise. Continued on page 4 ~ l 'I l I The harbor-class tug Scout (center) joins Crowley's fleet in Long Beach, Calif. Delta Queen Announces New Riverboat far Fleet SIU-Crewed Vessel Will Sail in Pacific Northwest Operated by G&H Towing in the Houston area, the Atlas is a welcome addition for Seafarers, including crew members (kneeling, left to right) Capt. Nelson "Frenchy" Breaux, Mate David Andrisek, (standing) Oiler Brian Taylor, Chief Engineer Jimmy "Indiana" Payne, AB Larry Hadley, Quartermaster Sean Arbogast, Asst. Engineer Tim Dement and Quartermaster Jon Crampton. Celebrating the christening of the Scout are (left to right) Jim Penny, Crowley operations manager in Long Beach, Calif.; Nick Marrone, SIU VP West Coast; Capt. Wayne Berry, a Seafarer who sails aboard Crowley tugs; and John Cox, SIU port agent in Wilmington, Calif. July 1999 Seafarers will be crewing next year the latest addition to the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. fleet-the Columbia Queen. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, Delta Queen's parent firm, American Classic Voyages Co., announced its plans to offer overnight passenger service to the Pacific Northwest aboard the new riverboat. Delta Queen is an SIU-contracted company which also operates the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen paddlewheel steamboats along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. "This announcement by Delta Queen and American Classic Voyages shows their continued confidence in the fine American mariners who crew their vessels," SlU President Michael Sacco stated when the announcement was made. "The Columbia Queen once again demonstrates this union's commitment for new jobs for the membership," he added. The Columbia Queen is scheduled to begin service in April 2000. The 218-foot vessel will be able to carry 161 passengers in its 81 staterooms. The riverboat was designed by the same firm that created the American Queen, which began service in 1995. The vessel will be based in Portland, Ore. It will sail along the Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers, offering vacation packages to Mount St. Helens National Monument, the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, Washington state wine country, Astoria, Ore. and Lewiston, Idaho. Besides adding this fourth riverboat to its fleet, Delta Queen presently is building the first two of five coastal cruise vessels scheduled to begin service in 2001. These 225-passenger ships will sail along the Eastern seaboard and the Pacific Coast. American Classic Voyages' other subsidiary-American Hawaii Cruises--operates the SIU-crewed SS Independence. Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding for construction of the first two U.S.-built deep sea passenger vessels in more than 40 years. The first of these ships, which will sail around the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to board passengers in 2003. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, August 16, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) for the observance of Paul Hall's birthday. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �Bosun Vern Poulsen Honored By Tacoma Propeller Club Not much surprises Recertified Bosun Vern Poulsen, who has seen just about everything during his 50-year maritime career. But the Propeller Club-Port of Tacoma, Wash. recently caught him off guard when the organization presented its 1999 Master Mariner Award to the longtime Seafarer. The annual award recognizes various contributions to the U.S. maritime industry. "It was very, very much a surprise. I had no idea, but it was nice," said Poulsen, who has been part of the Sea-Land shore gang in Tacoma for 15 years and a member of the Propeller Club nearly that long. "Vern deserves the acclaim. He's a great guy and a wellrespected member," noted SIU Assistant Vice President Bob Hall. Poulsen, 65, joined the SIU in Seattle in 1961. He first sailed in the galley before switching to the deck department and working his way up to bosun. (Poulsen completed the recertification course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime . Congratulating Recertified Bosun Vern Poulsen (center) on his award are SIU Asst. VP Bob Hall (left) and Sea-Land VP Gary Ritzman. Training and Education in 1974.) Asked about his fondest sailing memories, he replied, "They're all good memories, although I [particularly] liked the SL-7s." The veteran Seafarer also quieted a rumor about his supposed upcoming retirement. "I'm just a kid, I'm not retiring," he said with a chuckle. "In fact, I just made a trip on the (Liberty ship) Jeremiah O'Brien." A Ship By Any Other Name ... Bosun George Jordanides snapped these photos of the ~repo~i­ tioning ship Calvin P. Titus as it became the Mf!ersk ~nzor:a m Sunny Point, N.C. The containership, us~ally stat1c:ined in .sa1pa~, was renamed in early April. Its sister ship, the Enc G. Gibson, 1s scheduled to be renamed the Maersk Alaska this month while overseas. Poulsen actually was on vacation during his 27-day stint aboard the historic vessel, based in San Francisco. He volunteered to help paint the ship, which still makes trips each month around the San Francisco Bay. "I was one of the youngest guys on that ship, and we worked 15 hours a day," he noted. "The best thing was I got paid the same as the captain: nothing. "Honestly, I' 11 treasure the experience." Avondale Workers Still Denied Contract Continued from page 2 Apparently, such reimbursements are allowable according to federal contracting rules, although the Navy reportedly warned Avondale that it may deny future reimbursements if they are deemed "unreasonable." The Atlas, operated by G&H Towing in the Houston area, i~ bo!h comThe story broke in midfortable and comes equipped with many safety features like internal Safety problems at Avondale lndus~ries were .the focu~ of a Workers heat sensors and smoke detectors. June, after Sen. Edward Memorial Day rally in New Orleans m late Apnl. The shipyard recently Kennedy (D-Mass.) asked for a was fined $537,000 by the government for safety violatio~s. Seven breakdown of Avondale's pro- workers have died at the facility this decade. Below, SI~ re~1ree Beau posed reimbursements for its James (left) joins fellow trade unionists at the rally, which included a scheme to deny union repre- memorial march (above). Continued from page 3 "Another interesting aspect sentation. According to news is that they use the latest tech"This is something that I Christened in May, the 105- nology in lines. The stem line is reports, Kennedy argued that find especially troubling. They taxpayers should not pay for foot Scout operates in Long made out of the same material get away with [the anti-union such expenses. Beach and Los Angeles along used in bulletproof vests. It The Defense Contract Audit campaign] because American with three other Crowley har- floats, yet it's stronger than Agency officially has labeled taxpayers are footing the bill," bor-class tugs. A fifth is due out steel. Unbelievable." the proposed reimbursements Wellstone said on the Senate this month. About 200 people attended as "unresolved," although it has floor. "The maneuverability of the Scouts christening. "The Navy and the Coast these boats is incredible, as is Like the other Crowley har- "not identified a basis under Guard are effectively subsidizthe 360-degree visibility," said bor-class tugs, the Scout can (current regulations) to disaling Avondale's illegal unionKerry DeMatos, who sailed perform ship escort at greater low them," stated Navy busting campaign," he continSecretary Richard Danzig in a with the SIU for 16 years before than 10 knots. It possesses ued. "Avondale gets about 80 becoming Crowley's senior port 4,800 horsepower plus the latest letter to Kennedy. percent of its contracts from the In an unrelated matter, Sen. Paul Wellstone (Dcaptain in Long Beach last radar and other telecommunicaNavy for building and repairing Avondale recently agreed to Minn.) voiced outrage at the October. "They don't have pro- tions equipment, and was built pellers, so they can go in any at Nichols Bros. in Freeland, notion of tax money covering ships. If it weren't for the become a wholly owned subUnited States Navy, Avondale sidiary of Litton Industries. Avondale's legal expenses. direction. Wash. probably wouldn't exist. Litton also had attempted to "This poster child for bad acquire Newport News (Va.) corporate citizenship is brought Shipbuilding, but that proposal Seafarers Mark Maritime Day on USNS Indomitable to you courtesy of the failed. Similarly, a planned A series of ceremonies American taxpayer." merger between Avondale and marked National Maritime The senator also pointed out Newport News Shipbuilding is Memorial Day in Washington, that Avondale last year came off. D.C. last May. One of the under fire in federal court for Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO events took place at the numerous unfair labor practices organized a "community hearWashington Navy Yard, where the SIU-crewed USNS and safety violations. ing" in New Orleans on the Indomitable, operated by "On the one hand, the sixth anniversary of the Maersk Line for the Military National Labor Relations Board Avondale vote. Local workers, Sealift Command, was feaand OSHA (the Occupational clergymen, political represe~ta­ tured. Three Seafarers workSafety and Health Admin- tives and labor officials ing aboard that vessel were at istration) find Avondale in fla- (including AFL-CIO Secrethe ready to assist visitors on shipboard tours. They are, grant violation of the law. On the tary-Treasurer Rich Trumka) from left, AB Bobby E. Kelly, other hand, the Navy keeps spotlighted the need to protect EU Elliott A. Rhodes and rewarding Avondale with more workers' freedom to join a Bosun Robert Taylor. union. contracts." ...... ) New Additions to SIU Fleet 4 Seafarers LOG July 1999 �Realities of Runaway-Flag Shipping: Masked liunmen1 No Food or Wages NY Times Article Reveals More FOC Victims Even in Russia, the Inter- and chairman of the ITF's national Transport Workers' Seafarers Section. "It's important Federation (ITF) exhibition ship enough that the ITF launched the Global Mariner continues gain- Global Mariner, and there's no ing North American publicity for doubt the ship has generated a lot its campaign against runaway- of coverage, especially during the tlag shipping. past half-year." On May 22, The New York The SIU is one of the more Times published a detailed piece than 500 transportation-related about the runaway-flag Lakhta, unions affiliated with the whose Russian crew members London-based ITF. The union, for have not been paid in a year and decades, has partaken in the fight who recently were threatened at against runaway-flag shipping. gunpoint with eviction from the FOC Nighbnare badly rusted vessel. The ITF The article by Russell called attention to the Belize-flag ship when the Global Mariner Working disclosed that the docked nearby in Vladivostok, mariners aboard the cargo ship Lakhta "are a year behind in their Russia. The New York Times' article wages, and the owners no longer delves into the broader issue of provide food or water and once runaway-flag shipping-also even tried to evict the crew at known as flag-of-convenience gunpoint. The ship is caked in shipping-while using the Lakhta rust, and even her basic seaworcase as an example. The newspa- thiness is in question. The hatch per touches upon the Global covers over the cargo holds do Mariner, which has traveled not fully close, a problem that halfway around the world to pub- could swamp the ship in high 1icize the ITF's 50-year fight seas." As often happens in such against the runaway scam. This marks the continuation of cases, the crew "has not been able a wave of similar coverage that to figure out just who owes them began late last year and has con- the wages." In February, they tinued fairly steadily since then. sued the charterer, Dellner Other newspapers including the Shipping Co. of Russia, for more Houston Chronicle, Baltimore than $82,000 in back wages but a Sun, New Orleans Times- judge threw out the case. Dellner, which chartered the Picayune and many more have been joined by network television vessel from Seattle-based Caribnews affiliates in covering the bean Maritime, claimed the previblight caused by runaway-flag ous charter operator owed all but shipping (see box). In many 40 days' worth of wages. After cases, the stories were publicized the judge's ruling in mid-March, the company persuaded the court nationally. "Publicity is an important part to send a bailiff and 13 masked of the campaign. It raises aware- gunmen to the ship. When a television crew and a ness, which is a step toward correcting the problem," said John lawyer for the mariners arrived a Fay, SIU executive vice president little while later, the rifle-toting In the News Some recent high-profile cases involving runaway-flag ships • The New Carissa runs aground at Coos Bay, Ore., spilling 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel and touching off weeks of nationwide coverage. Partly as a result of the incident, legislation is introduced in Congress to protect U.S. ports from similar mishaps. • Battling malnutrition and many other health problems, the crew of the disabled Delta Pride finally comes ashore-nearly a full year after being abandoned in Mexico by the ship's bankrupt owner. Unpaid for two years, the crew subsisted on rainwater and fish that they caught. • A fleet-wide conspiracy at Royal Caribbean Cruises involving environmental crimes is detailed in a Sunday New York Times article. The Miamibased company, fined a record $9 million for pollution incidents, saves about $30 million a year in U.S. taxes by registering its ships in Norway and Liberia, the article notes. A follow-up article points out that the 17 major cruise lines pay practically no income tax even though they are based in this country and 90 percent of the passengers are American. • The National Transportation Safety Board calls a two-day hearing about the Carnival cruise ship Ecstasy, which caught fire last year shortly after departing Miami. At the hearing, the Ecstasy's captain acknowledges he initially refused help from the Coast Guard to fight the blaze. He also told investigators he maintained a minimum speed out of Miami, despite black smoke and flames pouring from the aft mooring deck, in case he had to steer the vessel to keep the smoke from blowing across the ship. • The tanker Campo Duran is detained in Baltimore because of numerous safety problems. They include oil leaking into the bilge, which cannot be cleaned because of a faulty water separator; lack of fresh water; a malfunctioning main engine; a broken radar plotting system; an uninstalled emergency towing system; a lifeboat blocked by stacks of 55-gallon drums; no heat; and widespread unsanitary conditions. July 1999 individuals (some of whom reportedly had climbed the masts and threatened the crew) as well as the bailiff left the ship. The ITF's inspector in Vladivostok is assisting the mariners, while personnel from the Global Mariner donated stores and money. Runaway-flag ships are carriers operating under the flag of a non-traditional maritime nation, yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to take advantage of less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's nation of citizenship. The ITF Global Mariner has gained publicity for the organization's campaign against runaway-flag shipping-a campaign actively supported by the SIU. Cases like that of the Lakhta, spotlighted recently by The New York Times, help reveal the runaway-flag scam. Battling the 'Millennium Bug' U.S. Parts Will Remain Open When Clack Strikes Midnight Coast Guard Says It Is Ready -· for Y2K Even as the U.S. Coast Guard continued conducting Y2K tests at sea and ashore last month, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that U.S. ports will remain open on January I, 2000. However, the Coast Guard also warned that "where there are concerns for safety, operational restrictions could be imposed by the local Coast Guard captain of the port." Such constraints may include anchoring outside a harbor, sailing at reduced speed, one-way traffic lanes or extra tugboat assistance, among others. The announcement took place June 15 in Southern California, where Coast Guard officials carried out two days of Y2K tests throughout the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as well as aboard the Seafarers-crewed APL Singapore. SIU-contracted Crowley Marine Services also took part in the exercises, which involved simulated oil spills, engine failures and electronic communications obstacles. Maritime concerns about the so-called millennium bug- potential disruptions stemming from computers and other electronic equipment that misreads the year 2000 as 1900-include possible collisions, spills or traffic jams in harbors. Virtually any system that supports shipping or cargo handling is susceptible, including navigation and engine control systems, cargo gauging equipment, vessel traffic management tools, and communications devices. The industry is far from alone in tackling the Y2K issue. According to revised estimates released last month by the White House, the U.S. government will have spent at least $8.06 billion working on Y2K fixes. Notwithstanding the problem's breadth, DOT Deputy Secretary Mort Downey and Coast Guard Rear Admiral George Naccara expressed confidence that U.S. port operations would run smoothly through the new year and beyond. Downey pointed out that the cooperative efforts from different sectors of the industry have yielded substantial progress in readying for the year 2000. "We believe we are well on our way to having a (maritime) transportation system that will operate properly before, during and after the millennium change," he stated. Naccara, the agency's chief information officer, said, "Rather than interrupt U.S. port activities on January I, the Coast Guard will gather and assess information on operators' Y2K preparations, and impose operational restrictions only ifthe operator's level of Y2K preparedness raises safety concerns. The idea is to have a consistent, nationwide approach that will protect life, property and the marine environment while recognizing the importance of ocean transportation to the nation's economy." He added that the Coast Guard has worked on its Y2K plans for about two years. Seafarers LOG 5 �From St. Marys to St. Mary's ~ . .·· Alaskan Ledlow Looks Forwanl ~ - -- ~, f ~ ... ~-3 Al.AIKANA!llltll.IST »·~~ af ~lrOhtl.or;".d , !N ..... i !91Ct~d~:WO. ~.tlC4tbeptm--- : 2fHl~1'1N;r.S~~·t..... f -- Val .. s • wa!ltt hMno~;::~.t=:=:=:: I To New Career as SW Member When Chris Ledlow climbs the gangway this summer as a member of the engine department crew for the first time, it will be the culmination of his dream to obtain a skill that opens the whole world to him. Ledlow, a graduate of unlicensed apprentice class 583, is an Alaska Native who had spent most of his life in the Yukon River village of St. Marys in the southwestern comer of the state prior to his arrival at the Paul Hall Center in St. Mary's County, Md. last year. The 20-year-old has become a celebrity of sorts in his home state because of the career path he has chosen. He had a feature story published about him April 12 in the Anchorage Daily News. Then, that city's NBC television affiliate shot a day in his life at the Paul Hall Center, running the video on June 3. "I hope this lets others in Alaska know the possibilities they have with the SIU and the merchant marine," the unassuming Ledlow told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "My village only has a couple hundred people. I could work in a grocery store, at a cannery or my father's garage and that is about it. When I heard about Unlicensed Apprentice Chris Ledlow tells a television reporter why others from Alaska should attend the Paul Hall Center. this, I wanted to try it and see what I could do." Ledlow found out about the unlicensed apprentice program through SIU Anchorage Representative Harold Holten. Holten has been working with Alaska-area private industry councils to recruit young men and women from the state to become merchant mariners. Alaska has high unemployment As instructor Mark Cates offers directions on forklift operations, an Alaskan television crew works on an "up-close-and-personal" shot of Chris Ledlow. statistics compared to the rest of the country. The SIU recruitment effort has the blessing of the state's congressional delegation-Sens. Ted Stevens (R) and Frank Murkowski (R) and Rep. Don Young (R)-as well as Gov. Tony Knowles (D). In fact, the joint venture received national recognition in March from the National Association of Private Industry Councils for its success. When Ledlow began his work in the first phase of training, he had no idea in which department he wanted to sail. That changed during his phase two experience aboard the Great Land, a vessel operated by TOTE. "I got to work in all three departments, which is part of the program. But I could not believe my 30 days were over so quickly when I was in the engine department. I felt I had only been there two weeks. I knew that is where I wanted to be," Ledlow recalled. Upon his return to the Paul Hall Center, he dedicated himself to learning as much as he could to begin his new career in the engine room. That training allowed him to be among the first to battle a blaze in the Eternal Flame bum building on the grounds of the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. "It was incredible. I couldn't believe how hot it got in there. Then they told me it was only 300 degrees, but it could be turned up to 1,600. I wouldn 't want to feel that." During his interviews with the Alaskan media, Ledlow was asked what differences he had encountered during his education at Piney Point. "The salmon. It doesn't taste the same in Maryland as it does back home in Alaska. But I've gotten used to it." Paul Hall Center's Russell Honored on Memorial Day The Anchorage Daily News ran a feature story about Unlicensed Apprentice Chris Ledlow when he returned to Piney Point for phase three training. Apprentices Learn Maritime History During a recent trip to the port of Baltimore, students in the final segment of the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program learned about contemporary maritime happenings and industry heritage. The students met with SIU members and officers aboard the USNS Capella (below), where they reviewed various aspects of shipboard work. They also toured the historic Liberty ship John W Brown (top photo), currently staffed by volunteers. On the World War II-era vessel, the apprentices gained new appreciation for the role of the U.S. merchant marine in national defense Posing for a photo aboard the Capella (bottom photo) are (from left) Capt. David Kelly, Chief Mate Michael Murphy, Unlicensed Apprentice Melvin Ratcliff, Paul Hall Center Instructor Shannon Twigg, Chief Steward John Walsh and Bosun Gary Clarke. He Was Among the First U.S. Troops Called to Action in South Korea Many Seafarers know Albert Russell as the face of security at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. However, few know that the man in the guard house is a decorated Korean War hero. Russell was honored with other American veterans in St. Mary's County over Memorial Day. All of them were in a feature photograph printed in the local newspaper, The Enterprise. In July 1950, Russell was among the first wave of American troops sent to South Korea following the invasion from the north. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army's 21st Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division when he was wounded by shrapnel from mortar fire just days after landing in South Korea. (During that same engagement, 6 Seafarers LOG his overall commanding officera general-was taken prisoner.) Russell told a reporter he never felt like a hero. " I was sent over there to do a job and I did it," the soft-spoken Russell said. "I'm proud of what I did for my country." Russell received the Purple Heart and Cluster for his multiple wounds. After recovering, he continued to serve in South Korea until July 1951 . He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and many citations for his duty. He was discharged in July 1952. Russell has been part of the security staff at the Paul Hall Center since August 1970. But this is not his first stint at that location. Shortly after being released from the Army, he land- Paul Hall Center Security Guard Albert Russell displays his Purple Heart, Bronze Star and other citations he earned during his tour of duty in the Korean Conflict. ed a job at the old torpedo testing range-on the same location as the center-in the Navy gun factory from 1953 to 1957. July 1999 �Watchman Vlado Lazarevski Kinsman Independent Oiler William English Kinsman Independent Fireman John Rittinghouse Kinsman Independent Low water levels on the Great Lakes have impacted cargo movements, but for the most part it has been "business as usual" for Seafarers sailing in that region. In April, there was an 8.6 percent cargo downturn in iron ore, coal and stone compared to the same time last year. Some 14.8 million tons of cargo were shipped on the Lakes that month. As of mid-June, Lakes cargo movements were down about 13 Despite cargo movement that trails the record paces of recent years, Seafarers remain very active on the Lakes, including aboard the Kinsman Independent (right photo), the Adam E. Cornelius (above, towed by an SIU-crewed Great Lakes Towing tug) and many other vessels. . I ) ...:'~ percent compared to the 1998-99 shipping season. A Lakes trade association pointed out that besides low water levels, the drop "also reflects the fact that the winter of 1997-98 was extremely mild and thus dry-bulk trades resumed ahead of schedule." Additionally, dumped foreign steel continues impacting the Lakes fleet, although some nations have slowed their steel exports to the U.S. Watchman Nick Velkoff American Republic Porter Julius Najera Kinsman Independent SIU Rep. Don Thornton, Oiler Charles Lesley Kinsman Independent Deckhand Musid Musleh American Republic Watchman Raymond Spooner American Mariner Chief Cook Abdulwahab Mutahr, Asst. Cook Paul Paton Alpena Deckhand Donald Sausman Kinsman Independent July 1999 Seafarers LOG 7 �Steward Has Loving Message During Black History Month Commemorations of this year's Black History Month extended far beyond U.S. shores, thanks in part to Saundra Leonard. The chief steward gave a heartfelt speech February 28 in Diego Garcia during a shoreside celebration of the month designated for reflection upon the his- tory, teachings and other contributions of African Americans. Organized by a U.S. Navy officer, the event drew approximately 250 people, including other speakers. "Something's always happening on the island," noted Leonard, who was sailing aboard the Buffalo Soldier-a ship Chief Steward Saundra Leonard is congratulated for her remarks by AB Gregory Bamfeld (left photo) and AB Allan Green. named in memory of African American cavalry units who served in the untamed western U.S.-<iuring Black History Month. "This particular ceremony brought tears to people's eyes." A frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Leonard told the audience that she has witnessed a disturbing deterioration in human interaction. "Especially in the 1980s, drugs and crime and other undesirable things came into our community (in Southern California), and things just fell apart," she said. "We stopped loving ourselves, our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers." Leonard suggested that acceptance and religious faith are vital to societal improvement. "Stop looking at the color of a person's skin, and try to see the beauty in The SIU-crewed prepositioning vessel Buffalo Soldier is named in memory of black Army veterans who served in campaigns throughout the then-untamed western plains. a person," she advised. "If we of all races don't start loving one another, this world will never change .... Love of self and of God is the only thing that's going to bring happiness." Listeners responded to Leonard's remarks with loud applause. The concept for Black History Month came from Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. In 1926, he secured government recognition of "Negro History Week" honoring the contributions of black Americans. Woodson picked a week in February because the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass occurred during the month. In 1976, spurred by the renamed Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, the commemorative week expanded to a month. The SIU-crewed Buffalo Soldier, operated by Red River Shipping Corp. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, is named after the all-black 9th and 1oth Cavalry Regiments created by the Army Reorganization Act of 1866. The units served until just before World War II. Cape Trinity Crew Awarded Certificate of Excellence The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity, one of 91 ships in the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) owned by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MarAd), is often called upon to support military exercises. One recent operation, howev- er-transporting a complete, rapidly erectable, 500-bed hospital to Norway- earned the ship's crew a certificate of excellence, presented personally by Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart Jr. Using the vessel's huge stem ramp, about I 00 vehicles and 400 The SIU crew aboard the Cape Trinity recently was honored for its outstanding performance in support of a military operation. With the crew are Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart Jr., MarAd Central Region Director John W. Carnes, Apex Director of Marine Operations Robert Kunkel, SIU VP Dean Corgey and Assistant VP Jim McGee. containers were rolled on the ship in Virginia and offloaded in Norway. Two weeks following Hart's visit, the master, crew and managers of the Houston-based cargo ship also were honored, this time by the U.S. Navy's Fleet Hospital Group. A plaque was presented to the ship during an informal ship ceremony by Deputy Maritime Administrator John E. Graykowski. Ninety-five percent of the material needed in a military deployment must be sent by sea, Graykowski stated. "We are proud that the Cape Trinity has demonstrated how well suited the ships are to respond to any contingency." Six of the 91 RRF vessels are based in Houston, and of those, three, including the Cape Trinity, are managed by Apex Marine Ship Management, LLC for MarAd. Each of the vessels flies the RRF readiness flag, signifying that, in a national defense emergency, it will fill out its crew, take on stores and fuel, and be ready to sail in 96 or 120 hours. Proud of their union and their vessel are some of the crew members aboard the Cape Trinity, an RAF ship honored for its military support. From the left are Chief Electrician Gabriel Arhin, Recertified Bosun Billy Eastwood, GUDE Edward Shamburger and QMED Ross Hardy. El Yunque's First Call Following the presentation of MarAd's certificate of excellence to the crew of the Cape Trinity, that agency's administrator, Clyde J. Hart Jr., poses with (from left) SIU VP Dean Corgey, Assistant VP Jim McGee and MarAd Central Region Director John W. Carnes. One There When You Need Him The AFL-CIO recently reported that, when 100 delegates to the Steelworkers civil rights conference began demonstrating in support of locked-out workers at the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Gramercy, La., someone called the local sheriff's office. When the sheriff arrived, he called for backup-not to arrest the demonstrators, but rather to protect them from traffic on the busy fourlane highway. It so happens the sheriff is a former member of the Steelworkers and once served as grievance chair at that same Kaiser plant. B Seafarers LOG The newly contracted El Yunque, operated by Sea Star Line, recently made its first call at Port Everglades, Fla. Pictured in the galley during that stop in May are (from left) Chief Steward Matthew Scott, SA Charles B. Collier and Chief Cook James Kasha. July 1999 �Captain C.R. Balomenos complimented the Liberty Sea '.S' crew for a "very good voyage" that took place this spring. The SIU-crewed vessel is operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. ALL IN A DAY'S WORK: Above and left, Seafarers including Bosun Harold Sebring and AB James Deano clean the holds. AB Dave Hetrick moves to the next task on the Liberty Sea. Right: Hands-on experience is a key part of the Paul Hall Center's phase two training for unlicensed apprentices. Here, apprentices Chad Warren (left) and Ronald Gloston (right) join AB Robert English in cleaning the holds. Enjoying lunch are (from left) QMED William Parker and GUDEs Terrence Ford and Louis Green. 66,000 in Puerto Rico Win Union Elections In one of the biggest unionization efforts ever, an overwhelming majority of voters chose union representation in elections last month covering 66,000 Puerto Rico Department of Education employees. Teachers, cafeteria workers, maintenance personnel and clerical employees voted by an 85 percent margin to join unions. They will vote again this fall to decide which union represents them in each unit. According to a news release from the AFL-CIO, the election was part of a two-step process created by the passage last year of a law giving public employees in the territory the right to form a union. Approximately 150,000 public employees in Puerto Rico are eligible for union representation under the new regulations. The vote involving the Department of Education, which ended in mid-June, was the first conducted under the new law. Elections for other departments will follow, noted the labor federation. The vote ·counts among the four groups were: teachers, 29,058 yes to 3,538 no; cafeteria workers 5,144 yes to 547 no; July 1999 Doing their part to make the vessel a good feeder are (from left) Chief Cook Luis Caballero, Chief Steward Charles Scott and GSU Wilfred Lambey. maintenance employees, 3, 150 yes to 312 no; and office workers, 2,500 yes to 445 no. Eighty percent of eligible voters cast a ballot. "We want a union contract so we can build the best possible future for ourselves, our families and the children we teach every single day," stated Nancy Cardona, a teacher in San Juan. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney pointed out, "These employees know that ~union will mean better jobs, enhanced schools and stronger communities throughout Puerto Rico. "The overwhelmingly positive vote spotlights these workers' ardent desire to have a greater voice on the job." There are approximately 1,600 schools in the Puerto Rico system. The Department of Education employees are forming unions with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the United Auto Workers (UAW). (See page 10 for related story.) USNS Bob Hope Does 'Fleet Week' in NY Posing for a photo after a union meeting last month aboard the USNS Bob Hope are (front row, from left) SIU Patrolman Jack Caffey Jr., OS Bryan Gaddis, Bosun Terry Evins, SAD. Williams, (back row) SA Roy Warren and AB Bob Day. The USNS Bob Hope, pictured last month in New York during the Navy's "Fleet Week," is one of four vessels in its class crewed by Seafarers. The newest one, the USNS Mendonca, was christened in April. Greeting a visitor at the gangway are (from left) Bosun Terry Evans, AB Lumumba Lasana, Navy Sailor Laurie Brindle, Storekeeper Gary Bruber and AB Eric Overby. Seafarers LOG 9 �More Workers Say 'Union Yes' The national federation of trade unions last month reported that new government data show workers are conducting and winning more union elections than in previous years. The AFL-CIO, of which the SIU is an affiliate, also pointed out that the elections cover increasing numbers of workers, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of National Affairs from National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) data for 1998. Employees secured union representation in 1,653 elections, or 51.2 percent of balloting in 1998, compared to 1,591 elections, or 50.3 percent of voting in 1997. The number of elections in 1998 increased to 3,229 from 3, 160 in 1997, a 2.2 percent increase. Additionally, the federation noted that workers last year won half of the campaigns involving units of 500 or more employees -a high point since such statistics have been tracked. Those figures "are good news for American workers, because growing unions mean better jobs and stronger communities," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Unions are on the right track, and are reaching out more than we have in years. We should celebrate this news by redoubling our efforts." The highest win rate was in the finance, insurance and real estate industries, where workers won nearly 84 percent of 31 elections. Workers won more than half the elections in health care services; general services; transportation, communications and utilities; retail; and construction. Moreover, the NLRB statistics do not include some of the largest organizing wins in 1998 which occurred under the National Railway Labor Act or through employer recognition of majority worker support outside an election process. In total, more than 475,000 workers joined unions in 1998, according to the federation. And, as previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, union membership rose for the first time in years in 1998-by more than 100,000 -according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released earlier this year. The number of union members in the U.S. rose from 16.1 million to 16.2 million. Unfon density in the service sector-the largest sector of the economy-rose for the first time, from 5.4 percent to 5.6 percent. Safety Drills on Sea-Land Expedition Water survival drills are a staple aboard SIU-crewed ships, as participants eagerly hone their skills for a scenario they hope never occurs. Recently, Seafarers on the Sea-Land Expedition executed a regularly scheduled lifeboat drill (top photo) while the vessel was in San Juan, P.R. Above left, Recertified Bosun Ismael Rivera and AB Efrain Alvarez secure the boat following the drill as others observe. Above right, Oiler A. Omer and AB Roger Plaud grease the wire while the boat is retrieved from the water. Below, Alvarez performs maintenance that is a standard part of the drill. Wilmington Seafarers in Korea .......~~/UJ Four self-described "proud members of the SIU" from the port of Wilmington, Calif. recently posed for this photo while waiting for a flight connection at the airport in Ulsan, South Korea, shortly after signing off the Sea-Land Challenger. Pictured from left to right are AB Dominic Sanfilippo, AB Frank Cammuso, Chief Steward Terry Allen and AB Amin Hussein. They returned to the vessel about three weeks later, Cammuso noted. Pidare roanell • ..... Relmring in Piney Point Picture yourself and your family by the pool, at the beach, on a picnic. Or picture yourself and your family exploring Civil War sites, checking out dinosaur bones at the Smithsonian Institution, catching a foul ball at a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards. All these activities-and more-are possible day trips when you vacation at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The cost is just $40 per day for each SIU member and $10 10 Seafarers LOB per day for a spouse and for each child. (There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger.) These prices include all meals. There is still time for Seafarers and their families to plan to spend up to two weeks of their summer vacation in Piney Point. To turn your pictures into reality, call the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center at (301) 994-0010 or send in the reservation form now. 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: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3rd choice: _ _ __ 1st choice: ________ 2nd choice: _ _ __ Date of arrival: (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 7199 -••~L-------------------------------------~ July 1999 �6011't Services Division Member Writes Novel About Subic Bay For some mariners, writing is a means of passing time, whether it involves poems, stories or letters. For Anthony R. Mills, a member of the SIU's Government Services Division, it is a serious avocation. Mills recently penned a 344-page novel titled "Subic Bay, The Last American Colony," published by Noble House of Baltimore. Billed as "an historic and personal look into naval base living," the book draws upon Mills' eight years of experience sailing out of the Philippines. In a letter to the Seafarers LOG, Mills Jim THE LAST AMERICAN COLONY noted that the book is available via numerous internet sites (including borders.com and amazon.com, for instance) or through the publisher's toll-free number: 1800-873-2003. Price varies by seller, as some offer discounts off the $27.95 cover price. A promotional flyer for "Subic Bay, The Last American Colony" describes it as "a remarkably vivid retrospective novel about the American naval base and the people of Olongapo, Philippines. Cultivated over 50 years, the mixture of civilians, naval personnel, and Philippine nationals bred an inter- From Portugal to New Orleans -;h r-·-. dependent and colorful community residing in the area. Mills' penetrating narrative explores the lives and relationships of this unlikely cultural assortment and examines the bonds which made its dissolution painful for so many. "Centered around the activities of the USNS Spice, a United States Navy supply vessel and its crew members, 'Subic Bay' steers readers through the waning years of an historic American era covering the period from the early 1980s through the Desert Storm conflict in 1990 until the installation shut down in 1991." Recertified Bosun Cesar Gutierrez sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG showing the Liberty Star's recent voyage from Portugal to New Orleans. In top photo, the bosun preps mooring lines for arrival. Above left, Deck Maintenance Ivan Aguilar helps ready the vessel for docking in New Orleans. Above right, Unlicensed Apprentice Joel Encarnacion demonstrates that shipboard life may include the occasional barbecue. Great Lakes Towing Turns 100 Mills wrote the book to provide "an historic and personal look into naval base living." Anthony Mills, AB and author, most recently sailed aboard the USNS Tippecanoe. Taking Advantage of Technology American Steamship Company Adds Defibrillators to Vessels Donation Made to High School for Computer Upgrades SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC) is taking advantage of modem technology while helping others do the same. The company recently announced that its 11 self-unloading vessels plying the Great Lakes have been equipped with automatic external defibrillators (AED}-portable devices used to treat individuals when in cardiac arrest. "ASC has adopted this program to increase the odds of saving lives," the company said in a news release. "The AED could mean the difference between life and death for crew members aboard Great Lakes vessels. Published medical research suggests that many heart attack victims would likely survive with early defibrillation." The machines are compact and weigh only a few pounds. ASC noted that "advances in technology have streamlined and simplified these devices to a point where the AED will walk the user through a simple, step-by-step process with voice and visual prompts. Once sensor pads are placed properly on the victim's chest, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm in seconds and then determines if a shock is warranted." Meanwhile, ASC and its parent organization recently donated July 1999 Taking part in the ceremonial opening of the ASC-GATX Media Center at St. Mary's High in Lancaster, N.Y. are (from left) American Steamship Company President and CEO Ned Smith, St. Mary's Principal Patrick Brady, and St. Mary's Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Malecki. $15,000 to a Lancaster, N.Y. high school, with the funds spent on computers and internet access. In May, ASC and GATX Corp. made the donation to St. Mary's High, a 95-year-old Catholic school believed to be the oldest such facility in the nation. The grant is part of a philanthropic program in which the companies regularly participate. St. Mary's spent the money to network its entire computer system, establish internet access throughout the school, update various computer equipment and purchase software. Altogether, SIU-contracted Great Lakes Towing officially turns 100 years old on July 7. The Clevelandbased company owns and operates tugboats serving dozens of ports. Among those currently in service are (above) the new ZTHREE and (at right) the Montana. Pictured below, from the Seafarers LOG archives, is a late1970s shot of Great Lakes Towing boats docked in the Cuyahoga River. the new and upgraded purchases were dedicated as the ASCGATX Media Center. The school plans to add internet-related courses to its curriculum. Ned Smith, president and CEO of ASC (which is based in Williamsville, N.Y.), said the St. Mary's grant is part of a "contributions program that focuses on education, the environment and on strengthening families. This grant will help promote student and teacher excellence in the ever evolving world of computer technology." Seafarers LOii 11 �Upgraders, Apprentice So far, the newest addition to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is living up to its billing. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a one-of-a-kind facility that replicates shipboard fues and other marine hazards, officially went into use early last month. Upgraders and students in the center's unlicensed apprentice program are utilizing the Joe Sacco School's modem classrooms, water survival trainer, maze building, bum building, damage-control area and fire props to boost their safety skills and knowledge. "It's a wonderful fire fighting school, probably the best in the world," said Certified Chief Cook Don Irvine, one of the first upgraders to train there. A member of the SIU since 12 Seafarers LOG 1981, Irvine noted that the stateof-the-art facilities are maximized by the instructors. "That's what I liked best-the teachers listen to the students very well. There's good communication between the instructors and the students," he noted. Located in Valley Lee, Md., just down the road from the Paul Hall Center, the fire fighting chool boasts a unique design that specifically recreates shipboard environments. It is being used for the basic and advanced fire fighting classes as well as the STCW basic safety, lifeboatman/water survival and government vessels courses. "I think it's great," declared Wiper Wayne Abell, moments after completing drills using a fire hose and fire extinguisher. "It's very realistic, and I'm sure [the instructors] could crank it up even more." Unlicensed Apprentice David Green chuckled when recalling his experience in the maze building, a two-story facility with a modifiable interior that figures to challenge even the most direction-savvy Seafarers. "It's amazing and really tricky," said Green, who nevertheless finished his drill in respectable time. During the exercise, "everything is black, so you have to feel all over the place. It was nerve-wracking at first. I had gone through with a flashlight and it was easy. It's a different story without that light." Lolita Thomas, who sails in the steward department, summarized the feelings of her classmates in the STCW basic safety class when she proclaimed, "It's a really good school and I'm glad we have it. It's good for us." July 1999 �·~· ?') fire Fighting & Pictured on these two pages and the next page are the first classes to utilize the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The photos were taken from late May to mid-June; they include an STCW basic safety course and an unlicensed apprentice class. July 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �• Training Begins at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School Students use extinguishers and hoses to combat different types of fires that may occur at sea. ,_ Gen. Tony Robertson emerges from the burn building after a firsthand look at a fire fighting drill. Slater, Robertson, Abercrombie Commend Fire Fighting School Representatives from Congress, the administration and the military recently praised the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, Air Force General Charles "Tony" Robertson, who heads the Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), and Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) commended the Valley Lee, Md. facility in recent correspondence with SIU President Michael Sacco. Slater said the "state-of-the-art, environmentally secure training facility is a fitting tribute to the years of dedication and commitment Joseph Sacco gave to this union and Hands-on instruction is a key facet of training at the new facility, as demonstrated by instructors John Smith (third photo above) and Stormie Combs (two photos directly above). 14 Seafarers LOG Sensors inside the control room of the burn building (fourth photo above) help provide a realistic but safe training experience. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said the new school is named in memory of "a remarkable man," Joe Sacco. to the men and women who are sailing aboard ships on the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland waterways." He further pointed out the school "will guarantee that our (mariner) work force continues to be the best trained in the world." Following his inspection of the school in late May, Robertson described it as a "national treasure" that will benefit "merchant mariners . . . and our country." He also applauded the mission of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (which encompasses the fire fighting school) as well as its staff and the rest of its facilities. Abercrombie, a strong supporter of the U.S. merchant marine who personally knew Joe Sacco, said the school is a fitting tribute to "one of the most beloved figures in the U.S. maritime industry and the American labor movement.. . . His tireless efforts to improve the lives of the men and women of the SIU made for a full life of service and commitment to the values we cherish and the nation we love .... "May those who pass through these doors emerge with their skills enhanced and their dedication to safety strengthened." Joseph Sacco was the SIU's executive vice president when he passed away in 1996. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (center) discuss the school's uses and objectives with Gen. Tony Robertson. DOT Sec'y Rodney Slater noted the facility will help uphold U.S. tradition of welltrained mariners. July 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 19 8 5 3 1 DECK DEPARTMENT 9 5 3 0 7 0 4 0 0 8 8 15 11 7 9 14 5 22 16 26 IO 13 17 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 6 6 6 11 16 IO 4 9 37 12 27 33 10 12 6 IO 6 6 5 27 15 6 27 3 2 3 242 4 2 128 11 11 2 9 3 3 5 11 l 3 85 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 0 3 7 8 9 7 4 6 8 6 I 0 3 0 IO 11 3 13 7 9 10 0 1 15 6 4 3 5 12 O 8 8 0 11 14 6 0 2 0 7 1 l 2 l 118 100 34 16 6 4 0 3 2 12 6 5 2 10 5 Totals 13 18 5 13 20 1 2 200 5 9 I 5 4 9 9 6 10 5 2 105 6 IO 7 2 IO 13 12 18 24 2 10 19 7 8 7 12 14 3 16 8 9 21 17 21 2 3 2 2 3 0 8 4 11 3 3 0 5 2 2 2 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: August 17, September 21 2 1 105 1 3 416 l 5 I New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August IO, September 14 180 110 70 0 11 s 5 2 4 3 0 7 14 12 8 13 1 10 5 1 4 5 4 2 0 9 13 37 14 18 15 4 6 6 0 2 4 1 1 22 6 3 3 7 6 IO 7 8 21 3 4 6 l 2 2 196 0 0 2 0 0 0 90 20 47 144 51 0 7 0 4 0 0 36 0 s 1 5 13 7 10 l 8 6 0 13 5 3 22 1 11 15 2 2 2 l 2 3 l 7 1 0 1 29 26 4 3 5 3 5 14 l3 12 5 7 12 3 11 8 2 65 2 0 15 38 13 3 178 168 542 457 316 0 0 4 4 3 0 0 0 2 IO 1 4 I 2 34 7 l 25 0 2 4 7 2 0 2 12 0 0 1 9 13 9 0 5 6 14 0 0 112 2 1 47 7 116 1 2 37 354 9 2 1 8 4 25 48 28 6 6 7 3 2 2 6 0 2 12 6 5 0 9 36 0 2 9 0 0 0 6 4 15 0 0 19 60 212 438 7 I 2 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 3 17 3 0 0 I 0 0 2 0 3 0 2 11 7 0 2 0 0 0 5 2 9 0 7 11 7 0 1 4 7 0 4 6 6 0 5 3 3 0 0 0 51 23 5 0 4 3 I 0 0 0 0 0 12 II 0 0 0 2 0 0 101 32 112 210 Mobile .................... Wednesday: August 11, September 15 New York.. ..............Tuesday: August 3, September 7 20 2 4 2 0 IO 6 3 0 9 2 0 248 73 35 11 59 0 0 44 9 4 ] 4 l 3 7 18 6 13 12 25 25 18 8 6 8 22 14 IO 5 46 15 90 7 4 18 0 11 80 2 287 246 940 656 428 4 0 0 0 San Juan ..................Thursday: August 5, September 9 St. Louis .................Friday: August 13, September 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: August 20, September 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday, August 17* Monday, September 20 Each port~s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals STA LEYB OW Please contact Evelyn Brandenburg of San Pablo, Calif. at (510) 724-9851. EDMOND HAWKINS Please write your children at 54 Saw Mill Drive, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. DOUGLASA.HUNDSHAMER Please give your mother, Verna Hundshamer, a call at (315) 458-5326. JOHN POMEROY Please call Jim at (734) 254-5048 regarding the 25th lntricarb reunion to be held next year. Cl--111111111 LOG-A-RHYTHMS ... Sea · 0 14 12 Phitadelphia ............ Wednesday: August 4, September 8 (•change created by Paul Hall birthday holiday) 5 4 1 2 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: August 18, September 22 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 12, September 16 5 3 4 1 0 0 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: August 5, September 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 5, September 9 19 l 11 Houston ..................Monday: August 9, September 13 0 7 8 0 l Honolulu .................Friday: August 13, September 17 2 3 0 2 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: August 11, September 15 24 I 3 2 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 5, September 9 2 3 10 *"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. July 1999 17 8 16 21 16 21 7 Algonac ..................Friday: August 6, August 10 4 2 94 0 6 7 1 0 0 4 (•change created by Labor Day holiday) 11 48 10 2 5 8 11 0 15 3 18 s 5 61 50 44 52 24 7 Piney Point ............. Monday: August 2 Tuesday, September 7* 3 5 2 8 9 13 12 2 13 7 7 7 4 49 2 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 6 10 2 0 3 0 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 13 17 7 4 14 Totals All Departments 2 20 10 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C August & September 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea1 Lakes, Inland Waters 20 2 11 15 s 4 0 by Judy Merwin Sometimes I wonder why ... Why we cant see things through another s eyes? Why it seems wrong to care, To want to shoulder the burdens they bear? Some of us flee to the sea, Seeking a healing that floating upon it brings. Gathering our strengths and will to survive, Rising and sleeping with the tides. Working and eating as the vessel rolls and pitches, Thinking about the things that our lives delivered Praying/or our loved ones and all those of the places we visit, Channeling the Universes energies like the goods we deliver. Wondering why things didn't work out the way we planned? Why we are reluctant to plan again? One by one we begin to see. And open anothe,. s eyes to see. Judy Merwin is an OS working on upgrading to AB. She currently is sailing aboard the USNS Capella. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seatare1S 1ntematlonal Onion Dll'fldory MAY 16 - ... Michael Sacro President ·· · . CL - JQhn Fay · · · .Executive Vice President Secretary~Treasurer Augustin Tellez L- Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel JUNE 15, 1999 Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram . Vice President Government Services ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 29 10 0 14 8 0 5 2 0 12 25 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 12 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 3 5 0 14 7 0 2 4 0 2 2 0 9 20 Totals All Depts 0 60 45 0 12 27 33 0 *"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. 33 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters MAY 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 122 l Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBJLE J640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey. LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast GuJfCoast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 I 0 42 I 44 0 0 0 26 0 26 0 0 0 0 23 0 23 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 3 13 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 JUNE 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 14 0 0 5 4 19 1 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 2 28 8 38 0 2 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 16 0 0 0 15 0 10 25 0 3 0 0 3 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 1 0 0 0 72 Totals All Depts 1 7 5 93 1 15 33 *"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. 29 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301 ) 994-00 I 0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale. FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16~ Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WJLMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by retired Captain Raymond P. Karlsvik of Raymond, Wash. They were taken in Okinawa, Japan at Christmas time 1951 aboard the Ponce de Leon, a Waterman C-2. The group photo shows crew members gathered in the messroom following a holiday meal. Bosun Hans Skaalegaard-Jansen (left) and Karlsvik are in the photo at right. In a note accompanying the photos, Karlsvik writes that Skaalegaard-Jansen was a very good bosun-"truly a sailor's sailor." He also was a fine marine artist and went on to pursue a career as such. Karlsvik, an AB (blue ticket) at the time, found his way to Sea-Land Service, Inc., where he spent 28 years. As a captain, he helped bring three of the new Sea-Land ships from Sturgeon Bay, Wis. to Tacoma, Wash. for the Alaska trade On one trip to Green Bay, Wis. to captain another of the ships, Karlsvik writes that he went to the hotel closest to the airport, and upon entering the dining room, came upon a beautiful painting of a square-rigged ship. "My first thought," he writes, "was that it looked like something Hans would have painted and, upon closer inspection, I found his name on it." Small world! July 1999 �- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who .have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the nine Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 37 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun John S. Bertolino is a graduate of the highest training available to members in the deck department at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including the recertified graduate, five of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, three shipped on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Among the retiring pensioners, five worked in the deck department, while two each shipped in the engine and steward departments. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. O DEEP SEA JOHNS. BERTOLINO, 61, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1962 from the "' port of New York. His first ship was the Robin Gray, a Moore McCormack Lines vessel. Brother Bertolino is a graduate of the Andrew Furuseth Training School. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. South Glens Falls, N.Y. is where he calls home. ROBINSON CRUSOE, 61 , joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Alabama, he worked in the stew- INLAND ard department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Crusoe has retired to Carson, Calif. TOMAS ESCUDERO, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of New York. Brother L__-===---...J Escudero worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. A native of Puerto Rico, he last sailed in 1985 as a chief electrician aboard the Santa Paula, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. From 1949 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Bethlehem, Pa. ROBERTN. FULK, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1958 in the port of Houston. Starting out in the inland division, he later began working aboard deep sea vessels. Born in Indiana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. From 1950 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Fulk last sailed aboard the Overseas Vivian. He resides in Palestine, Texas. EVANS SMITH, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991 . His first ship was the Cape Florida, operated by International Marine Carriers. Born in Trinidad, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Marine Services vessel. He has retired to Ocala, Fla. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1941 Following certification by the labor Board in the Robin Line election, the union, on July 21, signed a full agreement with the company. The contract included the closed shop, hiring through the union hall and top wages and working conditions that compare favorably with the best in the industry. ARTHURD. HANN, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1979. Boatman Hann worked ======:=J in the engine department and sailed primarily aboard various tugs operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. From 1952 to 1960, the Massachusetts native served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He makes his home in Olar, S.C. HORACEC. LaFRAGE, 63, joined the SIU in 1952, sailing aboard deep sea vessels. He later transferred to the inland division as a member of the deck department. From 1960 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement, Boatman LaFrage sailed aboard the Mars, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Born in North Carolina, he has retired to LaMarque, Texas. CHARLOTTE SUSAN WOLFE,64, began her career with the Seafarers in 1988. Sister Wolfe started working in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. She last sailed aboard the Geary, operated by Orgulf Transportation Co. A native of West Virginia, she makes her home in Ripley. 1964 The new SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. was dedicated in ceremonies attended by officers of the SIU, members in the area, representatives of the trade union movement and repre· sentatives of government. A part of the SIU's continuing building program, the new Norfolk hall is a direct consequence of the increased deep-sea cargo movements and the parallel rise in the membership of the SIU throughout the Hampton Roads-Norfolk area. The new fully air-conditioned building includes an expanded hiring hall, a general meeting hall capable of handling .300 persons, new recreational facilities, accommodations for a snack bar-cafeteria, a 40-car parking lot, landscaped terrace, and other necessary July 1999 - ~--­ PI ans are being made for the restored Liberty ship John W Brown, currently docked in Baltimore, to travel throughout the Great Lakes next year. GREAT LAKES Factory Tours -" lfr-ni.hl' \ 1·and' fJrtun . u.tL1al1d, cahr : 1<~>«'11 ·, 1976 (From Paul Hall's president's report, published a few months before Eleaion Day) "Right now the SIU is enjoying good shipping as a direct result of our fight for a fair shake for the U.S. merchant fleet. But f"f this good shipping does ~ro y not mean we can sit back •~ f and rest. We have worked too long and hard to rebuild this industry-to foster a sense of cooperation for the mutual benefit of all segments, to create a stable industry capable of taking advantage of new opportunities and to build an effective legislative program-to jeopardize it now by succumbing to a sense of false security.... "We must, as we have done in the past, pitch in with all the aid and support we can muster because only through our own efforts can we protect what we already have won. And more importantly, only by proving ourselves capable of supporting our allies in the upcoming elections will the SIU eventually realize the goal we have struggled so long to achieve-a strong, healthy and vital U.S. merchant marine." la,..,..,, l;J\ Stl'cl r.o_ ...;a..i1.bi.a:a1ln":q'f\aJ'fqufrrlfl; ~"llrrn t·:u pl:inc (\UJ1 ... ~lint.Tr•a I Slrt!bt'lr:las..r;;lJOo- Carnlru!. ' -~ Htiria:!iiih.nh bltllri,.. f,vrrrU, \\ .:h<.h. I•, r.bthf""'n Mdrl JOJ. UIJk'rirh A Ara&;~ ((R11,...11irSlu;::rr """"""1 lo;it. l..,.rrl>lB iOll f) Hotels, ~ "ldr-·• .... lht "' =~e11:.~: ;:::-;:: • Ci111r l)tM"rlll \Ln, l.ttOJ. • = ii & .. 11; Oh111tarr~ iltllf ltra~" , . ._ .. .,,~ij;_ botrh Hhw 11-c-.,nr... r.., ..u". 1,..lao11 tw;1r•~-.1mtwr. \t•mot t'rrBr"tt111an· lt!rrf kr"-UO , f;hM.11 lk.ac·b kr"Urt tUur 11'-anta Rraf'h l:lub & \llf,t.... 'I rhPll.f". \, r.u, 1. c....,••• u 1r.1) rrsma1 , 1Cindllua11J.l'W°llk1lllhl~·l'u{>- ~1;:-~~·. '::~~~11~1~~==. )\ i ~ ; ~=;~-~~. \n\1~~r~~ Uf1ro1J. ~\.llW,..:, -'uftt-t. W"a~atll"'t"· c :wttl f\,J\ HOid. ~I Juhn>1. \I ~~;;~::,~=~,~~::f~,'r.u~.~~:;: - -- ~ tlu.;lllnj!.. \Urh .. '\t""ll<"fM"l'h-r t11u1\l' \ '·· f.a ...t (l!!\cl.and, Ohla: lialr'm :~u~::~~ ,~::-~:;~!;!;~ tuAa-f'\Lff,aal~•.-r:-i<i·Jiri. ln-,-~~~~.':~L~P~~~r;~ llllt"rJt.alhntwif r1·t0(hal Wall:.i.liL \l r~l 1tf.a-\1r~lnf" \\.:MrUtu1t ~rts \\llloam•.l.anc, O.rr .. l,el\C'r f'a\ltllL f l "a.hf (\1.ll'foll).. ".. 11U \(11'UI llUPlli'l#tflJn r.i .. '\~hlaU. ' ••lrilf1 - ~t\ir.11.llaf, (< ~t I 11 C' "OIULC';.~(:.ounJ\. lntnft.'.lfknt.il f"C'-"Uul l~.nllr); "ts. Summer Music Festivals llluahlrn: l>L"-lr1rl er 1!41•••t•- , 1.. 1an1J-1; millnt~hrd ~\ UJ.;)(I. ta 1'1'-Y..•C'rrunlu. rltf'nlr l ~•J•rl ll•tlrt z: - \kJ.:.1 ~llUlt'T' FNA.al 1\\ 'hkltr.UllJ :;-:;;::~;:.,··~:\:=' 111•<-o-l.uri"" ~ '•ods\"""· · h...na1 ,....., '"""""1 I Worker/Union Monuments --- "''"' """'" '\lut..lfll'-"°"'".tD),l"a.trlfS\lUphi11\ llUl lbl" t S # r1u,,.uli1. llucrlt1 kio itllld Uc \1r;la U-.1• l~urlin!f'Jtni•. \IOJlllf'•1• ~:~~!~~~~~~~~~.'1-~~~ l t -. City & County Parks 1>111r.....,_.~'4!yilo"' dut\-.1.Louk-,\lk.J,.\ (hcfl •nrlrl· OMf•U n ..., .---.-.4...L...-~ t klrk'\-U,A\ii.;na. \urt. J":t GEORGE A. COYER, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in Toledo, Ohio; Detroit; Erie, Pa.; Cleveland; Buffalo; Toronto; Montreal; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mariners with current z-cards are needed to fulfill Coast Guard regulations for crew complement. For more information, contact Rick Bauman at Project Liberty Ship, P.O. Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224, telephone (410) 661-1550 or ( 410) 558-0646. Younger mariners who thought they missed their chance to sail aboard historic Liberty ships may get the opportunity after all. The John W Brown, based in Baltimore, is seeking active mariners to crew the vessel for segments of a trip throughout the Great Lakes planned for next year. The voyage tentatively is scheduled to begin in May 2000 and end in August, with stops in l\oorkl.1'-Nlr\ provisions for the full servicing of the membership and the handling of union business functions. •u H. •M ~ •f"f ~· Liberty Ship Needs Crew For Voyage on Great Lakes l S \l\ttl. llen\ rr& l 1hil.nk'IJ1btJ. f \i kurrav ol Et1ff<1\htJ::, \~a,.hifttl&ft 1J C. · t:)ecolOJ1f rr.=================================:;;t r·u •s n• school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed in 1977 as a captain aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel . Brother Coyer served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. A native of New York, he has retired to Oswego. the port of Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Coyer sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the l =~4; :~ra:~~ lcnMI \ni I~ \u•. · ~\kl 2Q!;fUJ t'I' Miscellaneous khlul.-1 (111.:.:hl•nd l''Jrl.1. h1tll1tH\l;1rrb ~\mpbllD\ nl Uu Praftlr tfl~llr-rsJ; \tar~la••-:'uinmn \tu trft',..1 U\<Jlllt11nrc); \tati!'ltCh· llll" Ll ~-8&!it{tJO t:arh \ltJ~lr U:~r.· r.rHflrJ. Taft11h·•uoll O.rn11\t. \111Df'50l a-\11Rnr ... u1;s 1..-rhr .. 1ra -"'ll•H.nrrrr .. 1 1\1111nr.1puli!oJ: ' f'" "".\lfct-';UUr ,.c •.hamhr-r \ht.."11 !~•Ir lr-t: '""' lorL-1\Jrd \IUMC" f-1""l1\al i \9MIW\.d1• WI lhNl"'ll). RMI'\ '""' f,fl t'tnbk (flrofi\l. fJIJtJl._lUQla 1n ... 11tullua1Ct;o1ula•11ua1. Junrln ttoflJkl !Bfllt.dul. \Janb 1:n,1rr t't•.. ll\JI i\1•Y1. ,,,,~ flh) SJ r .ii I u ~.t ~·rr rn r Museums (Ill Rur\, -" t.:1111 lf.111 irf Farar . \rt., •I•' t:~t-L•nd l'.c»•iel:!\lu-...an1 .. r1:1a,.~. and tbll rrt -" lif'nrr & lodu,lt\ f1nm::. \L \hi..,..11119' \lui'l·m \r1. ""\urt.f.1h Pennsylvania AMMV Chapters Seek New Members Active and retired merchant mariners residing in Pennsylvania are invited to join. their local chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). For more information, contact AMMV Regional Vice President John Manfredi at (724) 941-9537, or write to him at 121 Marion Dr., McMurray, PA 15317-2921. Brother Manfredi (who formerly sailed with the SIU) will put prospective members in touch with the AMMV chapte located nearest to them. Seafarers LOG 17 �- Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVE AWAKUNI Pensioner Dave Awakuni, 83, passed away April 21 . Born in Hawaii, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards ~ (MC&S)in · ,~Ill 1948 in the port of Seattle. The steward department member last sailed aboard the Manulani, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Awakuni was a resident of Seattle and retired in July 1987. OTIS C. BAILEY Pensioner Otis C. Bailey, 74, died April 17. A native of Virginia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1944. Brother Bailey worked ='--------===== in the engine department and upgraded his skills to a licensed engineer. Prior to his retirement in August 1990, he sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix, an International Marine Carriers vessel. He made his home in Suffolk, Va. r--:;;;;;;p;;::;;=;::;;;;;;;-~"" ELBERTJ.BLACKBURN Pensioner Elbert 1. Blackburn, 72, passed away April 15. He started his career with the MC&S in 1958 in the port of San Francisco. '----=-====_J His first ship was Matson Navigation Co.'s Matsonia. The California native sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Blackburn last sailed aboard the President Chester B. Arthur, an American Ship Management vessel. He was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pension in November 1993. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1944 to 1946. JUNIUS C. BROWN Pensioner Junius C. Brown, 83, died January 7. Born in Louisiana, he began sailing with the MC&S in 1946. He worked in the ==--===== steward department, last sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Brown began receiving his pension in January 1982. DEAN D. DOBBINS Pensioner Dean D. Dobbins, 65, died April 18. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1957, sailing from the port of Tampa, Fla. :__.::====i Born in Ohio, he worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen, operated by Ocean Ships Inc. Brother Dobbins was a resident of Stockton, Calif. and retired in March 1997. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. WILLIAM DESOUZA Pensioner William Desouza, 80, 18 Seafarers LOS passed away recently. Brother Desouza joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of San Francisco after graduating from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. A native of Hawaii, he last sailed aboard the Santa Maria, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in December 1987. CLAUDE J. DOCKREY Pensioner Claude J. Dockrey, 70, passed away April 24. Born in Shawnee, Okla., he started his SIU career in 1966 in the ======= port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the Vantage Progress, a Pioneer Maritime Corp. vessel. Brother Dockrey sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. He graduated from the bosun recertification program there in I 988. Prior to his retirement in November 1994, he signed off the Sea-land Innovator. He made his home in Shawnee. JOSEPH J. GADSEN Pensioner Joseph 1. Gadsen, 81, died April 5. Brother Gadsen first sailed with the MC&S in 1951. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Coolidge, operated by American President Lines. A resident of New York, he retired in July 1975. TERRY HILTON CHARLES P. LORD Pensioner Charles P. Lord, 85, passed away April 23. Born in Illinois, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. •=='-------== He sailed in the engine department and upgraded to a licensed officer. Prior to retiring in August 1978, Brother Lord sailed aboard the Overseas Anchorage. He was a resident of Orange City, Fla. FRED MARTIN Pensioner Fred Martin, 85, died July 6, 1998. He started his career with the MC&S in 1947 in the port of San Francisco. The New York native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Taylor, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Martin made his home in San Francisco and retired in February 1972. MONT McNABB i,iiiiijiii~~I Pensioner Mont McNabb, 76, passed away March 31. Brother McNabb began sailing with the Seafarers in 1946 from the i....;__..;_,_;:.=;____ __J port of Baltimore. A native of North Carolina, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a SeaLand Service vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. A resident of San Francisco, Brother McNabb started receiving his pension in January 1976. Terry Hilton, 27, passed away April 18. A native of Mississippi, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991 from the ====-==== port of New York. His first ship was a Pacific Gulf Marine vessel, the Pioneer Contractor. Brother Hilton worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Maersk Colorado. He was a resident of Vancleave, Miss. Pensioner Cosimo Melpignano, 73, passed away March 23. Born in Italy, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1959 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Melpignano returned to his native country when he retired in January 1983. DONALD JOHNSON ROBERT W. MEREDITH Donald Johnson, 52, died April 12. Born in Alabama, he first sailed with the SIU in 1974 in the inland division and ~----'--"--~later transferred to deep sea vessels. He worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Pascagoula, Miss., he last shipped in 1995 aboard the USNS Regulus, a Bay Ship Management Co. vessel. From 1969 to 1970, he served in the U.S. Army. r--._.,;;:;;;;;;;;;;;m.---, Pensioner Robert W. ROYE.JONES Pensioner Roy E. Jones, 75, passed away April 10. He joined the Seafarers in I 952 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship ---===----' was the Jefferson City, operated by Victory Carriers. A native of South Carolina, he sailed in the engine department. His last ship was the cable ship Long Lines. During World War Il, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Jones was a resident of Baltimore and began receiving his pension in August 1988. COSIMO MELPIGNANO Meredith, 74, died March 23. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. His first ship was the =;;;;__-==:.....;;;:....-==East Point Victory, operated by Hudson Waterways. Born in California, he sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in April 1993, he signed off the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother Meredith was a resident of LaPine, Ore. JOHN G. MERLO Pensioner John G . Merlo, 86, passed away February 11. Brother Merlo began his career with the MC&S in 1946 in Portland, Ore ""'--==-i He first sailed aboard the Drew Victory. Born in Italy, the steward department member last sailed on the Mariposa before retiring in August 1978. Brother Merlo made his home in Rupert, Idaho. GEORGE P. MULLEN Pensioner George P. Mullen, 86, died November l 0, 1998. He first sailed with the MC&S in 1955, aboard the President Johnson, an American President Lines vessel. Prior to his retirement in February 1977, the steward department member sailed aboard the Colorado. Born in New York, Brother Mullen was a resident of Wickenburg, Ariz. Missouri, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1982. Brother Tinsley last sailed aboard the Liberty Spirit, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel, before retiring in January 1991. He made his home in Seattle. ROBERT M. POWERS FERNANDO VALLE Robert M . Powers, 62, died April 25 . Born in Pennsylvania, he graduated from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Starting out in the steward department, Brother Powers later transferred to the engine department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Honolulu, he last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Trader. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fernando Valle, · 64, died April 26. He started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. He ; first sailed aboard the .________J Mermaid. During his career, he worked in the deck and engine departments and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Valle was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. JACK D. ROBISON Jack D. Robison, 55, passed away April 23. Brother Robison began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987. His first ship was the USNS Triumph, operated by Sea Mobility. A native of Washington and a resident of Spanaway, he sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1961 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Navy. EDWARD J. SINGLETARY Pensioner Edward J. Singletary, 85, died May 7. He began his sailing career in 1937, priorto joining the SIU in 1939 as a i..:=::...=-=:::.=-..==.i charter member. He sailed from the port of New Orleans. During his career, he . worked in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in August 1964, Brother Singletary signed off the Penn Vanguard, operated by Penn Maritime Co. He made his home in Bay Saint Louis, Miss. MARTIN E. SNYDER Martin E. Snyder, 42, passed away April 29. A native of Maryland, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's training program in 1977 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Banner. Brother Snyder worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school. A resident of Baltimore, he last sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen, operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. ROBERTO G. TIAMSON --.-~iiial Pensioner Roberto G. Tiamson, 81, died May 3. Born in the Philippines, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in February 1980, Brother Tiamson last sailed aboard the Santa Mariana, a Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. vessel. He was a resident of San Francisco. EDWARD TINSLEY Pensioner Edward Tinsley, 67, passed away May 17. Brother Tinsley began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Seattle. Born in FREDERICK VOGLER Frederick Vogler, 55, passed away April 18. A native of California, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port .___ __;;___..:;;;~--=.__, of San Francisco. His first ship was the Long View Victory. Brother Vogler sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Befure retiring to Chino, Calif., he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. LYLE W. WILLIAMSOM Pensioner Lyle W. Williamson, 78, died A ril . Born in Illinois, he first sailed with the SIU in 1951. During his career, he worked in the ""'"--"-----~""" engine department and was active in union organizing drives. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1945. Brother Williamson was a resident of Harbor City, Calif. and began receiving his pension in October 1969. INLAND DENNIS L. COX ---.3imiiii'iiii~I Dennis L. Cox. 33, passed away October 9, I 998. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1982. Boatman Cox worked in both the engine and deck departments and last sailed aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Brazoria, Texas. BENJAMIN F. ROUGHTON Pensioner Benjamin F. Roughton, 74, died April 15. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North . Carolina, he worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Roughton made his home in Chesapeake, Va. and began receiving his pension in September 1984. July 1999 �Digest of Shipboard "Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard · minutes as possible. On occasion, because ol space /Imitations, 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. GUAYAMA (Navieras NPR), March 24-Chainnan Ray Gorju, Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux. Chainnan reported March 26 arrival and payoff of ship in Jacksonville, Fla. He reminded crew members to separate plastic items from regular trash. Discussion held regarding anti-terrorist courses mentioned in president's report in Seafarers LOG. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of that course and others offered at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. None in deck or steward departments. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. ROVER (Intrepid Shipping), March I 4-Chairman Daniel P. Hecker, Secretary Juan B. Gonzales, Educational Director Vernon Edwards, Deck Delegate Richard R. Grubbs, Engine Delegate Clarence A. Knight, Steward Delegate Don Drew. Chairman thanked all hands for professional work. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Request made for more reading material as well as spare VCR and new furniture for crew lounge. Repairs needed to lifeboats and ship's steps. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport), April 18Chairman Al Alwaseem, Secretary Ron Malozi, Educational Director Charlie Dahlhaus, Deck Delegate James Barrett, Steward Delegate Chris Boronski. Bosun announced payoff in Houston. He recommended everyone read president's report in LOG. New mattresses received and distributed. Secretary noted stores arriving in Houston with plastic refuse and soiled linen being offloaded. He reminded crew members to dispose of plastic items in proper receptacles and not dump trash in water. Treasurer announced $150 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; none in deck or steward departments. Request made for new VCR for crew lounge. Steward department thanked for excellent food service. Steward, in tum, thanked crew for great job and hard work. HM/ DEFENDER (Hvide Marine), April 25-Chainnan Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven Wagner, Educational Director Richard Gracey, Deck Delegate John Yates, Engine Delegate Patrick Carroll, Steward Delegate Ernie Batiz. Chainnan announced captain holds payoff at first port after or on last day of each month. He urged everyone keep safety a top priority. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT. Several suggestions made to be sent to contracts department. First is not to hold up payoff waiting for patrolman due to short stay in port and frequency of payoffs. Second is to have more flexibility in vacation time. Third is if someone wants to contribute more funds to money purchase pension plan, they should somehow be able to do it through vacation checks. Final asked for review of retirement age. Engine room members July 1999 reminded to use starboard entry into engine room after 1800. All hands asked to help DEU by keeping heads and showers clean on main deck. Next ports: Tampa, Fla. and Lake Charles, La. EL MORRO (IUM), April 27Chainnan Steven Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director F. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Daniel Campbell, Steward Delegate Robert G. Mashmeyer. Secretary stated exercise equipment purchased last trip and thanked all those who donated funds. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested clarification on ship's organizational status. They also asked for bus to provide transport to and from gate and ship in Blount Island. Vote of thanks given to vacation-bound steward. Steward, in tum, thanked his crew-Chief Cook Mashmeyer and SA Porifio Alvarez-for hard work. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Jacksonville, Fla. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), April 26-Chainnan Angel L. Rivera, Secretary Lee N. Frazier, Deck Delegate Stanley Daranda, Engine De egate rank T. Kraemer. Secretary announced payoff April 28. Fresh provisions expected at dock. Next trip is to Haifa, Israel-approximately 45 days. Educational director reminded crew members to donate to SPAD and also that it's never too late to attend union upgrading classes in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for very good work. MAYAGUEZ (Navieras NPR), April 25-Chairman Mike Carrano, Secretary Gwendolyn Shinholster, Educational Director Michael Martykan. Chainnan announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. April 30. He urged members to read LOG and keep up on union rules, policies and new issues. Secretary advised everyone to attend Paul Hall Center and utilize "everything our union has built for its membership." Educational director stressed safety aboard ship (including removal of lint from dryer which can lead to fire) and also reminded crew to better their skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion for contracts department to look into vacation pay after 60 days' seatime. Crew also requested clarification of STCW expiration and submitting TRBs for signoff at sea. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Crew asked for second dryer and new couch. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line), April 25-Chainnan Mark Holman, Secretary Dwight Wuerth, Educational Director Pat Scott, Deck Delegate Anthony E. Simon, Engine Delegate Jean C. Horne, Steward Delegate Stephanie K. Hendrick. Chairman read president's report from March LOG and discussed with crew. He announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. April 28 and mentioned new mattresses and room refrigerators on order. Chairman saluted OVA Jean Horne on acquiring GED. Secretary mentioned he was at MTD meeting in Miami where discussion was held regarding new ships and new jobs and that SIU was commended for job well done in past for manning needed vessels to support U.S. troops. Educational director reminded everyone to keep documents up to date and report any possible safety hazards (like cables in or near water). Treasurer announced $I95 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to check money purchase pension plan contributions from Maersk and to decrease seatime needed for vacation and retirement. Crew members also advised to keep shots updated so as to avoid illness while in South America. Vote of thanks from chainnan to entire crew for pulling together to make good voyage and to Chief Cook 'Hendrick for job well done. OVERSEAS CHICAGO (Alaska Tanker Co.), April 26--Chairman Jessie L. Mixon, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Mark Sawin, Deck Delegate Ahmed A. Mihakel, Engine Delegate Edward Wisenhant, Steward Delegate Mario A. Firme. Chainnan announced payoff after discharge of cargo in Anacortes, Wash. Discussed fonnation of new company, Alaska Tanker Co. (based·· in Beaverton, Ore.), from merger of Maritime Overseas Corporation and Keystone Shipping. Awaiting word from union as to effect merger will have on membership. Secretary assured crew members that contract still good through June 16, 2001. Ship rerouted from Richmond, Calif. to Femdate-Cherry Point for cargo offloading. Educational director reminded members to be aware of necessary training requirements for tanker shipping and keep endorsements updated. No beefs or disputed OT, although watchstander requested clarification of wheel relief during watch. Crew noted communications from Contracts VP Augie Tellez regarding vacation plan. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS OHIO (Alaska Tanker Co.), April 19-Chairman Tim Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliot, Deck Delegate Carl Sands, Engine Delegate Mike McN ally. Chairman read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding resolution of longtime dispute over what constitutes cargo watch for bosun and day men. He also announced ship now operated by new company, Alaska Tanker, and had no word as yet on how this would affect existing contract. Forms for upgrading, medical, vacation, registration available from bosun. Crew related beefs with captain regarding reimbursements for travel. Discussion held on new passenger and tanker vessels mentioned in April LOG. Suggestion made that contracts department look into having vacation payable after 90 days seatime. Room inspection policy of obtaining slip signed by steward or bosun and given to captain to be continued. Crew requested tape rewinder. Vote of thanks given to steward department for extra effort and fine cuisine. Next ports: Ferndale and Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND CRUSADER (SeaLand Service), April 22Chairman Roberto Diaz, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Angel R. Camacho, Steward Delegate Luis A. Lopez. Everything running smoothly, according to chairman. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for additional information on money purchase pension plan. Most members have not received statements regarding their accounts and also want to know how to withdraw or add to account. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), April 23--Chairman Hayden Gifford, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Deck Patriot shipshape after period in yard. Vote of thanks also given to steward department for great job. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), April I l Chainnan Jim Scheck, Secretary Ralph Thomas, Educational Director Win Rousseau, Deck Delegate Jose A. Tobio, Steward Delegate John M. Platts. Chairman noted everything running Pfeiffer Galley Crew Garners Praise , t d The chief officer aboard the SIU-crewed R.J. Pfeiffer recently put in a good word for Seafarers who comprise the vessel's steward department. In a note to the Seafarers LOG, J.W. ~ert commen~d the work of (from left) Chief Cook Ruti Demont, Chief Steward Ph1~p Lau and Assistant Cook To-Nu Wallace. "This gang deserves a word of thanks and recognition for the outstanding job they have ~one in keeping all hands fat and sassy aboard the Matson flagship R.J. Pfeiffer. There is not a better feeder in the fleet." Apparently, they have a sense of humor, too, as evidenced by Demont's and Lau's Tshirts (which read in part, "You kill it, we grill it"). Delegate Manolo V. Delos Santos, Engine Delegate Elisana Silvano, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Chairman and secretary stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. New mattresses on order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), April 2IChainnan Mike Rivera, Secretary Pedro Laboy, Engine Delegate Jorge E. Bermeo, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Chairman urged crew members to upgrade skills at facility in Piney Point. He also stressed importance of supporting union by contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG regarding new passenger vessels read and discussed. This is monumental move for industry and shows our political strength in Washington, D.C. is paying off. Thanks given to Mike Sacco and union membership for hard work. Suggestion made to request contracts department look into raise in pension due to increased cost of living. Steward department thanked for excellent job, especially Steward Laboy for his exquisite culinary skills. SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), April I I-Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Ruben Casio Jr., Educational Director B. Baltic, Deck Delegate Richard Volkart, Steward Delegate Horst Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Chainnan thanked crew for good trip. Suggested everyone read LOG to stay up-to-date on events in union and maritime industry. Educational director advised crew to watch safety films, report any damage or hazards to department head and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced two new bicycles and dart board purchased for use by all. New movies expected in Long Beach, Calif. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Request made for additional information on money purchase pension plan. Thanks given to GSU for getting smoothly aboard ship with good crew and no beefs. Payoff expected in Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary recommended crew members upgrade at Piney Point every available opportunity and help job security by contributing to SPAD. Educational director advised all hands to keep pay vouchers and Coast Guard discharges in case of discrepancies about sea time. Treasurer announced $80 in ship's movie fund. President's report from LOG read by chainnan. Crew agreed that awareness of piracy should be concern of all seafarers. Thanks given to good steward department for job well done, especially for recent shrimp feast. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), April 21-Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director Keith Jordan, Deck Delegate Danny Miller, Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Cliff Elliott. Bosun reminded everyone of April 23 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Also stated ship loading stores there for 28 days. Educational director reminded apprentices to keep learning, now that they have rotated into final department of their three-month stay aboard ship. Treasurer announced ship's fund is low. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read two letters from VP Contracts Augie Tellez about how to improve meetings aboard vessel as well as president's report from latest LOG. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed for retirement. DEU reminded everyone to help with housekeeping duties (return dishes to lounge, remove earplugs and paper towels from clothes prior to using washing machine, separate plastics from regular trash). Bosun thanked Chief Engineer Ed Robinson for preparing and cooking pig for last barbecue. He also thanked steward department for all their help as well in making ''this barbecue hard to beat." Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. Seafarers LOG 19 �~- -~. ~~--- I Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) - Savannah Contributed To WWII Liberty Fleet The following article about Liberty ships is something the members may enjoy reading. I worked at Southeastern Shipyards, building some of these ships. I signed on my first ship November 19, 1945 as an SIU member. It was the Liberty Ship Augustus P. Loring. I joined her in Charleston, S.C. We took a load of coal to France. While waiting at anchor off Le Havre, around Christmas, a mine sank a Robin Line ship. It was reported that no one was injured. I don't recall the ship's name, but it was close by us. We heard the explosion and felt the concussion. I enjoy the LOG and look forward to reading it each month. Thank you for keeping all the readers well informed. Pensioner Thomas A. Brown Savannah, Ga. Editor s note: The following article by James Mack Adams is reprinted, with permission, from the Islands Closeup section ofthe Savannah (Ga.) Morning News, May 6, 1999. Their cargo holds bulging with supplies destined for foreign ports, they sailed the treacherous and perilous wartime seas. Their distinctive silhouette and light armament made them easy prey for roaming German U-boat "Wolf Packs" and enemy dive bombers. They were the Liberty Ships that composed America's Liberty Fleet that transported much-needed supplies to troops overseas during World War II. The names "Liberty Fleet" and "Liberty Ship" were coined by Adm. Emory Scott Land, chairman of the United States Maritime Commission. A total of 88 of these Liberty Ships were built in Savannah between 1942 and 1945. Each launching was a patriotic celebration attended by dignitaries and well-wishers. Cheers and applause erupted from the throng as each new ship was christened by a bottle of champagne before it slid down the slipway into the embrace of the waiting river. They were given names to honor persons well-known in Georgia history such as the SS Lyman Hall, SS Button Gwinnett, SS Casmir Pulaski, SS Florence Martus, SS George Whitefield and others. The christening and launch of the SS Juliette Low on May 13, 1944 was said to be especially festive. In the crowd were hundreds of Girl Scouts and their leaders. Given the honor of breaking the bottle of champagne across the bow was Juliette's niece, Mrs. Samuel C. Lawrence of Charleston, W. Va. America's first Liberty Ship, the SS Patrick Henry, was launched from the port of Baltimore on September 27, 1941. Several hundred more of these merchant vessels were built at American ports and put to sea during the course of the war. Many of them ended up at the bottom of the sea. Just prior to America's entry into World War II, the U.S. Maritime Commission awarded shipbuilding contracts to several firms. One of these contracts was given to Savannah Shipyards, Inc. To help its chances of being awarded the contract, the Savannah company built its own three-slipway yard-without any federal funding. This move, however, did little to change the commission's lack of confidence in the company's capital structure and management. Savannah Shipyards, Inc. was required to show full staffing and to complete the required facilities within 30 to 60 days, or risk losing the contract. The company failed to meet the ' specified deadline, but the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the Maritime Commission to re-evaluate the situation in Savannah. The commission was granted the authority to take possession of the project, complete the facilities, and award the management to a new company. Savannah Shipyards, Inc. challenged this move in court, but their suit was unsuccessful. The company was awarded a substantial compensation. In January 1942, a leading construction firm was engaged to complete the shipbuilding facilities. Management was turned over to a group of experts who reorganized the yard and renamed it Southeastern Shipbuilding Corp. The first Liberty Ship to be launched from Savannah's Southeastern Shipyards in May 1942 was appropriately named the SS James Oglethorpe, for -~-----------~~--~--- and Georgia's wartime economy. It is estimated Savannah's founder. Unfortunately, this first that a total of 46,766 workers vessel did not survive the war. were employed in shipbuilding in The Oglethorpe was torpedoed Savannah throughout the course and sank as it crossed the of the war. This generated a total Northwest Atlantic on a voyage payroll amounting to $112 milfrom New York to England. lion. Workers invested some of Only two other Liberty Ships their pay to help finance the war launched from Savannah were by purchasing $11 million worth sunk as the result of enemy of War Bonds. Workers earned an average action. They were the SS John Treutlen and the SS Jonas Lie. weekly pay of $100-considered Most of the other vessels were a very respectable wage in those either scrapped or converted to days. other uses at the end of the war. Because of the shortage of During 1943, even though the male workers, women worked Savannah facilities were only half alongside the men, performing completed, Southeastern deliv- tasks that had been previously ered more Liberty Ships than any considered "men's work." of its rivals. Racial segregation being on The 88 vessels produced by firm footing in Savannah in the Southeastern Shipyards during 1940s, African-American workthe war cost just over $2 million ers had little hope of rising above each to build. The U.S. Maritime custodial or helper jobs. Commission paid the company a People flocked to Savannah to standard fee for each completed work in the shipyards. As the ship, and bonuses if they were wartime population of the city completed earlier than scheduled. swelled from 96,000 to 175,000 Due to the fact there was little between 1940 and 1944, new or no variation from one Liberty housing had to be constructed. Ship to another, they could be Some of the housing projects produced in rapid cookie-cutter were meant to be only temporary. fashion. The typical Liberty Ship On September 13, 1945, the measured just over 441 feet in end of an era was marked by the length and had a beam of just launching of the SS Half Knot, the under 57 feet. They could carry last Liberty Ship to depart about 9,000 tons of cargo at a top Savannah. speed of 11 knots. After peace returned to the Since they were primarily merworld, Southeastern was one of chantmen, and not intended as 4 pyards closed and their war ships, the vessels carried very properties b the War Assets light armament to fight off an -acre site attack. Their primary weapons Administration. about two miles west of ah were 20 mm and 40 mm guns, was purchased by the Savanna three-inch 50 caliber, and fiveinch 3 8 caliber. On board was a Port Authority and Industries detachment of 24 Navy seamen Committee for $357,112. The and one officer assigned to main- area was later occupied by ,Georgia Ports Authority, Union tain and operate the guns. The Southeastern Shipyards Camp and Intermarine USA. The era of the Liberty Ships is was Savannah's largest employer s during World War II and wielded an important part of Sa an enormous impact on the city's long and colorful mantime history. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified 20 Seafarers LOG mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member. should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. July 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSESCHEDULE The following is the ~chedUie for cla$se.S from July through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs Recertlflcatioa Programs Course Sta_, Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification August23 October4 are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. · . ·· ·· · ···· Safety Specialty Courses · Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) August2 September 27 November 1 August 20 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting July 12 July 16 August 6 October 1 October 22 November 26 Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may calJ the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. August2 September 27 October 18 November 22 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Course Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Radar Observer/Unlimited July 12 August 9 September 4 July 23 August 20 September 15 Radar Recertification (one day) July 23 August 19 October 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) July 26 August 23 October 18 July 31 August 28 October23 July 12 Advanced Firefighting Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler August 9 October 11 September 17 November 19 Marirte Electrical Maintenance I September 20 October29 QMED September 13 December 3 Power Plant Maintenance September 27 November S Refrigeration Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starting Jan. 11) July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 September 6, 13, 20, 27 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward July 12, 26 August 9, 23 September 6, 20 (Every other week, starting Jan. 11) July 30 July 12 August 16 September6 September 27 November 1 November 8 November 29 Government Vessels Lifeboatman/Water Survival Course July 23 August 13 September 24 Novemberl9 August 2 September 13 Novembers Tankerman (PIC) Barge September 3 Septern her 24 October 15 November 19 November26 December 17 July 12 August 9 September 6 October4 November 1 November 29 July 23 August20 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 July 12 July 16 Julyl6 July 30 August 2 August 9 August30 September 20 September 27 October 25 November 1 Novembers November22 November29 December 13 August 6 August 13 September 3 September 24 October l October29 November 5 November 12 November 26 December 3 December 17 July26 July 30 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------11n~nAg11u~ UrUIJltt ADD'{l/9ATlftU rrj lllHI IUff lffU With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatim~ for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED 'Ul,p/icqnts must submit a U.S. Coast Guard tee qf $135 with their llJWlication. The pqyment should be matle with a montzy order on{v. payable to LMSS. Name Address COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security# Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - July 1999 LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLEI'ED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and &iucation, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Trai_ning an~ Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 7199 Seafarers LOG 21 - �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY ;: !:. LUNDEBERG LIFEBOAT CLASS ·:_ ~; .. ==-SR~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Safety Class 589 - Graduating from unlicensed apprentice water safety class 589 are (from left, kneeling) James Miller Jr., Derek Henderson, Chad Partridge, Andrew Straka Jr., Christopher Green, (second row) Donaldo Arevalo, Barry McCaslin II, Terry Rochester Jr., Jarian Hutchinson, DeMichael Dews, Ray Lewis Jr., Anthony Cruzvergara, Brent Morris and Lane Schroeder. STCW Basic Safety - Upgrading graduates of the STCW basic safety course are (from left, kneeling) William Allbiter, Derek Ross, Romulo Dalit, Roberto Contreras, Calvin Wagner, Malachi Tannis, Charles Tuck, Ella Hill, (second row) Oswald Chase, John Lavergne, Mike Croft, Ernest Costa, John Lee, Eddie Kilbury, Rodney Mccaslin, Ed Lobb, Stormie Combs (instructor), (third row) Lee Rogers, Gilbert Martinez, Jake Jarrell, James Fleming, James Odekirk, Dennis Johnston, Brian Bailey, Rogers Trahan, wallace Ashwood and Luis Bera. Basic Fire Fighting - Earning their basic fire fighting endorsements on April 16 are (in no specific order) William J. Bryan, Philip H. Diego, Hazel P. Galbiso, John J. Graham, Tina D. Larson, Michael R. LasDulce, Michael P. MacNiel, lsoline E. Major, Oscar Martinez, Rodolfo A. Orlanda, Kirt A. Pugh, Oscar L. Ramos, Elveme Ruter, Sonny 0. Austria, Mohamed M. Wasel and Gary A. White. Marine Electrican Maintenance I Basic Fire Fighting - Completing the basic fire fighting dass on May 7 are (from left, kneeling) Juan Ortiz, Patricia Geras, Owen Carr, Curtis Hintze, (second row) Arthur Stewart, Edward Whitfield, Claude Hollings, Stormie Combs (instructor) and Douglas Flynn. Engine department members receiving their marine electrical maintenance endorsements on April 16 are (from left) Howard Hendra, Dennis Adjetey, Mark Jones (instructor), Troy Fleming, Morris Jeff, Samuel Addo, Lonnie Carter, James Arlt and Rebecca Gaytan. Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on April 30 with their instructor, John Smith (far left), are (from left, first row) Marijan Masnov, Demetrius Simmons, Amin Ali, David Gray, Terry Smith, Husain Ali, Edward Rynberg, (second row) Ronald Oyer, Elmer Prestidge, Thomas Lester, Stanley Garnett, Jose Guzman and Dennis Flynn. .- Tankerman (Pl C) Barge - Mari trans - Boatmen who sail aboard Maritrans vessels completed the tankerman (PIC) barge course in Philadelphia on April 16. They are (in no specific order) William Richardson, George Lynch Ill, Karl Goldsword, Anthony Matthews, Ronald Oyer, Randall Johnson, John Dean, Timothy Purdy and William Conger. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Earning their graduation certificates for .completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on April 30 are (from left, first row) Jim Shafer (instructor), Owen Carr, Richard Buchanan, James Prado, Pati Taototo, James Furby, Fahad Yahya, Anthony Jordan, Antonio Cooks, (second row) Christopher Barrow, Joseph Sotelo, Timothy Bixby, Joshua Davenport, Aaron Thomas, Thomas Larusso, Nabil Ahmed, Cole Bridwell, Christopher Ledlow, Clifton Doonis, (third row) Michael Snow, Joel Encarnacion, David Horton and Daniel Buffington. 22 Seafarers LOii July 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Water Safety - Upgrading ABs who successfully completed the water safety class on April 2 are (from left, first row) Artis Williams, Alfred Mcintyre, Jeffrey Peterbridge, Melvin Stegall, Billy Pinkston, (second row) Kevin Russell, Dionisio Batiz, Monte Burgett, Michael Payne, Denny Lewis, (third row) Raymond Kane, Thong Dinh, Byron Manuel, Abdul Hassan, Tommy Cuffee, Morgan Browne, (fourth row) Tom Gilliland (instructor), Laura Cash and Deborah Sutton. Chief Cook - Completing one of the required modules in the chief cook course are (from left) Cleotilde Mejia, Curtis Williams, Instructor-Chef John Dobson, Bienvenido Pagan, Alba Ayala, Dulip Sookhiram and Jasper Jackson. Welding - Engine department members completing the welding course on May 7 are (from left, first row) Samuel Addo, Kwasi Manu, Juntin Valencia, Mark Dumas, Sterling Adams, (second row) Lonnie Carter, Dennis Adjetey, Troy Fleming, Morris Jeff, Buzzy Andrews (instructor) and Ronald Garber. Chief Cook - Upgraders graduating from a module in the chief cook course pose with their instructor, Chef John Hetmanski (far left). The students are (from left) Donald Huffman, Louis Morris and Jimmy VVhite. Galley Familiarization - Unlicensed apprentices from class 588 complete their introduction to the galley department with Instructor-Chef Shannon Twigg (right). They are (from left, first row) Fahd Alsoofi, Pedro Ortiz, William Rozier, Martin Vargas Jr., James Brown, Ramon Thomas, (second row) James Brasher, Samuel Giles, Michael Humphrey Jr., Bruce Weathers and Marion Collins. Practicing Damage Control Students in a government vessels course learn damage control techniques, in this case how to stop leaks in a pipe. July 1999 Government Vessels - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on May 7 are (from left, front row) Wilfredo Acevedo, Juan Rivas, Tawnia Stucker, Glenn Williams, Edward Nelson, Mark Downey, Steve Kastel, Brian lsenstadt, Thomas Grosskurth, Victor Beata, Robert Wiles, Anthony Sabatini, Sean Cripps, (second row) John Gamache, Dana Washington, Ken Gilliam, (third row) Melvin Ratcliff, Andrew Seabon, Damon Panker, Jomo Young, Barry Larkin, Justin VonSprecken, Jason Gay, Philip Noto II and Carlos Ortiz. Seafarers LOii 23 �Summer at the Point There Is still time to plan a family holiday this summer at the Paul Hall Center In Piney Point, Md. For additional lnfonnation, see page 10. A service honoring U.S. merchant mariners took place May 22 at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial (far left) in San Pedro, Calif. Above, SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox stands before the wreath presented by the Seafarers International Union. The event also marked the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the memorial on a site which soon will be home to the first National Merchant Marine Memorial Wall of Honor. The wall will list the names of the ships and the brave mariners who sacrificed their lives for their country during World War II and subsequent conflicts. With the port of Los Angeles/ Long Beach, Cali£ being America's largest and most active harbor complex, there is always something different going on at or around the Seafarers hall in nearby Wilmington. SIU officials are on hand to service incoming ships; register and dispatch members to crew the many vessels calling on the southern California port; help DEU Mark Ciciulla (left) and his brother, Second Pumpman Giusseppe Ciciulla, catch up on the latest union news during their break aboard the Coast Range. Seafarers file vacation, medical, pension and upgrading forms; and take care of other union business as needed. Officials and members also represent the union in rallies, picket lines and special events such as Maritime Memorial Day. The photos on this pa e show some of the recent routine and not-so-routine activities of Seafarers while in port. Above, two new members from Gulf Caribe, which runs a taxi service and assists in bringing ships into the moorings, are Operator Chad Thomas and Deckhand Tom Matlock. Right, preparing lunch for a hungry crew aboard the Coast Range is Chief Steward Hans F. Schmuck. On a break after securing the Coast Range at the El Segundo moorings are (from left) Bosun John Mossenberger, AB Rudolph Hernandez and AB Mike Ortiz. William J. Dean, bosun aboard the Sea-Land Defender, is happy to be in port. Bosun Kenneth McGregor stops in at the Wilmington hall to go over some paperwork. At the top of the Crowley Petroleum vessel's gangway are (from left} AB Paul Wills, SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and SA Plaridel Cadiz. Richard Walker, chief cook aboard the Coast Range, has the ship's grill sizzling. I Above, AB Tom Filippone operates a winch to bring a submarine line (righ1) aboard the deck of the Coast Range. The Crowley Petroleum Transport vessel was at the El Segundo moorings, preparing to discharge its cargo to the nearby Chevron refinery. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINESTALKS UNDER WAY CONCERNING NMU MERGER WITH SEAFARERS AVONDALE BILLS NAVY $5.4 MILLION TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST UNIONS TAX BILL OFFERED TO MAKE JONES ACT VESSEL CONSTRUCTION EASIER NEW SHIPS = MORE JOBS DELTA QUEEN ANNOUNCES NEW RIVERBOAT FOR FLEET BOSUN VERN POULSEN HONORED BY TACOMA PROPELLER CLUB REALITIES OF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPPING: MASKED GUNMEN, NO FOOD OR WAGES NY TIMES ARTICLE REVEALS MORE FOC VICTIMS U.S. PORTS WILL REMAIN OPEN WHEN CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT COAST GUARD SAYS IT IS READY FR Y2K ALASKAN LEDLOW LOOKS FORWARD TO NEW CAREER AS SIU MEMBER PAUL HALL CENTER’S RUSSELL HONORED ON MEMORIAL DAY STEWARD HAS LOVING MESSAGE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH CAPE TRINITY CREW AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 66,000 IN PUERTO RICO WIN UNION ELECTIONS MORE WORKERS SAY ‘UNION YES’ GOV’T SERVICES DIVISION MEMBER WRITES NOVEL ABOUT SUBIC BAY AMERICAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY ADDS DEFIBRILLATORS TO VESSELS UPGRADERS, APPRENTICES UTILIZE NEW FIRE FIGHTING AND SAFETY SCHOOL SEAFARERS IN AND AROUND THE PORT OF WILMINGTON, CALIFORNIA. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 7 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9d294257f9d880abeca20e5478720062.pdf f7b4d3f4c935769b9e7fb89dc9cd5d15 PDF Text Text r-----~---------.------- - Seafarers Deliver Balkan Relief Goods Mission Provides Military Support For United States Troops in Kosovo The SIU-crewed USNS Bob Hope (right) last month completed an important U.S. military support mission in the Balkans. Bosun T. C. Oneyear (left) is among the Seafarers who crewed the roll-on/roll-off vessel during the operation. Page 3. Maersk Buys Sea-Land's International Liner Fleet _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ l'age3 'Safety First' Aboard Integrity · Chief Cook Hazel Johnson (left) and AB Duane Brosius head for the tanker Integrity while the vessel is docked in Philadelphia. Brosius last month earned a safety award from the vessel's operator, Maritrans, for his shipboard actions. He says that safety "is a constant topic" aboard the tanker. Page 6. s1u Nets Big Gains In T-AGOS Contract - - - - - - - - - l'age3 ~---------------t Buildings Named After Tom Fay, Bull Shepard - - - - - - - l'ages 3, 12-13 'Relaxed Assessment' Enters Home Stretch - - - - - - - - - l'age4 Paul Hall Center Adds Certifications - - - - - - - - - l'age6 �· Sen. Robb: Strong Merchant Marine Is 'Critical to This Nation's Defense' President's Report Preparing Our Ports for the Next Century This month, I want to talk with you about something that indirectly is related to the membership, but is very critical to this country's place in the worldwide movement of cargo. I am referring to America's port facilities and the transportation systems that serve them. As the method for handling international commerce changes to meet the needs of the next century, the United States must be in position to remain one of the world's biggest trading nations with the cargo coming in and out of our ports, and not at some neighboring country's facilities because of a lack of strategic planning. The time to plan and act is now, not a decade later when the next wave of vessels-megaships Michael Sacco capable of carrying two to three times as many containers as today's vessels hold--can't sail into American ports becau e they weren't prepared to handle them. We need to make sure the nation's ports can receive these new vessels and will have the facilities to handle the cargo they are delivering. We must know what has to be done to ensure America's infrastructure is ready to meet the challenges. We must have a plan to implement them. We have to consider all alternatives to move these good domestically. America may not be able to simply expand its present system of land-based transportation. We should study the efficiencies of waterborne transportation providing shuttle service along the coasts. Such a program could reduce the amount of traffic on already clogged interstate highways while relieving the stress being felt by the railroads which are operating at capacity. . In his effort to prepare America for the next century, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater has called on the domestic rail, truck and maritime industries to help find solutions to ensure the companies sailing the megaships don't take their jobs to Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas because our ports couldn't take on the added responsibilities. America's port facilities cannot be ignored. They are too vital to the nation's economy. They directly or indirectly affect more than 13 million jobs and produce almost $200 billion annually in local, state and federal taxes. Efforts to upgrade some of our ports have been going on throughout this decade. But the progress has been slow becau e of all the red tape and hurdles along the way. A prime example is how long it took the port of New York/New Jersey to finally begin this year much-needed maintenance dredging of its channels so it could continue handling today's class of ships. Meetings among maritime industry, labor and government officials took place for years before an agreement was reached. If this example is followed for the commerce needs of the 21st century, we'll still be scheduling meetings while another country will have the new jobs and new revenue because its port was available for the new ships. I realize the solutions won't come overnight. We currently are faced with the dilemma of how to fund future domestic water projects, given the Supreme Court's ruling that outlawed the Harbor Maintenance Tax. The administration has proposed placing a tax on vessel operators to fund operations and maintenance and, for the first time, new construction. It took many years of negotiations before the Harbor Maintenance Tax was enacted in 1986. It's time for all parties to sit down and reach a consen us for the fairest way to fund future water projects. There are many beneficiaries to well-maintained harbors, ports and waterways. That is why one proposal already presented, which has received wide support in the industry including the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, calls for the restoration of funding these projects from the general treasury. It took five years of work in Congress to obtain the Maritime Security Program of 1996. And that happened because all the parties concerned spoke with one voice. It is going to take that kind of an effort within the domestic transportation industry to make sure America's ports will meet the challenges of the next century. America has never settled for second best. We have no intention of letting our ports slide into that position in the world market. , Volume 61, Number 8 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org August 1999 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodical postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communication Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirt es; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor: Copyright© 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee recently described the U.S. merchant marine as crucial to a strong national defense. Senator Charles Robb (D-Va.), speaking at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy commencement June 21 in Kings Point, N.Y., detailed why he believes the American-flag fleet remains as important today as at any other time in history. Robb, whose uncle sailed as a merchant mariner during World War II, praised the consistently faithful service of the "fourth arm of defense." "The revitalization and future growth of the United States maritime industry is critical to this nation's defense," he said. "History has repeatedly provenand Congress has affirmed-that the United States needs a strong, active, competitive and militarily useful United States-flag commerciaJ maritime industry. "We have an obligation to ensure that we continue to have the militarily useful commercial vessels and trained and loyal United States citizen crews we need to support our interests around the world. And we must support those programs and policies that will better enable our maritime industry to flourish in peacetime." The senator drew a parallel between recent events in the Balkans and World War II. "Who could have imagined half a century ago that the same kind of ethnic and religious bigotry and violence that spawned World War II would suddenly recur as we prepare for the new millennium, and that, once again, American resolve and intervention would make the difference in bringing a terrible conflict to a conclusion we hope will prove ju t and honorable?" he observed. "Some 55 years may have passed, and cruise missiles and stealth aircraft may have largely replaced howitzers and grenades, but we can all be grateful for one constant in our defense posture- Sen. Charles Robb (D-Va.) offered strong praise for the U.S. merchant marine, citing its history of loyal service and the ongoing need for a viable American-flag fleet. the critical importance and enduring relevance of our merchant marine in war and peacetime crises .... "The most difficult and crucial victory in America's history simply would not have happened without the fourth arm of defense that moved food and supplies from America to Europe and beyond," continued Robb, a former Marine officer who served in Vietnam. "And today we draw inspiration from the fact that the United States and its allies have accomplished something of lasting importance in Kosovo, and that these kinds of successful operations aren't possible without the dedicated merchant mariners who carry material and provide fast sealift support to the men and women of our armed force ." He also credited U.S. mariners for their "valor in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Persian Gulf, as well as in humanitarian missions to Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia and, now, Kosovo." Robb further noted that the U.S. depends on ealift to move 95 percent of its materiel "in response to events in distant regions of the world where we may have no permanent presence and where infrastructure is limited. The [men and women] of the merchant marine are truly the workhorses of our routine peacetime deployment efforts, and the guarantors of our strategic military readiness in time of crisis, conflict and war-in short, an irreplaceable national asset. "I do not see this changing in any way in the foreseeable future. Today, as throughout our history, we are faced with significant threats to freedom on the seas. These threats come mainly from the influence of rogue states on sea lanes and choke points like the Straits of Hormuz, which can and do threaten our naval forces with relatively cheap sea mines and conventional submarines. In order to counter these threats, we have to retain the strategic capability to reconstitute our forces, to replace munitions and equipment used in combat and to supply the fuel, weapons, and other critical resources we need to sustain our armed forces in conflict." As proof that Congress recognizes "the importance of our strategic lift forces to meet the needs of our national military strategy," the senator pointed to the ongoing construction of the Bob Hope- and Watson-class prepositioning ships along with the conversion of existing vessels to roll-on/roll-off sealift ships. He also cited strong federal support for the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement program (VISA), which helps ensure contingency access to sealift capacity from the civil sector. "A well-trained strategic sealift and Ready Reserve Force, the prepositioning of equipment, the right mix of ships and aircraft, a strong partnership with the commercial transportation industryall of these are critical to support the war fighter and to get the job done," he said. "There may be no more vivid demonstration of this capability than in the Persian Gulf War, when the merchant marine ensured that we were able to project power quickly and effectively in order to defeat Saddam Hussein." Alleged Sex Assaults Disclosed by Carnival Runaway-Flag Cruise Line Reports 62 Incidents Since 1993 A lawsuit against Carnival Cruise lines by a former employee generated front-page headlines last month when the company reported in court papers that its crew members have been accused of sexually assaulting passengers and fellow workers aboard Carnival vessels 62 times from 1993-98. The unidentified former crew member who filed the suit in Miami said she was raped and assaulted by an officer aboard the ship Imagination last year. According to press reports, the company argues that the episode between the woman and the engineer was consensual, while she insists otherwise. More startling than that individual case was the unprecedented acknowledgment by Carnival that alleged sexual assaults took place on its ships averaging one per month during that five-year stretch. This is believed to be the first public divulgence by a cruise line regarding such activities aboard its vessels, according to press reports. Miami-based Carnival registers its ships under foreign flags, thereby largely avoiding U.S. tax, environmental and criminal laws. As noted in an article in the July 14 edition of The New York Times written by Douglas Frantz, runaway-flag cruise ship do not have to report crimes to U.S. authorities if they take place in international waters. This is true even though most of Carnival's passengers are U.S. citizens. The Times piece also reports that Carnival "investigated the 62 incidents but did not disclose the results or say whether any arrests were made. The figures did not include accusations involving only passengers." The article also states that in the past, some alleged victims of sexual crimes aboard Carnival vessels and other runaway-flag cruise ships complained they "were discouraged from reporting crimes to the FBI or other law-enforcement agencies." Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said he was "shocked as to why the evidence took so long to emerge." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, September 6, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) for the observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. August 1999 �Seal arers' Wages, Benefits Increase Under New Five-Year T-AGOS Pact Seafarers working aboard the eight T-AGOS vessels operated by Dyn Marine will enjoy a substantial increase in wages and other benefits over the next five years after the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) awarded a new contract to the Virginia-based company. Besides setting out a pay increase for each of the pact's five years, the contract also provides for the first time such benefits as vacation pay and inclusion in the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez noted the agreement with Dyn Marine is a major boost for the members who sail aboard the T-AGOS vessels. "Seafarers will be very pleased with this new agreement," Tellez said. Tellez explained how the SIU worked with Dyn Marine and all other SIU-contracted firms since the last bid was awarded. "We worked hard with our companies to make sure they remained competitive in the bid process, but not at the expense of the Seafarers who have been doing a great job crewing the vessels. "MSC awarded the T-AGOS contract five years ago to Dyn Marine, which at the time was a non-union company, so the wages and benefits were set until the next bid went out. "The SIU went in and organized Dyn Marine in midstream, so we pretty much had to accept what already was in place. However, what we were able to negotiate was an agreement with Dyn Marine that it would bid the SIU package in any future requests for proposals. "Thus, when the new bid went out, Dyn Marine included in its proposal the benefits found in the agreements with other SIU-contracted companies. They became a full participant in the union's package and they still won the bid," he added. "The union's pledge has been consistent-when an SIU-contracted company wins an MSC bid, we will work to improve the package for the members. With this award to Dyn Marine, have shown once again that the system works," stated the contracts vice president. T-AGOS vessels are civiliancrewed deep sea research ships operated for MSC. The ships covered under the new pact are the USNS Bowditch, USNS McDonnell, USNS Kane, USNS Little Hales, USNS Pathfinder, Roy Wheat, USNS Silas Bent and USNS Vindicator. Among the SIU-crewed ships covered by the new T-AGOS agreement are the USNS Kane (above) and USNS Silas Bent (at left). Remembering Tom Fay and 'Bull' Shepard SIU-Crewed USNS Bob Hope Completes Balkan Operation The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship USNS Bob Hope last month completed a major mission in the Balkans, moving heavy combat equipment and supplies to assist United States peacekeeping forces. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Bob Hope was diverted from scheduled cargo operations in Antwerp, Belgium and sent to Bremerhaven, Germany to move heavy combat equipment for the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division operating in the U.S. sector in Kosovo. The roll-on/roll-off vessel discharged in Thessoloniki, Greece "to land a major peacekeeping force to support NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo," stated Captain Harold Flaming Jr., the head of MSC Europe. Specifically, the materiel-including trucks, tanks, humvees and much more-supports the movement of 7,000 troops to Kosovo as part of Operation Joint Guardian. MSC reported that the Bob Hopes six-day voyage from Bremerhaven to Thessoloniki "was flawless, and cargo operations began almost immediately when the ship's stem ramp was lowered to the pier. Cargo operations were performed on a 24-hour The memories of late SIU officials Tom Fay and Earl "Bull" Shepard were honored July 15 at a dedication ceremony in Valley Lee, Md., on the grounds of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. In this photo, Fay's widow, Doris, unveils a sign on the water-survival building, named in memory of Tom Fay. Moments later, AB Earl Shepard Jr. revealed the sign on the maze building, named after his father. See pages 12-13 for complete coverage. Crewed by Seafarers, the USNS Bob Hope recently engaged in what MSC described as a "flawless" U.S. military support mission in the Balkans. basis, in concert with the U.S. Army's Military Traffic Management Command that runs the port." The ship was built two years ago for U.S. military support missions. MSC took delivery last November. AB Brian Morris (left) and OMU John Flavin help keep the USNS Bob Hope running smoothly before the vessel embarks on its support mission. August 1999 Nlaersk Acquires Sea-Land's International Fleet The purchase of Sea-Land Service's international liner fleet by Maersk Line was announced as the Seafarers LOG went to press. Included in the transaction are 19 SIU-crewed vessels, which now will sail under the Maersk-SeaLand banner. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez directed the following message to the ship's chaim1en aboard Sea-Land Service vessels: "This morning, Maersk and Sea-Land issued a joint statement announcing that Maersk Line had purchased Sea-Land's international liner business, including vessels, containers and related container terminals. The new company will be known as Maersk-SeaLand. "The domestic Jones Act fleet is not included in this transaction. These vessels will remain under the banner of Sea-Land Service, Inc. "What this means for Seafarers aboard the affected ships simply is a new name will appear on their paychecks. Members should continue doing their jobs and performing their duties to the best of their abilities, as they always have. The standard freightship agreement continues to be in place. "More details will be provided as they become available." A press statement issued by Sea-Land and Maersk quoted CSX Corp. (which owns Sea-Land Service) Chairman and CEO John Snow, "Importantly, the transaction protects national security interests under the U.S. Maritime Security Program." The agreement will need U.S. government approval. As no problems are expected, that could come by year's end. Seafarers LOG 3 �Boatmen at lfaritrans, American Workboats Ratify New Contracts Bosun Teddy Bush Passes Away at 38 Matson Negotiations Conclude Wage increases and continuation of top-of-the-line medical benefits highlighted the contracts recently approved by SIU members at Maritrans, Inc. and American Workboats, respectively. Maritrans boatmen ratified a three-year agreement, while American Workboats employees okayed a six-year pact. Meanwhile, the SIU Pacific District unions in mid-June concluded negotiations with Matson Navigation Company and then submitted a proposed three-year contract for membership ratification. Results of that vote were unavailable as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. At Maritrans, based in Philadelphia, approximately 170 Seafarers crew dozens of tugs and barges operating throughout the east and parts of the south. Serving on the negotiating com- mittee were AB/Tankerman Charles Bigham, Cook Sam Dixon, Tankerman Richard Forrest, DEU Greg Gibson and AB/Tankerman Thomas Wilburn, along with SIU Port Agent Joe Soresi and SIU Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski. In addition to maintaining benefits and securing a 12 percent wage increase throughout the contract's duration, the committee successfully turned back company proposals that would have increased members' travel expenses and weakened their job security. In southern California, 36 Seafarers at American Workboats operate tugs and water taxis, mostly in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area but also offshore. Captains James Kinsinger and Paul Jernstrom served on the bargaining committee with SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. The Liberty is one of the SIUcrewed Maritrans tugs covered by a new three-year contract that calls for wage gains and maintains excellent health benefits. Members there identified job security as a key issue, which is why the union negotiated a sixyear pact. The agreement calls for wage increases totaling nine percent, maintains health benefits, and adds provisions intended to enhance job safety. The proposed Matson contract features increased wages and benefits. Recertified Bosun Theodore "Teddy" Bush, known to fellow SIU members as a well-respected and dedicated Seafarer, died June 30 aboard the Stonewall Jackson a a result of injuries sustained from an accident on the ship. He was 38 years old. The accident happened near the Suez Canal. Brother Bush, a New Orleans native, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship's entry-level training program in 1980. He frequently upgraded at the school, and those who knew him say he fully embraced the union's motto: "Brotherhood of the Sea." "There aren't enough words to fully express the SIU's deep sense of loss as a result of this heartbreaking tragedy," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "I know Teddy had a very strong religious faith, and in that spirit I speak for the entire union when I say that our prayers and love go out to his family." AB Stanley Williams, a friend of Brother Bush's for 20 years and an occasional shipmate, described him as "very generous. Teddy was a lovable guy and he'd give you the shirt off his back. He looked out for the members of his crew. He was very well-liked by the unlicensed crews and respected by the officers." Williams recalled how Brother Bush helped him return to the industry during the 1980s, going out of his way to assist. Steve Judd, SIU port agent in New Orleans, remembered Brother Bush as "a good guy, very professional. He was a good father, a good family man and a good union guy. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who could say anything bad about him." Brother Bush's surviving family members include his wife and three sons, who range in age from 10-18. Steelworkers Hopeful of Resolution In Newport News Shipbuilding Strike As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, spokesmen for the United Steelworkers of America Local 8888 and Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding expressed newfound optimism that the long strike there may be nearing a positive conclusion. The union called off a massive demonstration scheduled for July 23 in Washington, D.C. and replaced it with a local bargaining session. The president of Local 8888, Arnold Outlaw, stated he "fully expects" an imminent contract agreement, which then will be presented to members for a vote. "Both sides need to make every effort to reach a fair and just contract as quickly as possible," he said. A spokesperson for the shipyard also noted that substantial progress has been made in recent negotiations. The strike began April 5, with the local's 9,200 hourly production and maintenance employees and the shipyard far apart on wages, pensions and medical benefits. Workers pointed to Newport News Shipbuilding's growing profits-and the union members' wage concessions in the previous contract-as firm proof that the shipyard's initiaJ offers on wages were unfair. The employees also described Newport News Shipbuilding as having "the worst pensions in the industry," and noted the company proposed to reduce employee medical coverage. Virtually no negotiations took place for two months after the initial talks stopped, until the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service last month spurred new bargaining. In mid-July, the union and the shipyard began nearly round-the-clock negotiations. Less than three months before the fatal accident, Recertified Bosun Teddy Bush (second from right) brought his family to the grand opening of the SIU hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. Also pictured in this photo, originally published on the front page of the May edition of the Seafarers LOG, are his sons Isaac and Morocco (front); his wife, Kathy (far right); and (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Clarence Scott and SIU President Michael Sacco. Relaxed Assessment Enters Home Stretch the MERPAC meeting next month. MERPAC 'Performance Measures' Are Guides for STCW Compliance Why Relaxed Assessment? Because Chapter VI compliance is required for all deep sea mariners (unlicensed and licensed), shipboard assessment in 1997 was identified as a practical means of adherence. When Seafarers have until the end of the year to take advantage of the U.S. Coast Guard-authorized relaxed assessment period for meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, this means SIU members may fulfill some of the Chapter VI requisites by demonstrating certain proficiencies listed in the chapter and then having a qualified assessor verify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. Once the relaxed assessment period ends on December 31, the only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements (the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the SIU's training record book) is by successfully completing Coast Guardapproved courses. Seafarers should be aware that such assessments must be 4 Seafarers LOB conducted according to standards for basic safety training established by the Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). These guidelines are detailed in a booklet that has been made available to all SIU-contracted companies affected by the amended STCW convention. Breaks Down Tasks The MERPAC guidelines are intended to make it easier for shipboard assessors to verify a mariner's demonstrated basic safety competencies. There is consensus within the industry that some of the competencies listed in the amended STCW code are too broad for practical assessment. Therefore, MERPAC (which includes representatives from aJI segments of the U.S. fleet, and which is chaired by Paul Hall Center Vocational Education Director Bill Eglinton) broke down the com- petencies into smaller steps. MERPAC is developing similarly detailed assessment criteria for the other competencies in the amended convention. Drafts are scheduled to be submitted at TABLE A·Vlfl-1 Record or Assessment Speciricotinn nr minimum st•nd•rd or competence in Person•l Sul"l'ival Techniques I Soc. Sec. No. N•me c.1.... 1 Column 1 STCW Cnmrettnce Perform Hee Ohjectives P..r-1,... Slll•d1nb (Morlne<lnowlodg< or ICUon (Crttort. agolnwt which perfomt1nce lnehldlflgconuquencHof.-) Dote Of lemuaurod} Knnwproper method of jumping intn waler from a height Demonstnte jwnping into water from a height of not mono than I lifejoclcet using proper methods lo insure prevention of injury. Proper hand position Proper leg position me1er while wearing a Remove suit from beg Unroll ond open suit Check for opcralion of zipper. wbistlc. llld li&ht Don llrit u per manufac:turer's recommendations Fully zipped Face flap closed All stondardt must be met within in2minutes """'°' Forlifejlcll:ct One hand cow:ring mouth ond note Other hand ICIOSS chest lo secure jld<et lo pmoent riding up or coming off. Legs sttlight end tight together or mkles aosoed "-•'• lnitlab T I r AIHS&raenl O.monttr1tlon or OrallWrttte Eura Ocmonstrate proper donning of an immersion suit Remove suit from beg Unroll suit end open suit Check for proper operotion of zipper. whistle. IJld light Don suit per manufacturer's recommendations I c....... , Colu111•3 PerfnrmHtt Meatura ~ 0 0 0 0 0 _j_I_ D p 0 0 0 _,_,_ D Sample page from the MERPAC guidelines shows a breakdown of performance measures for personal survival techniques. an assessor signed off on that section of a training record book (or other appropriate document), the Coast Guard would accept it as meeting Chapter VI requirements. Partly because of unfounded concern regarding assessors' liability, the initial relaxed assessment period yielded low numbers of documentation. The Coast Guard subsequently agreed to reopen the period, and more and more mariners utilized it. Chapter VI requires documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. All Seafarers who sailed prior to August 1, 1998 rnust have documented evidence of Chapter VI compliance by February 1, 2002. For those who began sailing after August 1, 1998, Chapter VI compliance was an immediate requirement. The Paul Hall Center's STCW basic safety courses specifically were designed to meet the Chapter VI requirements. August 1999 �Labor Hails Gov t Contracting Reforms 1 Proposal Would Ban Federal Pacts With Lawbreakers The Clinton administration, in a move praised by organized labor, last month issued proposed regulations to forbid awarding federal contracts to companies that break U.S. labor, tax, consumerprotection or environmental laws. The rules also close loopholes in the contractor reimbursement process that presently allow contractors to receive full compensa- tion for the costs of their antiunion campaigns. So gaping are the loopholes, in fact, that contractors can be reimbursed for defending legal actions brought against them by the federal govemment--even if the contractor loses the case. "These are sensible and important reforms," stated John Sweeney, president of the AFL- Alaska Tanker Signs Pact with Sealarers Seafarers sailing aboard tankers for the new Alaska Tanker Co. will be covered by the standard tanker agreement. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez noted the new company-which provides management services for U.S.-flag tankers owned by Overseas Shipholding Group and Keystone-signed the contract late last month. Tellez also pointed out the pay raise scheduled for July 1 as called for in the standard agreement would be retroactive to the day the first tanker came under Alaska Tanker's operations. Other provisions of the pact include the creation of a trained manpower pool, similar to the one used on the SIU-crewed fleet of LNG vessels. Seafarers, as well as members of the National Maritime Union, will take specific classes at the Paul Hall Center to upgrade their skills for work aboard the tankers. "Alaska Tanker wants to pro- vide first-class service with the best trained, safest mariners possible to crew these vessels," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. "That is nothing different than what we already do and will continue to do." Alaska Tanker marks the first time SIU and NMU members will be sailing aboard vessels operated by the same company. "This contract shows the joint cooperation between the two unions continues to work," Sacco added. "Our members already are studying together with great success at the Paul Hall Center. "However, the most important thing about the Alaska Tanker agreement is it will provide for more jobs and job security for the members of our unions for years to come." Alaska Tanker vessels will move Alaskan North Slope crude oil for BP. The formation of the company was announced in July 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG. CIO, of which the SIU is an affiliate. "It is basic economic sense that the federal government should not do business and give taxpayer-funded contracts to companies that are chronic lawbreakers." The proposed rules were issued July 9. Comments will be accepted until November 8. Even before the regulations were published, business groups vowed to fight their implementation. According to news reports, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce even suggested that the rules primarily are intended to help labor unions. Nonsense, countered the AFLCIO. The national federation of trade unions described the proposed federal acquisition regulations as "basic common sense and American values." For example, the federation pointed to Avondale Industries as one example of why reform is needed. The viciously anti-union New Orleans shipyard has been hit with record fines for hundreds of safety violations, yet continues raking in billions of dollars in U.S. Navy contracts. Furthermore, government officials were embarrassed recently when Avondale billed the Navy $5.4 million to pay the shipyard's anti-union lawyers for their protracted efforts to undermine the outcome of a pro-union vote there six years ago. Incredibly, such reimbursements are allowable. However, the labor federation also pointed out that Avondale is just one of hundreds of federal contractors found guilty of violat- ing various laws. The proposed rules are not about unionization, but rather about simple fairness to law-abiding contractors and taxpayers, noted the AFL-CIO. A spokesperson for the White House Budget Office seemed to indirectly support that contention when she told The New York Times, "This rule says if you expect to do business with the government, then you had better follow the law. There is no reason for the American government to do business with companies that don't pay their taxes, don't respect our environmental laws and don't follow health and safety regulations." In other news reports, administration officials emphasized that the rules have been "carefully crafted" to ensure that an isolated incident or otherwise minimal mistakes will not bar a contractor from bidding for any of the more than $170 billion in contracts annually awarded by the federal government. Backing New York Workers Seafarers joined members of other unions during a late-June rally in Detroit-where New York Governor George Pataki was speaking to a business group. The unions protested proposed New York state budget cuts and the governor's delaying of contracts with public employee unions. Among the other unions participating in the June 23 rally outside Detroit's Cobo Center were the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Hundreds of people turned out for the event, including (left photo, from left) SIU Patrolman Todd Brdak and SIU Representative Don Thornton. A much larger demonstration took place earlier this summer in New York City, with an estimated 30,090 union members and their families jamming the streets around City Hall. SAO Report: Alaskan Oil Exports Increase U.S. Mariner Employment Royal Caribbean: More Guilty Pleas The General Accounting Office (GAO) last month released a report concerning the effects of exporting Alaskan North Slope oil, and its Runaway-Flag Cruise Line Admits Dumping findings support the SIU's position taken when the export ban was lifted in 1995. As forecast by the SIU and others in favor of exporting Alaskan Toxic Chemicals in #ew York, Miami, L.A. North Slope oil, the price of that crude has risen during the past four Slightly more than a year after first pleading guilty to routinely dumping hazardous chemicals at sea, the runaway-flag cruise line Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. entered a startling series of similar pleas July 21 in six Federal District Courts. Altogether, Royal Caribbean, the world's second-largest cruise ship operator, pied guilty to 21 counts of polluting and lying to authorities about it. The company also admitted that hazardous waste illegally had been stored on some of its vessels, which signi- fies additional transgressions. Among the specifics, Royal Caribbean, which agreed to pay a record $18 million fine: • dumped toxic solvents in New York Harbor; • dumped oil and other toxic chemicals in Miami, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Los Angeles and the Inside Passage in Alaska; • repeatedly misled the U.S. Coast Guard about its pollution activities; and • continued dumping hazardous materials within a month of its first guilty plea. New Bedford Remains a Top Fishing Port Fisheries Service [NMFS] in Gloucester, Mass. recognize that these species are being restored. As a result, Seafarers in New Bedford are clamoring for an increase in allowable fishing days. "The fish are back," said Francois. "Now we are asking the government for a good faith return for our lost time. If we could get more fishing days, it's possible we could pick up our number one ranking again." The NMFS periodically reviews its fishing regulations, but no changes in its groundfish policies are imminent. years. The result: more jobs for U.S. mariners because of increased demand for American-flag tankers, and increased state revenues for Alaska. "The review confirms what we projected back in 1995," stated Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a key supporter of permitting the exports. "Lifting the ban would increase domestic production, bring higher prices for crude oil, bring additional revenues for Alaska and more jobs to the U.S. maritime industry- all with no adverse impacts to the environment." While acknowledging that about 95 percent of Alaskan North Slope oil still is shipped to the U.S. West Coast, the GAO report also states that allowing exports has created as many as 115 jobs for mariners aboard U.S.-flag tankers. That is because U.S.-flag tankers replaced foreign-flag, foreign-crewed ships that previously had transported Alaskan oil to the Caribbean. Although not quite back to its 1980s dominance as the nation's leading seafood port, New Bedford, Mass., where the SIU represents some 350 fishermen, is the second-ranked port in landed value of fish, according to the most recent data available. Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, Alaska ranks first. According to SIU Port Agent Henri Francois, New Bedford has kept its status as a top port only because of the rebounding groundfish--cod, haddock and August 1999 flounder-on which union fishermen rely. "The [non-union] scallopers have been cut back in their fishing days," said Francois. "It is only because the dragger fleet is once again pulling in landings of 30,000 to 40,000 pounds per trip that New Bedford remained No. 2. We are finally getting results from our years of sacrifice." Draggers, or trawl vessels, have been restricted in the number of days they could fish since 1992 when federal rules were implemented to help restore groundfish stocks. Currently the scallop fleet in New Bedford and coastwise is facing similar dramatic reductions in their allotted fishing time, from 120 days in 1999 to as few as 51 days in 2000. Prior to the restrictions, a vessel might have fished for as many as 220 days per year. Groundfish rebuilding, however, began much earlier and today even government biologists working at the National Marine By no means did Royal Caribbean readily acknowledge these violations. According to press reports, the Miami-based company hired two former U.S. attorneys general to submit that it is immune from prosecution in the U.S. because its vessels are registered in Liberia and Norway. Royal Caribbean also apparently fumbled the public-relations spin in the initial aftermath following last month's pleas. The president of the company (Jack Williams) signed a statement that in great detail described Royal Caribbean 's willful misdeeds. Almost at the same time, the company issued a statement describing the chemical dumping as a "mistake." A spokesperson told The New York Times, "We did think we were complying" with environmental laws. U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno said Royal Caribbean's pollution was "on a scale far greater than previously acknowledged." Another federal official characterized Royal Caribbean as operating in "a culture of crime." Seafarers LOS 5 �Paul Hall Center Certified As Authorized Provider of Continuing Education Units Separate Review Approves 7 STCW Courses The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month made two announcements that should prove beneficial for Seafarers. First, the school has been certified by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) as an "authorized provider" of continuing education units (CEUs). Thi means students at the Paul Hall Center may use courses they complete at the Piney Point, Md. facility to help "build a permanent record of their learning activities for personal, career advancement and professional use," notes the a sociation. Meanwhile, the American Council on Education (ACE) has AB Brosius Receives Safety Award AB Duane Brosius is matterof-fact about shipboard safety. "It's a constant topic out there at sea. Everyone emphasizes safety," says the five-year Seafarer. "You only have one set of eyes, so many fingers and toes .... Like the old saying goes, 'Better safe than sorry.'" Putting a premium on accident-free operations led to Brosius receiving a safety award last month from SIU-contracted Maritrans, Inc. in Philadelphia. He earned the certificate by discovering and quickly reporting a potential problem with the anchor chain aboard the tanker Integrity. On May 17, with the vessel doing cargo operations at the Hog Island pier in Philadelphia, Brosius made his rounds on deck around 6:30 p.m. While on the bow, he looked over the Integrity's side noticed the pin that supports the anchor almost had broken loose. The AB then reported the problem, leading to repair. This undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic and definitely costly accident. Brosius downplayed the award, though he expressed appreciation. "It's cool, but I didn't think anything of [the inci- dent]," he notes. Interestingly, within a few days of that incident, Brosius helped stem another problem, this one involving a foreign-flag vessel. He noticed (and reported) that the nearby ship was leaking fuel during lightering operations, due to a faulty valve. The leak was stopped only a very nominal spill. Hoskins Urges Others to Take Advantage of Center's Programs 6 Seafarers LOG Point may receive college credit for it. The college or university decides, but the ACE backing usually leads to a desirable outcome. Along those lines, CEUs are completely separate from college credit recommendations. As explained by IACET, CEU s are recognized by thousands of organization throughout the nation. They help students receive credit for completing courses, seminars and similar instruction that, for whatever reason, is not applied toward college credit. IACET still is determining the exact number of CEU s applicable for each course at the Paul Hall Center. In a letter confirming the school's authorization as a CEU provider, the president of IACET, Jacqueline N. Parochka, wrote, "We are proud of your achievements to promote and enhance quality in continuing education and training. Your program has been fully reviewed, both on paper and on site, and meets all the national standards as maintained by IACET for quality continuing education and training programs." With the SIU-crewed Integrity in the background, AB Duane Brosius (second from right) receives a safety award for helping prevent an accident aboard the tanker. Making the presentation in Philadelphia are (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski, Capt. Eric Gruelund and Maritrans VP Don Voge. Electrician Earns Degree Alter 8 Years of Study Eight years of hard work came to fruition on July 6 when Chief John Hoskins Electrician received his Associate of Applied Science in Marine Engineering Technology diploma from the Paul Hall Center. "I am happy to tell you that I have achieved a long term goal of mine today," Hoskins told his fellow Seafarers during the monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. "I am receiving a college degree in marine engineering." Hoskins began working on the degree in 1991 after he upgraded to QMEDl. "I wanted to learn, and this place is more than willing to teach you," he noted while talking with a Seafarers LOG reporter after the meeting. "It was very hard, but the school works with you." Hoskins, who sails from the port of Baltimore, added that he gave up a lot of his time on the beach to study for the degree. "They pack a lot of information into a short period. You really have to be devoted." The engine department member thanked everyone who helped him earn the degree during the eight-year period. "There are so many people that once I start naming them I know I'll forget someone." However, among those he sin- approved seven courses contained in the center's unlicensed apprentice program as meeting the requirements of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. Along with that approval, ACE okayed six of the classes-vessel familiarization, shipboard anitation, galley familiarization, ocial responsibility, vessel maintenance and operations, and physical fitnessfor college credit recommendations. ACE's audit of the curriculums is part of an STCW requirement known as a quality standard system (QSS). Under the QSS, ACE may approve Paul Hall Center courses as fulfilling STCW guidelines, much the same way as the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center has okayed applicable classes in the past. The college credit recommendations are not STCW-related. As reported in the March issue of the Seafarers LOG, students who successfully complete one or more of the vocational or academic courses available at Piney Before the membership in Piney Point, CE John Hoskins receives his associate's degree from SIU President Michael Sacco. gled out were Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center; and instructors Jim Shaffer, Eric Malzkuhn, Russ Levin, Grace Davis and Shawn Nicholson. He also thanked "the brothers and sisters before me who fought for the rights we all have today in thi industry. Their vision created the strongest maritime union today-the SIU!" Hoskins started his career with the union in 1983 as a graduate of trainee class 384. In that same class was his brother, Green, who also sail in the engine room. (A younger brother, Steve, is the third member of the family to ship in the engine department.) He worked his way up the ladder in the engine room, upgrading at the Paul Hall Center as he became eligible. When he reached the highe t unlicensed rating, he wanted to keep learning so he tackled the associate's degree program. "I encourage everyone in the SIU to take advantage of our great school here in Piney Point, as I have done." Besides his work aboard ship and in the classroom, Hoskins also serves as a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. In that position, he has recruited several of the soldiers with whom he has worked to join the SIU. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and CE John Hoskins show off engine department member's well-deserved diploma. Representatives of the American Council on Education (ACE) tour the Paul Hall Center as part of an STCW-mandated audit. ACE later approved several classes as STCW-compliant and also certified them for college credit recommendations. Legal Department Clarifies Tax Exempt Status for Seafarers in Arabian Gulf A number of inquiries from SIU members recently have been directed to headquarters regarding the possible tax-exempt status of merchant mariners sailing in the Arabian Gulf aboard vessels contracted to the U.S. military. In order to clear up any confusion on the part of Seafarers who are working aboard military vessels in that region, the SIU legal department has issued an all-ports memorandum concerning the situation. Contrary to some rumors and misinformation, the memorandum states, non-military personnel are NOT eligible to enjoy taxexempt status when serving in a "combat zone" or "qualified hazardous duty area." Even though some of the vessels on which Seafarers sail are carrying military ordnance and ammunition, and despite the fact that these Seafarers-who are receiving "imminent danger" pay and are restricted to the ships at all times-have been vaccinated against the Anthrax virus at the direction of the military, this taxexempt status benefit is, nonetheless, reserved solely for officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in the United States armed forces. Some Seafarers who are working "in support" of the militaryand their spouses-may, however, be able to enjoy an extended period of time for filing a tax return or fulfilling other tax obligations. To take advantage of this benefit, the individual Seafarer must be positioned in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area. These areas consist, in part, of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude; the Gulf of Aden; the Persian Gulf; the Red Sea; and the Gulf of Oman. The legal department's memo additionally states that while this extension may be available to some members, it does not recommend that any SIU member rely on it to fulfill his or her tax obligations. August 1999 �Seafarers remain hard at work transporting cargoes throughout the Great Lakes. Among the many SIU-crewed vessels under way are the J.A. W Iglehart (left) and the St. Clair, both pictured in Detroit. Second Cook Ali Musleh Iglehart Great Lakes Seafarers Enjoy Routine Season But Steel Crisis Still Impacts Trade Gateman Scott Coristine St. Clair Despite a drop in cargo movement compared to the record volumes of recent years, Great Lake Seafarers are working through a "fairly routine sailing season," according to Tim Kelley, SIU port agent in Algonac, Mich. SIU members crew a number of Lakes vessels and tugs. Steel imports, low water levels and other factors combined to cause a IO-percent drop in May cargo movements, compared to last year. Altogether, more than 13 million tons of cargo were moved on the Lakes in May. Reduced domestic steel production (a direct result of the illegal dumping of foreign steel) particularly has impacted the iron ore and stone trades, although an international trade agreement reached last month may provide some relief. In mid-July, the United States and Russia agreed to limit Russian steel shipments to the U.S. for the next five years. A group of five U.S. steel companies said the pact will not do nearly enough to stem the flow of dumped steel, even as the Clinton administration insisted the opposite is true. Meanwhile, the administration also is considering several proposals to assist the domestic steel industry. An announcement was expected late last month. In June, the Senate defeated a bill passed by the House that would have placed global quotas on steel imports. AB Mark Nicholson Tug Wyoming Porter Richard Smetana St. Clair AB Robert Timmons Iglehart AB Abdo Fotaih McCarthy Second Cook Doris Sabin St. Clair August 1999 Wheelsman Nels Johnson St. Clair AB John Spezia Tug Wyoming Seafarers LOG 7 �Runaway-Flag Ships Create More Unwanted Headlines Four Tons of Cocaine Seized from Freighter; Tanker Detained in L.A. for Safety Violations Two major stories recently emerged involving runaway-flag ships detained in the United States. In June, four tons of cocaine were seized from the Greekowned, Panamanian-flagged China Breeze-reportedly the eleventh-largest such confiscation in U.S. history. According to press accounts, U.S. Coast Guard personnel (operating from a British navy ship) boarded the China Breeze off the Puerto Rican coast in late May. Acting on a tip from Greece, they discovered the cocaine hidden in 16,000 metric tons of Cuban sugar. They subsequently arrested the ship and diverted it to Houston, where federal authorities took into custody the captain and five crew members. All were charged with drug trafficking. Authorities believe the sugar was destined for Portugal, while the drugs were bound for the Netherlands. More recently, the Bahamianflagged, Malta-owned Tomis West-laden with 275,000 gallons of jet fuel-was confined in Los Angeles in mid-July when Coast Guard inspectors found major safety hazards that could have caused explosions or fires. Among the most serious problems was the malfunctioning of Union Label Urges Members To Help Stop 'Saipan Scam' The head of the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department is urging fellow trade unionists and their families to support legislation aimed at protecting workers and preserving the integrity of the Made in USA label. "Each of us can help put an end to the truly outrageous scandal that has become known far and wide as the 'Saipan Scam,"' stated Charlie Mercer, president of the department. "All it takes is a letter, a postcard, a telephone call or an email message to the member of the U.S. House of Representatives from your district and to both the U.S. Senate members from your state." Earlier this year, identical bipartisan bills were introduced in the House and Senate to stop abuses in the garment industry in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI/Saipan). Titled the "Made in USA Label Defense Act of 1999," the bills (H.R. 1621 and S. 922) wouJd forbid continoed use of the Made in USA label on products made in the CNMI and would end the dutyfree treatment of Saipan-made goods shipped to retailers on the U.S. mainland. Seafarers attended the April press conference on Capitol Hill announcing the legislation. More than $1 billion worth of clothing was shipped into the U.S. last year from the CNMI, and most of it was composed of foreign-made cloth from foreign-owned and/or managed factories by thousands of indentured foreign workers-many, if not most, from China. Most of the garments carry the Made in USA label. CNMI garment operations have cost thou- sands of U.S. workers their job and, according to a recent U.S. Interior Department report, cost U.S. taxpayers $200 million a year in duties lost to the U.S. Treasury. "There are powerful vested interests working hard to convince Congress to leave things as they are and permit the continuation of the scam," noted Mercer. "But remember, it was just a couple of years ago, in 1997, that the Federal Trade Commission withdrew its proposal to weaken the standards for use of the Made in USA label. Opposition to the proposal was widely considered a lost cause until union members and other consumers rallied to the cause with a letter and postcard campaign directed at Congress." He concluded that the current fight against Saipan sweatshop and abuse of the Made in USA label will resuJt in similar success "if Bosuns' Brotherhood Extends to the Beach After sailing as recertified bosuns on vessels such as the Sea-Land Producer and Overseas New York, operating this relatively tiny pleasure boat in Hubbard Lake, Mich. was a breeze for longtime Seafarers Joel Lechel (left) and Carlos Loureiro. The bosuns met three years ago while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and have remained friends since then. This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Lechel's wife, Kasandra, was taken earlier this summer. Mrs. Lechel reports that Loureiro and his wife, Debra, who live in San Diego, were vacationing in Boston but detoured to Hubbard Lake for a visit. B Seafarers LOG the ship's system for controlling dangerous fumes while transferring cargo. The Los Angeles Times quoted a Coast Guard inspector as saying the vapor levels in the Tomis Wests holds were more than twice the safe amount. Additionally, two of the three water pumps for the vessel's fire fighting system were inoperative -and even the working one was not completely functional. Other conditions included corroded fire-hose nozzles, malfunctions in engine-room fire fighting equipment, problems with the steering gear, and a faulty outside sprinkler system. The Times noted that an inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation had notified the Coast Guard about the safety hazards. The inspector helped the Tomis West's Romanian crew members recover enough of the voters in their states and districts let (elected representatives) know that they should support the bills to end the Saipan scam." Meanwhile, the Labor Department recentJy announced it has fined a foreign-run garment maker based in the Northern Mariana Islands almost $1 million for its failure to pay overtime to workers. The department reported that Micronesian Garment Manufacturing Inc./Diorva Saipan Limited paid $986,661 to cover overtime owed to 336 factory workers, mostly from China. Exactly one year earlier, the company paid $560,000 in back wages for 427 workers at the same factory and signed an agreement with the department pledging to abide by overtime laws. While the CNMI is exempt from the minimum wage provision of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (it has its own minimum wage of $3.05 an hour), the territory is covered by the law's other provisions, including child labor, overtime pay and record keeping. Illegal practices involved included requiring work off the clock, confining workers to living quarters without pay, requiring them to clean barracks without pay, deducting from their wages various fees connected with their recruitment, and charging excessive fees for room and board. Tracking the 'Saipan Scam' Stay up-to-date on the push for federal legislation forbidding the use of the Made in USA label on clothing made in Saipan via the following internet sites: • www.takepride.org • www.unionlabel.org (click on the "hot issues" button) $167,000 in back wages. Although these two cases are more extreme than many, it is quite typical for runaway-flag vessels to be detained in U.S. ports due to various safety violations. Frequently Detained In May, for example, the Coast Guard reported the following detentions (among many others): •The Greek-owned, Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Capetan Harris, restricted in Albany, N.Y. because of faulty fire equipment and the crew's unfamiliarity with auxiliary and remote steering gear control. • The Chinese-owned, Honduran-flagged general cargo ship Carnival I, detained in Houma, La. because of hatch covers that were not watertight and inoperable air pipe closures. •The Greek-owned, Cypriotflagged bulk carrier Crane, kept in Port Everglades, Fla. because crew members could not perform fire drills nor abandon ship drills, and also due to insufficient fire fighting equipment. • The Japanese-owned, Cypriot-flagged general cargo ship New Grace, detained in Newport News, Va. because of an inoperable main propulsion engine and excessive fuel oil leaks throughout machinery spaces. •The U.S.-owned, Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Petrojam Navigator, restricted in Hampton Roads, Va. because four crew members were intoxicated. •The Greek-owned, Cypriotflagged general cargo ship Pipitsa Petrakis, held in Tampa because the crew could not execute an abandon ship drill and because of an inoperable lifeboat engine. •The Japanese-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Super Queen, detained in Portland because the captain and officers were not familiar with the ship's safety management system and because the crew failed fire drills. • The Liberian-owned, Honduran-flagged general cargo ship Alexander, held in Miami due to an absence of a global maritime distress satellite system (GMDSS) and lack of a valid SOLAS safety radio certificate. •The Greek-owned, Bahamian-flagged bulk carrier Ariston, detained in Long Beach, Calif. because of an inoperable emergency generator. ITF Launches New Commission To Reform Shipping Regulation The International Transport Workers ' Federation (ITF) recently announced the launching of "a major new and independent international body which will seek reform of the rules governing the global shipping industry." Known as the International Commission on the Regulation of Shipping, the group is based in Amsterdam. "Although initiated by the ITF, the three-member commission has wide-ranging support among the shipping community and reflects a growing consensus that firm action must be taken to force the increasing number of low-quality flag administrations to accept their moral and legal responsibilities," the ITF said in it announcement. Chairing the commission is Peter Morris, a former Australian government official who i very knowledgeable about the maritime indu try. He is "consulting widely within the industry" in preparation for appointing his fellow commissioners. According to the ITF, the commission will con- duct hearings worldwide "and take evidence from all interested parties with a view to making concrete proposals for change. It is hoped that these proposals will be taken up and pursued by all those who have an interest in a profitable, sound and decently run shipping industry." The new group aims to finish its work by the end of next year. Commenting on the announcement, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said, "A radical overhaul of the regulation of the shipping industry is long overdue. The current system lacks teeth and is not only failing seafarers but reputable shipowners and flag states as well. We hope this new commission will become a driving force for those changes which are so desperately needed." Based in London, the ITF-of which the SIU is an affiliate-includes more than 500 transportation-related unions from more than 125 countries. Those unions represent more than five million members. August 1999 �Surfing The Internet's Crowded Waters Electronic Medium's Growth Challenges Info Seekers SIU Site Offers Union News, Useful Links The magazine ad touting a new computer chip presents the internet as the proverbial haystack, in which web surfers are commanded to locate a needle. Even the most internet-savvy individuals probably appreciate that analogy, as the world wide web continues its explosive growth. The sheer volume of web sites, numbering in the millions, can make it difficult for users to locate the information they seek. Capt. Boothe Heads NMC Succeeds Capt. Rosecrans at USCG Captain Myles Boothe Jr. last month succeeded Captain Michael Rosecrans as commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC). A ceremony took place July 9 near the NMC in Arlington, Va. The NMC, established four years ago, manages the Coast Guard's 17 regional examination centers (RECs). It also maintains records for merchant mariner licensing and documentation, and oversees the National Vessel Documentation Center, among numerous other functions. Boothe becomes the NMC's second commanding officer. Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training in Piney Point, Md., commended Rosecrans for his work at NMC, noting that he "has been an invaluable resource during a time of tremendous change in the maritime industry. He has been very supportive of our school's efforts in terms of STCW compliance, testing and record-keeping." Eglinton expressed optimism that the school "will enjoy a similarly cooperative, productive relationship with Captain Boothe. We look forward to working with him to ensure that the Paul Hall Center keeps up with the industry's needs and requirements." Boothe brings an extensive background in marine safety, including assignments as the head of Coast Guard safety offices in St. Louis and Seattle. Capt. Myles Boothe Jr. (top photo, center) recently succeeded Capt. Michael Rosecrans (below, center) as commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center. Congratulating them after the July 9 ceremony in Arlington, Va. are Bill Eglinton, director of the vocational education department at the Paul Hall Center (pictured at Boothe's left); and John Mason, head of American Service Technology, Inc. August 1999 Moreover, as reported last month by the Associated Press, the most-used search engines sift through less than one-fifth of what is on the web. Those challenges have not slowed the medium's growth, however. At the end of last year, there were an estimated 150 million internet users worldwide, with slightly more than half residing in the United States. This year, on average, more than 700 American households per hour become first-time web surfers. Many of those families undoubtedly will correspond by electronic mail-some 7 .3 billion email messages are sent in the U.S. every day. Fortunately for Seafarers, there are a number of established, reliable and fairly easy-to-find sites offering useful information about the U.S. maritime industry. For starters, the SIU's internet site-located at http://www.seafarers.org-has been active since 1997. It contains links to a number of potentially helpful maritime and labor sites. The SIU site also features email links to Congress and the White House; downloadable benefits applications; selected articles from current and past issues of the Seafarers LOG; course listings and course descriptions from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education; a list of SIU halls and upcoming meeting dates, and more. The following sites, all of which are accessable through the SIU site index, also may be of interest to SIU members and their families: The SIU's web site (www.seafarers.org) includes selected articles from the Seafarers LOG (as pictured here), information about courses at the Paul Hall Center and much more. • AFL-CIO (includes comprehensive links to affiliated international and local unions) http://www.aflcio.org • U.S. Coast Guard (see the agency's internal links to its own STCW and Y2K sites) http://www.uscg.miV • International Transport Workers Federation (features detailed and updated information about the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping) http://www.itf.org.uk/ • Maritime Cabotage Task Force (offers the latest news concerning the Jones Act and Passenger Vessel Services Act) http://www.mctf.com • International Maritime Organization (covers worldwide maritime issues) http://www.imo.org/ • Military Sealift Command (often include recent news about SIU-crewed ships) http://www.msc.navy.miV • Maritime Administration (provides updates on key happenings in the industry) http://marad.dot.gov Many SIU-contracted companies also have their respective presence on-line, including SeaLand, Maersk, Crowley, American Hawaii Cruises, American Steamship Co, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. and others. Links to those locations are available at the SIU site, and the union gladly will add other relevant links if so requested. Please direct such requests to the Seafarers LOG at SIU headquarters. 1999 AOTOS Awards Go to TRANSCOM and Marine Transport Line's Richard duMoulin The head of a shipping company that oversees an SIU-contracted firm and the agency that supervises the worldwide movement of goods and materiel to American troop will be honored with the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award later this year. Richard duMoulin, chairman and CEO of Marine Transport Lines (MTL), and U.S. Air Force General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), will receive the AOTOS on November 5 in New York. Considered by many to be one of the most prestigious awards in the maritime industry, the AOTOS is sponsored by the United Seamen's Service. SIU President Michael Sacco received the award in 1994. In announcing the honorees, AOTOS Committee Chairman John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen' s As ociation, noted they were chosen from more than 200 nominees. "This year's AOTOS recipients embrace two important sectors of ocean transport in the United States: the tanker/carrier community and the military," Bowers said. "Richard duMoulin' steadfast leadership in his broad-based activities on behalf of U.S. shipping and Richard duMoulin Gen. Charles Robertson American seafarers and TRANSCOM's important role as a user-rather than a providerof American ships make them ideal recipients of this year's AOTOS awards." After spending 15 years with OMI Corp., duMoulin joined MTL in 1989. That firm operates more than 30 U.S.-flag vessels. Among its subsidiaries is SIUcontracted Intrepid Ship Management. MTL is the oldest U.S. shipping company tracing its roots to 1816 where its predecessors operated whaling boats as well as provided boats for the California gold rush. TRANSCOM was created in 1987 to consolidate the military 's logistic efforts that had been performed separately by the Army, Navy and Air Force. It is the largest single user of U.S.-flag vessels. Robertson, accepting the award for his agency, assumed command of TRANSCOM in 1998. Upon graduating from the Air Force Academy, he joined the ervice in 1968. He served more than 150 combat missions in Vietnam. Seafarers LOG 9 �Weddings, family reunions and the births of children and grandchildren-these are the everyday events so important in the lives of SIU members, who often are away from home for several months at a time. As always, the LOG welcomes your photos and will publish them on a periodic basis. 10 Seafarers LOG August 1999 �SIU Lauds AMMV Chapter At Memorial Dedication The SIU last month took part in a dedication ceremony in downtown St. Louis sponsored by the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and the Navy League of the United States. Becky Sleeper, the union's port agent in St. Louis, delivered remarks on behalf of SIU President Michael Sacco on July 5 as the AMMV chapter-which includes many retired Seafarers -and the local Navy League dedicated an anchor in tribute to past, present and future mariners as well as Naval armed guard members. The well-attended event gen- erated media coverage and attracted numerous local dignitaries. It took place outside the Soldiers' Memorial, a downtown museum used for displays from various wars. The nine-ton anchor is from the World War II-era aircraft carrier USS Langley. It is almost 13 feet tall. Its plaque reads, "Dedicated to American merchant seamen and Naval armed guard who lost or risked their lives for our country in World War II and all wars of Left, SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper delivers remarks on behalf of SIU President Michael Sacco at the anchor dedication July 5 in St. Louis. Above, a plaque on the nine-ton memorial praises past and present mariners. this century, and al1 those American merchant marine and Navy seamen standing by to deliver the goods through the world's oceans today." Relaying Sacco's remarks, Sleeper noted, "It's important to establish the connection between today's active mariners and those who went before them. In fact, we in the SIU make it a point to educate all of our new members about their maritime heritageand the fact that they may be called upon as the nation's fourth arm of defen e .... "I am extremely proud of the SIU 's long-standing and very strong relationship with the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Your issues are our i ue ; your fights are our fights. " She added, "This anchor in part is a tribute to the tens of thousands of merchant seamen who carried the Allied effort in World War II. Included in tho e ranks are thou ands of SIU members, more than 1,200 of whom gave their Ii ves during the war ... Today, we honor that brave history as well as the courage shown by U. S. mariners in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and other risk-filled assignments. They are patriots. They are heroe . And they de erve thi recognition ." Members of the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans greet SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper (third from right) following the ceremony. Lighthouse Replica to Educate Public Baritinte Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Saved from Crashing Into Sea The 208-foot-tall Cape Hatteras Lighthouse -the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States-stood 1,600 feet from the ocean when it was built in 1870. After more than a century of incoming and outgoing tides and soil erosion of about 10 feet per year, only 150 feet stood between the black-and-white striped tower and the Atlantic Ocean-until last month. That is when the structure arrived at its new concrete foundation 1,600 feet from the surf. Moving the lighthouse began June 17. Resting on a nest of steel beams mounted on rollers, it was pushed along rails by seven hydraulic jacks. Original estimates were for the move to take four to six weeks. It was accomplished in three at a cost of $10 million. The twin beams, which were extinguished March I for the first time in 50 years, are scheduled to be re-lit on Labor Day, and officials of the National Park Service plan to reopen the Jighthou e to visitors next Memorial Day. Mississippi Queen Among Best U.S. Cruises The SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen, a paddlewheel passenger vessel operated by the New Orleans-based Delta Queen Steamboat Company, has been rated as one of the best cruise options for U.S. consumers. Cruise Reports, a newsletter which annually evaluates cruise lines' performances, declared the Mississippi Queen a "top value" by measuring cruise quality against the cost per person per day. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. also operates the SIU-crewed Delta Queen and American Queen along the Mississippi River as well as other routes. SIUNA Vice President Ed Pulver stands before a 14-foot replica of the Sandy Hook Light House which was given to the Liberty State Park at the Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal by a group of volunteers who participate in community projects. The model lighthouse will be used to educate the public about the historical, cultural, economic and navigational importance of the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Now a national historic landmark, the lighthouse continues to be lit 24 hours a day, and the light can be seen for 19 miles on a clear night. ·· Greetings from Oceans to Lakes c American Home Foods ;::;,~·ills, Basic 4 Corn Flakes Boo Beny. Bran Che•: Cheerios; {plaln, Apple Cinnamon. Honey Frosted. Honey ut. and MulllGralo) ; Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Clusters : Cocoa Purrs: Cookie Crisp; Covnt Chocula; Counlr)I Com 1'1alr.es; Com Cbex: Fiber One; Frankenbem-; Golden Grahams; Kaboom; Klx; Lucky Charms: Ral In Bran 'ul Rice Chex Total (rcgul>r. raisin bran and corn natcs) ; Trix ; Wheal llea118 hot cereal ; V.beat Chex: WbeaUes (frosled and plain) AB Tim Kacer, an eight-year member of the SIU who sails in the deep sea division, spent part of his recent vacation watching lakers and greeting fellow Seafarers as they sailed through the Sao Locks on Lake Superior. Among the SIU-crewed vessels spotted by Kacer last month was the H. Lee White, pictured here. August 1999 Raisins. Low Fat Granola, Low Fat Granola •1lll Ral IDB. Musenx Raisin & Almond Crunch. 'J'oas"'d Bro1>n Sugar Squares) : JuSl Right (!rulL & out and "1lll Cnmch ·uggelS); Marsbmallo" Blasted Proot Loopo; Nut & Honey Crunch: ut & Honey Crunch O's: Nu1cH;raln (Almond Raisin. Golden 'Wbeat. Golden V.beat & Ralstn) ; Product 19. Raisin Bran; Raisin Bran Crunch ; Raisin Squares Mlnl-IHcalS ; Rice Krlsples (plain . fro led . Apple Cinnamon . TrealS) ; Smacks; Smart Start : Snack Pact. Special K: Strawberry Squares , Strawberry Squares Mlnl-V.bealS Gralolleld's; 'Wbectablx Nabisco Miscellaneous Cream or wheat Kelloggs Post All-Bran (plain, Bran Buds, Extra Plber); Apple Jacks; Apple Cinnamon Square Mlnl-WbealS : Blu eberry Squares: Breakfast Mates: Cocoa Frosted Flakes; Cocoa Krlsple s: Comple"' Bran Plates: COmplelt Oat Bran Flakes: Complt"' Wbtal Bran Flakes: Corn Flakes ; Corn Pops ; Cractlln' Oa1 Bran : Crlsplx: Froot Loops; ProSled Plakes: Frosted MlnlWb ta ts (regular and bile size) ; Healllly Choice (Almond Crunch with Alpha - BllS (plain and marshmallow)· Blueberry Morning; Bran Flakes: Fruit n' l'lbre: Frui Pebbles; Grape ulS: Great Grains : Honey Bunches or OalS (plain , wllh Almonds and with Graham) : Honeycomb. Oreo Os: Post ToasUes : uper Golden Cr1 p Quaker Apple Zaps; Cap'n Crunch: Cinnamon Toasted Oatmea l Squares ; Cocoa Blasi: Frultangy Ohs; Har>est Oat Flakes (plain and 1>ilh apples). Boney Dlpps: Honey Graham Obs. King \1lamln ; Lile: Marshmallow Safari: Oatmeal : Quaker 100% Natural Cereal: Quaker I OO'lll Low Pal NaUJraJ Cereal; Qulsp; S~t Crunch: Toa led Oatmeal (plain , hooey and nut); Toa ied Oatmeal 5«1uares Wheetabix Belly Crocker Muffin Mixes : Betty Crocker Pancake Mix: Belly Crocker Special Mullln 'dl.<'8: camauoo break· la t bars: Washington Pancake Mix: Raga Mumns; Indian Head Cornmeal; Mrs . Crutcbfteld Muma Mix; Lender's ba&els: ulri-Graln cereal bars (all na\"'8): RJce l\rtsples neats (squares and Chocola"' Chip Squares): Pop-Turts; Eggo Frozen V.ames (all na.ors and coonguraUoos) ; Chewy Granola Bars (all llaYors); Pop-'lllrts (all llaYors and coongurallons); Quaker Oats Rice Cakes, Menu Magic lostanl breakl'as~ Brook)ln Bagel: Cllex Mlxts (TradJUooal. Cheddar, Bold. !AA' Spicy) Seafarers LOG tt �THOMAS FAY BUILDING At far left, Doris Fay unveils the ide survival building named in memory left, poses with Paul Hall Center Vic beneath the new sign. The Thomas classrooms, offices, a damage-cont survival trainer. At right, Bull Shepard's son, Earl covering from board naming th father and, at far right, poses in building. The Earl "Bull" Shepat structure with moveable par se Dedications 'Embrace Our Past While Working Ior the Future' Buildings Named in Memory of Tom Fay, Bull Shepard S weltering temperatures did not spoil the occasion July 15 as two buildings were dedicated at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located in Valley Lee, Md. As Seafarers, SIU officials and guests applauded, facilities were named in memory of Tom Fay, former vice president of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and Earl "Bull" Shepard, a charter member of the SIU and a founder of the center. The Thomas Fay Building houses classrooms, offices, a damage-control room and a water-survival trainer as well as areas for monitoring and servicing various fire fighting equipment. The Earl "Bull" Shepard Building is a two-story maze with moveable partitions. It primarily is used for search-andrescue training and to teach students how to maneuver through a darkened ship. Both are part of the state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school that opened in late May. Unveiling the new signs on the respective building were Tom Fay's widow, Doris, and Earl Shepard Jr. , who sails as an AB. SIU President Michael Sacco stated that the dedications "point out that fact that we're a group which embraces our past while planning and working for the future. Anyone who has been to the Paul Hall Center can tell right away that we're very proud of our history." He praised Fay as "a very efficient, level-headed and dedicated individual-first-class all the way." Sacco also pointed out that Shepard "is someone who literally fought for better working conditions for the American mariner. He played a major role in helping build the SIU into what it is today." Additionally, he said the dedications spotlight "the fact that we in the SIU are a family. We may have disagreements, like any family. But in the end, we're on the same side, working together for the same goals and a brighter future. "In some cases, we literally are a family," he continued. "The SIU has a long legacy of one generation following the next to sea-from the rivers to the Lakes to the oceans. It makes me proud that so many people think so highly of this organization that they encourage their brothers and sisters and sons and daughters to join us." SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, Tom's brother, spoke about both men for whom the buildings were named. "Tommy was my sibling, but Bull Shepard also was my brother," he stated. "The one thing I knew about both of them is that when Tommy or Bull touched someone's personal life, it was always for the best. They never said no to anybody who was in trouble. I could tell you incident after incident, story after tory about the positive deeds both Tommy and Bull did." Carolyn Gentile, general counsel to the Seafarers Plans, mentioned that although Shepard and Tom Fay were "from different generations, they shared the common bond of being dedicated to improving the lives, working conditions and upgrading abilities of their fellow members. They were men of their times, but they also were members with foresight. Their vision is alive and well right here today." Representing the employer trustees for the Seafarers Plans was Anthony Naccarato, who said Fay's and Shepard's work has helped the SIU "reach the very top of the labor hill. Today, the American labor movement looks to Mike Sacco and the SIU with pride and admiration." He added that both officials undoubtedly would be pleased with the fire fighting and safety school, which "is a monument to all who have come before us and all who will follow. It looks to the future and proudly says, 'We are prepared to train the finest Seafarers to face the challenges of the 21st century. Fire fighting classes officially began in late May at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School , located in Valley Lee, Md., where the two newly named buildings are located. 12 Seafarers LOG Employer Trustee Anthony Ne,ccarato praises those who have made the Paul Hall Center a world leader in training mariners. ·~~..,..,,,,. August 1999 �=---::----o:--"'~:-:-::-::---:-:;;;-;~;-;;-L1 tification on the water f her husband and, at President Don Nolan Fay Building houses ol room and a water- EARL 'BULL' SHEPARD BUILDING hepard Jr., removes the maze building after his ront of the newly named d Building is a two-story itions, primarily used for rch-and-rescue training. SIU President Michael Sacco (above) opens the dedication ceremony. Below, Carolyn Gentile, general counsel to the Seafarers Plans, notes that Tom Fay and Bull Shepard were SIU members with foresight whose vision is alive today. Below, Unlicensed Apprentice Miles Wade Ireland Jr. leads the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Located near the classrooms are photos and plaques in memory of Shepard (left) and Fay. Tom Fay October 18, 1936 - February 27, 1995 John Fay, SIU executive vice president, speaks about both men for whom the buildings were named, one of which was his brother, Tom. - Tom Fay began his career with the Seafarers in 1958. Sailing in the engine department, .· he worked his way to becoming a chief electrician before coming ashore. Tom served the union in many different ways, including Honolulu port agent. He became the vice president for the Paul Hall Center in 1993. No matter what job Tom undertook, he performed it with courage, dignity and a sense of humor that made him a friend to all. The water survival building will proudly bear his name. Earl "Bull" Shepard September 4, 1913 - December 19, 1978 The maze building will carry the name of a charter member of the SIU and a founder of the Paul Hall Center, Earl "Bull" Shepard. Whether it wa aboard a ship, at a union hall or in the U.S. Capitol, Bull was totally dedicated to improving the lives and conditions faced by Seafarers. He had the respect of all who came his way. Besides being part of the crew to find a centralized location for training and upgrading, Bull also helped develop the center's early curriculum. August 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �Reminder to WWII Mariners U.S. merchant mariners who sailed between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 may be eligible for certain veterans ' benefits. To qualify and become eligible for benefits, a mariner must not only have served within the qualifying period, but also meet the following eligibility criteria: 1. Was a member of the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was (a) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation (or an agent of the Administration or Office); (b) operated in water other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, and other lakes, bay , and harbors of the United States; (c) under contract or charter to, or property of, the government of the United States; and (d) serving the Armed Forces. 2. While so serving, was licen sed or otherwi se documented for service a a crewmember of such a ves el by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to licen e or document the person for such service. Before you can receive veterans benefits, you must first submit a DD Form 2168. This fonn is available from Veterans Administration offices, merchant marine veterans organizations, and from the offices listed below. A copy of DD Fonn 2168 can also be downloaded on the world wide web at http://www.uscg. miVhq/g-m/nmc/wwiimm.html. Completed forms should be sent to the appropriate office: For Merchant Marine: WWII Merchant Mariner Qualification Highland Community Bank P.O. Box 804118 Chicago, IL 60601-4118 (Please note that the address on the reverse of the DD2168 to which Merchant Mariners are directed to send their applications has changed to the above address.) For Army Transport Service: Commander Army Reserve Component ARPERSCOM-PSV-V 9700 Page Ave. St. Louis, MO 63132-5200 For Naval Transportation Service: Commander Naval Per onnel Command (PERS-312) Millington, TN 38054-5054 If you have copies of your cer- tificates of discharge or other documentation of sea service, plea e ubmit them with your DD Form 2168. Under the Privacy Act, a certified copy of the death certificate will be needed if you are applying for a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) for a deceased mariner. If you have qualifying sea service between August 16, l 945 and December 31, 1946, and you wish to have this period certified, Public Law 105-368 requires that the Coast Guard collect a $30 processing fee. Please send a check or money order, payable to the U.S. Treasury, with your new DD Form 2168. Updated List of U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Island Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach , CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Memphis Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 196 Tradd Street Charleston , SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave, 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office AFL·CIO NATIONAL BOYCOTTS FARMLAND DAIRY Milk sold under the Fannland Dairy label in stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York Ill> Teamsters • MT. OLIVE PICKLE CO. Pickles and relishes sold under the Ml Olive and other labels, including the Food Lion and Harris Teeter supermarket 'house" labels Ill> Fann Labor Organizing Committee FURNITURE STRAITS FURNITURE CO. Jackson, Miss., manufacturer of entertainment centers, dining-room and bedroom furniture. Brands include: Canbrough Oak Collection, Downing Street Collection, Cheny Creek Collection, Hood, Straits Annual Blessing of New Bedford's Fleet Ill> Electronic Workers, Furniture Workers Division TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL JULY/AUGUST 1999 ............................•••.• ALITALIA AIRLINES Air transport for passengers and freight Ill> Machinists BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney Wol1d, BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps Ill> Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees JET EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, INC. CROWN CENTRAL PETROLEUM Auburn, Wash., distributor of "JE'T" brand metal- and woodworking power and hand tools for home and commercial use Ill> Teamsters Gasoline sold at Crown, Fast Fare and Zippy Mart stations and convenience stores Ill> Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers SOUTHWIRE CO. FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Commercial and industrial wire and cable; OoltYourseH brand homewire Ill> Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Ill> Electrical Workers HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE HOTEL MASTER APPAREL Men's and boys' trousers. Labels include Hills and Archer, Seafarers LOG Ill> Longshore & Warehouse Union NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN and Ivy Hil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles Ill> Bectronic Workers Ill> Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION 14 Hotel in Watertiury. Conn. Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii CLOTHING Twelve SIU fishing boats were among many vessels of all shapes and sizes participating in the 30th annual blessing of the fleet in New Bedford, Mass. This year's event, part of the city's annual Summerfest celebration, took place July 4. The fleet blessing paid tribute to those fishermen who passed away during the ~~yearand asked for protection, good luck and safe and bountiful seas for the year ahead. Awards were given for the bestdecorated boats. The SIU-crewed FN Sunshine (above) took top honors, and last year's winner, the SIUcrewed FN Lutador, came in third. but separately owned and operated Ill>- Machinists OTHERS BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION BET cable television. Action payperview, BET on Jazz Ill> Electrical Workers Steel, including rod, bar, rail, pipe and steel plate Ill> Steelworkers REGAL CINEMAS WELLS FARGO and NORWEST BANKS Chain of 250 movie theaters: "Regal Cinemas" & "Cobb Theaters• Ill> Stage Employees & Moving Picture Technicians FOOD/BEVERAGES CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES Table grapes that do not bear the UFW label on their carton or crate II> Fann Workers DIAMOND WALNUT CO. Diamond brand canned and bagged walnuts and walnut pieces Ill> Teamsters UN I ON LABEL AND SERV I CE CF&I STEEL and OREGON STEEL MILLS, INC. Wells Fargo has branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; Norwest has branches in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska. Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas. Wisconsin and Wyoming Ill> Steelwor1<ers R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. Cigarettes: Best Value, Gamel, Century, Doral, Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products Ill> Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers TRADES DEPARTMENT. AFL-CIO The LOG Welcomes Your Digital Images ... But please be sure they have a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch and measure no smaller than 3 inches by 5 inches. This ensures good publication quality. They may be saved to a disk or sent via email to dhirtes@worldweb.net August 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 5 6 12 12 21 38 15 l9 30 13 9 27 1 2 233 21 2 8 16 7 14 19 5 12 14 5 6 7 0 4 15 4 4 8 7 6 Totals Totals Totals All Departments 6 11 1 58 3 16 l 0 154 80 200 114 2 0 2 11 5 6 3 10 ll 8 7 2 5 2 7 19 22 1 10 7 I 2 3 7 11 5 1 0 3 4 7 6 23 10 10 10 3 3 2 0 3 8 3 2 6 0 6 9 2 2 3 4 0 0 3 2 0 4 2 4 3 2 90 401 185 101 8 8 4 2 l 0 0 5 2 0 4 7 l 0 2 2 59 0 19 20 2 11 I 3 4 6 7 1 3 4 2 5 7 23 22 12 5 0 0 1 2 1 10 9 4 I 0 1 0 2 0 115 37 7 3 0 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 25 7 1 0 4 3 11 9 2 2 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 6 2 12 10 12 2 8 San Juan .................. Thursday: September 9, October 7 6 3 3 2 10 11 9 12 3 11 7 4 6 45 I 5 4 26 37 4 14 18 2 0 10 4 0 2 0 3 1 3 5 0 1 0 8 3 1 1 0 53 2 11 2 0 I 241 81 0 31 0 0 9 0 43 0 0 0 2 2 2 11 7 11 8 6 0 0 7 16 33 29 4 12 2 21 7 1 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 10 11 21 21 4 40 14 2 17 2 19 12 6 11 9 l 15 0 0 0 155 165 32 10 0 123 465 300 450 353 0 0 0 0 2 9 1 12 0 112 0 86 253 258 214 197 924 631 434 0 9 BILLY CARL WALKER Call Mrs. Edna "Ed" Scott a( (757) 857-3753. FRIENDS OF JAMES E. HILL James E. Hill would like to hear from shipmates who served with him aboard the Penn Vanguard or the Keva Ideal. His address is: G. Pierce Memorial Hospital, 5847 S.E. Highway 31, Room 1, Arcadia, FL 33821; or telephone him at (941) 494-3323, extension Franklin Ward. BOB, THE ELECTRICIAN AB John A. Morales is trying to contact Bob, the electrician from New Jersey wf!o sailed with him aboard the El Nuevo San Juan in 1991. Bob may write Morales at 2725 S. Nellis Boulevard, Suite 1124, Las Vegas, NV 89121; or telephone (702) 432-7417. Welcome Back to Piney Point 99 0 0 0 4 WILLIAM LEONARD SMITH Bill F. Hudson would like William Leonard Smith or his wife, Alma, to contact him at 1501 South Fountain Green Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. The annual SIU-Marine Cooks & Steward picnic is scheduled for September 12, from noon until 5 p.m. at the barbecue area (site #7) at San Bruno Park. This is a pot luck, BYOB picnic. Plenty of parking available. 2 8 1 2 I 15 11 6 9 5 Personals I Notice 9 0 0 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 42 7 4 11 2 72 Wilmington .............. .Monday, September 20, October 18 7 1 2 25 Tacoma ................... Friday: September 24, October 22 0 26 5 6 27 St. Louis ................. Friday: September 17, October 15 2 14 10 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually regi tered for hipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. August 1999 11 10 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 16, October 14 9 5 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 14, October 12 4 1 0 12 0 6 14 16 28 13 13 2 15 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: September 21, October 19 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: September 8, October 6 5 17 4 0 0 6 44 5 0 1 7 0 10 4 Mobile .................... Wednesday: September 15, October 13 Norfolk ................... Thursday: September 9, October 7 112 2 8 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: September 22, October 20 1 1 0 196 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 9, October 7 7 3 2 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 10 2 1 7 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 2 2 7 1 6 7 2 13 2 7 4 0 7 0 0 5 25 3 4 54 5 20 26 1 Houston .................. Monday: September 13, October 11 New York ................ Tuesday: September 7, October 5 6 2 2 5 0 26 0 1 0 36 50 Honolulu ................. Friday: September 17, October 15 2 3 79 12 18 15 16 1 8 18 9 20 Duluth ..................... Wedne day: September 15, October 13 9 13 4 10 0 3 8 21 9 22 2 103 3 3 Baltimore ................ Thursday: September 9, October 7 (*change created by labor Day holiday) 6 13 41 3 0 I 17 2 8 0 0 3 0 0 Algonac .................. Friday: September 10, October 8 1 15 I 2 36 1 0 21 4 2 4 3 13 3 8 23 9 ll 4 5 1 4 I 3 1 4 18 32 Piney Point ............. Tuesday: September 7* Monday: October 4 24 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 7 1 8 1 1 3 0 6 3 3 1 0 575 Totals 4 3 1 4 lI 8 11 6 6 1 0 0 0 54 1 3 5 1 8 6 0 0 8 1 0 3 21 27 6 5 5 2 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis ·Piney Point Algonac 9 9 0 1 0 9 151 67 42 0 2 2 9 10 13 2 1 7 6 5 0 13 13 6 4 6 10 42 10 9 6 9 7 0 24 3 5 5 3 8 4 3 2 3 17 6 8 11 24 21 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 8 3 7 18 19 Port 5 9 25 5 0 6 0 97 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 13 25 l3 4 7 3 8 8 23 I0 10 17 5 2 22 2 3 0 137 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 6 22 15 4 6 5 3 6 3 2 4 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. ouis Piney Point Algonac TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C - September & October 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Visiting the Paul Hall Center are Chief Steward Lonnie Jones and his wife, Denise. The couple from Columbus, Ohio shares a laugh with SIU President Michael Sacco. Seafarers LOG 15 �- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematlonal Union Directory JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 1999 Mi.chael Sacco President CL- Company/Lakes John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services . ~ HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port 0 24 9 0 14 7 0 4 2 Algonac 0 14 22 Totals All Depts 0 56 40 Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 14 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 13 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 9 11 0 40 23 0 10 4 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 11 0 16 17 *"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. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 JUNE 16-JULY 15, 1999 BALTIMORE 12 J 6 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (7 I 8) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 2 Lakes, Inland Waters 41 West Coast 4 Totals Region 47 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 27 West Coast 1 Totals Region 28 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 23 West Coast 0 0 2 0 7 0 3 5 0 4 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 15 Totals 23 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 98 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 1 20 0 0 8 1 4 29 2 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 51 2 5 0 1 21 6 28 0 2 0 4 6 0 13 0 9 22 0 4 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 57 6 28 0 0 13 1 1 5 I *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner William Gonzalez of Brooklyn, N.Y. The year was 1949-the SS Chrysanthstar had sailed into the port of Venice, Italy, and the crew members set up a "barber shop" on deck to get a quick trim before going ashore. Included in the photo are AB Luis G. Figueroa (seated at left) and FOWT Gonzalez (seated at right). Between them is Wiper Willie Gallardo, and waiting his turn in the back is "Skinny," the oiler on the 12-4 watch. Gonzalez, now 78, joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New York. He was active in many union organizing drives throughout his seafaring career and last sailed aboard the SS Borinquen in April 1976. He retired the following month. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. August 1999 �............................ .... ~---- ~"""'-----__.,~~~~- ---- - - - - Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. mong the 13 Seafarers retiring this month are four recertified bosuns and one recertified steward. Recertified Bosuns William S. Byrne, Jon C. Humason, Calvain A. James and Robert H. Stuverud and Recertified Steward Raymond E. Loretta graduated from the highest level of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and represent more than 175 years of active union membership among them. Including the five recertified graduates, eight of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, four sailed the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. This month's favorite region for retirement is the East Coast, where eight pensioners have settled. Two have retired to the West Coast, one resides in the Gulf region and one each lives in the Midwest and Hawaii. Ten of the retirees sailed in the deck department, while two worked in the steward department and one shipped in the engine department On this page, the Seafarers LOG pre ents brief biographical a c unts of this month's pension- A DEEP SEA WILLIAMS. BYRNE, 71, started sailing in 1968 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Beatrice Victory. Born in England, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1975. During his career, Brother Byrne was active in union organizing drives. He has retired to Navarra, Fla. JONC. HUMASON, 46, graduated from the union's entry level training program in 1971 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Ogden Yukon. The Virginia native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1992. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the USNS Capella, operated by Bay Ship Management. Brother Humason makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. CALVAINA. JAMES, 71, started his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York. Born in Virginia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his career, Brother James was active in union affairs and organizing drives. From 1953 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Anny. Teaneck, N.J. is where he calls home. RAYMOND E. LORETTA, 64, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1959 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Born in Ohio, the steward department member upgraded his skills at the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG t940 The constitution adopted in 1939 provided for the establishment of two separate districts: the Atlantic District and the Gulf District, with two separate headquarters, one in New York and one in New Orleans, and two separate bookkeeping and financial systems. The membership of the two districts, in a 30-day referendum vote, elected overwhelmingly to amalgamate the two districts. The amalgamation resolution, which was adopted in August, 1940, provides that the Headquarters of the Atlantic and Gulf District will be in Washington, D.C., until the next election, and that all of the financial and bookkeeping work shall be done in that office. Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1990. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955. Prior to retiring, he sailed on the Comet, an American Ship Management vessel. Brother Loretta makes his home in Calistoga, Calif. PAULC. McMAHON, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Director, an Isthmian Lines, Inc. vessel. Brother McMahon worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to his retirement, he sailed on the Sea-Land Endurance. Born in New York, he has retired to Las Vegas. GEORGE SAPP JR., 63, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Steel Age, operated by Isthmian Lines, Inc. The Georgia native sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief steward at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He last sailed in 1996 aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Sapp makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. ROBERTH. STUVERUD, 56, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Seattle, first sailing aboard the to make port by 5 p.m. had to anchor out and wait overnight for Quarantine inspection the next morning. Even more affected were ships that came into port on a Saturday night since they had to hold over until Monday morning. Then gangs of longshoremen hired to handle the ship's cargo would be idle until the ship docked. It's been estimated that 40 percent of the shipping entering New York harbor is affected by the delays. THIS MO.NTH l.N SIU HISTORY t954 The often cussed overnight waits by crews arriving in U.S. ports before clearing Quarantine appear to be at an end. The Senate has completed action on a bill permitting shipping companies to pay overtime for inspections between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. The bill was supported by all shipping companies and port interests as a means of eliminating expensive delays in port. Up until now, any freighter or tanker that failed August 1999 1982 The officers and SIU crew of the USNS Southern Cross were honored in Washington, D.C. recently by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping for their "humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese refugees adrift in the South China Sea during late September 1981." The USNS Southern Cross, part of the SIU Government Services Division fleet operated by the Military Sealift Command, Pacific, picked up 58 desperate "boat people" from a small 35-foot boat on July 15, 1981 while en route from Subic Bay, the Philippines, to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. At the time, their actions were lauded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Singapore .... On the small boat were 18 men, 13 women and 2 7 children. Bangor. Born in Washington, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1989. Brother Stuverud last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. He has retired to Seattle. the U.S. Army. He last sailed in 1984 aboard an Interstate Oil Co. vessel. Boatman Mason has retired to Salisbury, Md. EDUARDO TOMAS, 73, first sailed with the SIU in 1991 in the port of Honolulu aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A native of Hawaii, he worked in all three departments, last sailing as a deck engine utility. Brother Tomas upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1945 to 1948, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Sea-Land Pacific. Waipahu, Hawaii is where he calls home. ARTHUR P. O'NEILL, 67, began his career with the Seafarers in 1987 from the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman O'Neill last sailed aboard a Crowley American Transport vessel. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He calls Philadelphia home. INLAND HENRYM. FOSTER, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Foster last sailed as a captain aboard an Express Marine vessel. He makes his home in Pinetown, N.C. RICHARD MASON, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1956. The Maryland native sailed as a captain. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1961 to 1963, he served in PATRICKW. THOMAS SR., 65, started his career with the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. A native of Texas, he sailed as a captain. During his career, he attended an educational conference at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Thomas last sailed aboard the Helen Moran, operated by Moran Towing Co. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Port Arthur. GREAT LAKES GLENNH. CONRAD, 71, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1949. Born in Iowa, he worked as a member of the deck department. From 1951to1953, he served in the U.S. Army. He last sailed in 1981 aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel. Brother Conrad calls Dubuque, Iowa home. American Victory Headed for Tampa The group that is pearheading the effort to convert the historic ship American Victory into a floating museum announced the vessel will arrive in Tampa this month. The Victory Ship, Inc. also recently said it has secured several sizable donations from Florida shipyards, publications and other businesses for use in the project. Built in 1945, the American Victory has been part of the U.S. Reserve Fleet on Virginia's James River since the end of the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU member , the 454-foot vessel was one of more than 500 Victory ships that debuted near the end of World War II. During Vietnam, it wa operated by Hudson Waterway Corp. The Victory Ship, Inc., which took possession of the vessel via an act of Congress, has indicated that the museum "will honor all mariners who served our country in times of war and peace. The American Victory will provide an educational and entertaining maritime experience to visitors." Plans call for the ship to be moored next to The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa's Channelside District. Joint ticketing with the aquarium is in the works. For more information, contact The Victory Ship, Inc. at 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL. 33602; or telephone (813) 2288766; or visit them on the web at http://www.americanvictory.org. U.S. merchant mariners who sailed between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 may be eligible for certain veterans' benefits. See page 14 for additional information. Seafarers LOG 17 _....... �final Departures DEEP SEA ENOS E. ALLEN Pensioner Enos E. Allen, 76, passed away May 20. Born in Canada, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New t...L..O"---""'---"- Orlean . Brother Allen sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. A resident ?f. Novato, Calif., he began receivmg his pension in April 1988. ~.,_,...,,...._=""_ ____, EDWARD L. ATKINS Pen ioner Edward L. Atkins, 74, died June 8. Brother Atkins began sailing with the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. His first 1..---~--- ship was the John H.B. Latrobe. A native of Virginia, he worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in January 1987, he worked on the Borinquen, operated by Puerto Ri~o Marine Management. Brother Atkins was a resident of Baltimore. CLARA B. BENNETT Pensioner Clara B. Bennett, 96, passed away June 22. A native o~ Texas, she began her SIU career m 1951 in the port of New Orleans. Sister Bennett sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Picayune, Miss., she began receiving her pension in April 1968. ISAIAS F. CAMBRONERO Pensioner Isaias F. Cambronero, 71, died June 14. Born in Costa Rica, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New Orleans, first sailing aboard the Del Sud. He started out in the steward department and later transferre.d to the engine department, upgrading to QMED at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Cambronero, who retired in August 1982, resided in Terrytown, La. ~--=----. Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in July 1987, he sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Grimes lived in Virginia Beach, Va. LEROY GULLEY ..----=-----,Pensioner Leroy Gulley, 85, pas ed away May 14. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU as a charter member in December 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Gulley sailed in the steward department and attended an educational conference at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in February 1975. MICHAEL A. HALL Michael A. Ha11, 28, died May 8. Brother Hall graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education entry proL......s.......::;~~......_____J gram and joined the SIU in 1992 in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the USNS Persistent, operated by U.S. Marine Management, Inc. A native of Maryland, he worked in the deck department and frequently upgra~ed his skills at the school. He last sailed aboard the USNS Antares, a Bay Ship Management Co. vessel. Brother Hall was a resident of Glen Burnie, Md. FREDH.HEAD Pensioner Fred H. Head, 70, passed away May 26. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the American Victory. The Alabama native sailed in the engine department and_ upgrade?. his skills at the union's trammg facility in Piney Point. Md. Prior to his retirement in March 1994, he worked aboard the USNS Denebola, a Bay Ship Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Head lived in Scotland, Conn. JOHN T. KELLY Pensioner John T. Kelly, 76, died May 7. Brother Kelly began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the EUGENE CROWLEY Pensioner Eugene Crowley, 83, passed away March 18. Brother Crowley joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of '"--"'----' New York. A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and began receiving bis pension in September 1976. Brother Crowley was a resident of Naples, Fla. WILLIAM E. GRIMES Pensioner William E. Grimes, 75, died May 6. He joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Norfolk Va. The North t.__ ___:::::..___ ___, Carolina native sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the tB Seafarers LOG ______._.....,...____ ___.~ Minot Victory. The New York native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills to quartermaster at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Gulf Banker, an All Marine Services, Ltd. vessel. He retired in September 1990 and made his home in Bethlehem, Pa. Brother Kelly was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. ARTHUR J. McGINNIS L____::..___ _ ___, Pen ioner Arthur J. McGinnis, 73, pas ed away May 20. Born in Connecticut, he joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., graduating from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. A resident of Metairie, La., he started receiving his pension in May 1988. HAROLD H. McVAY - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Harold H. McVay, 86, died May 2. A native of Ohio, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of Mobile, Ala. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was ~ctive i~ uni?n organizing drives. Pnor to his retirement in March 1981, he worked aboard the Portland, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother McVay made his home in Seattle. JOHN NIEMIERA Pensioner John Niemiera, 73, passed away May 16. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Niemiera sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Jacksonville, Fla., he began receiving his pension in August 1984.. During World War II, he served m the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. ~---=----, JOHN H. PONSON Pensioner John H. Ponson, 77, died May 31. Brother Ponson first sailed with the SIU in 1943 from the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department as a chief cook. Prior to retiring in May 1984, he sailed aboard the Del Norte, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. Brother Ponson was a resident of Metairie, La. JOHN C. REED JR. Pensioner John C. Reed Jr., 79, passed away April 3. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. ILE:i:...::..L.............'--'a.- Born in Montana, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarer Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated fro~ the steward recertification program m 1981. A resident of Des Moines, Iowa, Brother Reed began receiving his pension in November 1983. -~---. JOHN T. STATIDS Pensioner John T. Stathis, 72, passed away May 18. Born in California, he began hi sailing career in the 1940s and joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. His first s?ip wa the Matsonia. Brother Stathis came ashore in 1961 as a union repre entative and served as port agent in Portland, Ore. A resident of Carmichael, Calif., he began receiving his pension in February 1976. FRANK RIDRIGS Pensioner Frank Ridrigs, 73, died May 18. A native of Maryland, he graduated from the Andrew F_m:useth Training School in 1962 and JOmed the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship wa the Chi/ore. Brother Ridrig worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in November 1993, he sailed aboard the Global Mariner, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Baltimore. RAMON L. VARGAS Pensioner Ramon L. Vargas, 71, died May 15. Brother Vargas first sailed with the MC&S in 1952 aboard the President Van Buren, an American President Lines vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in February 1978, he sailed on the Illinois. Brother Vargas made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ALFREDO C. VARONA Pen ioner Alfredo C. Varona, 64, passed away May 27. A native of the Philippines, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. His fir t ship was the Overseas Ulla, operated by Maritime Overseas Corp. Brother Varona worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in January 1998. Barge Lines and joined the SIU in L960 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Samuel sailed as a captain. A resident of Paulsboro, N.J., he began receiving his pension in January 1964. He also was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. JOHN D. SPUEHLER Pensioner John D. Spuehler, 72, passed away May 30. He joined the Seafarers in L97 4 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A native of ..___ _,__ .....__IL..__, New York, he sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in May 1989, Boatman Spuehler signed off a Crowley Towing and Tran port Co. vessel. From 1944 to 1953, he served in the U.S . Navy. He made his home in Jacksonville. ~--....,,,,.,,=,.--. GREAT LAKES ROBERT E. CROTTY Pensioner Robert E. Crotty, 72, died April 15. Brother Crotty first sailed with the SIU in 1947. Born in Texas, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. He was a resident of Chicago and started receiving his pension in December 1988. FRANK F. WALKER HUSSEIN A. SAID Pensioner Frank F. Walker, 88, died April 12. Born in Montana, h~ started hi career with the MC&S m 1941 . He worked as a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in August 1973, he sailed aboard the Mariposa. Brother Walker made his home in Spokane, Wash. Pensioner Hussein A. Said, 59, passed away May 25. Born in Arabia, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his kills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in February 1997, he sailed aboard the H. Lee White, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Said made his home in his native Yemen. ELSA R. WILSON Pensioner Elsa R. Wilson, 88, passed away May 27. Sister Wilson joined the MC&S in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Germany, she sailed in the teward department and began receiving her pension in May 1977. She was a resident of Santa Cruz, Calif. INLAND ROBIE J. HALL Pensioner Robie J. Hall, 85, died April 21. Born in Virg~nia , he ?egan his SIU sailing career m 1968 m the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman -~all worked as an engineer, last sailmg aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. During the World War II years of 1942 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Heathsville, Va., he began receiving his pension in November 1978. RICHARD K. MORRELL! Richard K. Morrelli, 43, passed away April 6. Boatman Morrelli first sailed with the Seafarers in 1996. Born in California, he worked as a captain , last ailing aboard an American Workboat vessel. He was a re ident of Kaneohe, Hawaii. JAMES M. SAMUEL ,----......,...~ ........,............._~- Pen ioner James M. Samuel, 87, died May 11. Born in Virginia, he began his sailing career in 1927, working for Gellenthin SALEH A. SALEH Saleh A. Saleh, 49, passed away May 1. Born in Yemen, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. Brother Saleh rw worked as a member of the deck department, last sailing aboard the St. Clair, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Dearborn, Mich. LEHAM J. TEEPLE Pensioner Leham J. Teeple, 78, died January 5. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the SIU in 1961 working as a dredgeman aboard ves el operated by Dunbar and Sullivan. A resident of Bay Mills, Mich., Brother Teeple started receiving his pension in February 1982. GORDON L. TRAINOR Pen ioner Gordon L. Trainor, 78, passed away April 16. Born in . Canada, he joined the Seafarers m 1964 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. Brother Trainor sailed as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He made his home in St. Ignace, Mich. and retired in April 1986 . August 1999 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard 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. SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land Service), March 20-Chairman Lothar G. Reck, Secretary Lito G. Acosta, Educational Director Robert Mayer. Chairman stated ship assisted Coast Guard in search of Cessna plane downed in ocean 345 miles northeast of Maui. He noted new TV in crew lounge and reminded everyone to rewind movies when through. Secretary encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., especially those without fire fighting endorsements. Treasurer announced $150 in ship's fund to be used for barbecues. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), April 19-Chairman Dan Fleehearty, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Ronald Belcher, Deck Delegate. R.J. O'Connell, Engine Delegate J. Haidir, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Curle . Chairman announced pa off on arrival in Tacom ash. He reminded crew bers to separate plastic from trash in rooms and check with union rep before leaving. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to allow crew members to bring spouses on board. EA-LAND QUALITY (SeaLa ervice), April 18Chairman us Koutouros, Secretary Fran yn J. Cordero, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Larry Garvin, Engine Delegate James E. Sieger, Steward Delegate Tracey Newsome. Chairman announced new lounge chair, microwave oven and washing machine on order. Still need two gangway safety nets. He reminded crew to observe safety practices on deck, particularly when ship is working cargo. He also said to wear hard hat and reflection vest in terminal when not immediately going ashore. Educational director stressed importance of taking all medications and drinking plenty of fluids to remain healthy. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Elizabeth, N .J. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), April 21Chairman Jay C. Dillon, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director DiMarko Shoulders, Deck Delegate George P. Barber, Engine Delegate Ahmed Alaidares, Steward Delegate Munasser T. Omer. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. Crew laundry deck to be repaired there. Educational director suggested everyone keep up-to-date with all paperwork required for shipping: benzene card, STCW, TRB. No beefs or disputed OT. LOGs received in Yokohama, Japan. President's report from LOG and letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding days off read at shipboard meeting. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department to have fixed crew of stand- August 1999 bys for all departments waiting in Long Beach. Crew discussed possibility of getting shuttle bu in port of Pusan, South Korea to take mariners to gate. New VCR for crew lounge requested. Next ports: Long Beach and Panama. USNS REGULUS (Bay Shipping Corp.), April 28-Chairman Wilfredo C. Rice, Secretary Wayne Howard, Educational Director Marc Poniatowski, Deck Delegate Arthur Machado, Engine Delegate Allen J. Pettis, Steward Delegate Siu L. Chan. Chairman reminded crew of no smoking rule on mess decks. He noted ship sailing to Hawaii in June. Upon return in July, it will dock in Violet, La. Educational director advi ed all members to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made and sent to contracts department to have spouses' prescriptions covered under health benefits. Vote of thanks given to all departments. USNS YANO (Bay Shipping Corp.), April 25-Chairman John Wolfe, Secretary Mohamed Abdelfattah, Deck Delegate Randy Powell, Engine Delegate Stephen R. Harrington, Steward Delegate John Nunez. Chairman reported vessel in Persian Gulf for i ur on h . e advi e crew t drink lots of water and be careful when going ashore. He also reminded them of no smoking in cargo holds. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Situation of expired stores to be looked into. Next port: Dubai, UAE. CLEVELAND (Sealift), May 3Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Dennis Swords, Deck Delegate Robert Trahan, Engine Delegate Lenzy Barney Jr., Steward Delegate Julio Arzu. Chairman thanked everyone for doing good job, especially cleaning cargo holds. Secretary reminded those getting off to leave rooms tidy with clean linen, towels and bath soap. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of educational facilitie at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $60 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and keeping ship clean. Next port: New Orleans, La. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), May 223-Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Lee N. Frazier, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine Delegate Charles Earl Bibbs, Steward Delegate Joyce Bernardez. Chairman stated all going well aboard Liberty Star. He said he was very happy to be part of such a good crew and hoped all would continue to work safely. Secretary announced payoff in New Orleans, La. May 17. Treasurer announced $145 in ship's fund. He reminded crew members of importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and contributing to SPAD. Some disputed OT reported in deck depart- ment. No beefs or OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department of need for medical plan to issue ID cards. Vote of thanks to teward department for good service. LNG ARIES (PRONAV), May 6--Chairman Monte Pereira, Secretary Robert Brown, Educational Director Jose A. Quinones, Deck Delegate Angel L. Perez, Engine Delegate David Dinan. Secretary reminded everyone to do jobs as usual and not pay attention to rumors about reflagging LNG ships. No final word announced. Educational director advi ed crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,846 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to evenly split fund among all on board if and when ves el is reflagged. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate Perez reminded ABs to keep taking on stores after docking until properly relieved. Message from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read at meeting concerning PRONAV reflagging ituation. Crew told of recent changes made by PRONAV: no more Horizon air mail after July 1 and restriction of crew to direct flights to and from ves el. Vote of thanks given to steward department for putting on fea t every night. Next port: Tobata, Japan. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management), May 20-Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Michael A. Pooler, Educational Director Nicholas Vieira, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson Ill, Engine Delegate Antonio Simon, Steward Delegate Lawrence E. Winfield. Chairman led discussion on need for STCW endorsements in order to sail after February 1, 2002. He reported to crew on NMU now being able to take advantage of training facilities at Pin Point and impres ed upon everyone how important it is to bring all certifications up to date. Secretary has new movies, thanks to some crew members. Educational director echoed statements by chairman on need to continue upgrading skills. No beefs or di puted OT reported. Ship to lay up in Wilmington, N.C. for repairs . All hands will stay on board. New lines on bow and stem needed. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Baltimore. OVERSEAS OHIO (Alaska Tanker Co.), May 2-Chairman Tim Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliot, Deck Delegate Carl Sands, Engine Delegate Mike McNally. Chairman reported on Tacoma port agent's visit to ship and held discussion on news regarding shipping arrangements with new company. Payoff announced for San Francisco at which time more information will be available about any contract changes, including company's low transportation rates. Educational director noted that with increased emphasis on training in tanker industry, crew members should enhance credentials by taking necessary upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters to have union lobbyists work with legislators to amend OPA '90 work-hour rules to say "no more than 15 hours a day" rather than "no more than 36 hours in a 72hour period." Crew expres ed gratitude to steward department for fine fare. Next port: El Segundo, Calif. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (Sea-Land Service), May 26Chairman Hayden Gifford, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Deck Delegate Manolo V. Delos Santos, Engine Delegate Robert Harder. Chairman reminded crew members to be aware of and not forget to apply for additional benefit following completion of commitment. Secretary noted four new mattresses brought aboard this voyage. Four more will be ordered each time consumable stores are ordered until all crew members aboard ship but also at home. Treasurer stated two new picnic tables now on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez in answer to previous question regarding pension plan. He also read article from LOG about money purchase pension plan. Suggestions forwarded to contracts department regarding reducing amount of time needed for retirement and extending vacation time. Fresh Sashimi, Anyone? Peter Schmitt, chief steward aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez proudly shows off his latest catch. The 30-pound big-eye tuna was caught using live mackerel as bait, a heavy duty Penn Senator 11 reel and 100-pound test line. Schmitt says, ''The fishing out here is the best I've ever seen." The Lopez is one of four AMSEA mjlitary prepositioned ships based in Saipan. receive one. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thank for great food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), May 9-Chairman Noberto Prats, Secretary Pedro Laboy, Engine Delegate Jorge E. Bermeo, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Chairman advised SIU members to upgrade skills and get better jobs. Educational director agreed, telling crew to apply for course needed to keep up with indu try. No beefs or disputed OT rep.orted. Special vote of thanks given to Steward Laboy for good job keeping crew happy and well fed. Next port: Elizabeth, NJ. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), May 4-Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director James Roberts, Deck Delegate Robert J. Milici, Steward Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. Sanitary inspection went well and everything running smoothly. Crew members asked to return all movies before arrival in port. They also were encouraged to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to reduce number of days needed for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), May 21Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Keith Jordan Sr., Deck Delegate Danny Miller, Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford Elliott. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. and thanked deck gang for hard work keeping hip looking it best. He wished everyone a safe vacation-and good ailing to departing apprentices. Educational director reminded crew about advantage of upgrading at Paul Hall Center, particularly when new fire fighting chool opens. Fire can strike any time, any place, not only Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; and Hawaii. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), May 8-Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Joe Holzinger, Deck Delegate Norm Taylor, Engine Delegate Eric L. Campbell, Steward Delegate Nathalie Norie. Educational director spoke about taking advantage of many free educational opportunities available at Piney Point and chance to bring families there while upgrading. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; none in deck or steward departments. Bosun reviewed president's report from April LOG, including new cruise ship, Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School and U.S.-built double-hulled tankers. Vote carried to reimburse crew member from ship's fund to cover cost of missing clothing from laundry room. Clarification reque ted on amount of taxes taken out of vacation check and why retirement pension has not been raised since 1987 to account for inflation. Chairman complimented steward department for keeping ship dean and serving very good meals and extra treats. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; and Honolulu, Hawaii. SGT MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), May 2Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director Jerald Graham, Deck Delegate Robert A. Hudas, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines Jr., Steward Delegate Clarence Robinson. On behalf of captain, chairman thanked crew for patience. Ship went into yard in Newport News, Va., but shipyard worker went on strike so vessel sailed to Blount Island in Jacksonville, Fla. to get some work done. Vessel now returning to shipyard. Educational director noted that all eligible crew members should attend Paul Hall Center to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked engine department for keeping everything running smoothly in galley and teward department, in turn, was thanked for job well done. Next port: Norfolk, Va. Sealamrs LOii 19 - �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes On-Site Training for Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course Tankerman (PIC) Barge - With their instructor, Mitch Oakley (front right), boatmen who completed the tankerman (PIC) barge class on May 14 are (in no specific order) Elijah T. Collins, Curtis A. Hintze, Sterling J. Adams, Louis Perez Jr., Ted North, Floyd Ellis, Leo M. Venegas, William V. Hudgins Jr., Paul R. McCread, Derek Ross, Samuel Scott, Bob Borcester, Michael Rosenthal, Stephen K. Thompson, Michael John White and James J. Boyce Sr. Advanced Fire Fighting - Upgrading SIU members completing the advanced fire fighting course on May 21 are (from left, kneeling) William Bryan, Richard Buchanan, Fitzgerald Joseph, Vern Andrews, Ali Al-Kassemi, David MacCollister, Jonn Noel, (second row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Mathew Sandy, Charles Washington, Lawrence Griffiths, Gloria Detiege, Lothar Wick, Mary Ann Schade, Janusz Smolik, Curtis Jackson, Jamie Landeira, Roger Ollivierre, Roy Martinez, Nestor Ramirez and Robert Rogers. Philadelphia, Pa., January 12-15 - Maritrans boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course include Sherrie Fuller, Jim Serrell, Anthony Mathews, Gregory Lynch, Michael MacNeil and James Rudin. Their instructor is Mitch Oakley. Philadelphia, Pa., January 26-29 - More Maritrans boatmen completing this course in Philadelphia are John Peden, Melissa Terry, Aaron Findley, Jeffrey Hardy, William Taylor, Andrew Lyon, Luis Sosa, Bryan Kosegi, Lincoln Fraser, William White, Jerry Willis, William Eden, Phillip Yeomans and Kenneth Johnson (from Penn Maritime). Instructor Mitch Oakley is seated. Lake Charles, La., February 16-19 - Boatmen working aboard Crowley equipment in Lake Charles who completed the on-site course include Howard Clark, Jerry Fontenot, Larry Gaston, William Travis, Frank Aronsen and Michael Sanchez. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Receiving their certificates for completing the tanker familiarization/assistant DL course on May 28 are (from left, kneeling) Sean Cripps, David Gray, Rafael Clemente, Charles Hobbs, James Pierce , Gregorio Clotter, Wilfredo Acevedo, (second row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), William Thomas, Demetrius Simmons, Christopher Kicey, Patricia Geras, Raymond Oglesby, Edward Nelson, Wilfred Jones, William Sheehan and Clarence Fortt. Water Survival - Practicing their water survival skills are (in left boat) Brett Parkins, Mitchell Gustafson Jr., Melvin Ratcliff, Mohamed Mosa, Tina Larson, Kris Anderson , Jess Chalker, Amin Ali, (middle boat) David Green, Kevin Johnson, Robert Parker, Tawnia Stucker, George Travis, George Kankam, Susais Ali, (right lifeboat) Sales Amed, Raheem Owens, Cas Garza, Ernie Evangelista, Wayne Abell, Rashad King and Angel Melendez. 20 Seafarers LOG Government Vessels - Marking completion of the government vessels course on June 4 are (from left, kneeling) Daniel Buffington, Anthony Jordan, Joshua Davenport, Samuel McDaniel, Cole Bridwell, Joseph Sotelo, Christopher Ledlow, (second row) Mark Case (instructor), Tom Larusso, Hazel Galbiso, Clifton Doonis, Aaron Thomas, Nabil Ahmed, Christopher Barrow, Kwasi Manu, Timothy Bixby, Joel Encarnacion, Michael Snow and Tim Kager. August 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes .i' . J Chief Cook - Completing one of the required modules in the chief cook course are (from left) Jann Noel, Cleotilde Mejia, John Agugliaro, John Dobson (instructor), Dulip Sookhiram, Bienvenido Pagan, Alba Ayala and Jasper Jackson. STCW Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the water survival class necessary for their STCW endorsements are (from left, kneeling) Hazel Galbiso, Tina Larson, Jason Bonefont, Lolita Thomas, Ali Al-Kassemi, Ben Cusic (instructor); (second row) Bernie Hutchins, Wayne Abell, Curtis Isaac, Edward Nelson, Ruben Siclot, Sean Cripps, Jamahl Fadigo, (third row) Arnulfo Calderon, Basil Waldron, Louis Morris, Jay Linx, Eric Van Benthuysen and Wilfred Jones. STCW Safety and Fire Fighting - Upgrading graduates of the STCW safety and fire fighting course are (from left) Stormie Combs (instructor), Arnulfo Calderon, Basil Waldron, Lolita Thomas, Eric Van Benthuysen, Ruben Siclot, Bernie Hutchins, Curtis Isaac and Wayne Abell. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Radar - With help from instructor Mike Smith (standing), students completing the radar class on June 18 are Samuel McGuire, Mathew Sandy, Jerome North, Horatiu Vintila, James Pierce, David Lupton and Raymond Fernandez. Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on June 25 are (from left, first row) Monty Smith, Kwasi Manu, Anthony Simon, Admed Sharif, Roland Perreault, Michael Kennedy, (second row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Kenneth Salgado, Victor Harvey, Edric Hernandez, Rachel Sanner, Jason Pratt, Ray Avie Jr., Adel Alameri, Bert Reynolds, Randy Ledesma, Shaib Juma, Dennis Wilson, (third row) Peter Czichomski, Melton Sam, John Barut, Billy Pinkston, Edward Devlin and Jerry Leonard. FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements on June 11 are (from left, kneeling) George Murphy Jr., Luis Alvarez, Elaine Watts, Joey Canlas, Courtney Price, Adedeji Adegunwa, Ameon Fuller, Brad Neathery, Anthony Neathery, Lewis O'Neal, (second row) Mark Jones (instructor), Charles Valencia, Arnido Sindac, Emmanuel Adeoti, Jose Liwag, Peter Poree Jr., James Van Dyke, Andre Terrell, Rohmy Butler, Hassan Mohamed, Christopher Sykes, Jaime Velasquez, (third row) Dean Macfarlane, Nigel Jefferson, Robert Racanelli, Paul Maitoza, Gregory Vliek, Terrance Maxwell, Jonathan Ncuokeh and David Ayou. August 1999 Seafarers LOB 21 �Letters to the Editor (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Remember Voting Records When Electing Leglslators Peter Salvo wrote about the unfair treatment received by American merchant marine veterans of World War II [June 1999 Seafarers LOG]. The American merchant seaman has never received fair and equal treatment since 1775. He wrote that Pennsylvania paid a $500 bonus to each state veteran after WWII. The great state of New York paid only $250. WWII American merchant seamen were finally declared veterans in 1988, but they did not get full GI bill benefits. Those ended in 1965. What they did get was too little, too late. A few states, Louisiana for one, have given a one-time bonus. For the past four years, I have worked tirelessly to obtain a $250 recognition bonus for New York AMMV WWII survivors. Each year, the bill was introduced into both houses of the New York state legislature but died in committee. Last January, Senator Marchi and Assemblywoman Connelly introduced the bill again. New York state AMMV members wrote letters and made phone calls. We were assisted in this effort by other maritime and veterans' organizations. Guess what? Once again, the bills died in committee. Election time is around the comer. I hope that every merchant seaman, whether a veteran, retired, inactive or active, will inform legislators from coast to coast that regardless of political affiliation, we will vote only for those who support the cause of the American merchant seaman. In addition, I hope that merchant marine veterans from coast to coast will demand that every state award a one-time recognition bonus to those who served in WWII-now, in this lifetime! Yes, we merchant marine veterans are still waiting, and unless we all stand together with firm determination, we shall continue to wait into eternity. Gloria Flora Nicolich PR Officer, American Merchant Marine Veterans Brooklyn, N. Y. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, EIN 94-6061923, Plan No. OOI, for the year ended July 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the trust. Plan expenses were $14,152,499. These expenses included $929,782 in administrative expenses and $13,222,717 in benefits paid to participant and beneficiaries. A total of 4,953 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $156,888, 193 as of July 3 I, 1998, compared to $154,916,757 as of August 1, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net asset of $1,971,436. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $16,123,935 including employer contributions of $24,928, realized gains of $1,795,754 from the sale of investments, earnings from investments of $14,298,988 and other income of $4,265. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standard of BRISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An independent auditor's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Che ter Hazel, administrative manager, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104; telephone (415) 495-6882. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full annual report, or 25 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on reque t and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104 and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the DOL upon payment of copying costs. Reque ts to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, Room N-5507, Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC. This is a summary of the annual report of the SlU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., E.1.N. 941431246, Plan No.501, for the year ended July 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. has committed itself to pay all supplemental benefit claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $3,143,615 as of July 31,1998, compared to $3,097 ,064 as of August 1, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $46,551. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $6,092,305 including employer contributions of $5,832,348, earnings from investments of $188,316 and other income of $71,641. Plan expenses were $6,045,754. These expenses included $220,576 in admini trative expenses and $5,825, 178 in benefits paid to participants. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: l. An independent auditor's report; 2. assets held for investment; and 3. transaction in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Chester Hazel, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104; telephone (415) 495-6882. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full annual report, or 25 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on reque t and at no charge, a statement of the as et and liabilities of the plan and accompanying note , or a tatement of income and expen es of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, the e two statement and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying co ts given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because the e portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104, and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the DOL upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addres ed to: Public Disclosure Room, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, Room N-55C7, Washington, DC 20210. 22 Seafarers LOii Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the tru tees in charge of these funds sha11 equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's hipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employer , they hould notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper addre s for this is: carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIO SPAD. SPAD is a separate segre- EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained gated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with uch objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solici·ted or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by member hip action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all time , either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Member hould know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believe that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If August 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The fo11owing is the schedule for etas. es from Augustw through the end of the year at the Paul Han Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. wm Recertification Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification August23 October 4 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) August 2 September 27 November 1 August 20 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting August2 September 27 October 18 November 22 August 6 October 1 October 22 November26 Advanced Firefighting August2 September 13 Novembers August 13 September 24 November19 Government Vessels August 16 September 6 September 27 November 1 November8 November29 September 3 September 24 October 15 November 19 November 26 December 17 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 9 September 6 October 4 November 1 November29 August 20 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) August2 August 9 August30 September 20 September 27 October 25 November 1 Novembers ovember 22 November29 December 13 August 6 August 13 September 3 September 24 October 1 October 29 November 5 November 12 ovember 26 December3 December 17 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Radar Observer/Unlimited August9 September 4 August20 September 15 Radar Recertification (one day) August 19 October 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids August 23 October 18 (ARPA) August 28 October23 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oil r August9 October 11 September 17 November 19 September 20 October 29 September 13 December 3 Power Plant Maintenance September 27 Novembers Refrigeration Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 Maintenance I Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date Galley 0 tions/ perations Advanced Gal e (Every week, starting ~ August2,9,16,23,30 September 6, 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 18, 25 11) Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week, starting Jan.11) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and August 9, 23 ep ember 6, 20 October 4, 18 Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. ------~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ Arrl.lllHI nn1 ,,,. JI Tlnll IUll 11n~n JI ft Ill~ UrUIJHUlllU With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seati.me for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The pavment should be made with a monev order only. payable to LMSS. Name Address COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 No Firefighting: D Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes 0 No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - August 1999 SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwi e quali fied, of any race, nationality or ex. The chool complies with applicable Jaws with regard to admission, access or treatment of student in its program or activitie . 8199 Seafarers LOB 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan -page22 SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. -page22 S-L Integrity Crew Enjoys Run to Nortliem EW'Ope There were no complaints when the Sea-Lcmd Integrity paid off recently in Elizabeth, N.J. There were, however, compliments given to the steward department for the outstanding job they performed and the delicious meals they prepared. It was a good run to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for the crew members aboard the SeaLand containership, and AB Pedro Lopez snapped these photos during the voyage. The vessel will head south to Norfolk, Va. before crossing the Atlantic again and then return to Boston and Elizabeth to complete its monthly run. All crew members on the Sea-Land Integrity agree that the steward department does an outstanding job. From the left are Chief Steward Stephanie Sizemore, Chief Cook Luis Ruiz and GU Kevin M. Brown. AB Phillip A. Morris steers a straight course at sea. DEU Ali S. Mohsin (left) and AB Pedro Lopez secure deck equipment. Prior to docking, AB Nelson R. Rodriguez checks that the winch is working properly. Chief Electrician Dennis R. Baker looks for some reading material aboard ship. ... AB Robert S. Vazquez prepares a winch for docking in the port of Rotterdam. Taking a 15-minute coffee break aboard the Sea-Land containership is Bosun Leon AB Pedro Lopez puts on a brake to disengage the winch aboard the Sea-Land Integrity. As the vessel approaches the port in Rotterdam, AB Earnest Oxendine prepares for docking. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEN. ROBB: STRONG MERCHANT MARINE IS CRITICAL TO THIS NATION’S DEFENSE ALLEGED SEX ASSAULTS DISCLOSD BY CARNIVAL SEAFARERS’ WAGES, BENEFITS INCREASE UNDER NEW FIVE-YEAR T-AGOS PACT SIU-CREWED USNS BOB HOPE COMPLETES BALKAN OPERATION MAERSK ACQUIRES SEA-LAND’S INTERNATIONAL FLEET BOATMENT AT MARITIRANS AMERICAN WORKBOATS RATIFY NEW CONTRACTS BOSUN TEDDY BUSH PASSES AWAY AT 38 STEELWORKERS HOPEFUL OF RESOLUTION IN NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING STRIKE RELAXED ASSESSMENT ENTERS HOME STRETCH LABOR HAILS GOV’T CONTRACTING REFORMS ALASKA TANKER SIGNS PACT WITH SEAFARERS GAO REPORT: ALASKAN OIL EXPORTS INCREASE U.S. MARINER EMPLOYMENT NEW BEDFORD REMAINS A TOP FISHING PORT RUNAWAY-FLAG CRUISE LINE ADMITS DUMPING TOXIX CHEMICALS IN NEW YORK, MIAMI, L.A. PAUL HALL CENTER CERTIFIED AS AUTHORIZED PROVIDER OF CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS AB BROSIUS RECEIVES SAFETY AWARD ELECTRICIAN EARNS DEGREE AFTER 8 YEARS OF STUDY LEGAL DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES TAX EXEMPT STATUS FOR SEAFARERS IN ARABIAN GULF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPS CREATE MORE UNWANTED HEADLINES FOUR TONS OF COCAINE SEIZED FROM FREIGHTER; TANKER DETAINED IN L.A. FOR SAFETY VIOLATIONS UNION LABEL URGES MEMBERS TO HELP STOP ‘SAIPAN SCAM’ ITF LAUNCHES NEW COMMISSION TO REFORM SHIPPING REGULATION ELECTRONIC MEDIUM’S GROWTH CHALLENGES INFO SEEKERS CAPT. BOOTH HEADS NMC 1999 AOTOS AWARDS GO TO TRANSCOM AND MARINE TRANSPORT LINE’S RICHARD DUMOULIN SIU LAUDS AMMV CHAPTER AT MEMORIAL DEDICATION DEDICATIONS ‘EMBRACE OUR PAST WHILE WORKING FOR THE FUTURE’ BUILDINGS NAMED IN MEMORY OF TOM FAY, BULL SHEPARD REMINDER TO WWII MARINERS S-L INTEGRITY CREW ENJOYS RUN TO NORTHERN EUROPE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 8 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2d8fb02819d093572006512e66c42849.pdf 3e2da54f1673e96fd12ce66f2fbeb17e PDF Text Text September 1999 . SIU Will Crew Nieuw Amsterdam When Ship Transfers To U.S. Flag In 2000 The Nieuw Amsterdam will become part of the American Hawaii Cruises fleet next year, joining the SS Independence, which just celebrated its 1oooth voyage (see story, page 24). Page 3. More Jobs Acquired By Alaska Tanker Co. 5 ARCO Ships, Plus 2 Others Increase Fleet to 16 Newest MSC Roll-on/Roll-off Christened In San Diego Seafarers Due to Climb Gangway In November _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page3 Global Link Gets the Job Done After completing a three-month cable-laying job overseas, the SIU-crewed Global Link recently returned to its berth in Baltimore. A recent visit to the ship found AB Geronimo Gonzales (pictured here) and the other crew members readying the ship for its next assignment. Pages 12-13. ...___ ___________ �President's Report Talks Continue Last June, representatives from our union began talks with officials from the NMU on the possibility of their union merging with ours. At that time, I promised to keep you informed on the progress of those meetings. The negotiations are proceeding very well. In the few months since the initial gathering took place in the conference room at our headquarters, the group has met several times. They have formed subcommittees which are looking Michael Sacco into topics that affect members from both unions such as seniority, job security and training and upgrading. More meetings are scheduled this month. As I have reported, the example we are following is the one set when the Marine Cooks & Stewards merged with the SIU in 1978. Like the NMU, the MC&S was an autonomous affiliate of the Sill. The MC&S elected its own officials, operated under its own constitution and negotiated its own contracts. Then the time came when its officials felt it would be in the best interest of the union and its members to become part of the Sill. A document of merger was drafted between the MC&S and the Sill. That statement was presented to the members of both unions, who studied it, then voted to accept it. Regarding the NMU, our two unions have several mutual interests which have allowed us to work with each other. Already, Seafarers and NMU members are studying and upgrading side-by-side at the Paul Hall Center. This effort has worked out much better than anyone could have imagined. It has been a wonderful opportunity for the members to realize how much they truly have in common. In last month's Seafarers LOG, we announced the new contract with the Alaska Tanker Co. This marks the first time Seafarers and NMU members will be sailing aboard vessels operated by the same company. Each step that has been taken since the NMU affiliated with the Seafarers has met with success. We already have moved further in the relationship between our two unions than at any other time in our history. That is why I am confident that future reports to you will reflect even more positive news. Lane Kirkland Last month, we learned of the passing of a truly great man, tremendous labor leader and friend to me and all of us in the SIU -retired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. Brother Kirkland held the highest position in the national labor federation from 1979 to 1995. While I was fortunate to have served with him as a vice president of the AFL-CIO during his last four years in office, I worked with him for many years on a variety of issues, organizing efforts and picket lines before that. Lane was a true believer in the working people of this country and of the world. He got his start as a deck officer in the U.S. merchant marine when World War II began. He understood the needs and concerns of mariners and pushed for programs to help the U.S.-flag fleet. Lane will forever be remembered by the public for reunifying the labor movement in the United States while providing support for the fledgling Solidarity movement in Poland that eventually led to the fall of the Soviet Iron Curtain. However, I will always remember Lane as being there throughout his career without question or pause for his fellow mariners. I will miss my shipmate very much. Volume 61, Number 9 September 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~'' 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG Retired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland Dies at 77 ·Former Merchant Mariner Headed National Labor Federation for 16 Years Lane Kirkland, president of the AFL-CIO from 1979 to 1995 and a former merchant mariner who sailed during World War II, passed away August 14. He was 77. Kirkland died at his home in Washington, D.C. after battling lung cancer. "He literally was a worldwide labor leader, and he was a loyal friend to the Seafarers and the U.S. merchant marine," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "Clearly, we're talking about an exceptional person who dedicated himself to improving the lives of workers throughout the world. "From reuniting the American labor movement to fighting against suppression of trade unionism abroad, Lane Kirkland leaves a remarkable legacy. He truly will be missed." President Clinton described Kirkland as "one of the towering figures in the American labor movement. For nearly five decades, he was a guiding force for workplace fairness, dignity and innovation, and a catalyst for international democracy. "With skill, determination and unparalleled intellect, he reunited the major unions and reaffirmed labor's place at the table of American democracy," President Clinton continued. "With his unflagging support of free trade unionism internationally, especially in Poland, he helped hasten the fall of the Iron Curtain while showing America that it is possible to stand up to communism abroad while standing up for working men and women here at home." AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, "Working people around the world are better off today because of Lane Kirkland's strong advocacy on their behalf. And the world is more free because of his courage and leadership." A report by the Associated Press noted that Kirkland had struggled against cancer as far back as the 1970s. He had several AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland (left) welcomes SIU President Michael Sacco to the national labor federation's executive council during the 1991 AFL-CIO convention. cancer-related surgeries since then, although his wife, Irena, told a reporter that the former federation president "didn't suffer at the end. His body just gave out." A native of Camden, S.C., Kirkland enrolled at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as a teenager and subsequently sailed as a member of the Masters, Mates & Pilots. He shipped out for the first time in June 1940 and graduated from the academy under its hastened wartime procedures in 1942. He served as a deck officer throughout World War II, sailing in the North Atlantic, along North Africa and in the Pacific. During a 1993 speech at the academy, Kirkland recalled an interview where he was asked if he was afraid of any decision he made during his tenure with the AFL-CIO. "Afraid? I'll tell you what afraid is. Afraid is a four-hour night watch on the bridge of a freighter in the middle of a blacked-out convoy loaded with high explosives and high octane gasoline, in a full gale in midwinter in the North Atlantic, surrounded by wolfpacks. "Afraid is knowing that in an another eight hours you are going to have to do it all over again and for many days and nights yet. That's what afraid is, and I haven't been afraid of anything since." When he came ashore in 1946, Kirkland attended night school at Georgetown University while working at the U.S. Navy's Hydrographic Office. He received his degree in 1948, the same year AFL President William Green spoke on campus and recruited Kirkland for the labor federation's staff. Assigned to the research department, he was given various assignments which helped him catch the attention of then SecreRetired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland tary-Treasurer George passed away last month. The former deck Meany. Six years after officer led the national labor federation for 16 years. A strong supporter of the U.S. Meany became president merchant marine, Brother Kirkland leaves a of the merged American legacy of improving workers' lives in the Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial U.S. and around the world. Organizations (AFL-CIO) in 1955, Kirkland became Meany's executive assistant. In 1969, Kirkland became secretary-treasurer of the federation. He was elected president in 1979 and served eight consecutive twoyear terms. His first challenge as president was to bring under the AFL-CIO banner those unions operating independently. Returning to the house of labor during his tenure were the United Auto Workers, the Teamsters, the United Mine Workers, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the Locomotive Engineers and the Chemical Workers. Kirkland headed the federation during the turbulent Reagan years when companies followed the president's lead during the PATCO air traffic controllers walkout to "permanently replace" striking workers. He worked with that administration to find a way to provide amnesty for the union members "because the president doesn't need to go on the field and shoot the wounded," as he told a Reagan aide. While watching out for America's working families, Kirkland also had a keen interest in the plight of workers worldwide. Polish Solidarity leader Lech Walesa stated his movement survived martial law in 1981 because of the moral strength of the Pope and the material and political aid of the AFL-CIO. Starting with the 1980 Gdansk shipyard strike, American unions smuggled some $6 million worth of aid- mainly printing equipment- into Poland. He also worked hard to end the oppression in South Africa and was one of the first people Nelson Mandela visited during his tour of the United States upon his release from jail. Kirkland in 1993 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, considered the nation's greatest civilian honor. In recent years, Kirkland often worked with labor activists at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, located in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring, Md. His survivors include his wife, five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. September 1999 �New Jobs Ahead for Seafarers Alaska Tanker Co. Increases Fleet by 7 most efficient AHC to Reflo,g Cruise best-trained, crews." Ship for Island Trade The Nieuw Amsterdam The SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) fleet is growing as the company will operate an additional seven tankers beginning in October, including five crude oil carriers presently operated by ARCO. That increases the ATC fleet to 16 vessels, not including three "Millennium Class" tankers being built in New Orleans. The new builds have tentative delivery dates ranging from February 2000 to the first quarter of 2001. All of the ATC ships are covered by the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement. Besides the ARCO vessels, the newly contracted fleet includes tankers formerly operated by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Keystone, Intrepid and MTL. SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages, parent company of Delta Queen Steamboat and American Hawaii Cruises (AHC), last month announced its purchase of Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam for $114.5 million. If all goes as planned, the vessel will be transferred to AHC around this time next year. The ship will be reflagged under the Stars and Stripes and will be crewed by SIU members. It is slated to sail the Hawaiian Islands, like the SIU-crewed SS Independence (also operated by AHC). "Obviously, this means a very large number of new jobs for the membership," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "I'm confident that the SIU will continue to provide American Hawaii with the world's Continued on page 5 The Nieuw Amsterdam will be crewed by SIU members in the fall of 2000, pending completion of the vessel's purchase by American Classic Voyages. Details of the purchase are expected to be finalized later this year. New Report Emphasizes Importance of Jones Act A new report released during a Capitol Hill briefing reaffirms the strong connection between the U.S.-flag domestic fleet and the nation's security. Entitled "The United States Jones Act Fleet and National Security: America's Fourth Arm of Defense," the 41-page statement shows how the U.S.-flag domestic fleet provides trained mariners, keeps America's shipyards operating and maintains a vital component of the nation's infrastructure upon which the military can draw in times of cri- sis or emergencies. The document was issued in late July by the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, a coalition of maritime labor, shipping companies and other related concerns. The SIU is a member of the task force. The report examined the arguments made by opponents of the Jones Act-the 1920 law that states freight moved from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard a U.S.-flag, US.built and U.S.-crewed vesselwith facts and figures compiled by the U.S. government and other sources. It also reprinted public statements of support delivered by elected and military officials since the Persian Gulf War. One of the facts provided by the document was that nearly half the crew members sailing aboard two Ready Reserve Force vessels called to duty in 1995 during the Balkan crisis had worked immediately before on Jones Act ships. It further pointed out that 87 percent of the U.S.-flag shipboard employment opportunities are SIU Jobs Secured on 6 LNG Vessels PRONAV Applies for Reflagging Despite an application by PRONAV Ship Management to reflag the eight LNG vessels currently crewed by Seafarers, the SIU will remain aboard at least six of the ships, regardless of whether the application is approved. PRONAV began submitting the series of reflagging applications to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in mid-August. The company wants to transfer the eight LNG ships to the flag of the Marshall Islands. In communications sent last month to Seafarers aboard the LNG ships, the union noted that-if MarAd approves the reflagging-then the economic provisions (including benefits) of the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement will apply to six of the vessels-the LNG Capricorn, LNG Gemini, LNG Leo, LNG Taurus, LNG Virgo and LNG Libra. Other parts of the existing contract covering the LNG ships are modified only in references to the possible reflagging. Additionally, agreements have been signed to ensure that the SIU contract will remain in place even if the LNGs eventually are operated by a different company. If the reflagging takes place, then crew members who are not re-employed on the other two vessels-the LNG Aries and LNG Aquarius-will receive a severance payment. PRONAV said it expects the switch to start in mid-October, pending application approval. In the detailed memorandum sent by SIU headquarters officials to Seafarers aboard the LNG ships, the union pointed out that the reflagging originally was scheduled to begin last year. The SIU had negotiated a conditional but probable agreement whereby six of the ships initially would remain under the U.S. flag, with a phase-out schedule that ended in September 1999 2003. At that time, the SIU crews would receive a severance package. However, due to unforeseen circumstances involving contract negotiations between a U.S. officers union and PRONAV, the SIU reconsidered its initial position that had precluded the possibility of employment on the reflagged ships. As noted in the memo, the once-likely conditional agreement became jeopardized, making it possible that all eight ships would be reflagged relatively quickly- and leaving the SIU crews without any opportunity for continued employment on those vessels. Nevertheless, "We continue to strongly believe that the LNG ships should remain under the U.S. flag," states the memo. "The decision to accept continued employment on the reflagged vessels (should MarAd approve the applications) was not an easy one. "Yet, when weighed against the alternatives, the final decision was based on the ultimate benefit to our members and their families. The application of the Standard Tanker Agreement wages and benefits will, for the first time, [apply] American labor standards on foreign-flag ships. The Agreement is no less than that which is accepted by U.S.-flag SIUcontracted tanker companies. It maintains our benefits and will provide jobs and job security for five more years while preserving our severance agreement." Importantly, the union pointed out that SIU's crewing of the LNG ships will help provide a continued manpower pool of trained American mariners for U.S. national defense purposes. Further, the LNG vessels sail between foreign ports (in Japan and Indonesia), and are not regarded as militarily useful ships to the U.S. Last month, the SIU also sent a union official to meet with the LNG crews concerning the possible reflagging and related questions. aboard Jones Act vessels. In its review of future shipbuilding needs, the report projected the U.S.-flag domestic fleet could account for as much as 70 percent of the new construction in American yards. This includes barges as well as self-propelled vessels. On the financial side, with the work beginning on the two new passenger ships at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, the report noted more money will be spent on commercial shipbuilding than non-combatant U.S. Navy construction for the first time in many years. To emphasize the support for the Jones Act, the document quoted two chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served at different times in the decade. Army General Colin Powell stated in 1992, "The merchant marine and our maritime industry will be vital to our national security for many years to come." Five years later, Army General John Shalikashvili added, "And today, after two centuries our merchant marine is every bit as important, and every bit as vital, to the commerce and to the defense of our nation as it ever has been." To make sure the point was not lost, a statement made earlier this requires a crew of approximately 400 and can accommodate 1,214 passengers. It is part of American Classic Voyages' "Project America," an endeavor that includes the first new U.S.-flag, U.S.-built deep sea cruise ships since the 1950s. Those two vessels, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2003, are being constructed at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding. "The Nieuw Amsterdam is an exciting addition to our program," said Roderick McLeod, president and CEO of Project America. "This cruise ship will offer consumers a new U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed cruising option, building the market for our two new U.S.-flag, 1,900-passenger cruise ships that will enter service in 2003 and 2004." Built in France and Continued on page 5 Increasing Importance• '29% iif iiNiw (1>Jtt;iiHeI'l'llips •Si)%.of(1l!l:lll«!Tbl roll·vnirnH-of! \hip~ • 8!%(lf:<!lta11J.., ;·, Slides drive home the importance of the Jones Act during a recent Capitol Hill briefing on the freight cabotage law. year by Air Force General Charles T. "Tony" Robertson, the head of the U.S. Transportation Command, was included: "You need to know that my bottom line is the Jones Act is a proven performer that supports both our nation's military security and its economic soundness. I can't put it any simpler than that." (The Transportation Command, known as TRANSCOM, oversees the movement of American troops and their supplies worfdwide.) The text of a resolution in support of the Jones Act and signed by more than 240 members of the House of Representatives also was presented. Besides going to Congress, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force provided copies of the report to the media. SIU Will Crew New RO/RO SIU members are scheduled to climb the gangway to new jobs aboard the USNS Red Cloud in November. The newly constructed, roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship was christened last month at NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The Watson-class vessel is part of a 19-ship fleet (including 14 new builds and five conversions) designed to strengthen U.S. sealift capacity. Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. will operate the USNS Red Cloud. Thousands of people attended the August 7 christening, which highlighted San Diego's "fleet week" and the shipyard 1s annual family day. They watched as the 950-foot vessel was named in memory of U.S. Army Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., a posthumous recipient of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Korea in 1950. Like the other ships in its class, the USNS Red Cloud features 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It is assigned to the U.S. Military Sealift Command for prepositioning and other support of American armed forces wherever needed. Seafarers LOii 3 �'Modern-Day Slave Ship' Runaway-Flag Vessel Caught Smuggling 132 Chinese Aliens into United States Officials from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) discovered 132 illegal Chinese immigrantsmany of them teenagerswedged into sealed compartments in the bow of the runaway-flag freighter Prince Nicolas last month in Savannah, Ga. INS agents continued their investigation as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, but seven people from the ship (four crew members, three immigrants) already have been charged in the case. The immigrants reportedly either paid or were going to pay thousands of dollars apiece for boarding the ship. An INS official told the Associated Press that the Cyprusflagged, Chinese-owned Prince Nicolas is part of a "very sophisticated (smuggling) ring. I have never in my 23 years with INS seen anything this large or sophisticated." According to press reports, the ship's captain on June 6 was ordered by Dalian Jinxing Shipping Co. to pick up "spare parts" in the South China Sea. Instead, three men and the 13 2 male immigrants (including anywhere from 19 to 51 teenagers) came aboard the vessel, which was transporting a cargo of crude iron. In late July, a crew member deserted the ship in Sweden and informed authorities that the vessel was bound for America. But, as the ship reached the Georgia coast on August 11, several searches by the U.S. Coast Guard failed to reveal the immigrants. One report described them as living and hiding in a 50-foot-by50-foot hole in the bow, bolted from inside and welded shut on top. That area was divided into compartments 2 feet wide, 3 feet long and 6 feet high, with holes in the floor to be used as toilets. (The only way in or out was through two tiny, oval-shaped openings that were sealed before investigators first boarded the vessel.) When INS agents went to the ship the next day, a crew member directed them to the hiding place. One of the officials told the Savannah Morning News that the Prince Nicolas was "a modernday slave ship," while another told the AP, "It reminded me of something that would look like slave quarters." Investigators learned that the three men who eventually brought aboard the immigrants had threatened the captain at knife-point. The armed trio reportedly vowed to kill not only the captain, but also his family, the entire crew and their families if the captain forbade the immigrants from boarding the vessel. Court documents describe the ship's atmosphere as wrought with intimidation and tension. They also "suggest a much wider conspiracy, stretching across the globe," according to an article in the August 20 edition of the Savannah newspaper. At press time, the crew (26 Chinese, one Lithuanian and one Filipino) were being kept in regional detention centers, while the immigrants were in an Atlanta AP Photo/Savannah Morning News, Bob Morris A group of illegal aliens from China line up to be removed from the cargo ship Prince Nicolas in Savannah, Ga. A total of 132 young Chinese men were found on board the Cyprus-registered ship. jail. For now, they are being interviewed by U.S. officials. Among those not facing charges, possible next steps include asylum or deportation. Support for Nursing Home Workers Seafarers, including Recertified Steward Judith Chester, march with Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 members in front of the St. Mary's (Md.) County Courthouse in a show of solidarity for Lexington Park nursing home workers who are seeking a new contract. Dependent health care coverage became a heated issue when the head of the private facility supposedly told a worker if she wanted such coverage she should file for welfare. So the UFCW organized the rally with two workers entering the courthouse's welfare office to acquire applications. Contract talks continue. 4 Seafarers LOS Latest Case Not Isolated The case of the Prince Nicolas may shock some people, but it is regrettably common. China-based criminals for many years have orchestrated the illegal immigration of their fellow citizens to the United States. Among many other notable cases this decade are those of the Golden Venture running aground in New York in 1993, with 300 Chinese aboard; th~ seizing of five separate vessels the following year carrying more than 400 Chinese to various destinations in the U.S.; and last year's interception of a fishing vessel off the West Coast transporting more than 150 suspected illegal immigrants from China. As periodically noted in past issues of the Seafarers LOG, this criminal cycle finds desperate individuals who pay as much as $50,000 apiece to reach America. Those who arrive typically enter long-term, slave-like agreements to repay their debt to the smugglers, often working at clothing factories or Chinese restaurants in large cities. Heart Attack Claims Beau James A longtime fixture in the Gulf, Theodore "Beau" James, passed away July 24. He was 81 when he succumbed to a heart attack. Brother James began his career with the SIU in 1947. The Algiers, La. native joined the union in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the steward department. James was very active in union organizing drives throughout his career. He helped set up galley operations at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in its early days and attended a 1991 crews conference in Piney Point, Md. Although he filed his retirement papers in 1983, James remained involved with the union, especially in Houston. He would cook for special functions, help behind the counter, run errands for fellow Seafarers and oversee operations in the hall's sign shop. In the latter capacity, his efforts became legendary. He would gather the materials, round up the volunteers and show them what needed to be done to produce thousands of political yard signs. Theodore "Beau" James New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd remembered James as someone who always extended a helping hand to others. "One day when he was in our hall, I asked him where he was going," Judd stated. "He said he was going to Houston to cut a buddy's lawn because he couldn't do it himself. That was ·a five-hour trip one way. It took two hours to cut the lawn, and then he turned right around and drove back that same day. That was the kind of person Beau James was." Editors note: Recertified Steward Daniel Payne pays a special tribute to Brother James on page 8. September 1999 �AfarAd Details Successes Of MSP, Jones Act, RRF Report to Congress Cites Security Benefits The U.S. Maritime Administration's yearly report to Congress states that the Maritime Security Program (MSP) "is working as intended to help America retain an active U.S.flag merchant fleet comprising modern, efficient and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels that can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP also helps retain a labor base of skilled and loyal American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift fleet, as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war." The report, issued earlier this summer, also reaffirms the Clinton administration's support of the Jones Act, and commends America's Ready Reserve Force (RRF), which includes a number of SIU-crewed ships, for "excep- tional service and outstanding performance" during the past year. Additionally, the report provides data on the U.S.-flag fleet, which last year ranked 11th worldwide on a deadweight tonnage basis and 17th in total number of ships. MSP Benefits Another benefit of the MSP, as noted in the report, is the reflagging of numerous ships under the Stars and Stripes. "Since MSP implementation in 1996, a total of 12 modern commercial liner vessels, all less than I 0 years old, have been reflagged to U.S. registry for participation in MSP," states the account. "Additionally, three other containerships less than 5 years of age were reflagged to the U.S. under MSPrelated legislation. The addition of these 15 ships will greatly benefit the goal of modernizing the SIU-Crewed Fleet Grows· Alaska Tankers Continued from page 3 The union also reported that, depending on the particular ship involved, the manning scales for ATC's fleet either will remain unchanged or will increase. "Some are being modified to match the SIU's manning," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "For instance, on the former OSG tankers the manning is being increased by one AB in order to return to a two AB watchstanding configuration." As reported in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, ATC AHC Voyages Continued from page 3 launched in 1983, the Nieuw Amsterdam is 704 feet long. It features nine passenger decks, five lounges, two restaurants, a fully equipped spa and fitness center, two outdoor pools, a 230seat theater and much more. marks the first time SIU and NMU members will sail aboard vessels operated by the same company. (The NMU is an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America.) Also, contract provisions include the creation of a trained manpower pool, similar to the one used on the SIU-crewed fleet of LNG vessels. The ARCO tankers range in size from 70,000 to 262,000 deadweight tons. They load crude oil at Alaska's Valdez Marine Terminal and then deliver it to ports in Washington state and California. Under provisions of the 1997 U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, AHC was extended the opportunity to bring a reflagged passenger ship into the Hawaiian trade on an interim basis. The Nieuw Amsterdam will be refitted to meet American standards before it joins the SS Independence in the AHC fleet. Carnival s Updated Tally: 108 Sex Crimes in 5 Years 1 Alaska Sues Royal Caribbean for Pollution On the heels of separate but startling disclosures in July involving two Miami-based runaway-flag cruise lines, new reports last month revealed additional problems for Carnival Cruise and Royal Caribbean, respectively. Carnival stated that its initial accounts of 62 sexual assaults aboard its ships from 1993-98 were far fewer than the actual total of 108. The company said it updated the data after investigating the additional charges. Carnival first acknowledged the attacks after a former employee filed a lawsuit claiming she was raped and assaulted by an officer aboard the ship Imagination last year. A lawyer for the woman questioned why some of the other alleged attacks were not brought to the public's attention sooner. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean, fresh off agreeing to pay a record $18 million pollution fine stemming from its guilty pleas to 21 felony counts in five U.S. cities and Puerto Rico, is being sued by Alaska. The state filed a civil suit concerning admitted hazardous waste vio~ lations that may result in another multi-million dollar fine. Alaska reportedly pursued this case because Royal Caribbean 's previous guilty pleas prevented the state from filing its own criminal suit. September 1999 U.S. merchant fleet and enhance its competitiveness and sealift readiness into the 21st century." MarAd, which is responsible for assuring that merchant shipping is available in times of war or national emergency, described the MSP as "leveraging relatively modest federal support dollars to retain access to a robust U.S. commercial maritime capitalization base valued at more than $8.5 billion." Along those lines, the Department of Transportation agency cited effective cooperation between government and the industry. "By partnering with the U.S.-flag commercial maritime industry, the U.S. government leverages assured access to a global intermodal network that includes not just vessels but also logistics, management services, infrastructure, terminals and equipment, communications and cargo-tracking networks, as well as a cadre of well-trained, professional U.S. seafarers and shoreside employees." Jones Act Support Describing why the administration supports the Jones Act (which requires that cargoes moving between U.S. ports be transported on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag, domestically built and owned vessels), the report states that the law "promotes reliable domestic shipping service and ensures the existence of a domestic maritime industry completely subject to U.S. control in time of national emergency. "The Jones Act generates environmentally sound transportation and thousands of jobs for American citizens touching every region of the nation. In addition, more than 80 million passengers and 1 billion tons of cargo worth about $222 billion were transported in Fiscal Year 1998 under the Jones Act trade, which is 14 percent of the domestic inter-city cargo in America for just 2 percent of the entire domestic freight bill." RRF Excels The report credits the RRF for excelling during a no-notice test last September that involved 36 ships. "This represented the largest RRF series of test activation exercises ever conducted by DOD .... All 36 vessels were successfully made ready for sea within their required times." Meanwhile, MarAd also documented that the U.S.-flag, privately owned, deep-draft merchant fleet (including some Great Lakes vessels) totaled 351 vessels in September 1998. Panama ranked first both in number of ships (4,456) and deadweight tonnage (144,120). Worldwide, the report lists 27,730 oceangoing merchant ships of 1,000 or more gross tons. Anti-Worker Forces Again Attempt To Limit Labor's Political Activities Less than one year after similar efforts were defeated in more than 30 states, Congress may consider a measure to limit the voice of working people in the electoral process. The House of Representatives is scheduled to consider a campaign finance reform bill called the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1999 (HR 417) when it returns to Washington after Labor Day. The legislation contains an anti-worker amendment added last month just as Congress left Capitol Hill for its August recess. The amendment, offered by Rep. William Goodling (R-Pa.), would require a union to obtain written permission from every represented worker before that union could spend dues money on political activities. It also would require employers to post notices in workplaces spelling out the new law. Finally, unions would be required to file additional reports on their finances. "We fought this battle last year throughout the nation and won in each case," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. "It was wrong then and it is wrong now to consider any legis- lation that tells working people their issues can't be heard on Capitol Hill." During last year's fight, spearheaded by California's Proposition 226, independent research groups discovered anti-worker forces outspent labor by an 11 to 1 margin during the 1996 and 1998 election cycles. The AFL-CIO pointed out the Goodling Amendment is aimed only at unions. It takes no action against any other group or organization. The labor federation noted no union dues money is given to candidates or used in campaigns for federal office because that is already banned by the Federal Election Campaign Act. All union political action committee money (like the Seafarers' SPAD) is donated voluntarily by union members entirely separate from their dues. The labor federation calculates the cost to unions and their members to implement the amendment, if it is passed, at $90 million. A bill similar to the amendment was defeated in the House last year by an 80-vote margin. Coast Guard Publishes Final Rule on User Fees The U.S. Coast Guard last month issued the final rule covering user fees for licenses, certificates of registry and merchant mariner's documents (also known as MMDs or z-cards). The rule-which takes effect October 4--is published in the Federal Register dated August 5, 1999. "This final rule will affect all mariners required to hold a license or certificate of registry in accordance with 46 CFR part I 0 or a merchant mariner's document in accordance with 46 CFR part 12," reads the notice. "The Coast Guard revises the user fees . . . based on the most recent recalculation of program costs." Part of the updated fee schedule is printed below. More information is available from the Coast Guard at (202) 267-0785. The complete rule also is available via the internet. And you need ... If you apply for ... Evaluation Then the fee is: Examination Then the fee is: Issuance Then the fee is: Merchant Mariner's Document: Original without endorsement ................. $110 n/a $45 Original with endorsement ........... . ........ 110 140 45 Endorsement for qualified rating ............... 95 140 45 Upgrade or Raise in Grade ................... 95 140 45 Renewal without endorsement for qualified rating ... 50 n/a 45 Renewal with endorsement for qualified rating ..... 50 45 45 Renewal for continuity purposes ............... n/a n/a 45 Reissue, Replacement, and Duplicate ........... n/a n/a 45 Seafarers LOG 5 �, --- - ---- - - - - - t Fire Fighten President Al Whitehead Learnea His Union Lessons with the SIU Al Whitehead learned a major lesson about trade unionism shortly after World War II when he heard about a job on a Texaco tanker. At that time, he was between ships and looking to sail while the U.S.-flag merchant fleet that supplied American and Allied troops was being dismantled. "I was told after the hall closed to report to this tanker because it needed a crew. I didn't know what was going on, but it was a job, so I headed for it." What Whitehead found when he got to the pier was a huge brother from the SIU telling him he did not want to go any further. A picket line was in front of the gangway because the vessel's crew was on strike. He quickly assessed the situation and decided to go home. "I learned my lesson that day never to cross a picket line," Whitehead recalled more than 40 years later. "To this day, I still have not and will not cross one." That was an important lesson and statement because Whitehead serves as the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The path from sailing with the SIU and the Sailors' Union of the Pacific to leading an international union of more than 230,000 professional fire fighters has taken many interesting twists and turns. Yet, he still recalls his four years at sea with great fondness, including how he got his start. Whitehead altered his birth 1--- -;~ L - certificate so head could get involved in the World War II effort. "I was 15 years old and my older brother had gone to war. I was worried the war was going to be over before I was old enough," he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "I wanted to join the merchant marine, but I was too young. So I changed my birth certificate." He lived in California and heard the Seafarers and SUP in San Francisco could get him a merchant mariner's document and on a ship, so he headed to the hall. After a two-week training session-including dish washing and lifeboat instruction-in a San Francisco college, he got his papers and sailed as a messman. Whitehead's first ship sailed out of Wilmington, Calif. up the coast to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. "I had no idea what I was even doing, but I recall getting very seasick." When that trip was completed, he decided he would be better off in the engine department. He sailed as a wiper several times, which carried him into the years after the war. He was aboard a tanker that sailed through the Panama Canal to Venezuela, then to New York. When the vessel-part of the War Emergency fleet-arrived in Bayonne, N.J., the crew was dismissed but not given money to return to California. "We rode a bus to Kansas, r ra-'----· As president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Al Whitehead lets those who visit his office know of his days at sea thanks to his photo display of the ships upon which he sailed. then hitchhiked aboard a B-25 from March Air Base to Riverside," Whitehead noted. Upon his return, a friend convinced him to sail in the deck department. "I froze on deck. The elements were too cruel, standing on the bow. I went back to being a wiper." Before signing off for the last time, because jobs were becoming too scarce, he upgraded to fireman/watertender and oiler. Another incident Whitehead remembered during his years at sea was the way his enthusiasm for his job got him into trouble. In order to get his probationary union book, he was asked to help an organizing drive for the crews of Standard Oil tankers. "I caught a job and got fired almost immediately because I kept talking up the union. I didn't know to stay quiet and work behind the scenes." Whitehead explored other job opportunities (apprentice carpenter, utility lineman, railroad brakeman-"All union jobs," he pointed out) before becoming a fire fighter in Los Angeles County in 1954. He joined the union, became active in his local and eventually served as the president of IAFF Local 1014 for 12 years before being elected general secretarytreasurer of the international union in 1982. As a fire fighter, he rose to the rank of captain on the Los Angeles County force. Whitehead was elected IAFF general president in 1988 and has been reelected ever since. He also is a vice president of the AFL-CIO, serving with SIU President Michael Sacco. Through his years with the IAFF, he never forgot his roots in the SIU. A few years ago, he was talking with an IAFF member in San Francisco who mentioned he had sailed in the 1950s. It turned out he had sailed on the same tanker as Whitehead, only a few years apart. The fire fighter showed Whitehead a photo of the ship, which started a one-year quest to gain pictures of the seven vessels upon which Whitehead had sailed. He had all of his discharges, so he knew their names. Fallowing numerous letters, calls and visits around the country, he acquired the photographs. They are framed together and adorn a prime location in his office. (The names of the vessels are the Edwin B. DeGolia, Chemawa, D. G. Scofield, Agriworld, Cayuse, USNT Miss ion San Gabriel and W.S. Miller.) "I loved the union and I loved sailing," Whitehead stated. "I have some very nice memories from those days." A young Al Whitehead stands on the deck of the Chemawa during his sailing days after World War II. Steelworkers End Strike Steelworkers returned to work at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding early last month after approving a 58-month contract. The agreement marked the end of a 16-1/2 week strike at the shipyard, where some 9,200 members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) are employed in production and maintenance. Both the union and the shipyard acknowledged that each side compromised to finalize the contract. The pact calls for a pay raise averaging $3.10 an hour over its duration and also improves pension benefits. "It's time to put down the picket signs, pick up the tools and go back with our heads held high," stated Arnold Outlaw, president of USWA Local 8888, which represents the shipyard workers. L.OCAL 8888 (//llI1C6 Sl"EEL M;tl..K€~-:, Ceremony Marks Start of Dredging Social Security Admin. Issues Yearly Statements To 125 Million Workers The SIU and the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department were two of several maritime interests who worked hard for years with local, state and federal officials to allow the dredging of the Port of New York/New Jersey. Digging began in July when the union-built dredge New York was christened. Attending the ceremony in Manhattan are (from left) SIU Vice Pres. Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey; MTD Vice Pres. Jack Stewart; and Allen Francis, recording secretary for Operating Engineers Local 25 Marine Division. 6 Seafarers LOG Starting next month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is scheduled to begin what it describes as "the largest customized mailing ever undertaken by a federal agency" when it sends an annual statement to 125 million workers. The four-page statement "is designed to help workers with financial planning by providing estimates of their retirement, disability and survivors' benefits," according to the agency. "The statement also will provide workers an easy way to determine whether their earnings are accu- rately posted on their Social Security records. This is an important feature because Social Security benefits are based on an individual's career wage record." The annual statement results from legislative efforts spearheaded by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.). By law, the SSA will send yearly reports to workers ages 25 and older who are not receiving Social Security benefits. Mailings will be staggered so that individuals receive their statements approximately three months before their birth month. September 1999 �Family, Friends Help Recertified Stewards Excel In Chosen Field "There are few places in the world-like the SIU-where you can truly say that no matter what your race, religion, sex or educational background, you can go as far as you can take yourself. The only thing stopping you is you." Those were the remarks of Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez as he introduced the 11 graduating members of the recertified steward class: Duane Bergeson, Russell Beyschau, Rafael Cardenas, Judith Chester, Ruti de Mont, Shawn Fujiwara, Thomas Kreis, Perry McCall, Louis Nicoud III, Daniel Payne and Amanda Suncin. Outside Support But the life of a Seafarer is not for everybody. It takes the strong support of friends, family and the Seafarers International Union to help each individual who passes through the doors of the Paul Hall Center to become better at their chosen profession. At the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., the unity of family and friends was evident as the 11 graduates were called individually to the podium to receive their graduation certificates for completion of the fiveweek steward recertification course, the highest level of education the union offers for members of the steward department. First to the podium was Rafael Cardenas. The 37-year-old, who sails from Puerto Rico, recounted his story of being forced to drop out of college following an automobile accident in which both legs were broken and then being turned down for military service. His uncle, a recertified bosun, suggested he look into the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center, and in January 1984, Cardenas started. He hasn't looked back since. Thanks to the SIU, Cardenas said, he has traveled the world, earned a good salary and reached the pinnacle of his career. This was the fifth time Cardenas has returned to the school to upgrade his skills. He enjoyed meeting brothers and sisters from different ports and sharing their different cooking techniques. He found the food demonstrations to be especially interesting and believes his new knowledge will help him do a better job aboard ship. Cardenas advised the unlicensed apprentices to study hard and never be afraid to ask questions. Course Change Judith Chester, 46, began working aboard American Hawaii Cruises passenger vessels in 1985-a job she believed really fit her lifestyle. She had made a five-year plan, however, and that involved moving on, perhaps in the business field in which she had obtained her college degree. But her "guardian angels" had a different plan for her, and 14 years later, Chester is still with the SIU, now sailing from the port of San Francisco. She has sailed as a chief cook all over the world, visiting exotic countries like Egypt, Singapore, Japan, Germany, Wales and Dubai-just to name a few-and believes she has finally found her niche in life, a creative job that she loves. "I am so thankful," she told the group assembled for the meeting, Recertified Steward Russell Beyschau says the facilities at the Paul Hall Center have been great for him and his wife, Kelli, and their daughter, Kristianna (2 years, 3 months old). September 1999 Following the membership meeting and the presentation of graduation certificates, the recertified stewards join union officials on the stage for a group photo. From the left are Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Daniel Payne and his son, Sammy, Perry McCall, Louis Nicoud Ill, Ruti de Mont, Assistant Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Thomas Kreis, Russell Beyschau, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, Judith Chester, Duane Bergeson, Shawn Fujiwara, Rafael Cardenas, Amanda Suncin and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. "that I found a career which fits me like a shoe." Chester told the trainees that they should ask themselves: Am I ready for a life of adventure? Am I ready to travel the world? To meet people from all walks of life? Am I willing to try my hardest to do the best job I can? Am I willing to try to get along with the people I work with and to work together as a team? Am I ready to experience the freedom that shipping provides me?" She told them that if they could answer yes to those questions, then they are in the right place. Chester has returned to the school four times to expand her knowledge, and each time she has found it a rewarding experience. She was particularly impressed with the new fire fighting and safety school and feels confident that she can be an active part of a fire fighting team should an emergency occur aboard ship. Sailing from the port of Tacoma, Shawn Fujiwara joined the union in 1988, also sailing aboard the SS Independence in Hawaii. He planned to do this for a couple years-and nearly 12 years later has now reached the highest rating available to members in the steward department. Fujiwara, whose mother flew from Hawaii to be with him on this special day, first upgraded in 1990. It was then, the 35-year-old claimed, that he decided to stay. "In that time," he notes, "I have been around the world and visited 16 countries and have seen things most people only dream about." enced his life, including all the stewards under whom he has sailed and for believing in him when he started to doubt himself. Fujiwara says stewards have one of the hardest jobs on the ship and are often the forgotten ones, but it is up to them to make sure each meal is hot, hearty and that the crew leaves with their bellies full. "Remember," he jokingly stated, "you are only as good as your last doughnut." To the unlicensed apprentices, Fujiwara imparted the secret to his success: "I never gave up, I always cared, and I never forgot where I came from or where I was going." He commended those trainees who were studying for their GEDs and noted they are all embarking on the adventure of their lifetime. He reminded them that they will leave the school with not only a job but also with a skill. "The school is here for us, it is up to us to use it." Thomas Kreis, 57, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Mobile and now ships out of New Orleans. For nearly 30 years, Kreis said, being a Seafarer has been a good way of life. In returning to the school for the third time, he found the fire fighting and CPR classes to be of particular benefit and noted an even closer sense of unity among Seafarers than in years past. "I'm proud to be here," he stated, adding he would recommend upgrading to fellow Seafarers. "It will be a lot of hard work, but nothing comes easy." To everyone in the audience Continued on page 8 Thanks Others In addition to the SIU officials and school instructors, Fujiwara thanked the people who influ- Ruti de Mont (left) and Judith Chester complete the refresher class in fire fighting at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Seafarers LOB 7 �While learning more about how the union works for its members in the_ legislative proc~ss, the recertified stewards toured Capitol Hill. They were addressed by Rep. Ed Pastor (DAriz.) (right photo) and also posed with the elected delegate from American Samoa, Eni F. H. Faleomavaega. 11 Recertified Stewards Speak of 'Past, Present, Future' Continued from page 7 and to the trainees, in particular, Kreis said, "Remember: whether it's your first ship or your last ship, respect is what makes us strong." Daniel Payne, 52, thanked the union for allowing him to bring his family with him when upgrading. "I'm away from my family enough as it is, and it's been a real blessing to be able to study and have my family here," said the Seafarer who sails from the port of Houston. He also thanked the trainees for their hard work and told them to keep it up and they would do fine. Next Generation Amanda Suncin, 46, joined the SIU in San Francisco in 1977 and now sails from Tacoma, Wash. "I feel very honored and privileged to be here today," she said, "and for the opportunity to join the maritime industry in 1977 because I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. I am very proud of my father because I feel that all of the sacrifices he made and the picket lines he walked helped create better working conditions of which we're reaping the benefits today." [Suncin's father, Fernando, was a member of the Marine Fireman's union.} Suncin continued the theme of unity when she said, "My father and our fathers before us are the past; we as upgraders are the present; and the trainees are the future of our union. As a unit and with teamwork, we can continue the legacy that our fathers fought so hard for." Suncin thanked the SIU officials for their work in keeping the union strong and said she enjoyed visiting the Capitol and seeing how SPAD contributions help every SIU member. She thanked her family for their support, especially her 9-year-old daughter who does not always understand that her mother must leave for long periods of time. Suncin said she learned a lot in the recertification course and found the fire fighting, first aid and STCW classes particularly Passing Dawn Memories ••• and Recipes Stewards play a very important part in shipboard life. But some may be more memorable than others. For Recertified Steward Daniel Payne, one such man was Pensioner Theodore "Beau" James, who died July 24 at the age of 81. Payne says that it was a great privilege to have known Jam es, and he only hopes he will be as much of a help to other Seafarers and the labor movement as James was. The new recertified steward offers one of the late steward's recipes to help keep his memory alive. Beau James' World's Fair Dinner Rolls (makes 4 rolls) 1 quart milk 3 Tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoon salt % cup butter 3 quarts bread flour 3 eggs 2 Tablespoon yeast 2 Tablespoon baking powder Daniel Payne thanked the union for allowing him to bring his wife, Aurora, and son, Sammy (7), with him to the school while he was upgrading. B Seafarers LOS Scald milk and then cool. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk, add sugar, 1'Y2 quarts flour and the butter. Rise in a warm place until light. Add baking powder and salt to balance of flour mix and then add to wet mix. Knead well. Place in a greased bowl, rise until doubled. Knead again. Shape rolls. Let rise until doubled in size. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes. rewarding. Her advice to those entering the profession is to never be afraid to ask questions, and said she hoped she would get to meet them aboard ship sometime soon. This is the third time Duane Bergeson, 39, has returned to the Paul Hall Center for upgrading, and he says it gets better each time. He learned how important STCW is to the union and how it could help protect the U.S. merchant fleet from foreign encroachment. Bergeson, who sails from the port of Tacoma, summed up his experiences by paraphrasing the of actor Arnold worlds Schwarzenegger: "I'll be back." Returns to Center Russell Beyschau, who was a trainee in class 397 in 1984, has returned to the school six times to upgrade. His home port is Piney Point. The 33-year-old Beyschau said the facilities at the Paul Hall Center have been great for both him and his family. "I have enjoyed each time here at the school and look forward to the next." The recertified steward said he would recommend upgrading to his fellow Seafarers because of what it has given him-a chance to see the world and visit places other people can only dream of and make a great living at the same time. He reminded the apprentices that the SIU is a "great organization" and the upgrading facilities are a benefit of which they should take advantage. "Dreams do come true," said Perry McCall, 38. When he started as a trainee at the school in 1982, he told himself he wanted to go to the top, he wanted to be the best he could be in the culinary arts field. And every chance he got, he returned to upgrade. McCall sails from San Francisco. "I once sat where you are now," he said to the unlicensed apprentices. "If you're eager and ready to learn," then you also will advance. Another of the recertified stewards who began their SIU career sailing aboard the Independence in Hawaii is Ruti Chef Instructor Ed White (standing in rear) works with the new class of recertified stewards. de Mont. After flying out to Kauai for her first job as a GU, she almost missed the ship-but that was 14 years ago! The one thing she regrets, she noted, was that it took her eight years before she came to the school to upgrade for the first time. Mostly, she said, she lacked self-confidence. "Once I finally got here, I overcame my fears very quickly," she said, and urged the trainees not to make the same mistake. "As soon as you have the seatime you need," she stressed, "make the effort to come back here and upgrade." Confidence The 40-year-old de Mont has returned numerous times-totaling more than a year of training and instruction-and says it has helped her grow as a person and become confident in her profession. In her closing remarks, de Mont, who continues to sail from Honolulu, left three simple words for all upgraders and unlicensed apprentices to take with them on their next ship: "Can I help?" Much of the self-confidence gained by the students completing the steward recertification course is based on their work in the galley labs where they created, practiced and prepared new recipes, experimented with different cooking techniques and learned nutrition and the sanitary practices so necessary aboard ship. They also toured Capitol Hill and the union headquarters in Camp Springs, where they met with representatives of the union's various departments. These meetings were designed to enhance their understanding of the union's operations and provide them with the latest information from each department so that they, in tum, can relay it to their fellow crew members aboard their next ship. Last up to the podium to receive his certificate was Louis Nicoud III, 43, who joined the SIU as a trainee in 1982 and worked his way up the ladder from SA to recertified steward. Nicoud, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., thanked the SIU and its officials for all the "sacrifices they have made" to ensure the success of its members into the new millennium. "I have no doubt," he stated, "that the 21st century will be as strong and shipping as good, if not better, than today." September 1999 �Prime Topics at Piiiey Point: Safety, STCW The impact of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners is evident in the many courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. STCW has influenced everything from the school's entry program to its most advanced safety courses, which have been updated to meet the latest requirements. It also led to the center securing new accreditation from the American Council on Education, along with various approvals from the U.S. Coast Guard. Pictured on this page are students who recently took courses at the school. The photos were supplied by instructor Russ Levin. Though officially retired, Romeo Lupinacci (standing) still lends his invaluable experience to instructors and upgraders. Here the master executive chef, for years a fixture at the school, makes sure that Seafarers are satisfied with lunch. To Sealarers Who Joined In 1938 or 1939 Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the school and a frequent participant in international STCW meetings, discusses the convention's ramifications for steward department Seafarers. Lakes Seafarers Work Through Cargo Slump Officials from the American Council on Education examine Paul Hall Center courses to determine which ones warrant college credit recommendations. Pictured from left to right are Beth Wroblewski of American Service Technology, Dr. Clay Warren, Celeste Sichenze, Capt. Lee Kincaid and Charles Munsch. The Seafarers LOG would like to hear from you as soon as possible concerning an upcoming article that involves the union's history. Please contact the LOG office at (301) 8990675, or write to us at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and let us know how we may contact you. We appreciate your assistance and hope to hear from you soon. Bosun Sets Record Straight Seafarers on the Great Lakes are maintaining full schedules, but the steel crisis continues to impact cargo movement there. Through July, Lakes vessels had moved about 5 million fewer tons of cargo compared with the same period last year. Some of the decrease is due to short-term factors (including ship repairs and low water levels), but more stems from the continued dumping of foreign steel into the United States. The dumping (illegally selling steel at less than production cost) has caused a reduction of domestic steel production. This particularly has impacted the iron ore and stone trades. Trade unions and industry groups are working to combat the unfair trading practices. Recertified Bosun Jerry Borucki politely informed the Seafarers LOG that we made a mistake in the May issue (photo caption, page 20). ''That was not the SeaLand Trader, it was the tanker Boston," the bosun wrote. "We don't load the Sea-Land Trader in Valdez." The longtime Seafarer gave us a second chance with these photos. Above: Borucki (right) poses with Third Mate Mahoney while the Sea-Land Trader (we really mean it this time) discharges cargo in Hong Kong. At left (from left): ABs Norm Taylor and Allan Campbell are pictured with Bosun Borucki on the stern. SEAFARERS: Above: Pictured aboard the cement carrier Townsend in Detroit are (from left) Conveyorman Fred Hart, AB Vladislav Pitsinko and AB John Vegh. Left: Applying muscle to the task at hand is Bosun Phillip Piper, aided by Conveyorman Fred Hart aboard the Townsend. September 1999 YOUR DONATION PROVIDES JOB SECURITY INTO THE NEXT MILLENNIUM. SUPPORT SPAD Seafarers LOG 9 �John Haller (top photo) and Mike Kirby are reefer mechanics at Petty's Island, a Crowley facility in Pennsauken, N.J. across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, where SIU members load and unload barges and ships and maintain containers, among other jobs. Activity Abounds In Port Of Philadelphia In photo at left, Captain Roger Taylor and Senior Deckhand Ed Zolynski dock the River/ink (above) at Penns Landing in Philadelphia. Operated by McGovern Marine, the River/ink is an SIU-crewed passenger ferry that runs between Camden, N.J. and Philadelphia. Mate Mike Daniels (left) and Cook Gary Mason work aboard Express Marina's tug Consort. !. Philadelphia is a busy port for Seafarers who sail in the union's inland and deep sea divisions, and the SIU presence in and around the city's waterfront areas is very much in evidence. SIU members can be found crewing and performing maintenance work on the oceangoing ships, tankers, tugs and barges that sail into the port as well as the local passenger ferry linking the city with Camden, N.J. Among the SIU-contracted inland companies operating in the area are Crowley, Moran, Maritrans (which also operates deep sea tankers), McAllister and Express Marine. In addition, Crowley, Sea-Land and NPR, Inc. operate port facilities to assist in the upkeep of their equipment. Above left: On the deck of the Maritrans tanker Integrity are (from left) AB Rodney Roberson, SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski and AB Joe Arnold. In photo above, AB Edgard Martinez stands gangway watch while the ship was at the Marcus Hook dock. Following a payoff aboard the Intrepid tanker Courier, (from left) Chief Cook Michael Kozak, Bosun G. Israel Bonefont and OMU Michael Haller relax in the ship's lounge. AB Pat Lavin does some chipping on the Carolina, which was temporarily laid up in Philadelphia. The Maritrans 300 (left) is one of many barges operated by the company. At right, the Mayaguez, an NPR, Inc. vessel , is unloaded at the Packer Ave. terminal in Philadelphia. 10 Seafarers LOB September 1999 �S-L Con111mer Crew Agrees: Everyone Loves a Cookout All the hard work is worth the effort when you know one of Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt's cookouts is not far behind. According to DEU John Cooper (who sent the Seafarers LOG the photos on this page), the Sea-Land Consumer crewed in Norfolk, Va., loaded cargo in Jacksonville, Fla. and headed to San Juan, P.R. to unload. NPR, Inc. 's Humacao also was in port at the time, and the crew members from both vessels were able to get off their respective ships and enjoy some of the sights of the port city. En route to New York, where the Sea-Land Consumer paid off, everyone pitched in to do their part in making the ship's barbecue a success. Ready to go ashore in Puerto Rico are DEU John Cooper, OMU Robert Brown and ABs Bennie Spencer and Larry Bradley. Everyone helps at cookout time. Above, AB Larry Bradley cleans the deck while (below) Assistant Cook Rachel Cutler-Washington surveys the area to see what still needs to be done. Electrician Howard Hendra Jr. spruces up his fo'c's'le before going ashore in Puerto Rico. The Sea-Land Consumer pays off upon arrival in New York. SIU Patrolman Jack Sheehan (seated) updates Bosun Frank Adams, AB Steve Ledermann and OMU Mohsin A. Yafai on the latest union news. Left: Capt. Peter Balley joins his crew on the ship's stern for some good food. Officers and crew alike share in the delicious grilled food. Right: Chief Engineer Thomas Dutton (left) heads for the grill, manned by Chief Cook Bill Pitt. Three of the consumers waiting for the cookout to begin are (from left) AB Juan Ayala, OMU Valentin M. Martinez and OMU Silvio J. Iglesias. September 1999 I i Seafarers LOG 11 �LINK NEW YORK NY j 3-Mon Vessel Ret SIU members aboard the Global Link recently helped execute a project called "Columbus 3" that involved laying cable between Florida and Africa. The job took about 90 days. 'J Global he SIU-crewed cable returned to its berth in three-month assignme However, the completion between Florida and Africa crew members' work. A shi found Seafarers vigorously e and upkeep of the vessel. Additionally, a number of Global Link recently comple ing the International Safety "We're on stand-by, sow nance, training for cable proj body's skills," noted Recerti Isenstadt. "We also host a lo from schoolchildren to teleco T Left: AB Steve Roquemore Right: OMU Knolly Wiltshire Below: SA Jose Garcia Bulnes (left) and SA Mosleh Mosleh Chief Cook Tom Scheider (left) and Cook/Baker Ray Toro AB Lyle Davis 12 Seafarers LOS Aboard the Global Link, cable is stored in dee through machinery that helps guide it to the ocean in the area pictured directly above. September 1999 �~i11k Crew rns to Port of Baltimore hip Global Link recently Baltimore following a t overseas. f that cable-laying job id not signal an end to the board visit in mid-August gaged in maintenance ed a two-day class coveranagement Code (ISM). 're doing general maintects and updating every1ed Bosun Brian of tour groups, everyone unications companies." Before the three-month assignment, the Global Link (operated by Tyco International) had been stationed in the Caribbean for approximately 18 months. While there, the ship moved a depot from St. Thomas to St. Croix. "During off hours, we took advantage of being at the islands," said Isenstadt. "Some of the crew learned how to scuba dive." Chief Electrician Peter Littman pointed out that, no matter where the ship is docked, preventive maintenance is crucial. He observed that the Global Links computerized inventory helps in that regard. "There are a lot of things that can go wrong, so we really stay on top of it," he observed. "It's a good environment on this ship, with good people," Littman added. Above: OMU Bill Young Left: Electrician Frank Coburn Right: AB Geronimo Gonzales Right: Splicer/Joiner Lovell Smith compartments (right), then fed floor. Part of the work takes place September 1999 Seafarers LOS 13 �Washington Post Profiles New Fire Fighting School The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School continues to draw attention for its unique purpose. Last month, The Washington Post featured the facility in its August 22 section dedicated to the happenings in southern Maryland. The article, carried on three pages, included several color photographs of Seafarers from apprentice class 592 learning how to attack fires in an engine room, on a petroleum barge and from a helicopter. Each of these procedures is taught to all students taking fire fighting at the new school. The article informed its readers about the other aspects of the school: damage control, searchand-rescue, first aid and safety, water survival and much more. Local News Readers of The Washington Post from southern Maryland learned about the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, thanks to a three-page article with color photographs in the paper's August 22 edition. Personal Greetings for Holiday Issue of the LOG As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the everpopular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their families to other members of the seafaring community and their fam il ies. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: D PRINT or lYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) D Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. D D Do not send more than three entries per person. (This form may be reproduced. ) Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are send ing the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetical ly by the sender's last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. D The holiday greetings must be received no later than Monday, November 15, 1999. D Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. You also may FAX copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any un ion ha ll and turned in to the officia l at the counter--or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on time. HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Please Print) To: From: -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sender's Telephone Number: BACK TO SCHOOL DAYS Scholarship to Help 7Members, Dependents With the arrival of the 1999 school year, three SIU members and four dependents of Seafarers are among those heading through the portals of higher education. These seven students are realizing their dreams of a higher education with financial assistance from the Seafarers Welfare Plan Scholarship Program ... and so can you! All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next year-autumn of 2000-are encouraged to complete a scholarship application. The deadline for submission of all required paperwork is April 15, 2000. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $15,000 and is intended to help cover the cost of attending a four-year, collegelevel course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Four scholarships are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The first step in finding out more about the scholarship program, eligibility requirements and the application process is to send for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. The booklet contains all the necessary information a prospective student will need to complete the application. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed on the form. Upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG will have more articles about the scholarship program, but you can get a head start by sending away for your scholarship program booklet now. r--------------------------------------------------, P Message: Apprentices Keolamanloaohawaiiloa Mowat and Shannon Bonefont describe their training experiences to reporter Jessie Mangaliman (far right). Instructor Anthony Hammett listens. lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name~------------------~ Mariner's Social Security Number __________ Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer D Family Member of Active Seafarer D ·Retired Seafarer D Family Member of Retired Seafarer This application is for: D Self Other:_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~9199 D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 9199 --------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOS September 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 - TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville 26 San Francisco 21 17 30 11 13 Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 5 18 9 25 35 27 3 1 0 244 8 5 5 2 2 10 6 13 16 10 8 7 4 7 10 9 8 4 8 207 104 65 35 4 26 5 8 10 3 7 4 2 114 0 0 74 26 0 0 7 1 2 6 5 8 4 11 2 11 6 10 2 7 6 3 2 5 4 4 3 3 4 22 9 1 17 1 0 0 32 l 2 0 112 0 0 0 10 2 2 0 I 1 1 3 3 3 8 6 11 21 13 16 1 8 10 0 3 0 2 11 8 9 22 12 4 3 0 128 0 78 2 3 0 0 6 Totals All Departments 2 5 6 lO I 8 13 5 1 10 36 9 9 17 15 27 56 32 32 49 22 12 44 5 1 71 4 2 371 18 0 8 19 8 16 18 11 16 9 3 8 18 3 4 2 161 8 1 0 22 13 2 3 2 8 6 3 4 8 2 10 8 5 12 11 15 5 8 11 8 14 8 9 21 8 7 6 4 14 3 6 4 5 0 4 0 72 Piney Point .............Monday: October 4, November 8 Algonac .................. Friday: October 8, November 12 6 0 6 6 8 3 3 2 5 4 5 0 2 0 IO 10 2 1 9 7 4 12 4 10 3 2 2 3 I 0 6 3 3 4 l 3 3 2 4 2 10 5 3 8 2 3 2 0 0 0 l 2 0 26 52 26 16 12 19 9 6 7 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: October 7 Friday: November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Duluth ..................... Wednesday: October 13, November 17 Honolulu ................. Friday: October 15, November 19 Houston .................. Monday: October 11, November 15 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: October 7 Friday, November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Jersey City ..............Wednesday: October 20, November 24 II Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 13, November 17 10 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: October 19, November 23 2 90 6 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: October 12, November 16 New York ................Tuesday: October 5, November 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: October 7 Friday, November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Philadelphia ............Wednesday: October 6, November 10 4 1 3 11 1 5 5 5 6 2 26 2 9 0 1 2 4 0 3 0 0 0 188 108 44 5 0 23 9 0 3 0 5 2 2 1 5 9 6 7 12 31 37 26 39 2 20 20 6 7 San Francisco .........Thursday: October 14, November 18 San Juan .................. Thursday: October 7 Friday, November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) St. Louis .................Friday: October 15, November 19 Tacoma ................... Friday: October 22, November 26 Wilmington ...............Monday, October 18, November 22 5 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Correction STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 I 6 3 6 13 20 23 19 25 2 12 14 0 5 5 2 6 0 46 5 4 4 3 4 1 3 0 155 I 3 0 0 0 0 9 2 l 0 0 21 0 0 113 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals AU Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. 'Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 14 2 10 ·4 16 11 3 10 8 3 4 )l 3 2 2 8 8 23 15 18 3 6 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 4 21 IO 2 2 5 5 2 5 6 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH *TOTAL REGISTERED Port Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis AUGUST 15, 1999 Octobel' & November 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 6 0 10 0 0 9 4 1 0 0 7 0 9 7 9 10 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 6 0 5 l 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 42 15 58 237 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 1 0 0 4 7 6 7 4 2 2 4 0 3 7 6 2 8 I 78 1 8 2 1 2 0 30 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 2 27 2 3 17 0 14 5 14 5 0 2 2 12 0 I 0 0 3 4 7 0 6 2 4 4 4 10 0 3 8 1 69 2 3 4 2 7 7 8 11 16 8 12 2 31 28 2 9 5 1 63 l 0 4 4 5 0 9 13 4 11 5 5 5 6 8 8 6 0 7 4 0 0 l 1 1 16 1 16 0 0 0 0 10 1 46 167 155 28 118 0 113 573 405 282 460 336 219 9 l 1 5 11 11 12 26 30 19 15 2 10 2 l 1 0 82 239 248 181 878 586 412 0 8 0 0 0 0 14 5 10 0 0 0 0 3 1 36 Ode to the Chef by C.J. Sandy 14 16 1 9 I 13 LOG-A-RHYTHMS 44 3 22 6 17 6 2 94 11 2 13 0 *"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. September 1999 47 1 3 In the photo above, which appeared in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG, one of the names was incorrect. The caption should have identified (from left) AB Donnie W. Collins II, retired SIU Port Agent Joe Perez and AB Charlie Touzet. "Thats not my job," was never heard "What would you like, " always the word Pasta pesto, exotic stir-fry Sushi, Chinese dishes and Thai Had King Harry s Court e'er ate What graced the humble seaman s plate Above and beyond Valdez Peaks Forever! Cucumbers and leeks. This poem was written by AB C.J. Sandy as a tribute to the great job performed by Chief Cook Blair Humes aboard the ATC Ohio. Seafarers LOG 15 �t '! ~. ! Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sllafarets lntemallonal Union IJlret:lary JULY 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - AUGUST 15, 1999 L- Company/Lakes Lakes NP - Non Priority John Fay Executive Vice President TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Tr~urer Augustin Tellez **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 I (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 72 l Sesame St., # l C Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 22 12 0 10 7 0 4 4 0 16 19 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 391 t Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Th:ird St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PIDLADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19 I 48 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O . .Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301 ) 994-00 l 0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y:i Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 7 52-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafal'el'S LOS 6 3 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 8 15 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JULY 16 - BALTIMORE HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 10 42 27 0 42 0 52 0 Totals All Depts *"Tota] 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. 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 DECK DEPARTMENT 16 9 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 9 6 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 11 13 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 2 0 0 44 0 47 0 0 0 3 0 6 9 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 2 0 1 7 0 0 0 2 0 5 25 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 AUGUST 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 7 3 31 1 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 5 0 0 2 0 2 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 1 0 1 11 0 20 0 0 0 3 20 5 26 0 0 12 0 9 0 I 11 0 0 2 2 14 0 0 0 1 4 4 0 0 13 l 18 0 31 0 0 1 71 5 6 62 1 11 84 0 Totals AU Depts *"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. 15 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 18 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Malcolm M. Cross of Torrance, Calif. The photo was taken December 31 , 1947New Year's Eve-aboard the Alcoa Pointer. Cross states that the ship was in Halifax, Nova Scotia during the Christmas holiday. He is pictured in the front row at left and hopes ''the rest of the gang is still around." Standing in the back, from left, are AB Elmer Whidden, Bosun Nat Newsom, OS "Chick" Evans and AB Carl Jarve. Kneeling in the front row are AB Malcolm Cross, OS Earl Parnell, AB Ed Evans, AB Ed Hayston and OS Bob Guthrie. Cross, now 83, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. September 1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ixteen Seafarers are announcing their retirements this month. Among this group are two recertified stewards and one recertified bosun. Representing 114 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Stewards Emanuel M. Douroudous and Jesse B. Natividad and Recertified Bosun Benedict Veiner are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the SJU's training school in Piney Point, Md. S Including the three recertified graduates, 12 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, three navigated the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA EMANUEL M.DOUROUDOUS, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Seatrain Delaware. Born in Greece, the steward department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1987. Brother Douroudous last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Voyager. He makes his home in Seattle. JUANITO FIEL, 63, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1965 and joined that union in the port of San Franci co. His first ship was the President Cleveland, an American President Lines vessel. Born in the Philippines, the steward department member last sailed aboard the Matson Navigation Co.'s Mokihana. Brother Fiel has retired to Tracy, Calif. by Delta Steamship Co. The Alabama native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Moore last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He calls Mobile home. EDUARDO GONZALES, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Honduras, he ailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's educational facilities in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gonzales last shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He calls Chalmette, La. home. JESSE B. NATIVIDAD, 80, joined the MC&S in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Born in the Philippines, he shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skilJs at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ, 66, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. During his career, he worked in all three departments. He last sailed in 1992 in the deck department aboard the Golden Monarch, operated by Westchester Marine. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Puerto Rico, he has retired to Ponce. RONALD REGAN MOORE,55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Del Valle, operated Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1947 NEW YORK - The presence of hundreds of white-capped Seafarers prevented strikebreakers from forcing their way through picket lines established by the CIO . ~u . tr Shipyard Workers around _ftfi~ two Brooklyn plants of • .f· the Bethlehem Steel Company. The lines were set up by Locals 12 and 1 3 more than 12 weeks ago, but early this week the company stated that it would "throw its gates open" to any employees who wanted to return, a move that the union immediately branded as "strike-breaking." The regional representative of the Shipyard Workers called upon the Seafarers for help and, with the same speed that the SIU has shown in the past, aid was dispatched to the 29th Street and 56th Street, Brooklyn, plants of the company. All the SIU members who went to join the picket lines did so on a volunteer basis. 1962 September 1999 JOSEPH ORTIZ JR., 65, joined the Seafarers in 1982 in the graduated from the steward recer- port of Hono- tification program in 1980. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1948. Brother Natividad last sailed aboard Bay Ship Management's Sandy Bay. He makes his home in MilJbrae, Calif. lulu. His first ship was the Oceanic Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A native of Hawaii, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Ortiz last sailed in 1994 aboard the Sea-Land Consumer and has retired to Haleiwa, Hawaii. RUDOLPH WILLIAM NURMI JR., 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of New Orleans, aboard the Yellowstone. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the union's school in Piney Point. During the period from 1954 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy and then in the Air Force. Brother Nurmi last sailed in 1994 aboard the USNS Wilkes, operated by Bay Ship Management. He has retired to Baytown, Texas. JOSE ISADOR ORTEGA, 68, started his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Vendor, operated by their own making. What do you do with old, secondhand computers? Unlike a man, whose working life is about 45 years, computers, which can cost over $600,000 each, are old and ready for a pension in perhaps five years. Since most computers are leased instead of sold outright, they find their way home again like old hound dogs .... The problem of aged computers will grow as more and more new models hit the market. Perhaps eventually they can solve the problem by simply hooking all the old machines together and letting them figure it out for themselves. rr.===================================:=il (Editor's note: This editorial excerpt indicates that history, at least in part, repeats itself.) Computer manufacturers, who claim to solve all sorts of problems for others through automation, are now facing a big problem and, poetically, it's one of Isthmian Lines, Inc. Brother Ortega sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed as a chief cook aboard the Overseas Ohio. Born in Colorado, he makes his home in Jalisco, Mexico. 1979 (From Paul Half's president's report) For us there is no bluffing in politics. We have to have a full house every time to bring home a winner. In this game, brothers, SPAD is our chips. And like in any poker game, you can't go in with a small bankroll. If you do, you're as good as dead .... There is no question that the membership's support of SPAD has already increased our ability to function politically. Our overall goal is to have every SIU member participate in the SPAD check-off program .... For those who have not signed the check-off authorization, it's time to start giving serious consideration to doing so. JOAQUIN PASSAPE RA, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Monarch of the Seas, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Perseverance, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Passapera calls Humacao, P.R. home. ANTONIO PRIZMIK, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New Orleans, first sailing aboard the Del Norte. He began working in the deck department and later transferred to the steward department. Brother Prizmik last sailed aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Born in Brazil, he makes his home in Orlando, Fla. BENEDICT VEINER, 75, first sailed with the SIU in 1944. The New Jersey native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification course in 1984. Brother Veiner last sailed aboard the Nedlloyd Holland, a Sea-Land Service, Inc. vessel. He has retired to Palatka, Fla. INLAND BYRON DALE DAVIDSON, 56, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1968. Born in Colorado, he worked in the deck department as a captain. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Davidson last shipped aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel and has retired to Cypress, Texas. WILLIAMF. HUNTER, 68, began his career with the SIU in 1971. A native of Massachusetts, he sailed as a captain. Prior to his retirement, he shipped aboard a Crowley Marine Services vessel. Brother Hunter makes his home in Diberville, Miss. BOBBY BLAIR LEWIS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he sailed as a captain. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Escort, an Express Marine Co. vessel. Boatman Lewis calJs Lowland, N.C. home. GREAT LAKES MUSSLffi BEN KASSIM, 65, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Detroit. A native of Arabia, he worked in all three departments during his career. He last sailed in 1980 aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. Brother Kassim makes his home in Detroit. Liberty Ship Seeks Volunteer Crew The Liberty ship John W Brown, based in Baltimore, seeks volunteers to crew the vessel for segments of a trip throughout the Great Lakes planned for next year. The voyage tentatively is scheduled to begin in May 2000 and end in August. Volunteer mariners with current z-cards are needed to fulfill Coast Guard regulations for crew complement. The non-profit group operating the vessel also is producing an 18month calendar featuring historic photos of various Liberty ships. All proceeds will go toward funding the Lakes voyage. For more information about the trip, or to order the calendar, contact Project Liberty at (410) 661-1550 or (410) 558-0646. Seafarers LOS 17 = �,-- -- --- - - - · -- ------- -~-- !I I I I I t final Departures I f t I ~ f I' t I r DEEP SEA GEORGE D. ARRLEDGE Pensioner George Donald Arrledge, 70, passed away July 13. Brother Arrledge first sailed with the SIU in 1951. A native of Ohio, he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in October 1994, he sailed aboard the USNS Altair, operated by Bay Shipping. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Arrledge was a resident of Vrrginia Beach, Va. YUNG JEONG CHU Pensioner Yung Jeong Chu, 80, died February 28. Born in China, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. He sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in October 1973. Brother Chu made his home in San Francisco. CARMINE G. FANTACONE Pensioner Carmine George Fantacone, 80, passed away June 21. A native of New York, he joined the MC&S in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Fantacone sailed in the steward department and retired in March 1978. He was a resident of Yountville, Calif. DANIEL E. FICCA Daniel Eugene Ficca, 42, died June 8. Brother Ficca graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry ., If, ~ level training \ ·· program in 1974 and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Los Angeles, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Sailing as a member of the engine department, he frequently upgraded his s.Ialls at the school. Virginia Beach, Va. was home to Brother Ficca. AURELIO A. FLORES Pensioner Aurelio A. Flores, 83, passed away June 30. Born in Mexico, he first sailed with the SIU in 1951 aboard the City of Alma, operated hy Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Flores worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Connecticut. He was a veteran of World War Il, having served in the U.S. Anny from 1942 to 1948. A resident of Pasadena, Texas, Brother Flores started receiving his pension in July 1982. DAVID FLORES Pensioner David Flores, 75, died June 27. A native of Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1945, first sailing aboard the Stephen J. Field. The steward department member last shipped in 1989 as a chief cook aboard the President Harrison, operated by American President Lines. Brother Flores was a resident of Bremerton, Wash. and retired in January 1990. 18 Seafarers LD6 GLADSTONE W. FORD Pensioner Gladstone W. Ford, 89, passed away April 27. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in the ~__.__..__,____.""""""........., port of Boston in November 1938. During his career, he sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Ford made his home in Roo evelt, N.Y. and began receiving his pension in August 1974. Piney Point, Md. The Cape Bon, operated by Interocean Management, was his first ship. Brother Greenlee sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the school. He wa a resident of Baltimore. ROBERT "ROMA" L. HARDY Pensioner Robert "Roma" Lee Hardy, 76, pas ed away June 7. Born in Texas, he joined the MC&S in 1945, first sailing aboard the Kodiak Victory. Prior to his retirement in March 1971, he worked in the steward department on the President Wilson, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Hardy made his home in San Francisco. ERIC H. FREDERICKSON Pensioner Eric Howard Frederickson, 59, died June 25. Brother Frederickson first sailed with the SIU in 1970 from his native New York. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in March 1996, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Frederickson was a resident of Las Vegas, Nev. RICHARD V. GEILING Pensioner Richard Victor Geiling, 75, passed away June 17. Born in Illinois, he joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He sailed as a member of the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., graduating from the steward recertification program there in 1987. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Shoreline, Wash., he retired in September 1991. GEORGE T. GILL III George Tompkins Gill Ill, 29, died June 14. He graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1993, Class 507, and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. His first hip was the LNG Aquarius. Brother Gill sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the school. He was a resident of Richmond, Va. ISAAC B. GIVENS Pensioner Isaac Bates Givens, 80, passed away April 13. Brother Givens began hi career with the MC&S from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the steward department. A resident of Wilmington, be began receiving his pension in February 1977. SCOTTY GREENLEE Scotty Greenlee, 28, died March 27. A native of South Carolina, he graduated from the Seafarer Harry Lundeberg School' entry level training program in 1991 and started his career with the SIU in KIM DOY LEONG Pensioner Kim Doy Leong, 72, died April l. He joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he sailed in the steward department as a chief cook. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in April 1979. CHARLESR.LOVELAND Pensioner Charles Raymond Loveland, 70, passed away July 14. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, he began sailing with the SIU in 1968 from the port of San Francisco aboard the Southwestern Victory. Born in Montana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skill at the Paul Hall Center. Prior to his retirement in June 1995, he worked aboard the Northern Lights, operated by Interocean Management. Brother Loveland was a resident of Kent, Wash. BOBIE E. McMICHAEL Pensioner Bobie Eugene McMichael, 70, died June 29. A native of Mississippi, he started sailing with the SIU in 1953 in the port ..............~........_.....L.-........... of New Orleans, first working aboard the Del Norte, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. From 1946 to 1948, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother McMichael was a resident of Sparks, Nev. and started receiving his pension in September 1993. GILBERT M. MILLSAP Gilbert Marion Millsap, 67, passed away June 15. Brother Millsap began his career with the Seafarers in 1990 in the port Iii of Houston. His first hip was the USNS H.H. Hess, a Marship Operator vessel. Brother Millsap sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union' chool in Piney Point, Md. From 1949 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in South Carolina, he made hi home in Tacoma, Wash. LEROY M. NICHOLAS Pensioner Leroy Maurice Nicholas, 82, died July 7. A charter member of the SIU, he joined the union in January 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in November 1979, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Economy. Brother Nicholas was a resident of New Orleans and a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946. JAMES A. PARKER Pensioner James Adam Parker, 77, pa sed away March 21. He joined the MC&S in the port of Seattle. Born in Arkansas, he sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1971. Brother Parker made his home in Seattle. NELSON O. ROJAS Pensioner Nelson Orlando Rojas, 63, died June 28. Born in Chile, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Henry. Brother Rojas began working in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. During his career, he attended an educational conference in Piney Point, Md. Before retiring in April 1991, he sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Rojas was a resident of Metairie, La. ROBERT L. SCOTT Robert Lee Scott, 55, passed away June 9. A native and resident of Mobile, Ala., he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Cathy. Brother Scott sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. His last ship was the Julius Hammer. RICHARD T. SMITH Richard Theodore Smith, 60, died June 25. Brother Smith graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Executive, operated by Isthmian Line , Inc. The Penn ylvania native ailed in the deck department. He wa a re ident of Oakland, Calif. STEVE A. SOOFI Pen ioner Steve A. Soofi, 67, pa sed away June 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Seattle. Born in Yemen, he ailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. His first l~~--~~I ship was the Newark Bay, operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. and his last ship was the President Jefferson, an ..___ _ _ _ American President Lines vessel. A resident of Detroit, Brother Soofi began receiving his pen ion in October 1996. _...,.~b:J DANIEL A. STEWART Pensioner Daniel Amos Stewart, 62, died May 5. A native of Florida, he first sailed with the SIU in 1966 aboard the Volusia, operated by Suwannee Steamship Co. Prior to his retirement in February 1998, the deck department member worked aboard the Sea-Land Quality. From 1954 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Stewart made his home in Houston. ANTHONY TOSADO Pensioner Anthony Tosado, 73, passed away June 17. He joined the Seafarers in 1944 in his o . uring his career, he was active in um organizing drives. Brother Tosado worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Developer. A resident of Miami Beach, Fla., he started receiving his pension in November 1986. CHUNG GENE WON Pensioner Chung Gene Won, 78, died June 5. Born in Chimi, he started his career with the MC&S in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member's first ship was Matson Navigation Co.'s Lurline. Brother Won retired in March 1984 and was a resident of San Franci co. INLAND ROBERT BLAKE Pensioner Robert Blake, 78, passed away July 13. Boatman Blake started his sailing career in 1949 and joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Connecticut, he sailed in the engine department, last working aboard a Taylor and Anderson Co. vessel. A resident of Essington, Pa., he began receiving his pension in June 1989. NATHAN RAY BRANCH Nathan Ray Branch, 51, died May 24. A native of Florida, he began his career with the SIU in 1967 from the port of Houston. Boatman Branch sailed as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He made his home in Tenaha, Texa . Continued on page 22 September 1999 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard 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. 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), April 10-Chairman Chris Kalinowki, Secretary Donna J. Scott, Educational Director John Yarber, Deck Delegate Ali Alifaqih, Engine Delegate Mike Coombes. Discussion held on money purchase pension plan, necessity of obtaining STCW endorsements and having TRBs signed by appropriate person aboard ship. Educational director noted importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., especially to obtain proper certification required for registering and shipping. New ship's fund set up at meeting. Deck delegate requested clarification on seawatches and steward delegate reminded everyone to clean rooms before getting off ship. He also noted handbooks regarding union's plans available in deck department office. Chairman said Seafarers LOG has information for members in all departments, including latest upgrading information. Since ship seldom ports where there is a union hall or representative, everyone should read LOG. ext ports: Guam and Saipan. HMICAPELOOKOUTSHOALS (IUM), April 28-Chairman Michael Eaton, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Larry M. Phillips, Deck Delegate Brad Seibel, Steward Delegate William Chorney. Chairman reminded crew members to check zcards for expiration date and also obtain STCW endorsements. Secretary and educational director stressed need to upgrade at Piney Point and help keep union strong by contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for steward assistant to do rooms and sanitary so chief steward can concentrate on cooking. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), April 25-Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary Gary Meiser, Educational Director Raymona P. Gayton, Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Steward Delegate Amin A. Mohamed. Chairman announced ship en route from Yokohama, Japan to Long Beach, Calif. for payoff. He also mentioned those who knew William B. Hom (Tom-Tom) were saddened by his death in February. Educational director advised members to further their education at Paul Hall Center and to donate to SPAD. Treasurer announced $1,100 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. In discussion of President's Report in LOG, AB Henry spoke for everyone when he expressed pleasure at having new jobs on U.S.-built ships. Washing machine fixed; floor tile in chief electrician's room needs repair. AB Mark A. Stevens gave special thanks to deck department for all they do; also to Chief Cook Danny Guerrero and GSU Mohamed for their extra work. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. GLOBAL LINK (Tyco), May 27Chairman Jose S. Gomez, Secretary Lanette Lopez, September 1999 Educational Director Franklin Coburn, Deck Delegate Melvin L. Singletary, Steward Delegate Eric Van Benthuysen. Chairman noted crew members busy preparing ship for Coast Guard inspection. Last week, ship went through random drug test procedures. All went well and crew members have done fine job with assigned duties. Educational director made everyone aware of upcoming classes at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $2,200 in ship's fund. No beefs, disputed OT or safety hazards reported. HM/ ASTRACHEM (IUM), May 30-Chairman Stanley Daranda, Secretary Luis Escobar, Educational Director Nelson Lazo, Deck Delegate Jose Canales, Engine Delegate Keeper Brown, Steward Delegate Fausto D. Aranda. Chairman announced ship to pay off in Savannah, Ga, then head to Guayama, P.R. Secretary urged crew members to take advantage of free education available at Piney Point and thanked deck department members for job well done. Educational director suggested attending courses at Piney Point to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to fix air conditioning and washing machine. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. HM/ DYNACHEM (IUM}-May 31-Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director Eron G. Hall Jr., Deck Delegate Billy D. Watson, Steward Delegate James Harris. Chairman announced payoff June 1. All four unlicensed apprentices will get off in Florida; four new ones expected aboard. Chairman reminded members of opening of Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School in Piney Point. Educational director advised crew to check expiration dates on all documents needed to ship out. Treasurer noted all contributions for satellite system, weight room and movie fund greatly appreciated and should be given to captain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested from headquarters on butterworthing. Discussion held about NMU members sharing school and jobs aboard ship. With news of new passenger ships on horizon, crew felt NMU would be welcomed workforce. New VCR requested for crew lounge. Steward department given vote of thanks for good job-too good a job, in fact, since members are complaining of gaining weight. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), May 27-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez. Chairman requested clarification of new drug testing policy and questioned who is to sign off on TRBs. Secretary stated payoff in San Juan May 28. Educational director urged all hands to get necessary training for STCW endorsement, such as fire fighting. Treasurer announced $10 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to have welfare plan pay for dependents' prescriptions. Another request made was to have company provide transportation from ship to gate for safety reasons. Steward department given vote of thanks. LNG LIBRA (PRONAV), May 23-Chairman Bert Gillis, Secretary John Gibbons, Educational Director Jeff Yarmola, Deck Delegate Jesse Natividad, Engine Delegate Marcos Hill, Steward Delegate John Bukowsky. Chairman led discussion on possible reflagging of LNG vessels. Secretary added that until further word is received, crew members should continue doing their usual professional jobs. Chairman suggested when going ashore in Indonesia, everyone should keep safety in mind and travel in pairs. He also reminded crew when on the beach, they should attend SIU monthly meetings. Educational director stressed benefits of upgrading at Piney Point and advised members to check z-cards and renew, if necessary. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendaion made for crew to support SPAD and read LOG to stay abreast of current events in maritime industry. MARINE COLUMBIA (Intrepid Ship Management), May 29Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary Anthony St. Clair, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Leo P. Bognoson, Engine Delegate Detricke Kelly, Steward Delegate John F. Huyett. Chairman led discussion about Alaska Tanker Corp. taking over from Intrepid and of STCW endorsements needed by 2002. He also warned crew members using pilot's ladder to be careful when going ashore in Hawaii due to heavy swells. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Suggestion made to use $1,350 in ship's fund for new sound system and larger TV. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Next port: Hawaii. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship), May 30-Chairman Eugene Grantham, Secretary Miguel Pabon, Educational Director Thomas P. Arthur, Deck Delegate Albert W. Austin Jr., Engine Delegate Abraham Carbajal, Steward Delegate Ralph Thomas. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All three departments were thanked for good job. Vessel will pay off June 6 at Governor Nichols Pier in New Orleans, La. ROVER (Intrepid Ship Management), May 23-Chairman Inocencio Desaville, Secretary Juan B. Gonzalez, Educational Director Clyde Smith, Steward Delegate Leoncio Castro. Bosun reported chief mate very happy with job done by deck department. He also reported everyone thankful to SIU for getting this ship running again and providing more jobs for members. Educational director encouraged crew to keep upgrading, especially those members who want to continue sailing aboard tankers. He also mentioned importance of keeping all shipboard areas in sanitary condition. Request made by deck delegate for chief mate to issue respirators for those painting in pump room. Another request made for union to issue insurance identity cards to eliminate present confusion when visiting doctor or hospital. Vote of thanks given to SIU President Mike Sacco for his continuing fight for jobs and for future of merchant marine industry. Thanks also given to steward department for clean galley and job well done. SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), May 22-Chairman Robert F. Garcia, Secretary Robert Miller, Educational Director Bozidar Balic, Deck Delegate Mathew J. Bevak, Engine Delegate C. H. Kennedy, Steward purchase of stores, Singapore, perhaps. Next port: New Orleans. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line), June 27-Chairman Frank Hedge, Secretary Khamis Mageed, Educational Director Larry Cochrane. Chairman read President's Report from LOG. He asked everyone to report safety hazards to bosun and thanked crew for Astrachem Crew on Caribbean Run The HM/ Astrachem held a payoff recently in the port of Guayama, P.R. It may be the last payoff for the IUM vessel in the Caribbean region if, as has been mentioned, the ship's run is changed. Included in the photograph are Bosun Stanley Daranda, ABs Jaime Rodriguez, Ismael Roman, Michael Edwards, Joel Gonzalez and Noel Otero, Chief Pumpman Alvin J. Markowitz, 2nd Pumpman Demetrus Simmons, Oilers Nestor V. Martinez, Ronald Miller and Keeper Brown, Wiper Jesse A. Osborne, Chief Steward Luis Escobar, Chief Cook Fausto D. Aranda and UMM Jose De los Santos. Delegate Ernest Polk. Chairman led discussion on President's Report in May LOG. Crew members thanked union for getting new jobs and requested clarification on wage scale for working aboard government vessels. Educational director posted updated schedule of classes available at Paul Hall Center and encouraged everyone to stay on top of new rules and regulations needed to ship. No beefs or disputed OT. Next ports: Panama; Elizabeth, .J.; and Long Beach, Calif. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), June 13Chairman Stephen Argay, Secretary Theodore E·. Quammie, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Deck Delegate Terry N. Arbwah, Engine Delegate Rafael Pagan, Steward Delegate E. Amasha. Chairman noted first foreign voyage was excellent and plenty of work completed in all departments. He also addressed need for information from headquarters about vacation pay. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of educational facilities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun to pick up tire tubes for overhaul of crew bike. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), June 6-Chairman Michael D. Hill, Secretary Paula Kaleikini, Educational Director Thomas Keseru, Deck Delegate Ron Owens, Engine Delegate Mario P. Ruiz, Steward Delegate Stephanie Smith. Chairman thanked crew for good trip. He also thartked unlicensed apprentices for job well done and encouraged them to keep training. He reminded everyone to see captain for TRB signoff and vacation papers. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate; none reported in engine or steward departments. New VCR and rewinder requested for crew lounge as well as a few comfortable chairs. Additional medical supplies needed aboard ship, realized after some crew members became ill after leaving Pakistan. Also suggested using alternate country for good job during Coast Guard inspection in Hawaii. All hands were well prepared. Secretary announced 3 percent raise for those aboard Maersk Constellation as of June 8. He also mentioned need for replacement of ice machine and freezer for crew mess hall. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and of obtaining TRBs in order to register. STCW endorsements also needed by 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked crew , especially steward department, for memorable trip. Next port: Concord, Calif. MAJ. STEPHEN W. PLESS (Waterman Steamship), June 6--Chairman Robert E. Hagood, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Deck Delegate Bill Kratsas, Engine Delegate Robert Woods, Steward Delegate Andelair F. Betties. Chairman stated crew change scheduled to take place in Ibiza, Spain June 10. Oncoming crew will board vessel on l 000 launch and offgoing crew will catch noon launch, stay at Royal Plaza Hotel and fly out June 11. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged all to read monthly LOG, with special attention to President's Report. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent cookout and delicious meals during entire voyage. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (Amsea), June 21-Chairman William Bratton, Secretary Rich Gray, Educational Director Charles Betz, Deck Delegat:e Phil Breslin, Engine Delegate Michael Stearman, Steward Delegate Doray Saberon. Chairman spoke of procedures to update TRB and renew z-cards. Also discussed was information on money purchase pension plan and how to contribute. Secretary announced $935 in ship's fund, possibly to be used for satellite system aboard vessel. Educational director talked about importance of going to Piney Point to upgrade and how courses taught there will be of use to membership in future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew advised to read Seafarers LOG for important maritime issues. Next ports: Malaga, Spain, Naples, Italy; and Rota, Spain. Seafarers LOG 19 __... �,-- -~-- 1 I Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL :V."' t < ·&f'" ;"'··...,,~ ...."- - LIFEBOAT CLASS =-~ !; g 1~--== Unlicensed Apprentice Safety Class 591- Graduating from the safety class are unlicensed apprentices from class 591. They are (from left} Romel Holland, Jeremy Sutton, Brandon Mines, Miles Ireland Jr., Brandon Scalzo, Bobby Ellis Jr., Adam Williams and Blaine Harkins. Galley Familiarization - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 590 recently completed a class to familiarize them with the workings of a galley. They are (from left, first row) Travis Jarvis, Kristopher Anderson, Rashad King, Brett Parkins, Kevin Johnson, David Green, (second row) Mitch Gustafson Jr., Robert Parker, Raheem Owens, Shannon Twigg (instructor), Jess Chalker and Angel Melendez. Advanced Fire Fighting - Pictured above are members of the first advanced fire fighting class to have completed their course work on July 2 at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. From the left are Stormie Combs (instructor), Mark Watson, Richard Blakey, Darren Bates, Sacarias Suaso, Jose Montero, Marvin St. Georges and William Daly. STCW Basic Safety and Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the water survival class necessary for their STCW endorsements are (from left) Joseph Canlas, Dean Mcfarlane, Jose Liwag, Arnido Sindac, Moses Adegunwa, Alba Ayala, Sacharias Suaso, Hassan Mohamed, Roy Martinez, Peter Poree Jr. and Casey Taylor (instructor). The same students are seen below in the pool at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Their instructors, Mitch Oakley and Beth Wroblewski, are in the water. Deck Engine Utility Phase 3 of the unlicensed apprentice program finds students visiting the U.S. Capitol. Included in this group are Adel Alameri , Ray Avie Jr., Antonio Cooks , Victor Harvey, Edric Hernandez, Randy Ledesma , Jason Pratt, Bert Reynolds, Kenneth Salgado, Rachel Sanner and Dennis Wilson . 20 Seafarers LOG September 1999 �Pa uI H·aII Center Graduatin9 CIasses Lifeboat Safety Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - Maritrans boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course in Philadelphia from June 4 through June 7 are (from left, first row) Matt Frankowski, Ken Ferguson, Joseph Hilton, Michael Tobin, (second row) Keith Beaulieu, Wallace Pooler, David Wilson, Don Higginbotham, (third row) John Mullett, Robert Greggs and Arturo Sangin. Earning their lifeboat endorsements are Alfonso Salazar, Neston Ramirez, Harold Lewis, Willard Bell, Duane Reeder, David Loison, Ali Al-Kassemi and Daniel Englund. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Willy Crear, Chef Ed White (instructor), Stephanie Hendrick, Michael Watts, Saleh Ahmed, Wayne Howard, Mohamed Mosa and Raymond Brown Jr. Another group working toward completion of their lifeboat endorsements include Earnest Green (coxswain), Avis Hawkins, Ruben Siclot, William Adams, Bobby Ellis Jr., Christopher Corpuz, Blaine Harkins and Curtis Isaac. From the left are Edward Tully, Dan Assidi, Cleotilde Mejia, Chef Bob Baumgarten (instructor), Guy Prescott and Jonn Noel. September1999 From front to back and left to right are Brandon Scallon, Romel Holland, Sean Cripps, Myles Ireland Jr., Brandon Mines, Joseph Ellsworth, Lolita Thomas and Jeremy Sutton as coxswain. Seafarers LOG 21 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the wr;ter s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Know Your Rights steered (styr =steer). Through the years, it was adopted in England and became " starboard." Second, "port" comes from the same source; that is, port is the side without any obstruction (rudder) and therefore was used to tie up against a dock. In the Norse word "barboard," the "bar" means without anything. Last, "boatswain" also comes from Norse. "Swain" is the Saxon version of "svenn" which was a servant to the king in his court. This was adapted to "boatsvenn" or servant of the ship. Kent Amberson USNS Bowditch For the Record I enjoyed your article about nautical terms and their origins [June 1999 LOG]; however, I have a few comments. First, "starboard" comes from the Norse word "styrbord" or the side from where the ship was TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds . Seatarers International Union PPO Providers Billing/Payment/Correspondence: Physical Address: Virginia Mason 91-0565539 P.O. Box 91046 Seattle, WA 98111-9146 Virginia Mason Med. Ctr. 925 Seneca St. Seattle, WA 98101 Methodist 23-2829095 2301 South Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 Methodist Hospital (same address as at left) St. Mary's 94-3296802 P.O. Box 60000, File #72572 San Francisco, CA 94160-2572 St. Mary's Hospital 450 Stanyan St San Francisco, CA 94117 Straub 99-0331208 888 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813 Straub Hospital (same address as at left) St. Joseph's 74-1117346 P.O. Box 840963 Dallas, TX 75284-0963 St. Joseph's Hospital 1919 LaBranch Houston, TX 77002 Torrance 95-1644042 P.O. Box 13717 Torrance, CA 90503 Torrance Mem. Med. Ctr. 3330 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505 St. Vincent's 59-0624449 P.O. Box 45167 Jacksonville, FL 32232 St. Vincent's Med. Ctr. 1800 Barrs St. Jacksonville, FL 32203 St. Luke's 22-2517154 P.O. Box 3000 New Bedford, MA 02741-1300 St. Luke's Hospital 101 Page St. New Bedford, MA 02741 SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Are You ReceivinLf Your Important FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership 's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. •? In order to ensure that each permanent address, and this is active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union r---------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 9199 (Please Print) official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in Final Departures Continued from page 18 ARTHUR DAVID HANN Pensioner Arthur David Hann, 63 , passed away May 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The Massachusetts native worked in the engine department as a chief engineer, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. A resident of Olar, S.C., Boatman Hann began receiving his pension in March 1999. From 1952 to 1960, he served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if · . A member should support SPA and further his or her economic, p · · l and social interests, and American union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or informa1tion, the member should · ately notify SIU P · nt Michael Sacco a uarters by certified mai , return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Transport Co. ves el. He was a resident of Philadelphia. JOHN THOMAS SOULE John Thomas Soule, 42, died March 9. Born in Tennessee, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program, Class 297, in 1980 and started his SIU career in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Soule sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school. He last sailed in 1993 aboard a vessel operated by Maritrans Operating Partners L.P. He was a resident of Anderson, S.C. ROY ALTON SQUIRES ROBERT F. McKNIGHT Name: Phone No.: __j..___ __L__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Social Security No.: ____ I ____ I _ _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L---------------------------------------------------~ 22 Seafarers LOG ....-----,.,------., Pensioner Robert Francis McKnight, 81 , died July 5. A native of Pennsylvania, he began his career with the SIU in 1967 in Y.t~~~~!l......ILB the port of Philadelphia. His fir t ship was the Commander, operated by Marine Carrier . The deck department member tarted sailing in the deep sea division and later transferred to inland vessels. Prior to retiring in October 1982, Boatman McKnight worked aboard an Interstate Oil Pensioner Roy Alton Squires, 80, passed away June 30. Boatman Squires joined the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Norfolk, Va. During his career, he upgraded his skills in the deck department from tankerman to captain. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1946. Prior to his retirement in March 1981, he sailed aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Squires made his home in Clarendon, N.C. September 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from September through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) September 27 November 1 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting September 27 October 18 November 22 October 1 October 22 November 26 Advanced Firefighting September 13 November 8 September 24 November19 Government Vessels September 6 September 27 November 1 November 8 November 29 September 24 October 15 November 19 November 26 December 17 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 6 October 4 November 1 November 29 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) September 20 September 27 October 25 November 1 November 8 November 22 November 29 December 13 September 24 October 1 October 29 . November 5 November 12 November 26 December 3 December 17 Welding October 4 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Radar Observer/Unlimited October 4 October 15 Radar Recertification (one day) October 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids October 18 October 23 (ARPA) Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler October 11 November 19 Marine Electrical Maintenance I September 20 October 29 QMED September 13 December 3 Power Plant Maintenance September 27 November 5 Refrij!eraaon Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) September 6, 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20, 27 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) September 6, 20 October 4, 18 November 1, 15, 29 December 13, 27 October 22 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING IS A KEY TO YOUR FUTURE. REVIEW THE COURSE SCHEDULE AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE A CLASS SOON. THE STAFF AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER IS CONTINUALLY UPDATING THE COURSE CONTENTS TO KEEP ABREAST OF CHANGES IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY. ck- --~--------------------------------------- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (I 20) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seati11Je for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their aaplication. The pavment should be made with a money order only. pavable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE END DATE BEGIN DATE Telephone _ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member Date of Birth - - - - -- - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member 0 D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ __ _ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ September 1999 SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou 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: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Date Off: The Seafarers Hany Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9199 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 61 Number 9 Thinking About College? The Seafarers Welfare Plan is offering seven scholarships in 2000 to three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. See page 14 for additional infonnation. Training Expanded for New Crui1e Sbip1 U.S. Coast Guard-Certified Courses Taught in Port of Honolulu Instructor Ben Cusic emphasizes a point (left photo) during the water survival/lifeboat class at the Honolulu hall in June and (at right) works with Assistant Cook Emo Aulelava to crank the davit on the SS Independence. While Seafarers continue to perform their jobs aboard the SS Independence, construction soon will start on the next generation of U.S.-flag cruise ships to sail around the Hawaiian islands. The first of two 840-foot, 1,900-passenger vessels is expected to begin service for American Hawaii Cruises in 2003. The 5,000 jobs that eventually will be created upon completion of the two vessels will not only supply top-notch crew members for the new cruise ships, they also will serve as a large base of seafarers for times of national emergency. In looking ahead to meet the needs of the new passenger cruise ships, the Seafarers International Union in partnership with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and American Hawaii Cruises is creating training opportunities for SIU members in the port of Honolulu. The first step involved remodeling classrooms at the SIU hall in Honolulu to meet U.S. Coast Guard standards for certified training. David Hammet and Mickey Hayden, technicians from the Paul Hall Center, performed the work earlier this year and also built a self-contained maze in a shipping container that will be used for basic fire fighting and STCW training. Ben Cusic, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center, taught the fust course-Water Survival/Lifeboat-at the new facilities. SIU members attended the class from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. June 14 through June 19. On Saturday, June 20, the students assembled on board the SS Independence for practical instruction and final testing using the vessel's davits, lifeboats, pool and rafts. American Hawaii Cruises' Vice President for Training Bill Anonsen coordinated use of the facilities and equipment aboard the SIU-crewed ship. Upon successful completion of the course, students were presented with certificates from the Paul Hall Center and their TRBs received the appropriate citation stating that they had completed this U.S. Coast Guard-certified course. The luxury pool aboard the SS Independence was the site for practical instruction in water safety and survival techniques. Below, upgraders study in the newly remodeled classroom at the Honolulu hall. ·on of Independence Celebrating the past 20 years of U.S.-flag cruise shipping as well as the future of the industry are, from left, SIU West Coast VP Nick Marrone, Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Unlicensed Apprentice Randy Ledesma and Rep. Patsy Mink (D-Hawaii). Marking almost 20 years of cruise service in the Hawaiian Islands, the SIUcrewed SS Independence celebrated its l ,Oooth voyage last month. "Voyage 1,000 is an opportunity to note the promising potential of cruising for Hawaii," said T.E. Carman, Executive Vice President of American Hawaii Cruises. Twenty years ago, there was no U.S. deep sea passenger ship. However, a joint effort involving the SIU, Cove Ship Management, Hawaii's congressional delegation and others brought the Independence back under the American flag. "Again, the SIU is involved in a joint venture," stated SIU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone. "Now, American Hawaii Cruises-and its parent company, American Classic Voyages-is building two new cruise ships .... When the American workers are finished building those vessels, American mariners-including Seafarers-will proudly climb the gangway to begin a new era of sailing in the next millennium," Marrone said. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 1999 Description An account of the resource MARCH RETIRED AFL-CIO PRESIDENT LANE KIRKLAND DIES AT 77 FORMER MERCHANT MARINER HEADED NATIONAL LABOR FEDERATION FOR 16 YEARS NEW JOBS AHEAD FOR SEAFARERS NEW REPORT EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT SIU JOBS SECURED ON LNG VESSELS SIU WILL CREW NEW RO/RO RUNAWAY-FLAG VESSEL CAUGHT SMUGGLING 132 CHINESE ALIENS INTO UNITED STATES CATAWBA CREDITED IN RESCUE HEART ATTACK CLAIMS BEAU JAMES MARAD DETAILS SUCCESSES OF MSP, JONES ACT, RRF ANTI-WORKER FORCES AGAIN ATTEMPT TO LIMIT LABOR’S POLITICAL ACTIVITIES SIU-CREWED FLEET GROWS COAST GUARD PUBLISHES FINAL RULE ON USER FEES CARNIVAL’S UPDATED TALLY: 108 SEX CRIMES IN 5 YEARS FIRE FIGHTERS PRESIDENT AL WHITEHEAD LEARNED HIS UNION LESSONS WITH THE SIU STEELWORKERS END STRIKE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMIN. ISSUES YEARLY STATEMENTS TO 125 MILLION WORKERS FAMILY, FRIENDS HELP RECERTIFIED STEWARDS EXCEL IN CHOSEN FIELD LAKE SEAFARERS WORK THROUGH CARGO SLUMP ACTIVITY ABOUNDS IN PORT OF PHILADELPHIA S-L CONSUMER CREW AGREES: EVERYONE LOVES A COOKOUT GLOBAL LINK CREW COMPLETES 3 MONTH CABLE-LAYING JOB WASHINGTON POST PROFILES NEW FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL TRAINING EXPANDED FOR NEW CRUISE SHIPS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 9 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9cd87c7200bad5c994d8a05ee0db8be0.pdf df67c7abb728702bac0aa8ba615d0c5e PDF Text Text Volume 61 Number 10 October 1999 .. d r Starry Greetings from Russia I c -Jan ar 31 SIU Crews Green Dale New Car Carrier Launches in Japan Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG, showing crew members at work aboard the Liberty Star in Russia. Pictured above (from left) are AB Israel Castillo, Unlicensed Apprentice Chris Green, Deck Maintenance Ed Nelson and Bosun Castro. Below, left: Castillo chips to keep the vessel clean. Below, right: Castro stays on top of the deck duties. Members Discuss Benetits of Upgrading - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PagesB, 9 Sealarers Now Eligible For More Scholarships _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Pages4, 14 �President's Report A New Era We are preparing to enter a new era in the history of the U.S. merchant marine. In this month's issue of the Seafarers LOG as well as the latest edition of the NMU Pilot is a resolution for you, the rank-and-file member, to consider bringing the National Maritime Union into the ranks of the SIU. This proposed merger is offered in the best interests of the members from both unions. Since the NMU became an autonomous affiliate of the SIUNA last year, representatives from both unions have been meeting to see if a merger is viable. Both unions have watched how SIU and NMU members have studied side-by-side at the Paul Hall Center with respect for one Michael Sacco another and friendships developing. Both unions have seen how the Alaska Tanker Company agreement has been implemented-the first covering SIU and NMU members working for the same firm. The committee looking into the merger has discussed seniority and job security concerns, among other issues. The officials serving on the committee believe merging the NMU into the SIU is workable, feasible and needed to ensure the job security of all American merchant mariners into the next century. When the SIU was established in 1938, we immediately went head-to-head and toeto-toe with the NMU for new contracts. For more than 60 years, our two unions have expended untold amounts of money and blood to gain an upper hand on the other. Instead of working together to build up the U.S.-flag fleet, our unions battled to tear each other down. If we are to continue the revitalization of the U.S.-flag fleet that started this decade,· we can no longer maintain a feud that helps no one. The U.S.-flag merchant fleet is growing. It seems each month we are announcing a new vessel breaking out or a new ship being built. When is the last time you can remember seeing stories on passenger ships, tankers, tugs, dredges, prepositioning vessels, car carriers and other bottoms all coming out like they are now?! The fleet is growing because maritime has been speaking with one unified voice on issues vital to all of us. That is how legislation allowing the export of Alaskan North Slope oil passed in 1995. That is how the Maritime Security Program became law a year later. That is how the Jones Act retains its solid support on Capitol Hill. None of this could have happened if one side was attacking the other. Maritime unity was required and is still needed. Our union's history is filled with mergers-actions that have made us stronger. The first one took place in 1940. When the SIU came into being, it had three separate districts that operated independently- the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes. In a short time, deep sea members realized having separate Atlantic and Gulf districts was a hindrance. Rather than putting up with jurisdictional disputes, the Seafarers of that era decided to merge the districts and consolidate their ocean-going efforts. This allowed the union to grow as one for deep sea members- setting the course for more organizing, benefits, training and other opportunities. In 1958, the next merger took place. The separate Great Lakes District joined with the Atlantic and Gulf. The union's constitution was amended by membership vote in 1960 to reflect the change. The decade of the 1970s saw further growth in the SIU. Both the SIUNA-affiliated Inland Boatmen's Union and the Atlantic Fishermen's Union came within the AGLIWD. However, the biggest merger of the decade occurred in 1978 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards merged into the district. This marked the first time ever that an unlicensed maritime union had jurisdiction from coast to coast. SIU President Paul Hall explained to the membership his reasons for merging the MC&S into the SIU: "All segments of the American labor movement will experience mergers of similar unions with similar interests for the overall purpose of providing better representation and protection to their memberships." His words from the March 1977 Seafarers LOG still ring true today. Why were all of these mergers performed? For the same reason the NMU merger with the SIU makes sense today. Job security, strengthening the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, solid contracts, consolidation of resources, maritime unity. Take your pick. The SIU has been looking ahead to capture the opportunities that await our members in the 21st century. We are growing-from the new vessels coming on line to the expansion of the Paul Hall Center's curriculum. We have not and will not stand still. We want to commit our resources to bringing new jobs and new ships to all of our members. In order for the U.S.-flag fleet to maintain the revitalization course charted earlier this decade, we cannot afford to be deterred. It would not only harm the SIU, ~ but all American mariners. That is why we have reached this crucial point in U.S. maritime history. It is time for the SIU and NMU to put a formal end to an unproductive feud. Recent history has shown that maritime labor will need to speak with one voice in the 21st century to ensure the necessary gains that will promote and protect our members. That is why the time has come to welcome the NMU into the ranks of the SIU. Doubling of Vessel Traffic in U.S.? ITF Officials Meet at Paul Hall Center DOT Report Offers Ways to Handle the Increase SIU President Michael Sacco (speaking above) welcomes the members of the ITF Task Force on Ratings to Piney Point, Md. Delegates from the United Kingdom , France, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Japan, Australia and New Zealand participated in the two-day meeting. Listening above (from left) are ITF Official Steve Cotton, SIU Exec. VP and ITF Seafarers' Section Chair John Fay and ITF Official Jean Yves Legouas. Below, the delegates tour the center's Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Volume 61, Number 10 October 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 520 I Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo ; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Facing a projected doubling of waterborne commercial vessel traffic in the United States during the next 20 years, the Department of Transportation (DOT) last month submitted a report to Congress outlining recommendations to meet the expected increase. In presenting the report, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater noted, "This nation was built on its waterways and ports. We must make certain they are ready to compete, and win, in the global economy of the 21st century." Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart and Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the U .S. Coast Guard, cochaired the national task force which produced the report. Representatives of vessel operators, shippers, ports, recreational boaters, environmentalists, shipyards, labor and other organizations were among those composing the task force. Representatives of local, state and regional governments, as well as numerous federal agencies also participated. Officially titled "An Assessment of the U.S. Marine Transportation System" (MTS), the report includes the following recommendations: • Creation of an MTS national advisory council to "provide a structured approach for non.federal stakeholders to provide input" on national issues. • Adopting a systematic approach to MTS safety and environmental protection. Managers, operators and users of the waterways and facilities, the shoreside transportation system, environmental interests and the public all must be involved via local committees or planning groups, states the report. • Better coordination and development of adequate financing mechanisms to ensure the growth of seaports, waterways and their intermodal links. • Improved efficiencies in the movement of people and cargo, including "one-stop shopping" for federal inspection and reporting, improved landside access to ports, a national cooperative MTS research program and more reliable traffic forecasting. • Establishment of information management systems and infrastructure supportive of the MTS, including development of better hydrographic and weather information; improved vessel, cargo and passenger tracking methods; and better waterway traffic management information for mariners and ports. Public comments on the DOT report are requested by November 18. The full report may be accessed via the internet at http://www.dot.gov/mts or http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m. Besides the recommenda- tions, the report offers some interesting data. For instance, it states, "More than 1,000 harbor channels and 25,000 miles of inland, intracoastal, and coastal waterways in the United States serve over 300 ports, with more than 3,700 terminals that handle passenger and cargo movements. The waterways and ports link to 152,000 miles of rail, 460,000 miles of pipelines, and 45,000 miles of interstate highways .... The MTS also contains shipyards and repair facilities crucial to maritime activity." .It also notes that the U.S. marine transportation system annually: • moves more than 2 billion tons of domestic and international freight; • imports 3.3 billion barrels of oil to meet U.S . energy demands; • transports 134 million passengers by ferry; • serves 78 million Americans engaged in recreational boating; • hosts more than 5 million cruise ship passengers; and • supports 110,000 commercial fishing vessels and recreational fishing that contribute $111 billion to state economies. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Thursday, November 11, 1999 for the observance of Veterans' Day and Thursday, November 25 for Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. October 1999 �Voting Starts December 1 On SIU-NMU Merger SIU members will begin voting December 1 on a referendum to determine if the union should proceed with merging the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (SIU). The resolution asks Seafarers if the union should bring the NMU into the SIU. At the same time Seafarers are voting, members of the NMU will be casting ballots at their halls to determine if the NMU should merge into the SIU. If approved by the membership of both the SIU and NMU, members of the two unions' executive boards would start implementing the merger. The process being used is similar to the one implemented during 1977-78 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) merged into the SIU. At that time, the MC&S was an autonomous union within the parent Seafarers International Union ofNorth America. Officers from the SIU and MC&S entered into preliminary discussions about merging the MC&S into the SIU. They then presented a resolution of merger to each membership in spring 1978. After getting approval from the members of both unions, the officers ironed out the specifics of the merger which were implemented in the SIU constitution through amendments approved in a 1980 membership referendum. Like the MC&S was in 1977, the NMU is an autonomous union within the SIUNA. A committee consisting of officials from the SIU and NMU have been meeting since June to see if a merger would be feasible. The committee determined a merger of the NMU into the SIU would benefit the members of both unions in order to build a stronger U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Thus, it decided to recommend a merger to both memberships and drafted the resolution that is being presented. Seafarers learned of the voting in a letter from SIU Secretary- Treasurer David Heindel dated September 27: "Please be advised that a merger referendum between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO and the National Maritime Union of America, AFL-CIO is being proposed. "Balloting will commence on December 1, 1999 and continue through January 31, 2000. For the purpose of securing ballots, the ports shall be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. This will be a mail referendum. You will sign the 'roster sheet,' pick up your ballot, mark it, place it in the inner (BALLOT) envelope, and then place it in an outer envelope which is stamped and addressed to the bank depository. "In addition, you may request an absentee ballot if you are working aboard a union-contracted vessel or are a patient in an accredited hospital during the voting period. If you think you may need an absentee ballot, instructions are enclosed along with this ballot. (Editor's note: instructions for an absentee ballot appear to the right.) "Following the balloting, a Union Tallying Committee consisting of six full book members, two from each of the three departments of the Union will be elected at the Headquarters membership meeting on February 7, 2000 to count the ballots and prepare a report to the membership." Should the members of both unions accept the resolution, the merger committee would continue its work to draft the specifics regarding seniority, job security, training and other topics. As noted in the text of the resolution (printed below), the merger would require changes in the SIU constitution. These amendments would be presented to the membership during the regularly scheduled officers' election in late 2000. SAMPLE BALLOT of SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District VOTING PERIOD DECEMBER 1, 1999 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2000 MERGER SIUNA-AGLIWD AND NATIONAL MARITIME UNION OF AMERICA INSTRUCTION TO VOTERS - Vote either YES or NO on the following proposition below by marking a cross (X) in the appropriate box. Do not use lead pencil in marking the ballot. Ballots marked with lead pencil will not be counted. Mark your ballot with pen, ink or indelible pencil. Do not put any other marking on this ballot. RESOLUTION Be it resolved that a merger of the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD (SIU) shall take place. This merger, if approved by the membership of both unions, would take effect on the earlier of March 1, 2001 or as soon thereafter as the Executive Board deems appropriate. If this merger is approved by a majority of SIU members who chose to vote on this proposal, the SIU Executive Board would then begin the process of implementation. Resolutions would be prepared during the year, 2000, to amend the Constitution to add the NMU's name and to expand the SIU's Executive Board by adding new Vice-President positions. These resolutions would then be voted on in conjunction with the SIU's next regularly scheduled election for Officers during the year 2000. In addition, a vote to approve this merger proposal entails granting to the SIU Executive Board the time and discretion to study in detail issues such as finances, seniority and shipping rules to devise methods to ensure that the job security and membership rights of all SIU members will be fully protected throughout this entire process. Following this time period, once the Executive Boards of both unions have reached an agreement as to how best to protect their respective memberships, a merger agreement will be drafted which will contain the specifics of the merger and this agreement will then be put to a vote of the membership at a regular membership meeting. I APPROVE OF THIS MERGER BETWEEN THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT AND THE NATIONAL MARITIME UNION OF AMERICA, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE? DYES ONo Seafarers Crew New Car Carrier Green Dale Seafarers climbed the gangway of a newly built car carrier, the Green Dale, last month in the port of Toyohashi, Japan. Operated by Waterman Steamship Company of New Orleans, the Green Dale is about 590 feet long with a 106-foot width. The vesse1's first sailing will take it across the Pacific to Tacoma, Wash. Its itinerary will take the ship worldwide, including ports in Europe and the Caribbean, depending on contracts picked up by its charterer, NYK. "The Green Dale represents the union's continuing effort to gain new jobs for our October 1999 members," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "This is a brand new vessel to the U.S.flag fleet with a longstanding SIU-contracted company. Because Seafarers have proven themselves through the years with Waterman, the Green Dale shows the company remains committed to ensuring a strong U.S.-flag presence in the next century." Besides providing more jobs for Seafarers, the Green Dale also will benefit the nation's armed forces by being available to help fulfill the military's need for roll- on/roll-off vessels. It will be included in VISA (Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement), a 1995 federal program designed to make intermodal vessels and services available to the Defense Department in times of war or national emergency. "The launching of the Green Dale shows that new tonnage continues to come into the U.S.-flag fleet, one of the goals set forth by the 1996 Maritime Security Program," Tellez added. The Green Dale can transport approximately 4, 100 vehicles. The Seafarers LOG will publish photos of the crew and the vessel as soon as they become available. INSTRUCTIONS For Voting by Absentee Ballot In SIU, AGLIWD-NMU Merger Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel's schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period of this election or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first 10 days of the month of December of the election. An absentee ballot may be requested by registered or certified mail. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee baJlot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on the 15th day of December 1999, shall be directed to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters, and must be delivered no later than the 24th of December 1999. The Secretary-Treasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such a member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of December send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address so designated by such member, a "Ballot," after removing the perforated numbered stub together with the hereinbefore mentioned "Ballot" envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words "Absentee Ballot" and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words "Challenged Absentee Ballot." The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member's ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The SecretaryTreasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent. All ballots to be counted must be recetved by the depository no later than February 5, 2000 and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight January 31, 2000. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Privilege to Award $200,000 in Scholarships SIU Members Eligible for Grants, Other Benefits Union Privilege, a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO, recently announced that the Union Plus Credit Card scholarship program again will honor "deserving students" with $200,000 in scholarships next year. Seafarers and their dependents are eligible to apply for the scholarships, regardless of whether they carry the Union Plus/SIU credit card. The application deadline is January 31, 2000. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May. (See box below for information on securing an application.) The AFL-CIO (the national federation of trade unions) started Union Privilege in order to utilize the collective purchasing power of America's union families. In essence, Union Privilege secures consumer benefits for union members and their dependents at Getting an Application By mail, send a postcard with return address, telephone contact information and international union name clearly printed on it to: Union Plus Scholarship Program P.O. Box 34800 Washington, D.C. 20043-4800 Via the internet, go to: http://www.unionpriv.org/news/2000scholarinfo.htm to download a pdf version of the application. lower rates than one typically could gain on their own. The SIU subscribes to several Union Privilege programs, including the SIU/UIW MasterCard (through which the scholarship program is conducted). There is no charge to the SIU for this participation, though individuals, of course, must pay to enroll in whichever programs they choose. In promoting the scholarship program, Union Privilege pointed out that earlier this year, 120 students representing 32 AFL-CIO unions were selected to receive approximately $200,000 in Union Plus grants. "The recipients were chosen in part for their academic achievements and in part for their appreciation and understanding of labor, and their efforts in bettering society," the organization noted. Overall, 16 students attending four-year colleges and universities were honored with the program's top award of $4,000; Union Privilege Phone Numbers (These are the programs for which SIU members are eligible) General Information 1-800-452-9425 Credit Card Applications (English) 1-800-522-4000 Credit Card Applications (Spanish) 1-800-651-5108 Cardholder Customer Service 1-800-622-2580 another 85 received awards ranging from $500 to $3,000; and 18 community college students and one trade school student received scholarships ranging between $500 and $1,000. The upcoming scholarships will mark the program's ninth year. Already, more than $1.1 million in scholarships have been awarded to union members and their families through Union Privilege. The competition typically is stiff. Two years ago, for instance, Life Insurance 1-800-899-2782 Dental Program 1-800-257-8352 Legal Service 1-800-452-9425 Health Savings 1-800-228-3523 For more information, contact Union Privilege at the "general information" number listed above. more than 7,000 people applied for scholarships. In addition to the Union Privilege scholarships, the Seafarers Welfare Plan is offering three scholarships in the year 2000 to SIU members and four scholarships to spouses and dependents of Seafarers. See page 14 for additional information. Hurricane Floyd Pounds U.S. Shipping Disrupted as Storm Hits Eastern States Hurricane Floyd swept over the Eastern United States September 16-17, causing massive damage and dozens of fatalities while prompting the largest evacuation in America's history. Shipping was disrupted from Florida to New York as residents took precautions against the storm. SIU halls were closed for about 24 hours in Jacksonville and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and in Norfolk, Va., though none of those halls sustained noteworthy damage. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., was not as forWipespread damage was caused by Hurricane Floyd all along the East Coast, including (counter-clockwise from top left) at the Charleston (S.C.) Marina, in Stevensville, Md., in Whitpain Township, Pa. (the children aboard the bus were rescued), and in Longport, N.J. tunate. Flooding occurred in the training and recreation center, a number of trees were downed, and the library's archives sustained water damage. Classes, however, were conducted as scheduled. Among SIU-crewed ships affected by Hurricane Floyd were the USNS Pollux and USNS Soderman in Norfolk; the HMI Dynachem in Ft. Lauderdale; and the JE.B. Stuart, Fisher, Sea-Land Producer and El Yunque in Jacksonville. Some left port to avoid the hurricane, while others were delayed coming in. The Soderman remained in port and reflected Floyd's fury when it parted a steel line. Also, as reported by several newspapers, helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy rescued all eight mariners who were stranded in 30-foot seas as their ocean-going tug sank 300 miles east of Jacksonville. The non-union tug went down when Floyd arrived off the coast September 15. Early overall damage estimates for the hurricane in the U.S. already exceed $1.3 billion, and that figure undoubtedly will increase. Generally, people in Florida and the northeast expressed relief that the storm did not strike harder (though it still caused plenty of damage, including widespread water pollution and lengthy power outages). By contrast, North Carolina bore Floyd's full brunt, and residents in the Norfolk-Newport News area also were severely impacted. More than 40 stormrelated fatalities were reported in North Carolina and five in Virginia. At press time, approximately 10,000 North Carolinians remained in shelters. In several eastern North Carolina towns, caskets were floating in the floodwaters, having been raised by the storm. AP Photo/Elaine Thompson AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy 4 Seafarers LOG AP Photo/Chris Polk October 1999 �Avondale Fight Continues Ex-Boss Still Hasn't Said He's Sorry The AFL-CIO's "Justice at Avondale Campaign" is calling on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to proceed with "extraordinary remedies" it had recommended against the New Orleans shipyard in 1997, and to add a few more which would address the company's illegal acts since the first order. In 1997, an NLRB administrative law judge said that thenAvondale CEO Al Bossier should be required to personally call an all-employee meeting and read a "cease and desist" order with regard to the company's "outrageous and pervasive number and nature of unfair labor practices." The AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department reports the directive has never been carried out because it was appealed by Avondale. The NLRB judge who issued the ruling singled out Bossier as the key figure in the company's campaign against union representation for the employees because testimony revealed that Bossier played a personal and active role in engineering the company's response. "Until [Avondale] employees are effectively given assurance that Albert Bossier knows that they have rights that are protected by law, the atmosphere of intimidation that he created will never be dispelled. Only when Bossier signs the notice and reads it to the employees will that assurance be effectively given," the judge declared. On August 19-citing the July 7, 1999, 5th Circuit Court decision vacating the June 1993 NLRB election-the Metal Trades filed a brief with the board judge who is hearing the second trial covering additional numerous unfair labor practices alleged to have been committed by Avondale. The department is asking that in addition to the remedies contained in the 1997 order, Avondale should also grant the union reasonable access to company bulletin boards and to employees in the shipyard during non-working hours, and allow the union the opportunity to present a 30-minute speech to all employees on working time prior to any NLRB election which might be scheduled. The department's petition also urges the NLRB to require Avondale to reimburse both it and the board for all costs associated with its organizing expenses as well as legal costs involved in investigating the company's illegal behavior. "In exceptional cases, such as this, where there is a history of flagrant disregard of the National Labor Relations Act, such awards have been granted," the union filing points out, adding that Avondale conducted its illegal anti-union campaign with the help of a $5.4 million reimbursement for legal fees by the U.S. Navy. AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department Attorney Bill Lurye said that these and other extraordinary remedies would be necessary in order ·to establish a level playing field. Lurye pointed out that Bossier AFL-CIO Launches Ad Campaign To Boost Medicare, Add Rx Benefit The AFL-CIO last month The cost of the tax breaks will launched new television and explode from $792 billion in the radio ads urging members of first 10 years to $2.6 trillion dolCongress to strengthen Medicare lars by 2019-just as Medicare and add a prescription drug bene- becomes insolvent, Social fit for seniors. The ad campaign Security surpluses begin to disapalso takes them to task for voting pear and the "baby boomers" to spend the federal budget sur- start to retire, according to the plus on a $792 billion tax cut for group. the wealthy instead. The national federation of The ads, which ran in the dis- trade unions, to which the SIU is tricts of 13 House members and affiliated, said that the proposed four senators, told members of tax package "rests on assumpCongress to "put working fami- tions that extraordinarily deep lies first" by securing Medicare funding cuts-up to 43 percent, for the future and extending the according to the Center on program to help senior citizens Budget and Policy Prioritiespay for their prescriptions. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney stated, "Congress needs to seize the opportunity to invest in the issues that really matter to working families-like strengthening Medicare-rather than wasting what little time is left in this session of Congress on goThe chairman of the House nowhere issues like huge tax cuts Transportation and Infrastructure for big business and the rich. Committee is calling for action to "While seniors all over the be taken to keep America's port country struggle to choose between paying for groceries and facilities from falling behind paying for their prescriptions, it's those in neighboring Canada and outrageous that Congress is vot- the Bahamas. Following a series of meetings ing to give corporate fat-cats a with transportation officials from $3.8 billion tax write-off," Europe and the Middle East, Rep. Sweeney continued. The tax cut primarily benefits Bud Shuster (R-Pa.) returned to America's wealthy, with 70 per- the United States urging his felcent of the tax cut benefits going low legislators to address the to the wealthiest 10 percent of problem of making American taxpayers. Taxpayers with in- ports ready for the vessels that comes of $301,000 or more get will handle international commerce in the next century. 42 percent of the tax cut. "Our harbors need to be According to Citizens for Tax dredged, and our terminals and Justice, a non-profit group that intermodal connections to trucks has analyzed the proposed cuts, the richest one percent would and rails need to be modernized," receive the equivalent of $885 Shuster said last month. "Not every week, while the average only are American port jobs in family would get three dollars a jeopardy, but the increased cost week under the tax cut plan of shipping U.S. products overseas puts all our export-related passed by Congress. will be made in programs like education and training, worker protections, and housing." Although President Clinton has promised to veto the tax plan, some members of Congress have indicated that they will continue to push for the tax cuts next year. Strengthening Medicare and prescription drug coverage for seniors is a top priority for the AFL-CIO and its unions. The AFL-CIO has launched a grassroots program to mobilize and educate union members from the 68 affiliated unions about the battle over Medicare. House Transportation Chair Calls for Action to Upgrade Maritime Infrastructure October 1999 jobs at risk." The Pennsylvania congressman was part of a 14-person bipartisan delegation seeking to learn more about how other countries are implementing changes to accommodate the maritime and aviation infrastructures. In a statement he released in mid-September, Shuster noted the growth of the global economy requires America to be ready in all transportation sectors to handle the adjustments. He pointed out the U.S. container trade has almost tripled in the last 20 years and is expected to double from today's figures during the next 20 years. "Thousands of American jobs now depend upon that trade," the chairman stated. "Our prosperity is tied to our ability to transport our products efficiently and economically to their destinations. Our maritime transportation system moves over two billion tons played a pivotal role in the company's anti-union strategy. According to testimony by Bossier during a second NLRB trial, he had received management reports of the names of employees whom they suspected or knew to be union supporters. "Bossier set the tone for his superintendents, meeting with them at the beginning of the campaign and telling them that the company would be less competitive, lose work and eventually close if the union prevailed in its campaign," Lurye said. The board's 1997 action included an order to re-hire 28 employees who had been fired for alleged union activity, and to make whole dozens more who had been suspended, disciplined or otherwise harassed in retribution for their pro-union sentiments. In all, NLRB Judge David Evans found the company had violated the law in more than 100 separate instances. Notice Seafarers who have sailed aboard vessels operated by V. Ships Marine, Ltd. (formerly International Marine Carriers) are receiving EPA allocation checks for a 2.3 percent pay increase that is retroactive to October 1996. Vessels covered by this agreement include the following: Beaver State Cape Farewell Cape Fear Cape Flattery Cape Florida Gem State Grand Canyon State Green Mountain State Keystone State If a Seafarer sailed on one of those vessels since October 1996 and has not received the EPA allocation, he or she may contact the company at (516) 741-2700. Coastal Enforcement Zone Doubles The United States is doubling the area within which the Coast Guard and other federal authorities may board foreign vessels to enforce U.S. laws. Vice President Al Gore last month announced that the U.S. contiguous zone formally has expanded from 12 to 24 miles off the coast. This extension complies with a United Nations treaty ratified in 1982. "With this new enforcement tool, we can better protect America's working families against drug trafficking, illegal immigration and threats to our ocean environment," the vice president said. "We are putting would-be smugglers and polluters on notice that we will do everything in our power to protect our waters and our shores." The 24-mile limit also applies to the waters around Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the North Mariana Islands. Before the 1980s, America's territorial limit extended just three miles from the coast. of foreign and domestic cargo annually, contributing $742 billion to our economy and generating 13 million jobs. "The great containerships of the world each carry over 6,000 20-foot containers, requiring ports with depths of about 50 feet. Yet, six of America's 10 largest container ports, which handle 80 percent of the U.S. container traffic, have depths of less than that. "They cannot handle the giant ships which increasingly are diverting to ports in Nova Scotia, Canada and the Bahamas. Our harbors need to be dredged, and our terminals and intermodal connections need to be modernized. Not only are American jobs in jeopardy, but the increased cost of shipping U.S. products overseas puts all our export-related jobs at risk." Shuster also called for action to upgrade the navigable system of rivers and lakes. "Likewise, the products flowing through our inland waterways -our rivers, lakes and canalsmany on their way to be loaded onto ocean carriers for shipment overseas, suffer from both our outdated ports and harbors, and an antiquat~d system of locks and canals. · "Barges move 800 million tons of cargo on these waterways each year, representing 15 percent of the ton's freight for less than 2 percent of the nation's total freight cost. Yet, over half of the 270 locks making navigation possible are antiquated, well beyond their 50-year design lives. "A 15-barge grain tow moves the equivalent of 870 trucks or 225 railroad cars, but because of outmoded locks, must be broken apart to pass in smaller clusters, raising the cost of shipping and slowing deliveries," the chairman stated. "Without modern navigation systems-such as electronic charting and transponders-the vessels on our inland waterways are needlessly unsafe." Shuster concluded by saying "it is time to. begin the battle to rededicate our harbors and inland waterways trust funds so they can be used for their intended purpose to help rebuild the nation's maritime and river systems." Seafarers LOG 5 �- - - - -- - - - - - - -- Safety Directors.Scrutinize Latest Industry Happenings SIU safety directors and representatives from ports throughout the nation met last month at the Paul Hall Center and at union headquarters to tackle many of the latest issues affecting Seafarers. During the four-day conference, the officials covered myriad topics. Subjects included safety courses available at the Paul Hall Center; implementation of the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention; the center's Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB); shipboard inspection techniques; activities of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and much more. Participants also met with representatives of the SIU's various departments to review key procedures that impact the individual Seafarer's interactions with headquarters and the ports. Taking part in the meetings were the following safety directors and representatives: Vince Coss (San Francisco), Amancio Crespo (Puerto Rico), Frank Gill (Wilmington, Calif.), Ed Kelly (Houston), Dennis Metz (Baltimore), Joe Mieluchowski (Philadelphia), Kenny Moore (Houston), Jamie Overby (Tacoma, Wash.), Steve Ruiz (Piney Point), Armando Salazar (Jacksonville, Fla.), Jack Sheehan (New York), Becky SleeperManion (St. Louis), James Storm (Honolulu), Don Thornton (Algonac, Mich.), Pat Vandergrift (Norfolk, Va.) and Chris Westbrook (New Orleans). Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jim Hanson (center in photo above and far right in photo below) leads a tour of the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. All participants earned certificates, including (from top, down, with SIU President Michael Sacco) Vince Coss, James Storm and Chris Westbrook. Safety directors and representatives taking part in the seminar meet inside a classroom at the new fire fighting school. The agenda included questionand-answer sessions with representatives of the SIU's various departments at headquarters. Left: SIU Controller Maggie Bowen (who oversees union financial records) responds to a question while Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel listens. Right (from left, facing camera): SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Management Information Systems Director Wally Schmidt and Supervisor of Pension and Death Benefits Paula Werfel meet with the attendees. 6 Seafarers LOG October 1999 �~---------~------- -- - - - - -- What You Need to Know About STCW Certificates The information on this page is reprinted from previous issues of the Seafarers LOG in order to clarify which unlicensed mariners need an STCW certificate, the differences between 1978 and 1995 certificates, and how to obtain them. Who is required to carry an STCW certificate right now? Any mariner sailing in international waters who is required to hold a lifeboatman's endorsement. Any rating forming part of a navigational watch. All tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties (such as ABs and pumpmen, for instance). Whether they carry a 1978 certificate or a 1995 certificate depends on when they entered the industry and when they may have upgraded. Who is required to carry an STCW certificate as of February 1, 2002? The main change as of that date is that watchstanding members of the engine department are required to carry a 1995 STCW certificate (as of February 1, 2002). So, the requirements apply to all watchstanding personnel (including engine department members), all tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties, and all lifeboatmen on passenger vessels (that is, those crew members who are required to hold a lifeboat endorsement). Also, the 1978 certificate is obsolete as of February 1, 2002. If I currently must carry an STCW certificate, which one should I possess? It depends on when you began sailing and when you may have upgraded your rating. Mariners who started their sea service or training before August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1978 convention. Those individuals may carry the 1978 certificate, which expires on February 1, 2002 (regardless of when it was issued). Mariners who began their sea time or training after August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1995 STCW amendments-and, therefore, must carry a 1995 certificate. One potentially confusing issue is that it is permissible for mariners who began sailing or training before August 1, 1998 to carry a 1995 certificate, even though it's not presently required. For those individuals, the 1995 certificate supersedes the 1978 document. In other words, there is no reason to carry both. However, the 1995 document is not considered superior or more desirable for those mariners. Either one satisfies current regulations for affected ratings. Keep in mind that the 1978 certificate cannot be used on or after February 1, 2002. What if I upgraded after August 1, 1998? If you began both the required sea time for the upgrade and also the training itself after August 1, 1998, then you need a 1995 certificate . If any of the required sea time or training took place prior to August 1, 1998, then you only are required to have a 1978 certificate (though, again, you may apply for a 1995 document, provided you meet the Chapter VI requirements) . What if I applied for my first z-card after August 1, 1998 and had no prior sea time or training? You need a 1995 certificate, which would have been issued when you acquired your z-card if you satisfied the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. How do I get an STCW certificate? Through Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs). To get a 1995 certificate, Seafarers must present evidence of meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. These requirements are for documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. Mariners also may apply by mail to the REC that issued their license or document. The 1995 certificate expires on the same date as the individual's z-card, regardless of when the certificate is issued. With that in mind, mariners may want to October 1999 - ~--~ United States of America l!NDORSEM!!NT ATil!S'JlNG 'IHE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER 'IHE PROVISIONS OF 'IHE IN'IERNATIONAL a>NVl!N110N ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, Cl!RTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPINO FOil SEAFAIU!llS, 1978 ~==~of the Unital Statea of America =ti&s tbot Certillcale No.wllo,.......,...bla-,,beal,--fmmd,--,...,dul...,..y-qu-,alified=· ~ill ~'":'~= ~~ JMfuJ'.Jm iDdKiiCd oltbe above eoavaiticn,"' - ill ~:x=~D:.V::..."!:..~...:~~~=~=-~fje~ LIMITATIONSAn'LYlllG lll'AMYJ CAPACll'Y consider timing their application for the 1995 certificate so it coincides with renewal of their z-card. By doing so, the 1995 certificate will be valid for five years. Rating form1ng part of 11 navigational watch Proficient in the use of survival craft What if I am an AB sailing on a tanker in international waters, but currently don't have an STCW certificate? "THIS CERTIFICATE EXPIRES 31 JANUARY 2002." No one fitting that description is supposed to sail. If you were unaware of the requirement (which dates to 1996) and somehow "slipped through the cracks," then you should immediately make arrangements to acquire your STCW certificate. What's the difference between the two certificates? 18 APR 1997 Dole of iuue ofthil endonement: The main differences are that the 1995 certificate has a space for a passport-size photo (the 1978 certificate does not); and the 1995 certificate uses descriptions that are germane to particular countries, instead of wider-ranging terminology from the International Maritime Organization. An example of the terminology differences: Under the "capacity" description, the 1995 certificate may say, "Able seaman, any waters, lifeboatman," whereas the 1978 document says "Rating forming part of a navigational watch" and "Proficient in the use of survival craft." It's also worth noting that the 1995 certificate features spaces marked "function," "level" and "limitations applying (if any)." However, these areas intentionally are left blank. They were added to the certificate solely to aid port state control officials by providing some uniformity between U.S. certificates and those used in other signatory nations. 25 AUG 1945 Dol<ol_ot ......... ot . . . . . - -.r.i.i,-- L. M. HYMAN Sipa_or,..-.or,.....DEl'T. OF TJWIS.. CO-S601 (~ sample of a 1978 certificate United States of America ENDORSEMENT ATIESTING THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978, AS AMENDED IN 1995 Tho Govenvnent of the Urited States of AmOl1ca clftilles IN! Clftiftcole No.(s) hes been issued to - - - - - -- -- who has bMn tound ciJly quollfled In IOCGOl'dance with the provisions of regulation(s) V I I 2 of the above Convention, to serve in the capacity 0t capacities Qsted below. st.Cject to any Imitations lndcaled unti _,l'-'J=UN=Ec....:2=00=3_ _ _ _ _ _. How did this all start? And why is it so confusing? This endotsement Is not valid unless acccmparied by1 valid U.S. Men:1'"'11 Mainer's llc:ensecrdocunlent. LEVEL FUNCTION STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training , Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention, ratified in 1978, is a multi-national agreement which sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide. The U.S . didn't sign onto the original convention until 1991. At that time, the U.S. was given five years to reach total compliance. Here's where things became more complicated: In 1995, more than 100 nations-including the U.S.ratified amendments to the original convention . In some cases, the dates for compliance with the original pact and the amendments overlapped. Essentially, that is how the U.S. ended up with two different STCW certificates (not to mention other requirements). Tho lawfU holder of U"is ~ent may ssve in CAPACITY the fellowing capacity arcapacities ._;fled. LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) ABLE SEAMAN, AN Y WATERS LIE'EBOATMAN BASIC SAFET Y TRAINING ,AN D INSTRUCTION COMPL ET E D 11 DECEMBER 19 98. Endorsement No.: issued on l 7 FEBRUARY 1999 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston , MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center _ __ photo C J B IDWEL L (Embo5$0fftdolSealabovettnline. Contact your nearest REC, your port agent or the Paul Hall Center. You also may check the Coast Guard's STCW web site, located at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 _ DEPT. OF TRANS .• CG 561 1 (10-96) I have more questions. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 at =HO~ US~ TO~N_ 22 NOVE MBE R 5 3 OateotbUtholtheholderoftheCf1111ficate Signature of ca1ifiall• - U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm . 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) T) sample of a 1995 certificate with space for photo U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of 9/30/99) 196 Tradd Street Charleston , SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 433 Ala Moana Blvd . Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Reg ional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston , TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination Center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach , CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Memphis Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave , 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S . Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building , Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Seafarers LOB 7 �Conveyorman Comse Highlights Paul Hall Center's Adaptability Seafarer Norman Guild Creates Specialty Class The Paul Hall Center's adaptability and a Seafarer's drive were highlighted earlier this year by a special conveyorman course conducted at the Piney Point, Md. campus. Longtime SIU member and conveyorman Norman Guildsupported by school and union officials and representatives from SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC}created and taught the three-week class. Eight students who sail on the Great Lakes completed it. Paul Hall Center representatives point to the course, which took place in March, as illustrating how the school routinely offers specially designed training for specific ratings and SIU-contracted companies throughout the industry. Since it opened in 1967, the center has offered numerous on-site and specialty courses. Recent examples include safety training aboard the passenger vessels SS Independence and Mississippi Queen, and on Great Lakes Towing tugboats; tankerman training for Crowley boatmen in Jacksonville, Fla.; and a special AB course in Piney Point for Great Lakes members. The school this year also has produced numerous ship-specific safety videotapes to help SIUcontracted vessels in the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet in complying with various new regulations. "Specialty courses and on-site training are big parts of what the school offers," noted Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. "We constantly encourage SIU members and contracted companies to take advantage of those opportunities." Guild, who joined the SIU in 1972, took it a step further. When he first noticed a need for additional relief conveyormen on the Lakes, "my first inclination, like anybody else, was, 'Why don't they find somebody? Whose responsibility is it?'" Seeing an opportunity for formal training that would benefit all concerned, Guild tackled the issue. He suggested the class to ASC and the SIU, then meticulously developed the curriculum during the ensuing 15 months. Altogether, he wrote and compiled a half-dozen instructional manuals for the class, totaling nearly 1,000 pages. He also utilized instructional videotape that he shot while sailing aboard ASC vessels as well as videotapes already available at the Paul Hall Center. "I remembered some important things from the first time I went to the school, which was 1984, on a towboat operator's scholarship," recalled Guild, who most recently sailed on ASC 's H. Lee White. "They offered a developmental studies course that taught people how to study, how to take notes, how to use resources in the library. That gave me the basis for putting together my books for the conveyorman 's course. "I also remember in 1984 feeling overwhelmed at first, because there was so much material. But something I learned then, still holds true: You might not need every last bit of information in a manual, but the most important information you need is probably in there somewhere." The wide-ranging duties of a conveyorman necessitated a broad curriculum that included Upgrader Touts School Agugliaro Cites Center's 'Positive Impact' Editors note: John Agugliaro recently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. He offered the following thoughts on his time at the school. Upon recently upgrading at the Paul Hall Center, I found that not only does our membership upgrade, but our programs do as well. The SIU and the school continue to meet the challenges of new standards for today's mariners. I completed the certified chief cook course. It benefited me and undoubtedly can assist any member interested in attaining that endorsement. The program is taught by a team of chefs. Each individual offers something special and unique toward our training. At the helm is John Hetmanski. He covers leadership skills as well as proper galley operations. Chef John Dobson is the lab instructor, focusing on the fundamentals of cooking, combined with practical cooking skills. Chef Shannon Twigg also teaches in the practical setting of the galley operation, specializing in proper cooking techniques and recipes. Combined, they form a balanced team that always is available for instruction and guidance. B Seafarers LOG As students, we are privileged to also have available to us a "hall of fame" chef-Romeo Lupinacci. Under Chef Romeo's tutelage, we learn the finer points of culinary skills. Chef Romeo's availability is unwavering toward the students, whether we seek instruction or brotherhood. Without a doubt, all the instructors help us become the best-trained cooks in the maritime industry. The school's facilities are nothing short of state-of-the-art. At the culinary lab, substantial investment has been made to ensure that students have an equal balance of classroom accommodations as well as individual, fully equipped cooking stations. The classroom looks like a college setting, with overhead mirrors to enhance cooking demonstrations. And, the galley has the most modem equipment available, with plenty of preparation space. Altogether, the facilities are very conducive to cooking and learning. The curriculum is fundamentally sound. There are six modules of training, covering all aspects of shipboard cooking -including the very important sanitation module. SIU member Norman Guild (left) makes a point to fellow member Andrew Nowak during the conveyorman course. Guild wrote the curriculum and taught the three-week class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. hands-on training, he explained. "In that job, you have to be ready 24 hours a day. You maintain all of the ship's loading equipment, you keep log books for maintenance and payroll records. Every day it's a different "How many other schools offer people an almost immediate chance to significantly increase their income?" -Seafarer Norman Guild thing- working on winches, greasing equipment, measuring and laying out wear-plates, cleaning the boat. ... "Your ship may go from hauling coal to inspected stone, which is going from black to brilliant white," he continued. "If you don't have clean cargo spaces, a contaminated load potentially exists, and a great expense to the company. To that end, the machinery requires extremely careful maintenance and monitoring." The topics in the three-week class reflect that diversity. They included everything from convey- One overall lesson I learned is that proper care and appreciation of food will yield a good product. It's important to note that the Paul Hall Center offers additional educational assistance to anyone who is interested. The instructors are available to students after class, every day. The Paul Hall Memorial Library contains videotapes of all lesson plans that may be viewed in the privacy of our rooms. And the academic department offers tutoring and responds to students' special needs. Overall, the extended educational assistance offered by the staff reveals a committed group that is dedicated to the success of all students. During my studies, I met the new graduates of the most recent recertified steward program. They shared their experiences and encouraged us to move up the ladder in the steward department. They also shared their philosophy of teamwork and brotherhood. Collectively, they said that if you are willing to work hard and learn, you will be successful. I think they are an excellent example of professionalism, brotherhood and the value of upgrading. In summary, the certified chief cook program is on course to meet the new challenges and requirements for mariners interested in a career with the steward department. It has had a positive impact on me, and I look forward to using this newly acquired knowledge in my job. or system components to limited welding, and from electrical troubleshooting to hatch crane maintenance and much more. Students reacted positively to the class, as did ASC. Guild received the company's first "innovator" award based in part on his initiative with the course. "But whatever credit there is, it should be spread around," Guild insisted. "Everyone at the school bent over backwards to help me, especially Jane LesCallett in the print shop. The company also provided tools to make this happen, and I got a lot of support from (SIU Port Agent) Tim Kelley and (SIU Representative) Don Thornton in Algonac (Mich.). They had faith and trust that I could put this together." Guild also credited the late conveyorman Luciene Landerville, who created special tools that were used in the class. Overall, Guild said his most recent experience at Piney Point reinforced his belief that upgrading is essential for SIU members. "The frrst time I went, it was a nine-week course," he pointed out. "That took a commitment, but it was an opportunity to advance and a great value. It was geared toward teaching me what I need to know to improve my lot in life, and it's the same way today. "How many other schools offer classes that give people an almost immediate chance to significantly increase their income?" Certified Chief Cook John Agugliaro recommends upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. My time at the school also gave me the confidence that I can be efficient as a newly certified chief cook. Completing the class broadened my horizons for better opportunities at sea. I highly recommend this course to all my brothers and sisters interested in achieving success in the steward department. I would like to give special thanks to Don Nolan, vice president of the school, for his support of the students and the program. I also thank the team of chefs and Chef Romeo Lupinacci. October 1999 �Be All That You Can Bel Upgrade! Editors' note: Henry W. Gamp has been a member of the SIU since 1974 and a frequent contributor to the Seafarers LOG. He wrote this article last month with the hope that it will inspire some of the union s younger members to keep upgrading and improving their fatures. My thoughts are primarily directed toward you younger men and women searching for your career path through the maze we call the Maritime Industry, be it deep sea or inland. As we look around, we see all types of changes taking place. It is essential that we upgrade, train and keep pace with these changes if we wish to hold onto the better jobs to provide financial security for our families and ourselves. Just to cite a few examples of change: I began working on tugboats in 1970 as a deckhand. Believe it or not, tugboat operators weren't required to hold USCG licenses at that time. Whistle signals were used, and the VHF radio and channel 13 bridge-to-bridge communications were not yet mandatory All tugboats carried a cook, except for a few harbor boats. Many harbors had a light sheen of oil floating on the surface, and ships routinely "butterworthed" their tanks, pumping the residue overboard on coastwise runs. Let me tell you how important upgrading has been in my life and career: In 1974, I attended the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. for the first time. I enrolled in a course for a limited master's license with an oceans endorsement. At the time, I was supporting my mother and two children. To make it financially feasible, I made a few sacrifices. I took my vacation time to correspond with the course schedule and went to the bank to borrow additional money. I was treating my education as an investment in my future, and believe me, it paid off many times over! Within a year of acquiring my master's license, I found ajob as a mate with a major shipdocking company in Baltimore, nearly doubling my previous salary. Most tugboat captains/mates held only a "grandfathered" tugboat operators license. I now held a superior license to more than 90 percent of my contemporaries. Only two months after changing jobs, there was a strike that lasted more than two months. I took advantage of this "dead" time and went back to the union's school again. This time I was self-studying for my first class pilot's license for Baltimore Harbor. When the strike was over, I was a licensed federal pilot. The following summer, when vacation time came around, the company was short on By Captain Henry W. Gamp In the early 1980s, Gamp pilots a 791-foot RO/RO into Dundalk Marine Terminal in Baltimore, Md. captains (in Baltimore at that time, tug captains also served as docking pilots). I was able to fill in, and this eventually doubled my salary again! Due to another strike, my job in Baltimore was eliminated. At that time, working within a few square miles day after day, I never would have imagined that someday I would be sailing as mate aboard a 586-foot articulated tug barge unit which operated anywhere between Venezuela and Canada. However, by preparing, studying and upgrading, I had qualified myself to move into this and other related jobs. I currently have 279 charts to keep corrected, so a good bit of my time is spent with charts. I work up passage plans, ETAs and noon reports. Also, for those areas on which I hold pilotage, I frequently serve as pilot, saving my company this expense. When in port, while the tankermen are loading or discharging cargo and the engineer is fueling the tug, I might sign a DOI and fuel the barge or relieve the tankerman in order for him to take a break. Other times, I might prepare a meal. When I am not docking or sailing the unit, I sometimes go on deck to operate the bow thruster or give a hand with lines. Other times, I help with maintenance. The duties of a mate or captain have greatly expanded over time and the paperwork trail grows longer. With reduced crew sizes, it is easy to see that every- one needs to pitch in from time to time and have the knowledge and understanding of all shipboard jobs. Had I not taken the time to go to the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School back in 1974, I would be working as a deckhand today- an honorable and necessary profession- but I would have missed out on many exciting and financially rewarding adventures, not to mention a certain freedom and flexibility to pick those opportunities I chose to experience. Over the years, I have continued attending various schools to improve my skills and, at the same time, upgrade my license and endorsements. So often you hear from negative people who refuse to "pull" themselves up and don't want you to get ahead of them! Ignore them and be all that you can be, make the most of yourself. The Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School is a valuable resource. Smooth sailing! Calm winds with a following sea! Sailing as chief mate, Gamp helps the deck crew paint portions of the vessel. As a pilot, Gamp uses skills he learned at Piney Point: working at the chart table in the wheelhouse (left) and (above) checking the radar screen to acquire a distant target using the ARPA feature . Capt. Gamp pilots a Venezuelan training ship, the Simon Bolivar, during "Operation Sail 1986." October 1999 In 1974, Gamp attended the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School for the first time, completing the limited masters of oceans course. On a training ship at the school are, from left, David Domac, Henry Gamp, Lesley Collier, Mike Dourty, Al Dourty and CDR John Lykes (instructor). AB Jeffrey A. Lagana is the first Seafarer to earn his Nautical Science Technology Certificate from the Paul Hall Center after successfully completing a series of job-related and academic courses. The cer.. tificate is issued to those ' who want to continue their education but have not decided to proceed to an associate's or bachelor's degree. SIU President Michael Sacco presents Lagana with his certificate. With the pair are (from the left) Instructor Peggy Densford, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Allan Lagana (Jeff's father) and Academic Dept. Coordinator Ed Fitzgerald. Seafarers LOG 9 �Paul Hall Center Takes Fire Fighting on the River With the Delta Queen Steamboat Company vessel in the background, crew members take turns extinguishing different types of fires. Above: Eric Morgan puts out a flammable liquids blaze. Below: Under the guidance of Alan K. Johnson, first mate on the Mississippi Queen, the emergency squad prepares to enter the "fire area." On-site training is a big part of what the Paul Hall Center offers its members and contracted companies. In New Orleans, for example, Delta Queen Steamboat Co. takes advantage of the school's onsite educational opportunities several times a year for its boats (Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen) in fire fighting, first aid, CPR and damage control. Paul Hall Center instructor Anthony Hammett recently conducted fire fighting training for the deck crew aboard the Mississippi Queen. The week-long course covered the theory of fire, fire prevention, different types of fires and methods to extinguish them, as well as the use of breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Seasoned crew members as well as new hires alike had plenty of hands-on practice, as the accompanying photos illustrate. Above: Robert Deluca (left) and Danny Engle, deckhands aboard the Mississippi Queen, "gear up" for a fire drill conducted during recent training aboard the paddlewheeler. Crew Sees the World Aboard S-L Innovator From Long Beach, Calif. back to Long Beach is a 70day voyage for the crew of the Sea-Land Innovator. Calling on ports in the Far East such as Shanghai, China; Yokohama, Japan; and Pusan, South Korea, the containership also travels through the Panama Canal to Freeport, Bahamas and then to the Gulf and East Coasts before returning to Long Beach. For the crew members who sail the Sea-Land Innovator, it is a great opportunity to see the world! GSU Fernando Onativia (left) and DEU Jose Gamboa enjoy the camaraderie aboard the Sea-Land containership. 10 Seafarers LOB Unlicensed Apprentice Eric Fowler gets his taste of shipboard life. While traversing the Panama Canal, AB Dave Brown continues his maintenance tasks. Antonio Pizzuto, chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Innovator, knows the importance of a wellfed crew on these long voyages. October 1999 �SIU waiters and waitresses aboard the SS Independence anticipate every dining need at a gala luncheon celebrating the vessel's 1,oooth sailing last August. Included in this photo are Reynaldo Ricarte, Josie Barcelo, Curtis Pollard, Stephanie Agena, Speros Mookas and Roy Martinez. The OM/ Columbia gets a fresh coat of paint by members of the deck department. Above left is AB Kathy Chester; above right are ABs Stephen Votta (left) and Randy Senatore. It's payoff day aboard the Perseverance in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Smiling faces abound among these crew members on the lnterocean Ugland Management tanker. From left are ABs Roy Rivera, Luis Escalante and Gregorio Ortiz. When a ship crosses the equator, a shellback initiation is held for Unlicensed Apprentice Martin all first-time crossers (polywogs). Such was the case aboard the Vargas has --already worked in USNS Gilliland on July 16. A good time was had by all, including the deck and engine departthe polywogs who were inducted into the realm of King Neptune. ments. Here, aboard the El Posing for a group photo are (from left, kneeling) LSI contractor Morro, he gets his hands wet on Jeff Miller, Chief Cook Wadsworth Jarrel, OS Ahmed Sultan , (sechis last rotation in the steward ond row) QMED John Fernandez, Wiper Korron Richardson, LSI department. contractor Harry Averill, AB James Orlanda, OS Martha Wall and Second Mate Mike Novak. ~~...---.............:--."7:'17-r------......---cr:-r-~..,.,.....~~ I. • f I"' •••1 The Liberty Spirit was fortunate to have two unlicensed apprentices aboard recently, doing their rotation in the deck department. Manuel Oliveras (above) and Alvin Clark both seemed to enjoy their tasks. The appearance of the engine room aboard the Sea-Land Discovery has improved dramatically in the last five months, according to the ship's first engineer, Nicholas Priscu, and is due almost entirely to the efforts of Oiler Ricky Arroyo, Oiler Mark Failauga, Oiler Michael Wilkerson , Engine Maintenance Mel Sison and Wiper Luke Failauga. "Working with professionals is a privilege and a pleasure," he told the Seafarers LOG. October 1999 Seafarers LOG 11 �Delta Queen Named 'Ship of the Year' By Historical Society The SIU-crewed Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark, has been named "Ship of the Year" by the Steamship Historical Society of America. "The Delta Queen is the last operating steamboat of her era and is one of the most historic vessels in the world," said William duBarry, president of the society. ''No other vessel that is still operating in the United States is as historically important as she is. Our members appreciate the commitment that The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has made in preserving her for the enjoyment of current and future passengers." The Delta Queen was launched on the Sacramento River in 1927 and offered overnight service between Sacramento and San Francisco until 1940. When the Great Depression brought an end to her trips, the U.S. Navy leased the Delta Queen as a troops barracks and then a shuttle for servicemen traveling to and from ships in San Francisco Bay. At the war's end, the Delta Queen was auctioned to Captain Tom Greene, president of Cincinnati's Greene Line Steamers (now The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. of New Orleans). In 1947, he brought the Delta Queen on a 5,200-mile journey from the West The SIU-crewed Delta Queen, an authentic steam paddlewheeler which was launched on the Sacramento River in 1927, was named "Ship of the Year" by the Steamship Historical Society of America. Coast to the Mississippi River system, where she resumed service as a vacation boat. Today, the authentic steam paddlewheeler and her newer 1 Loya/1 Crew Helps Navy Aboard T-AGOS Ship Smooth sailing aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Loyal was reported when the oceanographic surveillance ship recently paid off in Portsmouth, Va. (only days before Hurricane Floyd pounded that area). The 235-foot vessel, operated by Maersk Line Limited, is part of a "special missions program" conducted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The data it gathers is used to aid the U.S. Navy. "The collected data helps to improve technology in undersea warfare and enemy ship detection," notes MSC. "The oceanographic and hydrographic survey ships' multi-beam, wide-angle precision sonar systems make it possible to continuously chart a broad strip of ocean floor." Taking care of business on the deck are (from left) Pat Vandergrift, SIU safety director in the port of AB Sofronio Adenic, OS Ivan Boyd, AB Steven Norfolk, provided the accompanying photos. Thomas, OS Louis Creekmur and Bosun C.E. Brady. SIU-crewed sisters, the Mississippi Queen and the American Queen, visit the nation's heartland and the Old South on three- to 14night cruises. For more information, call The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. tollfree at 800-543-1949 or visit the company's web site at: www. deltaqueen.com. Are You ReceivinLfl Your Important · ? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r---------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 10199 (Please Print) Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Phone No.: _(.:..___ _c_)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: Social Security No.: Pictured in the galley are (photo above left) Steward/Baker Peter Francisco (left) and Chief Cook John Agugliaro, and (above right) Francisco with SA Mario Ordonez. At right is Bosun C.E. Brady. Book No.: D Other _ _ _ __ D Active SIU D Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me pf!rsonally. L---------------------------------~ ITF Ship Welcomes Visitor No. 500,000 Global Mariner Continues Worldwide Voyage; ITF Sets European Action vs. Runaway Flags The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner, entering the final quarter of its 20-month worldwide voyage, recently welcomed aboard visitor number 500,000. The vessel calls attention to the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. "The ITF has been overwhelmed by the number of people coming on board to visit the exhibition. The success of the Global Mariner has exceeded all expectations," said Mark Dickinson, ITF assistant general secretary. "However, the campaign's success is not judged by numbers alone," he continued. "The ship's presence creates an indelible impact which gives a tremendous boost to the work of national unions." The 500,000th visitor, a teenager, and her family were presented with gifts from the Global Mariner in Mumbai, India on September 19. 12 Seafarers LOG Composed of more than 500 transportrelated unions worldwide, including the SIU, the ITF also recently announced "a week-long assault on flags of convenience and substandard shipping" in Europe, scheduled for September 27 to October 1. Boycotts and demonstrations are planned, along with ITF inspectors "boarding any vessel they believe to be operating outside the law." The organization noted that, in a similar action two years ago, almost 600 vessels were checked by ITF inspectors across the continent-and more than $1.5 million in back pay owed to mariners was recovered. "The campaign is designed not only to draw attention to the evils of the (runawayflag) system, which allows unscrupulous shipowners to pay low wages, ignore health and safety standards and avoid taxes, but also to provide essential practi- cal assistance to mariners who may have been abandoned thousand of miles from home, may be owed wages or are working on unsafe ships," Dickinson explained. "Substandard shipping costs lives, and vessels registered under runaway flags account for the lion's share of shipboard accidents, environmental pollution and losses at sea." Seafarers visited the ITF Global Mariner earlier in its tour, when the vessel docked in San Juan, P.R. Among those pictured on deck are Clive Steward, Sabino Pacheco, Ramon Ayala, Angel O'Neill, Eusebio Gonzalez, George Koulouris, Hector Sanchez, Rodney Passapera, Ruben Velez, Jorge Soler, Jose Canales, Roberto Candelario, Guillermo Grajales, Steven De Jesus, Roberto Lopez, Reinaldo Roman, Antonio De Jesus, David Gordius, Carlos Parrilla Sr., Claudio Del Carmen, Carlos Sanchez, Tony Rosa, Carlos Parrilla Jr., SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez, SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo and SIU Representative Steve Ruiz. October 1999 �-_..._~. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., offers a wide range of vocational studies as well as academic courses. Featuring everything from entry-level training to the most advanced curriculums, the school welcomes Seafarers from all segments of the industry. This summer, the Paul Hall Center celebrated the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School-a unique, state-of-the-art facility located near the main campus. The new school replicates shipboard conditions, including various types of blazes that are germane to vessels. This helps provide students with realistic training. Additionally, the Paul Hall Center, which opened in 1967, has a proud history of offering basic academic support for students who choose to utilize it. Collegelevel studies also are available. For a list of upcoming classes at the Paul Hall Center, please see page 21. Additional information about the courses and the school is featured on the internet at: http://www.seafarers.org LEFT AND ABOVE: The Hagglund crane offers valuable hands-on training for students at the Piney Point, Md. facility. The crane is used in several classes. TOP: During the damage control portion of the government vessels course, students learn effective emergency repair techniques. MIDDLE: Delving into the code of federal regulations covering LNG ships are Seafarer John Thompson (left) and instructor Russ Levin. BOTIOM: Taking advantage of the GED program are Seafarers (seated, from left) Saundra Leonard and Shannon Bonefont. Standing are instructors Peggy Densford (left) and Joan Miles. Professional interaction between steward department upgraders such as Dang Rashidi (right) and galley instructors like John Hetmanski helps Seafarers maximize their learning experience. Ot:tober 1999 A major addition to the Paul Hall Center is the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which opened this summer. Among the courses taught at the new school are basic and advanced fire fighting, confined space safety training, first aid and CPR and others. ABOVE AND INSET: Students in the AB course get valuable time at the wheel aboard the training vessel Osprey, one of several instructional boats located at the school. Sometimes hands-on training takes place beyond the campus. Here, unlicensed apprentices learn aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Capella while the vessel was docked in Baltimore. Seafarers LOG 13 �Good Net111s In Y2K. • • 0 American Home Foods Mapo; Wbeat.eena General Mills Basic 4 Corn Flakes; Boo Berry; Bran Chex; Quaker Raisins, Low Fat Granola, Low Fat Granola with Raisins, Muselix Raisin & Almond Crunch. Tuasted Brown Sugar Squares); Just Right (fruit & nut and with Crunch Nuggets); Marshmallow Blasted Froot Loops; Nut & Honey Crunch; Nut & Honey Crunch O's: Nutrl-Grain (Almond Raisin, Golden Wheat, Golden Wheat & Raisin); Product 19; Raisin Bran; Raisin Bran Crunch; Raisin Squares Mini-Wheats ; Rice Krisples (plain , frosted , Apple Cinnamon. Treats) ; Smacks; Smart Start; Snack Pack ; Special K; Strawberry Squares; Strawberry Squares Mini-Wheats Gralnfield's: Wbeetabix Nabisco Miscellaneous , Cheerios; (plain, Apple Cinnamon. Honey Frosted, Honey Nut. and MultiGrain); Cinnamon Toast Crunch; Clusters; Cocoa Puffs; Cookie Crisp; Count Chocula; Country Corn Flakes; Corn Chex; Fiber One; Frankenberry; Golden Grahams; Kaboom; Klx; Lucky Charms; Raisin Bran Nut; Rice Chex; Tutal (regular, raisin bran and corn flakes); Trix; Wheat Hearts hot cereal; Wheat Cbex; Wheaties (frosted and plain) Cream of Wheat Kellog gs Post All-Bran (plain, Bran Buds, Extra Fiber); Apple Jacks; Apple Cinnamon Squares Mini-Wheats ; Blueberry Squares; Breakfast Mates; Cocoa Frosted Flakes; Cocoa Krlsples; Complete Bran Flakes; Complete Oat Bran Flakes; Complete Wheat Bran Flakes; Corn Flakes; Corn Pops; Cracklln' Oat Bran; Crispix; Froot Loops; Frost.ed Flakes; Frosted MiniWh ea ts (regular and bite size) ; Healthy Choice (Almond Crunch with Alpha-Bits (plain and marshmallow); Blueberry Morning; Bran Flakes; Fruit n' Fibre; Fruity Pebbles; Grape Nuts; Great Grains; Honey Bunches of Oats (plain, with Almonds and with Graham); Honeycomb: Oreo Os; Post Tuastles; Super Golden Crisp Apple Zaps: Cap·n Crunch; Cinnamon Toasted Oatmeal Squares: Cocoa Blast; Fruitangy Obs; Harvest Oat Flakes (plain and with apples); Honey Dlpps; Honey Graham Ohs ; King Vitamin: Life; Marshmallow Safari ; Oatmeal; Quaker 10096 Natural Cereal: Quaker 10096 Low Fat Natural Cereal; Quisp; Sweet Crunch; Tuasted Oatmeal (plain, honey and nut); Tuasted Oatmeal Squares Wheetabix Betty Crocker Muffin Mixes; Betty Crocker Pancake Mix; Betty Crocker Special Muffin Mixes; Carnation breakfast bars; Washington Pancake Mix; Raga Muffins; Indian Head Cornmeal; Mrs. Crutchfield Muffin Mix; Lender's bagels; Nutri-Graln cereal bars (all navors); Rice Krisples Treats (squares and Chocolate Chip Squares); Pop-Tarts; Eggo Frozen Waffles (all flavors and configurations); Chewy Granola Bars (all ftavors); Pop-Tarts (all ftavors and configurations); Quaker Oats Rice Cakes; Menu Magic Instant breakfast; Brooklyn Bagel; Cbex Mixes (Tradlt.ional, Cheddar, Bold, Hot'N Spicy) Per5onal Greeting5 for Holiday /55ue of the LOG As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the everpopular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their fam ilies to other members of the seafaring community and their families. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: D PRINT or TYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) D Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. D Do not send more than three entries per person. (This form may be reproduced.) D Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are sending the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetically by the sender's last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. D The holiday greetings must be received no later than Monday, November 15, 1999. D Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. You also may FAX copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the official at the counter-or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on t ime. HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Please Print) To: From: Sender's Telephone Number: of Seaccording to farers. provided by T h e Department of Edu$15 , 000 cation, more than 12 million college students enrolled in undergrad- ~==111 scholarships uate studies in the 1996-97 will be paid school year. And the cost per year of at a rate of$ 3,750 per year over attending college was anywhere a four-year period. The $6,000 from $2,257 for a two-year pub- awards are paid at a rate of lic school to $22,533 for a four- $3,000 per year. The first stop in finding out year private institution. Now, two years later and more about the scholarship proalmost into the new millennium, gram and application process is those figures continue to in- to send away for the Seafarers crease. Competition remains Scholarship Program booklet. great, but the financial outlay The booklet contains all the necinvolved is exorbitant and way essary information a prospective student will need to complete the out of the reach of many. The Seafarers Welfare Plan application. To receive a copy of understands that education this guide, fill out the coupon at should be made available to the bottom of this page and return everyone to pursue their goals. In it to the address listed on the 1952, it established a scholarship form. Once the scholarship booklet program to help qualified members and their dependents finance has been received, applicants their college and vocational edu- should then check the eligibility cations. This program continues information and, if they are eligito thrive and is now taking appli- ble, should start collecting other cations for the 2000 program, paperwork which must be subwhich will award seven monetary mitted along with the full appligrants to three SIU members and cation by the April 15, 2000 four dependents. All Seafarers deadline. These items include tranand their spouses and children scripts and certificates of graduawho plan to attend college are encouraged to complete a schol- tion, letters of recommendation, a arship application. The deadline photograph of the applicant and a for submission of all required certified copy of his or her birth certificate. paperwork is April 15, 2000. Since the scholarship awards Of the seven scholarships, three are reserved for SIU mem- are made primarily on the basis bers. One is in the amount of of high school grades and the $15,000 to be used to help cover scores of either College Entrance the costs of attending a four-year, Examination Boards (SAT) or college-level course of study. The American College Tests (ACT), other two are for $6,000 each and arrangements should be made to are intended as two-year awards take these exams no later than for study at a post-secondary February 2000 to ensure the vocational school or community results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be college. Four scholarships are awarded evaluated. Let the Seafarers Welfare Plan in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children help you make the most of Y2K. A _.j r--------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet Message: P which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ __ Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer 0- Retired Seafarer D D Family Member of Active Seafarer Family Member of Retired Seafarer Other:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10/99 This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 10/99 L---- - -------------- - - - -- - --- - --------------- - -----~ 14 Seafarers LOS October 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea AUGUST 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals 26 16 6 15 6 7 6 1 3 8 5 8 9 5 9 13 6 15 8 9 18 31 2l 26 6 18 9 14 18 8 3 12 6 22 9 13 32 l 2 2 9 2 9 4 12 3 9 6 5 1 233 144 9 4 Totals 15 0 5 4 7 3 19 12 9 15 6 5 11 1 11 4 3 8 5 8 14 5 Totals 3 183 116 **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 10 2 12 5 8 4 0 3 3 3 3 15 3 I 0 0 4 4 1 2 0 75 5 8 28 l3 51 21 12 5 lO 31 11 3 37 49 19 15 13 0 8 18 11 13 Mobile .................... Wednesday: November 17, Dec. 15 3 2 10 3 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: November 23, December 21 172 106 8 4 1 10 4 3 59 71 383 0 3 0 0 4 2 0 4 1 8 3 4 7 5 3 9 5 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: November 17, Dec. 15 Honolulu ................. Friday: November 19, December 17 Houston .................. Monday: November 15, December 13 Jacksonville ............Friday: November 12* (*change creaJed by Veterans Day holiday) Thursday, December 9 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: November 24, Dec. 22 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: November 16, December l 4 New York. ...............Tuesday: November 9, December 7 Norfolk ...................Friday: November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) 23 l 6 9 14 11 25 22 13 22 15 2 3 9 8 11 18 9 10 9 5 9 8 2 5 0 0 4 2 5 6 Thursday: December 9 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: November 10, Dec. 8 San Francisco .........Thursday: November 18, December 16 San Juan .................. Friday: November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Thursday, December 9 1 3 3 St. Louis ................. Friday: November 19, December 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: November 26, December 24 1 0 38 188 121 36 Personals STEWARD DEPARTMENT 14 6 0 4 0 1 5 0 0 22 5 5 10 I 0 I 0 4 GUILLERMO PEDROZA 2 8 0 5 4 2 3 1 2 3 0 8 6 16 0 11 16 9 19 1 9 8 3 2 1 0 0 31 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 5 I 3 1 0 0 139 58 0 30 2 0 113 34 5 1 0 25 l 4 0 0 16 4 8 2 5 0 2 4 2 0 2 1 5 0 7 0 0 0 0 2 9 0 10 5 0 0 0 19 42 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 3 ] 7 4 5 1 0 4 3 21 9 ] 3 8 13 4 72 4 l 15 10 3 4 7 5 ] 0 14 1 0 17 12 12 2 34 12 0 10 0 13 16 44 178 168 531 476 323 4 0 0 0 0 7 0 10 2 7 2 2 3 34 32 38 55 2 I 0 0 0 31 5 0 96 102 0 0 0 421 321 211 151 9 8 1 3 0 2 3 9 3 6 0 0 3 0 234 86 32 13 47 2 4 21 11 14 28 40 2 0 6 8 5 22 3 2 8 0 Marie Wood-Barker would like to hear from David Williams, whose ship was in drydock in Savannah, Ga. from September 1981 to February 1982. Please call her in Savannah at (912) 352-0109. Correction An article and corresponding photo caption on page 6 of the August issue of the Seafarers LOG should have stated the following: The American Council on Education (ACE) on June 22 evaluated courses offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. This evaluation was for ACE college credit recommendations, but was not a quality standard system (QSS) review. 9 16 15 5 97 11 1 18 81 271 256 886 650 430 0 - DAVID WILLIAMS Notice 24 6 18 11 Please get in touch with your sister, Luz Fisher Pedroza, at 72 Gouverneur St. , New York, NY 10002; or telephone (212) 693-0697. 0 0 21 19 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 15 2 16 9 13 3 0 2 3 50 Wilmington ...............Monday, November 22, December 20 0 17 1 2 0 0 2 6 8 7 3 I 20 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 4 4 0 9 0 0 0 12 3l 0 1 8 7 6 0 *"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. October 1999 (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Thursday: December 9 2 2 2 5 0 O 9 3 7 Baltimore ................ Friday: November 12* 17 13 17 0 0 2 2 4 6 6 9 0 19 14 2 6 4 5 5 7 20 48 2 0 5 5 8 4 2 2 0 2 7 3 4 0 94 18 2 2 11 4 0 32 8 10 1 96 1 0 22 0 115 0 4 8 45 6 8 8 19 2 5 1 16 17 18 22 1 10 7 8 8 5 6 3 2 4 2 5 0 7 2 0 0 3 3 6 19 6 4 8 6 4 ]1 4 3 5 3 Piney Point ............. Monday: November 8, December 6 Algonac .................. Friday: November 12, December IO 6 2 4 4 0 1 4 3 7 1 2 3 7 2 2 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 9 10 1 0 5 8 6 5 7 10 1 93 1 16 3 8 11 2 Port Totals All Departments 20 2 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 17 16 9 6 2 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 29 10 2 7 15 4 13 14 2 0 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 November & December 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters FLU SHOTS SET FOR OCTOBER 22 IN TACOMA Virginia Mason Clinic will again offer free flu shots this year to members, dependents and retirees who qualify under the rules of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The inoculations will be given at the Tacoma hall after the October membership meeting on Friday, October 22, 1999, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The address is 3411 South Union Avenue. In order to expedite the necessary paperwor~ it is requested that any member, dependent or retiree intending to receive a flu shot call the hall one week prior to October 22. The telephone number is (253) 272-7774. Seafarers LOG 15 - �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarel'S lntetnational Union Directory AUGUST 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services ~ )Ir HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac L-Lakes Company/Lakes 0 22 15 0 7 8 0 4 4 0 22 18 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 8 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 6 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 12 8 0 0 14 7 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 10 10 26 0 29 23 0 45 0 55 Totals All Depts *"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. 22 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 72 l Sesame St., # l C Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters AUGUST 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499~6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PffiLADELPHIA 2604S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEYPOJNT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 l) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16V2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 1. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 43 4 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 4 9 0 0 28 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 24 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 5 0 0 21 0 0 7 10 1 12 31 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 15 0 2 16 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 I 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 11 0 5 16 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 17 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 22 8 32 0 0 . 13 2 2 64 15 54 1 11 0 Totals All Depts 101 *"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. 19 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Neal S. Cairns of Toms River, N.J. The picture was snapped aboard the SS LaSalle , which sailed between New York and Europe carrying general and military cargo. Cairns (who sailed as an AB) is at bottom right. Next to him is AB Ralph Denayer and (far right, standing) is Bosun Arne Bjorrsen, who went on to get his captain's license. Also in the photo is Rich Rundblad. Cairns joined the SIU in 1947. In 1953 he went to work for his local township (East Orange, N.J .) and became a special police captain. Upon his retirement from that career, he moved to Tom's River. October 1999 �Welcome Ashore ...-- . Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are 19 members who have retired after many voyages on the world's oceans, waterways and lakes. Among the retirees, 10 sailed in the deep sea division, six shipped in the inland division, and three plied the Great Lakes. Nine of those signing off their ships for the last time sailed in the deck department, eight shipped in the engine department, and two were members of the steward department. This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: seven have retired to the East Coast, six make their homes in the Gulf states, three reside on the West Coast, two live in the Midwest, and one person calls Puerto Rico home. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. J DEEP SEA EARL ADAMS, 53, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1966 and joined the Seafarers in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Ames Victory. A native of Mobile, Ala., Brother Adams worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he also attended educational conferences at the school. He last sailed aboard the HMI Astrachem, operated of lnterocean Ugland Management. Brother Adams makes his home in Mobile. ....----==:-------. BENJAMIN BALERIO, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Midlake, operated by American Bulk Carrier. Born in Texas, Brother Balerio worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alaska. Dayton, Texas is where he calls home. ERNEST J. COX, 56, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 aboard the Halcyon Panther. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, Brother Cox sailed aboard the Courier, an Intrepid Ship Management vessel. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in New York. JUANITO P. FIEL, 63,joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1965. His first ship was the President Cleveland, an American President Line vessel. Brother Fiel worked in the steward department, most recently in 1998 aboard the Mokihana, oper- October 1999 ated by Matson Navigation Co. Tracey, Calif. is home to Brother Fiel. EVANS R. GATEWOOD, 82, started his career with the Seafarers in 1973 in Yokohama, Japan, first sailing aboard the Gateway City, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in Missouri, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gatewood last sailed in 1992 aboard the Sea-Land Spirit. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. military from 1935 to 1945. He makes his home in Oakland, Calif. JOHN McLAIN, 54, graduated from the Seafarers Harry ~ Lundeberg School in 1968 and joined the SIU in the port of Philadelphia. He first sailed aboard the Columbia Banker. A native of Pennsylvania, he started in the deck department and upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. He later transferred to the steward department, last sailing aboard the Cape Johnson, an American Overseas vessel. Brother McLain has retired to Philadelphia. JAMESJ. MATES, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1960. Brother Mates worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. Born in Pennsylvania, he makes his home in San Francisco. JOHNP. REAMS, 66, joined the SIU in 1969, first sailing aboard the Penn Ranger. During his ........---_J career, he worked in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the union's school. Brother Reams last sailed in the engine department aboard the Stonewall Jackson, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. From 1953 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy. New Orleans is where be calls home. ANTHONY RIPOLL, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1986 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the USNS Pollux, a Bay Tankers vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Prior to his retirement, he signed off Waterman Steamship Corp's Stonewall Jackson. Brother Ripoll makes bis home in Kenner, La. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. RAUL RIVERA, 63, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 '-------"'--------' and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Transglobe, a Hudson Waterways Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the SeaLand Producer. Brother Rivera has retired to Bayamon, P.R. INLAND CLYDE L. ALBAUGH JR., 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Albaugh, worked as a captain, last sailing aboard the tug McGraw, operated by Taylor Marine Towing Co. During his career, he upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Pennsylvania, he has retired to Wenonah N.J. EUGENED. BRADSHAW, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard the Holly S. The Virginia native worked as a captain, most recently aboard the M Jean Dudley, operated by Piney Point Transportation. Boatman Bradshaw makes his home in Onley, Va. PATRICK T. CARSON, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1979 from the port of Tampa, Fla .. He first ~~---~ worked aboard the deep sea vessel Cantigny as a member of the deck department and later transferred to the inland division. Born in Canada, Boatman Carson worked as a captain, most recently in 1989 aboard the Sea Hawk, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Tampa, Fla. Co. vessel. He makes his home in Orange, Texas. -=--~____, CHARLES W. EGAN, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981 from the port of Norfolk, Va. During his career, he sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Boatman Egan sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Allied Towing Co. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Sea Hawk. Boatman Egan makes his home in Elizabeth City, N.C. JEROME PELLEGAL, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1967. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department. Boatman Pellegal last sailed in 1979 aboard a Southern Ohio Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Vicksburg, Miss. LEROY WELCH,62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he worked as a captain. Boatman Welch last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1939 On Wednesday, October 2, 1939 in Savannah, Ga., delegates from the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes Districts met for the purpose of drafting a constitution for the Seafarers International Union. In addition to the basic constitution, issues to be voted on included the shipping rules, hospital and strike assessments, and a constitutional amendment that provided that in order to become a member, a man must be a citizen. The constitution was adopted by a vote of 1,225 in favor and 180 opposed. The votes on the constitutional amendment, the shipping rules and the assessments likewise carried by large majorities. GREAT LAKES DAVIDB. GRANN, 53, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. Born in North .___.__ _ _ ____,Dakota, he sailed in both the engine and steward departments. Brother Grann last sailed aboard the J. J. Boland, an American Steamship Co. vessel, as a member of the steward department. He has retired to Duluth, Minn. GERALDM. NOKLAND, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in Alpena, Mich. Brother Nokland worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Paul H. Townsend, operated by Inland Lakes Management. From 1965 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in Hubbard Lake, Mich. VICTORF. WEBER, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Born in Illinois, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the union's school. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Prior to retiring, he signed off the Presque Isle, a Great Lakes Corp. vessel. Brother Weber has retired to South Williamsport, Pa. ping unless shipping companies join with their workers and the unions to combat such incursions. During his appearance at a joint labormanagement session, Hall also warned the operators that Great Lakes shipping can only survive in an atmosphere of healthy, responsible collective bargaining. THI O TH J ltJ HJSTO Y 1959 Speaking at the 3 3rd annual convention of the Propeller Club in Detroit, SIUNA President Paul Hall challenged American-flag ship companies on both the Great Lakes and in offshore trade to join the maritime unions to fight the threat of runaway-flag shipping. He told 2 50 management representatives that the Great Lakes will become a home for foreign-flag ship- 1985 The battleground was the floor of the House of Representatives. The weapon was the House version of the 1985 Farm Bill. The stakes were cargo preference. And when the debris of hours-long debate was finally cleared, all anticargo preference amendments were defeated. The result means that Seafarers can count on their rightful share of government-impelled cargo and the jobs and job security that go along with it. The floor fight over cargo preference issues was the culmination of a year-long effort by anti· maritime, agribusiness interests to strip the U.S. merchant marine of a vital asset: government cargo, one of the few government support programs left to the U.S. merchant fleet. But a concentrated educational and lobbying effort led by the SIU during the past several months stopped the anti-merchant marine forces dead in the water. Seafarers LOG 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA ANIBAL ALBE Pensioner Anibal Albe, 75, passed away August 9. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port ofNew York. He worked in the steward department as a chief cook, last sailing aboard the Caguas, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Puerto Rico, he began receiving his pension in May 1989. MARIANO ARRUA Pensioner Mariano Arrua, 87, died June 16. Born in France, he started ills career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1938 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. The steward department member last sailed aboard American President Line's President Cleveland. Brother Arrua retired in January 1969 and made his home in San Francisco. BALLARD C. BROWNING Pensioner Ballard C. Browning, 72, passed away August 29. He joined the Seafarers in 194 5 in the port of New York. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement in January 1990, Brother Browning signed off the Overseas Ohio. He was a resident of Vidor, Texas. TERRILL G. CLARK Pensioner Terrill G. Clark, 68, died August 28. A native of Mobile, Ala., he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of ...........~'""""--' Mobile. His first ship was the North Platte Victory. Brother Clark sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in December 1987, he sailed aboard the OMJ Hudson, operated by OMI Corp. He was a resident of Mobile. ISIDORE C. DONGEN Pensioner Isidore C. Dongen, 85, passed away August 23. Born in Surinam, Dutch Guiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Oakland, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Mobile, Ala., Brother Dongen started receiving his pension in December 1980. ELDON A. FROESE Pensioner Eldon A. Froese, 76, died August 29. Brother Froese began his 18 Seafarers LOG SIU career in 1947 in the port of Galveston, Texas. Born in Kansas, he sailed as a member of the deck departL...:.-..iL.:...:.:....-_.:_.:!llD..__J ment. Brother Froese was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. He made his home in Pearland, Texas and retired in June 1988. LOUIS GREEN Louis Green, 51, passed away August 30. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1997 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Green sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. He was a resident of Harvey, La. ROBERT G. HUBBS Pensioner Robert G. Hubbs, 84, died August 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he started his career with the union in 1938 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Hubbs was a resident of Kenner, La .. He began receiving his pension in March 1971. JAMES KOUVARDAS Pensioner James Kouvardas, 73, passed away July 27. Born in Massachusetts, he began sailing with the SIU in 1942 '------...z.....--l from the port of New York. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Brother Kouvardas was a resident of Reno and retired in May 1982. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. ORLAN MIDKIFF .,...,.._ _ Pensioner Orlan Midkiff, 85, passed away July 24. He started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Port, an Asbury Steamship Co. vessel. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. Brother Midkiff retired in April 1979. He was a resident of Jasper, Texas. JACK A. MORGAN Pensioner Jack A. Morgan, 65, died May 23. Brother Morgan first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments. He last sailed in 1993 aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii and began receiving his pension in November 1998. He lived in Wilmington, Calif. ARNOLD MUNTER Pensioner Arnold Munter, 87, passed away August 1. Born in Estonia, he joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Hastings, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and retired in August 1977. Brother Munter made his home in Long Beach, Calif. LLOYD Y. NIKAIDO Pensioner Lloyd Y. Nikaido, 79, died July 27. A native of Hawaii, he started his career with the MC&S in 1954 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in January 1981. Brother Nikaido was a resident of Honolulu. JACK A. RANKIN Pensioner Jack A. Rankin, 73, ' passed away ... August 16. Brother Rankin joined the Seafarers in 1951. A native of Alabama, he sailed as a chief cook. Prior to his retirement in December 1992, he sailed aboard the Gulf Trader, operated by All Marine Services. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Mobile, Ala. WILLIAM RAWLUK Pensioner William Rawluk, 69, died August 22. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Bradford Island, operated by Cities Service. Born in Canada, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harrry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Defender. A resident of Seattle, Brother Rawluk retired in June 1992. JOHNM. YORK John M. York, 41, died August 10. Brother York graduated from the entry level training program at the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg -.:i-.....__......==----1 School of Seamanship in 1978 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Long Lines, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. Born in Pennsylvania, he worked in both the deck and steward departments, last sailing in 1981 aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He later joined the U.S. Coast Guard and made his home in Wilmington, N.C. INLAND MELODY N. COMPTON Melody N. Compton, 62, passed away July 24. Sister Compton first sailed with the SIU in 1987. Born in West Virginia, she sailed in the steward department, primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels. She was a resident of Wichita Falls, Texas. SAMMY M. EVANS Pensioner SammyM. Evans, 74, died July 21. Born in North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Evans graduated from the towboat operator program in 1973 at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. He sailed as a tugboat captain and started receiving his pension in March 1988. He made his home in Brooklet, Ga. JAMES E. JONES Pensioner James E. Jones, 65, passed away August 22. A native of Kentucky, he started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of St. Louis. Boatman Jones worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Robert Kenokee, an American Commercial Barge Line vessel. A resident of Flatwoods, Ky., he retired in May 1996. Ohio, he began his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Brother Gunn sailed in the deck department. Prior to '----~.....;__L___J his retirement in July 1986, he signed off a vessel operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. From 1945 to 1947, Brother Gunn served in the U.S. Army Air Force. He made his home in Coconut Creek, Fla. WILLIAME.LASHARE Pensioner William E. Lashare, 77, died August 26. Brother Lashare started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Duluth, Minn. During his career, he sailed in both the engine and steward departments. A native of West Virginia, he retired in January 1987 to Moundsville. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. DONALD 0. NELSON Pensioner Donald 0. Nelson, 73, passed away August 17. A native of Minnesota, he joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Detroit. Brother Nelson worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sam Laud, operated by American Steamship Co. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946. He was a resident of Conneaut, Ohio, and started recei ing his pension in November 1991. RAILROAD MARINE JEROME ABRAMOWITZ Pensioner Jerome Abramowitz, 72, passed away July 22. Born in New Jersey, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. He worked in the de department. Brother Abramowitz last sailed aboard a Penn Central Railroad Co. vessel. He made his home in Patterson, N.J. and began receiving his pension in April 1989. WILLIAM F. LARY HERMAN E. AHRENS Pensioner William F. Lary, 74, died July 31. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1963 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Army. Boatman Lary sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in June 1990. He was a resident of St. Louis. Pensioner Herman E. Ahrens, 99, died August 25. A native of New Jersey, he began his career as a deckhand in 1917 with .........._____,.oc...__.._....... the marine division of the Erie-Lackawana Railroad Co. and joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. During his career, he earned his masters license. Brother Ahrens was a resident of Union City, N.J. He retired in February 1965. HAROLD E. McCOY Pensioner Harold E. McCoy, 80, passed away July 29. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. Boatman McCoy retired in March 1988 and made his home in Richmond, Va. PHILIP RUBISH NICK SCOPOLITES ----=,...-----, Pensioner Philip Rubish, 72, passed away July 29. Born in West Virginia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1950. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1983. His last ship was the OMI Champion, and he began receiving his pension in August 1996. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. avy from 1943 to 1946. Brother Rubish made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. Pensioner Nick Scopolites, 86, died July 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked llL--"""""".......~~_...:i in the steward department as a chief cook. Prior to his retirement in December 1982, he last sailed aboard a Red Circle Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Scopolites was a resident of Mobile. GREAT LAKES WALTER F. GUNN Pensioner Walter F. Gunn, 72, passed away August 11. Born in AnANTIC FISHERMEN SAM JOSEPH LOIACANO Pensioner Sam Joseph "Tuni" Loiacano, 81, passed away July 28. A native of Massachusetts, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1939 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., Brother Loiacano began receiving his pension in May 1981. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 194 5. October 1999 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard 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. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), May 30Chairman Marvin Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director William Coffy. Chairman requested everyone use scoop when getting ice-not glasses or big cups. He also asked that washing machine contain full load, not just one or two items. Secretary reminded crew members to clean room and get clean linen for next person. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT noted by engine or steward delegates. GLOBAL LINK (Tyco), June 25-Chairman Jose Gomez, Secretary Lanette Lopez, Educational Director Peter Littman, Deck Delegate Melvin L. Singletary, Engine Delegate William H. Young, Steward Delegate Radames Toro. Chairman reported Coast Guard inspection went well; crew did outstanding job. Galley heads fixed by electrician and crew ready to transfer cable. Treasurer announced $2,200 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land Service), June 16Chairman Terry Murphy, Secretary Harry Lively, Educational Director Charles Wharton, Deck Delegate Sandy Killian, Engine Delegate Craig M. Knorr, Steward Delegate Christine Short. Chairman announced ship arriving in Tacoma, Wash. for payoff and urged everyone to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary commended Steward Jim Wright for tremendous job keeping ship clean. Educational director advised everyone to utilize facilities at Piney Point, especially new fire fighting school. He noted Coast Guard is now mandating some courses-like fire fightingand mariners are urged to take these as soon as possible. Some disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Crew asked Paul Hall Center to look into child care facility for upgrading parents. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. SEA-LAND CRUSADER (SeaLand Service), June 17Chairman Eric J. Perez, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Deck Delegate Angel R. Camacho, Steward Delegate Luis A. Lopez. Chairman reported everything going well. He advised crew to keep up with requirements for STCW. Bosun is willing to assist members in getting endorsements stamped. Secretary encouraged crew members to read Seafarers LOG and keep abreast of changes in union and industry. Educational director echoed sentiments of all members in thanking SIU leadership for new fire fighting school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked rest of crew for helping keep mess hall and pantry clean and for cooperation in setting up cookouts. They, in turn, were thanked for fine meals and service, especially for popular cookouts Ot:lober 1999 and clambakes. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (Sea-Land Service), June 27Chairman Theodore Doi, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Deck Delegate Manolo V. Delos Santos, Engine Delegate Kenneth Harder, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Chairman reported arrival of new mattresses; old ones to be replaced as needed. He also announced contracted raise kicks in as of July 1. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading classes at Piney Point and taking advantage of new fire fighting school there. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), June 20Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald Bermeo, Steward Delegate Michael A. Harris. All running smoothly, according to chairman. Secretary urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and support SPAD. Educational director also advised everyone to enroll in upgrading classes and get STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read president's report from recent LOG. Crew very happy with opening of new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Vote of thanks given to all hands for keeping ship in top condition. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), June 6-Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary William Burdette, Educational Director Ramona Gayton, Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Clifford L. Miles, Steward Delegate Amin A. Mohamed. Chairman announced vessel en route from Pusan, South Korea to Long Beach, Calif. and then to East Coast. He thanked everyone for great trip, with "two thumbs up" to steward department. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1, 150 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for purchase of new video rewinder in crew lounge and for resolving tiling problem in electrician's room. Next ports: Long Beach and Panama. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), June 14--Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Michael F. Hammock. Chairman noted payoff scheduled for June 14 in Elizabeth, N.J. He proudly announced total compliance with company safety rules and environmental laws. Educational director talked about importance of attending classes at new Joseph Sacco fire fighting school in Piney Point and of upgrading skills for better jobs in future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to procure transportation for Seafarers returning to ship after short layup period. Reminder given to crew members leaving vessel to have rooms clean and new set of linen ready for next person. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), June 20Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn McCluskey, Educational Director Kevin L. DeSue, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman reported, weather permitting, vessel will be on schedule for arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He reminded crew to keep doors locked while in port and leave cabin clean with set of fresh linen for next person. Steward reported change in food supply company. Educational director urged members to attend classes at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from recent LOG read at meeting. Crew noted groundwork laid by SIU in past 10 years paying off with new vessels and jobs for Seafarers. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food-especially for preparing fresh tuna in Guam. Next ports: Tacoma and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), June 20Chairman Roan Lightfoot, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Keith Jordan Sr., Deck Delegate Daniel W. Miller, Engine Delegate Victor L. Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford B. Elliott. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. June 22. That date also marks start of vessel's new Caribbean service. He welcomed two unlicensed apprentices aboard and expressed ho es they would like it at sea. Chairman reminded everyone of new way of collecting plastics for disposal and noted that tomorrow's jobs will be around if members upgrade today. Educational director echoed that theme, stating there is always something new to learn about your job or union. Fire fighting school is now open and all hands should take advantage of opportunity to take classes there (including first aid and CPR) since accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. Treasurer asked for support for ship's fund which helps pay for rental movies. No beefs or disputed.OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters regarding lowering of retirement age and seatime required for pension eligibility. Also requested change in time on and off vessels to three months on and two months off. That still requires sailing eight months a year but is perceived to be less stressful. Bosun thanked steward department for terrific culinary talents. Steward department thanked deck department for keeping ship looking great, and deck department thanked engine department for keeping vessel going. Pantryman also given vote of thanks for keeping messhalls and living areas in tip-top condition. Chief steward congratulated Chairman Lightfoot on his bosun recertification. Next port: Jacksonville. SEA-LAND TA COMA (SeaLand Tacoma), June 21Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Steward Delegate Amanda F. Suncin. Chairman announced payoff scheduled June 22 in Tacoma, Wash. He read portions of June LOG, including president's report, an interesting article on meanings of some nautical terms and opening of world-class fire fighting school in Piney Point. Educational director welcomed unlicensed apprentice aboard ship and spoke of training possibilities at Paul Hall Center and job security it provides. Treasurer announced $1,231 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reminded to donate to SPAD. announced $50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNSPERSEVERANCE (IOUM), July 28-Chairman Thomas W. Lasater, Secretary George Monseur, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Osorio, Engine Delegate Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Steward Delegate Keith Nixon. Chairman announced arrival at The "Three Amigos" Bosun Wilfredo Rice (left) and AB Arthur Machado (center) believe OS Willard Bell will make a good AB once he completes upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center. Bell started working on the river 2% years ago, He then sailed aboard the USNS Regulus, where he was GSU for a year, before joining the deck department under the guidance and support of his more seasoned crew mates. (Bell graduated from the AB course on August 6 - see page 21 .) HM/ ASTRACHEM (IOUM), July I-Chairman Stanley Duranda, Secretary Luis Escobar, Deck Delegate Michael Edwards. Chairman noted ship to lay up at end of July. Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Steward delegate thanked his department for job well done; rest of crew also thanked steward department for great meals and excellent work. Next ports: St. Croix, USVI and Guayama, PR. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line), July 6Chairman Kyle F. Shultz, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director· Peter G. Murtagh, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Fitzgerald, Engine Delegate Jean C. Horne, Steward Delegate Earl R. Castain. Chairman read president's report from recent LOG and thanked crew for great voyage. Will ask union for verification of increase in pay and extra day's pay at end of rotation. Suggestion also made to have union look into feasibility of lowering number of days required for retirement regardless of age. Secretary thanked crew members for participation in shipboard barbecues and for good trip. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center and check maritime documents to be sure they are in good order. Treasurer announced $219 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Refrigerator needed in crew's lounge. Next ports: Freeport, Bahamas; Miami, Fla.; Panama; and Charleston, S.C. SEA-LAND CONSUMER (SeaLand Service), July 6-Chairman Francis Adams, Secretary Richard A. Seligman, Educational Director Howard Hendra. Chairman noted great crew this voyage and thanked everyone. He led discussion of money purchase plan; most crew members still have not gotten statements regarding their accounts. Secretary urged members to write congressional representatives for support in saving Jones Act. Educational director stressed need for upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer Marcus Hook, Pa. night of July 1 with payoff scheduled next day. Voluntary contributions for satellite dish accepted at payoff. He reminded crew members to keep current on all union matters through LOG and union meetings. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and sent to headquarters requesting vacation be lowered to 90 days and pension rates be raised. Everyone asked to be mindful of next person when using dryer (clean lint screen after use and remove clothing when dry). Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Next ports: Marcus Hook; Savannah, Ga.; Yabucoa, P.R.; Sun Terminal, Texas. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), August 8-Chairrnan Ramon Castro, Secretary Lee N. Frazier, Educational Director Michael Birke, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine Delegate Charles E. Bibbs Ill, Steward Delegate Romalies J. Jones. Chairman noted installation of new ice machine, dryer and reefer box for crew mess. He thanked everyone for good work and reminded them of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary stated payoff scheduled for August 13 in Houston. He noted seas were calm entire voyage from St. Petersberg, Russia. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Piney Point and get endorsements needed for STCW compliance. Treasurer announced $195 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for fine work. LNG CAPRICORN (PRONAV), August 15-Chairman Charles Kahl, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director John Knott, Deck Delegate William Soto Jr., Engine Delegate Rene R. Rosario, Steward Delegate Glen Williams. Chairman relayed captain's thanks for job well done by all hands. Secretary stated all union forms available from him. Educational director urged crew members to get TRB and STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications regarding severance package read and posted. Vote of thanks to steward department for good meals and clean ship. Next ports: Bontang, Indonesia and Osaka, Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Deck Engine Utility - Students in Phase 3 of the unlicensed apprentice program are (from left, front row) Roosevelt Clark, Lisa Ruiz, Heather Frizzelle, Johanna Saul , Manuel Oliveras, Alvin Clark, (second row) Daniel Bratta, Jonathan Buffington , Jason Foster, Jevon Vontoure, Anderson Saco, (third row) Daniel Borden , Michael Bragdon , Justin Germain , Todd Conley, Chad Schultz and Carey Foster Jr. Certified Chief Cook - Working in the steward lab are (from left) Chef John Dobson (instructor), John Agugliaro , Robert Knight, Jesus Herrera, Erik Marlowe, Warporn Kirdngern , Jann Noel, Mutee Zindani and Joseph Packnett. STCW Basic Safety - Upgrading Seafarers who on July 30 successfully completed the basic safety class necessary fo~ thei~ ST~W endorsements are (from left, front row) Kenneth Bayle, hristopher Corpuz, Suhermadhy Gham, Felipe Jimenez, Saleh Ahmed, Darren Bates, Richard Oliva , Muthana Koraish, · liam Jones, Mike Leo (instructor), (second row) William Feazel, Allen Davis, Pete Lopez, Nasser Hasson, Abdullah Saleh , Jerome Wong , Ernest Polk, William Churney and Felix Marco. Advanc~d Fire Fighting - Pictured above are members of the advanced fire fighting class who completed .their course work on August 13 at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. From the left (kneelhng) are Ab~ullah Saleh , ~ey Gabaylo, Bruce Childers, Paul Szalus, Allan Bright, John Glenn, (second row) Jorge B~nelh , John Kol?dz1eJ , Saundra Leonard, John Favero, Oscar Angeles, Richard Oliva , Stanley Golden, Neomto Sodusta , (third row) Rodney Aucoin , Roderick Clay, Michael Scinto, John Smith (instructor) , Paul Dellorso and Christine Short. STCW Safety & Fire Fighting - Upgrading SIU and NMU graduates of the STCW safety and fire fighting course are (from left, front row) Freddy Arriola , Richard L. Blakey, John H. Barkhouse, Feliciano Gabino, Frank Monteiro, (second row) Rally M. Espiritu , Eugene James Smith Jr., Hector ·Guity, Gerry Davis, (third row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Jose Vazquez and Dana Washington . Vessel Operations - With instructor Casey Taylor (seated center) are members of Unlicensed Apprentice class 591 who completed the vessel operations course. They are Adam Williams, Romel Holland, Miles Ireland Jr., Brandon Scalzo, Brandon Mines, Jeremy Sutton and Bobby Ellis Jr.. 20 Seafarers LOG Certified Chief Cook - Completing one of the required modules in the chief cook course are (from left) Janusz Smolik, Dana Washington, Chef John Hetmanski (instructor), Fernando Lopes and Wayne Howard. October 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - -- Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Ed White (instructor), Rashidi Dadang, Monty Smith, Kyotaro Lopez, James Kidd Jr., Wardell Paze, Herman Stith, Mohamed Quraish and John Palughi. Boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course on July 30 are (from left) Ken Grayhill, Larry Barron, Manny Miranda, James Elbe, Marc Delgadillo, Randy McKenzie, William Smith, Robert Burns and Mitch Oakley (instructor). Basic Fire Fighting - Graduating from the basic fire fighting class on August 6 are (from left) Rick Redmond (instructor), Joe Brown, Wade Rudolph, Robert lvanauskas, Richard Provost, Robert Burns, John Shivers, Muthana Koraish , Green Hoskins and Sam Meyers (instructor). HAZWOPER - Part of the tanker familiarization course includes a 16-hour class on worker health and safety (HAZWOPER). Successfully completing that part of the curriculum are (from left) Mark Jones (instructor), Greg Pattison, Rick Woodburn, Clarence Jones, Mark Culbert, Rodney Garrett, Ronald Lauer, Jessie Higgs and Jason Long. Able Seaman Basic Fire Fighting - Completing their basic fire fighting requirements are members of Unlicensed Apprentice class 592. From the left (front row) are Anthony Hammet (instructor), Michael Spacek, Europa Tuivaiti, Shannon Miranda, Lyndon Ferreira, Tyler Laffitte Jr., (second row) Erik Nappier, Joshua Walker, Shannon Bonefont, Dwayne Brock and Keolamauloaohawaiiloa Mowat. Upgrading .graduates of the AB class on August 6 are (in no particular order) Almus Allen, Wiiiard Bell, Keith Bitran, George Bixby, Robert Bradberry, Eric Bridges, Reuben Brown, Edsel Dearce, Carlos Dominguez, John Eaton, Daniel Englund, Gregory Gallagher, Philip Gibson, Theodore Hale, Janaro Jackson, Gaston Lane, Matthew Laughter, Franklin Legore, Harold Lewis, William Maggio, Peter Malone, Charles Mann, Ahmed Mohamed, Duane Reeder, Kathryn Rivera, Morris Robinson, William Schuppman and Thomas Tobin. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on August 20 are (in no particular order) James C. Anderson, Guy Butler Jr., Allen Davis, Felipe Jimenez, Christopher Corpuz, Jason Foster, Carey Foster Jr., Anderson Saco, Roosevelt Clark, Justin Germain, Daniel Borden, Manuel Oliveras, Chad Schultz, Michael Bragdon, Alvin Clark, Jevon Vontoure, Heather Frizzelle, Daniel Bratta, Todd Conley, Paul Weil, Scott Seiler, Johanna Saul, Jonathan Buffington, Paul Weil, Ernest Polk, Nasser Hasson, Marc Delgadillo, Lisa Ruiz, Emmanuel Rezada, Noel Camacho, Michael Gomes, Mark Wain, Edward Stoelzer, Marco Felix and Thomas Kreis. October 1999 Seafarers LOG 21 _,.. �Latters to the Edhor Know Your Rights Whooo's In Charge? (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG resel'Ves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Captain Sets Great Example We would like to take this opportunity to give our heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgment of a job well done to Captain John Torjusen. I sailed with Capt. Torjusen aboard the MIV American Merlin, and Bosun Lindsay and I both sailed with him aboard the SS Osprey. During our voyages aboard the Osprey, we were faced with many adversities while transiting the Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea to the Ukraine. Capt. Torjusen handled everything that the elements, fate and the often corrupted hands of man threw at him in a professional and focused manner. He sets a fine example for any mariner to follow, and we would be truly proud to serve with him aboard any vessel, even a rowboat adrift in the southern ocean. Steven M. Dickson, Chief Steward Robert Lindsay, Bosun aboard the LTC Calvin P. Titus Cherlye Mix, an OS aboard the USNS Sumner, makes her morning visit to Ospho's cage to change his bath water. Ospho is an owl who flew onto the ship about a hundred miles offshore in the Sea of Japan and showed no interest in leaving. The owl, who was named for the rust-busting solvent used aboard ship, has been taken topside several times and placed on a handrail, but when crew members returned an hour or so later, the owl was still there and willingly returned to his/her cage. Ospho is extremely tame and routinely sits on crew members' fingers and does not bite, even though the beak is quite powerful. He (or she, no one onboard is exactly sure how to determine this) is fed a daily diet of raw beef. The owl has yet to sign articles but has become a well-known member of the crew aboard the Sumner. The USNS Sumner is operated for the Military Sea lift Command by Dyn Marine Services of Virginia and conducts surveys, primarily in the western Pacific, Sea of Japan, East China Sea and South China Sea. Attention Seafarers: SPAD Is the Key to Job Security FARMLAND DAIRY • Milk sold under the Farmland Dairy label in stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York .... Teamsters MT. OLIVE PICKLE CO. Pickles and relishes sold under the Mt. Olive and other labels, including the Food Lion and Harris Teeter supermarket "house· labels .... Farm Labor Organizing Committee FURNITURE STRAITS FURNITURE CO. Jackson, Miss., manufacturer of entertainment centers, dining- room and bedroom furniture. Brands include: Canbrough Oak Collection, Downing Street Collection, Cherry Creek Collection, Hood, Straits .... Electronic Workers, Furniture Workers Division SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS ALITALIA AIRLINES Air transport for passengers and freight .... Machinists BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps .... Machinists Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney World, but separately owned and operated .... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees JET EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, INC. Auburn, Wash., distributor of "JET" brand metal- and wood-work· ing power and hand tools for home and commercial use .... Teamsters SOUTHWIRE CO. Commercial and industrial wire and cable; DoltYourself brand homewire . .... Electrical Workers MASTER APPAREL Men's and boys' trousers. Labels include Hills and Archer, and Ivy Hill .... Electronic Workers ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION BET cable television, Action payperview, BET on Jazz .... Electrical Workers REGAL CINEMAS Chain of 250 movie theaters: "Regal Cinemas• & "Cobb Theaters" .... Stage Employees & Moving Picture Technicians FOOD/BEVERAGES CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES Table grapes that do not bear the UFW label on their carton or crate . .... Farm Workers Gasoline sold at Crown, Fast Fare and Zippy Mart stations and convenience stores .... Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Hotel in Waterbury, Conn. .... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii .... Longshore & Warehouse Union NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN Hotel in downtown Los Angeles .... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees OTHERS CF&I STEEL and OREGON STEEL MILLS, INC. Steel, including rod, bar, rail, pipe and steel plate .... Steelworkers WELLS FARGO and NORWEST BANKS Wells Fargo has branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; Norwest has branches in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, W1SCOnsin and Wyoming .... Steelworkers R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. DIAMOND WALNUT CO. Diamond brand canned.and bagged walnuts and walnut pieces .... Teamsters UNION CROWN CENTRAL PETROLEUM TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copie of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE HOTEL CLOTHING 22 TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. LABEL Seafarers LOG AND SERVICE Cigarettes: Best Value, Camel, Century, Doral, Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products .... Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of , color, sex, national or geographic ongm. If any member feels that he or is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLIT ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are u further its ob· urposes mc:lwjmg, ut not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. October 1999 �------------------------- -- SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from September through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Allprograms are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Radar Observer/Unlimited October 4 October 15 Radar Recertification (one day) October 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) October 18 - Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) November 1 November 19 Basic Firefighting October 18 October 25 November 22 October 22 October 29 November26 Advanced Firefighting November 8 November29 November19 December 10 Government Vessels November 1 Novembers November 29 November 19 November 26 December 17 Lifeboatmao/Water Survival October 4 November 1 November29 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) October 25 November 1 Novembers November22 November29 December 13 October 29 Novembers November 12 November26 December3 December 17 Tankerman (PIC) Barge October 18 October 22 Welding October4 October 22 October 23 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Firemao/Watertender & Oiler October 11 November 19 Refrigeratipn Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 Welding October 2 October 23 November 13 October 22 November 12 December 3 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic .v ocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Adv need Galley Operations (Every week) October 4, 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20, 27 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) October 4, 18 November 1, 15, 29 December 13, 27 UPGRADING IS A KEY TO YOUR FU URE. REVIEW THE COURSE SCHEDULE AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE A CLASS SOON. THE EARLY 2000 SCHEDULE SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY. THE STAFF AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER IS CONTINUALLY UPDATING THE COURSE CON· TENTS TO KEEP ABREAST OF CHANGES IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY. ----~-------------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address- - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - your class starts, USMMD (z -card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FO WT. A B and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The pavment should he made with a mone.y order onlv. payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DA TE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth - - - - - -- -Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member D If the fo llowing ieformation is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ __ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes D No If yes, class # - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ October 1999 SIGNATURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be p aid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your p ort agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes - - - - - - - -- - - - Date Off: The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Traini ng and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 10199 Seafarers LOS 23 �Thinking About College? lhe Seafarers Welfare Plan is offering seven scholarships in 2000 to three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. See page 14 for additional information. Global Ma1·iner Back in Action Replacing tile inside the vessel is AB Nestor Agcaoili. Keeping a close eye on his work is AB Kevin Bowden. After a brief stay this summer in a South Carolina shipyard, the SIUcrewed cable ship Global Mariner recently returned to its home port of Baltimore. "We're doing routine maintenance and remaining on stand-by for assignment," noted Recertified Bosun Jeremiah Harrington, a 20-year Seafarer whose father, Recertified Bosun Arthur Harrington, also sailed with the SIU. "Sometimes our missions are scheduled, while other times it's a surprise assignment. We're ready no matter what." Launched in 1992, the Global Mariner is loaded with state-of-the-art equipment. The 4 78-foot vessel features "dynamic positioning" which "coordinates the ship's main propulsion power and the twin bow and stem thrusters for precision maneuvering and station keeping," notes the vessel operator, Tyco Submarine System Ltd. The Global Mariner can store and haul more than 3 ,200 nautical miles of fiber-optic cable and travels at a top speed of 13.8 knots. In July, the ship underwent routine repairs at Detyen Shipyard in Charleston, S.C. During a subsequent visit by a Seafarers LOG reporter to the vessel in --·---·---O~.,re Seafarers mentioned that camara erie rew extends from ship to shore. "We enJO"~~.... n each other on and off the ship," said Chief Cook Anna Alexander. One crew member, OS Randy Diaz, completed the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education earlier this year. He said his experience aboard the Global Mariner has reinforce he made a good cdJ.'"--·HIU " ' qmte an experience so far," Diaz stated. "It's been pretty good, really." Recertified Bosun Jeremiah Harrington describes the crew as dedicated and hardworking. AB Kevin Young masters his brush stroke on the deck. Pictured in the engine room are Recertified Bosun Jeremiah Harrington (left) and Chief Electrician Gregory Thomas. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES DOUBLING OF VESSEL TRAFFIC IN U.S.? VOTING STARTS DECEMBER 1 ON SIU-NMU MERGER HURRICANE FLOYD POUNDS U.S. AVONDALE FIGHT CONTINUES EX-BOSS still hasn’t said he’s sorry AFL-CIO LAUNCHES AD CAMPAIGN TO BOOST MEDICARE, ADD RX BENEFIT COASTAL ENFORCEMENT ZONE DOUBLES HOUSE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR CALLS FOR ACTION TO UPGRADE MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY DIRECTORS SCRUTINIZE LATEST INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS CONVEYORMAN COURSE HIGHLIGHTS PAUL HALL CENTER’S ADAPTABILITY SEAFARER NORMAN GUILD CREATES SPECIALTY CLASS UPGRADER TOUTS SCHOOL PAUL HALL CENTER TAKES FIRE FIGHTING ON THE RIVER DELTA QUEEN NAMED ‘SHIP OF THE YEAR’ BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘LOYAL’ CREW HELPS NAVY ABOARD T-AGOS SHIP ITF SHIP WELCOMES VISITOR NO. 500,000 GLOBAL MARINER BACK IN ACTION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 10 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/102341f1600ce285d4a5d1cfed12ebe2.pdf 5787315176b503e814d973545ca62acc PDF Text Text United States Lines Reborn _ _ Page 4 Volume 61 Number 11 November 1999 MTD Charts Course For the Next Century New Ships Signal More Jobs For Mariners, Yards, Docks MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes AFL-CIO President John Sweeney to the Maritime Trades Department biennial convention last month in Los Angeles. Sweeney and other guest speakers, including members of Congress, voiced strong support for the U.S. merchant marine to the delight of the delegates in attendance. Pages 3, 11-14. Jobs Gained as Ship Rellags U.S. The car carrier Tanabata recently joined the Seafarers-contracted fleet when it ... reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. The five-year-old vessel becomes part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Page 3. ~2""c'~""'"'°"~'',~~- Members Consider SIU-NMU Merger More details concerning the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU-AGLIWD have been sent to Seafarers, including AB/Wheelsman Vladislav Pitsenko, pictured last month aboard the J.A. W Iglehart in Toledo, Ohio. Balloting begins December 1 in all SIU union halls. Page 2. �President's Report Looking to a Bright Future The SIU is a respected organization within the maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because this union has consistently stood up for its members, fought for what is right and needed in the business, and shown the foresight to prepare for future challenges. All three of these factors are involved as you begin casting your ballots next month to tell the executive board whether to continue merger talks with the NMU. Michael Sacco First, bringing the NMU within the ranks of the SIU AGLIWD will benefit members of both unions. As many of our experienced members can tell you, we've had our share of run-ins over the years with the NMU. Valuable resources that could have been better spent on strengthening the U.S.-flag fleet instead were used on trying to outdo the other union. For 62 years, we have opposed one another while the officials of both unions worked hard to improve the lives and working conditions for the men and women who sailed aboard their contracted ships. With a merger, we will stand together and continue the fight for better wages, good benefits and safer vessels. Companies will not be able to pit one union against the other. They will face a unified front of America's unlicensed mariners. The SIU has realized for generations that we have to work with the maritime community in order to ensure a strong U.S.-flag fleet. That is why the Seafarers, along with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, for decades has held advisory board meetings with officials from deep sea, inland waterways and Great Lakes companies to develop legislative plans for the industry at large and a classroom curriculum for specific needs aboard vessels. By working together with the industry to establish a common agenda, the SIU continues to be a major player as the U.S.-flag fleet charts its course for the 21st century. The role the SIU plays in the decision-making process can only get stronger with the addition of the NMU. Finally, the SIU long has shown it plans for the future while looking out for the immediate needs of its members. When the union was created in l 93 8, it was composed of three separate and autonomous districts--one for the Atlantic Coast, one for the Gulf Coast and one for the Great Lakes. In less than two years, the membership realized this separation would not work. They voted to merge the Atlantic and Gulf districts rather than weaken the new union with jurisdictional disputes. This unified approach allowed the union to fight for benefits such as health care, pension and educational opportunities through training schools and a scholarship program. The creation of the A&G District made organizing efforts easier as they were handled by the combined force, rather than having two branches of the same organization expending resources for the same jobs. In the late 1950s, the Great Lakes District merged into the A&G, making the union stronger. In the next decade, a longtime vision of the union's president, Paul Hall, came into being with the creation of the consolidated training center in Piney Point, Md. Hall believed the strength of the U.S.-flag fleet required mariners trained in the latest methods and skills. He combined the several schools operating out of union halls into one site where members could study in an atmosphere favorable for learning. From its roots in 1967, the Paul Hall Center has grown and been an innovator. It has set the standard others have followed-the first with shiphandling simulators, the first with oil spill prevention and containment classes, the first with a Coast Guard-accepted training record book-and continues to do so today with the state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school that opened this summer. As we all know, the earlier mergers set a precedent for making the SIU better and stronger by bringing more mariners into our ranks. However, the 1978 merger with the Marine Cooks & Stewards set the standard that still is being followed today. With the MC&S as part of the AGLIWD, the SIU became the first unlicensed union with jurisdiction from coast to coast. Because the MC&S already had a wellestablished pension and welfare program, the officials involved in the merger decided to keep those benefits separate from the ones available to AGLIWD members. That is still the case today. Matters dealing with seniority, training and hiring halls were worked out and brought to the members for their consideration. It was a multi-vote process that took about two years to implement. In each step, the rank-andfile played an active role. Just like each merger before it, the SIU became stronger. Members benefited through better job security. The industry benefited because the union spoke with a more unified voice. Now we are closer to doing something that will benefit all American mariners. This has been years in the making. The vote that begins on December 1 is the latest step in the process. Officials from both the SIU and NMU have met many times to see if a merger is possible. They have come to the conclusion that it is, and that it's in the best interests of the membership. Now, you must decide if this process will continue. Your vote tells the officials to continue their work and begin dealing with the specifics involving seniority, benefits and constitutional changes. The merger committee already has concluded it will be in the best interest of all to keep the pension, welfare and vacation plans separate. We already have witnessed how SIU and NMU members have studied side-by-side at Piney Point. We have seen the first contract covering SIU and NMU members working for ships operated by the same company. We have welcomed NMU offices operating in SIU halls. We are seeing that we can work together. In order to go forward, we now need to hear from the members. Both the SIU and NMU are conducting this election at the same time. The results will be known in early February. This is fitting because bringing the NMU into the SIU will set a solid course for the 21st century for job security for all members and a strong U.S.-flag fleet. I urge each member to think long and hard about the direction you want this industry and our union to head in the next century. With the solid foundation set by those who came before us, this merger can only build a brighter future for all. Members Start Consideration For SIU-#MU Merger Vote Initial response is favorable from many Seafarers who are considering next month's balloting on whether to continue merger talks with the National Maritime Union. From monthly membership meetings to discussions aboard ships, the merger is the hottest topic among SIU members. Recertified Bosun George Mazzola told those attending the October membership meeting in Piney Point, "When I first heard about that, I was real skeptical. But let's do it!" Mazzola, who has sailed with the SIU since 1972, added unity between the SIU and NMU should benefit all members when it comes to bargaining new contracts. On the Great Lakes, QMED Jay Linx has sailed with both the SIU and NMU. He believes a merger would be good for all. 'Tm very much in favor of it. I think it's going to help get us better salaries once the unions aren't competing against each other. It will create a stronger union with everybody being under one hat," added the 48year-old, who sails from the port of Algonac, Mich. During SIU President Michael Sacco's visit with members aboard ships in the port of Long Beach, Calif., Seafarers asked him how the merger would affect them. He told crews aboard the SeaLand Patriot and Matson's Lihue that a merger would help both unions. He reminded the crews how the SIU was strengthened through its previous mergers, including the one in 1978 involving the Marine Cooks & Stewards. Volume 61, Number 11 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 November 1999 c The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: 1! ·2 Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way · Camp Springs, ~ 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. -Seafarers LOG In response to questions, Sacco said officials from both unions serving on the merger committee already have decided to follow the 1978 precedent to keep the SIU and NMU pension, welfare and vacation funds separate, should the merger be approved. However, the training and hiring hall funds probably would be combined, he added. Additionally, the SIU executive board mailed a letter in late October to further explain the merger process. The letter informed members about the three-step voting process that- will take place. The first is the election that will run from December 1 to January 31, 2000 to give the executive board permission to continue with the merger talks. (A similar election is taking place at the same time in the NMU.) Should the members of the two unions approve the continuation, talks on specific topics would begin. The letter stated Seafarers then would vote during the November-December 2000 general election to approve needed constitutional changes such as the addition of vice presidents and the NMU in the union's name. It specifically pointed out NMU members would not be eligible to vote in the general election as the merger would not be completed. Following the general election, a third election would be held for SIU members to vote for Galley gang members aboard the Lihue show SIU President Michael Sacco their support for the merger. From the left are Chief Cook Willie Madison, Sacco, BR Nunu Randle and 3rd Cook Neil Ball. or against the actual terms of the merger. Prior to that election, Seafarers would be given information on what the merger would mean and what changes would occur. The date for that election has not been determined. Copies of the executive board letter are being distributed aboard ships by patrolmen and are available in union halls to ensure all members have a chance to read it before voting begins November 1 Balloting will take place in all union halls between 9 a.m. and 12 noon local time Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Members also may request an absentee ballot by following the instructions printed in the October issue of the Seafarers LOG. Learning more about the proposed SIU-NMU merger is AB Watchman Carlton Dorrance aboard the Charles Wilson. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Friday, December 24, 1999 for the observance of the Christmas holiday and December 31, 1999 for the observance of New Year's Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 1999 �U.S. Fleet Vital to National Security MTD Delegates Map Plans for Strong Maritime Policies Maintaining a strong American-flag merchant "What do they have in common? They fly the marine is vital to U.S. national and economic secu- U.S. flag, they carry American crews and they are rity, said speakers at the 1999 biennial convention built in unionized American yards," Sacco stated. of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department in "There are those who have said over and over that the U.S.-flag maritime industry is past its prime. Los Angeles on October 7 and 8. Among those voicing support of the~-------~ That's baloney! We're still here and U.S. fleet were AFL-CIO President John we're still growing. We're still a powSweeney; Rear Admiral Gordon S. See pages 11-14 for erful force because we deliver the Holder, head of the U.S. Military Sealift more coverage of the goods-just as we've done since the MTD Biennial Revolutionary War." Command; and U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Michael Convention. He also noted other activities by the MTD and its affiliates since the last Forbes (D-N.Y.), Martin Frost (D-Texas) and Max Sandlin (D-Texas). convention, including: Representing the MTD's 32 national and interna• Helping defeat the anti-worker Proposition tional unions as well as 27 port councils in the U.S. 226 and similar "paycheck deception" legislation in and Canada, convention delegates also examined more than 30 states and at the federal level. • Pushing for funding for the Title XI shipand approved numerous resolutions. Those statements called for a strong U.S. maritime policy; con- building loan guarantee program and for the muchtinued revitalization of American shipyards; fair needed dredging project in the Port of New York trade laws; retirement security; grass roots activities and New Jersey. • Providing American crews and sealift for in an array of issues affecting working families; federal backing of port maintenance projects; and end- U.S. military operations in Bosnia and the Persian ing runaway-flag shipping, among other pursuits. Gulf. • Contributing, through organizing, to an overOpening the convention, MTD President Michael Sacco (who also is president of the SIU) all increase in the number of union members nationpointed out that hard work has led to many new wide. opportunities within the U.S. fleet. Since the previ• Supporting brother and sister trade unionists ous MTD convention in 1997, new cargo vessels, at Kaiser, Avondale, Newport News and elsewhere. "We're a group that's committed to raising the tugs and dredges have been launched. Additionally, plans were confirmed for at least two new U.S.-flag, standard of living for working people all over this deep-sea cruise ships and five new American-flag country," Sacco added. "That's what we stand for: a coastal cruise vessels. fair share and a fair deal for the American worker." AFL-CIO Convention Approves Restructuring at Local, State Levels Rep. Richard Gephardt states global trade pacts often result in lowering standards. Delegates to the 23rd AFLCIO Constitutional Convention approved a resolution calling for the first major structural change in the national labor federation since the American Federation of Labor merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955. Through a program titled the "New Alliance," the AFL-CIO called for the creation of "strong new state and local organizations fully supported by every union local and fully capable of effectively representing the interests of American working families." In his opening remarks to the convention, which took place October 11-13 in Los Angeles, Seal arers Gain Jobs Car Carrier Tanabata Reflags to U.S. New jobs were gained with the reflagging last month of the car carrier Tanabata under the Stars and Stripes. Seafarers were scheduled to crew the newly contracted ship October 31 or November 1 in northern Europe (after this issue of the Sea/arers LOG went to press). Operated by American V.Ships Marine, Ltd., the Tanabata is slated for the same run as the Seafarers-contracted car carriers Faust and Fidelio. That route includes stops on the U.S. east and gulf coasts and in Germany, France and England. The Tanabata will transport both government and commercial cargoes. It will participate in the Maritime Security Program Built five years ago in Japan, the Tanabata is approximately 625 feet long, with a gross ton- llovember 1999 nage of about 50,000. Its service speed is listed at 19 .4 knots. Additionally, the vessel will be included in the U.S. Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), a 1995 federal program designed to make intermodal vessels available to the Defense Department in times of war or national emergency. Union officials remarked that the ship's inclusion in both the Maritime Security Program and VISA helps address a shortfall in roll-on/roll-off capacity identified by the U.S. Transportation Command. In late September, Seafarers climbed the gangway of another newly contracted (and newly built) car carrier, the Green Dale. That vessel, operated by Waterman Steamship Co. of New Orleans, also is part of VISA. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney stated the New Alliance would rejuvenate the labor movement by unifying unions and reconnecting its members to their communities. "Let us use our newfound solidarity to change our movement from one separated by industry and craft and sector to one bound together by determination to combat corporate greed and eliminate human need," Sweeney told the delegates. The New Alliance will be phased in gradually at the state and local levels. It will provide state federations and local central labor councils with the tools and resources needed to assist in organizing campaigns, political battles and other programs that will help working families. Sweeney also renewed the national labor federation's call to continue organizing new members. He noted the numerous campaigns in the last two years that provided for the first increase in the number of men and women carrying a union card in decades. However, many more battles must be won, he said. "Yes, union membership is growing, but too many working families are still being left behind in the greatest economic boom in our nation's history," the AFLCIO president stated. In her address to the convention, Labor Secretary Alexis Herman picked up on Sweeney's theme and thanked union members for standing up for such issues as raising the minimum wage. "Together, we raised the minimum wage and we're fighting to do it again,'' Herman declared. "You can't raise a family on $10,700 a year. And for 12 million Americans, raising the minimum wage still matters. "There were those who said that we would wreck the economy. They said the sky would fall. Well, the sky didn't fall, but unemployment did!" the secretary noted. When he spoke to the conven- Stating he would work to include worker rights in trade agreements is VP Al Gore at the AFL-CIO convention. AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney urges delegates to organize more workers. tion, Vice President Al Gore raised another concern unions have fought for over the yearsrespect for the rights of workers in international trade agreements. "Our president needs the authority to reach new trade agreements to open new markets to our goods and services," said Gore, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination. "But as president, I will also insist on the authority to enforce worker rights, human rights and environmental protections in those agreements. Trade should lift up living standards around the world, not drag them down in the United States." Trade also was addressed by Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), the minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. He applauded the efforts of the AFL-CIO to stand up for the rights of working people around the world, not just the United States. Gephardt reminded the delegates that "globalization is all too often a race to the bottom" rather than an effort to boost workers' living standards. The convention delegates reinforced the AFL-CIO's solid sup- Continued on page 4 Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Starts Testing for Basic English Coast Guard Regs Require All Mariners to Understand Shipboard Orders The SIU .in conjunction with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will initiate, as of January 10, 2000, English proficiency tests to members in order to comply with SIU shipping rules and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The multiple-choice exam is designed to ensure members understand basic English as it relates directly to their jobs. It does not include conversational English or any type of punctuation or sentence-structure. "The Coast Guard wants to make sure all mariners understand basic safety instructions and job requirements," noted Bill Eglinton, the center's director for education. "This is a very basic exam dealing only with items related to working on a vessel." (The Seafarers LOG first reported the union and center were developing such an exam in December 1998.) Among the questions included are identifying signs, symbols and equipment commonly found aboard ship. The regulations require all Seafarers to show they understand English, but not all members will have to take the test. Among those Seafarers who will be exempt are • those who graduated from the trainee or unlicensed apprentice programs at the center; • those who have upgraded at Piney Point; • those who graduated from a high school or college in an English-speaking country, or an New Cruise Company Acquires Honored Name United States Lines Reemerges for New Passenger Fleet A famous name in American maritime history is returning to the high seas. United States Lines is being resurrected by American Classic Voyages and will be used for the new fleet of ocean-going passenger ships for the SIU-contracted company. "For too long, America's proud traditions as a seafaring nation have been viewed more as a part of our nation's past rather than a part of its future," stated Philip C. Calian, chief executive officer for American Classic Voyages. "The name 'United States Lines' clearly signals our commitment to be America's cruise line and to fulfill our vision for success of an American-owned, American-crewed and American-built fleet of cruise ships." "This is tremendous news for the U.S.-flag fleet," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "This truly demonstrates American Classics' commitment to provide the best in passenger service in the next century." The first vessel to sail under the new name will be the reflagged Nieuw Amsterdam, acquired recently from Holland America Line. That 1,214passenger ship will carry the name MS Patriot when it sets sail from the port of Honolulu in December 2000 for United States Lines. The company selected MS Patriot as the ship's new name to pay respect to those who came from foreign lands to build this nation. The vessel will begin renovations in October 2000. The new subsidiary of American Classic Voyages also will include the two new 1,900-passenger ships to be built in unionized Litton Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoufa, Miss. The first of these is expected to begin sailing in December 2003. The new logo for the United States Lines features a stylized American bald eagle surrounded by a field of stars. The three stars between the outstretched wings are representative of the three cruise ships. The six beneath the eagle are for the company's commitment to customers, employees, shareholders, community, the environment and the nation. American Classic Voyages already has two subsidiaries, both of which feature vessels crewed by Seafarers. American Hawaii Cruises operates the SS Independence, which provides seven-day voyages around the Hawaiian Islands. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has three paddlewheel steamboats that sail along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The fleet includes the Delta Queen, the Mississippi Queen and the American Queen. A fourth vessel, the Columbia Queen, is expected to begin service in the northwestern United States in the spring of next year. American Classic Voyages plans to launch a fourth subsidiary in 2001 when the first of five 226passenger coastal cruise vessels starts sailing. That company will be known as Delta Queen Coastal Voyages. Those ships will sail the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. NDTA Honors Sacco with Top Award English-speaking school, or who has earned a GED diploma; and • those who served in the U.S. armed forces. Beginning January 10, all members when registering will either have to take the test or prove they fall into one of the exempt categories. Port officials will be able to see whether or not a test is needed because an English test line will be added to the registration screen. Members who already have upgraded or graduated from the trainee or unlicensed apprentice programs at the Paul Hall Center are being automatically exempted. They will not need to show proof unless an error has been made. However, those members who qualify for one of the other exemptions may provide proof to their port officials as soon as possible rather than waiting until January. Tests will be taken in union halls. Members requiring a test will have six months to pass it or show proof they meet an exempt category. Those members who cannot show proof of being in an exempt category will have to take the test prior to registering. Eglinton noted some people do have problems taking written tests, and the school will find a way to work with those members who repeatedly find this procedure difficult. A member who does not pass the test the first time may take it again during the six-month period until he or she does pass it. Tests will be graded at the Paul Hall Center and results will be relayed to the port official in the member's union hall. For those members who are at sea from January 10 to July 10, they will have six months from the time they sign-off to provide proof for a waiver. If they do not claim exemption, they must take the test immediately before registering. The Coast Guard regulations that cover this procedure are explained in Title 46, Part 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They relate to ship-specific familiarization. EXAMPLE of TEST QUESTION: Which number is twelve? (A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 12 (D) 16 Structural Changes Approved At AFL-CIO Convention in L.A. Continued from page 3 port for U.S.-flag fleet within a resolution entitled "The American Economy in a New Century." "The nation's need for a strong maritime capability for military and economic security remains undiminished Existing requirements for maritime equipment in the cabotage trades, as well as all government cargo preference programs and the policy of excluding U.S. maritime services from international trade agreements, should be continued," stated the resolution. The AFL-CIO also called for investment in domestic ship construction and a funding mechanism to ensure America's ports can be dredged in order to remain competitive internationally. Kaveh Sardari/Page One Labor Secretary Alexis Herman applauds union members for helping raise the minimum wage. American Cormorant Crew Praised for 'Flawless' Work The National Defense Transportation Association recognized SIU President Michael Sacco with its prestigious National Transportation Award during its convention last month in Anchorage, Alaska. Sacco is only the second labor official to be so honored in the more than 50 years the award has been given. (The late AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland was the other honoree.) The award was given to Sacco for the work he has done to advance the interests of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and create job opportunities within the industry. Presenting Sacco with the award is Jeff Crowe (left), NDTA chairman. Joining them at the podium is U.S. Army Major Gen. Kenneth L. Privratsky, head of the Military Traffic Management Command. 4 Seafarers LOB The president of SIU-contracted Osprey Ship Management, Inc. recently credited Seafarers aboard the American Cormorant for outstanding work in the United Kingdom. In a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, Captain William B. Gibbs described a cargo operation in Southampton involving the American Cormorant as "a precisely controlled full submersion of the ship" that is "inherently risky and requires a highly trained crew. Ours responded with traditional professionalism." Gibbs noted that a number of senior U.S. Military Sealift Command personnel as well as high-ranking officers from the U.S. Army (the mission sponsor) were on hand for the operation. "Each was treated to a flawless execution of the load-out plan with all the watercraft (the cargo) safely aboard in a little over five hours," wrote Gibbs. "The entire ship's crew performed exceptionally, with noteworthy contributions from Bosun Vernon Huelett and AB Robinson Crusoe. Steward Robert Wright and his staff kept both crew and guests well fed throughout. "Overall, American Cormorants successful operation should serve as a testament to the training and professionalism of SIU and its membership." Seafarers aboard the Cormorant during this mission included Bosun Huelett, ABs Crusoe, Leo Estes, Eduardo Tomas, April Lachtara and William Hagner, QMED Tedd Avey, DEUs Ali Zaidan and Ricardo Alvarez, Chief Steward Robert Wright, Chief Cook Eddie Siplin and SA Patton Caldwell. November 1999 �Senator Calls for Action to Expand U.S.-Flag Fleet in Foreign Trade A leading proponent of the U.S.-flag maritime industry told the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club last month that it is time to consider hearings on where the merchant fleet will be headed 10 years from now. "A couple of years ago we passed the Maritime Security Program," declared Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) during the October 20 luncheon on Capitol Hill. ''Now, we we've got to start looking at the next step at what we need to be doing. "We need to be more competitive internationally. We need to focus not just on sustaining the U.S. fleet, but more on expanding the U.S.-flag fleet in international trade." Breaux, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction on issues dealing with the U.S. merchant fleet, stated oversight hearings could be held as early as next year to begin work on what is needed when the Maritime Security Program expires in Fiscal Year 2006. He reminded the audience that it took several years of hearings to craft the measure that passed in 1996 to provide funding for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. House Subcommittee Eyes Cruise Mishaps The Louisiana senator noted the difficulty faced by U.S.-flag companies when they try to com- "We need to be more competitive interna. lly ... " twna -Sen. John Breaux pete "with other flags of other countries when they operate with a different set of rules, a different set of financing, etc. I think we can compete anywhere, any time, any place as long as there is a level playing field." He carried this philosophy into his discussion of legislation being considered on Capitol Hill that would temporarily permit foreign-flag, foreign-crewed passenger ships to operate between U.S. ports. Breaux dubbed such a measure "reverse subsidy" if it would allow those vessels to sail in the domestic passenger trades without requiring them to meet U.S. laws and standards. "These laws are the same laws that are imposed on any company doing business in the United States. They have to comply with these laws if they are going to do business in our country. "I am in favor of legislation expanding U.S. cruise opportunities," he added. "I am not in favor of allowing foreign companies to operate domestically nor to provide them with the exemptions to our U.S. laws in order to operate domestically." In the area of shipbuilding, the senator repeated his concern about overseas countries offering companies subsidies to build vessels in their yards. He specifically Sen. John Breaux tells a Capitol Hill audience it is time to focus on expanding the U.S.-flag fleet in international trade. noted the Disney company received a $40 million grant to build its $375 million ship in Italy. "It is very difficult for a U.S. shipyard to compete with a foreign government that's going to unlevel the playing field. That's not right, that's not fair!" Before ending his address, Breaux reiterated his strong support for the Jones Act, the nation's freight cabotage law. 'Ship from Hell' Is Latest Coast Guard Modifies User Fees Runaway-Flag Calamity Prompted by recent calamities aboard runaway-flag cruise ships that call on United States ports, a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on October 7 examined the roots of the problems. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.), heard from representatives of the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the International Council of Cruise Lines (a runaway-flag lobbying group). During the past five months, both U.S.-based Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have received unwanted attention for mishaps involving their foreign-flag ships and multinational crews. Among the misfortunes, Carnival reported more than 100 allegations of sexual assaults on its vessels from 1993-98; and Royal Caribbean agreed to pay a record $18 million pollution fine stemming from its guilty pleas to 21 felony counts in five U.S. cities and Puerto Rico. Most recently, the Carnival ship Tropicale was stranded at sea for four days in September, following a shipboard fire that disabled both engines. According to news reports, the 660-foot ship was caught in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Passengers described raw sewage accumulating in passageways and in cabins. Some reported contaminated drinking water and other plumbing problems. One passenger told the Associated Press that the runaway-flag was "the ship from hell." Others reportedly accused Carnival of publicly minimizing the crisis. "Right before the Coast Guard got on board, (cruise officials) opened all the bars, they started all the music, they filled all the pools, they started replacing the carpet, fixing the toilets and they were putting up brand new fire extinguishers that never existed," one customer told the wire service. That same article stated that passengers "reported panic during the fire and complained they received little direction from the crew and were confused about where to assemble." The vessel carried 1,700 passengers and crew members. It returned to Florida on September 22, guided by four tugboats. Carnival offered passengers a full refund and a free ticket for another cruise. At last month's subcommittee hearing, Rep. Peter Defazio (DOregon) remarked that most Americans probably don't realize that enforcement aboard foreign-flag cruise ships lies with the flag state. "God forbid if one of these ships is hijacked in the middle of the ocean. The U.S. is not obligated to respond," he said. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert North explained the narrow circumstances in which his agency as well as the FBI may investigate crimes committed on foreign-flag cruise ships. They may do so only if the incident takes place with 12 miles of the U.S. coast; or if the victim or perpetrator is a U.S. citizen and the ship calls on a U.S. port. NTSB Chairman Jim Hall identified fire as the primary safety threat aboard foreign-flag cruise ships. He reported that of the last 25 incidents investigated by the NTSB involving such vessels, 16 were fire-related. Hall further noted that the NTSB believes many foreign-flag cruise ships possess inadequate smoke alarms. The head of the runaway-flag lobbying group said they are trying to operate more safely. November 1999 The U.S. Coast Guard recently modified the final rule covering user fees for licenses, certificates of registry and merchant mariner's documents (also known as MMDs or z-cards). The rule-which took effect in October-initially was published in the Federal Register dated August 5, 1999. However, the "corrected" fee schedule appeared in the Federal Register dated October 1, 1999 (after the October issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press). The summary of the October 1 action reads: "The Coast Guard has revised its application processing requirements for original licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner documents and no longer does a criminal record check on all original applications. The new policy does not specifically identify which applications will undergo a record check and the Coast Guard therefore cannot charge a fee for this part of the application process .... Fees for original documents need to be corrected to remove the charge for criminal record checks." Part of the corrected fee schedule is printed below. If you apply for ... And you need ... Evaluation Examination Issuance Then the fee is: Then the fee is: Then the fee is: Original without endorsement. ... .. . ........ $95* n/a $45 Merchant Mariner's Document: Original with endorsement. ................ 95* 140 45 Endorsement for qualified rating ............. 95 140 45 Upgrade or Raise in Grade ................. 95 140 45 Renewal without endorsement for qualified ratin~ 50 n/a 45 Renewal with endorsement for qualified rating .. 50 45 45 Renewal for continuity purposes ............. n/a n/a 45 Reissue, Replacement, and Duplicate ......... n/a n/a 45 *This fee originally was $110. Per the corrected fee schedule, it now is $95. Labor's 'Hall of Fame' Honors 3 More than 1,000 people, including representatives of the SIU, attended the recent induction ceremony in Detroit conducted by Labor's International Hall of Fame. The honorees were the late Teamsters President James R. Hoffa; Mary Kenney O'Sullivan, the AFL's first female organizer; and Emil Rieve, past president of the Hosiery Workers, which merged with the Textile Workers (now part of UNITE) in 1965. In this photo, SIU Vice President Great Lakes Byron Kelley-who is president of Labor's International Hall of Fame welcomes guests to the event. Seated from left to right are AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; Doug Fraser, president emeritus of the United Auto Workers; Richard Cordtz, chairman of the hall of fame and Service Employees International Union president emeritus; Edgar Scribner, secretary-treasurer of the hall of fame and president of the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO; and Barbara Crancer, daughter of the late James R. Hoffa. Seafarers LOG 5 �merican Steamship Company (ASC), with its fleet of 11 vessels crewed by SIU members, continues a strong-and safe-season on the Great Lakes. ASC recently adopted a program to equip each of its ships with automatic external defibrillators, portable devices used to treat individuals in cardiac arrest (see related article and photos below). With medical research suggesting that many heart attack victims could survive if defibrillated early enough, these devices could mean the difference between life and death for crew members aboard Great Lakes vessels. Meanwhile, shipping remains fairly constant on the Great Lakes, according to SIU Representative Don Thornton, with no immediate signs of easing up. The only thing slowing the boats down at this point is low water. As with much of the country, it was a very dry summer. The lack of rain, along with winds coming out of the southeast, have lowered lake levels by about 18 inches, noted Thornton. A Safety h Primary Concern As American Steamship Crews Keep Lakes Cargoes Moving Wheelsman Jerry Nowak (left) and Bosun William Mulcahey, H. Lee White Second Cook Daniel Kane, Adam E. Cornelius Second Cook Abdo Alaway, American Republic Wheelsman Lawrence Dudek, H. Lee White Bosun Ronald Bochek, Adam E. Cornelius Wiper Hamid Hizam, American Republic OS Musid Musleh, American Republic Wheelsman Scott Krajniak, Adam E. Cornelius Watchman Ken Hager, H. Lee White Wiper Zaid Alderwish , Adam E. Cornelius Porter Haddi Ahmed, H. Lee White 6 Seafarers LOG Buffalo Crew Trains on New Defibrillators Deckhand Jason Pechette, American Republic Wheelsman Russell Brown, H. Lee White SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC) earlier this year announced that its 11 self-unloading vessels plying the Great Lakes have been equipped with automatic external defibrillators-portable devices used to treat individuals in cardiac arrest. Seafarers aboard ASC's Buffalo recently attended a training class to familiarize themselves with the new life-saving equipment and be able to use it should an emergency arise. The crew members included: Bosun Michael LaFoille, Wheelsmen William Chartier and Gil Boilore, Watchmen Boyd Messer and Robert Wojtasek, Deckhands Ali Zawkari and Frank Farnum, QMEDs James Reilly, Timothy Wallace and Brian Gelaude, Wiper Abdul Saeed, Conveyorman Terry Pyrlik, Gateman Mark Macrury, Second Cook Julian Budnick and Porter Marvin Larson. November 1999 �1O Recertified Bosuns Impart Hard-Earned Wisdom to Trainees The 10 Seafarers who graduated as recertified bosuns during the October membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. expressed their thanks to the SIU leadership throughout the years for helping them reach this high point in their careers. They also gave advice and encouragement to the younger generation of Seafarers, those in the SIU's Unlicensed Apprentice Program. Completing the bosun recertification course of study, which will help them perform their jobs better and prepare them for leadership roles among their fellow crew members were Robert Bakeman, Andre Bennett, Steve Bush, William Dickey, Michael Eaton, Peter Funk, Robert Grubbs, George Mazzola, Edward Stoelzel and John Williamson. As each of the 10 was called to the podium to accept his graduation certificate, he addressed the audience of union members, officials, school instructors, unlicensed apprentices and proud family members, and told them of his feelings on this special day. Adversity and Pride Some spoke of the adversity they faced before joining the SIU and the pride they feel now. Steve Bush, 51, who sails from Tacoma, Wash., joined the union in 1978 in Piney Point and has often returned to the school to upgrade. He noted that he first worked as a Teamster, and every winter he would be laid off. He stated his pride at completing the bosun recertification program, expressed his thanks to the union and recommended that all Seafarers take advantage of the upgrading program at the Paul Hall Center "or else they will be left behind in these changing times." Andre Bennett, 47, joined the SIU in Norfolk, Va. in 1986 after serving in the U.S. Army and earning his GED. He has upgraded several times at the school. Bennett thanked the union, especially the health plan. He told those present at the meeting that five years ago he was in the hospital with a pre-cancerous condition and ''woke up with more tubes in me than you could believe." The union paid all his bills, for which he is extremely grateful, and had work for him when he returned to the job. "I think every one of you out there," he said to his fellow Seafarers in the audience, "should count yourselves lucky to be in the SIU and have this program." William Dickey, 56, began going to sea in 1967. He, too, expressed his pride at being a member of the SIU, an organization that stuck behind him during difficult times. "If there's anything to remember-or not to forgetwhen you go aboard ship, it's safety." -Edward Stoelzel, recertified bosun Dickey, who sails from the port of Houston, found the fire fighting training particularly useful in learning more about the complexities of shipboard fires. He described upgrading as a good approach to helping Seafarers obtain the skills to do a better job aboard ship. John Williamson, 45, said he was a high school dropout-"working deadend jobs, going nowhere." He applied to the school in 1971, and "the rest," he told those assembled at the meeting, "was history." He thanked the school and staff for giving him a direction in life when he most needed it and the many SIU officials who helped him along the way. Williamson, who sails from the port of New York and who has upgraded a SIU President Michael Sacco has an impromptu discussion with some of the recertified bosuns at Piney Point. From the left are Robert Grubbs, Andre Bennett, William Dickey, Sacco and Edward Stoelzel. November 1999 number of times, believes that what he learned in the recertification course will help him be better prepared to pass on the information to crew members during shipboard meetings. He also believes the computer class was very important since computers are now so much a way of life. Upgrading Encouraged Williamson urged the unlicensed apprentices to take advantage of the learning opportunities at the school and to return to the facility as often as possible. He also advised them to "always do good work when given a job aboard ship. It will be noticed one way or another." Peter Funk was another of the recertified bosuns who, before joining the SIU in 1976, had no high school diploma. The 45year-old, who sails from the port of Jacksonville, graduated from the entrylevel program at the Paul Hall Center and started sailing in the inland waters district. He thanked the SIU officials, his port agents, and the school's dedicated staff for all their assistance, especially in helping him get his high school equivalency certificate. "The good thing about this business," he said, "is that you can go anywhere you want." So after sailing almost all the navigable waterways of the U.S., he decided to see the rest of the world. "I've been to Italy, France, England, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Mexico, the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia and sailed during Desert Storm and Desert Shield," he said. "I sailed as an OS, AB, tankerman, barge captain, bosun and fire optic cable splicer." Funk thanked the union for the good life it has given him and the financial rewards which have enabled him to send his son to one of the finest universities in the country. He also noted that the retirement benefits are some of the highest of any union and the medical plan is "second to none." Funk found the recertification course to be a great learning experience, especially the time the group spent with VP Contracts Augie Tellez, who explained "the how's and why's of contracts." He encouraged the trainees to study hard and not be deterred from asking questions. "When you 're at sea during phase 2 of your program," he told them, "listen to your supervisors and remember that you're working as part of a team. Safety instruction is an important part of the bosun recertification program . Fire fighting is one component of that curriculum, as can be seen in the photo above. From the left (kneeling) are Peter Funk, Robert Bakeman, Michael Eaton, George Mazzola, (second row) Andre Bennett, John Williamson, William Dickey, Edward Stoelzel, Robert Grubbs, Steve Bush and instructor Stormie Coombs. I'd also urge you to come back and upgrade." He told them that the sky's the limit at the Paul Hall Center. He also stressed the importance of personal safety aboard ship. "We have a lot of high-tech safety devices at sea," he noted, "but the best prevention for accidents is a well-trained crew." Safety Stressed Edward Stoelzel, 44, also stressed the need for safety. Speaking directly to the unlicensed apprentices, he said, "If there's anything to remember-or not to forget-when you go aboard ship, it's safety." Stoelzel joined the union in 1973 in Boston, Mass. and now sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash. He most heartily recommended the Sill's upgrading opportunities, stating, "The future of the union depends on the members. If they do not upgrade and keep up with the new rules and the changing times, they-and our union-will fall by the wayside." Michael Eaton joined the SIU in Baltimore in 1984. He was 23 . Now, at 39, he has upgraded several times and sails from the port of Jacksonville. The Paul Hall Center's educational training has kept him on top of his skills, he told the audience. Of special interest to Eaton were the classes in wire splicing, fire fighting and union education, which he believes will help him do a better job aboard ship. He encouraged the trainees, stating: "Don't give up before you give it a chance." Also sailing from the port of Jacksonville was Robert Grubbs. The 41year-old joined the union in 1979 in Piney Point and has returned to the school four times to attend upgrading courses. The educational courses offered by the union are very important to Grubbs. "Education is knowledge,'' he stated, "and knowledge is money." Leaming how the union works from the inside was especially interesting for Grubbs. He said that MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex (with back to camera) gives the upgrading Seafarers an overview of the AFL-CIO and how it works with the SIU. knowledge will help him explain to other crew members the importance of SPAD and why everyone should help in any way they can. His parting words to the unlicensed apprentices: "Make sure you take advantage of the school." Robert V. Bakeman, 51, noted that the school has changed a lot over the years and has done well in keeping up with the times. He joined the union in Brooklyn in 1980 and has upgraded five times. Bakeman is a third generation mariner and has worked as a dredgemate, small boat captain, mate and tugboatman before sailing deep sea. He spoke of his belief that the school is a place to get kids off the streets and get them into a program where they can provide for themselves, earn a good salary, get great benefits, and retire comfortably. Bakeman told the entrylevel trainees: "You have a 90-day trial period. This will prove whether you're capable of sea life or not. You have learned some rules already, but I have two more things to say to you. First of all, obey all the rules. Last, respect the flag." George Mazzola graduated from trainee class 107 in 1972 at age 18. Sailing from the port of Baltimore, the 45-year-old noted how the SIU keeps evolving and changing with the times. He said that in '72, the U.S. merchant marine was just about on the rocks. Few people believed back then that there would still be a U.S. flag in the year 2000. With the passage of the Maritime Security Program, the maritime industry was alive again. "Now at the end of the 20th century," he stated, "our ships are still moving, but the problem is totally different. Now we have so much work, we're scrambling for people. What a difference. The /future looks bright indeed." He also expressed his hopes that the proposed merger between the SIU and the NMU will help keep the industry united. He thanked all the instructors he has had over the last 27 years as well as union officials and shipmates. To the unlicensed apprentices, he just told them to try their best. "You'll eventually be where you want to be." Behind the Scenes In addition to their hands-on exercises and classroom work at the Paul Hall Center, the recertified bosuns met at the union's headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. with representatives from all departments. Through discussions with them about the health, vacation and pension plans, contract negotiation and enforcement, and the Seafarers LOG, the students enhanced their understanding of the many facets that must come together to make the union strong. The bosuns also traveled to Washington, D.C. to the Maritime Trades Department. There, they talked with Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex. On Capitol Hill, they met with Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) and Terry Turner, the SIU's director of legislative affairs. Seafarers LOG 7 �SIUMemben Help Maintajn Mili Ships In Guam, Saipan On Guam and Saipan, two islands in the Pacific Ocean famous for battles during World War II, the U.S. military continues to maintain a presence-in the form of fully loaded prepositioning vessels. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram recently Crew members aboard the Gopher State gather for lunch. visited some of these SIU crewed military ships to talk with the members and keep them updated on union activities and news from within the maritime industry. The vessels-Sgt. William Button, 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, Petersburg, Gopher State, Eric Gibson, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and Ltc. Calvin P. Titus- are on stand-by alert, ready to sail at a moment's notice to provide ammunition, stores, vehicles and other materiel needed by American ground forces in times of rapid deployment, such as was the case during the Gulf War. Left: Chief Cook Wendy Fearing aboard the Petersburg keeps the soup pots simmering on the stove. Right: After meeting with SIU VP Kermett Mangram aboard the William Button in Guam, crew members pose for a group photo . Below: The Petersburg docks at a pier in Guam. Right and below left: The 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez sits at anchor in Guam. Crew members take a few minutes from their duties aboard the Eric Gibson for this photo. B Seafarers LOG November 1999 �LNG Crews Reassured About RetJagging Many questions were on the minds of Seafarers aboard LNG vessels in the wake of the application by PRONAV Ship Management Inc. to reflag the eight LNG vessels currently crewed by SIU members. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram flew to Japan to talk with crews aboard the LNGs Taurus, Leo, Libra, Virgo, Gemini and Aries and help them understand how the possible reflagging will affect them in terms of jobs, job security, severance pay and seniority issues. PRONAV began submitting the series of reflagging applications to the U.S. Maritime Administration in mid-August. The compa- ny wants to transfer the eight LNG ships to the flag of the Marshall Islands. Agreements have been signed to ensure that the SIU will remain on board even if the LNGs eventually are operated by a different flag. The liquefied natural gas carriers load their cargoes in Arun and Bontang, Indonesia and discharge in the Japanese ports of Osaka, Tobata, Nagoya and Himeji, Japan. Mangram returned from Japan with the photos on this page of everyday life aboard the LNG vessels. \ Loading stores aboard the LNG Leo are Bosun Aubrey Davis (far right) and AB Mustari Lalong (far left). Maryann Schade and Michael Miller are steward assistants aboard the LNG Aries. LNG Aries' chief cook, Marty Buck, is ready to ladle out some soup for lunch. LNG Libra Crew Helps the Poor On August 17, 1999, the LNG Libra arrived in the loading port of Bontang, Indonesia and helped celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day. They also contacted Dr. Peter Durman, the ship's medical liaison and advisor at Badak Hospital in Bontang, and presented him with a $660 donation (from the ship's fund and private donations) for "Project Friendship," a worthy cause which helps poor families in need of urgent medical care and treatment. In a thank-you note to John W. Dorozynski, master aboard the LNG Libra, Dr. Durman notes that some of the money already has been used to help a number of people, including hospital care for two very young children from poor families who might otherwise have died without immediate treatment and surgery. ifA!fKIKG IJJKGEllODS CA NO Y/Sfl{IRS J(lJ SMOK/lli AB John Micklos stands gangway watch on the LNG Gemini. John Gibbons, chief steward on the LNG Libra, slices some cake for dessert. In photo at left: Bosun Mohamed Ragi stops to chat with Steward/Baker Oswald Stoiber (center) and Chief Cook Michael Amador on the LNG Virgo. In photo at right: The galley crew aboard the LNG Libra cleans up after lunch. They are (from left) Chief Cook John Bokowsky and SAs Chris Coston and Jimmy Laiff. November 1999 Seafarers LOG 9 �Great Work Aboard Sea-Land Performance From Data Ramsdell, chief mate aboard the Sea-Land Performance, come these photos showing some of the everyday life aboard the Sea-Land containership. Above left is a view from the bridge of the vessel as it approaches Hurricane Dennis. Above right: AB Judi Harrington sits in the bosun's chair as she gets to work on the ship's hull. Retiree 'Flattop' Passes Away A familiar face to the staff at the SIU hall in New York, headquarters and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, SIU retiree William "Flattop" Koflowitcb, passed away September 28. He was 74. Koflowitch joined the SIU in New York in 1952. His first ship was the Seagarden. He sailed in all three departments before eventually choosing the engine room. He frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. A native of Canada and longtime resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Koflowitch took part in many SIU organizing drives. He was elected to serve on the tallying committee in 1976. Koflowitch was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1948. He last sailed aboard the Courier (an Ocean Carriers, Inc. vessel) and began receiving his pension in September 1985. After retirement, Koflowitch often visited headquarters and the school, keeping in touch with longtime William "Flattop" friends and staunchly Kofi awitch supporting the U.S. merchant marine. Never one to tum down a friendly game of cards, he regularly attended SIU membership meetings even after retiring. At his request, Koflowitch was buried at Seafarers Haven Cemetery in Valley Lee, Md., near the school. A number of family members, Seafarers and Paul Hall Center employees attended the burial service. Above left: Bosun Jimmy Scheck and AB John Neil Jones pause for a photo. Above right: More cleaning to the ship's structure is being performed by AB Robert O'Connell (upper left), AB Judi Harrington (lower middle) and Bosun Jimmy Scheck. Chief Mate Ramsdell noted that it is a pleasure working with all the crew members. Editor's note: The Seafarers LOG welcomes your digital images (such as those shown above). When possible, please send them at a resolution of at least 300 dpi (at 3-by-5 inches). Resolution affects the size at which the images will legibly print. Brother Koflowitch is laid to rest at Seafarers Haven Cemetery in Valley Lee, Md. Still Time for Personal Holiday Greetings Orgulf Cooks Digest New Info As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the everpopular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their families to other members of the seafaring community and their families. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: D PRINT or TYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) D Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. D Do not send more than three entries per person. (This form may be reproduced.) D Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are sending the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetically by the sender's last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. D The holiday greetings must be received no later than Monday, November 15, 1999. D Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. You also may FAX copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the official at the counter-or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on time. 11/99 HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Please Print) Six Seafarers from Orgulf recently completed a special two-week steward department upgrading class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Much of the course focused on computer basics. Successfully finishing the class in Piney Point, Md. were Nancy Avery, Paul Christianson, Sally Goins, Martha Kell, Christine Kerr and Velie Thornton. The inland division members are pictured at the school with instructor Rick Prucha (top photo, far left) and SIU President Michael Sacco (below, third from left). To: From: Sender's Telephone Number: Message: Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D D Active Seafarer Retired Seafarer D D Family Member of Active Seafarer Family Member of Retired Seafarer Other:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10 Seafarers LOS November 1999 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Conventio~ · I I I Legislators Support Strong U.S. Heet Legislators addressing the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention last month in Los Angeles emphasized the ongoing need to maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Their remarks on October 8 reinforced many of the declarations contained in resolutions passed by the convention delegates, who represented the MTD's 32 member unions and 27 port councils. MTD-affiliated unions represent approximately 8 million members. Speakers voiced support for U.S. cabotage laws, the Maritime Security Program, domestic shipbuilding, a revitalized U.S.flag cruise industry and other topics that impact working families. "The Jones Act has worked well. It provides employment and helps environmental safety," stated Rep. Max Sandlin (D-Texas). "It brings billions of dollars in tax revenue to the American government." (The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, states cargo moved from one domestic port to another can only be transported aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.built and U.S .-flag vessels.) Sandlin, who serves on both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Banking and Financial Services Committee, added that U.S.-flag ships should not have to "compete with foreign vessels that don't have the same obli- gations, the same requirements." Similarly, Rep. Martin Frost (D-Texas) reiterated his support for strong domestic shipping policies. He also stressed the key role of the U.S. fleet in national defense. "I've been with you on making sure that cabotage laws remain (strong), and that we don't do anything to undercut the Jones Act," noted Frost, a member of the House Rules Committee. "I understand the significance of what the Maritime Trades Department does and I've tried to work very closely with you over the years .... "We want to make sure that our maritime industry remains strong and not subject to unfair laws. We need you in good times, and we need you if this country is ever threatened in terms of defense. Because you all are vital to our defense. Every time this country has been threatened, you've been there. And we cannot remain strong as a nation without a strong merchant marine." Focusing on the new U.S.-flag cruise ships being built for the Hawaiian trade, Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) urged delegates to seize upon that momentum. He lauded the planned construction of at least two new American-flag passenger ships as Reps. Martin Frost (left) and Max Sandlin (both from Texas) reiterate their strong support for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet during the 1999 MTD Convention in Los Angeles. well as the reflagging next year of a foreign cruise ship to the Stars and Stripes. "The first new ships coming into the cruise line business are going to be American-owned, American-built, American-crewed and American-flagged, and they're going to be based in Hawaii starting in 2003," Abercrombie observed. "And I don't want those to be the last ones. That should be the way that America goes all across the cruise industry as we go into the next century." A member of the Armed Services Committee and longtime backer of the U.S. merchant marine, Abercrombie also pointed to the recent problems aboard foreign-flag cruise ships that have been in the headlines. At the root of the incidents -which have included food poisoning, sexual assaults, shipboard fires and other dangerous events-is the unfair treatment of the crews, he said. "I'm not against the crews on these foreign ships. They're wo,rking men and women just like us," Abercrombie stated. Continued on page 14 AFL-CIO President: ' g And Politics Are Where It's At' Sweeney Urges 'Stronger Political Voice' To Benefit America's Working Families AFL-CIO President John Sweeney AFL-CIO President John Sweeney succinctly described the labor federation's main activities planned for the next year. "Organizing and politics are where it's at for the next 12 months," he told delegates to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention October 7 in Los AFL-CIO Political Director Steve Rosenthal November 1999 Angeles. The two go hand in hand, Sweeney explained. "Unfortunately, as it stands, too many workers who want to form unions to improve their lives will never get the chance. Every day in workplaces all across America, employers are interfering in a decision that rightfully belongs to workers by intimidating, harassing, threatening and even firing them," he noted. "But while the public overwhelmingly disapproves of.such anti-union tactics, most of America doesn't even know they're happening, and it's up to us to tell them." Sweeney mentioned that the federation is conducting a "Voice at Work" campaign that publicizes "the secret war in our workplaces" and exposes employers who violate the freedom to choose a union. "At the same time, we're mobilizing entire communities to stand with workers involved in organizing campaigns and building support for our long-term goal of reforming the laws intended to protect workers who choose to form unions," he said. "That's one reason we're intensifying our efforts to create a stronger political voice, elect workerfriendly candidates and promote a working families legislative agenda." It won't come easily, Sweeney acknowledged. This year and next, business is projected to outspend labor by at least 15-to-l in political activities. "But we're fighting back with our heads and our hearts," he stated. "We've set a goal of registering 4 million new voters from union households by 2000. And in 2000, we will meet another goal by having 2,000 union members running for public office all across the country." This is not a partisan effort, Sweeney noted, but rather one of principle. "We're educating and mobilizing working families around issues, not candidates or parties. When it comes to our political action, it's not about Republicans versus Democrats, it's not even about right versus left. It's about right versu wrong." Meanwhile, despite the challenging conditions, AFL-CIO member unions have made progress in numerous organizing drives. Sweeney recalled that in 1998, nearly a half-million people joined unions, with a net gain of about 100,000 new members. "But we ' ll need more growth on a larger scale to regain our strength in the 21st century," he said. Also discussing the need for a strong and active labor movement was Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California AFL-CIO Labor Federation. Pulaski detailed how union members last year defeated the anti-worker state proposition 226, a measure designed to silence workers in the political process. He also credited trade unionists in California - many of them members of MTD-affiliated unionswith helping earn several very recent and important victories, including legislation covering overtime pay, prevailing wage for construction workers, free speech on picket lines, and workplace safety. Additionally, Pulaski noted the importance of maritime in California. "Some 400,000 southern Art Pulaski, Exec. Secy-Treas., Calif. Labor Federation California jobs are tied to the freight and the transportation industries that emanate from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and their terminals," he said. "In the north we have the ports of San Francisco and Oakland and others that support well over another 50,000 jobs. AFL - CIO Political Director Steve Rosenthal reminded delegates that union families can play a major role in determining the outcomes of next year's elections. He presented data reflecting the importance of "union votes" in the congressional elections of 1996 and 1998. ''Your unions are leading this charge," he said. ''There's no letting up now." Seafarers LOG 11 �BIENNIAL CONVENTION • MARITI The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department is composed of 32 national and international unions as well as 27 port councils located in the United States and Canada. The unions represent approximately 8 million workers. F Michael Sacco (left) and Frank Pecquex were re-elected by unanimous acclamation as president and executive secretary-treasurer, respectively, of the MTD. Here, they take the oath of office. Also reelected by unanimous acclamation as vice president of the MTD was Jack Stewart, who was unable to attend because of a family illness. David Heindel, Secy-Treas., SIU Dean Corgey, VP Gulf Coast, SIU Ron Harris, Bus. Rep., Local 12 IUOE Kermett Mangram, VP Gov't Serv., SIU Michael Sullivan, President, Sheet Metal Workers Ken Paulsen, Dir. of Organizing, HERE Herbert Kaopua Sr., Bus. Mgr/Fin Secy, UA Local 675 Joe Winstead, Exec. Director, Calif. Pipe Trades Thomas Buffenbarger, Pres., IAM Mason Warren, VP, Laborers 12 Seafarers LOG Kurt Van Epps, Bus. Rep., Local 12 IUOE Moe Biller, President, Postal Workers Steven Alger, Bus. Mgr., IBEW 261 rom the opening gavel to the swearing in of the newly elected officers, the 1999 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Convention was two days of non-stop action. Meeting in Los Angeles October 7 and 8, the delegates from the MTD's 32 affiliated unions and 27 port councils heard addresses from the president of the AFL-CIO, members of Congress and the head of the Military Sealift Command. They considered resolutions dealing with matters that affect the daily lives of working men and women. They showed once again that union workers are "Making the Difference!" W.D. "Chico" McGill, Bus. Mgr., IBEW Local 733 Marcos Cordero, President, SIU of P.R. Gerald Owens, Asst. General Organizer, ILA Bill Ross, VP, SIU Canada Jim Cole, Gen. Secy, Iron Workers Wayne Wagner, Bus. Mgr/Fin. Secy, UA Local 811 Vivien Kawakami, VP, Mary O'Brien, lnt'I President, Laundry Workers Francisco Gonzalez, lnt'I VP, Laundry Workers Bonnie Heraty, Financ. Secy-Treas., Chicago Port Council Paul Krupa, Atlantic Coast VP, MEBA Larry Mauola, Bus. Mgr., UA Local 38 David B. Durkee, Secy-Treas., BCTGM Joseph Thibodeaux, Exec. VP, BCTGM Jim Rodgers, VP, Glass, Molders Vincent O'Reilly, Sr. Exec. Asst. to lnt'I Pres., IBEW Mike Mowery, lnt'I VP, 9th District, IBEW Lou Reed, Bus. Mgr., IBEW 595 Roman Gralewicz, President, SIU Canada Jim Rankin, lnt'I Pres., Glass, Molders Joseph Mitchell, VP, Glass, Molders Wayne King, VP, Glass, Molders A. L. Monroe, Gen. Pres. Emeritus, Painters Michael Sacco, President, SIU Michael Monroe, Gen. Pres., Painters Frances Brown, SIU staff; Rep. Neil Abercrombie; Sandra Huett, SIU staff; Bonnie Riley, MTD staff November 1999 �E TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL·CIO I I I MTD President Michael Sacco formally opens the organization's biennial convention October 7 in Los Angeles. Delegates covered a wide range of topics during the two-day event, but the subjects had a common thread improving the lives of America's working families. Bud Jacques, Executive VP, MEBA John Conley, President, ITPE Jack Cox, Secy-Treas., IBT Local 572 James Williams, Gen. Secy-Treas., Painters Stuart Applebaum, President, RWDSU Ike Williams, Branch Agent, NMU Rene Lioeanjie, President, NMU Augustin Tellez, VP Contracts, SIU l~; Jack Caffey, VP Atlantic Coast, SIU Dean Girardot, Exec. Asst. to Pres., IAM Tony Gentile, Pres., Broward Teachers Union, AFT Howard Randolph, lnt'I VP, TCU John J. Barry, President, IBEW Al Monroe, Asst. to Gen. Pres., Painters John Baker, President, Cleveland Port Council Rep. Neil Abercrombie Richard Hughes, VP, ILA Baltimore DeWitt Clinton, Asst. to Pres., Steel Workers Jack Wurm Jr., lnt'I VP, RWDSU Ted Kedzierski, Pres., Wilmington AMMV Memorial Committee; Merchant Vet Floyd "Red" Hayes; SIU Port Agent John Cox; Rep. Neil Abercrombie, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco; Merchant Vet Clinton Melish Steve Edney, National Director, UIW lloflember 1999 Larry Barber, VP, BCTGM Anthony Bixler, VP, CWA Steve Demeroutis, Pres., Puget Sound Port Council Marvin Hrubes, Exec. Board, UFCW Nick Marrone, VP West Coast, SIU Larry O'Toole, President, MEBA Whitey Disley, Pres./Secy-Treas., MFOW Jake West, President, Iron Workers Michael Sacco, President, SIU Al Whitehead , President, Fire Fighters Warren Mart, VP, IAM Andy Abbott, Dir. , Marine Div. , Boilermakers Don Buchanon, Dir., Shipyards Sheet Metal Workers John Brenton , Secy-Treas., ITPE Richard Cortz, Pres. Emeritus, SEIU Gunnar Lundeberg, Pres./Secy-Treas. , SUP Pat Coughlin, VP, HERE Ted Jacobson, Secy, NYC CLC Michael Goodwin, President, OPEIU Dennis Lundy, Training Director, Operating Engineers 501 Walter Allen, VP, OPEIU Seafarers LOB 13 �I I I MSC Commander Sees Increased Role For Civilian Marinen on Military Ships The head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command sees a potentially larger role for civilian mariners aboard MSC vessels. U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC, told delegates to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention last month in Los Angeles that greater reliance on civilian crews may benefit all concerned. Holder also underscored sealift's vital role in U.S. national and economic security, while crediting the industry for fostering productive working relationships. MSC provides ocean transportation of most of the materials and equipment needed to sustain U.S. forces worldwide during peacetime and in war. SIU members crew a number of MSC-contracted vessels. 'Civilianize' Military Ships Speaking to the delegates on October 7, the admiral noted that "like everybody else in the world, Military Sealift Command is trying to find ways to better perform our mission more efficiently and at lower cost. It's a quest for best value, and that's not easy. Cheap does not equal value for our nation's security." As part of an overall effort to fine-tune its operations, "We must rely on our civilian mariners and our interactions together to make our Navy and, thus, our nation better," stated Holder. More specifically, the admiral said he has pushed for a Department of Defense task force to examine "the best way to crew the Military Sealift Command ships .... The first thing we're trying to do is see if I can relieve the military detachments, to 'civilianize' those [personnel]-not to put those (Navy) sailors out of work, but to put them in the places they joined the Navy to work .... "This is a huge cultural shift. We have committed the Department of the Navy to transition as many of our military detachments to civilian mariners as we can" Holder continued, "Why can't we have civilians providing hotel services on aircraft carriers? Because we can't have mariners go in harm's way? Well, who went to Murmansk? Who has the highest percent- age of casualties in World War II, other than the Marine Corps? It's the merchant marine. Somebody said the merchant marine is the 'other Navy.' My answer is, no, it's the rest of the Navy! It's vital and we must have it." To that end, he pointed out that the merchant marine as well as the armed services must aggressively recruit new members and "build a career development program" that helps retain qualified individuals. In fact, Navy recruiting "affects everybody in the maritime industry," he declared. "The problem is there are very few people outside or even inside the government who understand the industry well enough. "Indeed, many people leave the industry. We have graduates of federal maritime academies that don't even come to the industry, they go downtown (to other jobs). We need to change that. We need to find those people and bring them aboard as mariners-not to be career sailors, but to learn the industry and fully understand it and all its affiliations." President Michael Sacco for "making maritime the number one priority in the nation. He has been your advocate and my advocate." Effective Cooperation Assessing MSC's recent performance, Holder credited the industry for effective cooperation. "Your men and women, our ships, taking care of the nation's business. The partnering that has taken place between MTD and all of the affiliates of the AFL-CIO and MSC is strong and getting stronger because of our efforts," he said. The admiral also commended the U.S. merchant marine for its steadfast reliability: "Our merchant marine has always gone where our nation has asked, and because of men and ladies like you, they will continue to do so. The United States cannot do without these mariners." Noting the importance of a strong U.S. sealift capability, Holder said, "That ammunition that was prepositioned for Kosovo allowed the Air Force and the Navy, quite honestly, to get bombs on target when we decided to put bombs on target. That's the way we have to do business. Prepositioning, having the equipment forward deployed, is what our island nation does best." Finally, he recognized MTD and SIU Calling on delegates to the 1999 MTD Convention to continue their involvement in the political process are Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii, left) and Michael Forbes (D-N.Y.). -.I. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder (left) applauds MTD President Michael Sacco for "making maritime the number one priority in the nation." · 14 Seafarers LOB Legislators Support Strong U.S. Fleet Continued from page 11 "They' re doing the best they can for their families. But they're being exploited, because they don't have an opportunity to have a union to protect their rights. They don't have the opportunity to collectively bargain to improve their benefits and their working conditions. "We can compete against anybody in the rest of the world, but we can't compete against wage slavery," he continued. "What you have to do with wage slavery is end it. The only way it's going to end is to get people in office who will back up the working man and woman." MTD President Michael Sacco thanked the speakers and delegates for helping strengthen the U.S. fleet. "I see new cruise ships, new cargo vessels, new tugs and new dredges all being built," he said. "And what do they have in common? They fly the U.S. flag. They carry American crews. They are built in unionized American shipyards. "We're still here, we're still growing, we're still a powerful force because we deliver the goods-just as we have done since the Revolutionary War." Maritime wasn't the only topic discussed by the guest speakers. Rep. Michael Forbes {DN.Y.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, urged delegates to support the "Patient's Bill of Rights" passed by the House on October 7 (one day before Forbes spoke at the MTD convention). The bill is designed to improve access to health care, give patients more choices and reestablish the provider's accountability. "We need to tum up the heat on the Senate and make sure that they do not kill that bill," Forbes said. "They have to take up the Patient's Bill of Rights. We've got to get that into conference, we've got to get it to the White House and get that bill signed into law. Americans want it." Along the lines of Abercrornbie's remarks concerning runaway-flag cruise ships, each of the congressmen also focused on an overall need for fair trade and fair competition. Sandlin spotlighted the current fight to raise the federal minimum wage as indicative of Americans' "need to decide what direction do we want to take the United States. Do we want to make sure that American jobs and American industry are protected from unfair competition from foreign governments that don't have the same requirements that we do? Or do we want to go in some other way? "We're talking about raising the minimum wage, we're talking about a small investment in the greatest asset that American business has ever seen and that's the American workers and American families," he said. "Yet we're fighting over pennies. While American business is willing to invest in big buildings and new computers and new cars and the highest technology, they worry about a few pennies every day to an American family that is the basis of every profit that they have coming into that company." Other issues examined included Social Security and Medicare, schools, and political action. Looking toward next year's elections, Abercrombie said, "The only organized effort that can come against the corporate takeover of this country is the American labor movement. We 're dealing with the question of adding up the votes as to whether or not we're going to have a pro- labor agenda in the United States Congress." November 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans JacksonvilJe San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 13 7 8 18 14 4 4 19 37 20 27 37 10 5 23 11 4 8 15 6 13 8 2 8 7 2 I 8 5 25 2 13 15 27 6 9 19 0 3 3 0 4 2 2 249 121 79 1 DECK DEPARTMENT 9 4 1 1 6 3 4 7 14 6 5 11 4 Trip Reliefs 29 0 0 0 186 8 2 8 8 7 7 7 2 9 2 8 2 5 13 I 4 0 100 3 5 4 6 4 2 1 60 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 39 18 11 1 0 7 4 1 3 2 10 28 7 6 16 9 18 20 8 16 4 5 8 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 6 8 OCTOBER 15, 1999 9 5 5 14 4 0 13 0 0 72 7 17 27 56 38 42 51 19 14 37 2 3 2 389 26 9 5 6 14 9 14 9 2 IO 16 5 3 6 22 5 173 3 December 1999 & Jan11ary 2000 Membership lfeetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point ............. Monday: December 6, January 3 Algonac .................. Friday: December 10, January 7 Baltimore ................ Thursday: December 9, January 6 Du1uth ..................... Wednesday: December 15, January 12 Honolulu .................Friday: December 17, January 14 Houston .................. Monday: December 13, January 10 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: December 9, January 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: December 22, January 19 Mobile .................... Wednesday: December 15, January 12 9 8 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: December 21, January 18 2 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: December 14, January 11 2 New York................Tuesday: December 7, January 4 -- 104 Norfolk ................... Thursday: December 9, January 6 Port 7 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville 4 6 7 11 14 San Francisco 12 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 10 Totals 8 3 6 7 7 7 3 0 1 1 2 2 4 0 4 0 45 2 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 0 1 0 3 2 3 0 1 11 2 7 9 2 4 2 0 2 0 0 2 1 127 52 24 8 5 3 24 27 13 11 7 11 1 2 5 1 1 0 0 0 21 37 T 8 4 1 6 0 6 18 22 14 11 DEP T 4 0 0 2 2 2 1 0 0 2 2 6 1 0 1 0 0 8 7 7 0 0 0 0 1 11 6 7 16 14 12 10 1 3 6 12 9 1 0 0 4 3 0 53 RAYMOND JONES 1 0 Please get in touch with Renee Wilson at (904) 9085323. 1 0 41 217 9 l 0 14 8 12 15 6 I 3 5 1 SUZANNE VANSCHOOR 3 5 0 102 33 36 l 43 2 2 24 10 1 4 24 0 6 8 20 0 0 0 0 IO 7 13 5 27 3 37 14 0 96 10 35 1 67 5 22 52 7 1 0 14 I 12 6 0 11 0 0 0 9 23 28 21 8 8 17 6 10 0 14 1 0 12 32 0 1 46 155 180 36 0 114 0 121 0 0 78 256 268 527 418 328 424 302 222 150 856 660 458 2 0 0 1 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. November 1999 Corrections 2 6 4 Antonio Orta would like you to write him at the following address: 760009, Rt. 3, Box 9800, Dayton, Texas 77535. Please contact Derrick Crummy at 27725 14Bth Way SE, Kent, WA 98042; or call (206) 679-6209 or (253) 638-0885. 6 8 2 SANDRA EVANS 9 2 2 5 7 3 8 5 NEAL S. CAIRNS Don Rundblad would like you to drop him a line at P.O. Box 7154, Tacoma, WA 98407-0154. 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 Personals 2 0 3 10 7 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 3 0 8 5 20 9 10 (*change created by Manin Lutherc King Jr. s birthday) 7 19 2 1 9 Tuesday: Januazy 18* 29 0 9 5 5 Wilmington ...............Monday: December 20 0 4 2 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 9 18 7 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 0 (*change created by Christmas lJay holiday) 2 0 6 Tacoma ...................Monday: December 27* Friday: January 21 0 0 0 St. Louis .................Friday: December 17, January 14 12 2 2 2 0 105 0 4 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 16, January 13 18 3 3 12 8 8 33 33 27 0 9 0 0 1 0 172 19 16 2 5 0 0 0 2 15 E T 1 2 2 19 0 69 12 0 3 15 0 2 0 2 6 4 0 3 2 5 15 4 7 4 5 0 8 2 6 0 129 5 18 3 5 4 I 2 2 97 0 5 0 3 6 0 2 10 8 4 8 9 19 0 2 5 4 9 5 0 3 6 4 5 6 4 4 3 6 90 16 5 13 14 0 6 7 12 0 105 24 2 4 1 7 San Juan ..................Thursday: December 9, January 6 15 8 7 7 1 5 1 27 8 6 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: December 8, January 5 6 6 2 5 8 0 5 l 11 1 9 4 0 I 11 2 0 3 5 11 9 5 4 16 13 4 7 12 14 6 11 5 6 13 6 7 18 2 7 12 2 8 6 2 1 2 Port New York Philadelphia ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 l 5 6 0 0 0 0 6 0 2 4 1 1 On page 24 of the October issue of the Seafarers LOG, the caption for the photo above was inadvertently omitted. It should have read: WELCOMING THE NEXT GENERATION: AB George Oberle (right) joined the SIU in 1967, while OS Randy Diaz finished the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center earlier this year. Here, the two share a laugh on the deck of the Global Mariner as Oberle demonstrates his veteran technique. On page 11 of the October LOG, the name of their ship was incorrectly stated. ABs Kathy Chester, Stephen Votta and Randy Senatore actually are painting aboard the LNG Aries. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematlonal Union Directory SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 1999 Michael Sncco · President CL - .John Fay Executive Vice President Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP .· l)a:Vid Heindel Secretary"Treasurer Augustin Tellez L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice !>resident Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services • )Ir HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 4800 I - Port Algonac 0 22 18 0 10 7 0 11 9 0 21 18 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 0 10 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 9 5 0 11 9 0 11 9 0 2 6 0 12 13 Totals All Depts 64 52 0 0 25 19 0 36 *"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. 37 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 1999 1216 R BaJtimore St BaJtimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medi:caJ Arts Building TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVaLE . 33 l 5 Liberty St. Jacl<:sonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBU.,E 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478~0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (50&) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Btooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 1 Lakes, Inland Waters 42 West Coast 2 ' {) 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 12 2 0 8 7 45 2 15 28 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 29 West Coast 0 Totals 29 0 Totals Region 0 0 0 0 0\ 0 0 0 0 Region Atlantic Coast 0 0 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 24 West Coast 0 0 0 Totals 24 0 2 Totals All Depts 98 2 17 Q 7 I 1 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Cf 31 0 0 2 2 19 31 0 0 Jl 'O 15 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 15 16 STEWARD DEPARTMENT .o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 14 0 0 0 5 1 14 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 l 0 14 I ~:· 0 0 I 48 0 'o '' O,, 0 0 0 0 0 0 ;.\;%; 1 ~::;; 7 61 ·:··-· ~'::: -:'.,;;;:; .;:; 0 0 0 2 3 2 35 '¥•} -1 . i *"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. NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O, Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 {301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-340{) SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16!/i Santurce, PR 00907 {787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 {253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Ted Vargas of Princeton, W. Va. The picture was snapped in November 1947 aboard the boat deck of the SS Lebore, an Ore Steamship Co. vessel. The ship was in transit through one of the locks of the Panama Canal. In a note to the LOG, Vargas identifies the men in the photo (from the left) as: "Paul the P.O. Messman, Wiper Thomas Dodd, FOWT Paul Wright and Wiper Ted Vargas." He also notes that the Lebore became the Oremar after this trip and, years later, ended its career as the TransHudson for Hudson Waterways, Inc. Vargas, 69, sailed on three Liberty ships in the '40s and '50s. He presently volunteers aboard his fourth Liberty ship, the John W Brown, based in Baltimore. November 1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified steward and one recertified bosun are among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 69 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Steward Jose R. Coils and Recertified Bosun Thomas A. Trehern are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified graduates, 11 of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, five shipped on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Ten of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, four shipped in the steward department and three sailed as members of the engine department. Eight of the pensioners served in the U.S. military - six in the Army and two in the Navy. On this page the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. 0 DEEP SEA RUSSELLL. CARUTIIERS, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Thetis, operated by Rye Marine. Born in Ohio, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Caruthers last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He has retired to Federal Way, Wash. JOSE R. COLLS, 59, joined the SIU in 1961 in San Juan, P.R., first sailing aboard the Azalea City. The Puerto Rico native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Colls calls San Juan, P.R. home. BILL FINKLEA, 66, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1967 in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Finklea worked in the steward department, last sailing in 199 5 aboard the USNS Meteor, operated by American President Lines. The November 1999 Alabama native has retired to Mobile. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1959. JOSE A. GOMEZ, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1972 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Hoover, operated by Excelsior Marine. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Integrity. Brother Gomez makes his home in Ridgewood, N.Y. KENNETH I. HARDER, 61, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard the cable ship Long Lines. A native of California, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Harder calls San Francisco home. BARBARAJ. JOVANOVIC, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Honolulu. Sister Jovanovic worked in the steward department and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Born in Missouri, she has retired to Laughlin, Nev. KONSTANTIN OS KOSTOUROS, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Western Hunter. Born in Athens, Greece, he became a U.S. citizen in 1973. Brother Kostouros sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he signed off the Frances Hammer, an Ocean Chemical Carriers vessel. Fort Myers, Fla. is where he calls home. HELEY 0. MARENO, 71, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1976. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department aboard inland vessels and upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the towboat operator course. Brother Mareno later transferred to the deep sea division and continued to upgrade at the school. He last sailed aboard the Wilson, operated by Wilson Shipping Co. From 1947 to 1950, he served in the U.S. Army. He has retired to Ocean Springs, Miss. BILLY J. MITCHELL, 65, joined the SIU in 1973, first sailing aboard an American Bulk Carriers vessel. The Texas native worked in the steward department and upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Mitchell last sailed aboard the Wilson, a Wilson Shipping Co. vessel. He makes his home in New Orleans. THOMASA. TREHERN, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Beauregard. Born in Alabama, the deck department member came ashore to become an SIU official in 1968 and worked in the San Francisco hall. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He later returned to shipping and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1995. From 1957 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Trehern last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Explorer and has retired to Millbrar, Calif. DONALDG. VOLLUZ, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 aboard inland vessels. He later transferred to the deep sea division. During his career, he worked in all three departments. Brother Volluz last sailed aboard the Green Island, a Waterman Steamship Corp. ves- sel, as a member of the deck department. Born in Illinois, he has retired to New Orleans. INLAND JOHN J. BIEGALSKI, 50, began his career with the Seafarers in 1974. Born in Poland, he became a U.S. citizen. He started working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman Biegalski frequently upgraded at the union's school and last sailed as a chief engineer aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. Port Neches, Texas is where he cal1s home. VIBERT A. BODDEN, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1965. Born in the British West Indies, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a Sabine Transportation Co. vessel. During his career, he attended an educational conference at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Bodden makes his home in Woodville, Texas. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. MARVINR. CATES, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Cates sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the towboat operator Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG course in 1973. Prior to his retirement, the Tennessee native worked aboard the Socrates, operated by Allied Towing Corp. He has retired to Hernando, Miss. EDWINC. POWELL, 72, began his career with the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. A native of the Lone Star state, he worked as a captain, last sailing aboard a Higman Towing Co. vessel. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Powell calls Broken Bow, Okla. home. CHARLES F. PRUITT, 61, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Virginia, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Falcon, an Allied Towing Corp. vessel. Boatman Pruitt makes his home in Tangier, Va. GREAT LAKES HOWARDE. BROWN,68, joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Detroit. Brother Brown worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Richard J. Reiss, an Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessel. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. The Michigan native has retired to Saginaw. refresher school for SIU chief stewards as part of the steward department recertification program. Five veteran stewards are enrolled in the first class. The program, developed over the past couple years, is the result of a recommendation by a committee of rank-and-file members of the steward department. It features both classroom and practical work to upgrade the steward and teach him the skills necessary for a chief steward's rating. 1951 After many months of building preparations, the SIU moved into its new headquarters over the weekend of November 17. The building at 6 75 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, was acquired over a year ago and was made necessary by the fact that SIU outgrew the old headquarters building at 51 Beaver Street in downtown New York. The move was made by the headquarters staff, and the office staff, with many rank and file mem1977 bers assisting.... It is only a little m re than seven years since the move from the small and Moran of Texas has a new wgboat in its SIUdingy office at 2 Stone Street near South Ferry contracted fleet in Port Arthur. The Mary in downtown New York which used to house Moran, a new 3,300 hp., twin screw tug, the headquarters of the union. came out of the J. McDermott Shipyard of Morgan City, La. in September. 1962 She brings new jobs to four SIU boatmen who The latest in a series of important advances to will do harbor work in Port Arthur on the new assure all Seafarers the best possible food and vessel. The tug will mainly be involved in ship food service aboard ship is now undetway at docking. The Mary Moran is also certified for SIU headquarters with the launching of a new ocean towing. THIS MONTH JIV SIU HIS10 _y Seafarers LOG 17 �Anal Depa~ures DEEP SEA KENNETH DALE HAWKINS WILLIAM ROBERT CAREY William Robert Carey, 39, passed away July 21 . He graduated from the entry-level training program at the Seafarers Harry =~---l• Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1978 and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Pisces. Brother Carey sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school. A resident of Jacksonville, Fla., he last sailed aboard Sea-Land Service's Nedlloyd Holland. JAMES E. CHRISTIAN James Everett Christian, 91, died August 21. Brother Christian joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. Born in i...:..;;....._____ Tennessee, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1973 aboard the Sea-Land Gallaway. __J_ AUBREY PRESTON CLARK Pensioner Aubrey Preston Clark, 81, passed away November 9, 1998. A native of Texas, he began his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Halcyon Panther. Brother Clark sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union 's school in Piney Point, Md. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1936 to 1957. His last ship was the LNG Aquarius. Brother Clark was resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. He began receiving his pension in March 1982. VALERIANO P. EMBERNATE Pensioner Valeriano P. Embernate, 92, died August 16. Born in the Philippines, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1943 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member last sailed aboard the Hawaii Bear, operated by Pacific Far East Lines, Inc. Brother Embemate made his home in San Francisco and retired in September 1971. DOLLY M. FORD Pensioner Dolly M. Ford, 80, passed away July 10. She started her career with the MC&S in 1958 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Iowa, she worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. Sister Ford lived in Las Vegas, Nev. and started receiving her pension in September 1978. DOUGLAS M. HASSETT Douglas Macon Hassett, 75, died April 19. Brother Hassett ' first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. A native of California, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1973 aboard a Seatrain Lines, Inc. vessel. He was a resident of Healdsburg, Calif. - 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Kenneth Dale Hawkins, 71 , passed away July 15. Born in Oklahoma, he started his career with the MC&S in .___.::;.;:.::;.....-.__.::::llo.......J 194 5. His first ship was the Fairland. Brother Hawkins worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Oregon. He made his home in Portland, Ore. and began receiving his pension in October 1975. From 1950 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Anny. DAMON JOHNSON Pensioner Damon Johnson, 94, died September 10. A native of Georgia, he joined the MC&S in 1946 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard the Brown Victory. The steward department member retired in April 1969. Brother Johnson was a resident of San Francisco. KEICHI KAKUDA Pensioner Keichi Kakuda, 78, passed away September 7. He began his career with the MC&S in 1949 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Kakuda sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in May 1989. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S . Army from 1942 to 1944. Born in Hawaii, he made his home in the Bronx, N.Y. CHARLES B. KELLY CharlesB. Kelly, 68, who was born in North Carolina, died July 9. Brother Kelly joined the Sea- farers in 1978 in the port of ~~D:J1 Norfolk, Va. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Keystone State, operated by lnterocean Ugland Managemement. From 1948 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Kelly was a resident of Faith, N.C. ERNESTC.KUNICKAS . - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Ernest Casimer Kunickas, 77, passed away July 27. Born in Illinois, he started his career with the SIU in 1946. Brother Kunickas worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the SeaLand Defender. A resident of San Francisco, he began receiving his pension in February 1987. LESTER W. LeCLAIR Pensioner Lester W. LeClair, 76, died July 23. A native of Minnesota, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1947, aboard the Leland Stanford, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He worked in the steward department, upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1980. Brother LeClair last sailed aboard the Overseas Natalie. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946. He was a resident of Topeka, Kan . and retired in January 1988. EDGAR MARQUARDT Pensioner Edgar Marquardt, 87, passed away July 18. Born in Estonia, he joined the SIU in 1942. Brother Marquardt sailed in the engine department and started receiving his pension in December 1962. He made his home in Baltimore. CORBERT RAY MYRICK Pensioner Corbert Ray Myrick, 75, died September 9. Brother Myrick graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Emilia, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. A native of North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1947. The Danville, Va. resident retired in August 1989. .._...._ _:;::,,,.,.,.,,::...;:___.:;::.._J PEDRO SANCHEZ Pedro Sanchez, 46, passed away August 19. Born in Puerto Rico, he graduated from the union 's entrylevel training program in .___ _ _ _ ___, 1971 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. Brother Sanchez sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. He was a resident of Coral Springs, Fla. JULIO I. SANTIAGO F=~~===.;;:==~ Pensioner Julio I. Santiago, 82, died August 12. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1941 from the port of t=:~====~==::1 New York. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Borinquen, operated by NPR, Inc. A resident of Catano, P.R., he started receiving his pension in September 1980. WILLIAM F. VANCALSEM Pensioner William F. Vancalsem, 91, passed away July 30. Brother Vancalsem first sailed with the MC&S in 1952. He was a member of the steward department and retired in July 1973. He made his home in Bay St. Louis, Miss. CHARLES C. P. OH YOUNG JOSE ZAYAS Pensioner Charles C. P. Oh Young, 80, passed away May 7. A native of Hawaii, he joined the , · MC&S. Brother Oh Young sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in July 1977. He made his home in Honolulu. ,...._,.,,..,...,............,,,.,,.,.,.,."""""='! Pensioner Jose SUN SIN PARK Pensioner Sun Sin Park, 74, passed away June 19. Brother Park joined the MC&S and sailed in the steward department. A native of Hawaii, he was a resident of Wahiawa. Brother Park retired in July 1974. DAVID CARROLL POLITE Pensioner David Carroll Polite, 101, passed away recently. Born in South Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1943 from the port of New York. Brother Polite worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. A resident of Savannah, Georgia, he started receiving his pension in January 1971. WALTER LEE PRITCHETT Pensioner Walter Le Pritchett, 75, died September 10. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Pritchett worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Arctic. Born in Wyoming, he made his home in Denham Springs, La. and began receiving his pension in March 1986. Zayas, 67, died July 15. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in his native Puerto Rico. Brother Zayas worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. and started receiving his pension in December 1995. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. INLAND EDDY CHEVALIER Eddy Chevalier, 50, passed away recently. Born in the Dominican Republic, he joined the Seafarers in 1977 in Puerto Rico. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, where he graduated from the towboat operator course in 1980. He last sailed in 1993 as a captain aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Chevalier was a resident of Hatorey, P.R. Transportation Co. vessel. He made his home in North Port, Fla. GEORGE R. O'NEAL Pensioner George Randall O'Neal, 66, passed away August 21. He joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Boatman O'Neal last sailed as a captain aboard the Atlantic Tide, operated by Atlantic Towing. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he began receiving his pension in November 1989. From 1949 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. LEONARD ARTHUR POLK Pensioner Leonard Arthur Polk, 69, died September 16. Boatman Polk began his career with the SIU in ! 1945 from the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a tugboat captain aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. From 1951 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Polk lived in Freeport, Texas and retired in December 1990. ....------~ KENNETH RICHARDSON Pensioner Kenneth Richardson, 93, passed away u t 2. Born in Tennessee, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1940. ~Boatman . _ __ _.;"'-£............ Richardson sailed as 1l tugboat captain and started receiving his pension in July 1970. He made his home in Frankford, Del. ROY GILBERT WILLIAMS Pensioner Roy Gilbert Williams, 68, died August 6. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Williams worked in the deck department, last sailing with Gellenthin Barge Co. A resident of Bloxom, Va., he retired in January 1993. GREAT LAKES JOSIE QUINONES TIO Josie Quinones Tio, 35, died August 17. Born in the Philippines, she joined the SIU in 1994 in the port of Honolulu. Sister Tio started out in the deep sea division, sailing aboard the SS Constitution, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. she later transferred to Great Lakes vessels. A resident of Honolulu, the steward department member last sailed aboard the John Boland, an American Steamship Co. vessel. WAYNE THOMAS WANZER BARTOLO C. COLON Pensioner Bartolo Carrero Colon, 89, died September 7. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career with the SIU in 1950, sailing as .____________, a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in March 1977, Boatman Colon last sailed aboard a Steuart Wayne Thomas Wanzer, 64, passed away June 26. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Army, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1974 from the port of Detroit. His first ship was the J T. Hutchinson. A native of Michigan, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1995 aboard the Charles E. Wilson. (Both his first and last vessels were operated by American Steamship Co.) Brother Wanzer made his home in Wichita Falls, Texas. November 1999 �- -~ - ----- Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space /imitations, 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. EL MORRO (IUM), July 29Chairman Tommy Benton, Secretary Gina Lightfoot, Educational Director Brian Wilder, Engine Delegate Elieser Montalvo. Chairman announced payoff on July 31. He noted new movies purchased and TV antenna needs repair. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and be sure to update shipping documents. Treasurer announced $55 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun gave vote of thanks to Chief Steward Lightfoot, Chief Cook Kris Krause, GSU Jose Garcia and Unlicensed Apprentices Martin Vargas and Ramon Thomas for find jobs. He also thanked deck deparement for hard work. Next ports: Port Everglades and Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. EL YUNQUE (IUM), July 25Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Francis Ostendarp, Educational Director Joseph Cirafisi, Deck Delegate Douglas Hodges, Engine Delegate Jimmie Graydon, Steward Delegate Charles Collier. Chairman noted two unlicensed apprentices aboard ship; everyone should help teach them good seamanship. He reminded crew members to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary stated cost to operate money purchase pension plan increased over past year and requested copy of expenses incurred as well as prospectus of investments. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills whenever possible at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department for increase in pension. Steward department given vote of thanks. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), July 18-Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Orlando Cancel. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Long Beach, Calif. and reminded crew members to donate to SPAD. He also noted it is never too late to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding Sea-Land Service aquisition by Maersk. Special thanks given to Steward Laureta and Chief Cook Susan Moe for good and exotic meals. Next port: Honolulu, Hawaii. CAPE TRINITY (Apex Marine), August 8-Chairman Tom Arriola, Educational Director Gabriel Arhin, Deck Delegate Gilbert Castillo, Steward Delegate Norman Evans. Chairman noted ship to enter Tampa Bay shipyard following payoff. Crew members to disembark and join Houston-bound Cape Taylor. Educational director stressed need for everyone to get STCW endorsement as soon as possible and make use of Piney Point facilities, particularly new fire fighting scho.ol. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for FOS and ROS wage structure. November 1999 GLOBAL LINK (Transoceanic Cable), August 26-Chairman Brian Isenstadt, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Franklin A. Coburn, Deck Delegate Lyle E. Davis, Engine Delegate Peter Littman, Steward Delegate R. Toro. Although Global link has no unlicensed apprentices, chairman spoke in detail about unlicensed apprentice program, describing schooling and time aboard ships, and duties of bosun and steward regarding evaluations and grading of apprentices. He also touched on STCW requirements and need for courses in fire fighting, water survival, first aid and personal safety-all offered at Paul Hall Center. Steward reminded everyone of move by front office of Transoceanic Cable to Baltimore from New Jersey. Company should be fully operational by end of year, working out of depot at Tyco pier. Educational director urged unlicensed mariners to participate in training offered at Piney Point, particularly courses required for STCW compliance. Treasurer announced $4,400 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to use some money for new radio antenna. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chief electrician requested signs be posted in crew lounge asking persons to not turn off VCR and other equipment themselves but to call on services of those who regularly handle electronic/maintenance issues. Crew gave vote of thanks to Baltimore port Agent Dennis Metz and Seafarers LOG for taking interest in Links stay in Virgin Islands and subsequent stand-by relocation to Baltimore. JES STUART (Waterman Steamship), August I-Chairman Thomas Temple, Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Deck Delegate Desiree M. Crockett, Engine Delegate Robert Richer, Steward Delegate Ali Hydera. Secretary reported that after unloading barges in Sunny Point, N.C., layoff anticipated. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade as often as possible at union's training center in Piney Point, especially to take courses to satisfy new Coast Guard regulations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that crew lounge is only smoking area designated by MSC for unlicensed members. Needed repairs include installation of door between messhall and crew lounge. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done during rough seas. LNG CAPRICORN (PRONAV), August 22-Chairman Charles Kahl, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director John Knott, Engine Delegate Rene R. Rosario, Steward Delegate Glenn William. Chairman noted crew's concern with questions about reflagging. Crew hopes for clarification from boarding patrolman. Educational director reminded everyone of unique educational and upgrading opportunities available to Seafarers in form of Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck gang thanked for safe and productive tour. Thanks also given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Osaka and Himeji, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia. OSPREY (Osprey Ship Management), August 15-Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Felipe P. Orlanda, Educational Director Nicholas A. Vieira, Deck Delegate Albert Austin, Engine Delegate John M. Ledford, Steward Delegate Lawrence E. Winfield. Crew informed that bosun bought TV remote for crew. Outside TV antenna still not hooked up. Chairman read president's report from July LOG. He also talked about importance of safety when tying up ship. Secretary noted conventional oven not yet repaired. He thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean, especially in messhall. Educational director advised all hands to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Request made to find out why crew members cannot send or receive e-mail aboard ship. Burial at sea held July 12 for QMED Daniel Ficca, who died June 8. Officers and crew happy to be of help to Ficca family. Next port: Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS JUNEAU (OSG Shipping), August 15-Secretary Thomas Wybo, Educational Director James Soto, Deck Delegate Roberto Flanta, Engine Delegate John Day, Steward Delegate Michel D. Hoeffer. Meeting called to elect new chairman since Jay Dillon got off sick in Singapore. Crew told of no confirmed load orders as of August 15 for arrival in Portland. Master will let crew know when he gets word. Crew members asked to turn in all linen, keys and uniforms and to clean rooms before signing off ship. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Piney Point training facility. Disputed OT reported in all three departments. Mail service needs checking into. Crew also would like to be able to communicate aboard ship by way of fax. Chief pumpman requested chill boxes for all unlicensed crew cabins. Steward gave vote of thanks to all for keeping messhall and house clean during grain operations and throughout voyage. Next port: Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), August 8Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Dana Zuls, Educational Director Craig Croft, Deck Delegate Carl Larson, Engine Delegate Phil Greenwell, Steward Delegate Abdullah Baabad. Bosun announced no set company policy on coveralls and reported videos now located in officers' lounge. He noted captain ordered new couches for crew lounge and reminded crew to get official ship's stamp on application for extra day's pay for trip tours of duty. Secretary recommended upgrading skills at Piney Point and taking advantage of new fire fighting school there. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given for great jobs done by steward department and chief pumpman. Steward recommended riding gang fully participate in all fire, boat and emergency drills. Next port: Ferndale, Wash. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August IChairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman announced new toaster received and installed in crew mess. Discussion held July 22 on announcement of Maersk acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more information. Crew advised of relaxed assessment for STCW compliance as related in LOG arti- cle. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more requirements and training are imposed on livelihood of Seafarers, it is more important than ever to remain up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department at headquarters to revamp Article V of stan- Delegate Dave Somers, Steward Delegate James Boss. Chairman reported payoff scheduled upon arrival in Tacoma. He asked crew members to keep crew lounge and gear lockers clean. Educational director advised crew members to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer announced $1,000 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship's com- Gazing on the Past While the SS Gopher State was in the shipyard in Southhampton, England last May, some of the vessel's crew members had an opportunity to visit Stonehenge. The worldfamous monument-an amazing feat of engineering built 3,000-5,000 years ago-is located on the Salisbury Plain in southern England. From the left are OMU John C. Steeber Jr. and AB Eden Latta. dard contract to better relate to a three-person steward department, which is now the norm. Request made to bring up at Wilmington monthly membership meeting issue of late standbys, requiring person being relieved to return to vessel to protect job. Inquiry needed as to lack of fans in cabins and common areas. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), August I-Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, Steward Delegate Ossie D~ Stratham. Chairman announced everything running smoothly, including new washer and dryer. Secretary advised all crew members to take opportunity to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Educational director echoed this advice and also noted importance of contributing to SPAD. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Chairman read and posted letter from SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding purchase of SeaLand by Maersk Lines. Crew expressed pleasure at reading about new cargo ships coming into the union as well as joining forces with NMU mariners. Vote of thanks given to steward department. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), August 8-Chairman Boward Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo Ombac. Captain announced payoff scheduled August 13. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading classes in Piney Point. Treasurer announced $205 in ship's fund and $40 in crew's video fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All hands encouraged to work as a team and observe, maintain and enforce job jurisdiction in order to provide everyone with job security. Thanks given to steward department for great food and service. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND TACOMA (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Lorance D. Pence, Deck mittee reviewed president's report from latest LOG and requested clarification as to what they are supposed to do with it: acknowledge, discuss, debate, approve, disapprove. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. USNS SODERMAN (Bay Ship), August 7-Chairman Jeffrey Saxon, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Engine Delegate Alan Nelson, Steward Delegate Thomas Johnson. Chairman encouraged crew members to attend upgrading classes at training facility in Piney Point and keep all shipping documents up to date. He also reminded those wishing to return to vessel to go through hiring hall, not call company. Steward thanked crew for helping keep ship clean while carrying supercargo. He also thanked his department for outstanding job of feeding 65 people three times a day. Treasurer announced $230 in ships fund. Some of money will go toward purchasing new videos; company also will supply videos. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT in engine and steward departments. Communications received from headquarters state pay raise effective as of August 1 and bonus checks should be received within three weeks. Request made for satellite dish for better reception aboard vessel. Clarification requested on wages for working more than 40 hours. Steward department given vote of thanks from crew. Next port: Newport News, Va. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), September 5Chairman Joseph Moore, Secretary Joseph Birke, Educational Director John Penrose, Deck Delegate Abraham M. Murray, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman noted payoff in New Orleans September 11. He requested all hands have rooms clean and ready for next person before arriving in port. Educational director reminded crew of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Request made for TV antenna and VCR rewinder in crew's lounge and repair or replacement of ice machine in crew's mess. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Seafarers LOS 19 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes PAUL HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS Oil Spill Prevention - With instructor Jim Shaffer (standing) are Penn Maritime boatmen who completed the oil spill prevention course recently. They are (in no particular order) Paul Sany, Ashby Furlough, Ken Graybill, David Wade and Skip Walsh. ~9~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 592 - Graduating from unlicensed apprentice water survival class 592 are (from left, kneeling) Reggie Donaldson, Erik Nappier, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Lyndon Ferreira, (second row) Joshua Walker, Dwayne Brock, Shannon Bonefont, Shannon Miranda, Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat and Europa Tuivaiti. Maintenance Electrician ( - Upgrading E Seafarers who on September 24 successfully completed course are (in alphabetical order) Robert Bouton, Peter Chodzko, Randy Clark, Cris Compton, Timothy Kosturko, Brian Lu, James McBride, Ryan Reedy, Edward Rynberg and Toney Smith. Their instructor was Eric Malzkuhn (standing center) . Upgraders Water Survival - Marking completion of the upgraders water survival class on September 17 are (from left, front row) Peri Drew, Kathy Pritchard, Louella M. Sproul, Shelby J. Rankin, Jonathan A. Paul, (second row) Russell S. Williams, Jimmy Tan, Tim Fernandez, Gregory Pratt, Matt Bjerk, Stevia Babers, Anthony W. Lowman , (third row) Jonathan C. Morgan, Pernell Fulford , David L. McKnight, Joseph R. Weller, Ondongee L. Pegram, Gregory Hendryx, Bryon A. Baker, George Barbour, Timothy B. Barker and David S. Rood. Their instructor, Tom Gilliland, is at far left. UpgratJing your skills at the Paul Hall Center is the best way to improve your mind, your knowledg,e, your rating and your job security. Check the upcoming courses listed on page 23. Chief Cook - Learning some of the finer points in cooking from chef/instructor John Dobson (right) is deep sea member Wilfred Lambey. Government Vessels - With instructor Stan Beck (far right in each photo) are students who completed the government vessels course at various times in September. Included on the course roster are (in alphabetical order) Daniel Borden, Michael Bragdon, Daniel Bratta, Jonathan Buffington, Noel Camacho, Alvin Clark, Brett Clark, Roosevelt Clark, Todd Conley, Allen Davis, James Demouy, Rally Espiritu, Carey Foster Jr., Jason Foster, Heather Frizzelle, Justin Germain, Geronimo Gonzales, David Gray, Hector Guity, Martin Josephson, Kristin Krause, John Levasseur, Manuel Oliveras, Senan Omar, James Porter Jr., Efren Redil, Wade Rudolph , Lisa Ruiz, Anderson Saco, Johanna Saul, Chad Schultz, John Shivers, Jevon Vontoure, Mark Wain, Dwight Ward and Mark Wertanen. 20 Seafarers LOG November 1999 �1 P-auI HaII Center Graduating CIasses Advanced Fire Fighting - Receiving their advanced fire fighting endorsements on September 24 are (in alphabetical order) Clark Brittingham, Howard M. Bryant, George Burgos, Brett Clark, James L. Clark, Jose E. Clotter, Herbert Daniels, Rolly M. Espiritu, Michael S. Gomes, Ronald Gordon, Eugene T. Grantham, Hector Guity, Alfred J. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum with (from left) Chef Ed White (instructor) are Nasser Hasson, Cesar Marcias-Ortiz, Reynald Gabaylo, Ernest Polk, Arsenic Gusilator, Arnulfo Lacayo and Willie Crear. Certified Chief Cook- Working in the steward lab are (from left), Janusz Smolik, Willie Grant, Dan Bin Rashidi, Chef John Dobson (instructor) , Dana Washington, Wayne Howard and Fernando Lopez. For their final dish, the students prepared grilled salisbury steak with hunter's sauce and duchess potatoes. Herrmann, Tomothy J. Horger, Rodney Jimenez, Albert C. Johnson, Geroge J. Keblis, Tomas A. Kennan Jr., Jerry D. Martinsen, Spencer Moxley Sr., Francisco Palacios, Scott Seuret, John A. Shivers, Richard H. Surrick, James E. Whalen Ill and Patrick Yarbrough Jr. Their instructor was John Smith. Certified Chief Cook - Upgrading steward department members Jerome Davis, Wayne Howard and John Palughi (third, fourth and fifth from left) pose in the steward lab with some of their instructors: Chef Romeo Lupinacci (left), Chef Shannon Twigg (second from left) and Chef John Hetmanski (right}. Galley Familiarization - Part of the unlicensed apprentice program includes learning one's way around the galley. From the left (kneeling) are members of class 593: Phillip Hartline, Steven Pollard , Michael Kachele, Derrin Juul, (second row) Chef Shannon Twigg (instructor), Steven Lamb Jr., Donald Davis Jr. , Carlton Hendley, Brian Guiry, Ryan Smith and Richard Huffman . FOWT- SIU and NMU members graduate from the FOWT course on September 17. Listed on the roster for the course are (in alphabetical order) Michael Baughman, Levy Calzado, Steven Campbell , Deronja Clark, Noel Corrales, Jennifer Cronin, Waseem Dhalai, Wayne Ellsworth, Wayne Evans, Roderick Frazier, Kenrick Graham, Kenji Hoffman, Latanya Jackson, Welton Johnson, Brian Kimbrough, Shane Landon, Maximo Loto Jr., Manuel Lulley, Benjamin Mathews, Mark McNabb, Eddie Miller, Miguel Medina, Sammy Montana, Deion Nguyen, Hamdanni Nurdin, Benign Padaoan, Carmus Peet, Joseph Sam and William Taylor. Their instructor was Mark Jones. November 1999 Seafarers LOB 21 �I.den to Keeping MarAd Up to Date the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Enjoying the Deep Blue And the Grassy Green Several years ago, you published an article in the LOG about me qualifying for a senior PGA tour event. Since then, I have been in about 13 events and have not fared too well. I entered six this summer and did not qualify. In an event not far from where I live, which is a regular PGA stop, I got the bug to go for it. I went to the Monday morning qualifying and got the fourth spot, with a score of 68. In the first and second rounds, I finished dead last, with scores of 87 and 82. So, in a field of the best players in the world, including most of the Ryder Cup teams, I was the worst of the best in the world that week. I went home with no checkbut with a wealth of experience. Now I'll go back to sea and try again next year. AB James Wood Upper Jay, N.Y. (Editors note: The article on Brother Wood ran in the January 1997 LOG.) Deputy Maritime Administrator John Graykowski (left) made a stop at the Honolulu hall recently. The Maritime Administration, among other things, provides loan guarantees for American Hawaii Cruises to build new cruise ships. Graykowski was very interested in learning more about the SIU's proposal to crew the new vessels and how the union's recruiting activities will meet those goals. From the left are Graykowski, SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz, and Clint Taylor of Sea-Land in Hawaii. ACamlval It Wasn't When I discussed the latest Carnival Cruise escapade with my good buddy, he simply shrugged his shoulders. He alludes to these revelations with a sort of one-line question/answer attitude: "Who didn't know that?" One of Carnival's so-called "well maintained ships" was powerless at sea in the path of one of the century's most destructive hurricanes [Hurricane Floyd]. Hundreds of passengers complained that human waste was backing into the ship's living and eating quarters, among other things. Not exactly a gala carnival atmosphere. The upside is that the conditions were not conducive to sexual impropriety by crew members, as has been charged on other cruises. When the vessel was finally towed to a safe harbor, a company spokesperson declared that all expenses would be taken care of and rain checks would be issued to anyone who cared to cruise with them at a later date. Really?? Anthony Notturno Villas, N.J. LOB-A-RHYTHMS Derelict John W. Brown by Harry T. Scholer by Bill Parks Like Noah s Ark it appears to me Coming out of the early morning mist. Three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, Thirty cubits high, pitching and rolling in ten-foot seas. Ghostly white and faded gray With patches of rust streaking down her side. Deserted now, the crew long gone, A cabin door swings forlornly in the wind. Straining, resisting the final indignity Of being towed to her demise. The small tug huffing and puffing, But making little headway in wind and sea. Where did she come from? I know where shes bound To the breakers, to be made into razor blades. Silently we pass, her markings painted out Giving no clue. Her past a mystery, her future a certainty Which the struggles only delay. One more look and then farewell. For I am a sailor who does love the sea My ship is the Brown, shes an old Liberty I work down below in the heat from the steam Happy to serve as a part of her team For here I'm a sailor when we make this ship go When they ring from above and we start off our show We don 't have much speed and our wake is not much But wey down below she welcomes our touch The sweat and the heat we grin and we bear For this is our love and 0 how we care This engine is old but so are we too We give her our best, the best we can do The oiler who squirts as he makes his own rounds He listens andfeels to those wondeiful sounds The fireman who stands as his fires make the steam Proud of his part for this is his dream The tender of water as it rises and falls He knows from the bells how to answer their calls Shes now up to speed with excitement by all The throttles wide open, her pressure won 't fall The Captain above in the cool breezy air Must feel in his heart for the love thats down there From up at our bow and aft to our end From the bridge up above, this message I'll send To the Sailors who sailed and forever still roam Watch over this ship, her crew . .. and our home. (Harry T. Scholer of Orlando, Fla. sailed as an AB with the SIU. He has since retired his book and now sails as second mate with the American Maritime Officers for Maritrans.) She's D' Ship by Joel Molinos I love she, I love she not only for what she are, or what she have, but for what I am when I am with she. ,- (Joel Molinos sails as chief cook aboard the !TB Groton.) 22 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and th employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207 46 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meet[This poem was sent to the LOG by Ted Vargas (who ings in all constitutional ports. The also sent us this month's "Pie-from-the-Past" on page 16), an oiler aboard the Liberty ship John W. Brown. It responsibility for Seafarers LOG was written by a fellow volunteer crewmate, Bill policy is vested in an editorial Parks, who works as a wiper. Parks soon will become board which consists of the execuan apprentice fireman and e ventually get his MMD tive board of the union. The execuendorsement for FOWT. According to Vargas, "Parks tive board may delegate, from is an older man, as are most of us on the Brown, who among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. became fascinated with the old Liberty ship.] PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be disc · · d against because of race, creed, co , ational or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and es including, but no i · e to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Naflember 1999 �. SEAFARERS PAUE HALl CENTER 1999~2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from November through the end of the year as well as the first three months of 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to impr~ve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industrY~ · · Ple~~ note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the rooming of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations $h;Ould be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Pau,!Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses ¥.hifeboatman Start Date Date of Completion January 24 February 21 February 18 March 17 January24 February 11 January 10 February 7 January 21 (pre-AB) Feb. 28 (pre-AB) January 17 March 6 January 28 March 17 January 10 January 31 January 14 .F ebruary4 November 1, 15, 29 (1999) December 13, 27 (1999) January 10, 24 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* January 10 January 10 March 6 January 28 January 28 March 24 Basic Firefighting November 22, '99 January 17 February 28 November 26, '99 January 21 March 3 Advanced Firefighting November 8, .' 99 November 29, '99 January 10 February 14 March 6 November 19, '99 December 10, '99 January21 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels November 1, '99 November 8, '99 November 29, '99 January 31 February 28 November 19, '99 November 26, '99 December 17, '99 February 18 March 17 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) November 8, '99 November 22, '99 November 29, '99 December 13, '99 Marcli6 November 12, '99 November 26, '99 December 3, '99 December 17, '99 February 11 March 10 January 24 . March 13 January 28 MarchJ7 February 28 March3 February 28 March 3 (*must have basic fire fighting) Eflglne Bpglatling Courses Welding· Start Date Date of Complepon Januaty 10 Februaryl8 January 24 April 14 January 10 January 28 January31 February 18 }(~)?ruary (*must have basic fll'e fighting) November: 8, '99 ,.De<=ember 17, '99 November 13, t99 January 10 February 14 December 3, '99 January28 March 3 LNG Familiarization* (*must have advancedfue flghtmg) ii pill Containment Academic Department Courses Stewa1d Upgrading Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (1999) December 6, 13~ 20, 27 (1999) January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Every week) ? 1 basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and. Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -~------· -·· - - - - - - - - - - - - - - · ·- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard UPGRADING APPLICATION fee of $280 with their av.plication. The payment should be made with a monev order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#____ _ _ _ _ _ Book# - --.-'--- - - - - - - Seniority - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port - - - - - - - - - - - - Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are .YOU a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? b Yes DNo If yes,r class # - - -- - - - - - - - - " - - - - - ' - - - - - - - -- - -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo "If yes, .course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken November 1999 D Yes 0 No CPR: Date On: - - - -- - -'-- -- - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~_ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. REWRN COMP,LETEJ) APJ:UCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissio,,; Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ 0 Yes DNo The Seafarers Hany Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students iri its prqgrams or activities. 11199 Seafarers LOS 23 �m . l n f m rt Holiday Greetings The December issue of the LOG will include holiday greetings to and from Seafarers and SIU members as well as their families and friends. See page 10 to send your message. Hurricane Floyd Aftermath Sea-Land Developer Rescues 6 Crowley Crew Handles Salvage Operation; Battered Humacao Survives Scary Episode SIU members found out-the hard way, in some cases-that Hurricane Floyd carried as much danger at sea as it did on the Atlantic coast when it struck in mid-September. The Sea-Land Developer rescued six people from a disabled sailboat off the coast of Cuba. The Crowley ocean-going tug Sentinel handled a salvage operation in Charleston, S.C. that initially had been bungled by a non-union crew. And the Humacao survived a frightening encounter with the storm off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla. Developer Rescue Captain Robert Lamb reports that on September 13, the SeaLand Developer had just passed ahead of the hurricane and was sailing toward the eastern tip of Cuba, approximately 125 miles off its coast. The vessel received a nearly inaudible distress call from a sailboat at 2100, but "we could see him, so I decided to stop and render assistance. The weather had improved since we had passed within 100 miles of the storm, but was still bad. Wind was from the southwest between 35 and 40 knots, and seas were still huge. We stopped the ship about a half-mile upwind and tried talking again." Lamb and other personnel on the Sea-Land vessel learned that the 50-foot wooden boat God Save had a broken sail and didn't possess an auxiliary motor. The sailboat trades between Port au Prince, Haiti and Nassau, Bahamas and was carrying plantains. The sailboat's captain requested a tow. "I told him that we are not in that business," notes Lamb. "He then asked if we could just do a distress relay for him. I agreed but didn't want him sitting alongside the whole time, as I was afraid we'd pound his side to pieces. So I started backing down, but by the time he got up by our No. 4 hatch, they changed their minds and decided to abandon. I think the crew probably threatened "We had 55gallon drums that were squished into the size of basketballs." - Recertified Bosun David Mu"ay, describing hurricane's impact on SIU-crewed Humacao mutiny! "Anyway, we got the ship moving ahead again and retrieved all six crew members from the sailboat with no problems. All disembarked in Panama two days later and were repatriated to Haiti from there. The total delay from this diversion was two hours." Sentinel Salvage Captain Eddie Williams and the crew of the Crowley tug Sentinel on September 23 safely retrieved a fully loaded, 732-foot barge approximately 90 miles off the coast of Charleston, S.C. A non-union company initially had been hired for the salvage operation. "They fouled all the gear when they towed it," observes Williams, who began Crew members on the Sea-Land Developer pose with Haitians whom they rescued from a disabled sailboat in rough weather. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) DEU Tomas Robinson, AB Ronald Huyett, Bosun Paul Sbriglio, (standing) AB Cleofe Castro, Chief Mate John Kerwin, Engine Cadet Carlos Vallarino, survivors Lucia Pierre and Flaubert Mesidor, AB Charles Gordon, survivors Alcede Charles, Gerard Noel and Jozius lnniace, Captain Robert Lamb and survivor Donai Jacques. sailing in 1977. "They got lines in the wheel." Enter the Sentinel, which arrived in 12-foot seas. "There was a 2,400-hp tug (which had replaced the original would-be salvage crew) there about to sink," recalls Williams. "That little boat couldn't handle it. He had to [release the barge], and when he did, my crew rigged up a retrieval hook and brought it in. "It was pretty cut and dry." The barge was carrying containers bound for Puerto Rico. Assisting Williams on the 136-foot Crowley boat were Chief Mate Richard Workman, Second Mate Dave Massey, ABs John Holland and Les O'Hair and Chief Engineer Phil Robinson. Humacao Battered ,_ These four photos, provided by Recertified Bosun David Murray, show the SIU-crewed Humacao during and after the hurricane. Amazingly, no one aboard the ship was seriously injured, even though the vessel was exposed to Floyd's full force. Recertified Bosun David Murray credits Seafarers from the containership Humacao with remaining composed despite potentially catastrophic circumstances. On September 15 and 16, the ship endured Floyd's full bIURt, approximately 150 miles from Jacksonville. Miraculously, there were no serious injuries, and the vessel survived despite 60-foot seas, 100-mph winds, 45-degree rolls and a shipboard fire. "I'm sure everybody was scared, but the unlicensed crew handled it great. None of them complained, and all of them did a top-notch job," states Murray. "We're pretty lucky we survived." Navieras NPR, which oper- SIU halls were closed for about 24 hours fn Ft. Lauderdale (above) and Jacksonville, Fla. and in Norfolk, Va. due to the hurricane. None sustained major damage, although flooding occurred at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. ates the Humacao, sent plaques to all the crew members, citing their "gallant, heroic efforts" in surviving the hurricane. Murray says the Humacao left Jacksonville "and ran smack into (the storm). There was nothing we could do but hold on. We traveled about 30 miles in 36 hours." Dozens of containers were lost, drums of hydraulic oil were crushed, and a fire on the stem was ignited when a valve broke. Despite being hampered by displaced containers blocking parts of the deck, crew members quickly extinguished the fire. Finally, the worst of the storm passed, and the Humacao proceeded to San Juan, P.R., where it underwent repairs for three days. "There was a lot of damage, and they're still having some minor repairs done from time to time," notes Murray. "Everything was chained down, but it broke loose in the storm. We had 55-gallon drums that were squished into the size of basketballs." SIU members who were aboard the Humacao included Murray, ABs Thomas Grosskurth, Terry McKee, Kevin Gatling, George Perry and Thomas Russell, Deck Engineer Bruce Harber, Chief Electrician William Payne, OMUs Kenneth Biddle, David Ballard and Joseph Arch, Engine Utility Anthony Rosa, DEU Willie Smith, Chief Steward Raymond Jones, Chief Cook Pedro Rodriguez, and Utility Messmen Samuel Sotomayor and Catalino Diaz. Damage estimates for the hurricane in the U.S. have topped $1.5 billion and may increase. Floyd caused dozens of fatalities while prompting the largest evacuation in America's history. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MEMBERS START CONSIDERATION FOR SIU-NMU MERGER VOTE U.S. FLEET VITAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY MTD DELEGATES MAP PLANS FOR STRONG MARITIME POLICIES AFL-CIO CONVENTION APPROVES RESTRUCTURING AT LOCAL, STATE LEVELS SEAFARERS GAIN JOBS UNION STARTS TESTING FOR BASIC ENGLISH COAST GUARD REGS REQUIRE ALL MARINERS TO UNDERSTAND SHIPBOARD ORDERS NEW CRUISE COMPANY ACQUIRES HONORED NAME STRUCTURAL CHANGES APPROVED AT AFL-CIO CONVENTION IN L.A. AMERICAN CORMORANT CREW PRAISED FOR ‘FLAWLESS’ WORK SENATOR CALLS FOR ACTION TO EXPAND U.S.-FLAG FLEET IN FOREIGN TRADE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE EYES CRUISE MISHAPS ‘SHIP FROM HELL’ IS LATEST RUNAWAY-FLAG CALAMITY COAST GUARD MODIFIES USER FEES SAFETY IS PRIMARY CONCERN AS AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CREWS KEEP LAKES CARGOES MOVING 10 RECERTIFIED BOSUNS IMPART HARD-EARNED WISDOM TO TRAINEES SIU MEMBERS HELP MAINTAIN MILITARY SHIPS IN GUAM, SAIPAN LNG CREWS REASSURED ABOUT REFLAGGING AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CONVENTION LEGISLATORS SUPPORT STRONG U.S. FLEET AFL-CIO PRESIDENT: ‘ORGANIZING AND POLITICS ARE WHERE IT’S AT’ SWEENEY URGES ‘STRONGER POLITICAL VOICE’ TO BENEFIT AMERICA’S WORKING FAMILIES BIENNIAL CONVENTION MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO MSC COMMANDER SEES INCREASED ROLE FOR CIVILIAN MARINERS ON MILITARY SHIPS SEA-LAND DEVELOPER RESCUES 6 CROWLEY CREW HANDLES SALVAGE OPERATION; BATTERED HUMACAO SURVIVES SCARY EPISODE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 11 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/46273620b4e6cb4c6a1fc6f80f0d6e96.pdf 0f7b805a6eeb07c8d6b4b43da42baab5 PDF Text Text SIUJs Decade of Progress ___ Pages11-14 Congress Receives Bills -To Strengthen U.S. Fleet Sealifl Enhancement Act Aims to Make Merchant Fleet More Globally Competitive Page3 Even on the Lakes?/ Cleveland Paper Reveals Runaway-Flag Scandal Citizens along the Great Lakes recently discovered their waters are no different from any other international shipping lane when the Cleveland Plain Dealer exposed the dangers of runaway-flag shipping taking place on America's "North Coast." Page 5 lll'll!Nt SllAW J PIAIX DEAi.Eii PllOTOCRAPllEll Captain Stavros Fotlnos or the Evangelos tells a crew member to e:xpll!in bow good the conditions on the ship are.. Ships of Shame Cargo crew to start court battle Sailors -fr, go without pay, food Complaints bring help from union for sailors By MICHAELO'MALLEY A diS()Ute about low pay, bad food and filthy conditions on a Sleet-hauling ship in Cleveland harbor yesterday sparked a fax and phone feud in four countries on three continents. Following claims by 13 Filipino crewmen that they are not being properly paid, members of the Seafarers International Union b<>i!rded the ship Evangelos, labor agreement to make such From porr to porr 1he Slories are passed alon . Starvin :;allors ea1rng raw, undi- llOADW.HICKllAH/l'IAlll DEAL£&PHOrooaAl'llEK . . Don Thornton of the Seafarers International Union, left, talks to Filipino sailors about conditions and pay on a foreign ship docked in Cleveland yesterday. Local union officials which IS ow~d by a Greek com- threatened to detain the ship and stop it from unloading until ~~~~tt~t~~ :::i ~~ti;n':J certain demands by the sailors were met. visits, confronted the captain, sa ·o the would detain tile shi stop unloading the ship's cargo and refuse to untie dock lines it Piraeus, Greece, faxed paperwork to the London-based Inter- Reach . . . -Voting Begins on Agreement . SIU-NMU Merger On ASAf Contract ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page2 Beck Notice Page6 �President's Report Reflecting on the Decade I have just reviewed the center spread for this month's issue of the Seafarers LOG. It is hard to believe what we have accomplished in the last 10 years. While some of you started sailing this decade and have helped us in our efforts to revitalize the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, many others have been very involved throughout their entire seagoing careers. Recall where we were in January 1990. Outside of our membership and some others Michael Sacco within the industry, very few thought there would be a continued need for the commercial fleet for economic and national security purposes when we started the 21st century. We knew better. The Persian Gulf War demonstrated why America has depended on its merchant mariners since this country's founding. Seafarers and members of other maritime unions answered the nation's call, making sure no ship loaded with materiel for our troops in the Middle East sailed short. Those who thought others could handle the job discovered foreign-flag owners and crews who balked at delivering needed goods into a war zone. Reawakened by the war effort, military planners and politicians alike realized action had to taken not just to preserve but strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet. You did your part. Not only did you sail the ships, but you and your families registered and voted, wrote letters, made phone calls and talked with neighbors, friends and elected officials to let them know America needs its merchant fleet. That is why the Maritime Security Program became law. That is why U.S.-flag tankers carry Alaska North Slope crude oil overseas. That is why more than half the members of the House of Representatives signed a resolution stating the Jones Act should be preserved. That is why the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project was enacted, paving the way for construction in an American yard of new deep sea passenger ships. That is why dredging is taking place in ports around the country, especially New Y~)fk/New Jersey, to prepare for the ships of the next century. And that is why month after month for more than a year, we have been able to report on the new vessels-tankers, RO/ROs, prepositioning, tugs, car carriers-Seafarers are crewing or will crew in the very near future, all proudly flying Old Glory. Brothers and sisters, this isn't bragging. It's fact! The most important thing to remember is that none of this could have been done without you. You have demonstrated your faith in your union by doing the best job possible each day on your vessels. You make it very easy for representatives of this union to speak on your behalf on Capitol Hill and in other settings. Without the day-in, day-out efforts you perform on the high seas, the Great Lakes and the inland waterways, the U.S.-flag fleet would have been nothing more than a ghost ship. But we knew better, have done better and will continue to get better! As we enter this holiday season, we have so much for which to be thankful, not the least of which is a vibrant, growing U.S.-flag fleet. If the last 10 years are any indication of what the future may bring, I can't wait to get started. To all Seafarers aboard their vessels, to all Seafarers at home with their families and to all SIU retirees who have helped make this the greatest maritime union, may you have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! Volume 61, Number 12 December 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published 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- 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Voting Starts in Proposed Merger of SIU and #MU Voting begins this month on whether the SIU will proceed with full merger talks with the National Maritime Union. As reported in the October and November issues of the Seafarers LOG, balloting is scheduled for December 1, 1999 to January 31, 2000. Voting takes place in all SIU halls between 9 a.m. and noon local time, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Seafarers also may request an absentee ballot by following the instructions printed in the October issue of the LOG. Additionally, those instructions are available via the union's web site (www.seafarers.org, in the LOG section, October issue). The current vote will determine whether the SIU membership wants this merger and, if approved, gives the union's executive board permission to continue with the merger talks. (A similar election is taking place at the same time in the NMU.) If the two unions' memberships vote to proceed, then specific details of the merger will be addressed by SIU and NMU officials serving on the merger committee. Next, Seafarers would vote during the November-December 2000 general election whether to approve needed constitutional changes such as adding vice presidents and the NMU in the union's name. (NMU members are not eligible to vote in the gen- eral election because the merger would not be completed by then.) After the general election, a third vote would take place for SIU members to approve or reject many of the specific terms of the merger. Before that vote, SIU members would be given detailed information on what the merger would mean and what changes would occur. The date for that voting has not been determined. Therefore, the proposed merger involves a three-step voting process. That procedure is explained in detail in a recent letter mailed from the SIU executive board to each member. Copies of the letter also have been distributed aboard ship by patrolmen and are available in union halls. The letter mentions that some Seafarers have asked whether a merger will allow an NMU member to use his seniority to beat the SIU member out of a job. "No! The shipping rules will continue to apply," the letter states. "Seafarers will maintain priority aboard ships currently sailing under an SIU contract. The same would apply to NMU members aboard vessels presently under contract to the NMU." Similarly, the merger committee has studied the 1978 merger involving the SIU and the Marine Cooks & Stewards, and will follow that precedent to keep the SIU and NMU pension, welfare and vacation funds separate. Should the merger be approved, however, the training and hiring hall funds probably would be combined. OS/Gateman Rick Hedrick (above photo, aboard the Presque Isle) and Cook Kay Nelson (below, on the /TB McKee Sons) are enthusiastic about the proposed merger. SIU Pensioners to Get $500 Year-End Bonus Eligible SIU pensioners will receive a year-end bonus check of $500 this month. The Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees recently approved the payment after union representatives to the group recommended the bonus. This bonus check will be sent to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The Board of Trustees, composed of representa- tives from the SIU and its contracted companies, decided to issue the bonus after reviewing the plan's successful investment performance. More information about the bonus or the pension plan in general may be obtained by contacting any union hall or by calling a plan representative at l800-CLAIMS4. Members and pensioners also may write to the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Breakthrough at Avondale Union, Company Agree to Resolve Long Battle About Representation On the heels of Litton Industries' purchase of Avondale (La.) Shipyard, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department last month announced a breakthrough in the bitter six-year fight about union representation at Avondale. The company has agreed to adopt neutrality regarding such representation, and will recognize the union based on a majority of Avondale's 4,000 employees signing petitions for membership. A neutral arbitrator will certify that a majority of the employees have signed the petitions. The union and the shipyard signed an agreement on November 2 aimed at reaching an amicable conclusion to what has been a nasty fight. Workers at Avondale voted in 1993 to join a union, but the prior owners used every stalling tactic imaginable to evade that election's outcome. Avondale was purchased for $529 million by Litton Industries in a transaction that closed last August. Litton's Ship Systems consists of Avondale Shipyard and Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. where the Metal Trades Department has held representation rights for more than 10,000 workers since 1940. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney commended all concerned with the new agreement between Avondale and the union. "I applaud Litton Industries' and Avondale's high-road decision to respect these workers' right to a free choice to improve their lives through a union," Sweeney stated. The Metal Trades Department said the agreement "puts the issue back in the hands of Avondale's workers" and "sets up ground rules for assessing the level of support for union representation. The agreement sets out a process under which the union can obtain evidence that it represents a majority of the employees, which will be submitted to a neutral third party for certification. The pact outlines procedures for avoiding the acrimony that characterized the campaign from the time it started in June 1993." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2000 for the obseNance of Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December . -1999 �Sealif t Enhancement Act Seeks Fair Competition For American-Flag Fleet Maritime Tax Laws Would Change To Help Provide Level Playing Field Citing the U.S. merchant marine's key role in America's national and economic securityand the unfair competition from unscrupulous runaway-flag ship operators-Senator John Breaux (D-La.) last month introduced the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act of 1999 (S. 1858). Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.) and William Jefferson (D-La.) introduced similar legislation in the House (H.R. 3225). The SIU strongly supports the bills, which may receive hearings in the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, respectively, early next year. "The introduction of these measures shows that members of Congress are looking ahead and trying to find ways to make the U.S.-flag fleet stronger and more competitive in the next century," said SIU President Michael Sacco. Other U.S. maritime unions, ship operators and shipbuilding associations also voiced their backing, as did the widely respected former Maritime Administrator, Vice Admiral Albert J. Herberger. As its name indicates, the legislation is intended to strengthen the U.S. fleet, which in tum will boost the economy and fortify national security. One provision of the Sealift Enhancement Act would extend to U.S. mariners the existing income tax exclusion for Americans working abroad. Other elements of the bill also focus on equitable changes in different sections of U.S. tax policy. "This legislation is designed to provide a tax environment for U.S.-flag carriers that more closely approaches the favorable treatment provided by other maritime nations to their own merchant fleets," Breaux stated. "I am not proposing to exempt U.S.-flag vessel owners from U.S. income taxes, [but rather to] alleviate the tax burden on the U.S.-flag fleet. "The U.S.-flag merchant marine is an invaluable asset to the economic and national security of this country," he continued. "The Congress must take aggressive action to preserve our fleet of U.S.-flag vessels, while creating incentives for new, modem ships to be registered under the U.S. flag." The bill has five main provisions. One expands the Capital Construction Fund with the aim of increasing revenue available SIU Crews MIV Fisher SIU members recently crewed the prepositioning ship MIV Major Bernard F Fisher as the vessel prepared to start a fiveyear assignment for the U.S. Sealift Military Command (MSC). Seafarers and SIU officials took part in the vessel's christening October 15 in Sunny Point, N.C. The former Sea Fox was renamed in honor of retired U.S. Air Force Col. Bernard F. Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient who attended the ceremony. The 652-foot Fisher is operated by Sealift, Inc. for MSC, whose fleet also includes a different vessel with a similar name, the USNS Fisher. It will preposi- tion materiel for the Air Force in Diego Garcia. The ship's namesake received the medal for actions in Vietnam in 1966. The then-major rescued a downed airman from a Special Forces camp under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. MSC noted, "While directing his own air cover, Maj. Fisher landed his A-lE/H aircraft, taxied almost the full length of a debrislittered runway, and despite withering ground fire, rescued the downed pilot and gained enough speed to lift off and fly to safety." The Fisher has a beam of 105 feet and a top sailing speed of 19 knots. It is a combination container and roll-on/roll-off ship. One year after MSC awarded a time charter contract for the vessel , SIU members crewed the renamed Major Bernard F. Fisher as the ship readied for its first prepositioning assignment. December 1999 for domestic shipbuilding. Another allows "the owner of any U.S.-flag vessel engaged in the international trade of the U.S. to fully deduct that vessel in the year in which the vessel is acquired and documented under the U.S. flag." Breaux pointed out that many foreign-flag shipowners and operators already "are totally exempt from income taxation," and this provision therefore will help the U.S.-flag fleet "to be internationally competitive." The provision known as the "seamen's wage exclusion" is "consistent with the current policies and objectives of section 911 of the Internal Revenue Code. It extends the foreign earned income exclusion to American merchant mariners by changing the definition of 'foreign country' to incJude a principal place of employment aboard a commercial vessel operating outside the United States, and amending the foreign residence test to include work aboard a vessel." Other components of the legislation include "alternative minimum tax relief' on shipping income-again consistent with foreign regulations-and expanding the expense deductions stemming from conferences or other meetings on American-flag cruise ships. "These provisions will help level the playing field for U.S. shipping and provide incentives that will stimulate growth in the industry," observed Rep. Je:fferson. Rep. McCrery stated, "U.S.based liner companies are subject to significantly higher taxes than their foreign-based counterparts .... Strengthening the economic viability and competitiveness of United States-flag vessel operations requires us to adapt the tax regime governing our merchant marine to the realities of today's international shipping environment." Both McCrery and Breaux recalled the words of General Colin Powell following the Persian Gulf War in 1991. At that time, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "Our [nation's] strategy requires us to be able to project power quickly and effectively across the oceans to deal with the crisis we couldn't avoid or predict. Sealift will be critical to fulfilling this strategic requirement .... In war, merchant seamen have long served with valor and distinction by carrying the critical supplies and equipment to our troops in faraway lands. In peacetime, the merchant marine has another vital rolecontributing to our economic security by linking us to our trading partners around the world and providing the foundation for our ocean commerce." In announcing his support for the Sealift Enhancement Act, Herberger said, "If the United States is to maintain a strong merchant fleet-supporting our economy and our armed forces--our U.S.-flag companies and our American merchant mariners must have U.S. tax treatment that reflects the realities of international competition." Speaking on behalf of a coalition of U.S.-flag ocean carriers, Sea-Land Service Vice President Peter Finnerty noted that the bill "recognizes the unique nature of the U.S.-flag fleet, operating in trades." the world cargo American mariners and companies compete in a market littered with tax-exempt foreign companies, he said. Pictured from the top: Senator John Breaux (D-La.) and Reps. William Jefferson (D-La.) and Jim McCrery (R-La.) last month launched legislation intended to boost national security by strengthening the U.S. merchant marine. SIU Maintains Jobs on 6 LNG Vessels MarAd 'Reluctantly' Approves Rejlagging The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), while emphasizing that its decision "should not be taken as a precedent for any other situation," on November 3 conditionally approved the transfer of PRONAV's fleet of eight liquefied natural gas vessels to foreign registry. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart said he "reluctantly" issued the ruling and also stressed that a key condition to the approval "helps to ensure the continued availability of American mariners for commercial operations and military readiness." He noted that all the unlicensed jobs for six of the ships will be held by American seafarers for the next five years, "providing stability and employment for hundreds of skilled mariners." He also pointed out, "Any further changes in ownership, registry or operation under foreign authority may be made only with the Maritime Administration's approval." The schedule for reflagging the eight ships to the Marshall Islands has not been announced. Seafarers will continue sailing aboard six of the vessels- the LNG Capricorn, LNG Taurus, LNG Libra, LNG Gemini, LNG Leo and LNG Virgo. As reported in the September issue of the Seafarers LOG, the economic provisions (including benefits) of the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement will apply to those ships once the reflagging takes place. The other two vessels will carry foreign crews. After the ruling, SIU President Michael Sacco stated, "While we are extremely disappointed by the decision announced by the Maritime Administration to allow the reflagging of the PRONAV LNG-vessel fleet, the Seafarers International Union is obligated to honor its contractual coillil)itments to crew these vessels. The Seafarers aboard these vessels will continue to perform their duties in the same professional, dedicated and safe manner as they always have." It was only after painstaking analysis that the union decided to accept continued employment on the reflagged ships. In a detailed memo sent in August by the SIU contracts department to Seafarers aboard the LNG ships, the union stated, "When weighed against the alternatives, the final decision was based on the ultimate benefit to our members and their families. The application of the Standard Tanker Agreement wages and benefits will, for the first time, [apply] American labor standards on foreign-flag ships. The Agreement is no less than that which is accepted by U.S.-flag SIU-contracted tanker companies. It maintains our benefits and will provide jobs and job security for five more years while preserving our severance agreement." The union also noted that SIU's crewing of the LNG ships will help provide a continued manpower pool of trained American mariners for U.S. national defense purposes. Moreover, the memo points out that the LNG crews recently faced the unexpected prospect of all eight ships reflagging relatively quickly-which would have left the SIU crews without any opportunity for continued employment on those vessels. (The written communication quickly was followed by SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram meeting with SIU crews aboard the LNG vessels to answer any other questions.) Seafarers LOG 3 �i----------------------------------------------------------------~~~~~-~ -- ~~ - SIU President Michael Sacco poses with crew members aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. Kneeling is AB Robert Pesulima. Standing from the left are BREC Bobby Garcia, Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox, Sacco, AB Alfonso Garcia, QMED Jesse Manard, Wilmington Safety Director Frank Gill Jr., AB Maximo Lugtu and GUDE Jose Gamboa. Crews Welcome Sacco to Their Ships Right: Aboard the El Yunque are Jacksonville (Fla.) Port Agent Tony McQuay, Wiper Pedro Gago, BREC Michael Eaton, SIU President Michael Sacco, OMU Ramon Collazo and AB Blair Baker. Working on dinner for the SeaLand Patriot crew is Chief Cook James Boss. SIU President Michael Sacco has maintained a busy schedule, meeting as many SIU members as possible during his recent travels. From Port Everglades, Fla. to Long Beach, Calif., he has climbed gangways to inform Seafarers about what is happening in the union and to answer questions they may have concerning benefits, contract and the proposed merger to bring the NMU into the SIU. On this page are some of the many Seafarers who have welcomed him aboard their vessels. SIU President Michael Sacco (left} welcomes AB Rudy Hernandez to a union meeting aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. Also participating in the meeting in which members asked questions about the proposed NMU merger into the SIU are (from the left) BREC Bobby Garcia, QMED Jesse Manard, SA Orlando Pizzaro, AB Robert Pesulima and SREC Daniel Payne. The Sea-Land Long Beach (Calif.) crane maintenance unit greets SIU President Michael Sacco. From the left are Seafarers Allen Pasik Jr.. Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Sacco, Van X. Phan, Daran Ragucci, Kimo Togiai, Jim Dryden and Wilmington Safety Director Frank Gill Jr. c SIU President Michael Sacco (left) updates crew members aboard the El Yunque on the latest happenings in the union. QMED Ron Haines (standing) meets SIU President Michael Sacco aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) answers a question about the SIU-NMU merger with Crowley boatmen (from left) AB Dave Verschoor, AB Dragi K. Odak and Eng. Bob Bouton. Left: Welcoming SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) to the Sea-Land Patriot are (from left) AB Matt Bevac, Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox and QMED Jesse Manard. West Coast Unions Reach 6-Year Agreement with ASM Offering lunch to Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (left) is Third Cook Neil Ball of the Lihue. 4 Seafarers LOG The galley gang of Matson's Lihue greets the SIU president. From the left are BR Nunu Randle, President Michael Sacco, Chief Steward Skip Polzine and Chief Cook Willie Madison. The SIU's Pacific District unions have reached an agreement with American Ship Management (ASM) for a new six-year contract. The pact is retroactive to July 1 and includes a pay raise in each of the six years covered by the contract. The SIU Pacific District is composed of SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District members in the galley, the Sailors' Union of the Pacific for the unlicensed deck department and the Marine Firemen's Union providing unlicensed crews in the engine room. ASM was created after American President Lines was purchased by Singapore-based NOL in 1997. ASM operates the former APL U.S .-flag fleet. Negotiations took place throughout the fall before the agreement was reached in late October. The ratification process involving members from the three unions covered by the new pact still was taking place as the Seafarers LOG went to press. December 1999 �Runaway-Flag Crew's Plight Captures Newspaper's Attention Thanks to a series of articles published by Ohio's largest daily newspaper, Great Lakes residents discovered runaway-flag shipping with its inherent problems of little to no pay, poor working conditions and lack of food could be found in their ports. Michael O'Malley, a reporter for the Plain Dealer, alerted readers to the plight of the Filipino crew aboard a Greek-owned, Panamanian-flagged cargo ship delivering foreign-produced steel to Cleveland, known for its steel mills. O'Malley worked with SIU member Don Thornton, a Great Lakes inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and Jim Given, an SIU of Canada representative who performs the ITF task in his country, as they attempted to gain back pay, food, clean linens and other items for 12 crew members aboard the Evangelos this fall. (The ITF is a London-based global organization of transport unions. The SIU is a member.) The crew sought help from the ITF when the ship arrived in Cleveland in October. The ITF inspectors took O'Malley with them to document their discussion with the ship's Greek captain. The reporter heard crew members state they had no bread or juice, just water, yet "the captain eats grapes and ice cream." Longshoremen, who originally notified the newspaper of the conditions on the ship, threatened to stop offloading and keep the vessel tied up until provisions arrived. Thornton and Given verified food and clean linens were brought aboard, but had to accept assurances from the ship's owners and the manning company that the crew's money-more than $100,000 in back pay-had been sent to their families. They also were faxed paperwork claiming to show the mariners' pay had been sent to their families in the Philippines, which later proved to be false. The ship set sail for Thunder Bay, Ontario to load grain for Morocco. When the inspectors uncovered that the promised pay still had not been delivered to either the crew or their families, they met the loaded ship in the Welland Canal. The captain refused to allow the newspaper reporter aboard, then forced a crew member to tell him everything was fine as the vessel passed through a lock. The Plain Dealer published a frontpage full-color photo of the anguished mariner with the captain right behind him in its Sunday, October 24 edition. Thornton and Given spoke with the crew member and several others when they boarded. They were told the captain ordered the mariners to say those things as well as sign papers stating they had been paid if they wanted to continue sailing. The crew added they still were not being fed properly. Nine crew members signed powers of attorney requesting the ship be arrested for breech of its ITF contract when the Evangelos arrived in Montreal. Unfortunately, by the time the vessel reached the Canadian port, the crew members rescinded their call for the ship's arrest. Without it, Canadian officials were helpless. Thornton and Given speculated that the crew and/or their families had been intimidated with a possible threat of blacklisting being used. The ship left for Morocco with a spokesperson for the ITF in London vowing to monitor the ship's actions. Not only did the newspaper publicize the Evangelos situation with photographs and articles, it also featured the plight of other runaway-flag crews in the frontpage story of October 24 under the headline "Ships of Shame." O'Malley told the Seafarers LOG the articles generated many telephone calls from readers unaware these conditions existed on vessels sailing the Great Lakes. The stories dealt with situations around the world to show the Evangelos was not an isolated incident. Photo credit: Roadell Hickman/Plain Dealer SIU member and ITF inspector Don Thornton (left) learns more about the problems aboard the Evangelos from crew members shortly after the vessel docked in Cleveland. Bad News Keeps Oozing From Runaway-Flag Ship Passengers on Carnival Cruise's ill-fated Tropicale recently learned the hard way that jiggling the handle sometimes isn't enough. The runaway-flag vessel's first voyage since a shipboard fue left passengers stranded at sea for four days ended early, because of a clogged sewage system. As a result of the inoperable commodes, the more than 1,000 passengers were flown from Mexico to Tampa. The Liberian-flag Tropicale had undergone three weeks of repairs and safety inspections before sailing in late October, approximately one month after a shipboard fire had left passengers adrift in the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Coast Guard inspectors reportedly discovered problems with the ship's plumbing and directed the company to fix them. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the September shipboard fue as well as the crew's reaction to it. December 1999 The Filipino-crewed , Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned Evangelos offloads foreign-made steel in Cleveland. Crew members told ITF inspectors they had received no pay for several months, had no food aboard when they came to Ohio and suffered with poor working conditions. AFL-CIO President: WTO Talks Must Address Workers' Rights As representatives of the 134 member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) readied for meetings in Seattle from November 30 through December 3, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said America's working families are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard. In a speech November 19 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Sweeney described plans for a massive pro-worker rally November 30 in Seattle, involving "tens of thousands of working men and women and their families from across America and countries across the world. We will be joined by 200 international union leaders representing over 135 million workers from more than 100 countries. "We will call upon the delegates to the World Trade Organization to address workers' rights and human rights as well as environmental and consumer protections in the rules that govern the global economy-demands that are supported by workers from Argentina to South Korea, from South Africa to the Czech Republic, tens of millions of workers from developing as well as developed countries." The WTO meeting will launch global negotiations to further open markets in goods, services and agricultural trade as well as review some current trade rules. The head of America's federation of trade unions, to which the SIU is affiliated, stated the WTO "must incorporate rules to enforce workers' rights and environmental and consumer protections, and compliance should be required of any new member. Every worker deserves protection of basic human rights-prohibitions against child labor, slave labor and discrimination, and the freedom to join together with others in a union." He noted that as the WTO considers admitting China-notorious for child labor and other worker abuse-"editorials pose a choice between free trade and protectionism, between engaging China and isolating it, between embracing the global market and turning our backs on it. Opponents are being dismissed as part of the past, and as obstacles to the prosperous future of the new economy. "This is nonsense. The debate isn't about free trade or protection, engagement or isolation. We all know we 're part of a global ITF Goes to Bat For Scared Crew The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has stepped in to assist crew members aboard the foreign-flag bulk carrier Karteria some two months after a horrific explosion on the vessel left two dead and another mariner paralyzed with severe bums. The ITF (to which the SIU is affiliated) recently reported that the Maltese-flagged ship was carrying cargo-possibly iron oxide fines- across the Atlantic Ocean in late August when explosions occurred inside two of the holds. One Filipino crew member instantly died, while another passed away a few hours later due to burns. A third crew member, Jing Caringal, survived but sustained a broken back and major bums. According to the ITF, the Karteria diverted to the Azores and underwent temporary repairs. ITF representatives discovered Caringal awaiting repatriation to the Philippines in a hospital in the Azores where he could not be diagnosed or treated due to the severity of his injuries and the lack of facilities at the hospital. After the ITF intervention, Caringal was taken by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney tells a National Press Club audience that the WTO must incorporate rules to enforce workers' rights and environmental and consumer protections. economy. And we're so engaged that we're already running a $60 billion trade deficit with China. "The real debate is not over whether to be part of the global economy, but over what are the rules for that economy and who makes them-not whether to engage China, but what are the terms of that engagement, and whose values are to be represented." air ambulance to Stoke Mandeville hospital in England where still was undergoing treatment as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Meanwhile, the vessel proceeded from the Azores to its intended discharge port, Antwerp. "The crew are increasingly concerned for their own safety," noted the ITF in a news release. "Having suffered the trauma of the explosion and witnessing the loss of and serious injury to three colleagues, they are stranded on board a vessel containing an unstable cargo, which . . . continues to emit explosive quantities of hydrogen gas. In addition, conditions on board are becoming increasingly difficult. There is no hot water and no laundry facilities for the crew." David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, said it is "unacceptable to leave (the crew) on board in these conditions for this length of time. It seems to us that, yet again, the safety of the crew is secondary to the financial concerns of the owners and its P & I club." Cockroft pointed out another concern. Both the shipowner-Karteria Shipping Limited-and the vessel recently were issued ISM documents of compliance and safety management certificates, yet "were apparently unprepared for this emergency." As part of the federation's ongoing campaign against substandard shipping, the ITF is representing Caringal in seeking compensation for his injuries. Seafarers LOG 5 �Post-Hurricane Cleanup on Humacao Among the SIU-crewed vessels impacted by Hurricane Floyd earlier this year was the Humacao, operated by Navieras NPR. As reported in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, the ship survived Floyd's full force on September 15 and 16, approximately 150 miles from Jacksonville, Fla. Despite the 60- foot seas, 100-mph winds, 45-degree rolls and a shipboard fire, there somehow were no serious injuries. The vessel sustained significant damage, however, leading to cleanup efforts (pictured here) when it finally arrived in San Juan, P.R. Pictured above (from left) are AB Terry McKee, Recertified Bosun David Murray, SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez and Engine Utility Anthony Rosa. In photo at right are AB Julio Matos and AB Roberto Feliciano. At left, a damaged container is removed from deck. "We're pretty lucky we survived," Murray said. SIL Independence Sives Independence To Boaters Out of Sas in the Bahamas Running out of gas, while unpleasant, usually is just inconvenient. In a car, anyway. For eight people in a small pleasure boat in the Bahamas, it might have proven fatal. But the SIU-crewed Sea-Land Independence aided the stranded group, which had been adrift for two days without food or water after their 18-foot boat exhausted its fuel. According to a letter from the Sea-Land Independence recently received by the Seafarers LOG, the rescue took place in May. With the vessel sailing off the south coast of Grand Bahama island, AB John Habib and Third Officer John Marcin sighted the small white boat approximately two miles off the starboard bow. One passenger was waving a white cloth. The Sea-Land Independence maneuvered alongside the boat and secured lines. At the same time, the ship contacted a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in the area. The letter notes that although the pleasure boaters were famished, they did not require medical attention. Since the Coast Guard vessel would arrive shortly, the Sea-Land ship lowered plenty of food and water to the grateful survivors, but didn't bring them aboard. Soon, the cutter Manitou relieved the Independence, and the SIU-crewed ship proceeded toward Panama. A half-hour later, the Coast Guard confirmed that all survivors safely came aboard. New Carissa Beached for Winter For residents of Coos Bay, Ore., the runaway-flag freighter New Carissa simply won't go away. At least not all of it. According to press reports, the beached stem section of the vessel-which ran aground in February-will remain on the sand until spring. Rough seas postponed the most recent attempts to remove the rusting, 120-foot section. In late October, salvage crews abandoned a three-week operation to tow the wreckage out to sea, according to the Associated Press. The Panamanian-flag, Japanese-owned New Carissa went aground February 4, spilling 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel. Extraordinary measures were taken to ignite the remaining oil (and thereby prevent it from spilling), and the 639-foot vessel resultantly split. Shortly thereafter, the bow section broke loose from its tow and drifted ashore 80 miles north. It later was towed again and sunk by a U.S. Navy torpedo. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. 1. Benefits of union membership - While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership - In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75.00 (seventy-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors - Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrange- 6 Seafarers LOG ments, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee - As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 1998 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 65.43 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $196.29 (one hundred ninetysix dollars and twenty-nine cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2000 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 1999 and November 30, 2000 will have this calculation applied to their 2000 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2001, your objection must be received by December 1, 2000. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 1998. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections - If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor's report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer's Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 6. Filing a challenge - Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer's office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure- Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received . The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 1999 �On-Site Course Helps Seafarers Meet STCW Chapter VI Regs The Paul Hall Center has often taken its safety courses "on the road." Instructors from the school have taught water survival and fire fighting classes to Seafarers in different ports across the country, including aboard the Delta Queen Steamboat Company vessels in New Orleans, and American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence in Honolulu. One of the course participants leaves the emergency locker en route to the "fire." A recent training opportunity in Maui was a first, however, in that the entire curriculum needed for meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI (Basic Safety Training) was taught at one time. Paul Hall Center instructors Rick Redmond and Ben Cusic conducted the course components, consisting of personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. The SS Independence sails into the port of Honolulu for one day each week, but it spends two days in Maui, which allowed 20 upgrading Seafarers plenty of time to receive practical instruction in water safety and survival techniques in that ship's luxury pool. Classroom instruction was held at Maui Community College, part of the University of Hawaii. Redmond, who taught the fire fighting segment, obtained the necessary permits for setting a fire that produced smoke, so students had the added benefit of dealing with a true fire and not merely a simulation. Having successfully completed the STCW basic safety course, students pose for a group shot at Maui Community College. Rick Redmond (far left) and Ben Cusic (far right, kneeling), instructors at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., conducted the on-site training. Certificates of course completion were earned by Amy Mazurek, Shannon Rabago, Ricardo Sebastian, Stephen Warren II, Ronald Whitfield, Alejo Fabia Jr., Soriano Grande, Angelito Pertubal, Emo Aulelava, Adele Williams, Laverne Berasis, Maile McWilliams, Joseph Brooks, Cynthia Robello, Leonicio Casamina Jr., Jerwin Ablao, Allan Acasio, Joachim Buetzer, Byron Hall and Ronald Wade. All Seafarers who sailed prior to August 1, 1998 must have documented evidence of Chapter VI compliance by February 1, 2002. Those who began sailing after August 1, 1998 should already have fulfilled the requirements. AOTOS Awards to duMoulin, TRANSCOM Richard duMoulin, chairman and CEO of Marine Transport Lines (MTL), and U.S. Air Force General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, received the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award on November 5 in New York. The prestigious award is sponsored by the United Seamen's Service. MTL is the parent company of SIU-contracted Intrepid Ship Management, while TRANSCOM is the largest single user of U.S.-flag vessels (with many SIU-crewed ships among them). Above (from left): SIU President Michael Sacco, U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and (far right) U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) congratulate duMoulin. At right (from left): Gen. Robertson celebrates with Sacco and Sea-Land Service President and CEO John Clancey. Maersk-Sealand Taps Los Angeles For New Terminal Maers~-SeaLand will be the sole user of a massive new container terminal being built at the Port of Los Angeles, the company announced on October 28. The Pier 400 terminal will occupy 484 acres December 1999 Members of the emergency squad on board the SS Independence don the proper equipment for a fire drill conducted while the vessel was at anchor in Kana, Hawaii. Gopher State Receives Bravo Zulu upon expected completion in 2003, although some of its sections will open as early as late 2001. The cost of the Pier 400 project is $794 million, which includes $466 for the container terminal facilities and infrastructure and $328 million for two stages of a major dredging and landfill program. The facility reportedly will include at least 16 shore-side cranes and will work as many as six vessels at once. City officials said that the 25-year lease between the port and the company will bolster the local economy, bringing thousands of good jobs and billions of dollars in new investment. SIU members as well as officers and military personnel aboard the Gopher State recently were congratulated by U.S. Navy Admiral Harry M. Highfill for their accomplishments during Operation Crocodile 99 in Gladstone, Australia. During the exercise, Seafarers worked with more than 5,000 active duty and reserve U.S. service members as well as Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel. Altogether, they moved more than 600 pieces of critical cargo ashore and safely conducted complex operations at sea and ashore. "Each and every one of you should be proud of your accomplishments during this exercise," the admiral stated. "You completed an operation that no other country in the world could have accomplished, and you did it safely and with style." He continued, "As a team, you showed our allies our impressive capabilities as a nation and our great nature as individuals. Again, congratulations to all for a job extremely well done." The Gopher State is a prepositioning ship owned by MarAd and operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. It has been stationed in Guam for the past several years, always at the ready to sail in support and defense of the United States and her military forces. Seafarers LOG 7 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACARON PUii This is a summary of the annual report of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, El N 51-6097856 for the year ended January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Plan, EIN 13-5602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $877,410. These expenses included $198,880 in administrative expenses and $678,530 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,553 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $11,512,065 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $11,589,292 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $(77,227). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the current value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of any assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $800, 183 including realized gains of $239, 712 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $560,471. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statements show that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to AddHlonal Information Your have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; 4. service provider and trustee information; and 5. reportable transactions. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Mr. Lou Delma who is the plan administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.20 for the full annual report, or $.10 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SlllJMARY AllNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS l'EllSION TRUST This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, EIN 13-6100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $34,447,742. These expenses included $5,165,016 in administrative expenses and $29,282,726 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 24, 192 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $578,646,134 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $562,498,325 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $16, 147,809. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $50,595,551 including employer contributions of $6,004,371, realized gains of $31,288,778 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $13,301,966. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. service provider and trustee information; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, O.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 8 Seafarers LOG Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $28,541,567 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $26, 146,074 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,395,493. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $39, 776,560 including employer contributions of $38, 157,696, realized gains of $162,334 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,456,530. Plan expenses were $37,381,067. These expenses included $4,026,033 in administrative expenses and $33,355,034 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To AddHional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. service provider and trustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG & DREDGE PENSION PUii This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,397,982. These expenses included $201,945 in administrative expenses and $1, 196,037 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 592 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $25,004,-173 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $24,527,804 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $476,669. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $1,874,651 including employer contributions of $232,063, realized gains of $550,523 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,092,065. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. 2000 - Your Rights To AddHional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. service provider and trustee information: 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1 .80 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. A Year of Personal Commitment So much has and continues to be written about the coming year-2000. On the one hand, it's just a new year; on the other hand, it's the beginning of a new decade . . . a new century . . . a new millennium. Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children can truly make 2000 a memorable beginning by applying for one of seven scholarships being awarded by the Seafarers Welfare Plan in May of next year. Three of the scholarships are reserved for SIV members. One is in the amount of $15,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Four scholarships are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The first step is to send away for the 2000 SIV Scholarship Program booklet (see form at right). Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. Since the completed application form (and other required paperwork) is due no later than April 15, 2000, applicants should start collecting the necessary documents as soon as possible. These include transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recom- me-ndation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate. Also, arrangements should be made to take the SAT or ACT tests by February. Filling out the coupon below is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, dreams and goals for a higher level of education. Make the year 2000 special-in more ways than one. r--------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet P which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name Mariner's Social Security Number Street Address ------------------~ City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 12199 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 L--------------------------------------------------~ December 1999 �He Sb.oats, He Scores! Retired Bosun Revives Hockey Passion Retired Bosun Peter Loik has spent much of his life on water, in one form or another. He enjoyed a prosperous, 44-year career with the SIU before retiring in 1991. Sandwiched around his sea time is a hockey calling that began when Loik was a toddler and now sees him competing in "over-70" tournaments throughout North America. That's a long time between shifts, eh? "When I started walking, I started skating," recalls the Saskatchewan, Canada native, who now resides in Baltimore. Left: Retired Bosun Peter Loik helped lead his over-70 team to first place in a recent ice hockey tournament in Vancouver. Philly Teamsters Win Strike, Thank Sealarers for Support Members of Teamsters Local 463 in Philadelphia recently won their strike against Wawa Dairies, thanks in part to widespread backing from fellow trade unionists. SIU members repeatedly joined Teamsters on the picket line, demonstrating their support. Other union members from as far as New York and Virginia also showed their encouragement. There are approximately 3,200 members of Local 463, some 280 of whom were on strike against Wawa. After the 11-day action, members in October ratified a new contract that included wage and benefit increases while eliminating all of the givebacks proposed by the company. In a letter addressed to the SIU executive board and the entire SIU membership, Local 463 Secretary-Trea'surer Robert Ryder stated, "Your support during our strike made the difference for our members and their families. When Wawa was confronted by the show of solidarity from unions across the tri-state area, they came back to the table and negotiated a fair agreement for our members. This would not have been possible without your help. "I want you and your members to know that you can always count on the support of this Local." Picketing in behalf of striking Teamsters in Philadelphia are (from left) OS Lafe Fraley, SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski, AB John Gallagher and AB Michael Maronski. This demonstration took place in early October. Seafarers show their support for Teamsters Local 463 as a television cameraman covers the demonstration outside a Wawa facility in Philadelphia. ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS Check Your Z-Card; Your Job May Be at Stake Merchant Ma rain er 's Documen t Must Be Renewed According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. All mariners MUST possess a renewed z-card in order to sail aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of 1999. That means as of January 1, 2000, all active z-cards must have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expiration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to ship with an expired document. (Mariners may renew their z-cards up to one year after the expiration date. However, mariners lose December 1999 their endorsements if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in two different locations: (1) near the mariner's photo on the front and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those z-cards without an expiration date, the date of issuance is located on the back of the document beside the fingerprint. However, any z-cards that do not have an expiration date printed on them will be void as of January 1, 2000. If you have any questions concerning the status of your z-card, contact your port agent or patrolman. "But I went to sea when I was 19, and didn't play hockey again for 50 years. I just got back into it a couple years ago." Playing in nearby Laurel, Md., Loik revived his hockey skills and then put them to good use in a recent tournament in Vancouver. His team (the Crawlers) placed first out of 10 squads in the division for players ages 70 and older. Loik, 73, played center, scoring a goal with two assists in the championship game. But he seems more proud of losing a tooth earlier in the tournament. "That made me feel like I'd been christened," he recalls. From the rink to the sea and back, Loik says he's always felt at home. He played for successful junior league and semi-pro hockey teams as a teenager before trading his sweater and skates for coveralls and work boots. "I guess I was a little wild in those days, and didn't really know what I wanted to do," Loik says. "I was looking for work, and I'm just glad I found the merchant marine. With the SIU, I had a reputable job with good money coming in. It was hard work, but if you did your job, there were no problems. It was a good fit. "Plus in those days, ships would stay in port for days or a week. You really got to see the world." Asked about his fondest seafaring memories, the recertified bosun describes a 1985 voyage aboard the Long Lines. "We laid the first fiber-optic cable in the world, in the Canary Islands. That was special." He also mentions helping with construction of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., which opened in 1967; and his grandson, Gerard Quinn, winning a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship two years ago. (Quinn attends college in New York.) "The union has done a lot for the members," states Loik, who frequently upgraded at the school. "I enjoyed sailing for the SIU, and my family was well taken care of." Even in retirement, Loik maintains an active interest in the union. He usually drops in at the Baltimore hall each week, and occasionally attends membership meetings there and in Piney Point. He also attended the ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School last summer. "You just can't get that 'ship talk' with neighbors," Loik chuckles. "With guys who are Seafarers, you can always communicate, catch up on the latest news and people's whereabouts." Likewise, he plans to keep honing his reborn puck prowess-although the tournaments largely are luck-of-the-draw. There are very few over-70 squads in North America, Loik explains, so individual players from throughout the continent are matched up on-site to form temporary teams. Loik's fortune worked well in the Vancouver tournament in September. His team included Toronto Maple Leafs 1946 rookie of the year Howie Meeker (perhaps more commonly known among younger hockey fans as the longtime voice of Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts). "After 50 years of not being on skates, it was a big change from climbing ladders and walking decks," Loik says. "But it's been great, and now I'm looking forward to more tournaments." Steward Kamer Cooks Up Better Life witb. tb.e Union When Mohamed Kamer immigrated to the United States 14 years ago, about the only thing he brought with him from his native Egypt was his ability to cook. Today, the 39-year-old Seafarer is upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to become a chief steward. In between has been a tremendous ride from the lowest ranks of the restaurant world to where he is today. "I started at the bottom," he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG recently. "I was a line cook." Since then, he has worked his way up as well as graduated from New York Chefs School in Manhattan. Not only has he learned the skills and techniques needed to survive in his field, he also has owned several restaurants in New York. In fact, he discovered the SIU through the clientele of his last business, a seafood restaurant in Brooklyn's Bay Ridge. "My customers were Seafarers. They told me all about what they did and talked me into it." Kamer sold his business and started sailing as a second baker and chief baker in 1997 aboard the SS Independence. While he enjoyed the work, he did notice quite a difference between operating a restaurant for himself and cooking aboard ship for others. "I have to follow the directions I am given," the galMohamed Kamer works in the Paul ley gang member Hall Center's culinary institute to stated. "The menu upgrade his galley skills. is already prepared and we have to follow what we have been given. There is very little opportunity to be creative, unless there is a special birthday or other event." Despite the change in both working and living situations, Kamer admits, "I love to sail." Even when he is not aboard ship, the Brooklynbased member can be found in the kitchen. During the last four summers, he has taken a month off from sailing to work with the same family in the mountains of upstate New York when they gather for their annual vacation. Kamer was selected by the family because of his high grades at the Manhattan school. He prepares the menus, does the shopping and cooks for as many as 30 people. He said he really enjoys doing this because it allows him to work on new dishes, especially seafood. Another benefit is he can take his daughter with him so they can spend time together. An American citizen for 10 years, Kamer plans to continue his career with the SIU. "This has been very good for me." Seafarers LOG 9 �To all my shipmates, retired and active, in the Gov't. Services Division (MSCPAC) A To all Seafarers and families Holiday greetings and best wishes to you and yours. God bless. Felix P Amara Sr. To Becky Sleeper Happiest of holidays and peace and prosperity in the coming year for you, your family and your staff. Our "Orgulf Angel" is still tops!! Nancy Avery and y our Orgulf members To Orgulf cooks Happy holidays! May all our crews be merry and the rivers all run smooth. And ban appetit! Nancy Ave1y To "Uncle Mel" Merry Christmas! At this time of new beginnings, I wish you all smooth seas and peace. Nancy Avery To Bosun Jeremiah Harrington and all SIU members Merry Christmas and a very happy, prosperous New Year. Smooth sailing. Pete M Amper JB3 To Carmine Barbati Your family loves you always. We miss you tremendously. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Lots of hugs and kisses 2 U. Happy birthday ol' man of mine! RoseMary, Jim and Rachel Barbati To Tricia Gerlach and the Bull family Have a happy holiday season and Happy New Year in 2000. Merry Christmas. Jeffery Bull c T b.e h.oliJ&y greetings ap;peari11g on th.is pa.ge were written girls, finally we are getting more female recertified stewards. Sometimes it takes a woman to add the right touch to make it all come together. Good luck and happy sailing, Donna DeCesare To Lanette Lopez and Paul Sending you this holiday greeting with much happiness for you. Congratulations on your engagement and may your first Christmas together be one to always remember. Mele Kalikimaka. Donna DeCesare & Johnny To my old shipmates Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Jimmie Dies JF Christmas is a special time of the year. And we wish you were here. We love you. There's no Christmas without you. (Happy birthday.) Van, Nita and Rodd Coleman To Vanessa, Lovenita and Rodderick Coleman Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I love you all and miss you very much. Xmas is just not Xmas without the ones you love. Roderick Coleman JO) To Judy Chester, Ruti DeMont, Lanette·Lopez and Susan Taylor-Moe Wishing all my sisters the best during this holiday season and always. Congratulations 10 Seafarers LOG To friends and family To Phil Kleinebreil Alive and kick'n! With continued growth, strength and faith, may we all share these holidays in spirit as we have together over all the years. Blair (Humes) Best wishes to you and your family over the holidays and into the new year. David Ling To all active and retired members of the best union in the world JK_ To Amir Kasim To Debra Loureiro Best wishes and happiness this holiday season. Always thinking of you . . .. J. Carlos Loureiro To Joel Lechel and Anthony I am so happy that you Sabattini and their families will be home this Christmas Best wishes and happiness and for the new year 2000. this holiday season. Have a This holiday will be full of great 2000 !!! joy and happi----J Carlos ness. Let the G "Remember When ... " Ernest Gibbons To Seafarers & their families Bless you and all your families always. Domingo Gordian To Monica Guffey To the love of my life, that I couldn't live without, sorry I can't be home. You're always with me! Happy holidays, babe. Love ya' T.J Guffey To all SIU members I would like to wish all the members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy holidays to all! T.J Guffey JHl To Lee Hardman Merry Christmas, daddy. I love you! Kailan Hardman To my brothers and sisters at sea and on the beach Best wishes on Christmas, the New Year, the new century and the new millennium. Filiberto Moreira To all former shipmates and their families Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Jimmy Moye T'was the LOG before Christmas to Nancy's surprise/ A message from Steve greeted her eyes .../Merry Christmas, Nancy, way down in Ole Miss./Merry Christmas, Nancy, I blow you a kiss ... Steve "The Kid" Nelson Clockwise from the top: Van, Ntta and Rodd Coleman; Capt. Louis F. Flade; Roderick Coleman; Amir and trma Kasim; Sandra. Alexander and Alicia Panko; Tom Tobias and Lester Moore. year. My best wishes also to all SIU members and their families. With love from your wife, Irma Kasim JL To all Seafarers I wish you all a joyful Xmas and a happy, healthy and safe New Year. Jean LaCorte To dad, mom, grandma, Mark and Leo Although I'm spending another holiday season out at sea, I want you to know that I think of you each and every day! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to "seaing" you soon. Love always, Jeff Lagana To Kasandra and Harper Merry Christmas and we're going to have a very merry New Year. The Christmas holidays are a special time for us. The lights are bright and the tree will be up with presentsand then our special presents in January and April. Love, your husband and daddy, Joel Lechel To the crew and officers on the Sea-Land Producer I want to say: very happy holidays to a great bunch of guys and gals and an excellent bunch of people to sail with. Feliz Navidad, and Happy New Year. Bosun Joel Lechel To Seafarers around the world To Judy E. McBurney Best wishes for the holiday season. You are my favorite people. May God bless you all. Hubert "Red" House Merry Christmas and a Happy ew Year to Judy and the kids and puppy Lewis and Boo and Kitty and Moxie and Tori and Cody Boy and Kelly and Darrin and Stephanie and David. Miss y'all. Love y'all. See y'all soon. Guy (Richard L. Lewis) I wish you all a great holiday. Willard Huggins To Elsa Moreira and my beloved children Laurie, Marquita, Vanessa, Zinzi and Al'Rashid To Nancy Avery We pray that God will bless you with goodness and happiness, great memories and the gifts of His perfect love. Hazel Jr. (Hayes) and Doretha Johnson To my shipmates and Capt. Murphy A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! William Morris Jr. N Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Wishing you safe voyages in 2000 and forever. Les and Mike Freeburn To all members To Roderick Coleman Merry Christmas and welcome to the Year 2000. Thanks for your help-and thanks to Janice in the Houston hall. Lester J Moore To the SIU membership To Jose F. Castillo Dad, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We love and miss you so much. Your loving kids, Anthony, Junior and Audrey Cerame To the Seafarers Welfare Plan Happy holidays to you and your family. Enjoyed our trip this summer. We will have to do it again. David Ling Merry Christmas to you and your family. Les and Mike Freeburn Peace and greetings this holiday season. May you sail with bountiful joy and always find safe harbors. Much love always, Richard J Fuller To Augusto B. Cerame To Donald S. Ling Thanks for your endearing "crazy nuts" love that makes me feel as special as you are in my life! Never far away, Love Blair (Humes) To Jesse Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Remember all the Christmases we shared as a family. Love you all. Your loving family, Mom (Charlotte E. Canion), Beverly, Tommy, Marylee, Bruce and Rob Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I love and miss you so much. Also, thanks for everything. Your loving wife, Sandra Cerame To Lesa Arnold I wish you the best this holiday season. Have a prosperous and healthy New Year. Stand up for your union, and use Piney Point to upgrade. Capt. Louis F. Flade To beloved brothers and sisters of the SIU, SUP, MC&S and MFOW To Augusto B. Cerame Se11.f11,re1•s, pensioners, friends 11.nJ la.m.- To all current and retired SIU members To William G. Rackley, Vilma and Tommy Lee Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We wish you were home with us. We love you very much. Your family (Maricela, Maria, Jose, Glenn and Mama Castillo) bi ' ily members. Ti1ey a.re lislertl in 11.lphabetical order by the name of tlu~ inJiviJua sending tl1e inessage. T lie Seafarers LOG joins vitb those appearing below in extending se11.son's greeetings to all. To Mrs. Virginia L. Ollivierre Season's greetings to my wonderful wife, Virginia. The most precious things in life are found in a good wife. I love you so much. Roger S. Ollivierre Ml To Rod "Bronco" Matsuura Honey, I just wanna tell you that I honestly love you with all my heart. Happy holidays. Your wife, Helen (Matsuura) To the deck, navigation and engine departments on the Mississippi Queen I would like to extend holiday greetings to all of you and your families. I hope you enjoy your upcoming time off during layup. Have a great 2000 sailing season. Robert Mclemore JP> To all my shipmates in MSC Oakland I wish all of you best wishes for a safe holiday season. I am well and kicking. Fair winds to all of you. Edward Palmer To Sandra, Alexander and Alicia Panko Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You guys are always on my mind. Have a nice holiday. I will be home soon. Dasril Panko To Neng, Eric and Ryan Peck Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! James D. Rae To Bill Romig Happy holidays! Thank you for all you do for us all year! You are the greatest dad and husband. We love you! Kori, Curtis and Jacob Romig To G. Jane Hullsiek Sanchez Merry Christmas, catwoman. Hope you have a purrfect Christmas holiday. Thanks for the joy and happiness you have given me. Your Juan and only, Juan D. Sanchez To all Seafarers and shoreside personnel Yuletide greetings and a salute to the best maritime union worldwide. Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Siddons To my son, Matthew Thomas Sjaastad I love you, son, and hope to see you soon. Dad (Arthur N. Sjaastad) To John G. Katsos Season's greetings to you, the keeper of the light (aka Lighthouse John). Thank you. Arthur Sjaastad (aka Turtle) To all Railroad Marine and deep sea members A very merry, healthy and happy holiday to all. [P.S. W. Hinko, call (516) 781-4385.] Orrin "O.D. "Smith and family 1~ To Mike, George, Jack, Carl and Bill Have a very Merry Xmas. And to our future brothers and sisters at Piney Point, welcome aboard. Thomas Tobias To the Andrew Furuseth class of '69, upgraders of '73 and '81, and trainees in the basic engine class of '73 Merry Xmas Thomas Tobias To all my SIU brothers and sisters at sea, on shore and abroad Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Thomas Tobias To Howard Yaekel Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mac (Tom McNellis) Happy holidays to my wonderful wife, Neng, and my sons Eric and Ryan. The past lives we've spent together can't compare to this one. Michael Peck To Kathy Parent Happy holiday, my love. It's so wonderful to have you home for all three holidays. Together forever i the best holiday gift you can give me. God bless. Love, Lucy Yaekel To all Seafarers and their families To all active seamen To Mary and Craig Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mac (Tom McNellis) To my wife, Hattie Merry Xmas, a prosperous New Year. God bless you. Your husband, A. Minors To SIU officials and members, especially at the NY hall Season's greetings to all. God bless you all. A. Minors To PRMMI shoregang Merry Christmas. God bless you all. A. Minors To my friend and retired member James Robinson Merry Xmas and a prosperous ew Year. A. Minors To /TB Groton officers and crew Merry Christmas to all of you. I'm happy to be working with you guys on Christmas Day, and I'm looking fonvard to working with you again. You make me feel good. Chief Cook Joel Molinas Have a wonderful millennium. Michael Peck To Dawn and Jared Pinkham Merry Christmas to my loving wife and wonderful son. I miss you both very much and I can't wait to see you again. Love, Mark Pinkham JR~ To Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley I would like to wish my wife and son a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in the year 2000. Bill Rackley To mom, Marylee, Bruce, Bob, Beverly and Tom From the Philippines, I would like to wish my family a great New Year and a Merry Christmas. William, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley God bless. Lucy Yaekel To all my brothers and sisters I used to sail and loved every day of life. Then I got hurt. It has been eight years since I last sailed, and I miss it and all the good people very much. Best wishes for a very happy and healthy holiday season. Have a good year. Sy Yaras MlJisc To the Sea Monkeys Group We wish you a joyous season as we all continue on our voyage to a happy destiny. Bo G. and Bill W To Mike Gramer Merry Christmas sweetheart. I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year. The kids and I will keep you in our hearts and prayers. We miss you! Brenda December 1999 �HE LAST 1O YEARS have seen tremendous change affecting all Americans. For instance, many people-not just major businesses-in 1990 were realizing how effective overnight delivery services were in transmitting documents. Then came the fax machine, making overnight too slow. Now, items are transmitted in seconds via email. Encyclopedias have given way to the internet. Friendly personal service from your local bank teller-even your local bank-has been replaced by pay-for-service cash machines operated by major multi-state financial institutions. Cellular phones are everywhere and young people do not understand where the term "dial the telephone" came from. Minivans and sport utility vehicles have replaced station wagons as the choice for family transportation. The Saturn has become one of the major nameplates on highways while the Plymouth is being eliminated. Even the United States currency has been redesigned. Yes, no one entering the 1990s could have foreseen the many, many transformations that would occur in just a decade. The same is true for the SIU and the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. As new 1990 calendars were being hung, some truly believed Old Glory would not be seen on the high seas when the year 2000 arrived. An American merchant fleet was an anachronism. Let someone else move the goods. But events in the Middle East changed that thinking. The vital role played by Seafarers and the rest of the U.S. merchant marine in supplying troops during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm set in motion a sea of change. New ships-especially prepositioning vessels-would be needed for future crises. Well-trained American mariners would have to crew them because the armed forces discovered some of their materiel was delayed when foreign crews refused to sail into a war zone. Militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels and their crews so proved their worth that Congress with the Bush and Clinton administrations worked for five years on legislation to revitalize the fleet. The U.S.-flag tanker fleet was rejuvenated when legislation allowed the export of Alaska North Slope crude oil while new double-hulled tankers, built in a unionized U.S. yard, began sailing in the Jones Act trade. The deep sea fleet was not the only place where change occurred. New inland tugs and barges provided additional jobs for Seafarers. The American Queen joined the Delta Queen Steamboat Company fleet of paddlewheelers, while the Columbia Queen sets sail next year. The U.S.-flag cruise industry came back to life thanks to American Classic Voyages. Two new deep sea passenger ships are being built by union workers and will begin sailing early in the next decade. Joining them will be five 225-passenger coastal cruise ships, the first of which will cast off in 2000. And the decade ended with members of the SIU and National Maritime Union voting whether the NMU should be merged into the Seafarers. Obviously, those cries about the demise of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet are only a bad memory. With all this change, there has been one constant. The main priority of the SIU has been job security for its members. "We dedicated ourselves to one thing," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "That was making sure Seafarers had safe, good-paying jobs. That was our priority in 1990 and it remains our priority going into the 21st century." Many other events have taken place during these 10 years that have changed the lives of Seafarers and their families. On the next four pages, the Seafarers LOG recalls some of the issues, actions and people that have guided this voyage during the decade of the 1990s. HE DECADE OPENS with the SIU expressing its concern over an annual report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation that all but dismissed the presence of a U.S.-flag merchant fleet. In a column published in the April 1990 edition of the Seafarers LOG, SIU President Michael Sacco states, "There can be no mistaking now that the Department of Transportation hasn't the slightest intention of making any serious creative effort to reverse the decline of the American-flag shipping industry .... Aside from some - - - - • acknowledgement that maritime is vital to the national security and some vague references to the need for shipping reform so that it can improve its competitive position, the statement of policy gave not the slightest sign of encouragement." At the same time, multi-national agribusinesses with their runaway-flag fleets lobby Congress to eliminate cargo preference laws. Then, a Middle Eastern event changes everything. Iraq invades Kuwait. American forces are ordered to Saudi Arabia to serve in a multinational force designed to remove the aggressors. The Ready Reserve Force fleet joins with MSC prepositioning ships and U.S.-flag commercial vessels to supply troops with tanks, ammunition, food and other materiel. Seafarers come out of retirement and union halls stay open around the clock to ensure no U.S.-flag vessel sails short. During this period, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Joe DiGiorgio retires and John Fay is named by the executive board to take his place. Byron Kelley becomes vice president for the lakes and inland waters and Dean Corgey moves up to Gulf Coast vice president. Brother DiGiorgio passes away at year's end. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School upgrades its curriculum with an advanced fire fighting course. While 1990 wraps up with the supply effort continuing, Seafarers also crew the first of three new AT&T cable ships: the Global Sentinel. . - - - - - . AYS INTO THE NEW YEAR, Operation Desert Shield gives way to Operation Desert Storm. Allied bombs rain on Iraq for several weeks before the ground invasion overruns Iraqi forces. The Persian Gulf War lasts 43 days. The U.S.-flag fleet is praised by military and government officials who review how each element of the build-up and combat performed. The head of the armed forces' logistics deployment calls the industry "the bedrock of America's defense transportation system. In the past six months, we have asked a great deal from America's maritime unions and you have responded by giving us everything we have asked for and more," adds General Hansford T. Johnson, who oversees the U.S. Transportation Command. Seafarers proudly march with America's armed forces in Washington, D.C.'s national victory parade. Further reviews during the year cite the need for a strong U.S.-flag fleet. After saluting the work done by the merchant marine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, tells the Senate, "Our nation's sealift capability needs improvement." By the end of the year, the SIU and other maritime unions jointly call for action to revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. (Earlier, these unions start the push to keep maritime out of the world trade talks, known as GATT.) The union opens a new hall in Honolulu and initiates a series of conferences around the country to educate members about the union's benefit programs. The training center in Piney Point, Md. is named in memory of the late SIU president who oversaw its creation: the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The first vessel that will be covered by a Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union contract-the Alton Be/le-begins sailing. SIU President Michael Sacco is elected to the AFL-CIO executive council. The U.S. Coast Guard announces it intends to charge mariners for their z-cards and to implement a renewal program for the documents. December 1999 1991 SeafanNS LOG 11 �Decade of Progress CTION BEGINS ON WHAT will eventually become the Maritime Security Program. A Pentagon study cites the need for more sealift capability based on its analysis of the Persian Gulf War. Then, Transportation Secretary Andrew Card presents during a Senate Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing the Bush administration's plan for a seven-year effort to help fund the U.S.-flag fleet. The maritime unions praise the proposal: "American maritime labor, the industry and Congress 1992 have demonstrated a willingness to work for a revival of a U.S.-flag shipping capability. With the addition of administration support to the equation, we are hopeful that what once looked to be a formidable task now has become a reachable goal." Congress takes no further action on the measure before it adjourns. Seafarers climb the gangway on the first new U.S.-flag containership built since 1987, Matson's R.J. Pfeiffer. The SIUcrewed Pride of Texas becomes the first U.S.-flag vessel to sail into Lithuania since 1939. "Red" Campbell steps down as contracts vice president. Augie Tellez replaces him. Retired Atlantic Coast Vice President Leon Hall passes away. President Bush signs legislation allowing gaming aboard U.S.-flag deep sea vessels. Delta Queen Steamboat Company announces plans to build a new paddlewheel vessel to ply the Mississippi and its tributaries. In the wake of the Coast Guard's new regulation governing benzene exposure, the Paul Hall Center offers classes to protect Seafarers. The Persian Gulf sealift operation wraps up, but vessels start sailing with supplies to Somalia. HE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION shows its interest in a maritime revitalization program within its first days in office. 1993 New Transportation Secretary Federico Pena calls representatives from maritime labor and industry together in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the needs of the U.S.-flag fleet. Former merchant mariner and retired Navy Vice Admiral Albert Herberger, who had served as deputy chief of TRANSCOM, is nominated to head the Maritime Administration. The White House sends legislation for a 10-year program to Capitol Hill. It is well received by the bipartisan leadership of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. The package makes its way through the House and passes 34 7-65. As the effort to enact revitalization grows, American President Lines and Sea-Land Service ask MarAd to allow the reflagging of 20 vessels. The SIU, with the other maritime unions, fights this request. Workers at the Avondale (la.) Shipyard begin a six-year battle to gain a union contract by voting almost 2-1 for representation. The UIW-contracted Queen Mary reopens after a year-long battle in Long Beach, Calif. Delta Queen Steamboat Company purchases American Hawaii Cruises, which operates the SIU-crewed SS independence and SS Constitution. The two companies will comprise American Classic Voyages. SIU Government Services Division members crew the Navy's first SWATHdesign T-AGOS vessel. Under the new standard freightship and tanker agreements ratified by the membership, medical coverage is extended to dependents and the pension cap is lifted. Tom Fay replaces Ken Conklin, who retired as vice president for the Paul Hall Center. Retired Gulf Coast Vice President Lindsey Williams passes away. International trade representatives agree to exclude maritime from GATT. HE YEAR STARTS WITH President Clinton becoming the first sitting chief executive to tour the Paul Hall Center. After Transportation Secretary Federico Pena tells the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department that the administration has included funds for maritime revitalization in its Fiscal Year 1995 budget, the White House sends a revised 10-year initiative to Congress. AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland, a former merchant officer, announces the unions' support: "Labor as a whole embraces the administration's maritime security program as an impor- 1994 tant step toward the revitalization of the American merchant marine." The House passes the measure 294-122. However, it is blocked in the Senate by farm-state legislators. The White House vows to bring the measure back in the next Congress. Because of the lack of a program, APL flags out its six new C-11 containerships and Sea-Land asks to reflag five of its vessels (which is granted in early 1995). The SIU and other maritime unions call for the repeal of the 21-year export ban of Alaska North Slope crude oil as long as the petroleum is carried by U.S.-flag tankers. Boatmen aboard E.N. Bisso tugs in New Orleans vote 45 to 27 for SIU representation. The effort to gain a contract begins. The Brooklyn union hall moves a block to its new location. The Paul Hall Center launches a series of EPA-approved refrigeration certification classes around the ports. It revises its steward department curriculum and purchases new vessels for hands-on training. SIU-crewed vessels return from Somalia and receive praise for their work, while other ships assist U.S. forces deployed to return democracy to Haiti. In national elections, the GOP gains control of Congress for the first time in 40 years. 12 Seafarers LOG December 1999 �HE NEW CONGRESS disbands the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee while merging the Senate Merchant Marine Subcommittee with one on surface transportation. 1995 However, the effort to gain maritime revitalization continues to push forward. The administration reintroduces its legislation. Senate Majority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.), the son of a union shipyard worker, tells the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department: "I want a U.S.-flag fleet, manned by American crews, and U.S. ships built by American labor." The bill goes to the Senate after the House approves it in a bipartisan voice vote. A measure to end the export ban of Alaska North Slope crude oil makes its way through Congress. SIU President Michael Sacco tells a Senate subcommittee many U.S.-flag tankers are tied up or scheduled for scrapping, thus keeping American mariners from sailing and keeping their skills sharp. He noted America's economic circumstances had changed since the 1970s when the ban went into effect. In May, the Senate approves lifting the ban 74-25. The House clears a different version in July 324-77. A conference committee irons out the differences. Congress again approves lifting the ban and President Clinton signs the measure on November 28. New jobs for Seafarers are gained. The American Queen is christened. Maersk brings two foreign-flag RO/ROs into the U.S. registry and reconfigures them as prepositioning vessels. Penn Maritime adds an ITB to its fleet. And five former Maersk foreign-flag vessels are earmarked to become Army prepositioning ships. The SIU-crewed Cape Race breaks out to assist U.N. efforts in Bosnia. The Paul Hall Center dedicates part of its Harry Lundeberg School facility as the Thomas 8. Crowley Sr. Campus for Higher Learning. The union opens a hall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Center Vice President Tom Fay succumbs to cancer. John Sweeney is elected president of the AFL-CIO. ARAD ANNOUNCES A SERIES of double-hulled Double Eagle tankers will be built at unionized Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. Construction funding comes from a Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee. These are the first tankers to be built in an American yard since the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 became law. Laid-up tankers begin sailing with SIU crews to move Alaska North Slope crude oil. Maritrans launches another ITB and the Paul Hall Center develops inland tankermen courses. Action moves to the Senate for a maritime revitalization program. The head of TRANSCOM, General Robert Rutherford, calls for its passage. In July, Trent Lott (R-Miss.) becomes Senate Majority Leader when Bob Dole (R-Kansas) resigns to run for president. Two months later, the legislation is debated by the full Senate where it passes 88-10. On October 8, President Clinton signs the measure enacting the Maritime Security Program, which will provide funds for 1O years for approximately 50 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. It is the first major piece of maritime legislation enacted since 1970. MarAd announces the first contract awards in December. 1996 The celebration was tempered by the unexpected loss of SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco to a heart attack. In other developments, SIU Secretary-Treasurer John Fay becomes chairman of the ITF Seafarers' Section. A new hall in Tacoma opens. Members are urged to acquire STCW certificates. The new standard freightship and tanker agreements expand medical benefits and create a money purchase pension plan. The Jones Act fight continues. More than 70 flag officers inform Congress of the need for the nation's freight cabo- CLINTON SIGNS SHIP BILL tage law. Seafarers and their families travel from North Carolina to attend a congressional hearing on the subject and meet with their representatives. I ~~, - Finally, MSC Pacific Fleet vessels are deployed in the Persian Gulf because of Iraqi attacks on the Kurds. 10-Year Program Salls Through Senate with Bipartisan Support December 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �Decade of Progress EEPING UP WITH THE ever-changing needs of the industry, the Paul Hall Center continues its efforts to meet and exceed what is required of American mariners. The facility starts issuing training record books which will allow Seafarers to show their compliance with international safety and training regulations without having to carry all kinds of papers. The facility revamps its syllabus for beginning mariners. The new nine-month unlicensed appren- - - - - tice program continues hands-on and classroom training at Piney Point but allows students to work for three months aboard U.S.-flag ships to learn more about the trade. 1997 The center also begins anti-terrorist training for members upgrading in government vessels courses. Enemies of the Jones Act renew their assault on the freight cabotage law. However, a bipartisan resolution supporting the act is introduced in the House of Representatives early in the session. By fall, more than half the members of the House have signed on as co-sponsors, effectively killing any action against the Jones Act. The executive board names John Fay executive vice president for the union, while Dave Heindel becomes secretary-treasurer. George McCartney retires as West Coast vice president. The board chooses Nick Marrone as his successor. A new SIU hall opens in Anchorage, Alaska. The SIU launches its web site. Seafarers continue to gain additional jobs as new tugs and vessels-including four reflagged Maersk containerships-come under contract. Bisso boatmen ratify the company's first union contract in its 117-year history. President Clinton signs legislation that includes the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, which provides funding to assist in new passenger ship development. NOL announces the purchase of APL which brings four C-11s to the U.S. registry. Tyco acquires the AT&T cable ship fleet. Efforts are announced to convert the mothballed Philadelphia Naval Yard into a commercial shipbuilding facility. ._,,__"' Things Right Place Right Time ~'· ~.~ R~ht ALKS AIMED AT A POSSIBLE AFFILIATION of the National Maritime Union into the SIUNA are announced during the NMU's convention, held in March at the Paul Hall Center. The effort culminates on December 10 when SIUNA President Michael Sacco and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie sign the document, thus bringing all the nation's major unlicensed maritime unions within the same organization. Seafarers sail to the Persian Gulf again to supply American and allied forces as Iraq once more rattles its sword. The delivery effort is praised by TRANSCOM while the president of the U.S. Navy League calls for more support for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Delta Queen Steamboat Co.mpany announces its intention to build five 225-passenger coastal cruise ships. They would sail along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Northwest coasts with the first coming on line by 2000. In testimony before Congress, the SIU talks favorably about the prospects for expanding the U.S.-flag cruise fleet. Senator John Breaux (Ola.) introduces legislation to help rebuild that fleet. The Clinton administration announces approval for dredging to begin in the port of New York/New Jersey so it can handle proposed deeper draft commercial vessels. The first two Double Eagle tankers-the Cape Lookout Shoals and Nantucket Shoals-set sail, joining other new ships in providing more job opportunities for Seafarers. SIU pensioners benefit when a new prescription drug program is initiated. Steel dumping by foreign nations adversely affects Seafarers working on the Great Lakes. The sailing season ends early after an extended run of record-setting years. Veterans Day takes on new meaning for merchant mariners who sailed between August 16, 1945 and December 31, 1946 as President Clinton signs into law an extension of World War II veterans' status for these Americans. The dates now coincide with all other veterans of that era. XPANSION OF THE U.S. PASSENGER SHIP FLEET becomes more of a reality when the president of American Classic Voyages and the president of Ingalls Shipbuilding sign a contract in the U.S. Capitol to build two 1,900-passenger vessels for the Hawaiian trades. Construction was made possible through the passage of the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project of 1997. Later in the year, American Classic Voyages announces the new ships will become part of a subsidiary .__ _ _• which will resurrect the United States Lines name. The company purchases the Nieuw Amsterdam, will reflag and upgrade it, and rename the ship the MS Patriot when it starts sailing around Hawaii late next year. Another subsidiary, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, releases its plans to offer paddlewheel service in the Pacific Northwest aboard the Columbia Queen. While all of these represent new job opportunities for Seafarers, SIU members climb the gangways to new car carriers, the Green Dale and the Tanabata, as well as other new vessels. SIU-crewed vessels continue to supply U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Balkans. The Paul Hall Center opens the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, providing a world-class facility for classroom and hands-on instruction minutes from the main Piney Point campus. Roy "Buck" Mercer retires as government services vice president. Kermett Mangram is named to replace him. Don Nolan becomes vice president of the Paul Hall Center. The union opens a new hall to serve the membership in New Orleans while the facility in Norfolk gets a facelift. Following talks throughout the year, a proposed merger to bring the NMU within the ranks of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District is announced in September. The year ends with members of both unions voting to see if the talks should proceed. 14 Seafarers LOS 1999 New Ships For Seafarers! To Come Al Sea December 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs 23 11 6 8 3 2 3 10 14 23 36 12 5 6 29 6 17 6 8 5 26 24 6 12 26 5 6 11 17 5 13 1 2 2 249 122 5 8 2 6 5 2 2 10 1 2 1l 4 7 5 7 44 20 2 7 9 23 23 19 4 4 0 2 9 8 25 2 21 17 24 8 8 19 4 2 4 68 181 6 7 8 2 2 11 8 3 6 1 12 6 9 3 2 6 5 7 2 3 12 3 0 2 7 2 3 2 86 58 5 6 10 2 9 4 1 68 22 23 61 41 45 43 13 15 37 3 2 2 393 8 6 15 31 9 20 11 4 12 20 3 3 1 186 9 3 5 9 7 12 3 18 7 0 6 January & February 2000 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point ............. Monday: January 3, February 7 Algonac .................. Friday: January 7, February J 1 Baltimore ................ Thursday: January 6, February 10 Duluth ..................... Wedne day: January 12, February 16 Honolulu .... ............. Friday: January 14, February 18 Houston .................. Monday: January 10, February 14 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: January 6, February IO Jersey City .............. Wednesday: January 19, February 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday: January 12, February 16 11 4 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: January 18, February 22 2 New Orleans ........ ... Tuesday: January 11, February 15 4 New York. .... ........... Tuesday: January 4, February 8 101 Norfolk ................... Thursday: January 6, February 10 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 15 4 5 4 8 4 1 6 5 4 8 20 12 8 10 11 5 4 24 3 2 0 9 8 5 6 3 8 9 0 3 5 0 4 2 0 4 2 1 6 7 1 5 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 1 9 6 3 3 6 4 2 5 8 2 6 10 14 4 4 9 2 0 1 4 0 7 5 6 5 6 3 2 4 14 1 0 2 3 0 3 5 I 3 0 1 2 2 2 6 8 10 32 21 16 18 8 9 25 2 3 1 7 7 2 3 1 6 2 3 3 3 l 2 0 129 86 46 92 64 41 12 7 0 7 4 13 14 22 14 17 2 7 12 2 0 0 133 5 1 5 4 4 I 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 45 16 98 7 1 25 2 13 5 0 1 5 11 0 1 8 9 1 3 22 1 0 0 30 5 2 12 5 1 9 7 13 19 9 11 12 4 8 IO 2 5 0 186 128 21 6 2 10 8 15 12 1 4 0 Totals 0 2 0 2 2 8 7 2 4 2 5 3 2 1 8 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 5 I 0 Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 2 4 2 7 6 6 4 3 6 15 12 15 13 3 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 1 0 8 9 5 1 2 2 1 8 2 0 7 6 0 4 6 2 1 2 48 I 0 2 0 36 29 40 24 2 10 3 15 12 1 3 0 3 2 3 4 5 9 4 1 7 3 3 0 3 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 12 38 221 0 90 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 28 33 0 3 3 3 22 12 2 11 17 3 12 9 4 10 17 31 25 10 24 4 38 19 0 0 1 7 1 0 0 St. Louis ................. Friday: January 14, February 18 Tacoma ................... Friday: January 21, February 25 Wilmington ............... Tuesday: January 18*, February 22* (*changes created by Martin Lutherc King Jr. s birthday and Presidents Day holidays) Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS OF THE SEA Arthur N. Sjaastad, who sailed as an AB from the port of Houston, is presently incarcerated and would love to hear from some of his former shipmates. His address is TDCJ-ID #681264, Estelle Unit, Foscil K-2205, Huntsville, Texas 77340. THOMAS CHIN 27 2 14 16 3 4 0 2 San Juan .................. Thursday: January 6, February LO Please contact Cyd Reagan, c/o Sylvia Westbrook, P.O. Box 1150, Mt. View, Hawaii 96771; or telephone (808) 968-6492. 6 1 Preventive Medicine in Tacoma 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 5 2 San Francisco ......... Thursday: January 13, February 17 3 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: January 5, February 9 1 0 4 3 I 6 7 6 3 8 12 6 3 13 20 6 17 5 11 3 6 4 2 l 0 2 4 1 5 19 0 0 7 5 8 5 9 11 13 1 19 30 86 1 12 4 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 6 l 0 0 48 158 170 27 0 2 2 106 559 411 300 398 292 5 14 4 9 0 1 9 8 4 4 6 11 13 11 7 l 8 13 3 51 3 0 19 0 0 143 0 87 243 235 254 136 887 647 411 13 5 104 10 0 Seafarers in the Tacoma, Wash. area lined up at the SIU hall for their annual flu shot on October 22. Among those taking the inoculation were (above) Recertified Steward Henry Jones and (below) SA Kaid Adam. Administering the shots is RN JoAnn Kauffman. 11 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 1999 Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntemational Union Directory OCTOBER 16 - Mid1ael Sac® · President CL - John Fay . Executive Vice President Augustin TeUez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone . Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services .. HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., # IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 {215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 ( 415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16'l2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 < ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG 29 21 0 18 17 0 7 12 0 24 19 Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 8 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 0 12 0 11 9 0 2 2 0 2 6 0 12 13 30 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters OCTOBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 NP - 0 27 39 27 Totals All Depts 0 78 69 0 *"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. BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 L-Lakes Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Da\'id Heindel Secretary-Treasurer NOVEMBER 15, 1999 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 1 0 0 40 0 1 0 0 42 0 3 0 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 25 1 26 0 0 1 0 0 15 1 16 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 NOVEMBER 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 20 0 2 6 3 5 28 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1 0 11 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 20 8 29 0 0 0 2 2 0 23 38 0 0 15 2 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 11 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 84 0 9 43 3 7 58 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 15 0 0 0 0 2 2 41 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by pensioner Ewing "Ed" Rihn of Franklinton, La. The picture was taken aboard the Waterman ship Mirabeau B. Yamar on a trip to Trieste in 1947. The vessel crewed in New Orleans and paid off in Baltimore. Standing (from the left) are Joe Huber, Chad Galt, Red Smith, Bill Grega! and Ed Rihn. Bosun Tom Freeman is kneeling at left. Rihn, 75, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Galveston and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. He won the Seafarers Safety Poster Contest of 1960-61 . Before retiring in 1984, Rihn worked with the Delta Steamship Lines shoregang in New Orleans. December 1999 �- - - - -- - - - - - - - -...._.-~....-ri__.,.....,.________ _ _ _ ___ -·-- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-.flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. hree recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 19 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing more than 130 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Kenneth W. Craft, Ronald W. Dailey and Neil D. Matthey and Recertified Steward Harold Fielder are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the four recertified graduates, 14 of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, four shipped on inland vessels, and one plied the Great Lakes. Nine of the retiring pensioners sailed in the deck department, eight worked in the steward department and two shipped in the engine department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA ABDULR. ABDO, 67, began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Halcyon Panther. Born in Arabia, he worked in the steward department. Brother Abdo last sailed in 1996 aboard the President Chester B. Arthur, an American President Lines vessel. He has retired to San Francisco. RITA M. BALLARD, 60, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard Matson Navigation Co. 's Lurline. A member of the steward department, Sister Ballard last sailed aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Born in Switzerland, she makes her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. KENNETH W.CRAFT, 59, started his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Raleigh, operated by Crest Overseas Shipping Co. Born in North Dakota, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1984. Prior to retirement, Brother Craft sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1957 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Navy. He has retired to Winter- haven, Calif. RONALDW. DAILEY, 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 from the port of Tampa, Fla., sailing in the inland division aboard the Dixie Prag- December 1999 ress. The deck department member later transferred to deep sea vessels. Brother Dailey frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1992. The Ohio native served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1964. Prior to retirement, he sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Jacksonville, Fla. is where he calls home. ARLIE A. DILLARD, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1962 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Cathy, operated by Sea Transport Co. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dillard last sailed in 1980 aboard the Overseas Anchor. He has retired to Houston. HAROLDH. FIELDER, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952 from the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958 and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. The steward department member last sailed in 1989 aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Brother Fielder makes his home in Mobile. HERBERT HOLLINGS, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Afoundria. A native of Mobile, Ala., he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Sgt. William R. Button, an American Overseas Marine Corp. vessel. Brother Hollings makes his home in Mobile. MARCOSC. LEGASPI, 64, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1963 and joined the union in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Wilson, an American President Lines vessel. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Mokihana, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Legaspi calls San .---...........=------,Francisco home. THOMAS MARTINEZ, 79, began his career with the Seafarers in ~-~~-~ 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Ecuador, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He last sailed aboard the USNS Able, operated by Maersk Line, Ltd. He makes his home in Philadelphia. NEILD. MATTHEY, 70, first sailed with the SIU in 1947, aboard the Marine Phoenix. Born in California, the U.S. Navy veteran worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1976. Prior to retirement, he worked aboard the Equality State, an Interocean Ugland Management Corp. vessel. Brother Matthey has retired to La Marque, Texas. NEWTON RADER, 61, graduated from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1961. Born in the Philippines, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Rader worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Grant, an American Ship Management vessel. He calls San Pedro, Calif. home. ANASTACIO SERENO, 68, began his career with the MC&S in 1972 from the port of San Francisco, after graduating from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. His first ship was the Achilles, operated by Newport Tankers Corp. Brother Sereno worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Manukai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. A native of the Philippines, he has retired to Milpitas, Calif. RAY F. SIMS, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York aboard the Seatrain Florida. Born in Tennessee, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union 's school in Piney Point, Md. From 1952 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Sims last sailed in 1992 aboard the Overseas Juneau. He calls San Francisco home. ANTONIOB. TREVINO, 65, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Trevino was a member of the deck department. Born in Honduras, he last sailed in 1983 aboard the Cove Sailor, operated by Cove Shipping. He makes his home in Dallas. INLAND BETTYC. ADAMS, 63, started her career with the Seafarers in 1985. Born in Illinois, she worked in the steward department. Sister Adams sailed primarily aboard Orgulf Transport Co. vessels. She has retired to Effmgham, Ill. ALBERTB. CHURCIIlLL, 63, joined the SIU in 1952. The Texas native sailed as a captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Co. Boatman Churchill makes his home in League City, Texas. BILLYM. MARE LL, 60, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 aboard deep sea vessel Chiwawa, operated by Interocean Management. He later transferred to the inland division, working in the deck department and upgrading his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Maritrans tug Columbia. Boatman Marell calls Middleburg, Fla. home. CARLK. MOOR, 71, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Tennessee, he sailed in the deck department and graduated from the towboat scholarship program in 1979 at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he continued to upgrade his skills at the school. He last sailed aboard the Falcon, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. From 1948 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Moor has retired to Norfolk. GREAT LAKES AHMEDS. SHAIBI, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in Detroit. His first ship was the Harris N. Snyder. A native of Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen in 1974. Brother Shaibi worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Medusa Challenger, operated by Cement Transit. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. strong belief in independence is also the longterm goal of America during this current ener1950 gy crisis.... The SIU Atlantic and Guff District became the Vice President and former House Minority first seamen's union to negotiate a companyLeader Gerald R. Ford (R-Mlch.) outlined for financed Welfare Plan m==============================~ the delegates of the for its members. This SIUNA convention was established in an what he feels will be agreement signed with his responsibility in nine contracted his new post as steamship companies on America's 4oth vice December 28. president. Although the companies will make all the contributions to the wel1990 fare fund, the agreement provides for joint An additional breakout of Seafarers will crew administration by a committee representing another 13 ships from the government's the union and the steamship companies. Ready Reserve Force ( RRF) fleet which has Under the terms of the contract each compabeen activated by the military to support the ny will contribute into a common fund, the massive deployment of supplies and equipment sum of 2 5 cents per day for each man to the Persian Gulf.... employed aboard its vessels. As part of the massive logistical effort supplying Operation Desert Shield, the most recently 1973 deployed RRF ships will carry heavy vehicles Addressing a standing-room only audience at and other materiel for the soon-to-be the SIUNA convention, President Richard M. 430,000 American military personnel Nixon stressed that the Seafarers' traditionally assigned to duty in the Persian Gulf. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THI 0 T 'N SIU HJ TO Y Seafarers LOG 17 �,f f DEEP SEA RONALD J. ADRIAN! Ronald J. Adriani, 59, passed away August 26. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. Born in Connecticut, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Brother Adriani upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1958 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Friday Harbor, Wash. . _ __ _ _ _ ____J JOSE CIRO A. ALVARADO Pensioner Jose Ciro A. Alvarado, 76, died October 11. Born in Mexico, he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in Galveston, Texas. His first ship was the Republic. During his career, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Spirit of Texas, a Titan Navigation vessel. Brother Alvarado made his home in Dickinson, Texas and retired in June 1986. PAULL. BAKER Pensioner Paul L. Baker, 72, passed away October 10. A native of Ohio, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Baker sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1984. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a resident of San Francisco. SERVANDO J. CANALES Pensioner Servando J. Canales, 66, died October 16. Brother Canales began sailing with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the deck department as a bosun. He last sailed in 1976 aboard the Mayaguez, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. A resident of Metairie, La., he retired in January 1998. BIAGIO DiMENTO Pensioner Biagio DiMento, 77, passed away August 26, 1998. Born in Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. During his career, he worked in all three departments, last sailing in 197 5 in the deck department aboard the Samuel Chase, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother DiMento lived in the Philippines and started receiving his pension in June 1989. HARVEY E. FAIRBURN Pensioner Harvey E. Fairburn, 81 , died October 6. He began his career 18 Seafarers LOG with the Seafarers in 1946. The Louisiana native sailed in the engine department and started receiving his pension lot!!!:il:.........1~.-.'""--.-....L_-11 in October 1976. Brother Fairburn was a resident of Fort Worth, Texas. GEORGE E. FRIES Pensioner George E. Fries, i\ 55, passed away :~~' October 10. Born in New York, be graduated from the entry level training pro~mi!~11...-_jPSi\'(/j gram at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in 1965 and joined the SIU in the port of Wilmington, Calif Brother Fries worked in the deck department, last sailing as a bosun aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. A resident of Paramount, Calif., he retired in November 1998. ·= fR JACK GOTTLIEB Pensioner Jack Gottlieb, 92, died August 17. Brother Gottlieb was a member of the MC&S. He sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in October 1970. Brother Gottlieb was a resident of Boston. EUGENE R. HALL Pensioner Eugene R. Hall, 85, passed away September 11. A native of Ohio, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of '-''----"--:>..---L..J~ Norfolk, Va. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in September 197 5, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Hall made his home in Sea Level, N.C. CARY V. HAYWOOD Pensioner Cary V. Haywood, 68, died September 21. He first sailed with the SIU in 1947 aboard the Half Knot. Brother Haywood worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Flickertail State, operated by Interocean Management. From 1948 to 1952, the Virginia native served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Haywood was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. and began receiving his pension in December 1995. CHARLES H. HURLBURT Pensioner Charles H. Hurlburt, 69, passed away August 17. Born in New ~ York, he joined the Seafarers in 1952, sailing ~~"'-3flii.;Jl...;..iL....::...J1UiL.J aboard the Sultana, operated by Nicholson Steamship Co. Brother Hurlburt worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in February 1991 , he sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. From 1947 to 1951 , he served in the U.S. Navy. Galveston, Texas was his home. ARTHUR R. McCREE -._~;;;;;;jjjj.---t Pensioner Arthur R. Mccree, 71, died September 26. Brother McCree began 1 · his career with the SIU in 1952 "--......,.--...;;;;;;;;;....j from the port of L-::===========~ San Francisco. Born in South Africa, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Westward Venture, operated by Interocean Management. He was a resident of Federal Way, Wash. and started receiving his pension in September 1996. 1 COOPER H. McMILLIN Pensioner Cooper H. McMillin, 86, passed away September 25. A native of Missouri, he started his sailing career with the Seafarers in 1966 aboard the Oberlin Victory. Brother McMillin worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Philadelphia. A resident of Caldwell, Idaho, he retired in April 1984. ERNEST E. MULIERI Pensioner Ernest E. Mulieri, 80, died September 3. Born in Boston, he first sailed with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Mulieri worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills to a licensed officer in 1966. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He made his home in Salem, Mass. and began receiving his pension in September 1983. ARON B. NEDDIO Pensioner Aron B. Neddie, 84, passed away October 17. Brother Neddie was a member of the MC&S. He sailed in the steward department and retired in September 1973. He made his home in New Orleans. VIRGINIA M. PENA Virginia M. Pena, 65, died September 15. She joined the MC&S in 1961. Sister Pena worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1989 aboard the President Harrison, an American President Line vessel. Seattle was her home. ALFREDO RIOS _.....,.....__, Pensioner Alfredo Rios, 77, passed away September 14. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career with the Sea'-'-----""-.n.u:-~.......... farers in 1943 from the port of New York. He worked as a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring in June 1985, he sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Rios made his home in Brooklyn, N .Y. CHARLESW. ROSENBERGER Charles W. Rosenberger, 73, died September 6. Born in Iowa, he started his career with the SIU in 1970, sailing aboard the Rose City, a Sea- Land Service vessel. Brother Rosenberger sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1948 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy. He last sailed in 1989 aboard the Rover, operated by Ocean Carriers. San Francisco was his home. MATTHEW X. RYAN Matthew X. Ryan, 34, passed away September 14. He graduated from the entry-level training program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in 1988 and joined the SIU in Piney, Point, Md. His first ship was the Sea-Land Commitment. The New Jersey native sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the school. Brother Ryan last sailed aboard the Osprey. He made his home in Washington, Maine. DAVID R. SUMULONG Pensioner David R. Sumulong, 85, died August 29. Brother Sumulong began sailing with the SIU in 1949 from the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in October 1975, he worked aboard the Transcolumbia, operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. He was a resident of the Philippines. RALPH H. TAYLOR Pensioner Ralph H. Taylor, 94, passed away ,, September 19. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in November 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department. During his career, he was active in union affairs and organizing drives. A resident of Mobile, he began receiving his pension in April 1973. MANUEL A. TONGSON Pensioner Manuel A. Tongson, 97, died September 25. Born in the Philippines, he joined the MC&S in 1943, first sailing aboard the Aleutian. Brother Tongson worked in the steward department. He signed off the Great Falls Victory prior to retiring in August 1968. He was a resident of Seattle. ERNEST A. TRADER Pensioner Ernest A. Trader, 71 , passed away September 27. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the ...............1•111:1:•LI~ Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the John Gibbon. He sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Trader last worked in the inland division aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. A resident of Havelock, N.C ., he began receiving his pension in January 1993. ~ INLAND WILMER P. GASTON Pensioner Wilmer P. Gaston, 81, died October 3. A native of Texas, he joined the SIU in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. Starting out in the deck department, he later transferred to the engine department. Prior to retiring in June 1982, he worked aboard a Sabine Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Boatman Gaston made his home in Nederland, Texas. JAMES T. MALONE Pensioner James T. < Malone, 74, , passed away October 3. He " began his career ,- with the Seafarers in 1953 • in the port of ............._--" Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer. Boatman Malone sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in December 1987. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. ROBERT F. SCHWATKA Pensioner Robert F. Scbwatka, 71, died October 1. Born in Maryland, he began sailing with the SIU in 1956 from the port of Baltimore. Boatman Schwatka worked as a chief engineer and started receiving his pension in June 1984. He was a resident of Monkton, Md. RICHARD A. TANNER Pensioner Richard A. Tanner, 76, passed away September 14. Boatman Tanner first sailed with the Seafarers in 1973. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Sheridan Transportation Co. vessels. In 1993, he was honored by the United Seamen's Service for his role in the rescue of a badly burned mariner in Tampa Bay. Prior to retiring in January 1994, he signed off the Ocean Star. He made his home in Tampa, Fla. GREAT LAKES STEVEN KOCAK Pensioner Steven Kocak, 87, passed away September 11. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. His .____..'--"---~---' first ship was the Diamond Alkali. The Ohio native worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Saginaw Bay . Both first and last ships were operated by American Steamship Co. Boatman Kocak was a resident of Toledo, Ohio. He started receiving his pension in April 1977. December 1999 �Jhe $11;1fartJ~J06 atte11]pls to print as many digests of union shipboard inliluteg as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations~ some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. COURIER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), June 2-Chairman Gabriel I. Bonefont, Secretary Eva M. Myers, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate John Gilliam. Butterworth wages resolved from last meeting. Chairman announced payoff in Marcus Hook, Pa. June 4. All's well aboard ship with no accidents, beefs or disputed OT. Crew reminded that education means higher wages and that upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. available to all members in good standing. Bosun also encouraged everyone to contribute to SPAD: "In the long run, you will gain." Educational director echoed bosun's urging of crew members to attend upgrading classes. Treasurer announced $1,400 in ship's fund. Vote of thanks given to steward department "for their endless effort to please." Next ports: Marcus Hook; Hog Island, Pa.; Paulsboro, N.J. MAYAGUEZ (Navieras NPR), June 24-Chairman Al Caulder, Secretary Richard K. Ward, Educational Director Michael C. Martykan, Engine Delegate Michael S. McClinton. Couch from crew lounge removed in l>hiladelphia last month. Crew waiting for its repair or replacement. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Educational director asked that unsafe conditions be reported: "Safety first." He also reminded crew to keep on top ofSTCW requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for receipt of vacation check after 60 days or completion of relief period. Also requested change in pension rules where if a Seafarer acquires 20 years of sea service or 7,300 days, he or she can retire with full pension (similar to military air traffic controllers and other unions). Suggestions to be sent to contracts department. Crew members expressed concern about recent random drug test conducted by San Juan customs agents. Unlike traditional drug testing, individually chemically treated cloth was used for sampling on hands. Samples placed in ordinary mail envelopes containing each person's name. Concern is with possible contamination, tampering, identity checks and verification. Steward department doing fine job, and ship camaraderie is excellent. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. HMINANTUCKETSHOALS (illM), July 30-Chairman James A. Jowera, Secretary Lonnie W. Jones, Educational Director Hanable Smith Jr., Deck Delegate Roderick Coleman, Engine Delegate Milton Israel, Steward Delegate Ron Davis. Chairman stressed need to work together aboard vessel. Any problems should be taken to department head first. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), September 12-Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Guadalupe A. Campbell, Deck Delegate Nick Jocce, Steward Delegate Julio C. Arzu. Chairman reported good trip. Everyone working well together. Crew December 1999 received new TV and VCR. Discharge in port of Mombasa, Kenya went smoothly. First port back in U.S. scheduled to be Lake Charles, La. Sanitary inspection due after fire and boat drill. Everyone getting off ship should have room ready for next person. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point and get endorsements necessary to continue sailing. Treasurer announced $160 in ship's fund which will be used to purchase new movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several items requested, including new furniture for TV lounge, place to exercise (gym) and repair to starboard gangway. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. HM/ BRETON REEF (IUM), September 30-Chairman Victor Beata, Secretary Josef Wouthuyzen, Educational Director Charles W. Thompson Jr., Deck Delegate Kenneth G. Boone, Steward Delegate Randy A. Stephens. Chairman noted smooth voyage with no beefs or disputed OT. He stated captain will reimburse crew members for movies purchased. Educational director reminded crew of necessity of applying for TRBs. Clarification requested in engine department on penalty time for cleaning closed spaces. Suggestion made to improve shipboard gym. Everyone asked to help keep ship living areas clean. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: New York and Philadelphia. HUMACAO (Navieras NPR), September 12-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Janet Price, Educational Director Angel Hernandez, Deck Delegate William G. Rackley, Engine Delegate Anthony Rosa, Steward Delegate Samuel A. Sotomayor. Chairman told crew members of letter of understanding which states that as long as steward department has four men, no one will get paid extra for cleaning own fo'c'sle. He also noted new washing machine installed and bid received for fixing tiles. Crew now awaiting approval of bid by company as well as transportation from ship to gate in Jacksonville. Until tile repairs are completed, crew will be inconvenienced for about a week-"but it will be well worth it," according to bosun. Everyone asked to save wooden boxes and bread boxes for bosun. Secretary asked crew to be aware of stevedores in house and call captain if if any are seen. Messhalls should be kept locked while in port. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point as often as possible and to get STCW endorsements. Treasurer announced $50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for cleanliness and great menus. Suggestion made to ask welfare plan for dependents' prescription coverage. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, P.R. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Osprey), September 27Chairman Robert B. F. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Steven Dickson, Educational Director Richard D. Hannon, Deck Delegate Thomas Gagnon, Steward Delegate Richard Garcea. Chairman noted ship at berth in Apra Harbor, Guam until next trip to Saipan in October. New fumitw-e for lounge requisitioned last month and cable hook-up for TV in budget for next year. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and take full advantage of facilities there. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Parts of recent LOG read, including proposed merger of SIU and NMU and passing of former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. Everyone reminded to have rooms clean upon departure from ship. Request made to improve transportation for crew and officers since shuttle service not dependable. NEWARK SAY(Sea-Land Service), September 12-Chairman Calvain A. James, Secretary Gwendolyn Shinholster, Educational Director Michael Las Dulce, Deck Delegate Keith D. O'Bryan, Engine Delegate Gerardo Moreno, Steward Delegate Charles N. Ratcliff. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville upon arrival. He also reminded crew to observe safety practices on deck. Secretary noted collection to be sent to Bosun Pete Sanchez's family and thanked officers and crew for contributions. Brother Sanchez passed away aboard ship. Educational director reminded crew members of importance of upgrading and need for STCW endorsements required to sail after February 1, 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested regarding day's pay in lieu of day off. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and keeping ship clean. Radio and VCR in need of repair, and new dryer requested for crew laundry room. OOCL INNOVATION (Sea-Land Service), September 19-Secretary Edward Dunn, Deck Delegate Oscar Lopez, Engine Delegate Owen Duffy. Secretary thanked crew for keeping ship clean. Educational director urged members to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to request contracts department to look into getting vacation check every 90 days and having pension raises retroactive for members in retirement. Prescription drug plan also requested. New toasters needed in both messhalls. Next port: Portsmouth, Va. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding Inc.), September 12-Chairman Donald C. Coggins, Secretary Lovell McElroy Sr., Educational Director Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Robert Hayes, Engine Delegate Gilbert Tedder, Steward Delegate Evan Verveniotis. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and getting STCW endorsements. Treasurer announced $110 in ship's fund. No disputed OT reported. Beef noted by steward delegate. Everyone reminded to help keep ship in tip-top condition by cleaning dryer vents and having rooms ready for replacements. Vessel heading to Greece and Italy. ROVER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), September 12-Chairman Russell F. Barrack Jr., Secretary Juan B. Gonzalez, Educational Director Clyde D. Smith, Deck Delegate Terrence P. Kane, Steward Delegate Leoncio Castro. Chairman stated clarification received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding OT rates for tank cleaning. He said everything running smoothly. Payoff expected September 17 in Portland, Ore. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point and keep up-to-date on TRBs, z- card renewals and STCW endorsements. Treasurer announced captain holds $1,700 belonging to ship's fund. Whoever goes ashore for movies or games should provide captain with receipt for reimbursement. Some disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering eligibility requirements for vacation. Vote of thanks given Captain and chief mated thanked everyone for job well done. Ship passed Coast Guard and ABS inspections with no problems. Chairman noted crew has not received economic price adjustment for this year but other two Waterman ships have. He also reminded members about union's new fire fighting school. Educational director stressed need to get STCW endorsements. Crew Oh, to Be in England The Gopher State and its crew were in Southampton, England this past spring. The prepositioning vessel then returned to Guam, where it remains on stand-by alert, ready to sail at a moment's notice to provide ammunition, stores, vehicles and other material needed by American ground forces in times of rapid deployment. In this photo, the captain and some of the ship's crew take time out in London to pose in front of that city's famous tower. to steward department for great food and clean ship. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), September 12Chairman Frank Lyle, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald Bermeo. Everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT, according to secretary. Educational director advised crew members to take opportunity to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Chairman read president's report from LOG regarding SIU and NMU members upgrading side by side at Piney Point. Crew sorry to hear about death of former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), September 12Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate William D. Brinson Jr., Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford B. Elliot. Chairman reported payoff and loading of stores to take place September 14 in Jacksonville. He reminded everyone of hurricane season and to secure room TVs and stereos. Bungee cords available for anyone needing them. Educational director advised members to check STCW certificates and z-cards to make sure they have not expired. Treasurer announced $100 remaining in ship's fund. Crew voted to use assets to get satellite system working. Disputed OT reported in all three departments. Discussion held regarding articles in LOG including new ships, jobs and proposed merger between Sill and NMU. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department regarding lowering amount of sea time required to receive full pension. Second ice machine requested since vessel operates in tropics and current machine cannot keep up with demand. Bosun thanked steward department for job well done. Crew remembered late Steward Beau James. Next ports: Jacksonville and San Juan, P.R. SGT MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), September 19-Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble Jr., Educational Director Jerald Graham, Deck Delegate Robert A. Hudas, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines Jr., Steward Delegate Clarence Robinson. members have until end of year to take advantage of U.S. Coast Guard relaxed assessment period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read regarding SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made and sent to headquarters regarding payment of prescription drugs for dependents. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding job. Next port: Rota, Spain. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport), October 4-Chairman Gregory A. Agren, Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director E. Olson, Engine Delegate Giuseppe Ciciulla, Steward Delegate Robert W. Gilliam. Chairman read president's report from LOG regarding SIU-NMU merger. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and reading monthly LOGtwo ways to keep abreast of union activities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Portland, Ore. LNG TAURUS (Pronav Ship Mgmt.), October 3-Chairman Daniel Marcus, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director Curtis Jackson, Deck Delegate John Ray, Engine Delegate John Orr, Steward Delegate Ben Opaon. Chairman thanked all departments for working well together, and steward thanked deck and engine departments for keeping galley equipment and storerooms organized. Educational director reminded everyone to take opportunity to attend classes at Paul Hall Center, especially new fire fighting complex. Treasurer announced $561 in ship's fund. Will look into purchase and installation of satellite dish. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Report read concerning SIU-NMU merger. Crew expressed mixed feelings. Main concerns have to do with seniority issues and competition for jobs. Secretary informed them that thousands of jobs will become available in next few years because of new ships coming under SIU contract. Thanks given to VP Gov't Services Kermett Mangram for visiting vessel to inform crew of reflagging changes that may occur. Bosun thanked steward department for excellent work: "Food has been so good that we'll all have to buy a new set of larger clothes when we get home!" Next ports: Nagoya, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia; Tobata, Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND AND SUBSIDIARY Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Proud Veterans Keep WWII Facts Straight (The following letter was first published in The Daily News, McKeesport, Pa. , October 11, 1999.) A recent fact sheet from the national headquarters of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, which revealed the newest casualty figures of World War II, included the following statistics: Merchant Marine - 1 in 29, Marines - 1 in 34, Navy - 1 in 114. Many people tried to make us feel cheap and like secondrate citizens, but no more. We are proud veterans and our group had the highest casualty rate of any of the armed services. Do these sound like figures we should be embarrassed about? And remember, we all volunteered in a declared war. I also sent copies of the report to the national and state VFW headquarters to educate them on World War II history. In the year 2000, I will have two chapters in a book on untold stories of World War II that should shock most Americans out of their drawers. Peter Salvo McKeesport, Pa. Happy With New Contract To all involved in negotiating the new ASM agreement: On behalf of my SIU brothon board the APL Philippines and myself, I extend a vote of thanks to the SIU negotiating team and ASM management for the wage increase. The whole economic package increase for the life of the agreement was a big boost to crew morale. Special thanks to SIU President Mike Sacco, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and the rest of the SIU Executive Board. We support your hard work and your fighting dedication for improving the lives of SIU merchant mariners and their families by continuing to add more jobs and the opportunity to upgrade skills to ensure success of its members, like providing STCW training to help protect the U.S. merchant fleet from foreign encroachment. This is truly an ex citing time as our membership continues to grow and with more jobs on the way! Also, the maritime industry needs more innovative companies like ASM. Keep getting those contracts! We as U.S. merchant mariners will support the politicians who help preserve and add more stars-and-stripes flags atop the growing number of merchant vessels around the world. Jim Wilson, Chief Steward APL Philippines ers ·Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and condi- 20 Seafarers LOG This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Welfare Fund and Subsidiary, EIN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31 , 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan , was $27,483,633 as of December 31 , 1998, compared to $23,785,749 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $3,697,884. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is. the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $46,730,099 including employer contributions of $44,645,526, realized gains of $272,933 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,755,158. Plan expenses were $43,032,215. These expenses included $5,193,485 in administrative expenses and $37,838,730 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001 ,. for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31 , 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund . Plan expenses were $124,872. These expenses included $100,964 in administrative expenses and $23,908 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 5, 140 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan , was $3,961,403 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $2,018 ,318 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1 ,943,085. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $2,067,957 including employer contributions of $1 ,724,794, employee contributions of $13,442, realized gains of $75,638 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $254,083. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. service provider and trustee information; 3. assets held for investment; and 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211 , (301) 8990675 . The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. , Washington, DC 20210. report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. service provider and trustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part f hat report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the d of annual report at the main office of the p Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. , or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration , U.S. Department of Labor. 200 Constitution Avenue. N.W .. Washington, DC 20210. · tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. December 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the first few months of 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 24 February 21 February 18 March 17 Able Seaman - Inland January 24 February 11 Lifeboatman January 10 February 1 January 21 (pre-AB) Feb. 19 (pre-AB) Radar January 17 March 6 January 28 March 17 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) January 10 January 31 January 14 February 4 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* January 10 February 7 March 6 January 28 February 25 March 24 Basic Firefighting January 17 February 28 January 21 March 3 Advanced Firefighting January IO February 14 March 6 January 21 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels January 31 February 28 February 18 March 17 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* January 24 March 13 January 28 March 17 February 28 March 3 February 28 March 3 (*must have basicfirefighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler January 10 February 18 QMED January 24 April 14 Basic Electronics January 10 January 28 Mari e Electronics Technician I January 31 February 18 Welding January 10 February 14 January 28 March3 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. The January edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete .guide of all the upgrading courses available to Seafarers in the Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 6, 13, 20, 27 January 10, 24 February 7, 21 March 6, 20 __~ _____________________________________ _ :'.\_ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their apvlication. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE BEGIN END DATE DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth - - - -- - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - December 1999 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou 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: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12199 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Power Plant Maintenance - Graduating from power plant maintenance course on October 22 are (from left, first row) William Kelley, Timothy Horger, Thomas Keseru, Gonzie Knott, (second row) Joseph Grandinetti, Steve Stepanski, Ursel Barber, Lawrence Rose and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Tankerman (PIC) Barge - Marking completion of the tankerman (PIC) barge class on October 22 are (from left, seated) Mohamed Hossain, Daniel Gishy, Mark Wain, Walter Loveless, (second row) Michael Mayo, Patrick David, Mitch Oakley (instructor) and Bill Pratley. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left, kneeling) Robert Valentine, Saundra Leonard, Ty Heller, Vicente Ordonez, Arsenio Gusilator Jr., (standing) Chef/Instructor Ed White, John Stephen, Edgardo Ong, Jeffrey Badua, Abdellalif Benjouhra, Charles Carrol, Mark Wertanen and Gregorio Bernardez. Marine Electrical Maintenance - SIU members completing the marine electrical maintenace course on October 29 are (from left) Carl Montoya, Sjarifudin Noor, Nathan Hollander, Abdulrub Atiah, Angel Hernandez, Gregory Johns, Steven Hoskins, Pompey Alegado, Jeffrey Levie and Mark Jones (instructor). Government Vessels With instructor Stan Beck (far left, standing) are students who completed the government vessels course on October 15. From the left (kneeling) are Artemio Rivera, Waseem Dhalai, Benjamin Mathews, Kenji Hoffman, Benign Padaoan, Maximo Loto Jr., (standing) Beck, Rodney Jimenez, Deion Nguyen, Sean Ryan, Ali Naser, Abdulsalem Mohamed, Stephen Hill, Sammy Montana and Marcial Avila. 22 Seafarers LOG December 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Able Seaman Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class on October 29 are (from left, seated at first table) Wincell Hightower Jr., Bobby Brown, Michael Watkins Sr., Louis Creekmur, (second table) Russell Shaw Jr., Leroy Reed, Julian Lacuesta Jr., Fadehl Saleh, (third table) Todd Conley, Virgilio Managbanag, Carlos Arauz, (standing) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), William Bruce, Velly Marquez, Simeon Rivas, Khaled Munasser, Richard Pepper and Francisco Harry. Government Vessels - With instructor Stan Beck (far lright) are some of the students who completed the government vessels course on September 3. Included on the class roster are (in no particular order) Jose Clatter, Juan Ortiz, Arzu Secuindino, Charles Mann, Ted Hale, Christine Short, Kathryn Rivera, Dan Eglund, A. Allen, Greg Gallagher, Allan Bright, Pat Gibson, Eric Bridges, Michael Skinto, Liana McKinney, Tania Simunovich, Syed Mehdi, Herbert Daniels, Jeffrey Badua, Abdellalif Banjouhra, Reuben Brown, William Schuppman, John Eaton, Harold Lewis, Duane Reeder, Willard Bell, Rally Espiritu and Hector Guity. QMED - Completing their QMED training on December 3 are (in alphabetical order) Pantala Allee, Servando Canales Jr., Stanley Castro, Jonathan Driggers, Paul Duquette, Mike Kifle, John Leiter, Tran Luu, Keith Manzano, Thaddeus Pisarek, Jeffrey Roddy, Mark Roman, Dwight Ward and Taylor Watson. (Note: not all the students are in the photograph). The class, ta_µght by Barney Kane, was a challenging one for the upgraders, with a large volume of material and a very technical subject matter. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL)- Upgrading Seafarers complete the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on October 15. Included in the photo are (in no particular order) Spencer Moxley Sr., Alvin Martin, Willie Howard Ill, Linda Barber, Mohamed Bidar, William Meyer, Jose Vazquez, Elmo Davis, Edward O'Reilly, Mohamed Hossain, Mott Arnold, Gary Lamb and Nestor Agcaoili. Their instructor, Jim Shafer, is standing in the rear (center). Able Seaman - Instructor Tom Gilliland looks over students as they work toward completion of the AB curriculum on October 29. Registered in the class were David Roof, Jonathan Morgan, Pernell Fulford, Timothy Barker, Matthew Bjerk, Bryon Baker, Jonathan Paul, Gregory Pratt, Peri Drew, Ondongee Pegram, Joseph Weller, Timothy Fernandez, Terry Gilliland, Gregory Hendryx, Shelby Rankin, Anthony Lowman, Russell Williams and George Barbour. The same students completed the basic fire fighting class (right) with instructor Rick Redmond on October 15. FOWT - Graduating from the FOWT course on November 19 are (from left, first row) James Tyson, Ahmed Sharif, Anthony Jordan, John Millward, Jean Horne, Frank Patrick Jr., Phillip Johnson Sr., Adel Gabel, Timothy Bixby, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Michael Blue Jr., Michael Joel, Charles Sadler, Adriano Coutinho, Erik Haik, John Petushin, Justin Seybert, Gregory Cherry, Natalie Rivas, Eric Nelson, Charles Jones, Sylvester Crawford, (third row) Keith Kowaleski, Charles Jensen, John Conn, Eddie Pittman, Noel Encarnacion, Scott Lucero, Timothy Graham, Daniel Tapley, (fourth row) William Hayes and Vincent Hupp-Time. December 1999 Seafarers LOG 23 �F m.snf.... •'I I I Volume 61 Number 12 December 1999 Summary Annual Reports MCS Pension Plan • p. 8 Seafarers Pension Plan • p. 8 I Great Lakes Tug Be Dredge Pension Plan - p. 8 Seafarers Vacation Plan - p. 8 Seafarers Welfare Plan • p. 20 Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan · p. 20 The U.S. Great Lakes fleet is on the move from midMarch until late January, when the locks at Sault St. Marie, Mich. close for the frigid winter. While iron ore, stone and coal remain the chief cargoes, otherslike cement, salt, grain, liquid bulk products and sand-round out the diversity of loads carried by the efficient lakers. The photos on this page show some of the hard-working crew members and their activites aboard three Great Lakes vessels crewed by SIU members-American Steamship Company's Buffalo and American Republic, and Southdown Cement's Southdown Challenger. With a strong demand for the delivery of stone throughout the Lakes, the Buffalo shows no signs of slowing down. The Southdown Challenger's hull and deck recently got a fresh coat of paint in Milwaukee, and the pilot house was recarpeted. At left, the vessel is on her way to the Southdown cement plant in Charlevoix for a new load. Second Cook Darrell Bays, Buffalo Bosun (and master wood-worker) Levi Sanford, Southdown Challenger OS Eric Corwin, AB Eugene Repko, QMED David Cameron, OS Musid Musleh, American Republic Right: Wiper Abdul Saeed, Buffalo Above: QMED Brian Gelaude, Buffalo Left: Watchman Paul Bird, Southdown Challenger Below: Bosun Boyd Messer, Buffalo Deckhand Michael Cushman, Southdown Challenger 24 Seafarers LOG June 1999 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES VOTING STARTS IN PROPOSED MERGER OF SIU AND NMU SIU PENSIONERS TO GET $500 YEAR-END BONUS UNION, COMPANY AGREE TO RESOLVE LONG BATTLE ABOUT REPRESENTATION SEALIFT ENHANCEMENT ACT SEEKS FAIR COMPETITION FOR AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET MARITIME TAX LAWS WOULD CHANGE TO HELP PROVIDE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD SIU CREWS M/V FISHER SIU MAINTAINS JOBS ON 6 LNG VESSELS MARAD ‘RELUCTANTLU’ APPROVES REFLAGGING CREW WELCOMES SACCO TO THEIR SHIPS WEST COAST UNIONS REACH 6-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH ASM RUNAWAY-FLAG CREW’S PLIGHT CAPTURES NEWSPAPER’S ATTENTION AFL-CIO PRESIDENT: WTO TALKS MUST ADDRESS WORKERS’ RIGHTS ITF GOES TO BAT FOR SCARED CREW BAD NEWS KEEPS OOZING FROM RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP S/L INDEPENDENCE GIVES INDEPENDENCE TO BOATERS OUT OF GAS IN THE BAHAMAS NEW CARISSA BEACHED FOR WINTER MAERSK-SEALAND TAPS LOS ANGELES FOR NEW TERMINAL HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES! RETIRED BOSUN REVIVES HOCKEY PASSION PHILLY TEAMSTERS WIN STRIKE, THANK SEAFARERS FOR SUPPORT STEWARD KAMER COOKS UP BETTER LIFE WITH THE UNION LAKE VESSELS SAIL INTO 2000 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 12 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e9639bf08c6a604770504ae9e596baad.pdf f541646a60689e0c8e04ae0b0ceb438e PDF Text Text SIU charter members recall the union's beginning and offer words of experience to the newest Seafarers. Pages 8-1 O. l'age3 �~ President's Report Working for a Stronger Fleet Look at the headline on the next page. What a way to start the new year, the new century and the new millennium! All the work of the last I 0 years is paying off. Two new roll-on/roll-off ships that will be built in an American shipyard! A new hopper dredge also to be built in an American shipyard! What great presents for Seafarers and the U.S.flag commercial fleet to receive during the holiday season. Justly deserved presents, I might add. These new builds-as well as the new two Michael Sacco passenger ships, the Double Eagle tankers, the zclass tugs, the coastal cruise vessels, the harborclass tugs, the MSC RO/ROs, the car carriers and others announced during the last 12 months-show the U.S.-fleet remains a strategic, economic and national defense need for this country. The revitalization, for which we have fought so long, is well under way. While it is great to reflect on the industry's success, let us not forget this job is nowhere close to being finished! All segments of the U.S. maritime industry still require attention. The deep sea fleet has drawn the primary concentration with the Maritime Security Program and its new vessels, but more needs to be done. The two new Jones Act RO/ROs announced by TOTE is a tremendous first step. These ships will be the first built in a U.S. yard for the commercial fleet in nearly a decade. The TOTE vessels are just the beginning for both the Jones Act fleet and domestic shipyards. The construction of the Double Eagle tankers show that American workers can compete with international yards to build state-of-the-art ships for the 21st century. We must push to bring the revitalization process to the rest of the tanker fleet. The new hopper dredge displays a determination to upgrade America's ports as they prepare for the coming century. Following years of struggle and red tape that kept some harbors from having even mere maintenance work done, an agreement was brokered by representatives from the White House, state and local governments, the unions and the industry earlier this year to allow dredging in the port of New York/New Jersey. Work in other facilities-like Oakland, Calif.-also is in progress. Another sign that the ports are looking ahead is the number of new tugs either on the drawing boards or already sailing. While these vessels will assist in docking ships, work still has to be done to upgrade the land-based transportation systems within the port facilities. The Persian Gulf War vividly demonstrated the need for civiliancrewed prepositioning vessels. New builds and reflagged vessels continue to join the U.S.-flag fleet to make sure the requirements of America's armed forces are met if and when they are called to action. With the new passenger ships being built for United States Lines, America shows it can compete with the runaway-flag cruise industry-which finally is coming under the media's glare for its disregard for this nation's tax, wage and worker safety laws. Yes, we are seeing change, growth and progress within our industry. It has not occurred overnight. But it is happening. Our industry is not being ignored, much as it was 10 years ago. So, while we have this attention, we must continue to address the many other needs-including those for inland and Great Lakes members. That is why is it so vital as we enter this first presidential and congressional campaign year of the 21st century that we register to vote. And we must continue to educate those who want to serve us about what is important and dear-a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Throughout our industry, we're seeing proof that hard work does pay off. Let's keep that spirit going as we enter the new century. Volume 62, Number 1 January 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN I 086-4636) 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- 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Cast Ballots On Proposed •erger Voting Ends Jan. 31 on SIU-NMU Unification Voting will continue until the end of this month on whether the SIU will proceed with full merger talks with the National Maritime Union. Balloting began December 1, 1999 and is scheduled to last through January 31, 2000. Voting is taking place in all SIU halls between 9 a.m. and noon local time, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Seafarers also may request an absentee ballot by following the instructions printed in the October issue of the LOG. Additionally, those instructions are available via the union's web site (www.seafarers.org, in the LOG section, October issue). Port officials said the turnout was strong during the first month of voting. The current vote will determine whether the SIU membership wants this merger and, if approved, gives the union's executive board permission to continue with the merger talks. A similar election is taking place at the same time in the NMU. Overall, the proposed merger involves a three-step voting Chief Cook Jose Guzman (right) secures his ballot at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. from SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram. process. That procedure is explained in detail in a recent letter mailed from the SIU executive board to each member. Copies of the letter also have been distributed aboard ships by patrolmen and are available in union halls. Left: Recertified Bosun Greg Hamilton reviews the official ballot before casting his vote at the Wilmington hall. Ready to vote is OS Mark Edmonds at the Norfolk hall. In three photos above, AB Frank Cammuso, Chief Cook Karen Fensel and AB Gary Tauro, are among the first to vote at the SIU hall in Wilmington, Calif. Retirees Say Thanks For Year-End Bonus Dozens of SIU pensioners wrote thank-you notes to the union's executive board following last month's announcement that eligible retirees are receiving a year-end bonus check of $500. "It couldn't come at a better time," wrote Lorne Eagle. "What a nice surprise," said Antoinette Thayer. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart." Plurinsus Ordansa said he welcomed the bonus because it would help him purchase Christmas gifts for his grandchildren. "I have a dozen, you know, so that $500 bonus is a great help. May God bless you all, especially our union, our brothers and sisters at sea, and our honorable President Mike Sacco." Leonard Paul wrote that he appreciates the SIU "remembering their pensioners. We are so grateful, and that's putting it mildly." The checks were mailed in early December to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2000 for the observance of Presidents' Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2000 �Building for the New Century TOTE Announces Two New Vessels SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) began the new year by ordering two new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessels to be built in an American yard for the Alaskan Jones Act trade. The new ships, called the "Orea" class, are expected to be sailing by late 2002. They will be the first non-military containerships or RO/ROs built in a domestic yard since the R.J. Pfeiffer came out in 1992. "This announcement shows TOTE 's continued confidence in and commitment to the Jones Act and the U.S. merchant marine," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. "TOTE has been a major player in the Alaskan maritime industry since the company was founded 25 years ago. The company understands the needs of the Alaskan citizens and their businesses. TOTE is establishing itself as the pacesetter for the next century by building these ships that will feature the very latest technology designed to protect the environment." Sacco added that these two ships, as well as the other recently announced new builds, show "the U.S.-flag merchant fleet continues to be revitalized. Since the passage of the Maritime Security Program in 1996-along with the ongoing support for the nation's cabotage laws in Congress, the U.S.-flag merchant fleet remains a vital part of America's economic and national defense transportation system." The 825-foot vessels will be constructed at National Steel and Shipbuilding Artist , conception shows Corporation in San Diego. The two ships what the ~ new Orea-class will have a capacity equal to the three TOTE - vessels 'will look ROIR.Os already in service for TOTE. like when they b~gi_n sai~­ Among the features to be incorporated ing in 2002 .., · · into the new design are the cleanest burning marine power plants available in today's market, fuel that will be stored in double-hulled fashion not adjacent to the skin, and a state-of-the-art sewage treatAlso, the hulls will be ice-belted to proment plant. vide additional protection in Cook Inlet "These ships, which can carry 50 per- during the winter months. cent more cargo than our present ships, are "This $300 million private investment designed specifically to endure the harsh will further our commitment to Alaskans conditions of the Alaska trade," noted ·well into the next century by enhancing TOTE President and CEO Robert P. Alaskan job opportunities on our vessels Magee. and shoreside, improving the resource The Orea-class vessels should carry 600 development infrastructure and better highway trailers as well as 200 automo- serving Alaskan consumers with faster and biles. They are being configured to easily more economical service," stated Magee. handle 48- and 53-foot trailers. More than Besides the new vessels, Magee said the 75 percent of the freight on board will be company is planning improvements to its enclosed below deck. pier and terminal facilities in Anchorage. Reflecting on how the Seattle-based company plans for the future, Magee pointed out, "TOTE owes its success to our loyal customers and to the hard work of both our direct employees and members of organized labor such as our longshoremen, teamsters, mechanics, seafarers and merchant officers who provide our efficient service." Seafarers already crew the three vessels operating in TOTE's fleet-the Great Land, the Northern Lights and the Westward Venture. TOTE is part of a larger company known as Saltchuk Resources. Inc. Great Lakes Unveils New Hopper Dredge Seafarers will have a new vessel to crew late next year following the announcement by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock to construct a 315-foot hopper dredge. Work is expected to begin by March for the Liberty Island. The large self-propelled dredge will be built by union workers at Manitowoc Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. "This is yet another positive sign that companies like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock are committed to a strong, vibrant U.S.-flag merchant fleet," noted Augie Tellez, SIU vice president for contracts. "This new dredge will help ensure America's harbors and ports will meet future demands. And this vessel will provide more jobs for SIU members in this vitally needed segment of the industry," Tellez added. The Liberty Island will have a 5,000cubic-meter capacity. It will be 59 feet wide and have a top speed of 14 knots. The vessel will be capable of working as deep as 90 feet. It will be constructed Work will begin on the hopper dredge Liberty Island by March so it will be ready for its Seafarers' crew late next year. with bottom-dump doors to provide for rapid unloading. Seafarers are aboard the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock dredge Long Island. The company's NATCO subsidiary operates five dredges which are crewed by SIU members. They are the Padre Island, the Dodge Island, the Sugar Island, the Northerly Island and the Manhattan Island. Unions to WTO: Global Economy Must Work for Working Families Dozens of Seafarers were among the estimated 40,000 peaceful protesters .at the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Seattle. Shouting "No to the WTO," working families from more than 50 unions, 25 states and 144 countries marched through Seattle's streets on November 30 to demand that international trade rules be reformed to respect workers' rights and protect the environment. The protests contin- Tens of thousands of protesters at the WTO summit in Seattle demanded that international trade agreements include enforceable provisions protecting workers. Marching in a demonstration on November 30 were SIU members (closest to camera, from left) Steward/Baker Mike Gramer, Chief Cook Veronika Cardenas and GSU Joel Crow. January 2000 ued through December 3, the final day of the WTO talks. Speaking at the rally on 30, AFL-CIO November President John Sweeney said, "Here in the United States, we will continue to organize in the Congress and elsewhere against any trade accords that do not include workers' rights and human rights and environmental and public health protections. And we will stop them." AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson, dozens of officials from international unions, as well as religious, human rights, environmental and international officials told the crowd that free trade is not "free" if its costs are child labor and forced labor, poverty wages, hazardous workplaces and environmental degradation, and that free trade must be substituted with fair trade. After the WTO talks ended, Sweeney added, "This week's heightened scrutiny of negotiations at the World Trade Seafarers are among the unionists at the November 30 rally. Organization meeting punctured the veil of secrecy and insensitivity in which the WTO has shrouded itself and made it impossible for trade negotiators to paper over differences or to pass off a bad deal as acceptable. In the end, there was no consensus on issues of crucial importance to average citizens, not just in the U.S. but around the world, and there was no deal. ... "Despite the lack of breakthroughs in policy, this week produced a stunning breakthrough in the public debate over globalization. Americans crossed a threshold to begin a truly national conversation about rules and standards and values in the global economy, and they were joined by citizens across the globe." Seafarers LOG 3 �Shipboard Meetings Cross the Country Union officials from across the country continue to meet with Seafarers when their vessels dock. The officials, including President Michael Sacco and SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, update members on the latest news within the union and answer questions on a broad range of topics from the ongoing SIU-NMU merger vote to issues dealing with benefits and contracts. Included on this page are photographs from Port Elizabeth, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; and Long Beach, Calif. SIU New York Port Rep. Jack Caffey Jr. (left) talks with Bosun Mike Manekas on the deck of the Sea-Land Defender. SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel answers a question for the Cape Race crew. Listening are QMED James Atwell and Bosun Walter Ritvalsky. Getting ready to take part in a meeting aboard the Cape Ray are (from left) SIU VP Govt. Services Kermett Mangram, AB Lonale Andrews, AB Joe Murphy and Bosun Billy Farris. Awaiting his turn to hit the deck is SIU Sec'yTreas. David Heindel (right). With him on the Cape Ray are Bosun Billy Farris (left) and QMED J. Sterner Clothier. Chief Stewards Anthony Houston (left) and Ed Banks (center) greet SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. Crowley harbor members meet SIU President Michael Sacco at the dock in Wilmington, Calif. From the left are AB Dragi K. Odak, Mate Mike Stevens, Sacco, AB Herman Moningka and Capt. Scott Linsley. Crewmembers from the Flickertail State and Comhusker State held a joint union meeting with SIU VP Govt. Services Kermett Mangram (center). Posing for a photo in the Norfolk, Va. hall are (from left) Chief Steward Bud Marchman, SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel, SIU VP Govt. Services Kermett Mangram and AB Jared Blavat. SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey conducts a meeting aboard the Sea-Land Consumer when it docked recently at Port Elizabeth, N.J. Right: Listening during the meeting on the Sea-Land Expedition are (from left) Electrician 0. Bermeo, Steward P. Laboy, AB P. Torres and OMU P. Albino. Sea-Land Chief Tours Paul Hall Center Left: Taking part in the joint vessel meeting in Norfolk are Bosuns Scott Palew (left) of the Comhusker State and Billy Edwards of the Flickertail State. Charles Raymond (far right), president and CEO of Sea-Land Service, recently visited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. With him for this photograph (from left) are Bill Eglinton, the center's director of vocational education; John Mason, head of American Services Technology, the center's contracted operator; Kim Raymond; and Don Nolan, the center's vice president. In related news, Sea-Land Service changed its name to CSX Lines, LLC. 4 Seafarers LOG Right: Answering questions for crew members aboard the Sea-Land Integrity about the SIUNMU merger vote is SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey. Listening (from left) are Wiper A. Daif, New York Port Rep. Jack Caffey Jr., Electrician D. Baker and Steward S. Sizemore. January 2000 �Avondale Goes Union Retired SIU VP New Orleans arbitrator Bernard Marcus has certified that the Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO and the Metal Trades Council of New Orleans represent a majority of the employees at Avondale's main shipyard facility in New Orleans as well as at the Gulfport, Miss. facility. Pursuant to the agreement between the unions and Avondale, the company will recognize the unions as the representative for these 4,100 employees. Announced in a recent letter to representatives of the council and to Avondale's management, the decision clears the final hurdle for the union to begin negotiations for the workers' first contract. Avondale had already recognized the union as the representative of its Tallulah, La. facility, which consists of about 100 employees. The certification comes five weeks after the unions and Avondale approved a neutrality agreement which, among other things, set out the procedure for gaining union representation based on a majority of the workers signing petitions reflecting that they desire to be represented by the unions. Robert A. Matthews, retired SIU vice president and a charter member of the union, died November 29 at his home in Mobile, Ala. He was 85. Brother Matthews, SIU book number M-1, joined the union in December 193 8 in Mobile. The native of Fairhope, Ala. sailed in the engine department until the early 1950s, then came ashore. Brother Matthews was the SIU port agent in Baltimore from 1953 to 1956, then held that same job in Houston from 1957 to 1961. During the next 11 years, he worked as the union's vice president of contracts and contract enforcement. He was the first chairman of the Maritime Defense League (formed in 1967), and also briefly served as vice president of the Seafarers Harry of Lunde berg School Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Matthews cited health concerns when he retired in October 1972 at age 58. "With Bob's passing, the SIU loses part of its history," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob was there from the beginning." "Bob was a good negotiator and he had a good rapport with the membership," stated Red Campbell, retired SIU vice president contracts. "He was Bob Matthews Arbitrator AffirJTis Metal Trades' Majority Passes Away Although that process allowed the unions one year to secure the required signatures, the unions gathered substantially more than the required number of signatures in fewer than 10 days from the date of the neutrality pact. The recognition applies to three Avondale locations: four facilities in New Orleans (the Main Yard, Harvey, Waggaman and Algiers), Tallulah, and Gulfport, Miss. Litton took over the yards on August 2 last year in a $529 million buyout. For more than 50 years, Avondale had been the only major non-union yard building U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the nation. The most recent organizing campaign was launched in the spring of 1993. "We will be asking Litton to plan for full-scale negotiations as early as possible in the new year," said John Meese, president of the national Metal Trades Department in Washington. "This is definitely the dawn of a new day for the workers at Avondale, but we still have some heavy lifting to do to conclude a fair contract which we have been fighting for all these years." ITF Secures Greatly Needed Aid For Crew on Runaway-Flag Ship As the nation celebrated Thanksgiving, crew members aboard the runaway-flag Hea sailed into Cleveland with waning hopes and no cause for festivity. The Filipino mariners were malnourished and badly in need of medical attention. Their living conditions were, perhaps, best illustrated by their use of river water for bathing and brushing teeth. The German company Zirkel, in charge of the Hea, also owed back wages to the entire crew. Facing those bleak circumstances, an officer aboard the Antigua-flagged vessel contacted the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), an organization of transport-related unions to which the SIU is affiliated. (Aiding mariners such as those on the Hea is a major part of the ITF's operations.) Don Thornton, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, quickly gained support from Cleveland dock workers who threatened to stop unloading the Hea 's cargo of steel wire until the crew's demands were satisfied. He also coordinated efforts with ITF officials and dock workers in London and Bremen, Germany (the Hea 's next scheduled stops outside the United States). As a result, some of the back wages were paid in Cleveland, with a promise by the company to pay the balance in England-in front of an ITF inspector. The ship also took on full stores, and arrangements were made for medical attention for those who needed it. Additionally, at least one officer (who had been on the ship for 10 months and was owed $5,000) received full back pay and permission to sign off the vessel. Based in London, the ITF comprises more than 500 unions from approximately 125 countries. The ITF has fought against runaway-flag shipping for 51 years, and the SIU has aided that campaign virtually since its start. In the runaway-flag scenario, a shipowner--<>ften from a traditional maritime nation-registers his vessel in a non-traditional country such as Liberia, Panama, Belize, Vanuatu and others. This is done to avoid his home nation's laws regarding safety, wages, taxes and more. Crews for these runaway-flag ships typically come from still other nations (like Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka) where they receive a minimum of training, if any at all. As in the H ea 's case, these crews often are refused wages for months at a time and receive substandard food allotments, among other difficulties. Charter member Bob Matthews, book number M-1 , served as the union's vice president of collective bargaining. instrumental in bringing many of the inland companies under contract." George McCartney, retired SIU vice president West Coast, described Matthews as "very thorough and very accurate as the vice president in charge of contracts, at a time when shipping was tough. He did a good job." Brother Matthews retired to Mobile and often visited the SIU hall there. "He enjoyed coming to the hall and sitting down with the bound versions of the Seafarers LOG from the 1940s and 1950s, and just reminiscing with other people at the hall," observed Ed Kelly, SIU port agent in Mobile. Funeral services took place at St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel in Mobile. Survivors include Brother Matthews' daughter, Daria McDonald. Deckhand Elhadji Ndiaye Honored for 1998 Rescue AMO Celebrates 50th Anniversary SIU Deckhand Elhadji Ndiaye (center) receives a rescue award November 5 in New York from retired U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley on behalf of the United Seamen's Service. Looking on is SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey. SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) joined in the American Maritime Officers' recent celebration of that union's soth anniversary. The ceremony took place November 15 at AMO headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. AMO National President Michael McKay (second from right) and AMO National Secretary-Treasurer Robert McKay (far right) presented the SIU with a plaque honoring the Seafarers' role in establishing AMO in 1949. AMO was chartered by the Seafarers International Union of North America as the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers. January 2000 Seafarer Elhadji Ndiaye recently received an award for his role in a December 1998 rescue involving a distraught man in New York's frigid Hudson River. Ndiaye, a deckhand who sails aboard passenger ferries operated by NY Waterway, received a plaque from the United Seamen's Service on November 5 in New York. The award is described as an Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) mariner's rosette. The rescue had an odd twist. The man saved by Ndiaye and his fellow crew members aboard the Henry Hudson violently resisted their help. Described as the "suicide swimmer" by the New York Post, Cheng Guo Seng jumped into the river from an elevated embankment in an attempt to drown himself. Someone witnessed the jump and alerted the nearby Henry Hudson via radio; the SIU-crewed ferry then quickly moved near Seng. After struggling for several minutes, Ndiaye and the others finally pulled the delirious Seng into a rowboat that had arrived to help in the rescue. Seafarers LOS 5 �..;.........g Thanksgiving With Seafaren ... Aboard t.b.e Blue Ridge There's nothing like a good meal to ease the feelings of being away from home for the holidays. So, Recertified Steward Ron Malozi, Chief Cook Henry Richardson and SA Stephen Johnson went all-out in preparing Thanksgiving dinner aboard the tanker Blue Ridge. "We have a good crew on here, and everybody had a great time on Thanksgiving," noted Malozi. The menu featured traditional Thanksgiving fare along with many other dishes. Highlights included sliced Nova salmon, Danish herring with wine sauce, hot crab hors d 'oeuvres, roasted turkey, roasted smoked ham, broiled rock lobster tail, crown roast of veal, boiled Alaskan crab legs, assorted pies and candies, and much more. The Blue Ridge sails from Texas City, Texas to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., delivering gasoline additives. Among the beneficiaries of the Thanksgiving feast are deck gang members (from left) Bosun Frank Lyle, AB V. Cruz and AB Richard Wittwer. ANY ROOM LEFT? Assorted pies highlight the dessert menu. Recertified Steward Ron Malozi presents a full and scrumptious Thanksgiving menu for fellow crew members aboard the Blue Ridge. Below: SA Stephen Johnson (left) and Chief Cook Henry Richardson cheerfully do their parts to ensure a tasty array of food. Pumpmen Larry Phillips (left) and Bill Hudson partake in the meal. Chief Cook Henry Richardson does the honors and carves the turkey. ... Aboard USNS Dabl USNS Dahl crew members enjoy the meal together. Filling their plates are SIU members (top photo) Bosun Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley, AB Wallace William, QMED Kurt Benjamin and QMED Abraham Smith, along with (below) QMED Olie Webber, Engine Cadet Victor Flynn, GUDE Rocky Olds and OS Terry Malone. Editors note: Former Seafarer Mike Finnigan, now sailing as chief mate aboard the USNS Dahl, sent the following article and accompanying photos to the Sea/arers LOG. The SIU crew on board the USNS Dahl put on a great Thanksgiving Day meal for the entire ship's crew. Under the direction of Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes and Chief Cook Gregory McHugh, the crew mess hall was transformed and set up for a family-style meal. Bosun Whitey Tankersley and the deck department were a great help in setting up the crew mess hall. Farmer SIU members Captain Kurt Kleinschmidt and Chief Mate Mike Finnigan said it was great sitting down with the crew. The USNS Dahl is now docked in Norfolk, Va. after completing the Bright Star exercise for the U.S. Army. Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes (left) presents a cake for the crew. Who else but the captain, former SIU member Kurt Kleinschmidt, would make the first cut? MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE: Members of the steward department on the USNS Dahl are Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes, SA Sean Bracy, Chief Cook Greg McHugh and SA Roy Warren. Left: Bosun Whitey Tankersley welcomes a young guest to the Thanksgiving dinner. 6 Seafarers LD6 January 2000 �San Francisco Feast Draws Record Crowd More than 400 Seafarers, retirees, friends and guests - including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Mayor Willie Brown - turned out November 23 for the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the SIU hall in San Francisco. "This was the biggest and best one yet," said SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, who helped coordinate the yearly feast. Approximately three-fourths of the attendees were SIU members, pensioners and their families. The rest included California Labor Federation Executive SecretaryTreasurer Art Pulaski and President Tom Rankin, officials from dozens of unions, local politicians and judges, shipping company representatives and others. Chief Steward Burt Richardson volunteered along with fellow Seafarers in overseeing much of the meal preparation and KEY INGREDIENTS: Volunteering to help prepare and serve the food were Seafarers (top photo, from left) Chief Steward Burt Richardson, Chief Steward Jon Blasquez, Chief Cook Eddie Gomez and Chief Cook John Stein, and (bottom, from left) Wiper Adam Wheeler, Chief Steward Louella Sproul and AB Jason Schoenstein. presentation. Celona recalled the first dinner he helped coordinate. "It really started as a small event, with just a few guests, and each year, it grew and grew. "One thing hasn't changed: It's still a time for giving thanks for what we have in the SIU and the American merchant marine." For the 1999 celebration, Alioto's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf cooked 19 turkeys, while desserts were donated by Mimi's Bakery. SIU-contracted Crowley, Matson, and Sea-Land Service donated a large portion of the food. As usual, the menu was packed with traditional Thanksgiving chow, including all the trimmings. Jack Henning, retired executive secretarytreasurer of the California Labor Federation, received a cake for his 84th birthday. · Rep. Nancy Pelosi greets the crowd at the SIU hall. Welcoming her are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right). Right: Seafarers welcome San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to the SIU hall. Ready for seconds are (from left) Denise Celona, Dr. Stephen Brattesani, Rachell Boschetti, retired Marine Cooks & Stewards official Roger Boschetti, Flavia Marrone, Jimmy Giblin, and Christine Marrone. Among the SIU-contracted companies taking part in (and donating to) the dinner were Matson representatives (from left) Ron Lempriere, Rick Meleski, Jack Sullivan, Jim Mann, Lynn Korwatch and Tammy Findlay. January 2000 In the two photos above and in the one at left, Seafarers, retirees, friends and guests enjoy the festivities at the San Francisco hall. Seafarers LOG 7 �. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................- -......_----,.._~~.....-:-r~__.....--~~~-- ---- -- SIU Charter Members Recall Union's Launch From Humble Beginnings, SIU Grows and Gains Editors note: During the past few months, newspapers and magazines from coast to coast have offered assorted retrospectives as the 20th century nears its conclusion. In that spirit, the Seafarers LOG on these three pages presents reflections on the unions roots by eight charter members. Though each individual did so in a unique way, the eight Seafarers echoed a common theme. They said that the union's early days, predictably, were a strnggle. But through hard work, keen foresight, teamwork and sacrifice, the SIU steadily improved. The SIU's heroic peiformance in World War II also proved vital in the union's advancement, as reflected in some of the aforementioned members' chronicles. The charter members have something else in common: More than six decades later, they all still stay updated on the latest SIU news. And they believe that the union today is on the right course for continued success in the new millennium. Finally, they offer words of experience to those just starting their careers with the SIU Here are their stories. William Emerson Age: 83 Joined: Baltimore, 193 8 Sailed as: AB Retired: 1976 Advice to new members: Be thankful you 're in a union. Stay clear of the drugs, and work for the union because the union works for your agreements. Joining the SIU is the best thing I've ever done. My uncle was a Baltimore policeman. He knew someone who had a shipping hall. They took in four that day in 1938 and put us on the old Steel Ore, which at that time was non-union. I basically was just looking for work On the nonunion ships, there ' were nine head in a fo'c'sle. The food was terrible, there was no overtime, and sometimes you had to work on your own time. It was just like you were a slave, really. I had heard a lot about the SIU. A felBrother Emerson splices low named Bill rope on the Portmar. McKay was the port Rooseven Robbins Age: 81 Joined: New Orleans, 1939 Sailed as: Recertified Steward Retired: 1982 Advice to new members: Try to learn as much as you can and try to go to Piney Point for upgrading. I enjoyed that, being certified as a steward. Some of the best times of my life were at the school. The sea always fascinated me. I tried to join the Navy before World War II, but I was too young. I used to hang around the docks. I started shipping on non-union banana boats, then began hanging around the union hall. They shipped me on the Del Rio. The early days were probably 85 percent different than when I retired. Way back then, there was discrimination against blacks. You could only sail when they had a full black steward department. But that changed. Plus, most of the big ships were NMU at that time. It was rough. We didn't have passenger ships, other than during the war .... I mostly shipped out of New York and New Orleans until I moved to Philadelphia in 1945. Then I shipped from Philly and New York. B Seafarers LOG The SIU-crewed Robin Moor was the first U.S. ship torpedoed during World War II. Some of the survivors are pictured here. agent in Baltimore then. When I joined the union, I saw the biggest difference. It was a great thing. I worked a lot of picket lines in New York, Baltimore and other places. I really enjoyed it. World War II - It was rough. I sailed on a Waterman ship for nine months, shuttling from Scotland to the Mediterranean. Ships sank all around us. We would anchor and wait for a convoy. We'd shoot these depth bombs off all night to keep the Germans from setting bombs on our propeller. Then we'd meet the convoy coming out of the Mediterranean. It was terrible. Other than the war, I really liked the water and was never scared, even though we ran into a few hurricanes. It never bothered me, although I got washed down the deck a couple of times. I hated to quit when I did, but an auto accident almost killed me. The Flomar, shown here in 1940, was part of the Calmar Line, one of the first SIU-contracted fleets. 'Always Have a Job' - I think the SIU is in great shape. You can see that if you're with the union, you know you always have a job if you want to work. A lot of these non-union companies, they don't care about you. But the union will back you and help you. The opportunity is there. I have two sons who went with the SIU right out of high school (Edward H. and William J. Emerson). They both started from the bottom and went on to get their engineer's license. Being around the old-timers in New York, I gained a lot of experience. After I had a chance to work with them, I just fell in love with it. The officials always looked out for me (Atlantic Coast Vice President) Leon Hall and others took me under their wing. I learned a lot and made a very good living. World War II - I was on the North Atlantic route during the war and was fortunate to get through it. I lost a lot of friends who were on those ships that were torpedoed on the Murmansk Run. Once, I was on a coal ship that caught fire right off the Virginia coast. We abandoned ship. There were a lot of other close calls. In a rough storm, one of my ships practically broke in half. The deck department worked night and day, held it together. We limped into Belfast and stayed there 20-some days. The shipyard workers told us we'd never make it back to New York, but we did make it. I was lucky all the way through the war. 'See the Progress' - I think the SIU is wonderful. I get the LOG every month, and what the union has done, all the ships and jobs, it's way more plentiful than when I got started and even when I retired. When you got off, you had to wait a long time between jobs. Now, guys have it made. They have a chance to upgrade and earn a good living. You can see the progress the union has made. And we're going to accomplish a lot more. I'd advise any young guy to join, because it's the opportunity of his life. January 2000 �Nathan Rudnick Eddie Bowers Age:84 Joined: Mobile, Ala., 1938 Sailed as: Chief Steward Retired: 1979 Advice to new members: Stick with it,, upgrade yourself and make a better union. Thats one reason the SIU is in good shape today - we stuck with the union. Sometimes we sacrificed, went years without a raise, but it was worth it. Thats what built the union. I joined because I thought it would be nice to see some of the world, and was able to do that. Travel appealed to me very much. I enjoyed it. When I first started to sea, I only got $30 a month. After 1944 or 1945, we started getting raises and it made things much better. We had some very good people as union officials. In talking with the old-timers around Mobile, it gave me a good idea what I wanted to do people like Orlin Banks, Scotty Ross. We did go through some hard times. The shipboard conditions were pretty rough, and we weren't making any money in the beginning. We sailed on boats that almost looked like they were ready to be scrapped. Old rust pots. Sometimes we were scared, but we made it. We sailed all over the world. Those are some trips I'll never forget. I remember walking picket lines, too. The Isthmian strike and just about every other picket we had since then. I enjoyed working with the union. I just love Seafarers. I don't think that anyone who went to sea could love it any more than I did. Promising Future - The SIU turned the comer because we had such dedicated people in the union. It was reassuring to know we had people who were so dedicated. From what I see today, things are looking good for the SIU. One thing I thought would never happen is the merger with the NMU. We bad many fights aboard the ships. They would come on board to fight. But now, whatever's best for our union. I started at an early age and worked a long time. It was worth it. Seafarers pack a meeting at union headquarters on Beaver Street in New York (top) and demonstrate in Manhattan during a beef (below). January 2000 Age:79 Joined: Miami, 193 8 Sailed as: AB (later attained license) Retired; 1982 Advice to new members: You 're fortunate to be starting a great living, with top wages, health benefits, vacation pay - every kind of benefit. Your living conditions aboard ship are as good if not better than some peoples homes, with all kinds offacilities and no better food at any restaurant in the whole world. If you pay attention, theres no end to your going up the ladder and being captain ofyour own ship. I got my papers in Boston, then went to Florida and hung around the union hall. I first sailed with Bull Line, as a wiper. Bull Shepard (later an SIU official and a founder of the Paul Hall Center) was an AB on another ship I was on in 1938, the Estrada Palma. In 1939 and 1940 I sailed as an AB on a Delta Line ship, the Del Rio .... I was involved in one of the first strikes the SIU pulled, in 1938. The company was P&O (Peninsula and Occidental) Steamship. They had five ships in Port Everglades, three railroad car ferries and two passenger ships. I walked the picket line for a month, maybe two. I remember picking up nickel milk bottles on Miami Beach taking them for change. At that time, Port Everglades had absolutely nothing. There was one dock, one company office building that was really a shack, and two "B" joints. Otherwise, all the land was barren. On one of their ships, the Estrada Palma, all the crew's quarters were on deck and we made two weekly trips between Port Everglades and Havana, Cuba. We had two sets of railroad tracks and we took on board 28 freight cars - 14 on each track. The ship was put astern to the dock and fastened ashore with a huge hasp, so the shore tracks would meet with the ship tracks. (Editors note: the P&O strike lasted 14 months, with the SIU finally winning in the summer of 1939. Ninety percent of the 300 crew members in the fleet certified the SIU as their sole bargaining agent.) Wortd ar II-After two years I got a third mate's ticket. During the war, I was sailing on the Liberty ship Rudnick (right) and two shipmates from the engine room of the Estrada Palma visit the Newport News, Va. maritime museum while the ship undergoes repairs. William S. King when we were torpedoed on the way home. We spent three-and-a-half days in the lifeboat, then ended up in South Africa. The submarine came up and took the captain POW. I left the industry after the war, then in 1975 I joined the SIU again. I sailed as an AB. Education Is Key - One of the most important things the SIU has done, as I look at it, is the schools they've run to train seamen. In the old days, you learned from the older seamen aboard the ship - fire fighting, lifeboats and so on. Today, when a kid comes aboard the ship, I imagine he probably knows more than the average AB knew 40 years ago. He knows about life-saving equipment, gas techniques for going into the hold of a tanker, for example. In the old days, you didn't know those things until you sailed for at least a few years. The SIU-crewed Estrada Palma sailed between Port Everglades, Fla. and Havana, Cuba. --~~i;i to move to one side of the hall Salvatore Frank Jr. because the roof leaked. But I Age:78 liked it down there. I was the Joined: Providence, Rhode only Yankee at the hall at that Island, 1938 time. The guys bought me a led as: Bosun rebel hat from the Civil War Retired: 1985 era. Advice to new members: Do I wasn't fussy, so long as I your work. Do what you 're told worked. Anything to make a to do, and don't slack off Keep dollar. I didn't stay on the beach your mouth shut and your ears too long .... and eyes open, and you'll get When we went on strike, I along fine. And don't go in with went out. I was ashore for the the attitude that you already Isthmian and Bull Line beefs know everything. We all have to (1945-47, and 1957-58, respeclearn. ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ _ J tively). The only thing I didn't I quit school in junior high and went into a civilian camp so This photo is believed to be one of the earliest in like was when we [supported a] SIU history, taken in fall 1938 in Providence, R.I. strike on Beaver Street (in New I could make money. It was a York), helping the telephone operators. I got clubbed in camp to get us kids off the street, but I didn't stay there the head. I still got a lump here. long because I had the SIU. But I got to see the world, and the pay was good. I'd heard about the union through a relative who There's something about the ocean that attracted me. worked as a longshoreman. Another relative wanted to get me into the NMU, but I chose the SIU. The NMU World War II - I sailed on the Atlantic side in 1942. We was nothing but communists in those days, and I didn't went to the invasion of North Africa, went along the want to belong to no communist organization. dock. The deck department did all the discharging - the Frank Berry was the agent when I joined at the hall whole ship. We finished the job in seven days. on South Main Street. I used to clean up after hours. I I also made a trip to England on an old Hog Island started as an OS and an organizer - and I got kicked off It was very slow, and we saw some other ships get ship. the ship the same day, as soon as I mentioned the union! off along the way. knocked Then I got a job on the Herman F Whitten, an SUP On D-Day, I went to Normandy on a small tanker. ship. Our job was to fuel the hospital ship and the LCis (landDifferent Era - I liked it in those days, liked the guys. ing craft). During a storm, our anchors broke loose and Today, you have to lock your lockers. In those days, you we ended up on the beach, right where they were holdgot paid, you could leave your money on your bunk, go ing German prisoners. We weren't supposed to go take a shower and come back and the money would still ashore, but we went anyway. be there. The deck department all slept together in one As soon as I got back to the States, I got on a Robin room, except for the bosun, who had his own room. Continued on page 10 I shipped from Mobile. Every time it rained, we had Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU Charter Member Frank Recalls Union's Launch · r""""~-~~~"ll Continued from page 9 Line ship .... One time, my ship mistakenly ended up in the middle of a British war ship convoy at night. We almost fired on them, not knowing who they were. Another time, in 1943, we ended up in a typhoon, while we were carrying airplanes on deck .... I also sailed during Korea and Vietnam, and that was totally different compared to World War II. Some of the foreign ships refused to carry our cargo. But as you see in the LOG now, the armed forces have more respect for us American ships and American crews. During the war, some of them had no use for us. They called us draft dodgers. I was no draft dodger. We took the oath, same as they did when they joined the service. A lot of people don't know that, even G.I. 's from World War II. We had old guys who went to sea when they didn't have to. Others couldn't get in the service, so they went to sea. And many lost their lives. We didn't make a lot of money. About $50 or $60 a month as on OS. And when we got off a ship, we had to take care of ourselves. There was no paid leave. Bright Future- Why has the SIU remained strong? First, you've got to give credit to Paul Hall. He was in there, fighting. Him and (Paul Hall Center Vice President and SIU Representative) Frank Mongelli. If Paul could only be alive today and see how well the union's doing. But he's happy in heaven. Mike Sacco is doing a hell of a good job. He's getting the unions together, and this makes us more powerful. When we go out for something, we can get it together. The absence of strikes is another positive. That's the best way to do it - talk things over. It's working. WA"il~:ID ll bers: Be thankful for what you've got. Be good to yourself and everybody else. It took a long time to get what we have today. I was a longshoreman, but I got tired of that. When I had the chance to go to sea, I took it. I first sailed on a Savannah Line passenger ship. We took the ship up to New York to drydock. It was rough in those days, nothing like it is today - in every respect. The food wasn't as good, for sure. Plus, the companies didn't want the union. Every chance they got, they tried to break it up. Joined: New York, 1938 5ailed as: FOWT (later attained license) Retired: 1950 Advice to new members: Listen to everybody on that ship. Ask questions ifyou don~ understand. Some people may laugh at questions, but don't pay them any mind. I started sailing because times were tough. I was just a kid, 16 years old, and at least by going to sea I got my room and board, plus my pay. I couldn't get in the armed services because of my eyesight. The NMU in those days had the most jobs and the best runs. We had constant trouble with them. There were some ports we wouldn't go ashore in, and others where, if you went ashore, you went in a group. We did lots of organizing. Then the war came along, and we got so many new people, it was tough to stay on course. I enjoyed seeing different places, meeting different kinds of people. Some ships were better than others. We had a saying: "The last ship was the best one, the ship you 're on is the worst, and the next one will be better than anything." But it never worked out that way! World War II - One thing I learned before the United States got into the war, from talking with foreign seamen in various overseas ports - the slow ships were going to be trouble. The worst thing that happened, I was standing the 4 to 8 watch on a run to England, and we got hit with a dead torpedo. Before the war, there wasn't much of a change in crews. But most everybody was what I'd call a bona-fide seaman. They had basic knowledge of all shipboard jobs. This is what killed a lot of people during World War II; they were trained, but they weren't seamen. When it came to the union, the thing that impressed me the James L. Tucker Age: 87 Joined: Jacksonville, Fla., 1938 Sailed as: Bosun. Also worked as a port official in New Orleans, Baltimore, Mobile, Ala. and Charleston, S.C. Retired: 1971 Advice to new members: If you 're interested, its a good life. But you have to want to improve yourself at all times. I was raised in a home where everybody was union, so when I started going to sea, I joined. I actually started with the International Seamen's Union (ISU), a forerunner of the SIU, in 1933. My first SIU trip was in 1938 on the Marjorie, a Bull Line ship. It was what I could find in those days. I stuck with it, I enjoyed it and I eventually made a good living. In those days, the early days, you couldn't raise a family (as a merchant mariner). Most of the improvements came after World War II. People like (SecretaryTreasurer, then SIU President) Paul Hall, (SecretaryTreasurer) Whitey Hawk and (Atlantic District Chairman) Duke Duchesne started the ball rolling. 10 Seafarers LOG Joined: Savannah, Ga., 1938 Sailed as: Chief Cook Retired: 1982 Advice to new mem- Warren Brown Age:79 Remembering Paul Hall - Tom Fields Age:87 When I first started, I was getting $1 a day as a messman. There was no overtime or anything like that. They were very difficult times in the beginning, but it was still exciting. Going to sea meant you saw different things and different parts of the world. World War II - In June 1942, I was on the passenger ship City of Birmingham when we were torpedoed, sailing out of Norfolk, Va. We were carrying bilge workers to Bermuda, and a destroyer escort picked us up. During the war, I sailed in the Pacific a lot. It was a tough time out there. I also sailed the North Atlantic. The German wolf packs were knocking so many ships off, but we made it. Of course, once we got to Russia, we couldn't go anywhere. The war helped change a lot of our shipboard conditions, helped improve them. Then the war ended and things improved some more, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. What Ues Ahead - I think the SIU is getting better all the time, and the officials are doing a good job. We're improving all the time, which you can see with all the (newly contracted) ships. I can't see anything but getting better. most - and I'm not saying this because it's popular - was Paul Hall's attitude. He truly wanted the seaman to have a better life. He had a hard time convincing people that seamen needed to be educated, but he did it. At that time, there was an adversarial attitude by the companies and by us. Paul taught us that we had to stop, if we were going to get anywhere. Paul said, 'We're going to have to prove to the shipowner that we're responsible people. That's the only way we'll succeed.' He made a tremendous impression on a lot of people, and I'm one of them. We once sailed together on the Schoharie, South Atlantic Steamship Co., out of Savannah. The voyage was Baltimore to Egypt to Arabia and India, then back to Baltimore. Paul was the watertender. He went and told [someone similar to a port captain] that we needed electric fans on the ship. The guy refused. Paul said, 'I'll give you my personal word that those fans will be as good when we come back as when we left.' He even offered to pay for them. The guy said okay, and put the fans on the ship. Every week, Paul told everyone what he had done, reminded the guys to keep them clean. He said if we can't take care of things, then we won't get them in the first place. The first thing when we got back, that guy went up the gangway and looked at the fans. And you know what kind of shape they were in. On the Right Track- It was very tough to give up shipping, because I had started when I was young. That was all I knew. People ashore didn't think the same way we did. But I'd started a family, and my wife said I had a choice, if you know what I mean. Today, I'm happy to see the SIU is getting some new ships. The union seems to be well-organized, and it's great that members are upgrading themselves, studying and taking advantage of the school. Not many unions have a school like that. It's hard to believe that a country with this much coastline doesn't think more of merchant shipping. I hope our merchant marine expands. The toughest job the union had was to teach the members that if you took, you had to give. You had to be reasonable. And it's working. Everybody's on the right track. Early Memories - It was a struggle. Little by little, we kept improving things. Then we started the school (in 1952 in New York), and that gave the boys some experience. It was sort of hard to teach them on the ship. Although, several of the ships I was on, especially Delta Line, we had classes for wire splicing and other things, and that's how a Jot of people learned. But it was hard to take the time to teach. · Shipboard conditions also were improving during this time. World War II - I was bosun on the Liberty ship Roger B. Taney, a Waterman ship. It was February 7, 1943. We were empty when we were torpedoed about 500 miles into the South Atlantic. The survivors spent 42 days in two lifeboats - 22 people in one boat, 26 in the other. All but three of the crew made it. We set up regular watches, just like on a ship, although we were elbow to elbow. We still had (fresh) water that came with the lifeboat, plus we caught water on a canvas top to the boat. That's what actually saved us, I believe. There were stores for 31 people for 30 days, but we had double stocked. We had prayer every day. Eventually we were picked up a mile from the beach in Brazil. We could see the light ashore for two days before we got picked up. I sailed again after this incident, to Russia and the Pacific. That was my livelihood. Seeing the World - What I enjoyed most about the SIU was the travel, seeing all these different countries. In those days, there were no fast turnarounds like today. You could lay two, three, four weeks in a place. I mostly went to South America, on the Delta Line ships. I spent more than 20 years on those ships alone, but I also made seven trips around the world with Isthmian. And even though I worked for the SIU ashore, when I retired I was sailing. My last ship was the Del Sud .. .. The SIU is improving all the time. The union is making it more convenient for the members to learn, which they need to keep up with the improvements on the ships. You pick up a little on the ships, but not enough. One thing the industry has to do is get rid of all these fly-by-night outfits, these runaway-flag opera- Tucker is pictured aboard the tors. Del Mar in 1949. January 2000 �This handy ve~ion of the Paul Hall Cent.er's catalog is printed in the Seaf'areis IJJG as a convenience to SID membe~. Please keep it for reference. The infamous ~Y2K bug" forced organizations worldwide to plan ahead, talcing preventive and often costly steps to avoid computer glitches stemming from the turn of the century. Forward thinking is nothing new at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. From its opening in 1967, the center has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for constantly improving and consistently meeting the industry's ever-changing needs. The school remains steadfastly committed to turning out the besttrained mariners in the world. During the past year, the most visible evidence of that commitment was the opening in May of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety Schoo~ a world-class facility located on school property near the main campus. This new, million-dollar school arguably is the Students at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are trained specifically in fighting shipboard fires. Able Seaman This six-week course leads to endorsement as an able seaman (AB). It consists of hands-on training and classroom work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, fire fighting, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation. Students must have a lifeboat endorsement in order to take the AB course. Students completing the AB course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Lifeboat/Water Survival Students in this two-week course can earn lifeboat certification at the end of the class. Featuring a mix of practical training and classroom instruction the course covers emergency drills, lifeboat construction, lifeboat launching and recovery, life raft construction, life raft launching and maintenance, and use of all lifeboat and life raft equipment. Additionally, students learn practical survival methods and the use of emergency radio and distres ignals. A minimum of three hours per day is spent outdoors in lifeboats conducting practical exercises uch as rowing/ coxswain training and davit operation . (Thi.s course i,s limited to 25 students maximum.) Bridge Management The U.S. Coast Guard-approved shiphandling iinulator course provides realistic bridge watchstanding training for deck personnel aboard both deep sea and inland vessels. Successful completion of this two-week course is accepted as Coast Guard credit for 60 days of seatime on vessels of unlimited tonnage. also Special areas of skills development include general shiphanclling and helmsmanship, river and channel transits, entering and departing various ports, coastal navigation, U.S. avy-related operations such as convoy and underway replenishment, hawser towing, pushboat towing and emergency shiphandling. Students must have a valid radar certificate to enroll. Celestial Navigation The six-week course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by un, stars and planets, compass error by amplitutde and azumuth, star identificaiton, and care and use of the sextant. made other improvements. The school began offering two U.S. Coast Guard-approved STCW basic safety courses whose content is essential in helping merchant mariners comply with the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention. It also initiated a Coast Guard-approved, 32-hour class in automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA). Additionally, the school closely worked with the American Council on Education and earned certification for many of its courses that potentially allow Seafarers to receive college credit for those particular classes. The school also continued its long tradition of providing company-specific and on-site training throughout the U.S., including STCW classes in Hawaii. These are just a few of many examples of how the Paul Hall Center continues to offer cuttingedge training for Seafarers. An overview of the courses available at the school is contained in this four-page section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafare rs LOG for the most up-todate class listings. Course descriptions and schedules also are available on the SIU's web site, located at http://www.seafarers.org. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days' seatime in the previous year, one day of seatime in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or call (301) 9940010. Radar Observer/Unlimited The eight-day radar observer/unlimited class lead to a radar ob erver endorsement that is good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the .S. Coast Guard, the course featur hand -on training and clas room work, including radar the T)\ observation operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidanc and navi ational ex rcise. Stud ms operate modern audio-visual and radar siinulation gear, as well as the full hiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. ARPA-Automatic Radar Plotting Aids This course of instruction in rporat the use of ARPA iinulation equipment to operate, observe and utilize the radar plotting aids. tudents will gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and will gain a knowledge of trackina capabilities processing operational warnings and target acquisition. Students must have completed the Radar Observer course in order to enroll in this class. Unlicensed Apprentice Co~ Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation class and a 20-hour galley familiarization class. After students complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program, those who choose to sail in the steward department will return to the school for a four-week galley operations class. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules. Galley Operations Members must have 240 days' seatime to enroll after completing the unlicensed apprentice program. Non-graduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consists of two, two-week modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includ 35 hours, with additional time participating in the school's galley operations. Certified Chief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing galley operations to enroll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. Advanced Galley Operations Hands-on training in steering and following commands is one aspect of the excellent AB course offered at the Paul Hall Center. January 2000 pgraders in the third mate course will study all subje t areas found on the U. . Coast Guard license exam for third mate. The 14-week curriculum includ instruction in all areas of terrestrial and eel rial navigation, deck seaman hip, rul of the road, shipbuilding, hip tability, cargo handling, federal regulations. watchkeeping, hip maneuvering, construction and tability. Members mu t have 180 days' eatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consi ts of four one-week modules. (for a total of four weeks). Chief Stewanl Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. This is a 12-week class. Seafarers LOS 11 �Upon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Basic Electronics Designed to help Seafarers develop an understanding of what goes on inside the electronic box found aboard ship, this four-w k course covers principles of analog electronics, activ devices and basic digital electroni . The stud nt also will learn all aspects of circuit dia!!rarru,. and the instructor will work with each tudem individually to ensur a working knowledg of all shipboard electronic devices. Marine Electronics Tech I Classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience help upgrading Seafarers remain the best trained workforce in the maritime industry. Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For eromple, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/OJmainers, you must have success- fuily romp/et;ed Marine Electritxd Mainrenance I (MEM I) and Refrigeration System Mainrennnce and Operations. Fireman/Watertender and Oiler This year. SHLSS offers a four-week FOWT test preparation course leading to the endorsement as fireman/watertender and oiler. Topia; covered include the parts of a boiler, engineroom equipment, e°ooineroom procedures, operating auxiliary equipment, watchstanding, starting and securing main engines, steam and water cycle. fuel oil and lube oil systems. diesel engines, refrigeration systems and auxiliary machinery. The class prepares students for .S. Coast Guard general safety, oiler and fireman/watertender tests. Students completing the FOWf course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately aftenvard. OMED-Any Rating The curriculum for certification and endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)-Any Rating consists of a 12-week course leading to the following ratings: pumpman, refrigeration engin r, electrician, machinist, deck engineer and junior engineer. The course of instruction prepar the student to test for the US. Coast Guard exams in each of these ratings and includes classroom and practical training. 4fh. QMED Classification Steps Cla&s QMED D SHLSS/PHC QMED-Any Rating certificate or G Q.MED-An Rating :pd Cla&s QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing one mandatory and one or more elective courses 2nd Class QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing two mandatory and two or more elective courses tst Class QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing all mandatory cours and three or more elective courses. Mandatory rourses are MEM I, Power Plant Mainrenance and Diesel. Technol,ogy. more than two engine d partrnent courses can be taken per stay at the school. Any member with an engineer's license " rill be classified as a 4th Class QMED. Io Power Plant Maintenance The majority of this ix-we k cours features hands-on training covering a variety of topi . Some clas room work also is included. Subj cts include pipefitting, thermaJ insulation, valve repair. pump repair/overhaul. hydraulic y tern repair, drilling/machine thread fabrication use of various epoxies and similar compounds for emeraency and temporary repairs maintenance of power transmission equipment (such as flexible coupling ), use of proper oils and greases for bearing maintenance and lubrication, reconditioning shell and tube heat exchangers. centrifugal lube oil/fuel oil purifier maintenance and removal of heavy equipment in the engineroom. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. 12 Seafarers LOG Marine Electrical Maintenance I The six-week course of instru tion leading to certification in Marine El trical ~Iaintenance I con i ts of practical training and classroom instruction aimf".d at providing the basic skills required of shipboard electri ians. The range of topi includes basic electrical th ry, DC and AC circuits, electrical sa£ tv, electrical test equipment and troubl hoo~, ele ni.cal protective and witching devi , lectrical wiring diagrams and schematics, control and pow r circuits, batteri , AC generation and distribution equipment, transformers. lightina systems and fixtur , galley and miscellaneou heatina equipment, ingle- peed A motor and aero -the-line starters and wiring techniques. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Marine Electrical Maintenance II Aimed at providing the more advanced skills requir d of the shipboard electrician, thi six-w k course featur hands-on training and classroom instructi n and lea to c rtification in ~1arine El trical .\laintenance II. Among the subjects covered are interpretation of the ational Electrical Code, specialized electrical t t equipment. advanced applicati n of cir uit pr tection and ·witching devi • relay lo!ric. ompl . ontrol circuit . D and A generators. voltage re!!Ulators electrical distribution hardware, DC motor and controll r , C motors and controller , deck machinery. motor generator set , converter , inverters and rectifier , electric propulsion tern and interior communication system . Also, the course will include an introduction to solid tate electronic controls and their applications, and t11e general maintenance responsibiliti of the lectrician, as well as troubleshooting and repair. Course entry requirement is Marine Electrical Maintenance I. The marine electroni technician program is a four-week course. Topi included in the course are AC and DC circuits, active and passive components, amplifier , power supplies, antenna systems, satellite and radar systems, microprocessor control systems, digital control systems and ystems troubleshooting. Course entry requirement is Basic Electronics. Pumproom Maintenance Leading to certification in pumproom maintenance and operations, this four-week class includes hands-on training and classroom work. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps loading pr c dur . cargo pump operations. cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Upon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. In order to take this class, students must already have taken the Tanker Assistant DL (formerly Tanker Operation/Safety) course (described on next page) and be certified as a QMED-Any Rating or hold endorsement as a pumpman. Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations ~ow an elective. this ix-week class blends practical and cla&,-oom instruction leading to certification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Standard service techniqu are emphasized, such as the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of ships' tores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers and ice machine . Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrigeration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units also is presented. Students m\S be rertified as QMED -Any Rating or have equivalent inland experienre or hold Coast Cuard endorsements as refrigeration engineer and electrician in order to enroll for tlIB rou:rse. Refrigerated Containers This four-week course leads to certification in refrigerated contain rs maintenance and consists of both dassl' m and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance el trician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrig rated ntainer unit operation, maintenance., repair and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting, as well as to acquaint them with pecific maintenance procedures. Course entry requirements are Marine Electrical Maintenance I and the basic Refrigeration System course. Welding Clas room instruction and on-the-job training comprise this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding and cutting. upon completion of the course, a Paul HaJl Center certificate of graduation ·will be issued. Thinl Assistant Engineer The course of instruction ]eading to licensing as a third assistant engineer consists of classroom instruction in 'uch topics as diesel propul ion plants, team propulsion plants engineering safety, auxiliary boilers and diesels, water systems, electricity generating plants. electri al distribution and ele,ctrical devi . The 12-week course, which meets C. . Coast Guard requirement for Ii ensing, also includes team turbines, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning and auxiliary ystems. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. Diesel Engine Technology Thi four-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and hand -on training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory: two- and four-stroke cycle operating principl ; and the con truction, operation, maintenance r pair and troubl hootina of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries terns, lubricaincluding intake and exhaust tion and cooling systems, and fuel inj ction and tarting tern . tudents r eive practical trainina in the operation and repair of di el en!rin on board school training v ls. Course entry requirements are QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience. Hydraulics The curriculum in the four-w k hydraulic course blends practical training with Classroom work. Fluid , actuator. control device pump reservoirs. symbols and hydraulic y terns in marin equipm nt ar am ng the ubd are ject covered in this clas . Also addr principles of l ctrical control of hydrauli y tern , cargo winch • deck cran . anchor windlas.ges, hips' steerina systems, ramps. fire doors and a wid variety of other hipboard systems. Engineroom Familiarization Designed for prospective tugboat engineers this two-week class provides instruction in the following areas: engin room afety, engine ring plant nom nclature, piping y tern hardware a functional d ription of main propulsion and auxiliary machin ry and associated pipina ) terns, plant operations and watchkeeping, and afe handling of fuel and oil spill pr vention. chief engineer for handling emergencies and other non-routine operating conditions. Tankerman (PIC) Barge This 40-hour course leads to the endorsement as tankerman (PIC) barge. The obj ct of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills associated with tank barge operations and to supervise th safe and pollution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (This course is Limited to 25 students maximum.) Engineroom Operations &Maintenance Limited License/License Prep This course i design d for inland personnel with intermediate kills to prepar assi tant engineer for all phases of engineroom operations and routine maintenance. dditionally, the two- week curri ulurn prepar tudent to as ume the duties of the chief engineer. Engineroom Troubleshooting & Casualty Control This two-week course is an advanced kill pro!!ram d igned to up!!rad the kills of the Aimed at preparing tu.dents to test for an. limited tonnage licen , thi eiaht-week course consists of classroom instruction in all areas of terr trial navigation, deck seamanship, rul of the road. hipbuilding, hip stability, cargo handling, federal regulation first aid, CPR and fir fighting. Students must have an AB endorsement and 540 days of seatime on an SIUrontracted vessel OR equivalent inland experienoo in order to take the limited lirense/lioonse prep exam. January 2000 �µ i2 22 a. .... &2 7 1# £Q • All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as part of their regularly schedukd program. Government vessels course, physical, fitness, first ai.d and CPR, industrial relations and fire fighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. courses and who must be annually recertified, this one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health ct (0 HA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring in truments and techniqu , ite-control and emergency preparedn . proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipm nt and new technology. Government Vessels Cotme Fim Aid and CPR As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry~s needs, this three-week class i · open to eafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three one-week. stand-alone modules. The modul may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. .Military Seaiift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week featur forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (I'his course i.s required ofstudents attending AB or FOWT courses.) tuden in thi three-day clas learn the principl and techniques of safety and basic first aid. as well as cardiopulmonary r uscitation (CPR) according to the accepted tandards of the American Red Cro - . ter u ·ces 'ful completion f each phase of this course, tudents are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cro s. Basic Fire Fighting The one-week basi fire fighting c urse provid tudents with general knowledg of the chemistry of fire, fire fighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U. . oast Guard-recognized certificate of graduation from the Paul Hall Center. Advanced Fire Fighting Forklift operations is one facet of training in the government vessels course. Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction includ types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training. spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of ab orbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. Hazmat Recertification Available for personnel who have completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) - During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency quads for fire fi ahting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communication "''ith crew members and land-based fir units, l ad rship rol and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard sin1ulations and actual fire fighting drills. Industrial Relations While attending upgradina c ur at th Lundeberg School, all SIU members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the right of eafarers as outlined b · the IU constitution. tudents gain an under tanding of the various laws and legislati e programs which promote a l.;.8.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers \vith full information on the many benefit plans available to qualifying members through the union's collective bargaining agreement. General Physical Fitness The .S. Coast Guard places certain physical The Academic Department has a long hi.story of providing support and services to members of the Sea/ arers International Union. S ince the f ounding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support f or students taking vocational programs as well as f or those students who require basic skiHs, Engli.sh language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered t,o the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 9940010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED pro!ITam is open to all members who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to pr pare students to take the test in ~1aryland or in their home stat . Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies. cien e. interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students r ceive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school has for many years successfully prepared SIU members to pass the test. For many eafarers, this is a milestone in their liv (Prior to taking the test in Maryiand, a 12-week residency is required.) Water survival (above) and fire prevention techniques (right) are two of the topics covered in the STCW basic safety refresher course which helps Seafarers meet the requirements of STCW Chapter VI. requirements on all mariner . To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crew members, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, autilus or Unive1'Sal weight training, which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. Tanker Familiarimtion/ Assistant Cargo (DL) This is a 15-day, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, Category 1 couse. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characeristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. LNG Familiarimtion Thi three-week course con i t of a afety program designed to meet TCW requirements for those who have not served on Li G hips. The course of instruction includ Ll G fire fighting, confined pace awareness LNG nomenclature, Li"\G ship operations, personal safety Ll G safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank ~evel indicators, temperature), ematical skill . These skills help students experience greater uccess in both vocational and academic classes. tudents who receive low cores on the T ' ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged t enroll in thi pro!rram. tud nt may enter these classes while attending up!!rader courses or may nroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as aSecond Language The English as a econd Language course assi ts tudent in basi Enulish and technical vocabulary kills. The purpose of th class is to give eafarers who have not learned English as their native languag and who have difficulty speaking, hearing understandina and/or writing the English language. the opportunity to aain proficiency in that language. As much as po ible. instru tion will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language kills necessary to perform the ntial tasks within the department under whi h he or h sails. 1 are offered throughout the year for tho tu.dents requiring in-depth instruction. or ~tud nts may hedul assistance during their upgrading classes. Adult Basic Education Basic Vocational Support Program The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists tudent in improving their basic language, technica1 vocabulary and math- The Basic Vocational upport Progran1 assists tudents in improving course- pecific vocational language and mathematic January 2000 LNG cargo pumps (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) STCW Basic Safety Refresher This five-day U.S. Coast Guard-approved course meets the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requirement for all personnel sailing prior to Augu t 1, 1998. The four modules contained within the cour e are fir prevention and fire safety, elementary first aid, per onal survival techniques and personal afety and so ial r pon ibiliti . Classroom training in combination with assessment of proficiency as per STCW tables will be conducted and entries made in the training record book. (This course i.s limited to 25 students m axim um.) skills. It is d igned to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the members with knowl ge and kills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom. need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the :\1aryland Higher Education Commission. Yocational cours ~ also are approved for credit by the American Council on ducation (ACE). ~!embers may apply for colleg credit for many of th vocational cour that they take while upQTading at the chool. In addition, the center offers general edu ation cour required for an as ociate d QTee. Th chool curiat of Applied cience Degree in rent! offers an l'auti al ci nee and ~1arine Engineering Teclmology. tudent are required to have a total of 60 to 70 colle11e hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial program that help prepare them for ollege level courses. It is r ommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a coll ge program. Seafarers LOG 13 �•• -W4l 4bU&C WUS ±:OWL SJ Pail Ball Center llpgrad.in.g Course S~ltedule fir 2000 The following is the course schedule for the first half of the new yearOJanuary through June 2000Dat the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the industry or the national interest. Seafarers should continue to consult each monthly edition of the Seafare rs LOG for the most up-to-date course schedule. For additional information, contact the Paul Hall Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; telephone (301) 994-0010. Please note that 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion January 10 February 7 March 6 April 3 Mayl June 2 January 28 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 Basic Firefighting January 17 February 28 March 27 April 24 May22 January 21 March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 Course Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo(DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 24 February 21 March 20 April 17 February 18 March 17 April 28 May26 Advanced Firefighting January 10 February 14 March 6 January 21 February 25 March 17 Able Seaman - Inland January 31 February 18 Government Vessels Life boatman January 10 February 7 March 20 April 17 January 21 (pre-AB) Feb. 19 (pre-AB) March 31 (pre-AB) April 28 (pre-AB) January 31 February 28 March 27 May 1 May22 February 18 March 17 April 14 May 19 June 9 Radar January 17 March 6 April 3 January 28 March 17 April 14 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* January 24 March 13 April 3 May22 January 28 March 17 April 7 May26 February 28 March 20 March 3 March 24 February 28 March 3 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* January 10 January 31 March 20 April 17 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Limited License January 14 February 4 March 24 April 21 Mayl June 23 LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler January 10 April 3 February 18 May 12 QMED - Any Rating January 24 April 14 Basic Electronics January 10 January 28 Marine Electronics Technician I January 31 February 18 Welding January 10 February 14 March 13 April 17 May26 January 28 March 3 March 31 Mays June 9 May 15 June 23 Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 3. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 10. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. ex ---~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying ·seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order onlv. pavable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN END DATE DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ __ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ Firefighting: 0 Yes D No CPR: 0 Yes D No Primary language s p o k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Seafarers LOG SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou 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: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access 1/00 or treatment of students in its programs or activities. January 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 9 4 17 2 0 9 1 6 10 14 1 0 4 4 0 5 14 6 14 19 6 13 8 18 33 22 23 4 9 4 14 13 0 5 5 6 3 4 6 5 11 4 7 6 9 5 7 7 17 5 15 3 22 5 11 8 8 14 1 4 10 2 4 5 2 16 12 3 3 1 0 13 15 19 53 25 21 44 13 11 31 3 1 0 291 9 3 9 3 11 10 22 5 11 3 3 1 134 85 210 6 0 8 2 2 4 11 4 7 2 0 3 3 0 0 0 111 2 61 8 11 21 18 2 3 21 26 8 25 75 38 38 14 34 61 14 15 40 14 25 15 2 9 3 5 6 8 7 10 4 13 11 4 14 4 2 3 2 3 11 3 0 8 86 433 186 2 1 3 5 6 l 30 3 6 0 2 4 7 14 1 0 2 6 4 3 7 0 5 5 0 6 146 3 6 8 5 12 10 6 8 5 2 10 7 1 6 0 95 10 3 4 6 2 3 3 3 3 1 5 47 3 4 5 4 4 11 3 18 20 6 5 0 7 15 5 3 3 7 10 9 2 2 5 4 2 4 13 41 22 14 19 4 4 7 8 3 2 27 1 10 1 6 2 2 4 0 0 5 0 3 2 46 214 126 52 9 9 6 9 10 1 9 7 4 2 3 2 0 5 1 2 7 2 0 97 81 42 7 14 9 5 9 STEWARD DEPARTME T 27 2 8 2 13 4 4 15 23 17 31 0 14 16 5 0 174 8 16 0 2 3 1 2 6 2 1 5 4 6 5 2 2 2 4 3 0 5 1 9 27 10 1 0 0 5 2 2 7 2 3 2 0 0 2 16 10 12 6 0 0 1 I 10 5 24 44 8 25 1 0 10 8 35 2 2 0 7 20 4 12 5 21 0 0 2 5 2 6 0 251 85 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 IO 0 36 30 5 1 3 9 3 0 6 16 1 55 0 0 31 113 1 0 0 0 0 35 23 0 58 6 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 21 18 5 14 13 5 6 11 0 0 8 0 0 2 0 5 0 4 4 0 0 6 2 2 5 10 7 6 2 8 0 0 0 0 10 13 10 13 4 11 13 9 4 11 7 3 7 13 6 11 6 9 9 6 7 3 7 3 2 6 29 68 6 3 15 Totals 5 4 5 5 7 67 6 0 0 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: February 22, March 21 New Odeans ........... Tuesday: February 15, March 14 - Norfolk ................... Thursday: February 10, March 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 4 12 13 2 14 4 23 8 18 24 24 13 24 17 14 6 10 15 3 45 13 2 6 82 11 8 3 14 1 19 1 0 22 1 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 0 48 163 186 0 34 18 2 123 151 0 87 246 223 659 447 349 454 350 277 190 985 643 400 1 0 0 *"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. San Francisco ......... Thursday: February 17, March 16 San Juan .................. Thursday: February 10, March 9 St. Louis .................Friday: February 18, March 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: February 25, March 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: February 22* Monday: March 20 (*change created by Presidents ' Day holiday) Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CAPT.CHARLEST.MILLER AND OTHER CREW MEMBERS OF THE SS MAYAGUEZ (1975) Please contact John Warren at (703) 908-4242. THOSE WHO SAILED FROM 1938-'40 SIU charter member Nathan Rudnick would like to hear from former shipmates who sailed on any ofthe following vessels between 1938 and 1940: Estrada Palma, SS Mary, Capilla, Flurspar. He may be reached at P 0. Box 25547, Tamarac, FL 33320. Holiday Greetings 0 10 January 2000 Mobile .................... Wednesday: February 16, March 15 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Jersey City .............. Wednesday: February 23, March 22 3 2 3 3 0 0 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 10, March 9 RAOULPADRA 4 8 8 1 2 0 Houston .................. Monday: February 14, March 13 Please get in touch with Kevin Schultz. You may write him c/o the Seamen s Church at 241 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. 2 2 17 I 0 Honolulu ................. Friday: February 18, March 17 2 6 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: February 16, March 15 8 12 19 14 15 0 Baltimore ................ Thursday: February 10, March 9 2 2 11 12 7 8 4 3 2 0 5 Algonac .................. Friday: February 11, March 10 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: February 9, March 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 18 3 2 6 12 10 28 13 7 14 8 8 13 0 4 0 Piney Point .............Monday: February 7, March 6 New York ................ Tuesday: February 8, March 7 96 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto RicD Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals All Departments 48 9 7 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 9 10 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs 26 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C February & March 2 • Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters The following holiday greetings arrived too late for inclusion in the December issue of the LOG. To Rex Bolton, Nancy Hadgen, Ray Garcia, Monte Grimes and Big Skip Merry Xmas. Hope Santa brings you everything you want. Happy 2000. May you always have fair winds and calm seas. Francis Adams To Randy Stevens and friends of Teddy Wood Peace and goodwill to all my brothers at sea. We will miss you, Teddy! Landlocked due to injury - please write! David Etheredge 0 18 To all Seafarers Merry Christmas. Be as happy as you can be. To anyone who would care to write, I'd love hearing from you. To Randy and his family, best wishes. James D. Holland, #391218 ffynne Unit C. C. Huntsville, Texas 77349 To my SIU brothers and sisters in Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, P.R. Wishing you all the best of everything and much, much more, now and always. P.S. Don't forget SPAD. Jose Lopez Morales To Tina, Amber and Teresa Richardson Merry Christmas from Chief Steward Saundra Leonard. Merry Christmas to my loving wife and daughters. Keep an eye on the moon. I'm always watching you. All my love, Carlton D. Richardson Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Dlreotory NOVEMBER 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermet1 Mangram Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 I {810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997.5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 {757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19 t 48 (2t5) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 458 t Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63 t 16 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG 19 15 0 19 15 0 5 12 0 15 18 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 10 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 9 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 10 10 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 3 5 8 17 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters NOVEMBER 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 {410) 327-4900 HONOLULU 606 Kalibi St. Honolulu, HJ 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 L-Lakes Totals All Depts 0 58 60 0 39 38 0 12 *"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. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 {218) 722-4110 Company/Lakes DECEMBER 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 0 1 30 0 1 0 33 1 0 0 20 0 20 0 0 0 12 0 12 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 DECEMBER 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 20 0 10 0 4 1 4 5 25 2 5 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 18 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 14 0 19 33 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 45 23 2 Totals All Depts 2 5 3 65 9 *"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. 0 0 3 3 37 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by pensioner Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, N.Y. It was taken on September 11, 1954 aboard the Robin Goodfellow. The Seas Shipping Co. Inc. vessel was off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tunesia (East Africa) at the time, and obviously the fishing was good. This was a great company to work for, Porcari wrote in a note accompanying the photo. It had 12 ships, all on the South African run . On these ships in those days, they had great grub and plenty of overtime and movies for the crew... .This was a 120-day trip. Porcari (standing at left) was a 25-year-old OS at the time. Next to him is the chief cook, and behind the chief cook is Bosun Pat Maranelli, who later became a patrolman. Porcari, now 70, joined the SIU in 1947 and retired in 1991. January 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. mong the 17 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are three graduates of the Towboat Operators Scholarship Program. Representing 78 years of active union membership, Brothers Leslie W. Gibbs, Carl K. Moor and John R. Thomas graduated from the towboat operators scholarship program offered at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. This program was designed to prepare qualified mariners for licenses under U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring such documentation for all operators of uninspected towboats and tugboats. Including the three graduates, nine of the retirees navigated the inland waterways, five shipped in the deep sea division and three sailed aboard Great Lakes vessels. Eleven of the retiring pensioners sailed in the deck department; four worked in the engine department and two were members of the steward department. Ten of the retirees served in the U.S. military-six in the Navy, two in the Army and one each in the Air Force and Marine Corps. This month's pensioners have retired to all parts of the country: seven reside on the East Coast; six make their homes in the Gulf states; three live in the Midwest; and one is on the West Coast. On this page, the Sea/arers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA RITAM. BALLARD, 60, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. Her first ship was the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in Switzerland, she sailed as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring, she sailed aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Sister Ballard makes her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. LEONARD BARTLETT, 72, first sailed with the SIU in 1955 aboard the Sea Comet II. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department. From 1946 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Bartlett last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. He has retired to Gadsden, Ala. MICHAEL H. BONSIGNORE, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1960 and began his career with January 2000 the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland native started in the engine department and later transferred to the steward department. Brother Bonsignore upgraded to chief cook at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed in 1996 aboard the USNS Wright, operated by American Overseas Marine. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fallston, Md. is where he calls home. WILLIAMP. JEMISON, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Jemison sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1958. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Julius Hammer, operated by Ocean Chemical Transport. He makes his home in Theodore, Ala. HANSJ. SCHLUETER, 65, joined the SIU in 1955. Born in Germany, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He also attended an education conference there in 1970. Brother Schlueter last sailed in 1998 aboard the Major Bernard Fisher, operated by Crowley American Transport. From 1960 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Army. He calls New York home. INLAND THEODORE R. BAILEY, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 from the port of Baltimore, first sailing aboard the Sophie, a Harbor Towing Corp. vessel. Born in Virginia, he worked as a captain. Boatman Bailey last sailed in 1985 aboard a vessel operated by Sonat of Md. From 1957 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Abingdon, Md. DWAINT. DORSETT, 62, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he worked as a chief engineer, last sailing aboard the Gretchen, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Dorsett has retired to Dickinson, Texas. ERIK H. ERIKSEN, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first vessel was the tug Margaret "C ", operated by Gulf Atlantic Towing. Born in Denmark, he worked as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Fa/con, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Eriksen calls Jacksonville home. LESLIE W. GIBBS, 63, began his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Arkansas native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator scholarship program in 1973. Boatman Gibbs last sailed as a captain aboard the J.H. Masterson, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Santa Fe, Texas. IF-.,,.....:;;;:;;;;-.::::==i, CARL K. 'I·. MOOR, 71, began his •. 1 career with the ., 'I.· SIU in 1976 &" J from the port f1 of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard the Sea Hawk, operated by Ocean Towing. He worked in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the towboat operators scholarship program in 1979. The Tennessee native served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1967. Boatman Moor last sailed aboard the Falcon, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Norfolk. DEXTER D. MOORE, 59, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He last sailed as a captain aboard the Socrates, operated by Allied Towing Co. From 1958 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. Pinetown, N.C. is home to Boatman Moore. GLENE. MURRY, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1977 in Port Arthur, Texas. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard the Monitor, a Crowley Marine Services vessel. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Murry has retired to DeRidder, La. EUGENE P. PARKER, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1944. Boatman Parker worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Boomtown Belle, operated by West Bank Riverboats. Born in New Jersey, he calls Gretna, La. home. JOHNR. THOMAS, 62, began his SIU career in 1974 in the port of Tampa, Fla. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat oper- ators scholarship program in 1983. Brother Thomas's first vessel was the D. T. Sheridan; his last was the Gulf Star; both were operated by Sheridan Transportion Co. From 1954 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Boatman Thomas makes his home in St. Petersburg, Fla. GREAT LAKES ALIM. ATTIEK, 65, began his career with the SIU in I 963 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen in 1974. Brother Attiek worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1978 aboard the George Goble. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. JOSEPHM. KELLY, 53, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Alpena, Mich. Born in Michigan, he sailed in the deck department, last working aboard the American Mariner, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Kelly makes his home in Posen, Mich. WALTERT. LESCZYNSKI, 65, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Detroit. During his career, he worked in all three departments. He last sailed as a conveyorrnan aboard the Richard Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. Born in Michigan, Brother Lesczynski has retired to Marblehead, Ohio. qualification of men for their AB certificates and other deck ratings. Plans are also being made for 1942 the starting of both steward department and Early on the morning of January 25, the ore car- engine department classes in the near future. rier SS Venore was torpedoed off the Carolina Instructors are being drawn from the ranks of coast and went down rr;::::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=~ experienced Seafarers with the loss of the skipwith a thorough famif.. per, the radio operator t iarity of the subject and 18 SIU crew mem~ , -4 , matter of the courses. bers. The 21 survivors ' The entire training proof the Venore, after V # gram will be 100 perspending 38 hours in an cent union-operated open lifeboat, were ~==============================~ and financed. picked up by a rescue vessel and taken into 1962 Norfolk, Va. The first agreement of its kind in the maritime The submarine masqueraded as a lightship and industry recently assured that a supply of fresh blinked a coded message for the Venore to come milk will be available for every working seaman. closer. When the unsuspecting ship got within Development of a new process that allows range, the submarine fired two torpedoes and dairymen to superheat milk and ultra-pasteurize then shelled her with a deck gun. it so that it can be stored in cans without refrigIn spfte of r~<:ent promises that all (Allied) ships eration has made it possible to have a supply of would be armed, this ship did not even have a fresh milk aboard ship at all times. Use canned cap pistol aboard. She was a sitting duck. of the new canned fresh milk is designed to do away with the problem of purchasing and han1952 dling milk in different foreign ports where facili· The first of three projected upgrading schools ties, supplies and quality are limited. for Seafarers is now operating at headquarters In the future, the SIU Feeding Plan will insure with the opening of a class for the deck depari.. that mtlk is available aboard all contracted ships. ment. The purpose of the new program is the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG l 0 s-1·.• •s l 0 r Seafarers LOB 17 �DEEP SEA JAN JACOB BEYE Pensioner Jan Jacob Beye, 78, passed away October 10, 1999. Born in Holland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Beye worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. Prior to retiring in January 1986, he worked aboard the Transcolumbia, a Hudson Waterways vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He lived in Little Ferry, N.J. ANELLBROWN Pensioner Anell Brown, 75, died October 22, 1999. Brother Brown joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1944. He sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1969. He was a resident of East Palo Alto, Calif. AUGUSTIN 0. CASTELO .------------. Pensioner Augustin Oracio Castelo, 74, passed away October 15, 1999. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the ........""""'"'---_...._~........i port of Baltimore. Born in Cuba, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Miami, he started receiving his pension in January 1986. JAMES CHARLIE DIAL Pensioner James Charlie Dial, 76, died November 3, 1999. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of Tampa, ....___.......__ __,__ ____. Fla. Brother Dial sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1948 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring in 1985, he worked aboard the Del Sud, operated by Delta Steamship Co. He made his home in Livingston, Ala. CHARLESO.FAIRCLOTH Pensioner Charles Oscar Faircloth, 73, passed away recently. Brother Faircloth started his career with the Seafarers in ....___ ___.._ __......__, 1944 in the port of Tampa, Fla. His first ship was the Stephen Leacock. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where be graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. The Florida native served in the U.S . Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Faircloth last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer and began receiving his pension in April 1992. Brandon, Fla. was his home. EVANS R. GATEWOOD Pensioner Evans Rudolph Gatewood, 82, died October 10, 18 Seafarers LOG 1999. Born in Missouri, he began his SIU career in 1973 in the port of Yokohama, Japan, first sailing aboard the Gateway City, a SeaLand Service vessel. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1935 to 1945. Brother Gatewood last sailed aboard the SeaLand Spirit. The Oakland, Calif. resident retired in July 1999. upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1943 to " 1946, he served ~_.~' in the U.S. Army. A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in January 1988. in the port of Baltimore in 1947. Brother Smith sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician and began receiving his pension in January 1968. Millersville, Md. was his home. JEW LIN GUN VERNON JAMES ROSE ELORIS BONNER "PELOKA" TART Pensioner Jew Lin Gun, 72, passed away October 6, 1999. He joined the MC&S in 1946 in the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he worked as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in April 1969, Brother Gun worked aboard the Monterey. He was a resident of San Francisco. Pensioner Vernon James Rose, 81, passed away November 2, 1999. Brother Rose joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of Seattle. Born in Ohio, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Cleveland, operated by American President Lines. He was a resident of Portland, Ore. and started receiving his pension in November 1983. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. JOHN EDGAR HOWELL Pensioner John Edgar Howell, 82, died October 27, 1999. A native of Georgia, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Frank C Emerson. Brother Howell sailed as a member of the engine department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. A resident of Rome, Ga., he began receiving his pension in November 1980. KEITH JONES Pensioner Keith Jones, 75, passed away November 9, 1999. Brother Jones began sailing with the SIU in 1946 from the port of .____ ___,,...____ ____, New York. Born in Honduras, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Mount Vernon Victory. He was a resident of Chalmette, La. and started receiving his pension in January 1988. .---~"""""'=------, CHARLES VICTOR MAJETTE Pensioner Charles Victor Majette, 79, died October 31 , 1999. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in ---""-=:;...._ _ _ December 1938 in the port of Baltimore. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department as a bosun. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He began receiving his pension in November 1981. Brother Majette was a resident of Hudgins, Va. MARTIN MEJIA Martin Mejia, 56, passed away September 18, 1999. Born in Honduras, he started his career with the SIU in 1989 in the port of New York. He worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1997 aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Mejia lived in the Bronx, N.Y. WILLIE RAY REDDIC Pensioner Willie Ray Reddic, 75, died October 30, 1999. A native of South Carolina, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Houston. Brother Reddic sailed in the engine department and LAWREN CE M. "LARRY" SCHROEDER . . - - - - - - - - Pensioner Lawrence M. "Larry" Schroeder, 76, died November 2, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Topa Topa, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Schroeder worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in March 1965, he sailed aboard the Seatrain Louisiana. Baltimore was his home. Pensioner Eloris Bonner "Peloka" Tart, 86, died November 3, 1999. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in February 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he last sailed as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union affairs and organizing drives. He retired in July 1975 and lived in Mobile. LORENCE EDWARD TAYLOR ,..............,,..........,.==----, Pensioner Lorence Edward Taylor, 88, passed away October 29, 1999. He began his SIU career in 1945 in the port of New .._____ ____, York. Born in Illinois, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Taylor was active in union organizing drives and started receiving his pension in February 1969. He made his home in Brooklyn. ALFRED JOSEPH SEVERE JUSTIN THEODORE WOLFF Pensioner Alfred Joseph Severe, 67, passed away October 26, 1999. He first sailed with the SIU in 1956 from the port of _ _ ___.._LI Baltimore aboard the Orion Star. He later graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958. A native of Maryland, he worked in the steward department. His last ship was the Global Link. Brother Severe was a resident of Pasadena, Md. and began receiving his pension in December 1992. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Pensioner Justin Theodore Wolff, 78, died November 5, 1999. Brother Wolff joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Mississippi, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He was a resident of New Orleans and retired in July 1983. BILL LAVERN SIDEROFF Pensioner George Washington Lawrence, 77, passed away October 28, 1999. He began his sailing career in 1945 and joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native last sailed as a captain aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Virginia Beach, Va. , Boatman Lawrence began receiving his pension in February 1987. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1945. Pensioner Bill Lavern Sideroff, 73, died October 21 , 1999. Brother Sideroff joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Fairport, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Washington, he sailed as a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring in May 1991 , he worked aboard the Sea-Land Mariner. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1962. He made his home in Seattle. INLAND GEORGE WASHINGTON LAWRENCE WILLIAM JAMES MEEHAN JULIUS BILL SMITH Pensioner Julius Bill Smith, 99, passed away October 27, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU Pensioner William James Meehan, 83, died October 22, 1999. Boatman Meehan started his SIU career in 1948 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing in the deep sea division as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Virginia native later transferred to the inland division and sailed as a 2nd mate. Prior to retiring in January 1982, he worked aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. A veteran of World War II, be served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. Chesapeake, Va. was his home. GEORGE GUY THEMIS SR. Pensioner George Guy Tbemis Sr., 72, passed away September 25, 1999. A native of Alabama, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1970. Boatman Themis worked as a towboat captain, last sailing aboard a Western Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Brazoria, Texas, he began receiving his pension in March 1993. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH L. MIKLOCZAK Pensioner Joseph L. Mikloczak, 76, died October 26, 1999. Brother Mikloczak joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Born in Wisconsin, he sailed in the engine department. Prior to retiring in December 1981 , he worked aboard the C.L. Austin. He was a resident of Duluth, Minn. PERRY A. SPILDE Pensioner Perry A. Spilde, 87, passed away October 11, 1999. Born in Montana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Toledo, Ohio. Brother Spilde worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Nicolet. He was a resident of Cedar Falls, Iowa and started receiving his pension in November 1977. RAILROAD MARINE METRO PALUBNIAK Pensioner Metro Palubniak, 77, died October 15, 1999. A native of New Jersey, he began his sailing career with the marine division of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1948 and joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Palubniak worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in April 1964. Ridgewood, N .J. was his home. January 2000 �for Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $40 in video fund and asked everyone to rewind tapes when through with them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on possible merger of SIU and NMU. Clarification requested on Family Leave Act. Thanks to steward department for good food. Next port: San Juan, P.R. Faria, Educational Director George W. Collier, Engine Delegate Edrick Hernandez, Steward Delegate Kenrick Gaton. Chairman announced payoff October 9 in New Orleans, La. He asked those getting off to clean rooms, return room keys and collect passports. He noted deck department did outstanding job cleaning holds. He also stated need for continued donations to SPAD. Secretary thanked crew for helping SULPHUR ENTERPRISE EL MORRO (IUM), September 27-Chairman Steven W. Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director Frederick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Rubin Mitchell, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman, Steward Delegate Robert G. Maschmeier. Bosun led discussion of president's report in Seafarers LOG and relayed news of death of former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. He announced payoff September 29 in Jacksonville and reminded crew members to handle ship's trash in proper manner. Educational director advised everyone to keep up-to-date on STCW endorsements and TRBs and to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $130 in ship's fund. Some money used last month for purchase of grills and charcoal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions raised regarding use of clinic card for hospital/emergency use and viability of purchasing satellite TV. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville and Port Everglades, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), September 26-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Engine Delegate Sheldon Greenberg, Steward Delegate Robert T. Seim. Educational director stressed importance of contributing to SPAD, especially with upcoming elections. He reminded crew of courses available at Piney Point for upgrading and complying with STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $50 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for excellent food and sanitary conditions. HM/ DIAMOND SHOALS (IUM), September 26-Chairman Gabriel I. Bonefont Jr., Secretary Leticia Perales, Educational Director Alvin A. Burroughs, Deck Delegate Michael Charnesky, Engine Delegate Lebaron Bumpers, Steward Delegate Samuel Spain. Chairman noted payoff September 29 in Texas City, Texas. He thanked all departments for job well done and thanked SIU for providing more jobs for members. Chairman also advised Seafarers to train for future at Paul Hall Center and ~ontribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary reminded crew of availability of linen at all times. Educational director echoed chairman's advice on taking advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. Treasurer noted ship is provided with money for monthly movies. Anyone who buys a video will be reimbursed and will help build movie library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward requested additional ice machine; present one not large enough. Recommendation for relief after work tour of 90 days to be sent to contracts department for consideration in next contract. Next ports: Texas City; Savannah, Ga. HM/ PETROCHEM (IUM), September 19-Chairman Calvin M. Miles, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Deck Delegate Kendra Savage, Engine Delegate Oscar Garcia, Steward Delegate Anthony January 2000 St. Clair. Chairman expressed pleasure with crew. He reminded them to separate plastic items from other trash. Secretary noted everything in order. Educational director encouraged members to continually upgrade skills at union's facility in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT. Vote of thanks to steward department for fine job. Next port: Tampa, Fla. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), September 26-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Charles A. McPherson, Engine Delegate Juan M. Bell, Steward Delegate Latausha L. Roberson. Chairman announced payoff September 29 in Houston. Secretary asked all persons getting off to clean room and refrigerator and turn in key. Educational director urged all members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read regarding new ships which means more jobs for SIU members. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Management), September 5Chairman Glenn Christianson, Secretary Carlos A. Sierra, Educational Director Conrado D. Martinez, Deck Delegate Donald R. Ackerman, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman reported payoff in Beaumont, Texas. Ship will load cargo there and in Houston and head back to North Korea. He expressed gratitude to crew for job well done. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep lounge and messhalls clean. No beefs or disputed OT. Chairman discussed president's report from Seafarers LOG. Clarification requested regarding contract under which crew is working. Steward department thanked for job very well done. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), September 26---Chairman Leon Jekot, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Steward Delegate Enrique Agosto. Chairman announced payoff in New Jersey upon arrival. Steward thanked crew for helping with sanitary on deck. Educational director reported chief mate will sign TRBs with correct dates and stamps for shipboard training. Donations being accepted for movie fund to enlarge ship's video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew lounge needs new radio with medium- and shortwave, AM-FM bands, to get news, game results, etc. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department that if seamen meet seatime requirements, they should be able to draw pension regardless of age. Bosun thanked steward department for fine fare. Next ports: Boston, Mass.; Elizabeth, NJ. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), September 19-Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombec, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Albert Balatico, Steward Delegate Neville Hughes. Chairman reminded crew members to check that endorsements are upto-date and to wear hard hats when loading and unloading cargo. Educational director stressed need (Sulphur Carriers), September 26---Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director Gregorio Alvarez, Deck Delegate Thames H. Solomon, Engine Delegate Christopher W. Ledlow, Steward Delegate Audrey V. Brown. Chairman announced payoff in Tampa, Fla. and then on to Port Sulphur, La. Secretary reminded crew members not to eat in rooms. Educational director urged everyone to utilize Paul Hall Center to advance job classification and skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. USNS GORDON (Bay Ship Management), September 19-Chairman Allen W. Runion, Secretary Susanne Cake, Educational Director Timothy Clarke, Deck Delegate James E. McAtee Jr., Steward Delegate Douglas J. Swets. Chairman announced payoff September 20 in Charleston, S.C. He explained procedures for customs to those not experienced in returning to U.S. from foreign ports. Secretary noted long trip with limited supply of stores to be discussed with patrolman at payoff. Educational director recommended upgrading at Piney Point to move up ladder. Treasurer said $12 remains in ship's fund after purchase of supplies for barbecue before leaving Diego Garcia. No beefs or disputed OT. Clarification received from headquarters regarding wages. Thanks given to steward department for improvising with limited stores. /TB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan), October 29-Chairman Sonny Pinkham Jr., Secretary Rayfield E. Crawford, Deck Delegate Nabassin Adedouawongobou,Engine Delegate Michael Snow, Steward Delegate Eugene Perez Jr. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG concerning possible SIUINMU merger. Crew asked headquarters to keep members informed of merger progress through LOG and vessel e-mails. Educational director suggested all crew members take time to upgrade skills and ratings at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing medical benefits for dependents' medications and prescriptions. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next port: New Orleans, La. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), October 10-Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Bruce N. Zenon, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Engine Delegate Lawrence R. Sherinski III, Steward Delegate Larry Jolla. Chairman noted new chairs for crew mess replaced, as requested. No word yet on payoff. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep messhall clean and asked crew to strip linen from beds and pick up clean set for replacement crew members before leaving. Educational director stressed importance of taking advantage of upgrading courses offered at Piney Point. Beefs reported by deck delegate. No beefs or disputed OT in engine and steward departments. Parts on order for ice machine in crew mess. Next ports: Haifa, Israel; New Orleans, La. MAERSK ALASKA (Maersk Lines), October 3-Chairman John D. Kelley Jr., Secretary Manuel Valdez, Alaska; Richmond, Calif. POTOMAC (IUM), October 12Chairman David B. Zurek, Secretary Emilio Cordova, Educational Director Earl M. Macom. Chairman informed crew members of final rules on Coast Guard user fees as well as USCG station addresses/ phone numbers and information on delayed assessments. Educational director reminded everyone of edu- Swanner Gets Proper Send-Off The crew of the Paul Buck helped QMED Donal Swanner (aka Gypsy) celebrate a well-deserved retirement. Swanner (pictured directly behind life ring), who has sailed mainly as a pumpman on just about every ship in the SIU, was presented with a ship's ring signed by the crew with best wishes, a couple sets of coveralls and a hat ("just in case he changes his mind") and an honorary chief engineer's license from the engineroom gang. The steward department baked a special cake in his honor. Capt. Severin A. Samuelsen, master aboard the Paul Buck, noted Swanner was a loyal employee and a good shipmate. "We will miss his company and wish him the best for the future." From the left (standing) are Chief Cook Malcolm Holmes, AB Robert Clemons, DEU Mohamed Kassem, 2nd Mate (and former SIU member) Robert Whytock, Pumpman Jimmie Thomas, AB Andrzej Tlalka, Bosun Chris Kicey, AB Kannan Mangalanandan, QMED Roy Robinson, Chief Steward Kim DeWitt, GSU Al Young, AB William Buhrig Ill, AB Al Campbell, (kneeling) QMED Donal Swanner and GSU Virgilio Hoffman. keep ship clean, and educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate. No beefs or disputed OT in engine or steward departments. Bosun Kelley thanked steward department for job well done, especially Manuel Faria and Kenrick Gaton for "best food I've had on any ship in 31 years." MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Lines), October 31-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna DeCesare, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Deck Delegate Spencer M. Kreger, Steward Delegate Stephanie K. Hendrick. Chairman announced payoff November 3 in Charleston, S.C. Everyone happy topside, although still waiting for crew lounge furniture and repair of large washing machine. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $100 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for information on money purchase pension plan. Thanks to deck department for black motors on deck. "They really stand out and make the ship look nice." OVERSEAS OHIO (ATC), October 20-Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Nicholas C. Aguilera, Deck Delegate Richard Barnhart, Engine Delegate Jam es M. Fennessey, Steward Delegate Ron DeWitt. Chairman read letter regarding retroactive pay. Also discussed possible merger of SIU and NMU. After assurances that pensions of both unions would remain separate, chairman recommended crew vote in favor of merger. Disputed OT reported by engine delegate; no beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or steward departments. Clarification requested on some aspects of new ATC agreement. Chairman and crew thanked Captain Gillespie for acquiring new VCR, rewinder and movies. Thanks also given to steward department for good food and service. Next ports: cational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested information on money purchase pension plan. Steward department thanked for fine job. Ship stationed in Diego Garcia. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), October 3Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate William D. Brinson Jr., Engine Delegate Victor L. Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford B. Elliot. Chairman welcomed two unlicensed apprentices, Shannon Bonefont and Keolamauloaohawaiiloa Mowat. He told them not to be afraid to ask questions. Bosun thanked everyone for helping keep ship looking great. "We have had lots of compliments in different ports about tlie ship." He reminded crew of separate receptacles for sorting glass, cans, paper and food waste. Educational director reminded crew members to check STCW endorsements and z-cards for expiration dates and to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,070 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded everyone about holiday greetings for December LOG and advised crew to read "Know Your Rights" section. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters regarding medical insurance identification cards for dependents. Proposals made to have vacation and medical plans booklets written in simpler language and to have questionnaires sent to all members for suggestions for upcoming contract. Steward thanked crew for keeping messhalls and pantry clean. Bosun thanked steward department for good food and great barbecues. He also thanked deck gang for helping maintain great outside appearance of ship. Electrician suggested higher containment wall be built around stores crane in case of leakage. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) American Qu-n Runs At World-Class Level My wife and I recently took a vacation on the American Queen along the Ohio River. The trip was a very pleasant surprise. We were very happy with every aspect of the cruise and will surely take another trip with this operator [Delta Queen Steamship Co.] in the future. The vessel itself is beautiful inside and out. The meals and dining room service were spectacular. I spoke with several other passengers who had traveled on ocean trips before, and they all said the same thing: the American Queen was superior to the FOC [flag of convenience] cruise lines by far. Many mentioned the safety factor, and many also knew of the fact that this vessel is inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. The crew members, as you know, are all American, and they do their jobs in a professional manner. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that an American crew is the equal of or better than the crews on the ocean cruise lines. They also obey the laws of the U.S. regarding pollution. On this ship, not even the passengers' cigarette butts went in the water. This operator has a contract with both the SIU and AMO, and I can state from my personal knowledge that they know how to operate a passenger vessel. This would seem to me to bode very well for the future of Delta Queen Steamship Co. and the passenger vessels they are seeking to build. I made it my business to observe the various departments: hotel, pursers, engineers, dining room staff and steward department. They were all top-notch; nothing was too much trouble. The whole operation was just outstanding in all respects. If anyone should tell you that American seamen cannot operate a passenger ship at a world-class level, let them take a trip on the American Queen. Keith S. Faulkner AMO-retired LOG-A-RHYTHM The Winds of a Much Colder Fall by Robert Franza (Seafarer Scott Brusecella submitted the following poem to the Seafarers LOG. It was written by his friend Robert Franza, formerly a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.) I was once in love much deeper than the seas on which I sail. It seems I tried too hard to keep her but J 've a strong grip on this rail. I think now too much on the long ago when hair was full and eyes were keen. And she may feel the same for all I know, am I the young prince in her dreams? If it was summer, I can 't remember through tears my small town slipped away. "The Wind, " "The Wind, " it was September why that day differed not from today. The last goodbyes to friends and family, I searched the crowd to find her face. She was not there to leave a smile with me, how I wished for just one more embrace. Through the years I kept her picture, was it my passion for the past? Or a link to my homeland, I am not sure what made me rid of it at last. Now as this hairline recedes, so do memories .-of tender moments I ache to recall. Looking out on the sea and right into these, "The winds of a much colder fall. " Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffmned by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Unlicensed Apprentices Earn GEDs - and Congratulations It's a Dog's Life Prison life is for the dogs, notes AB Richard A. Ransom, who is now incarcerated in Richmond, Texas. He would love to receive mail from other Seafarers. You may write to: Richard A. Ransom #624561 Jester 4 Prison Unit Richmond, Texas 77469 20 Seafarers LOS Three unlicensed apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received their GEDs at the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. The GED program is available to apprentices and upgraders alike through the school's academic department. SIU President Michael Sacco (third from left) joined the audience in congratulating the studious trio of (from left) Lane Schroeder, John Alba and Jess Chalker. January 2000 �Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed an Issues, Contracts, Elections Port The year 2000 promises to be a very exciting one. Apart from the hoopla connected to it being the start of a new decade/century/millennium, this year will see a U.S. presidential election as well as the addition of a number of new vessels to the U.S.-flag fleet. One way to keep track of all the news which affects the lives and livelihoods of Seafarers is by attending the monthly membership meetings. Held in each SIU hall around the country, the monthly membership meeting is a forum to keep members abreast of any and all issues of importance to them. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2000. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 3 7 6 3 8 5 3 7 5* 2 6 4 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 4 8 7 4 9 6 5* 8 5 3 7 5 Wednesday after first Sunday 5 9 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Jacksonvi 11 e Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 7 11 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 6 13* 8 Houston Monday after second Sunday 10 14 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 9 13 11 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 11 15 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 10 14 12 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 14 18 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 14 18 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 18 * 22* 20 17 22 19 17 22* 18 16 20 18 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 18 22 21 18 23 20 18 22 19 17 21 19 Wednesday after third Sunday 19 23 22 19 24 21 19 23 20 18 22 20 Friday after third Sunday 21 25 24 21 26 23 21 25 22 20 24 22 Philadelphia San Francisco Jersey City Tacoma September October November December *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday; New York change created by Independence Day holiday; Algonac change created by Veterans Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday, Presidents' Day and Paul Hall's birthday holidays. Don't Let the The deadline for receipt of Seafarers Welfare Plan Scholarship applications is April 15, 2000. That is only three months away, so if you plan to apply for one of the seven scholarships being awarded this year, don't put it off any longer. First, obtain a scholarship program booklet which spells out eligibility requirements and procedures for applying. It also includes a copy of the application form. You may get the booklet in any SIU hall or by filling out the coupon on this page and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The application form is very straight-forward. But the entire application package contains a number of additional items which must accompany the form and which may take some time to collect. They include: • autobiographical statement • photograph S~holarship • certified copy of birth certificate • high school transcript and cerification of graduation or official copy of high school equivalency scores • college transcript • letters of reference • SAT or ACT results. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. The seven scholarships will be awarded in May 2000 to three SIU members and four dependents. One of the three monetary awards reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $15,000 and is intended to help cover the cost of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Four of the scholarships Education Is the Key! Jn addition to the scholarship program offered by the Seafarers Welfare Plant another benefit of being a member of the SIU is the opportunity to study and upgrade at the Paul Hail Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Deadline Pass You By are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. With the cost of a college education rising each year, the SIU scholarship is one SIU benefit that can help members and their families realize their educational goals. BUT - no one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan by April 15. SO - do it now! If you sent in an application form last year and were not selected for one of the scholar- ships, you should try again in 2000. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, P procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent f See pages 11-14 in this issue of the LOG for an overview of an the courses offered at the school this year. Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/00 ~-----------------------------------------------------~---------------------- January 2000 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 596 - Unlicensed apprentices in class 596 graduating from the water survival class are (from left, kneeling) Harry McKever, Andres Morin, Jason Martinez, Kyle Bailey, (second row) Caleb Sachs, Edward Joyal Ill, Janan Driggers, Armando Garayua-Gonzalez, Felix Medina-Vidal (third row) Terrell McMillen, Spencer Dewey, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Walter, Raymond Elsner, Marque! Sapp and Sherrod Frazier. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker assistant DL course on October 15 are (in no particular order) Spencer Moxley Sr., Alvin Martin, Willie Howard Ill, Linda Barber, Mohamed Hossain, William Meyer, Jose Vazquez, Elmo Davis, Edward O'Reilly, Mott Arnold , Gary Lamb, Nestor Agcaoili, Mohamed Bidar, Duane Costello and Jim Shaffer (instructor). STCW Basic Safety - Marine Electrical Maintenance I - Under the instruction of Mark Jones, upgraders completing the challenging marine electrical maintenance I course on October 29 are (from left) Abdulrub Atiah, Nathan Hollander and Sjarifudin Noor. Successfully completing the fire fighting portion of the basic safety class necessary for their STCW endorsements are (in no particular order) Don Montoya, Gary Koshland, Riccardo Ciolino, Leroy Maynard, Marie Mitchell and Manuel Andrade. Radar Observer/Unlimited - Earning their radar endorsements on October 15 are (from left, first row) Scott Evans, Glenn Christianson, (second row) Mingta Yuen, James Dixon, (third row) James Marchiano, Benjamin Shupp, Felipe Jimenez, (fourth row) Robert Borchestser, Casey Taylor (instructor) and Mark Kerr. Welding - Members of the engine department completing the welding course on October 22 are (from left) Oliver Balico, Liberato Viray, Archie Ware Jr., George Bixby, James Porter, Mohamed Eljahmi and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). Government Vessels - Before graduating from the damage control portion of the government vessels course on November 19, Seafarers (from left) David Roof, Jonathan Morgan and Joseph Weller had to stop the leaks in the damage control trainer at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Welding - Upgrading Seafarers marking completion of the welding course on November 12 are (from left) Michael Williams, William Kelley, Dennis Clay, James McDonald, Joseph Grandinetti, Jerome North, Daniel Gish and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). Government Vessels - Successfully completing the government vessels course on November 19 are (from left, first row) Noel Balaguer, John Wells, Fahd Alsoofi, Joshua Weir, James Brown, Antonio Watson, (second row) Pedro Ortiz Jr., Salvatore Migliara, Chris Daniels, Jeffrey Smith, Samuel Giles, Korron Richardson, (third row) Martin Vargas Jr., Misti Thornbrugh , Shatonn Fowler, Chad Warren , Greg Thompson (instructor), (fourth row) Earl Castain, William Rozier, Jarian Hutchinson, Nestor Montoya Jr., Marion Colins Jr., Patrick Meagher, Steven Meyer and Terry Gilliland. 22 Seafarers LOB January 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Chief Cook Learning some of the finer points in cooking from Chef/Instructor John Hetmanski (left), Chef Phyllis Rand (third from left) and Chef/Instructor Shannon Twigg (fourth from left) are Walter Winchester, Glenn Toledo and John Palughi. Galley Operations Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley oeprations curriculum are (from left) John Stephen, Harry Kimble, Mark Wertanen and Benjamin Ines with Ed White (far right), their chef/instructor. Certified Chief Cook - Upgrading steward department members complete the necessary course work to become certified chief cooks. From the left are Mohamed Kamer, Roderick Clay, Chef/Instructor John Dobson, Walter Winchester, Glenn Toledo and John Palughi. STCW Basic Safety Completing the fire fighting portion of the basic safety class at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are (from left, first row) Pedro Miranda, Peter Bogev, Sam Meyers (instructor), Rizalino Aldana, Ty Heller, (second row) Sean O'Malley, Richard Bradford, Edmundo Mustillo, Kenneth Arthurs, Gerald Gavin, Herbert Rodgers Jr. and Jackie Russell (instructor). Vessel Familiarization - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 597 who completed the vessel familiarization part of their curriculum are (from left, kneeling) Edmund Livings, Michael Sherno, Justin Baker, Tammy Smith, William Howell Ill, Earle Shakes, Robert O'Neal, Jose Rivera, (second row) Larry Malone (instructor), Robert Brown, Freddy Traffin, Darren Rollins, Roland Carter II, David King, Ian Hemba, Justin Rodgers, Robert Gambill, Harry Clements IV and Dominic Davis. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL) Upgrading Seafarers complete the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on November 19. Included in the photo are (in no partikcular order) Chad Partridge, James Miller Jr., Hugh Crossan 111, Lane Schroeder, Anthony Cruzvergara, Troy Banks, Timothy Horger, James Clark, Bruce Weathers, Ramon Thomas, Donaldo Arevalo, Andrew Straka, DeMichael Dews, Edward Milstead, Gregory Gallagher, Brent Morris, Christopher Green, Willard Bell, Brian Corbett, Brett Parkins, Kevin Johnson, Mitchell Gustafson, Kris Anderson, Roger Steward, Jess Chalker, John Alba, Raheem Owens, Peri Drew and Ronald Jones. January 2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Attention Seafaren The Paul Hall Center's course guide for the year 2000 i.s included in thi.s i.ssue of the Seafare rs LOG. Check it out on pages 11 - 14 and start thinking now about your upgrading plans for the new year. SIU Celebrates Car Qurier's RetJagging Sen. Sarbanes, MarAd's Hart Vow More Growth for U.S.-Flag Fleet As SIU members busily prepared the car carrier Tanabata for its next voyage, speakers at a nearby celebration of the ship's reflagging under the Stars and Stripes vowed that such occasions will become more frequent. "U.S.-flag ships are vital to the country and, frankly, the world," stated U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart at the November 23 ceremony in Baltimore. "If we have to build the U.S. fleet one ship at a time, we will." "We'll keep doing this," agreed Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.). "You [rebuild] one at a time, and I'm delighted towelcome this new U.S.-flag vessel." The 623-foot Tanabata means new jobs for Seafarers. Built in Japan in 1994, the ship reflagged November 3 in Bremerhaven, Germany. It is operated by SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, LLC (abbreviated as ARC). The Tanabata sails between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe, with a normal round trip taking 30 days. It carries both government and commercial cargoes. "Things are going really well. It's a good ship with a good crew," said Bosun Charles Davis. "The (U.S.) Coast Guard came aboard in Germany for Bosun Charles Davis describes the Tanabata as "a busy ship with a good crew. n The car carrier Tanabata reflagged U.S. in early November. The SIU-contracted vessel operates between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe. Photos above and below: Featuring two ramps and as many as 13 decks, the ship carries wheeled vehicles of all kinds. tests, fire drills and lifeboat drills, and all of that went well .... It's a busy ship." Chief Steward Saundra Leonard said she enjoyed being part of the first SIU crew to sail on the Tanabata. "It's an excellent opportunity and a new experience to bring back a reflagged ship to the United States," she observed. "The ship is in excellent shape, and every meal is an adventure!" Named after an annual Japanese festival, the Tanabata transports cars, trucks, boats, heavy equipment, household goods and more. It is equipped with two ramps and can be configured to include 13 decks. The vessel's top speed is approximately 20 knots. During the reception, ARC Chairman and President Raymond Ebeling chatted with a group of unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education who toured the ship. At the ceremony, Ebeling said, "By itself, adding one ship to the U.S. fleet is not an overwhelming event. But I hope it demonstrates that U.S. shipping is not on death row." Added former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley, "This newest addition to the American merchant marine makes it a happy and joyous day." SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (right) join Tanabata Captain Steven Kayser-an SIU hawsepiper-at the ceremony. Welcoming the new U.S.-flag vessel Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil (left) and Chief Steward Saundra Leonard are two of the first Seafarers to sail aboard the newly contracted vessel. ARC Chairman and President Raymond Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes Retired Rep. Helen Bentley - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS CAST BALLOTS ON PROPOSED MERGER TOTE ANNOUNCES TWO NEW VESSELS GREAT LAKES UNVEILS NEW HOPPER DREDGE UNIONS TO WTO: GLOBAL ECONOMY MUST WORK FOR WORKING FAMILIES AVONDALE GOES UNION ARBITRATOR AFFIRMS METAL TRADES’ MAJORITY ITF SECURES GREATLY NEEDED AID FOR CREW ON RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP DECKHAND ELHADJI NDIAYE HONORED FOR 1998 RESCUE SIU CELEBRATES CAR CARRIER’S REFLAGGING SEN. SARBANES, MARAD’S HART VOW MORE GROWTH FOR U.S.-FLAG FLEET Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 1 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9acc6cfc2ddbe18af2378b1002ef1ace.pdf 1a1cbf507965f5981391da5662e13a96 PDF Text Text American Sealif t, SIU Jobs Expand With New RO/RO Seafarers Will Crew USNS Charlton, MSC1s Latest Prepositioning Ship SIU members soon will sail aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command's newest prepositioning ship, the USNS Charlton (pictured at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.). Christened in San Diego, the 950- foot ship is almost complete and is slated for sea trials in April. Page 3. Allied Adds Sea Raven Allied Transportation Co.'s Sea Raven is running, signaling additional opportunities for Seafarers. The articulated tug and barge, recently launched after refurbishment, transports chemicals to and from ports between the Gulf Coast and New York. Among the first Seafarers to sign on the Sea Raven are Captain G.W. Urban (left photo) and Chief Engineer Walter Jarvis (right). Page 3. Merger Voting Ends Voting ended as scheduled on January 31 in the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union. Balloting began on December 1. Among the Seafarers casting a vote were inland Cook James Runaway-Flag Cruise Lines: Another Fine, More Mishaps Neuner, pictured at the SIU hall in St. Louis. Page 2. Tax Tips for Mariners -----------Page 3 Voter Registration Data _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page14 �Voting Ends on SIU-#MU Merger President's Report Tallying Committee Will Report to Membership Register and Vote This new year has so much potential and possibility for all of us. New ships-with their new jobs for Seafarers-will come on line throughout 2000. As we all know, the addition of these vessels did not appear overnight. For years, the SIU and the rest of labor worked with the maritime industry, government officials and members of Congress to make this happen. Many of you know how long it took for the Maritime Security Program to go from an idea to a law. Original legislation was proposed to the Michael Sacco Senate in 1992. Committee hearings were held. SIU officials met with industry representatives and legislators to craft a measure. The proposal was modified and amended several times before the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the act, then President Clinton signed it in 1996. During that time, one presidential election and two congressional elections were held. The White House went from Republican to Democrat, while the Congress changed from a Democratic majority to one led by Republicans. We kept the Maritime Security Program alive during those five years, thanks to your voluntary donations to SPAD. Those donations helped open doors so SIU officials could meet with members of Congress to discuss the need for maritime legislation and its importance to the citizens of their districts as well as for the whole country. SPAD is just one important factor in this procedure. The other is your participation in the election process. The year 2000 is a presidential and congressional election year. Americans now are deciding whom they want to lead the country over the next four years. The presidential primaries are under way, while races for other elective positions are just getting started. Seafarers, pensioners and their families have always been active in all aspects of politics. They meet with their elected officials, write them, call their offices and get involved in the campaigns of those who stand up for our issues. Seafarers, pensioners and their families also register and vote. Post-election surveys taken in the last couple of years have shown a greater percentage of union households voting than the general population. Union members know the importance of electing men and women who understand their needs and concerns and will fight for them. Concerning this upcoming election, just look at some of the issues already being debated among the presidential candidates: Social Security, education, Medicare, health care and the minimum wage. These are topics that affect all of us. While these issues are making the nightly news shows, Seafarers continue to ask candidates what they think about the vital role the U.S.-flag merchant fleet plays in national defense and the economy. Thanks to you, our concerns continue to be heard. And, because of you, new ships are being built with Seafarers climbing the gangways. Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard. Make sure you are registered to vote. On page 14 in this issue of the Seafarers LOG is a chart with a state-by-state breakdown of when registration ends, when primaries are held and when polls are open. Don't wait until the last minute; check your status now. If you aren't registered, do it now. If you are registered, make sure family members and friends are, too. If not, take them to the voter registration office and get them on the rolls. Let them know their vote counts. If they don't believe an individual vote makes a difference, tell them about the pro-labor candidate who was elected to the Virginia state senate last year by fewer than 40 votes out of thousands upon thousands cast. Or recount how union members worked together in California in 1998 to tell their friends and neighbors how Proposition 226's "paycheck deception" wouJd limit the voice of working people in the political process. That measure went from 70 percent of the population in favor of Proposition 226 in February to a 54-46 defeat of the measure in June. The stakes are too high to sit at home (or on ship) and say "my vote doesn't matter." If Seafarers followed that feeling, we wouldn't have the Maritime Security Program and all of these new jobs. I thank those of you for your continued involvement-for voting, writing letters, calling, talking with your elected officials and donating to SPAD. Let's keep up the good work and stay active in 2000. Volume 62, Number 2 February 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Edward Tully (left) is ready to vote at the SIU hall in Piney Point, Md., after receiving materials from SIU Port Agent Edd Morris. Voting ended as scheduled on January 31 in the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union (NMU). Balloting began December 1. The next step is the eJection of an SIU tallying committee consisting of six full book members (two from each of the three departments). They will be elected at the membership meeting February 7 in Piney Point, Md. The committee members then will count the ballots and prepare a report to the rest of the membership. A similar election took place during the same time period in the NMU. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, if the members of both unions accept the resolution, then a merger committee (consisting of officials from the SIU and NMU) will continue its work to draft the specifics regarding seniority, job security, training and other topics. Additionally, as noted on the ballot, the merger would require changes in the SIU constitution. Those amendments would be presented to the membership during the regularly scheduled officers' election in late 2000. SIU members at the New Orleans hall said the mechanics of the balloting went well. "It was very smooth," stated Chief Steward Joseph Birke. "I was given the paperwork to vote with, and the envelopes. I put my vote in one envelope, then sealed it in the other and mailed it myself. It was a good process." Recertified Bosun Hugo Dermody described voting as "easy going. I hope everybody voted. Everything here was well-marked and easy to understand. The decision should be easy, too." MarAd Increases U.S. Vessel Count Change More Accurately Assesses Size of U.S.-Flag Fleet The official U.S.-flag vessel count will better reflect the number of crafts available to handle commerce because the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) will include tugs, barges, ferries and other work vessels. "It is time to reflect in our numbers the true size diversity of the U.S. fleet," MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart told the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club last month in announcing the Department of Transportation agency's new system for figuring the number of vessels sailing under the American flag. In the past, MarAd's "U.S. Merchant Marine Data Sheet" listed only the number of large, self-propelled, deep-draft ships within the U.S.-flag fleet. Effective immediately, the report -which will be issued at least twice a year-will continue to include what had been counted and add many other vessel types, from large oceangoing barges to riverboats and ferries, as long as they are active. The new calculations reflect the changing nature of the industry, including the use of integrated tug/barges in place of cargo vessels. "The new product we are introducing today is more comprehensive, more illuminating and will provide a sounder base for businessmen and analysts to determine trends and act accordingly," Hart noted during his January 13 presentation. The head of MarAd pointed out the U.S.-flag fleet is composed of "about 38,000 vessels that Americans can depend upon to deliver the goods they need and want. The diversity in this fleet is no less amazing. Nearly 37,000 of these vessels are cargo carriers actively engaged on our nation's waterways." The updated figures which reflect the fleet's size as of January 1, 1999 include: l ',~. W,m•rburu .. Ii ;uh: bv \:•·"5~~ frp•· anJ IC\11..L", t->•.Ht MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart explains a chart showing how the Department of Transportation agency will include more vessels and barges in tallying the size of the U.S.-flag fleet. • • • • • • • • 29,545 cargo-carrying vessels of which 2,948 are larger than 1,000 gross tons; 1,491 passenger vessels (including ferries) with the combined capability of carrying more than 410,000 people; 5,446 tugs and towboats; 1,424 crewboats, including oil industry supply and utility vessels; 25,698 barges and 613 powered vessels moving cargo on inland waterways; 409 vessels sailing in foreign trade; 2,443 ships and barges in the domestic coastal trade; and 206 ships and barges operating on the Great Lakes. Jones Act Support While announcing the new system for calculating the fleet's size, Hart touched on several other issues during his 30-minute address. He reaffirmed the agency's strong support for the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act-the nation's cabotage laws. "The Jones Act has been a corner of the U.S. maritime policy in every administration since its passage 80 years ago. In these days of the new century-here, now- it remains relevant for _A merica's economic health and its national security." Hart noted critics of the cabotage laws always ask if the measures are necessary and fair. He answered by pointing out more than 40 nations, including the major economic powers of Europe and Asia, have similar laws to protect the interests of their citizens. "Let me quote [U.S. Air Force] General Charles Robertson, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command. He said, 'Without the laws requiring the use of U.S.owned, -built and ~rewed vessels for cargo movement between U.S. ports, the U.S. maritime industry-a critical member of our defense transportation system-would wither. And maritime readiness would be severely degraded, if not crippled.' "The Jones Act protects U.S. interests and that's ethical enough for me," Hart stated. Continued on page 4 February 2000 �Maritime Agenda Awaits Congress Efforts Being Considered to Strengthen U.S.-Flag Fleet/or New Century Maritime issues are among the many topics on the agenda as legislators return to Capitol Hill for the second session of the 106th Congress. Along with bills dealing with raising the minimum wage, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, providing funds for public school construction and looking at more affordable health care for all Americans will be measures seeking to strengthen the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Late last year, a bipartisan team from the House of Representatives and the Senate proposed legislation to make the U.S.-flag fleet more competitive in international commerce. "The elected officials want to make sure American-flag ships can compete worldwide," noted Terry Turner, SIU director of government relations. "They are looking for a way to level the playing field between U.S.-flag shipping and foreign-flag operations." That measure, known as the National Security Sealift En- hancement Act, addresses several tax issues. One part of the bill would extend the existing income tax exclusion for Americans working overseas to U.S. merchant mariners. Another calls for the owner of a U.S.-flag vessel operating in international trade to be able to fully deduct that ship in the year in which the vessel is acquired and documented under the American flag. Other components would include "alternative minimum tax relief' on shipping income and expand the expense For Runaway-Flag Cruise Workers, It's Anything But Smooth Sailing NY Times Spotlights Crews' Hardships; 2 FOC Lines Make Other Unwanted News Two Miami-based, runawayflag cruise lines seemingly cannot stay out of the news. Since late December, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have racked up more negative publicity, continuing a fairly constant pattern that started with the Ecstasy fire in 1998. The latest fiascoes: • On Christmas Eve, The New York Times published a front-page article examining the working conditions of crew members on runaway-flag passenger ships. The lengthy article-reprinted in several affiliated newspapersdetailed how some of the mariners pay for jobs that often consist of long hours, low wages and little to no recourse. • In mid-January, Royal Caribbean agreed to pay $3 .5 million to Alaska in a settlement to a civil lawsuit. The settlement stemmed from Royal Caribbean's dumping of hazardous materials in Alaskan waters, and it is in addition to the record $18 million in pollution fines that the company last year agreed to pay. • Shortly after midnight on January 12, the Carnival ship Celebration caught fire and drifted for six hours in the Caribbean. According to press reports, the more than 1,500 passengers were told remain in place, due to limited lighting. • Several passengers are threatening legal action in the wake of Carnival's pricey "millennium cruise" aboard the Paradise. Engine problems reportedly forced the ship to change its itinerary, and as a result, many disgusted passengers flew home to the U.S. from the Bahamas. Some of them have posted complaints on the internet, at http://www.starshiptravel.com/co mplaints.htm. One described the Paradise trip as a "floating nightmare." While many news reports in the past 12 months have focused on how runaway-flag cruise lines in the U.S. avoid paying taxes or adhering to this nation's labor or environmental laws, last month's Times piece (written by Douglas Frantz) concentrates on the crews. "Long hours and subsistence wages are part of their contracts, as is the threat of being fired without notice or cause," he wrote. The story mentions that "record number of passengers are packing bigger and grander ships," and the runaway-flag companies are raking in huge financial rewards. Carnival, for instance, pockets $2.8 million per day in profits. Crew members aren't sharing in that windfall. Frantz reported that the mariners, often from Third World nations, "routinely work 80 to 90 hours a week without extra pay" for hours exceeding the contracted amount. Some earn as little as $50 per month, though they can earn more through tips. Inadequate medical treatment is another key issue: "Crew mem- ROIR01s Sea Trials Scheduled for April deductions arisir1g from conferences or other meetings aboard U.S.-flag cruise ships. In introducing the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act (S. 1858) to his colleagues, Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) said he did not want to exempt the owners of U.S.-tlag ships from paying U.S. income taxes. Rather, he was seeking to "alleviate the tax burden on the U.S.-flag fleet. "The Congress must take aggressive action to preserve our fleet of U.S.-flag vessels, while bers sometimes find themselves shipped home or living on a few dollars a day in sick wages while waiting for care." Another concern Frantz noted, is mariners paying for their jobs, such as the Norwegian Cruise Line kitchen worker who paid a month's wages (about $400). "Those at the bottom of the heap are most likely to have paid a fee to get their job, to have paid their own air fare, to know the least about their rights and to have little chance for advancement," Frantz wrote. The writer added that the runaway-flag cruise line issues have caught the attention of some members of Congress. They have described the companies as operating "inside our waters and outside our laws." creating incentives for new, modem ships to be registered under the U.S. flag," added Breaux. The measure also was introduced in the House as H.R. 3225 by Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.) and William Jefferson (D-La.). While hearings are expected to be held on the bills during 2000, none had been scheduled in either the House or the Senate as the Sea/arers LOG went to press. Another matter of concern to the American maritime industry is the need to find a funding formula that will permit the continued dredging of America's harbors and shipping channels. Congress has been considering how to fund harbor and waterway maintenance projects that will be fair to all who use the nation's waterways. This debate has been going on since the Harbor Maintenance Tax was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1998. Maritime interests will be trying to gain more funds for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program, which was used throughout the last decade to construct in U.S. yards commercial vessels sailing under American and foreign registries. In the mid- l 990s, the governContinued on page 4 Union Welcomes Allied's Sea Raven The SIU recently gained new jobs when Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. added the articulated tug and barge Sea Raven to its fleet. The unit carries a crew of eight. It transports chemicals to and from ports between the Gulf Coast and New York. Allied acquired the vessel approximately one year ago. The tug underwent "mostly cosmetic" repairs in Norfolk, while the barge "was rebuilt in Baltimore," noted Jeffrey Parker, vessel operations manager at Allied. The Sea Raven has a 24,000-ton carrying capacity. It is 530 feet long, with a 76-foot beam and a 7,200 hp engine. USNS Charlton Signals New Jobs for Seafarers The USNS Charlton, a new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship which soon will be crewed by SIU members, is slated for sea trials in April. The 950-foot vessel was approximately 85 percent complete as of late January. San Diego-based National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in December conducted a ceremony during which the vessel was released into the harbor. One of 14 new builds scheduled as part of an initiative to bolster U.S. sealift capability, the USNS Charlton has 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It will be assigned to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), carrying prepositioned U.S. Army equipment, vehicles and supplies to key locations worldwide. As with most of the other recent new builds in the strategic sealift program, the USNS Charlton is named in memory of a Medal of Honor recipient. U.S. Army Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton is a posthumous recipient of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during battle in Korea in 1952. The keynote speaker at the christening was Major General Mario F. Montero Jr., U.S. Army assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics. Other speakers included Rep. Brian Bilbray, (R-Calif.); Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC; Rear. Admiral Dennis Gilbert Morral, U.S. Navy program executive officer for expeditionary warfare; and Richard H. Vortmann, president of NASSCO. February 2000 Among those crewing the 530foot unit are (above) AB/ Tankerman Gary Reynolds, (below) AB William Hudgins Jr. and (bottom) Cook/OS Robert Mathews. Seafarers will crew the USNS Charlton later this year. The prepositioning ship is the newest vessel in MSC's fleet. The articulated tug and barge Sea Raven, a chemical carrier, represents new employment opportunities for Seafarers. Seafarers LOB 3 �SIU1s Baltimore Nall Relocating to Essex St. Sea-Land Seafarers Welcome Sacco, Tellez Seafarers in Baltimore can look forward to a new SIU hall opening there sometime this spring. The facility, located on Essex Street, will replace the current hall, located on East Baltimore Street. It is a one-story buiJding with a loft office in the back. Most recentJy used as an art studio, the structure is 2,400 square feet. It is situated in a more modem and generally more appealing area than the existing hall. Modifications to the newly acquired property are needed to facilitate efficient operations. They are being scheduled through the Baltimore Building Trades, AFL-CIO. SIU members aboard the Sea-Land Express (top photo) and the Sea-Land Quality (two photos below) recently welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez aboard the ships in Port Elizabeth, N.J. The union officials and crew members discussed the proposed SIUNMU merger and other issues affecting Seafarers' livelihoods. Sacco is pictured fourth from the left in photo above. Tellez second from left. SMPPP Administrator Provides Plan Update Editors note: The following article was written by Lou Delma, administrator of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It is an update for plan participants. As we begin the new century, the SMPPP is taking steps necessary to send year-end account summaries to all participants. As always, these summaries will be in the mail before the end of March. Meanwhile, we thought it would be a good time to recap exactly how the plan works and, in the process, hopefully answer any questions that still might remain on this plan. As you probably know, the plan has only been around since June 1996. Since its inception, the number of participants has jumped to nearly 5,400 participants at year-end. Plan assets, including both realized and unrealized income, are over $6.2 million. During the 3.5 years that have passed, the plan has received more than $5.8 million in employer contributions with another $52,000 in participant contributions. The plan is pleased to announce once again that our investment manager, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, has reported that annualized earnings on the account are 12.86 percent with a total return from inception through December 31, 1999 of 34.36 percent. Although those numbers are unaudited, they reflect an accurate representation of how the account is doing. While the plan continues to grow, we have been successful in keeping expenses in check as operating expenses directly attributable to the plan are approximately 4.2 percent. Earnings on the account will be distributed to participants based on each individual participant's account total, as it compares to the overall account total on a percentage basis. Expenses directly related to this account are allocated to each participant in the Marine Cooks & Stewards Pension Increases by 14o/o The Board of Trustees of the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MCS) Supplementary Pension Plan recently approved the following benefit improvements, as recommended by the plan actuary: • Effective January 1, 2000, all present and future pensioners or pensioners' beneficiaries will receive a 14 percent benefit increase. • All current MCS Supplementary Pension Plan pensioners or pensioners' beneficiaries will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $500. 4 Seafarers LOB Both the lump sum payment and the 14 percent adjustment will be included with each eligible participant's pension check issued no later than February 2000. The letter sent last month to plan participants noting the aforementioned benefits, also pointed out that "all future applications for the MCS Supplementary Pension Benefit must be submitted to Plan headquarters at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This change will not have any effect on the issuance of monthly benefits in the future." plan equally. For example, let's assume the total account was valued at $5 million and the account was to earn 10 percent or $500,000. Let's further assume that participant Z had $5,000 deposited in his or her name. Since $5,000 is .1 percent of the total account, that participant would earn .1 percent of the $500,000 earned or $500.00. Furthermore, if plan expenses amount to $200,000, based on 5,400 participants, each participant account would be charged approximately $37.00. Direct contributions to the plan for an established account are permissible; however, the plan cannot accept contributions in excess of 10 percent of a participant's gross annual income. For this reason, it is difficult to accept a deposit from an individual without detailed information, because when the payment is received we Likely have no way to tell if the payment exceeds that 10 percent maximum allowable by law. However, payments will be accepted if they are accompanied by a current pay voucher verifying that the contribution is within the guidelines. As always, payments through a vacation deduction can be made by signing the required authorization form which can be obtained at any port or writing to the Plan Office. All participants should have received a Summary Plan Description Booklet. If you do not have one or would Like a new one, please contact the Plan Office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For account balance inqumes please call Basil Castrovinci, Associates at 1-800485-3703. For all other inquiries on the Plan, please contact the Plan at above address or call 301899-0675 . Mobile Of I icial Harold Fischer Passes Away Longtime Mobile, Ala. port official Harold Fischer passed away on September 4, 1999 following an extended illness. He was 83 years old. Brother Fischer joined the SIU as a charter member in December 1938 in his native Mobile. His book number was Fl. After sailing in the engine room, he came ashore in 1943 to work in the Mobile hall. He served in the Army from 1944 to 1946, then returned to the SIU as an official in the southern Alabama port. Except for a stint in San Francisco from 1950 to 1953, Brother Fischer was assigned to Mobile until his retirement in 1978. "He was not just liked by the members of this port, he was revered," recalled SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly. "He would do anything for anybody." His widow, Nellie, told the Seafarers LOG how grateful she Harold Fischer was when many Mobile-area attended Brother retirees Fischer's funeral. "There were so many of them, I couldn't believe it. They even wrote a special tribute to him which one member read. He definitely was a union man," Mrs. Fischer said. Besides Mrs. Fischer, he was survived by his daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was buried at Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile. MarAd Changes Way of Counting U.S. Vessels Continued from page 2 Other Topics He noted with pride the effort under way to build two new passenger ships in an American yard. (These are the two American Classic Voyages ships announced in the April 1999 issue of the Seafarers LOG, which will sail in the Hawaiian trades under the United States Lines' banner.) He said MarAd is working with the rest of the Transportation Department to implement a blueprint to meet the nation's transportation needs by the year 2020. He reminded the audience, which included his predecessor retired Admiral Albert Herberger, of the many Title XI loan guarantees issued by MarAd during the 1990s for vessel construction and shipyard modernization. Finally, Hart proclaimed safety would remain "our North Star" within the industry. "We should all be proud of the exacting safety and environmental standards that our nation demands of the maritime industry in shipbuilding and repair, in operations on the sea and the waterways. "America has the best mariners and finest ships and shipyard personnel in the world. Maritime Issues on Congressional Agenda Continued from page 3 ment funded the program at $50 million, which equates to $1 billion in new construction. However, the U.S. Maritime Administration budgeted only $6 million for Title XI in Fiscal Year 2000 and is proposing the same amount for FY 2001. Congressional retirements made news during the holiday recess. Among the Legislators announcing they would not run for reelection was Rep. Herbert Bateman. The nine-term Virginia Republican, a longtime supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet, is the chairman of the House Merchant Marine Panel within the Armed Services Committee. The chair of the House Merchant Marine Panel, Rep. Herbert Bateman (R-Va.), announced he would retire at the end of this session of Congress. February 2000 �Union Membership Increases Again New Data Shows Largest Growth in 20 Years More and more workers are saying, "Union, yes!" Union membership increased by more than 265,000 in 1999, according to figures released January 19 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks the largest annual membership growth in more than 20 years. The number ofunion members in the U.S. increased from 16.21 million to 16.48 million. In addition, the percentage of U.S. workers who have a union remained steady at 13.9 percent, reversing a trend of decline and despite strong overall job creation. Union membership increased by 112,493 in the private sector, nearly double the size of the only other such annual increase in two decades. The 1999 private sector growth eclipsed the entire 1998 union membership growth of l 01,000 public and private sector workers. The percentage of private sector workers who have a union also remained statistically steady, stopping the decline since 1978. "We're turning the corner, but we're not at our destination yet," said AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney. "Today's data indicate that our renewed emphasis on helping working people form unions is having an impact. Our challenge for the future is to remain focused and to broaden our efforts. It's crucial for unions to continue to grow if working men and women are going to have a stronger voice in the issues that matter to them most." Indy Makes History At Pearl Harbor Yard Following two weeks in dry dock, the SS Independence resumes its week-long cruises to five ports of call in the Hawaiian islands. The SIU-crewed SS Independence underwent routine maintenance last month in Hawaii, but in one respect the upkeep proved momentous. The cruise ship became the first commercial vessel ever in a regularly scheduled dry dock at the U.S. Navy's Pearl Harbor complex. In 1985, the SIU-crewed SS Constitution (the sister ship of the Independence) was docked there for emergency repairs. SIU-contracted shipowner American Classic Voyages said the twoweek tune-up benefited the company, the Navy and the State of Hawaii. "A local docking means that the Independence does not lose a week of service in transit to and from the U.S. mainland for repairs, as it did in 1997. The U.S. Navy leases a dock that would otherwise have been idle, and local workers and suppliers benefit from the project's positive economic impact," the company stated in a press release. The inspection and repairs employed 700 Hawaii workers. Launched in 1951, the Independence was refurbished in 1994 and 1997. An American Classic Voyages subsidiary, United States Lines, later this year is scheduled to launch the reflagged and modified Patriot. The company also has contracted for two new l,900-passenger cruise ships slated for service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. All of those vessels will be crewed by Seafarers. Union Squashes Y2K Bug SIU headquarters, which includes the union plans and accounting departments (among others), apparently went unaffected by the once-dreaded Y2K bug. Management information systems (MIS) personnel at the Camp Springs, Md. facility long ago initiated preventive measures aimed at thwarting potential Y2K problems. Those steps included installing various Y2K compliant software, reworking the phone system and modifying the internal mechanics of the medical claims system. "Thus far, we haven't experienced any .Y2K problems whatsoever," said Wally Schmidt, the union's MIS director, in midJanuary. "We're reasonably confident that if anything pops up in February 2000 the next few weeks, it will be very minor." The Y2K bug stems from the widespread use of two digits, rather than four, to signify the year in some software applications, hardware chips and computer databases (for example, 12/22/99). Programmers, information specialists and many others had warned of potential difficulties in the year 2000 when the year is "00" and some computer based systems cannot differentiate it from 1900. According to news reports, most Y2K glitches through early January had been fairly minor. But that success came at a costworldwide, literally billions of dollars were spent on preventive Y2K efforts. The federation of trade unions, to which the SIU is affiliated, pointed out that much of the growth was due to more workers forming unions in the last few years, and some was due to growth in the economy. At least 600,000 workers organized unions in 1999, according to internal AFL-CIO and affiliate union data-an increase of more than 25 percent over 1998. Some unions had their best organizing year in recent history. Nearly 50,000 workers joined both the UAW and the IBEW, for example, and more than 150,000 joined SEIU. Some of those gains are offset by retirements, plant relocations or closures, and other factors. Similarly, AFL-CIO Organizing Director Kirk Adams pointed out that in order to continue growing (as a percentage of the work force) in a rapidly expanding economy, unions must organize between 500,000 and a million workers per year. In some sectors, last year's growth represents a combination of organizing and an increase in union jobs. In construction, for instance, union density has been dropping since the 1960s, but showed an increase from 17 .8 to 19.1. Union membership in the public sector also grew by 152,788. The percentage of public sector workers who have a union decreased slightly, from 37.5 percent to 37.3 percent. More workers are forming unions because they want a say in issues that affect them at work, such as wages, benefits and working conditions, according to recent polling and reports from organizing campaigns. "As low-wage, service and temporary jobs increase, many Americans find themselves without benefits or a steady paycheck," the federation noted. "Unions are a way for workers to tum that trend around and ensure they gain in prosperous times." Census Will Impact Congress, States At Stake: Assigning $185 Billion in Annual Federal Funds Election Day isn't the only period this year that promises a deep and broad impact on American politics. The 2000 census, commencing April I, will be the basis for reapportionment next year of seats in the U.S. Congress and in state and local legislative districts. Based on population shifts, some states as well as their legislative districts may gain or lose representation. Census data also is used in allocating approximately $185 billion in federal funds each year -money earmarked for such projects as road and transportation planning, school construetion, housing development and dozens more. Additionally, local governments and businesses use the information. The U.S. Constitution requires a nationwide census every 10 years. All census information submitted by individuals is confidential and is not shared with any other agencies. There are two types of census forms: short and long. The short form asks seven questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete, according to the Census Bureau. Approximately 83 percent of households receive the short form. The rest receive the long form, covering 34 subjects and requiring 40 minutes or so to complete. Census Schedule* Mid-March: Deliver census questionnaires April 1: Census Day March-May 2000: census takers visit housing units in rural and remote areas to drop off and/or pick up forms Late April-Early July 2000: census takers visit housing units that did not return census forms October-November 2000: All field work completed December 31, 2000: Apportionment counts delivered to the president April 1, 2001: All$tates receive redistricting counts *Source: U.S. Census Bureau Shipboard Seatarers Can Be Counted As was the case IO years ago, SIU members who are aboard ship on Census Day (April 1) may identify "home" as a place ashore or the vessel itself. According to the Census Bureau, "Crews of U.S. flag merchant vessels engaged in inland waterway transportation are counted at their usual onshore residence (the place where they live and sleep most of the time when they are onshore). "Crews of U.S. flag merchant vessels docked in a U.S. port or sailing from one U.S. port to another U.S. port are counted at their usual onshore residence if they report one (the place where they live and sleep most of the time when they are onshore) or otherwise on the vessel." I Unlike in 1990, however, mariners aboard ships sailing to, from or between foreign ports will not be counted as part of the U.S. overseas population. This change essentially was made because of logistical difficulties in counting all U.S. citizens overseas (not just mariners). Those mariners sailing to, from or between foreign ports will be counted at their usual onshore residence if they report one, or otherwise on the vessel. The bureau was scheduled to mail census materials by late January or early this month to U.S.-flag shipping lines, in sufficient quantities . to provide every mariner (and passenger) with a chance to be counted. Former SUP President Dempster Passes Away Paul Dempster, former president of the Seafarers- affi 1i a ted Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP), passed away December 17 in a Concord, Calif. hospital. He was 71. Paul Dempster Dempster served as SUP president from 1978 to 1990. He also had been president of the San Francisco Central Labor Council and the San Francisco AFL-CIO Port Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department. He joined the SUP in 1949 and sailed as a bosun and AB. "Paul was a down-to-earth, reliable guy who was very strong in negotiations," stated retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. Dempster, a native of Hawaii, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He is survived by his wife of37 years; his daughter; two sisters; and three grandchildren. According to Dempster's wishes, his Retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney (right) ashes were scattered at sea from the deck serves as a pallbearer at Paul Dempster's funeral December 23 in Concord, Calif. of the Matsonia. Seafarers LOG 5 �Quam Connects with Apprentice Program Territory's Gov't Seeks Employment Boost Residents of the westernmost United States territory will have an enhanced opportunity to begin a career in the U.S. merchant manne. The government of Guam, working with the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is establishing a recruitment system designed to facilitate Guamanians' enrollment in the center's unlicensed apprentice program. This endeavor is very similar to one in which Alaska has participated since 1997. In carefully examining the benefits of such a partnership between the territory, the union and the school (located in Piney Point, Md.), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez- along with several other Guam officials--extensively toured the Paul Hall Center in late December. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), whose district includes the training facility, also took part in the tour. In mid-January, an estimated 1,000 Guamanians attended a seminar on the island about the unlicensed apprentice program. (Guam's population is approximately 155,000.) The program's curriculum is divided into three phases. During the first segment, which lasts 12 weeks and takes place at the school , students receive classroom and hands-on training that covers basic seamanship and familiarization skills. During the second phase, apprentices serve aboard US.flag merchant vessels for a mini- mum of 90 days. That span is divided into thirds, allowing students to work in all three departments. Finally, students return to the school for the third stage, which involves department-specific training. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordinary seaman, wiper or steward assistant. Open since 1967, the school offers not only entry-level training, but also more advanced vocational upgrading courses for experienced mariners. It also provides academic support and features a college degree program. The Paul Hall Center last year opened a state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school near the main campus. Among those accompanying Governor Gutierrez last month to Piney Point were the following Guam officials: Attorney General John Tarantino; Senator Eloy Bermudes (a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former executive manager of the Guam Port Authority); Joe T. San Agustin, administrator of base realignment and closure; and Jerry Yingling, executive manager of the Guam International Airport Authority. Discussing the school's 33-year history as a major employer in southern Maryland are (from left facing camera) Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, and U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) during a late December tour. The opening last year of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (below), part of the Paul Hall Center, has proven extremely beneficial for numerous classes, including the unlicensed apprentice curriculum. Observing a demonstration December 27 at the modern campus are (from left) U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson and Guam Senator Eloy Bermudes. THEY SHOULD KNOW: While researching the program, Guam officials chatted with students enrolled in the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. Reminder As part of the existing standard freightship and tanker contracts, Seafarers may qualify for an extra vacation day per month. However, the contracts department reminds SIU members that in order to obtain this benefit, they must secure and compfete a "tour of duty" form when signing off the vessel. This one-page form, available aboard the ship, should be signed by the master with the ship's seal. It is the member's responsibility to keep the form until filing for vacation benefits. The extra vacation day will be paid to any eligible SIU member who successfully completes his or her tour of duty without injury or illness and who files the correct paperwork. If the Seafarer already has collected some vacation pay prior to successfully completing his or her tour, then the extra day will be awarded on the last vacation check, once he or she completes the assignment and meets the verification requirements. Notice Mobile Hosts Feb. 25 Ceremony Honoring Memory of Leon Hall CG Sets Drug Test Rate At 50 Percent for Y2K The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that it will maintain a minimum random drug testing rate of 50 percent for merchant vessel crew members throughout this year. The agency reported that the 1998 results (the most recent available when determining the 2000 standard) were positive 1.68 percent of the time. Federal regulations require marine employers to conduct random drug testing programs for covered crew members on inspected and uninspected vessels. 6 Seafarers LOG Leon Hall Active and retired Seafarers along with their families and friends are invited to a February 25 dedication at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. in memory of the late SIU Vice President Leon Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Hall passed away in 1992 at age 72. The ceremony's starting time had not been determined as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Please check with the Mobile hall at (205) 4 78-0916 for more information. February 2000 �Among those pictured aboard the LNG Aquarius in Japan are Chief Cook G. Williams, SA Joseph Welle, P. Kasim, SA C. Washington, AB J. O'Shaughnessy and Bosun Zaine Basir. Applying muscle to their task are Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller (right) and two ABs aboard the USNS Sisler. Servicing Se0;[arers Overseas Crews Discuss Merger, Otherl01portantlssues The proposed merger of the SIU and NMU was a hot topic aboard the LNG Taurus during a recent shipboard meeting. Among those attending are (from left) QMED M. Hill, QMED J. Orr, GUDE Norman Barbosa, Recertified Steward Judi Chester, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and AB D. Bates. SIU crews in Japan, Singapore, Diego Garcia and other overseas ports welcomed SIU Representative Steve Ruiz to their respective ships throughout the month of December. Ruiz met with Seafarers aboard the eight LNG ships (Aquarius, Aries, Capricorn, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Taurus and Virgo); on the Buffalo Soldier, American Cormorant and Cape Jacob; and aboard the USNS vessels Potomac, Anderson, Phillips, Watson, Baugh, Yano, Sisler, Shughart and Gilliland "The main thing on the crews' minds was the merger, and an overwhelming majority gave a very As was the case aboard many other SIUcontracted ships, the steward department on the James Anderson worked to create a homey holiday atmosphere at sea. Helping get the job done are SA B. Fermin, SA Ibrahim Taha, SA E. Alaa, Chief Steward M. Watts, Assistant Cook M. Walter and GUDE A. Mohamed. Prepositioned in Diego Garcia, the Pvt. Franklin Phillips is a good feeder thanks to the galley gang that includes Chief Steward James Kidd, Chief Cook A. Mohammed, Cook/Baker C. Jones, SA C. Nunez-Avila, SAM. Thomas and others. February 2000 positive response," noted Ruiz, referring to the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union (see story, page 2). "They all seemed very happy to see a union official on the ships," he added. Other subjects discussed among Ruiz and the crews included the Alaska Tanker Co., the reflagging of the LNG ships, and the various new vessels coming under SIU contract. "The LNG crews gave a vote of thanks" to SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Ruiz added. Posing for a photo aboard ttie USNS Potomac in Singapore are SA Liana McKinney, SA Luis Gonzalez, Chief Steward Norman Cox, Bosun Sean Ryan and Chief Cook Pamala Hagler. Left: Chief Electrician Ronald Paradise (left) and Bosun Edwin Rivera attend the meeting aboard the Phillips. SIU Representative Steve Ruiz answers Seafarers' questions aboard the Cape Jacob. Listening are Chief Cook Marco Guevara, Oiler Gregory Carroll, ABT. O'Brien and AB R. Trainor. SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Aboard the LNG Capricorn (from left), Chief Cook Rafael Cardenas, SA Gloria Melluish and SA Antonio Perez welcome a camera-toting guest. Seafarers LOS 7 �Sea -arers Celebrate Holidays Steward Departments HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM STEWARD DEPT MN MARlNE COLUMBIA THUR NOV 25 1999 COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT JOHN T SCOGGINS ME N U B R E A K F A S T CHILLED FRUI JUICES SLICED FRESH FRUITS ASSORTED COLD CEREALS BREAKFAST POTATOES BREAKFAST PASTRIES EGGS COOKED TO ORDER FRENCH TOAST HOT CAKES GRJLLED BACON GRJLLED HAM HOT GRITS HOT OATMEAL CHOICE OF OMELETTES EGGS BENEDICT (HAM BAC CHEESE ONIO PEPPER CRAB) EGGNOG Pictured from left to right, SA Othman Saleh, Steward/Baker James Dunne and Chief Cook John Huyett offer a Thanksgiving meal featuring traditional dishes and more. Marine Col11mbia Give Extra Effort To Provide U NCH AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS FROM JOHN &JIM &OTTMAN Scrumptious Shipboard Fare As Thanksgiving gave way to Christmas and New Year's Day, SIU steward departments continually utilized their skills, creativity and enthusiasm in preparing holiday feasts for fellow crew members. Several of those vessels contacted the Seafarers LOG to commend the respective galley gangs. Some of the photos they submitted, along with others from the holidays, are shown on this page and the next one. L FRENCH ONION SOUP W/CH/ CROUTONS ASSORTED COLD SALADS&MIXED RELISHES SHRIMP & CRAB COCTAILS ROASTED TURKEY W/DRESSING & GRAVY BAKED HAM W/FRUIT SAUCE RICE PILAFF GLAZED YAMS MASHED POTATO GREEN PEAS SUMMER SQUASH BROCCOLI HOT COFFEE COLD MILK FRUIT DRINK HOT TEA PECAN PIE PUMPKIN PIE JELLO PUDDING PETITS FOURS HARD CANDY ASSORTED NUTS DINNER LEFT OVERS FROM LUNCH PLUS ROASTED PRIME RIB WIAU JUS Pictured on deck is Bosun Greg Hamilton. Chief Pumpman Ron Gordon works up an appetite while helping keep the equipment operating. Steward/Baker Dunne (right photo) is in a dicey situation while SA Saleh has an idea for decorating the treetop. Sulphur Enterprise SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT: Bosun Tony Sabatini enjoys Thanksgiving dinner. Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro lends a hand during meal preparation. Fist-size shrimp were on the Thanksgiving menu. D< "'J..r•·f'·p fTtLn'K,~GIV!;VG l5 :>iOVEMllF.R Jm !SULi'RL'R F..~IU'IUSE .4P :um~. • CltABCAU. ~~~~, • m.in:u onn"l..'t Wll'iG. OA• HUT1tAtt"GOO.'l. " ·~ ~.:r-o~kOIL ~ ~:® GNGLR.&OU., T£1UYAKJcmt.~. ::::::~ C:Ol'Ol>it(>~ . • AVOCAD05ltllf..L .. ~"-WRDll:OU.. • cv.111u1aou. ~ SUFOOb CllOWnM ilM 'ift'O:.'ft'O.!I 1110UP. L'TRHS ~JlT.\U,\lilTHilOLU..'\"•.US&. OkllUO llUJ'ftUCOfil TO OttDPW111! ~ acruw.. S'fn:C'T.-SlH:Ta !W)Tf&rfUl'.CJtA& ~lJlt.:£."l'l.f.&!'RLU~J'RJ'QJUCi, .OASTTOMTl'ftkl!'YWml~~GC-...VY:_.~-U\JC'S. ~RA.~Jr--~·UA~!ioTIUWt:nll!{t.Awa_~ SfiV"'1'SlLClroAHSTYLE. ~E~°'A'~-'"(Lsno°':~~o. Credit for the Thanksgiving goodies on the Sulphur Enterprise goes to (from left) Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova, Steward/Baker Nee Tran and SA Trinidad Sanchez. 8 Seafarers LOG :;R! Mn..PKf!Th. :~~ •WG~OG. ~n\ll'i.-Ab DDART~i"-"'158Jfll(; ==~~ Cla'!W Jl.~lio"f. A '!l!)('K 80 __, M..lL'TJn"l.. 1ll''\JGC1Vf'fr.. Eyeing the menu choices are DEU Justin Ravnell (left) and Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro. February 2000 �Wilmington Sharing holiday sentiments aboard Matson's Manulani are (from left) SA Tim Ellis, Port Agent John Cox and Chief Steward Lorraine Brayman. Each Christmas, a large, bearded man in a red and white hat visits Seafarers in Wilmington, Calif.-usually several hours after Santa makes his rounds. Port Agent John Cox (pictured in these four shots) continued the tradition in 1999. Pictured from left to right are AB Herman Moningka, Port Agent John Cox and Captain Bruno Kalmeta. Crowley Seafarers Engine Utility Deso Hrboka, AB Mike Privette, Mate Hank Scott and Mate Barry Schuffels welcome their jolly visitor. On the Sea-Land Patriot are (from left) Electrician Bozidar Baul, AB John Emrich, AB Mitchell Santana, AB Matt Bevak, Port Agent John Cox, Bosun Bobby Garcia, AB Ray Vicari and AB Don Hamrick. GI bal Mariner More than 100 people, including crew members, company officials and guests, turned out for the Christmas luncheon aboard the cable ship Global Mariner. Chief Steward Lanette Lopez (behind the camera) worked with (from left) SA Syed Murtaza, Chief Cook Antony Bach, SA Suzanne Santora, SA Husain Salah and Cook/Baker Walter Schoppe as well as Bosun Thor Young and Splicer/Joiner Nelson Poe in readying the succulent cuisine. ITB Philadelphia No SIU-crewed ship may have faced more difficult circumstances near the holidays than the !TB Philadelphia. As noted in letters from AB John Bellinger and Captain Nicholas Colavito (see page 20), the vessel engaged in a challenging voyage delivering food aid (37,000 tons of grain) from Portland to two ports in North Korea. Because of various unforeseen difficulties, "the disBosun Terry Cowans (left) and charge took 30 days, longer AB John Bellinger eagerly anticiby far than was projected," pate the Thanksgiving spread. noted Bellinger, who provided these photos. "During the entire stay, communication was severely restricted. The strain was especially great on the steward department, as the Philadelphia carried seven extra people to operate the machinery for the discharge. "Additionally, large groups of customs and immigration officials as well as officials from the port often arrived with little notice, and expected to be Cook/Baker Mohamed Hussein fed." (right) and Chief Steward The ship left Korea a few Thurman Johnson ready the days before Thanksgiving, meal. and crew members "enjoyed a spectacular Thanksgiving dinner, due in large part to the creativity and squirreling ability of Chief Steward Thurman Johnson and Cook/Baker Mohamed Hussein, wrote Bellinger. "This will be Mohamed's last voyage. The officers and crew presented him with a certificate of appreciation and a modest cash gift to express their gratitude for his fine work under trying circumstances. Mr. Hussein is such a fine baker that when the bread from shore finally ran out, the quality of life aboard actually improved, as delicious fresh breads, rolls, pastries and cookies rolled forth from Mo's oven. Lucky are we who sailed with him, and we wish him happiness on the beach. "Also, the entire crew has shown once again that long hours and difficult straits do not slow down American merchant mariners." Sea-Land Patriot Beef Wellington is one of many holiday menu choices on the SeaLand Patriot. RUDOLPH'S GOT NOTHIN' ON THIS ONE: Unlicensed Apprentice Justin Baker (class No. 597) puts the final touch on temporarily rednosed Brooke Dement at a holiday gathering inside the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Piney Point, Md. February 2000 Seafarers LOG 9 �Pensioner James M Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore in August 1939, right out of the l"YT.......,,--.r.........,,......,...TT""".._ Marine Corps as a corporal and as an expert of 50caliber machine guns. He sailed during WWII, the Korean conJ. Melford Smith flict and the early part of the Vietnam war and upgraded at the union s school in Brooklyn to third assistant engineer. This article recounts a voyage he took in 1942 aboard the SS Alcoa Pathfinder. alking down the dimly lit dock at midnight, I could hear the hum of the generators through the steel hull of the ship while I was still 100 yards away. The ship was loaded down almost to her plimsol marks, so the gangway had only a slight incline. Carrying my sea bag and tool kit, I went up the narrow gangway to the deck. At the top of the gangway, the mate had posted the sailing board with a sailing time of 0500 and the date: 2/28/42. Stepping onto the deck, I was stopped short by a strong odor that had been long forgotten- the smell of horse manure! I must be dreaming, I thought. With a war going on, we couldn't possibly be carrying a load of horse manure to some port overseas. Maybe some general or admiral had started a rose garden somewhere and was using his clout to get some fertilizer. Casting aside such disrespectful thoughts about our fearless leaders, I walked aft on the port side and discovered the farm-like odor was coming from a dozen wooden stalls lashed securely on deck. They contained four thoroughbred horses and eight cows. For an old Ohio farm boy, this was truly a sight to behold! I had milked my share of cows and spent more time than I cared to admit looking at the south end of horses going north. I never expected to be so closely associated with them while plying my trade as a seagoing electrician in the U.S. merchant marine. I had signed on at the United States Shipping Commissioner's office the previous afternoon, but this was my first time aboard this new type of vessel. It was called a C-1 A cargo ship and was just a year old. The ship had no guns, and her only defense against attack was a speed of 16 knots. On this run there were no armed escorts available. Although America at times has prided herself on being a major maritime nation, we have never had a national maritime policy. Except during periods when our nation was at war, our leaders have allowed our merchant marine to deteriorate almost to the point of non-existence. But in 1942, we were in a state of national emergency, and there was a mad scramble to build and crew ships to supply the armed forces. The enemy was sinking them far faster than they could be built, and we were losing the experienced seamen to man them. Along the East Coast, the lights of the cities were being used by German submarine crews to silhouette our ships, making them easy targets. Our losses were appalling. Locating the electrician's cabin, I found it was well furnished but W 10 Seafarers LOG like that!" We both dashed for the was taking care of the animals, had only one 18-inch port that making sure they had food and engine room. I flipped the main opened on the after deck and a water and cleaning their stalls. He lighting breakers and the ship went small electric fan. I thought, this had an endorsement on his seadark. son-of-a-gun is going to be a hot The German U-boat lay off the man's certificate that I had never one! heard of: Cattleman. A seagoing harbor and fired at us for 15 minutes I had been told at the union hall before the local armed forces got cowboy! It was something he did that the ship was hauling bauxite their coast defense guns in action from Dutch Guiana on the coast of "off watch" and was paid overtime and drove them off. The Nazi gun accordingly. South America to the port of I felt very uneasy about sailing crew was aiming primarily at the Mobile, Ala. Bauxite is a gray, oil tanks and refinery at the edge of in those submarine-infested waters dusty, gritty mineral that is the with the animals. One look at their town and except for that first round, main ingredient in making alularge brown, trusting eyes and the none of them came close. By late minum. When loading and disthought of what would happen if the next afternoon, the local longcharging bauxite, the dust covers shoremen had gotten the cargo the entire ship. The ventilation fans we got hit made me first angry, then sad. We humans were responashore, we had cast off the mooring must be shut down to protect the lines and were sailing around the sible for the present conditions and machinery, but the bauxite gets in Venezuelan coast to La Guaira. your food, your hair and your nose. could take care of ourselves. For As we rounded the peninsula, the horses and cows confined in If you are sweating, you soon look staying close inshore, I was like a gray ghost. their stalls, their terror and panic would be ended only by their death informed by the engineer on watch It was a miserable cargo to that there was a smell of burning transport but a vital one for the war by drowning. I vowed that if we insulation near the main switcheffort. I had never refused a job survived this voyage, I would get another ship as I did not want to be board. I soon located the problem becau e of the conditions or danand found a circuit breaker that gers, and I had sailed on some real around when that happened. was overheated. It was one of the rust buckets, so I stowed my gear Captain Dumke, who had made breakers for the steering gear and crawled into the comfortable this trip several times, said the motors, which bunk for a few was a vital piece hours sleep. of equipment. I It seemed decided to only a moment change the ciruntil the oiler on cuit breaker watch was immediately, knocking on my even though I door saying "It's would have to zero four thirty work it "hot," Elec, we're getwhich was 240 ting underway in a half hour volts. -and the cofI removed the defective fee's ready." I breaker and mumbled thanks installed the and got dressed, Often sailing unarmed, U.S.-flag cargo ships were at great risk through- new one. buckled on my tool belt, shoved out World War II-as evidenced in this 1942 photograph of an American Tightening the ammo ship whose entire crew perished. last nut, the a flashlight in my back pocket wrench slipped, and headed to flew out of my worst danger lay in our passage sweating hand and landed across the engine room to make sure the through the Yucatan Channel, the the bus bars which carries the main circuit breakers for the anchor load from the generators. The eyewindlass and the aft warping winch narrow waterway between Cuba searing flash from the short circuit were in the "on" position on the and the Yucatan Peninsula. He timed our passage through there at blinded me temporarily and main switchboard. They are used night. We would go to maximum knocked the generators off line. by the deck gang to pull in the speed, zigzag wildly in the dark The ship drifted without power, mooring lines securing the vessel night and stay as close to shore as and an onshore wind pushed us to the dock. I introduced myself to the l st possible without running aground. toward the rocks less than a mile And with the fathometer offi Its away. Our engine crew reacted assistant engineer, who was warmquickly to the emergency, and we ing up the engine, grabbed a cup of pinging would be heard by enemy coffee and went up to the bow to sound gear. soon had the generators back on stand by the anchor windlass conline and the ship underway again. I Though he was a grouchy old trols in case something should hap- cuss with never a kind word for had almost accomplished by accipen while the ship was docking or dent what Adm. Doenitz's subany of the mates, he stayed on the undocking. It's a part of the job I marines had failed to do. bridge all night and saw us safely enjoyed- unless it was raining. a Guaira was a pretty little through. Before getting my marine electritown nestled at the foot of Our first port of call was the coastal mountain range. cian's certificate, I had sailed in the Maracaibo in the Gulf of Venezuela, where we had some It serves as the seaport for Caracas, deck gang as an AB after putting general cargo to discharge. To the capital, which is about I 0 miles in my time as OS. Those ratings are a holdover from the days of enter the port, there is a narrow by road over the steep and rugged channel with a swinging sail but are still used. mountains. The Venezuelan people bridge/gate which opens on a large awn was breaking, and the were very friendly toward us lake with many oil platforms dotcity was coming to life as "Norte Americanos." we moved slowly out of the ting its surface. The gate is pulled After I finished work for the dock area and into Mobile Bay. open and closed by a small tugday, I walked uptown to the city Soon we were passing Fort boat. The port was closed from square. There was the usual catheMorgan on the tip of Dauphin dusk to dawn because of possible dral on one side and a small park Island, whose huge cannon had enemy action. in the center. Many of the townsfired at Admiral Farragut's fleet of people were enjoying the evening It was late evening and already gunboats in 1864 when he made dark by the time we got our ship in the square, including some strikthat famous remark "Damn the toringly beautiful girls, most of whom moored to the dock alongside a pedoes, full speed ahead." Now, as were accompanied by a chaperone. warehouse just inside the gate. My walk around the square was Chief Engineer Hardwick and I we entered the Gulf of Mexico where the submarines of Hitler's interrupted by a really Lovely girl were sitting on a bench on the aft "Thousand Year Reich" were lying who flashed me a big smile as I side of the deckhouse. We were having an after-dinner smoke and in wait for us, we could say the strolled by. Since there was not a talking when there was a bright same thing. chaperone in sight, I stopped to We brought our ship up to full flash of light in the outer harbor. talk, though my Spanish was very speed and started a zigzag course The chief said, "I wonder what limited. to Maracaibo and La Guaira, idiot is signaling to get inside the "Hola! Senorita, Que pasa? Venezuela. While making the fiveharbor this late at night." Como se llama? (Hi, miss, what's day voyage, I learned that some Before I had a chance to reply, happening? What's your name?) wealthy businessman in Venezuela there was a terrific explosion and "Elita" she said with a sweet the end of the warehouse disintesmile, followed by a long string of was starting a ranch and had Spanish. I hadn't the faintest idea grated. The animals were crying ordered the finest breed of animals from the States. This was the secwhat she had said after her name, with fear, and some shrapnel hit ond shipment, and there were two the stem of the ship. I said, "Chief, so I asked "Habla Englais?" more on order. One of the sailors She shook her head no, then I've never heard a ship enter a port L D said, "Ah leetle," and held up her fingers pinched together. We were soon sitting at a sidewalk cafe drinking coffee and laughing while struggling with the language barrier and enjoying each other's company. After about an hour, I indicated that it was time for me to go (we were sailing at dawn.) When I stood up to leave, Elita, still chattering in Spanish, took my arm. I caught the word "paseo" (walk), so we started to walk east along the beach road. It was a beautiful spring night with a full moon and a cool breeze from the Caribbean. When we came to the edge of town I said to myself, Elita must be a country girl if she Lives this far out of town. After about a quarter mile she asked me something in Spanish that I didn't understand. We continued strolling down the road hand in hand with Elita asking the same question every hundred yards or so. Finally, while I could still see the lights of the town, I stopped and sat down on a stone culvert while I figured out what she was saying. At last it became clear to me that she did not understand that I was a seafaring person on a ship! Elita was asking "How much farther is it?" When we met the next time, we laughed about it. The next morning, heading down the coast to Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, I thought, how frustrating to not be bilingual in a hemisphere where 21 out of 23 countries speak Spanish. In India I had Learned a little Bengali and in the Philippines a little Tagalog along with their Spanish. I decided then and there to start studying Spanish as soon as I could find a good study book. But as Robert Bums, the Scot poet, said, "The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley." Due to the exigencies of the war, I soon found myself in the islands of the South Pacific for the duration. Studying Spanish had a very low priority where each voyage was a matter of survival. I regret that I never did learn it. ... aramaribo is the capital of Surinam, which is a Dutch colony. The buildings are Dutch style and though English is spoken, the main language is Dutch. We didn't have time to go ashore as the mine where we were to load bauxite was 25 miles up the Surinam River, and the river pilot was waiting. As we wound our way up the river through the dense jungle, branches and vines would sometimes scrape alongside. Monkeys and colorful birds of all kinds screeched and yelled at us for disturbing their habitat. It was a unique experience for us deep sea sailors. The mine had a conveyor system that was extended over the ship's holds. The powdery bauxite poured off the concave conveyor belt into the hold, throwing up clouds of choking dust. The heat was almost unbearable, but there was a little breeze blowing up the river so I turned in that night with my fan sucking some of that air into my room. During the night the wind shifted and I awoke with a choking sensation, unable to breathe. Turning on a light, I discovered myself and my room completely covered with a heavy coating of bauxite dust and my fan making it look like a Sahara dust storm. Bauxite dust does not taste good. P Continued on page 17 February 2000 �.,, .... i ·.IIIi , ~ . Leap at the Chance for a College Scholarship • COMPLETE THE COUPON AT RIGHT AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FebTuary 2~0 Are you putting off applying for college because you just don't have the time-or the money? Well, this month both those problems may be solved! Since this is a leap year, which means February has an extra day, it will give you more time to do all those things you wished you had more time to do. And one of those things is to sit down and apply for an SIU scholarship. Since the union began its scholarship program in 1952, many Seafarers and their family members have been awarded higher education grants and gone on to realize their educational goals. This year, as in the past, the Seafarers Welfare Plan will present seven scholarships. Three of the awards will go directly to Seafarers. One of these grants is for $15,000 for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. The other two awards designated specifically for SIU members are $6,000 each for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four grants will be presented to spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Each of these scholarships is for $15,000 to study at a four-year college or university. quired of all applicants in order to be considered for a scholarship. Who Is Eligible? Materials Needed Scholarships are available to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children (pensioners are not eligible). Additional eligibility information may be found in the 2000 SIU scholarship program booklet. Just fill out the coupon below and mail it to the address listed. Program booklets also are available at all SIU halls. In addition to the application form itself, other items are re- Transcripts and certificates of graduation are needed, as are letters of recommendation from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's character, personality and career goals; scores from the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) exams; a photograph of the applicant; and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Deadline Nears The completed applications MUST be mailed and postmarked ON or BEFORE April 15, 2000. Those who have applied for an SIU scholarship in the past and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. So ... don't let a Jack of time or money prevent you from furthering your education. You have an extra day this month to leap for the chance at a scholarship. Don't let it pass you by. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, P lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 2100 L---------------------------------------------------------------------------SeafaTel'S LOG 11 �TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS HOWTO PREPARE ATAXRETURN Step I. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1999 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 66b, 66c and 66d on their Form 1040. Line 66b is for the STANDARD DEDUCIION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions. (Note that the personal exemption deduction is $2,750.) Filing Status Standard Deduction Single ........... $4,300 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent children ........ $7,200 Married filing separate return ....$3,600 Head of household ..$6,350 bank's routing number. Line 66c indicates the type of account, and line 66d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax retnrn electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption-for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,750 per person. In 1999, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. s.andardl>eWdim.Hmlncraad: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box below to the right). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 1999, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. Hthey do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Oub Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Groa Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee's administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting WOik-Reiated &penses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Tiavel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related C',ar Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost On the tax return due April 17 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile (for 1/1-3/31) and 31 cents per mile (for 4/112/31). Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When 'Ihlveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $38 per day in the continental U.S. and $42 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $34. In some locations it is $42, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Tiavel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. Limit on Itetni7.ed Deductions: In 1999, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $126,600 of federal adjusted gross income (or $63,300 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 1999, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,200 and no qualifying children - $347 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $26,928 and with 1 qualifying child $2,312 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $30,580 and with 2 or more qualifying children $3,816 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EI C to see if they are eligible for the credit Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 1999, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit The amount of the credit is $500 per child. Credit for Higher Education 'IWtion: Individuals may be able to take the "H0 PE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 1999, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Leaming Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student's expenses. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $1,500 of interest paid after December 31, 1998 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs-Taxpayers can contribute up to $500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming credit is claimed. Also, no contribution may be made by any person for the same beneficiary during any year in which a coµtribution is made to a qualified state tuition program. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributlons-The additional 10 percent t.ax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS 12 Seafarers LOG TAXTIPSFO Presented on these two p handy tax tips that have mariners. Included are th 1999 and where to get WHERETO GE General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called ti questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order curr publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are availabl try to help with tax questions that c: To find the location of an IRS office States Government, Internal Reven Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer qu taxpayer information service, public can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system h about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 i When calling from a touch tone ph repeat the topic and the letter "C" To listen to a directory of topics aftet 123. You can also check the status This telephone service is availabl time). Personal Computer: Access the IRS 's Internet Web Si forms, instructions and publication questions; search publications on-1' withholding allowances using their requests for help via e-mail; and si news by e-mail from the IRS Digita Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the District Director (listed on the tax with the letter. Federal law prohibits employers from the wages of mariners workin Specifically, the law [46 USCA wages due or accruing to a master, member of the crew on a vessel e coastal, interstate or non-contiguous provisions of the tax laws of any wealth, or a subdivision of any of th hibit any such withholding of the w the coastwise trade between ports · pursuant to a voluntary agreement The law, however, does not exe taxes. Mariners, just like any other their obligations to the government Each state has a set of criteria resident of that state. A seaman sho she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California d California State Board of Eq seaman-despite the fact that he year-was a resident of the state fi consideration the fact that the se tained a bank account in a Califo Additionally, each state has es residents of that state must pay a ual earned income from a source Many states allo~ a credit in the if that person has already paid taxes If any questions arise rega niariners should telephone t state in which they reside. TAXTIPSFO February 2000 �RSEAFARERS ges of the Seafarers LOG are een prepared especially for new deduction amounts for additional information. apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual's lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. nt and prior year fonns, instructions and Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can in many IRS offices around the counot be answered easily by telephone. look in the phone book under "United in return for services) . • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) or real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). OTHER TAX INFORMATION INFQRMATION r general information. IRS staff answer TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS! pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. • Accumulation distributions from trusts. • Prizes and awards {contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). • Earned income from sources outside the United States. • Director's fees. • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. • Embezzled or other illegal income. stions by phone. Through the agency's tions covering all aspects of tax-filing WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP s recorded tax infonnation covering Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax retum, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. ne, the letter "R" or number "7" will r number "2" will cancel the message. the introductory message finishes, dial f your refund. from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (local e at www.irs.ustreas.gov to: download ; see answers to frequently asked tax e by topic or keyword; figure your -4 caJculator, send them comments or up to receive the latest tax issues and Dispatch. returns can be sent directly to an IRS rm). Include a social security number , 'RS MUST PAY COME TAX from withholding state and local taxes aboard U.S.-flag ships. 1108(11)] provides that "no part of the officer or any other seaman who is a gaged in the foreign, coastwise, intertrade shall be withheld pursuant to the , territory, possession or commonm, but nothing in this section shall pros of any seaman who is employed in the same state if such withholding is tween such seaman and his employer." pt seamen from paying state and local citizens of any given state, must meet f the area in which they live. determine whether an individual is a d check with a state tax office if he or g the early 1970s, a case before the alization stated that a merchant was on a ship for 210 days of the r tax purposes. The board took into owned a home in California and main.a-based bank. blished conditions under which nonortion of state tax if such an individased in that state. ount an individual must pay the state in another state. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person's last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 1999, the taxpayer's personal representative {and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: • Benefits from government welfare programs. • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical costs. • Maintenance and Cure. • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. • Disability retirement payments {and other benefits) paid by the Veterans' Administration. • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. • Life insurance proceeds received because of a person's death. • Amounts received :from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. • Jones Act settlements for lost wages. • Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. • Endowments. • Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income {fair-market value of goods or services received SEAFARERS February 2000 WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 2000 to file his or her 1999 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file a tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due. TAX PLANNING TIPS Selling Your Home'? The tax law gives homeowners a special tax break on capital gains realized on the sale of a principal residence. If you have owned and used a home as your principal residence for periods totaling at least two years out of the last five years before selling, you generally can take advantage of this break to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers). People who fail to meet the ownership or use test or have claimed the exclusion for another home within two years of the sale may qualify for a partial exclusion. Don't forget capital improvements. H you find yourself with unexpected taxable gains on your home sale, check your records for overlooked capital improvement expenses you've paid over the years. The costs of capital improvements, such as adding another bath, garage or family room, are added to your basis in the home and, thus, reduce your taxable gain. Reinvesting Your Dividends Make sure you count any reinvested dividends as part of your tax basis when you sell the stock you bought through a dividend reinvestment plan. The dividends were taxed to you when they were originally paid. You don't want to pay tax on them twice. The same holds true for mutual fund dividends you had automatically reinvest.eel. State Taxes Many state income tax laws are based on federal tax rules. So, the strategies you use for your federal tax planning may work with your state tax planning as well. Be aware that Some states allow two-earner couples who file joint federal returns to file separate state returns when it is advantageous. Check your state's rules. If you have a choice, calculate your tax both ways and use the method that produces the lower tax. Also, you may be considered a resident of-and owe taxes to-two states if you own two residences in different states. If you sell a property in another state at a profit, generally you owe that state taxes on your gain. If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as "Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's tollfree number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829-3676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is im.portant to bear in m.ind that th.£ filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off th.£ hook from. having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, m.ust be accompanied by all tax monies due th.£ U.S. governnumt frmn th.£ individual filing the extension. OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should a Seafarer find himself or herself overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: • Berlin, Germany • Caracas, Venezuela • London, England • Mexico City, Mexico • Nassau, Bahamas • Ottawa, Canada • Paris, France • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • Rome, Italy • Sao Paulo, Brazil • Sydney, Australia • Tokyo, Japan. / TAXES DUE APRIL 17, 2000 TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS Seafarers LOG 13 �---------------------------------------------~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- - ~ - ••II State l'tl•ar1 Dates rater legistratio• leadll•es tot Be•eral Electlo•: Taesd111, llore•bet 1, 2100 State Registration Deadline(s) Primary Date (Presidential I Congressional) 2000 promises to be a very exciting election year. The president of the U.S., as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, will be determined this November 7. In order to vote, you must be registered. The chart below lists some important dates and times you need to know in order to register and to exercise your right to vote. Polling Hours 8 am- 6/8 pm June 6 (Cong. runoff date - June 27) 10 days before an election 7 am - 8 pm Conventions May 19 (R); May 20 (D) I Aug. 22 30 days before an election ALASKA 6 am - 7 pm Feb. 22; March 11 (Dl/ Sept. 12 29 days before an election ARIZONA 7:30 am - 7:30 pm May 23 (Cong. runoff date June 13) 30 days before an election ARKANSAS March 7 · 7 am8 pm 29 days before an election CALIFORNIA 7 am 7 pm March 10 I Aug. 8 29 days before an election COLORADO 6 am 8 pm March 7 I Sept. 12# 14 days before an election CONNECTICUT 7 am 8 pm Feb. 5; Feb. 8 (R) I Sept. 9 20 days prior to general election; DELAWARE 21 days prior to primary election 7 am - 8 pm May2 30 days before an election DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 7 am - 7 pm March 14 I Sept. 5 (runoff date - Oct. 3) 29 days before an election FLORIDA 7 am - 7 pm March 7IJuly18 (runoff date - Aug. 8) The 5th Monday before a general primary, general GEORGIA election or presidential preference primary. The 5th day after the date of the call for all other special primaries and special elections 7 am - 6 pm Caucus March 7 (D); May 19 (R) I Sept. 23 30 days before an election HAWAII 8 am - 8 pm May23 25 days before an election by mail; 24 days before IDAHO an election in person, or election day at the polls 6 am - 7 pm March 21 29 days before primary; 28 days before general election ILLINOIS 6 am - 6 pm May2 29 days before an election IN DIANA 7 am - 9 pm Caucus Jan. 24 I June 6 Delivered by 5 pm 10 days before state primary or general IOWA election; 11 days before all others. A postmark 15 or more days before an election is on time 617 am - 718 pm April 4 I Aug. 1 Delivered 15 days before an election KANSAS 6 am - 6 pm May 23 28 days before an election KENTUCKY 6 am - 8 pm March 14 I Nov. 7 (runoff date - Dec. 9) 24 days before an election LOUISIANA 6/10 am* - 8 pm March 7 I June 13 10 business days before an election or delivered MAINE in person up to and including election day 7 am - 8 pm March 7 9 pm on the 5111 Monday before an election MARYLAND 7 am - 8 pm March 7 I Sept. 19 20 days before an election MASSACHUSETIS 7 am - 8 pm Feb. 22 [Caucus March 11 (D)] I Aug. 8 30 days before an election MICHIGAN 7 am - 8 pm * Caucus March 7 I Sept. 12 Delivered by 5 pm 21 days before an election; MINNESOTA also election day registration at polling places 7 am - 7 pm March 14 (Cong. runoff date - April 4) 30 days before an election MISSISSIPPI 6 am - 7 pm March 7 I Aug. 8 28 days before an election MISSOURI 7 am/noon* - 8 pm* June 6 30 days before an election MONTANA 718 am - 718 pm May 9 The 41h Tuesday before an election or delivered NEBRASKA by 6 p.m. on 2nd Friday before an election 7 am - 7 pm Conventions May 19-21 (D), May 25 (R) I Sept. 5 9 pm on the 5th Sat. before any primary or general NEVADA election. 9 pm on the 3rd Sat. before any recall or special election unless held on same day as primary or general election. Then it remains the 5th Saturday. 11 am - 7 pm Feb. 1 I Sept. 12 10 days before an election, or registration at polls NEW HAMPSHIRE on election day 7 am - 8 pm June 6 29 days before an election NEW JERSEY 7 am - 8 pm June 6 28 days before an election NEW MEXICO 6 am - 9 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 25 days before an election NEW YORK 6:30 am - 7:30 pm May 2 (Cong. runoff date May 30) Postmarked 25 days before an election or received NORTH CAROLINA in elections office or voter registry agency by 5 pm 719 am - 7/9 pm* Conventions Feb. 29 (R), March 7 (D) I June 13 North Dakota does not have voter registration NORTH DAKOTA 6:30 am - 7:30 pm March 7 30 days before an election OHIO 7 am - 7 pm March 14 I Aug. 22 (runoff date - Sept. 19) 25 days before an election OKLAHOMA 7 am - 8 pm May 16 21 days before an election OREGON 7 am - 8 pm April 4 30 days before an election PENNSYLVANIA 7 am/noon - 9 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 30 days before an election RHODE ISLAND 7 am - 7 pm Feb. 19 (R), March 9 (D) I June 13 (runoff dat - June 27) 30 days before an election SOUTH CAROLINA 718 am - 718 pm June 6 (Cong. runoff date - June 20) Delivered 15 days before an election SOUTH DAKOTA 6/8 am - 7/8 pm** March 14 I Aug. 3 30 days before an election TENNESSEE 7 am - 7 pm March 14 (Cong. runoff date - April 11) 30 days before an election TEXAS 7 am - Bpm March 10 I June 27# 20 days before an election UTAH 6/10 am - 7 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 Delivered to town clerk before noon, postmarked or VERMONT submitted to OMV on 2nd Saturday before an election 6 am - 7 pm Feb. 29 (R); Convention June 3 (0) I June 13# Delivered 29 days before an election VlRGINfA 7 am - 8 pm Feb. 29 I Sept. 19 30 days before an election or delivered in person up to WASHINGTON 15 days before an election 6:30 am - 7:30 pm May9 30 days before an election WEST VIRGINIA 719 am - 8 pm April 4 I Sept. 12 13 days before an election or completed in the local WISCONSIN voter registration office 1 day before an election or completed at polling place on election day 7 am - 7 pm March 1OI Aug. 22 30 days before an election or register at polling place WYOMING on election day * Depends on size of jurisdiction; * * 7 pm CST - 8 pm EST;# In Connecticut and Utah, conventions are held by the parties prior to the primary. In Virginia, parties may choose to nominate candidates by convention rather than by primary. SOURCE: U.S. Federal Election Commission. ALABAMA 14 Seafarers LOG Febl'Uary 2000 �·~--- ·- - - --- Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 1999 - JANUARY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 30 San Francisco 24 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 25 27 11 8 3 6 16 10 14 36 29 3 0 243 17 3 4 14 4 11 13 11 16 7 3 8 12 4 2 130 10 2 2 10 20 9 4 7 15 2 8 16 4 6 19 28 3 18 7 6 4 2 20 20 8 4 0 0 87 7 10 14 2 0 0 189 2 13 4 14 14 6 11 7 3 6 6 5 6 0 2 8 1 0 8 5 9 11 2 3 12 4 6 5 5 2 I 0 0 0 100 78 52 10 11 21 20 18 8 4 6 3 5 22 18 6 71 12 29 45 18 12 21 8 1 6 40 59 16 23 2 1 0 97 23 10 2 6 10 4 5 7 5 5 16 3 13 7 17 1 0 12 4 2 2 4 3 2 0 1 445 183 90 15 53 16 l 7 5 8 7 14 7 7 13 2 8 17 4 0 2 118 11 3 3 5 7 1 2 7 9 9 8 9 3 2 5 4 2 3 0 87 16 1 6 3 0 5 4 5 2 7 3 19 7 6 3 12 2 3 1 0 0 37 5 0 4 16 2 1 2 105 5 4 7 10 3 8 8 4 9 3 3 5 1 5 0 76 0 0 2 4 0 3 l 0 6 3 2 2 0 2 0 26 'Deep sea, takes, 1n1a11d waters Piney Point ............. Monday: March 6, April 3 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: March 15, April 12 HonoJulu ................. Friday: March 17, April 14 Houston ..................Monday: March 13. April IO Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 9, April 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: March 22, April 19 Mobile .................... Wednesday: March 15, April 12 New Bedford ...•......Tuesday: March 2 l t April 18 New Orteans ...........Tuesday; March 14, April 11 New York................Tuesday: March 7, April 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: March 8, April 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port -iliiSbj ,,.,,,. Algonac ..................Friday: March 1O.. April 7 DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Trip Reliefs • • • & ~I 2111JO 5 24 0 4 3 3 6 6 18 15 36 18 12 19 11 13 4 2 4 6 0 1 7 0 0 0 38 26 3 I 0 211 13 3 2 7 6 16 17 10 11 8 12 6 2 3 0 117 3 l 2 4 3 3 11 2 6 4 0 San Francisco ......... Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Juan ..................Thursday: March 91! April 6 St. Louis .................Friday: March 17~ April 14 Tacoma ................... Friday: March 24, April :21 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 20, April 17 Each potf's meeting starts at 1g..311 a.m. 5 Personals 6 3 0 2 Please call you brother, Joe Engbrock, in Houston at (713) 946-6162. He is very anxious to talk with you. 55 HERMAN COLLIER DEREK MACKAY Please call you wife at (757) 559-6952. Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 12 1 6 6 8 8 21 29 21 22 2 13 11 0 162 4 1 3 7 2 0 0 2 1 0 5 2 6 2 4 0 6 3 4 9 3 2 3 0 53 0 16 0 0 2 0 36 Port 4 0 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 0 5 5 11 2 8 5 16 2 0 0 1 62 Totals All Departments 585 20 14 0 0 2 16 1 4 15 8 9 11 8 14 13 11 19 17 9 1 45 6 0 17 0 183 4 120 3 3 14 0 222 453 382 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 2 1 6 I 0 0 I 1 2 3 l 9 4 8 13 18 13 5 1 4 2 0 2 6 1 2 5 2 4 1 10 4 4 2 12 46 33 0 14 0 34 3 4 8 0 20 20 2 0 69 6 0 267 21 1 6 10 l 0 0 116 2 2 0 35 0 0 0 0 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 14 17 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 31 8 0 120 112 0 0 0 0 0 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 441 331 231 204 4 6 8 16 1 5 0 0 1 11 0 11 5 6 7 16 3 9 15 7 3 0 16 0 0 3 5 2 0 0 31 5 6 13 16 5 10 IO 11 1 12 10 26 1 9 2 10 7 7 5 4 2 11 6 1 6 2 2 1 5 1 3 0 0 24 1 1 0 2 0 83 45 26 8 0 2 2 42 3 3 20 20 9 11 5 7 22 8 13 5 3 0 3 15 12 10 15 4 21 20 20 PIDLIP REYNOLDS Bridget Booker would like you to give her a call. She is at 1 (800) 375-0060, ext. 5647. CREW MEMBERS FROM THE 1940s Thomas W Hardeman is seeking to contact former crew members who sailed aboard the Richard Montgomery in 1943, the Jacob H. Gallinger in 1943-44, the Joseph H. Hollister in 1944, the William Terry Howell in 1945 and the Tyson Lykes in 1945. Hardeman can be reached at 821 Indigo Avenue, Casey, SC 29033 SURVIVORS OF THE SS ALCOA PILGRIM Retired Seafarer James C. Huffmaster would like to get in touch with fellow crew members who survived the sinking of the SS Alcoa Pi/gram (May 25, 1942). Please contact him via the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. at (205) 478-0916. Corrections In a photograph published in the November 1999 issue of the LOG, page 13, QMED-Electrician Saro Koumashian of the MFOW was misidentified. In the January 2000 issue, page 5, the article about the late SIU VP Bob Matthews should have stated that he came ashore during the union's formation in the late 1930s and worked as an official from that time until his retirement. 8 9 3 157 2 0 0 1 72 13 0 13 0 98 268 285 1,021 651 475 20 *"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. February 2000 2 8 3 11 Brotherly Encounter at School The SIU's motto, "Brotherhood of the Sea," may ' mean a bit more to some members than others. For ~ · instance, DEU Abdulsalam Mohamed (left) and AB Fadhl Mohamed are ' brothers who recently caught up on family news while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. They hadn't seen each other in four years, and were happy to finally renew acquaintance at the school. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DECEMBER 16, 1999 MchaeJ Sacco '" President CL - +· .. , ;Jobnfay :&eeutive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer ;;,< . . ,,A,~g~s#.n Tellez ·. . Vice President Contracts .Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vlce President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone VIce President West Coast Kermett .Mangram Vice President Government Services • )I' Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 22 18 0 13 5 0 5 10 0 40 33 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class CL Class L Class NP h ;{~~~i!Wiit!ii£i;.@J'; if" r;; Company/Lakes JANUARY 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 10 10 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 0 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 7 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 21 11 0 0 12 7 0 7 4 0 3 3 0 21 11 HEADQUARTERS 520l Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 2-0746 (101} 899~0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 4&001 (&lO) 194-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) SQJ-4988 27 27 0 0 39 78 69 Totals All Depts 0 *"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. Disp~chers' _/ BALTIMORE Report for Inland Waters DECEMBER 16, 1999 - JANUARY 15, 2000 1216 E. Baltimore St. *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, I;Jl .96& 19 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houst<Jn, TX 7'§002 (713) 659..5152 J JEBSEYCITY 99 Montgomery·St Hersey Cio/{Nl 0'?302 (201) 435-9424 ',J»;OBILE .y t 640bauphin lslallii PkWy. Mobile, AL 36605 . (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 99M404 NEW ORLEANS 39ll Lapako 81vd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 32S-7545 .NEW YORK 635Fourth Ave. Broo.klyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 1 30 3 0 3 0 1 34 4 0 0 17 0 0 1 0 0 17 1 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 10 0 3 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 20 0 0 2 10 0 30 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 3 10 6 0 18 2 5 0 18 0 14 32 0 0 0 14 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 15 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 13 0 0 14 0 6 4 47 37 0 5 14 60 Totals All Depts *"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. 0 36 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622-1892 .PHILADELPHJA 2604 S.4 St. .Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PlNEYPOlNT P,0.Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 {301) 994-00 l 0 J?ORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN Ji'RANCJSCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco~ CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Govemment Servjces Division (4 l 5) 861 ·3400 SA.NTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave.. Stop 16}'2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 45&1 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South UuionAve. Tacoma, WA 93409 (253) 272-7774 WlLM.INGTON 51() N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 0 l 0) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Mary Geiling, the widow of pensioner Richard Geiling of Shoreline, Wash. It was taken during the Christmas season in 1955 aboard the hopper dredge Sand Captain in Venezuela. Geiling is the tallest member of the galley gang in this photo. Other identified members are "Andy Messina, Tom, Frank, Jim and Frenchy." Mrs. Geiling notes that her husband, who was an active member for 40 years (from 1951 until his retirement in 1991 ), died this past June. His ashes were scattered at sea from the deck of the Sea-Land Reliance-and he is greatly missed. February 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the 12 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 46 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Hubert C. Cain is a graduate of the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Cain, nine of the retiring Seafarers shipped in the deep sea division, two sailed on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, five sailed in the engine department and one shipped in the steward department. Seven of the pensioners served in the U.S. military-six in the Army and one in the Navy. This month, half of the pensioners have retired to the Gulf states and two each have chosen to live on the East Coast, Midwest and Puerto Rico. On this page the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. 0 DEEP SEA JOSE A. BERDIEL, 58, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Bienville, operated by Sea-Land Service. The Puerto Rico native worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Humacao, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Berdiel makes his home in Cleveland, Ohio. RAMON BONAFONT, 60, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Colorado, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Bonafont last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Carolina, P.R. is where he calls home. GEORGE BRUER, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1959 from the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Germany, he became a U.S. citizen and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. February 2000 Brother Bruer has retired to Indian Harbor, Fla. HUBERTC. CAIN, 65 first sailed with the SIU in 1952 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Polaris. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. From 1963 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Cain last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He calls Mobile home. WALTERW. CHANCEY, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Chancey's first ship was the Alcoa Partner. Born in Florida, he worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Express. He makes his home in Seffner, Fla. ARTHURR. LANG, 62, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Longview Victory. A native of Florida, he worked in the deck department. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Lang last sailed aboard the Galveston Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Jacksonville. ANGELL. O'NEILL, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. He was active in union organizing drives during his career. Brother O'Neill last sailed aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Carolina, P.R. is where he calls home. LARRIE L. PROFFITT, 88, began his career with the SIU in 1955. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the engine depart- . ~. . - ment as a chief electrician. Brother Proffitt last sailed in 1978 aboard the Newark, a SeaLand Service vessel. He makes his home in Baltimore. DONAL RAY SWANNER, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Houston. Born in Oklahoma, he started his sailing career in the deck department aboard inland vessels. Brother Swanner later transferred to the deep sea division and worked in the engine department. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Paul Buck, an Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel. He has retired to Channelview, Texas. INLAND TERRYR. LeBLANC, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Houston. The Texas native began working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman LeBlanc last sailed aboard the Manta, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Aransas Pass, Texas is where he calls home. From 1956 to 1958 he served in the U.S. Army. MICHAELJ. POWELL, 55, first sailed with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he worked as a captain. Boatman Powell last sailed in 1997 aboard the Escort, operated by Express Marine. He makes his home in Poquoson, Va. GREAT LAKES TIMOTHY W. WALLACE, 52, began his career with the Seafarers in 1971. The Michigan native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Wallace last sailed in 1998 aboard the Buffalo, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Alpena, Mich. is where he calls home. Aboard the Pathftnder Continued from page 10 Due to the shallow depth of the Surinam River, we could take only a partial load of the ore. We were to stop at Port of Spain, Trinidad for the remainder of the cargo. The deck gang used our high pressure fire hoses to wash down the ship as we made good time down the river. We were glad to see the open ocean and escape the heat, even if it did mean there was a danger of running afoul of one of Der Fuehrer's submarines. In Port of Spain, there was frantic construction. They were building an airbase that could be used for aircraft to protect shipping, and as a ferry base for flights to Africa and Europe. As I walked up the street, a catchy little tune called "Rum and Coca Cola" blasted at maximum volume from every cantina's open doorway. "Go down Point Cumana - both Motha an' Dahta -workin' fo' the Yankee dollah." Point Cumana happened to be the red light district. It was war time, and some of the people were destitute. As we sailed back to Mobile with our full load of aluminum ore, we heard reports of ships being sunk near our intended route. Capt. Dumke changed course frequently to keep us well clear of the latest enemy action. I had asked for a relief on arrival in Mobile, but much to my disappointment, none was available. I had to make a second voyage with the horses and cows. During the final week of that second voyage in early May 1942, Adm. Doenitz, commander of the German navy, moved a wolf pack of his submarines into the Gulf of Mexico. Our Navy was helpless to combat this maneuver, and ships were being sunk even at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Like the run up the East Coast, the Gulf became a shooting gallery for the enemy. The radioed cries for help from torpedoed ships were heartwrenching, but there was nothing we could do except try to make it into Mobile Bay- where my relief was waiting. Five days after I signed off the ship in Mobile, the German submarine U-181 slammed a torpedo into the Pathfinder as she crossed the Gulf. Six months later at an island in the South Pacific called Guadalcanal, I received a report that the survivors had taken to the lifeboats and were picked up days later by a ship bound for Laurenco Marques, Mozambique, where they were put ashore. The animals did not survive. JMS SS Alcoa Pathfinder 20,000 seamen. In response to the demonstration, Adm. John Harllee, chairman of the federal Maritime 1947 In a stirring demonstration of inter-union supCommission, promised a "confident, deterport, the Seafarers International Union took to mined and aggressive effort" to aid in the solvthe streets of downtown New York in support ing of the Puerto Rico freight rates controver· rr;:::::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::==m sy. He said that such of the strike of the United Financial a solution should be Employees, Local 205, found without having AFL. More than 200 to resort to the use white-capped Seafarers Aj tt a~ of foreign-flag vessels joined the picket lines l "f _ _V - l ' .ft f ' in Puerto Rican and distributed more trade. than 25,000 leaflets, prepared by the SIU,. to 1992 inform the public of the need for organizing The MV R.]. Pfeiffer, the only large commerthe underpaid workers in the brokerage busicial ship under construction in the United ness. States, was christened February 15 at a ship· yard in San Diego. The new 71 4-foot contain· 1965 At a joint demonstration in San Juan, the SIU ership is owned by Matson Navigation strongly protested attempts by the government Company and is named for the company's chief executive officer and chairman of the and certain industry leaders on the island to board. Delivery of the ship is scheduled for allow foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto Rico trade. The SIU warned that the introduc- June, with service commencing in August .... The cost for the Pfeiffer is $ 129 million and tion of foreign-flag shipping into the island does not include government subsidies. trade could result in the unemployment of Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THJS MO TH J· SJ HJS?,O, Seafarers LOS 11 �Final DeparturesDEEP SEA LEON A. ACOSTA Pensioner Leon A. Acosta, 74, passed away December 7, 1999. Born in Colombia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967 aboard the Falmouth. Brother Acosta sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician. Prior to retiring in June 1991, he signed off the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was a resident of New Orleans. MICHAEL J. BARROW Michael J. Barrow, 49, died November 22, 1999. He began his career with the SIU in 1981 from the port of San Francisco. His L---....:.!J=...-.....lllZ..---l first SIU ship was the Santa Maria, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. During his career, he sailed in all three departments. Brother Barrow last sailed aboard the Global Link. Born in Jamaica, he made his home in Richmond, Va. CASIMIR BOGUCKI Pensioner Casimir Bogucki, 74, died November 11, 1999. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Bogucki sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Prior to retiring in September 1987, he signed off the Overseas Alice. Reno, Nev. was his home. MILTON G. BROUSSARD Pensioner MiltonG. Broussard, 85, passed away November 11 , 1999. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed with the Seafarers in t 1956 aboard the Antinous, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Broussard worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Banner, operated by International Ocean Transport Corp. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1944. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1933 to 1940. He was a resident of Yardley, Pa. and began receiving his pension in 1979. RICHARD S. BYNUM Pensioner Richard S. Bynum, 68, died November 14, 1999. He began his career with the SIU in 1978, first sailing on the Del Sol, """"""""""'----"' operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Bynum sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. , where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. He made his home in Seattle and retired in December 1997. His last ship was the Global Sentinel, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. SALVATOR CANDELA Pensioner Salvator Candela, 73, 18 Seafarers LOG passed away May 25, 1999. Brother Candela joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. During his career, he L__.....,L"'""'""...__ _ _ J worked in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in August 1986, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Producer. New Orleans was his home. GUILLERMO S. CASTRO SR. Pensioner Guillermo Castro Sr., 78, died November 24, 1999. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the SIU in 1945 from the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member was active in union organizing drives and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. Brother Castro last sailed aboard the Boston, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Ludowici, Ga., he began receiving his pension in 1983. LEONG CHUN Pensioner Leong Chun, 89, passed away November 22, 1999. Brother Chun joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards. He sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in June 1970. He was a resident of San Francisco. WILLIAM HUNTER =-,,,..--~ Pensioner William Hunter, 73, passed away October 29, 1999. Brother Hunter joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the OMI Sacramento. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in April 1990. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. JOSEPH KRISTOF Pensioner Joseph Kristof, 83, died November 12, 1999. Born in Wisconsin, he started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1978. Brother Kristof was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. HERIBERTO MIRANDA Pensioner Heriberto Miranda, 74, passed away November 29, 1999. A native of Cuba, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1953. Brother Miranda worked in the engine department and started receiving his pension in July 1990. He made his home in Miami. JOSEPH COLLINS LIN SUEYONG Pensioner Joseph Collins, 52, died December 15, 1999. A native of Alabama, he graduated from the SIU's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the union in the port of New Orleans. Brother Collins worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he began receiving his pension in April 1994. Pensioner Lin Suey Ong, 87, died October 10, 1999. Brother Ong began sailing with the MC&S in 1946 from the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he worked in the steward department and retired in August 1973. San Francisco was his home. WILLIAM J. DUNNIGAN Pensioner William J. Dunnigan, 92, passed away December 1, 1999. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. He worked in the engine department as a chief electrician. Brother Dunnigan last sailed aboard the Kainalu and started receiving his pension in December 1985. He was a resident of Bel Air, Md. ANGEL GARCIA Pensioner Angel Garcia, 85, died recently. He began his career with the SIU in 1948 from the port of New York. Born in Florida, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training center in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in October 1979, he worked aboard the Guayama, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. Tampa, Fla. is where he called home. GENE A. PASCHALL Pensioner Gene A. Paschall, 74, passed away November 28, 1999. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1946 aboard the Joseph I. Kemp. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1979. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in April 1992, Brother Paschall worked aboard the Star of Texas, operated by Seahawk Management, Inc. He was a resident of Eagle Lake, Texas. THOMAS R. READING Pensioner Thomas R. Reading, 80, died October 18, 1999. Born in California, he started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Beloit Victory. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU 's training center in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring in September 1985, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Independence. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1946. During the Persian Gulf War, Brother Reading came out of retirement and sailed aboard the USNS DeSteiguer. He made his home in Central, Utah. EMIL H. RIUTTA Pensioner Emil H. Riutta, 78, passed away November 14, 1999. A native of Oregon, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Seattle. During his career, he worked in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Riutta last sailed aboard the SeaLand Philadelphia and began receiving his pension in November 1986. Astoria, Ore. was his home. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. RUDOLPH ROMA Pensioner Rudolph Roma, 67, died December 7, 1999. Brother Roma began his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of Houston, first sailing aboard the Santa Emilia. The Texas native worked in the engine department. He retired in May 1995, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alice. Brother Roma was a resident of Spring, Texas. PETER SERNYK Pensioner Peter Sernyk, 78, passed away October 31, 1999. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. Born in Poland, he L----=.~......... . . : L - - - l worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training center in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to retiring in December 1987, Brother Sernyk sailed aboard the !TB Mobile. He made his home in Ringwood, NJ. sailed in the deck department and attended an education conference in 1978 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, L - - - - = . . ; ; . . . . . ; ; . - - - - ' Md. A resident of Mathews, Va., he last sailed in 1985 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. SIDNEY JACKSON Pensioner Sidney Jackson, 89, passed away November 16, 1999. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in May 1976. Boatman Jackson was a resident of Carlton, Ala. GREAT LAKES HENRY J. BENTON Pensioner Henry J. Benton, 84, passed away November 19, 1999. Brother Benton began sailing with the Seafarers in L--~~~-__. 1950 from the port of Chicago. The Michigan native worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of North Muskegon, Mich., he began receiving his pension in March 1977. VANDELIN P. KOVALIK Pensioner Vandelin P. Kovalik, 82, died November 2, 1999. Born in Ohio, he first sailed with the S 1948 in the port of I-arta. He started in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Brother Kovalik last worked aboard the Lakewood, an Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Richmond Heights, Ohio and retired in April 1982. INLAND DONALD L. MASKELL ROYCE M. CARAWAN Pensioner Donald L. Maskell, 62, passed away November 16, 1999. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Detroit. Brother Maskell began working in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. A resident of Alpena, Mich., he started receiving his pension in 1994. Pensioner Royce M. Carawan, 64, died November 27, 1999. A native of North Carolina, he began sailing with SIU in 1961 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Carawan worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. He last sailed aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel and retired in February 1997. Boatman Carawan was a resident of Scranton, N.C. HENRY S. GEORGE Pensioner Henry S. George, 84, passed away November 23, 1999. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. '--.i.L..-"""L...o......1...L.---' The Virginia native worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Whitestone, Va., Boatman George began receiving his pension in February 1979. ROBERT F. HUDGINS Robert F. Hudgins, 54, died December 3, 1999. Boatman Hudgins started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native HOWARD N. NEGARD Pensioner Howard N. N egard, 86, died November 4, 1999. He started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Duluth, Minn. A native of Minnesota, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Negard made his home in Duluth and retired in November 1978. RAILROAD MARINE JAMES J. MONTENES Pensioner James J. "'• Montenes, 78, passed away November 27, 1999. Brother Montenes joined the Seafarers in I 960 in the port of New York. The ?-W York native sailed as a deckhand and started receiving his pension in December 1981. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He was a resident of Waterloo, N.Y. February 2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Sealare~s LOG attemptJ to print as many digests of onion shipboard mmutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ship~ minutes li~t are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues ~equmng a~en!io~ or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 1Chairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman noted that new toaster received and installed in crew mess. He led discussion of announcement of Maersk's intended acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more ~nformation. Secretary passed on mformation pertaining to asbestos settlement and talked about relaxed assessment for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more ~equirements and training are lmposed on livelihood of seafarers it is more important than ever to ' remain current and up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to revamp Article V of standard contract to better relate to three-man steward department which is now norm. Request ~ade to bring up issue of late standbys at next union meeting in Wilmington Calif. Inquiry made as to lack of ' fans in cabins and common areas. Steward will investigate. Crew members getting off vessel should vacate cabin for new member. If overnight stay courtesy extended, then he should move to spare cabin. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. · SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), August 13Chairman David Messick Secretary William Burdette Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe. Chairman announced payoff after arrival August 17 in Long Beach, Calif Educational director reminded ~veryone about fire fighting trainmg at Paul Hall Center and about STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $1,200 in ship's fund. Chief Cook Briscoe purchased video rewinder for ship and will be r~imbursed. He also wants to buy n~e cooker for galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Notice received from VP Contacts Augie Tellez regarding sale of portion of Sea-Land to Maersk. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to change time required for tour of duty. All hands reminded to take complaints directly to department delegate. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secre~ James E. Harper, Educattonal Director DiMarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate P. Alegado, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Barahona. Chairman announced extended deadline for STCW relaxed assessment. He also reminded everyone to get TRBs signed by mate or engineer and urged crew to consider upgrading skills or endorsements at Piney Point. Secretary noted upgrading is vital to maritime February 2000 industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Explanation of Maersk Sea-Land agreement read, discussed and posted. Steward related difficulty ordering adequate stores. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines), September 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman noted seamen must complete 70 days or two trips to receive transport home. Parts available for crew mess salad bar and should be fixed soon; dumbwaiter still waiting on parts for repair as are several washers and dryers. Some transformers available aboard ship and must be signed for and returned. Chairman reminded all hands to make sure to firmly close both elevator doors. Discussion held on hatch-handling safety. Secretary noted ship to transit Suez Canal, then head to Djibouti, Africa and Chittagong, Bangladesh. Educational director stressed need for crew members to have STCW basic safety endorsements. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Clarification requested on rates for ABs going directly from watch to deckjobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question raised concerning issuance of coveralls and high prices in slop chest. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), September 28-Chairman John O. Glenn,. Secretary Gregory Keene, Educat10nal Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Saleh Ali, Engine Delegate Mark D. Savage, Steward Delegate Jose P. Maglalang. Captain thanked crew for good work during storm last trip. Bosun pleased with crew for keeping laundry room and passageways clean and gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. He urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted new television on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and forwarded to contracts department to raise monthly pension allowances. Members want clarification on possible reimbursement for money deducted from pay for New Jersey Health Care, which doesn't affect them. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PETERSBURG (IUM), October 24--Chairman Eddie E. Hall Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, ' Educational Director John P. D' Alessandro, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman announced ship under new management. So far, nothing changed from old company, and vessel still under coastwise articles. Educationa~ director urged crew to keep up wtth current upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $165 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), October 17Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary D~nald C. Spangler, Educational Drrector Roger M. Wasserman, Dec~ Delegate Ron J. Sagadraca, Engme Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Susan Moe. c.hairman noted everything runnmg smoothly. Payoff expected this voyage in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary reported good crew and reminded them to leave clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center can improve skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding upcoming vote about SIU-NMU merger. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach Calif ' SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), October 30-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel entering shipyard November 25 until December 5. Not yet sure whether company will keep everyone. Educational director advised crew members to use facilities at Piney Point to upgrade education and get credentials needed in future to ensure eligibility and job security. He also stressed need for everyone to vote on merger of SIU and NMU. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and sent to contracts department for consideration to reduce seatime needed for vacation pay. Also recommended Welfare Plan pay full cost of optical and dental benefits. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), October 31-Chairman Larry Watson, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Edward Rynberg. Chairman stated new VCR received and in use in crew lounge. Tape rewinder still to be purchased. Vote of thanks given to deck department for dealing with winch on back deck (due to ~e repaired by shoreside personnel m Tacoma). Educational director noted he upgraded last year at Piney Point and suggested all Seafarers look into upgrading in their departments for whatever endorsement they might need to keep sailing. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund from which $50 is spent each trip for fresh fish in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding proposed SIU-NMU merger. EL MORRO (IUM), November 29-Chairman William J. Card, Secretary Gina Lightfoot, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Eliesel Montalvo, Steward Delegate Robert G. Maschmeier. Chairman announced payoff in San Juan, P.R. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made to get refrigerators for all unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks given to steward department and unlicensed apprentice for fine job. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November I I-Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. November 12. He advised crew members to take advantage of courses at Piney Point. He also noted toll-free number for questions on TRBs and STCW requirements. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), November 21-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Biddle, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Payoff scheduled November 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Chairman advised everyone that Communication from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and posted rega;ding new ships' meetings. Chairman also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about SIUNMU merger. Suggestion made to lower vacation requirements to 60 days. Clarification requested on Ready for Lunch on the Osprey When the Osprey arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. recently, steward department members went to work fixing lunch for the crew. From the left aboard the Osprey-Acomarit vessel are Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Lawrence Winfield, SA Max HassellEl and Steward Felipe P. Orlanda. $160 in ship's fund to be used for videos for crew. He also advised them of February 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary sug~est~d all members going on vacatton m December be sure to vote at union hall on SIU-NMU merger and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have shipyard layoff period extended to 60-90 days, instead of current 30day period, so members can reclaim jobs. Request also made to have Welfare Plan cover prescription medication for dependents and for vacation time to be used as seatime for retirement purposes. Everyone reminded to have TRBs signed off by chief mate for any training and demos on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: San Juan, P.R. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 28Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis Educational Director Micha~l A. Birke, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman reported receipt of new ice machine for crew. Next port is New Orleans where vessel will load and proceed to Philippines. Secretary asked everyone getting off to strip bunks and have clean linen ready for next crew member. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and getting STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Requests made for new toaster, bread box and hook for ice machine scoop. M_AERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lme), November 14--Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett W. Snow, Deck Delegate George Jordanides, Engine Delegate Robert J. Arneel, Steward Delegate Lionel Packnett. Ship to pay offNovember 17 in Charleston, S.C., according to chairman. He thanked crew for good job and helping keep ship clean. Discussion held on STCW requirements. Crew members ~waiting answer to previous questlons on Money Purchase Pension Plan. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center at frrst opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GUD work hours. Antenna needed for crew lounge. Before next payoff, ship headed to Bahamas Miami, Panama and Colombia. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), November 22-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Michael C. Martykan. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Chairman stated SIU is respected organization within maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because it has consistently stood up for its members. Secretary stated payoff in Philadelphia November 26. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Educational director informed crew that upon completion of relief period, members are entitled to file for vacation benefits for that period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that safety is number one priority aboard ship. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), November 8-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro Secretary Nancy Heyden, ' Educational Director Edward Self Engine Delegate Michael P. ' Brown. Chairman noted receipt of raise retroactive to May 12, 1999. Those who did not receive it at home should call Keystone Shipping. Payoff scheduled for November I 0 at anchor in Port Angeles. Patrolman from Seattle hall will attend. Asst. VP Nick C~lona came aboard ship in Richmond, Calif. to discuss possible SIU-NMU merger. Letter from headquarters regarding merger also received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary asked that wet paint gloves not be left on washers and dryers. Educational director reminded crew to attend safety classes at Piney Point in order to continue shipping. No beefs or dis~uted OT reported. Several suggestlons made and sent to contracts department for consideration. They included being able to file for vacation pay after working 90 days, being able to retire with full benefits after 20 years of seatime, regardless of age at retirement and abolishing the one-day seatim~ requirement in six months to remain eligible for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, to deck department for hard work on ?eek, ~nd to engine room for keepmg ship running. New furniture for crew lounge expected soon. Seafarers LOG 19 �Digest of Shipboard . Union Meetings The Seafare'? LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard mmutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ship~ minutes 11~1 are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those rssues !"'qumng a~en!io~ or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships mmutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 1Chairman Richard L. Volk.art Secretary William E. Bragg, ' Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman noted that new toaster received and installed in crew mess. He led discussion of announcement of Maersk's intended acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more ~nformation. Secretary passed on mformation pertaining to asbestos settlement and talked about relaxed assessment for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more ~equirements and training are imposed on livelihood of seafarers it is more important than ever to ' remain current and up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to revamp Article V of standard contract to better relate to three-man steward department which is now norm. Request ~ade to bring up issue of late standbys at next union meeting in Wilmington Calif. Inquiry made as to lack of ' fans in cabins and common areas. Steward will investigate. Crew members getting off vessel should vacate cabin for new member. If overnight stay courtesy extended, then he should move to spare cabin. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. · SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), August 13Chairman David Messick Secretary William Burdette Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe. Chairman announced payoff after arrival August 17 in Long Beach, Calif Educational director reminded ~veryone about fire fighting trainmg at Paul Hall Center and about STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $1,200 in ship's fund. Chief Cook Briscoe purchased video rewinder for ship and will be r~imbursed. He also wants to buy n~e cooker for galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Notice received from VP Contacts Augie Tellez regarding sale of portion of Sea-Land to Maersk. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to change time required for tour of duty. All hands reminded to take complaints directly to department delegate. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secret3!Y James E. Harper, Educational Director DiMarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate P. Alegado, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Barahona. Chairman announced extended deadline for STCW relaxed assessment. He also reminded everyone to get TRBs signed by mate or engineer and urged crew to consider upgrading skills or endorsements at Piney Point. Secretary noted upgrading is vital to maritime February 2000 industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Explanation of Maersk Sea-Land agreement read, discussed and posted. Steward related difficulty ordering adequate stores. M_AERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lmes), September 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman noted seamen must complete 70 days or two trips to receive transport home. Parts available for crew mess salad bar and should be fixed soon; dumbwaiter still waiting on parts for repair as are several washers and dryers. Some transformers available aboard ship and must be signed for and returned. Chairman reminded all hands to make sure to firmly close both elevator doors. Discussion held on hatch-handling safety. Secretary noted ship to transit Suez Canal, then head to Djibouti, Africa and Chittagong, Bangladesh. Educational director stressed need for crew members to have STCW basic safety endorsements. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Clarification requested on rates for ABs going directly from watch to deck jobs. No beefs or. disputed OT reported. Question raised concerning issuance of coveralls and high prices in slop chest. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), September 28--Chairman John O. Glenn,_ Secretary Gregory Keene, Educat10nal Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Saleh Ali, Engine Delegate Mark D. Savage, Steward Delegate Jose P. Maglalang. Captain thanked crew for good work during storm last trip. Bosun pleased with crew for keeping laundry room and passageways clean and gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. He urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted new television on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and forwarded to contracts department to raise monthly pension allowances. Members want clarification on possible reimbursement for money deducted from pay for New Jersey Health Care, which doesn't affect them. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PETERSBURG (IUM), October 24-Chairman Eddie E. Hall Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, ' Educational Director John P. D' Alessandro, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman announced ship under new management. So far, nothing changed from old company, and vessel still under coastwise articles. Educationa~ director urged crew to keep up with current upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $165 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), October 17Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary D?nald C. Spangler, Educational DITector Roger M. Wasserman, Dec~ Delegate Ron J. Sagadraca, Engme Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Susan Moe. ~hairman noted everything runmng smoothly. Payoff expected this voyage in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary reported good crew and _ reminded them to leave clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center can improve skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding upcoming vote about SIU-NMU merger. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach Calif. ' SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), October 30-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel entering shipyard November 25 until December 5. Not yet sure whether company will keep everyone. Educational director advised crew members to use facilities at Piney Point to upgrade education and get credentials needed in future to ensure eligibility and job security. He also stressed need for everyone to vote on merger of SIU and NMU. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and sent to contracts department for consideration to reduce seatime needed for vacation pay. Also recommended Welfare Plan pay full cost of optical and dental benefits. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), October 31--Chairman Larry Watson, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Edward Rynberg. Chairman stated new VCR received and in use in crew lounge. Tape rewinder still to be purchased. Vote of thanks given to deck department for dealing with winch on back deck (due to repaired by shoreside personnel m Tacoma). Educational director noted he upgraded last year at Piney Point and suggested all Seafarers look into upgrading in their departments for whatever endorsement they might need to keep sailing. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund from which $50 is spent each trip for fresh fish in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding proposed SIU-NMU merger. ?e EL MORRO (IUM), November 29--Chairman William J. Card Secretary Gina Lightfoot, ' Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Eliesel Montalvo Steward Delegate Robert Maschmeier. Chairman announced payoff in San Juan, P.R. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made to get refrigerators for all unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks ~iven to steward department and unlicensed apprentice for fine job. G. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 11-Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. November 12. He advised crew members to take advantage of courses at Piney Point. He also noted toll-free number for questions on TRBs and STCW requirements. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), November 21--Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Biddle, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Payoff scheduled November 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Chairman advised everyone that Communication from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and posted reg~ding new ships' ~eetings . Chamnan also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about SIUNMU merger. Suggestion made to lower vacation requirements to 60 days. Clarification requested on Ready for Lunch on the Osprey When the Osprey arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. recently, steward department members went to work fixing lunch for the crew. From the left aboard the Osprey-Acomarit vessel are Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Lawrence Winfield, SA Max HassellEl and Steward Felipe P. Orlanda. $160 in ship's fund to be used for videos for crew. He also advised them of February 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary suggested all members going on vacation in December be sure to vote at union hall on SIU-NMU merger and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have shipyard layoff period extended to 60-90 days, instead of current 30day period, so members can reclaim jobs. Request also made to have Welfare Plan cover prescription medication for dependents and for vacation time to be used as seatime for retirement purposes. Everyone reminded to have TRBs si~~d off by chief mate for any trammg and demos on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: San Juan, P.R. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 28Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis Educational Director Micha~l A. Birke, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman reported receipt of new ice machine for crew. Next port is New Orleans where vessel will load and proceed to Philippines. Secretary asked everyone getting off to strip bunks and have clean linen ready for next crew member. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and getting STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT r~ported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Requests made for new toaster, bread box and hook for ice machine scoop. M_AERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lme), November 14-Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett W. Snow, Deck Delegate George Jordanides, Engine Delegate Robert J. Arneel, Steward Delegate Lionel Pack.nett. Ship to pay off November 17 in Charleston, S.C., according to chairman. He thanked crew for good job and helping keep ship clean. Discussion held on STCW requirements. Crew members ~waiting answer to previous questions on Money Purchase Pension Plan. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center at fust opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GUD work hours. Antenna needed for crew lounge. Before next payoff, ship headed to Bahamas Miami, Panama and Colombia. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), November 22-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Michael C. Martykan. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Chairman stated SIU is respected organization within maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because it has consistently stood up for its members. Secretary stated payoff in Philadelphia November 26. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Educational director informed crew that upon completion of relief period, members are entitled to file for vacation benefits for that period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that safety is number one priority aboard ship. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), November 8-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro Secretary Nancy Heyden, ' Educational Director Edward Self Engine Delegate Michael P. ' Brown. Chairman noted receipt of raise retroactive to May 12, 1999. Those who did not receive it at home should call Keystone Shipping. Payoff scheduled for November 10 at anchor in Port Angeles. Patrolman from Seattle hall will attend. Asst. VP Nick C~lona came aboard ship in Richmond, Calif. to discuss possible SIU-NMU merger. Letter from headquarters regarding merger also received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary asked that wet paint gloves not be left on washers and dryers. Educational director reminded crew to attend safety classes at Piney Point in order to continue shipping. No beefs or dis~uted OT reported. Several suggestions made and sent to contracts department for consideration. They included being able to file for vacation pay after working 90 days, being able to retire with full benefits after 20 years of seatime, regardless of age at retirement and abolishing the one-day seatim~ requirement in six months to remain eligible for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, to deck department for hard work on ?eek, ~nd to ~ngine room for keepmg ship runnmg. New furniture for crew lounge expected soon. Seafarers LOG 19 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning between February through June 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 7 March 6 April 3 May 1 May 29 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 Basic Fire Fighting February 28 March 27 April 24 May22 March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 Advanced Fire Fighting February 14 March 6 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels February 28 March 27 May 1 May 22 March 17 April 14 May 19 June 9 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* March 13 April 3 May22 March 17 April 7 May26 February 28 March 20 March 3 March 24 February 28 March 3 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman February 21 March 20 April 17 March 17 April 28 May26 February 7 March 20 April 17 Feb. 19 (pre-AB) March 31 (pre-AB) April 28 (pre-AB) Life boatman Radar March 6 April 3 March 17 April 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* March 20 April 17 March 24 April 21 Mayl June 23 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Limited License (*must have basic fire fighting) LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler April 3 May12 Welding February 14 March 13 April 17 May26 March 3 March 31 May5 June 9 Designated Du General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. June 23 ay 5 E gineer (DDE) Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward (Every other week) February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 6, 13, 20, 27 April 3, 10, 17, 24 February 7, 21 March 6, 20 April 3, 17 ~ . -·-·:.,).·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ---------------------------~ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The oavment should he made with a money order onlv. pavahle to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ __ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# - - -- - - - - - - Seniority _ __ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ Department _ _ __ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes 0 No 0 Home Port - - - - - - -- - - - - Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ February 2000 SIGNATURE _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou 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: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2100 Seafarers L06 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes .:.. - ~~._.......,~1sEAFARERS PAUL Hlll CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS t~:_?> ~9,.5_ =-~,- -- Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 595 - Unlicensed apprentice class 595 graduating from the water survival course are (from left, kneeling) Randolph Cash, Gregorio Abalos, Christopher Cummings, Ronel Guerzon, Keyshon Foote, (second row) Tyrone Brown , Montroes Fulton, Michael Bull, Eli Ade, Benny Perez, Carlos Castillo, Walter Kyles, (third row) Charles Walker, Jonathan Aichs, Christopher Todd, Guy Todd II and Ian Ferguson. Government Vessels - Seafarers who successfully completed the government vessels course on December 17 include (in no specific order) Steve Roquemore, Charles Sadler, Greg Cherry, Robert Forrest, Frank Patrick, Tim Graham, Edward Milstead, James Tyson, William Kelley, Benjamin Ines, Roderick Clay, Ahmed Sharif, Justin Seybert, Michael Joel, John Palughi, John Petushin , Timothy Horger, James McCarthy, Brandon Maeda and Keith Kowaleski. PAUL LIFEBOAT CLASS 591 Unlicensed Apprentice Basic Fire Fighting Class 596 - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 596 graduating from the basic fire fighting class are (in no particular order) Kyle Bailey, Spencer Randall , Sherrod Frazier, Armando Garayua-Gonzalez, Edward Joyal Ill, Harry McKever, Terrell McMillian, Felix Medina-Vidal, Andres Morin, Marquel Sapp, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Walter, Raymond Elsner Jr. and Randall Sachs. Their instructor, John Smith, is at far left. GED - Academic - Ursel (Buddy) Barber receives a certificate of achievement from instructor Peggy Densford for completing a college-level course in developmental math. Barber is a Class I QMED who sails from the port of Houston. It was a proud day for Justin Germain, a Phase Ill unlicensed apprentice , as he receives his Maryland high school diploma through the Paul Hall Center. With him are (from left) Academic Department Coordinator Ed Fitzgerald and Academic instructors Peggy Densford and Joan Miles. Advanced Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Larry Pugh , William Mohica, Kim Gardner and Chef/Instructor Ed White . Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on December 10 are Allan Gorman, llavia Amaya , Daniel Figge, Daniel Gish, Clarence Sampay, Clovis Pomare, Ali Rhoufiry, Frank Iverson, Gheorghe Savencu, David St. Onge and David Hinson. Their instructor, Anthony Hammett, stands at far left. 22 Seafarers LOS February 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge CourseGraduating from the tankerman (PIC) barge course in the port of Jacksonville on August 12 are Crowley boatmen Aitzgorri Gastanaga (left) and Ernest Williams (right) . With them is instructor Mitch Oakley. Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - G&H Towing boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course in September are (from left, kneeling) Jesse Alaniz, T.J . Snead, Roy Wick, Richard Johnson, Adam Simon, Martin Almanza , (second row) Matt Hargrove, Brian Taylor, Kevin Casler, Ted Sliter, Jaime Brown, Steve Williams, Leo Barron and G&H trainer Sabrina Matteson . Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. Phase I Unlicensed Apprentices - For members of unlicensed apprentice class 595, this visit to the USNS Antares in Baltimore is their first time on a vessel before they will actually ship out. Unlicensed Apprentice Class 596 - In the steward culinary lab, members from class 596, nd h perv· · of ·n T' · g, po y show the fruits of their labors in preparing breakfast. Phase III Unlicensed Apprentices - Phase Ill unlicensed apprentices tour the SL-7 USNS Antares in Baltimore to gain a better understanding of the work that goes on in the deck and engine departments. They are (in no specific order) Brett Parkins, Lane Schroeder, Roger Steward, DeMichael Dews, Andrew Straka Jr. , Bruce Weathers, Ramon Thomas, Christopher Gen , Raheem Owens, Jess Chalker, Mitchell Gustafson, Kevin Johnson, Brent Morris, Anthony Cruz Vergara , Kristopher Anderson , Paul Weil , Donaldo Arevalo, John Allan , James Miller Jr. and Chad Partridge. Upgraders Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who completed the water survival class on November 12 are (from left, kneeling) Helen Mitchell, Spencer Moxley Sr., (second row) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Ellis Jones, Ali Rhoufiry, Wilfred Scales, Carlos Julio, Marcial Avila, Francisco Harry, (third row) Mohamed Abdulsalam , Ali Naser, Sidney Jenkins, Velly Marquez, (fourth row) George Johnson, Julian Lacuesta Jr., Edgardo Ong , Virgilio Managbanag, Romeo Rivera and William Bruce. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL)-Among those completing the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on October 15 are (in no particular order) Nestor Montoya Jr., Misti Thornbrugh , Martin Vargas, Shatonn Fowler, Antonio Watson , William Rozier, Salvatore Migliara, Chris Daniels, Jeffrey Smith, James Brown, Samuel Giles, Marion Collins, Joshua Weir, Chad Warren , Fahd Alsoofi, Melvin Hill 111 , Paul Flores, Pedro Ortiz Jr. and Jarian Hutchinson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far right. February 2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 62 Number 2 Attention Seafaren: This year is a leap year. Take advantage of the extra day to work on your SIU scholarship application. See page 11 for additional information. 'Head Reci1•iter' Honored at Meeting Annamarie Haller Is the Proud Mother of Four Seafarers She has gone from "Special SIU Dispatcher" to "Head SIU Recruiter." But whatever title is awarded to Annamarie Haller, it cannot top the one of which she is most proud-the mother of four SIU members. Seafarers showed their gratitude during the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. when SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez recognized her in the audience. She received a solid round of applause from all those in attendance. Tellez called her the "head recruiter" in the union. As proof, he added, she was attending the meeting with two of her four maritime sons: OMV Mike Haller and Chief Electrician John Haller. (The other two are Chuck, a hawsepiper who sails as an engineer, and QMED Robert. A fifth brother, Joey, pursued a shoreside career.) Mrs. Haller, a resident of Summit, Miss., had spent Christmas and New Year's with her sons in the Philadelphia area. They told her they were planning to attend the union meeting and invited her to join them. Ten years ago, the Hallers were featured in the Seafarers LOG as one of the large number of families with more than one member sailing with the SIU. In December 1989, the LOG noted that when manpower needed to fill a position in the engine room, they would call Mrs. Haller to help locate one of her sons. In the same article, Chuck said he would hate to hear the phone ring when he was at home because his mother would be honest and tell manpower where he was. Left: Two of Annamarie Hailer's four seafaring sons join her on the stage in Piney Point. From the left are OMU Mike Haller, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Mrs. Haller, CE John Haller, his wife, Marlene, and SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. ~ Below: Annamarie Haller stands before the SIU membership during the January meeting in Piney Point after being recognized as the union's "head recruiter." Since then, she has moved to Mississippi, but she still keeps up with the happenings in the union. When asked what it took to raise all of her sons, she responded, "A lot of prayers." She quickly added she is proud of all of them: "We made it and it has worked." Three of the four brothers graduated from the trainee program at Piney Point. John was the first, completing the program in 1972. Robert followed two years later. Mike came through in 1995. Several of them have sailed together. John recalled trips with Chuck aboard the USNS Antilles, Overseas Anchorage and SeaLand San Juan. Tellez remembered that Robert and John were involved in organizing Crowley tugs on the West Coast. that following the meeting they were taking their mother on a trip to Washington, D.C. Mrs. Haller added she was looking forward to seeing the White House, the Vietnam Memorial and some art museums. Chief Cooks Chat with SIU President During a break in their recent studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Chief Cooks Eddie Ong (right) and Marie Mitchell spoke with SIU President Michael Sacco concerning the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Visiting the Paul Hall Center And Starboard Means.... Part of the vessel familiarization training at the Paul Hall Center is learning wheel commands for steering a vessel. Here, students at the Piney Point, Md. facility receive instruction from Larry Malone aboard the training vessel Osprey. Eager to take the wheel are Tim Manes, Earnesto Brandon, Jose Echeverria and John Barrington. Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh (left) brought his wife, Winifred, to the January membership meeting in Piney Point. While touring the center, they posed with SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION WELCOMES ALLIED’S SEA RAVEN RO/RO’S SEA TRIALS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL USNS CHARLTON SIGNALS NEW JOBS FOR SEAFARERS SIU’S BALTIMORE HALL RELOCATING TO ESSEX ST. MOBILE OFFICE HAROLD FISCHER PASSES AWAY SMPPP ADMINISTRATOR PROVIDES PLAN UPDATE MARINE COOKS AND STEWARDS PENSION INCREASES BY 14% UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES AGAIN NEW DATA SHOWS LARGEST GROWTH IN 20 YEARS CENSUS WILL IMPACT CONGRESS, STATES INDY MAKES HISTORY AT PEARL HARBOR UNION SQUASHES Y2K BUG GUAM CONNECTS WITH APPRENTICE PROGRAM CREWS DISCUSS MERGER, OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES THE PATHFINDER BY J. MELFORD SMITH, CH. ENGR. USMM, RET. ‘HEAD RECRUITER’ HONORED AT MEETING ANNAMARIE HALLER IS THE PROUD MOTHER OF FOUR SEAFARERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 2 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9cfe61e5a2b85e39d7590e44b271995f.pdf 9d603b6d8fe9cb9b729963be32404c90 PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 3 March 2000 ' • verw e min Back-Full Merger Talks Members of the SIU tallying committee sort ballots last month at union headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Pictured from left are OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann and Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus. In separate votes, members of the two unions approved continuation of the process that began last year to bring the NMU into the SIU. Page 3. MTD Board Sets Goals For Stronger U.S. Fleet Lakes Activities Abound Labor, Industry and Government Officials Promote New Ships, More Jobs, Modern Ports Talking about construction plans for new U.S.-flag passenger vessels are (from left) Jerry St. Pe', chief operating officer for Litton's shipbuilding division; SIU and Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco; and House Democratic Whip David Bonior. Pages 3, 4, 5. This year's layup included the successful rescue of one Seafarer and a dockworker caught in icy waters, plus an on-site hazmat course for SIU members at Luedtke Engineering. To ready for tying up for the winter, crew members like QMED Jennifer Cronin (pictured aboard the American Republic) thoroughly secured their vessels. Page 7. �President's Report The Vision Ahead Last month, we got a clear vision of what the future will hold for our union and our industry. During a seven-day stretch in mid-February at the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO winter executive board meeting, shipping industry representatives announced the status of several major vessel construction projects, and the SIU and NMU reported mem. bers of bo~h unions voted overwhelmingly to proceed with bringing the NMU mto the Seafarers. These two events show the positive steps being taken to continue the strengthening of the U.S.-flag fleet. Among the speakers at the MTD meeting were Jerry St. Pe', chief . operating officer for Litton Shipbuilding, and Stan Barer, CEO and Michael Sacco co-chairman of Saltchuck Resources. Both oversee projects of tremendous importance to the SIU and the industry. Litton is building the two passenger vessels ordered by SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages for its Hawaii trade. The ships will sail under the U.S. Lines banner. St. Pe' informed the MTD board the shipyard will begin cutting steel in July. He added the company is on schedule to deliver the first 1,900-passenger ship by January 2003, with the other to come a year later. It's hard to believe that only one year ago the contract to build these new vessels was signed within the U.S. Capitol. In a matter of months, we will see the actual construction taking place. Barer spoke on how important his company considers the Jones Act. Saltchuck so firmly believes in the freight cabotage law that it signed a contract late last year to build in an American yard the first two commercial U.S.-flag RO/ROs in 10 years. These vessels witl sail for a Saltchuck affiliate, Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE)~ which has an SIU contract. He noted his company is setting the example for other U.S.-flag carriers to follow. That's at least four new ships coming on line during this decade. Four very important ships that will be crewed by Seafarers. They are the latest proof that all the hard work during the 1990s is paying off. All the phone calls, letters and visits to elected officials advising them why we need a strong U.S.-flag fleet made a difference. All the votes for pro-maritime candidates, no matter what party, helped secure the Jones Act and allowed passage of the Maritime Security Act, which is taking us into the 21st century. For more than a year, the Seafarers LOG has run story after story about the new ships, tugs, barges and dredges that Seafarers are or will be crewing. They show that revitalization has begun. That was an important part of the MTD meetings last month. Another important issue addressed by the group was, "Where do we go from here?" Retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger set the stage with his insight. He stated the U.S.-flag fleet will remain a vital component in the nation's defense for the foreseeable future. He called on all elements of the U.S.-flag industry to continue to work as one because that is when Congress and the White House pay attention. He urged modernizing the nation's port facilities, including channel dredging so the larger vessels can navigate America's harbors. Herberger discussed a future in which domestic shipping works with surface transportation networks to relieve stress on the nation's highways and railroads. Such a vision would mean new ships-thus new jobs for Seafarers- within the Jones Act trade. Yes, the future looks bright. But, there is much that still has to be done. This leads me into the other vision for the future--the proposed merger of the NMU into the sru. I appreciate your confidence as shown by your votes for this important effort. I realize for some of you this was a difficult ballot to cast. As many of you know, resources were drained and blood was spilled over the years as our two unions fought for the same jobs. I still have a few lumps on my head from those days. But times change. The U.S.-flag fleet is moving forward, and we must continue to move with it. New ships are being built. New jobs are being created. We cannot be tied to the ways of the past. As I have said many times, we have to commit our resources to bringing these new jobs to all of our members. We cannot afford to be deterred. We have seen members from both unions studying side-by-side in upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center. Both unions worked together to implement the agreement with the Alaska Tanker Company. Now, both unions can continue the work toward the merger-and a stronger U.S.-flag merchant fleet. We are at the threshold of tremendous opportunities within the maritime industry. We have worked hard to get to this point. And that hard work will not have been in vain. ITF Campaign Vessel Concludes World Tour Pitfalls of Runaway-Flag Shipping Revealed to Nearly 750,000 Visitors The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) campaign ship Global Mariner last month finished its world tour, docking in London after an ambitious 20-month voyage. Beginning July 1, 1998, the Global Mariner called on 86 ports in 51 countries as part of the ITF's campaign against runawayflag shipping, also called flag-ofconvenience (FOC) shipping. Almost 750,000 visitors toured the vessel's exhibition-a mesmerizing demonstration of the risky and often inhuman nature of runway-flag operations. "Many of the visitors, including transport and labor ministers and other leading politicians, were shocked to see the level of exploitation and abuse endemic in the world of shipping," the ITF said in reviewing the Global Mariners voyage. SIU members visited the ship when it came to the East and Gulf coasts in 1998 and the Pacific coast last year. They and the other guests experienced what the ITF described as the Global Mariners "giant images, videos, computer games and animation that tell true-life stories of seafarers working in appalling conditions. Poorly paid or unpaid, under-fed, sometimes injured and often abandoned overseas with no money to get home, the catalogue of abuse and exploitation has been an eye-opener to thousands who thought life at sea was a romantic adventure." Based in London, the ITF comprises more than 500 unions from approximately 130 countries. The ITF has fought against runaway-flag shipping for 51 years, and the SIU has aided that campaign virtually since its start. In FOC shipping, a vessel owner (often from a traditional maritime nation) registers his ship in a non-traditional country such as Liberia, Panama, Belize, Vanuatu and others. This is done to avoid his home nation's laws involving safety, wages, taxes and more. Crews for these runaway-flag Volume 62, Number 3 March 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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- 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Global Mariner (above and below) recently completed a 20-month voyage to 51 countries as part of the ITF's campaign to educate people about the exploitation of mariners aboard flag-of-convenience vessels. ships typically come from still other nations (like Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka) where they receive a minimum of training, if any at all. The crews often are refused wages for months at a time and receive substandard food allotments, among other problems. While the Global Mariners world tour spotlighted numerous cases of abuse in runaway-flag shipping, publicity wasn't the journey's only benefit. The federation reported that in France, Portugal, Chile, Canada, Russia and Africa "the ship encountered (and the ITF subsequently aided) crews abandoned and relying for their survival on the kindness of locals. In the Philippines the ship's visit increased pressure on the government and manning agencies to stop the practice of 'blacklisting' seafarers who dare to complain about ill-treatment-denying them future work .... "The 20-month voyage was eventful in other ways too--early on. The ITF, long a staunch critic of unreliable shipowners, received some lessons itself in the realities of shipboard industrial relations. Despite the excellent union negotiated wages and con- ditions offered to the (mainly British) crew, it proved harder than expected to recruit and retain seafarers who were both technically qualified and committed to the cause of global trade unionism." The ITF also reported a wide variance in the number of visitors per port, ranging from "less than 1,000 to a staggering 70,000 in the port of Karachi. In smaller ports the impact was usually much greater than in large cities. In Dutch Harbor, Alaska, 25 percent of the population went on board. Among the most enthusiastic visitors were schoolchildren~ many of them experiencing their first taste not only of life at sea but also of the role which trade unions can play in defending workers' rights." The vessel may be converted into a training ship or resold into the commercial market. Man:h2000 �SIU, N•U Back •erger Talks By overwhelming majorities, members of the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (SIU), and members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) have approved a referendum to proceed with merging the two unions. "This is a great step forward SIU members approved the resolution with 86 percent voting for the SIU. I congratulate our in favor of full merger talks for membership," said SIU President bringing the NMU into the SIU. Michael Sacco. "In the long run, Balloting took place from a merger ~f the NMU into the December 1, 1999 through ~benefit the entire U.S.flag fleet." January 31, 2000. "We are very pleased with the A similar election took place at the same time in the NMU, faith shown by our members to where 93 percent of those voting continue this process," stated NMU President Rene Lioeanjie. approved the resolution. The complete report of the "We look forward to continuing SIU tallying committee-a group the effort toward a merger." As indicated in several recent composed of six rank-and-file members elected by their peers at issues of the Seafarers LOG and the February membership meet- in communications from the SIU ing in Piney Point, Md.-will be executive board to the memberavailable at this month's member- ship, based on the first votes, the ship meetings and will be posted SIU and NMU officials serving in the SIU halls. Serving on the on the merger committee will committee were Oiler Thomas address specific details of the Burns, OMV Decarlo Harris, merger. (The committee first met AB Jeff Lagana, Recertified in June 1999 to examine whether Bosun Dan Marcus, Chief a merger will be feasible and benSteward Donald Mann and SA eficial to members of both unions.) James Simms. Members Cite Added Strength As Key Benefit of Unification SIU members from coast to coast said they approved full merger talks between the SIU and the NMU because they see such unification as strengthening all concerned. "It'll make us a stronger union," said Recertified Bosun Larry Zepeda, a 29-year Seafarer, at the SIU hall in Houston. "I was always for it. I think we should have done it way back." An SIU member since 1974, QMED Darrell Camp (also at the Houston hall) stated, "It makes sense for unlicensed personnel to be in one union instead of two or three." Seafarers further indicated through their votes that the need to focus on the U.S.-flag fleet's survival and growth outweighs the often contentious history between the SIU and NMU. "We're stronger as one than as two," noted QMED Bob Oppel at the Baltimore hall. "I've been in the union since 1968 and I've always talked about a merger. We'll have more leverage when we negotiate contracts." Bosun Joseph Moore, contacted at the New Orleans hall, agreed. "We've been competing for these contracts for as long as I can remember, and the companies play the unions against each other. With a merger, they can't run back and forth between the unions, trying to get it lower and lower. That's why I think it's a great thing," said Moore, who joined the SIU in 1963. At the hall in Wilmington, Calif., QMED Stanley Golden and Bosun Frank Hedge each expressed support for the proposed merger. "The more ships you have, the more members you take in, the more control you have," explained Golden, who joined the union in 1991. "I'm for it all the way," said Hedge, a Seafarer since 1986. "In fact, get all mariners into one union is how I feel. It'll strengthen us, being under one umbrella." In Jacksonville, Chief Cook Michael A. Harris pointed out the proposed merger is proceeding under the safety of a three-step voting process. He also mentioned that the shipping rules will continue to apply, with Seafarers maintaining priority aboard ships currently sailing under an SIU contract. "Plus with one union, we'll have more ships and we can keep all the scabs from trying to take our jobs," added Harris, who joined the Seafarers in 1979. Other members reiterated the potential benefits of merging the NMU into the SIU. "It should help our union out, make it stronger," declared AB Phillip Milam at the hall in Norfolk, Va. "I think it'll give us more ships, more opportunities and different kinds of ships." QMED Alan Nelson in Baltimore said the merger "is good for us. With one union, the companies won't be able to split us. And we're not going to lose any jobs, so it's perfect." Nelson, who joined the SIU in 1968, added, "The union's only as strong as the weakest link, and the weakest link has been that split with the other (unlicensed) union." In New Orleans, 35-year Seafarer Frank Kraemer cited "eliminating the competition and sticking together'' as positive aspects of an SIU-NMU merger. "It should help new people starting out in this industry," the QMED stated. "Over the long haul, it's a good idea." March 2000 Next, SIU members will vote during the November-December SIU general election whether to approve needed constitutional changes (such as adding vice presidents and the NMU in the union's name). NMU members are not eligible to vote in the SIU general election because the merger will not be complete by then. After the general election, a third vote will take place for SIU members to approve or reject many of the specific terms of the merger. Before that vote, SIU members will be given detailed information on what the merger would mean and what changes would occur. The process contemplated is similar to the one implemented during 1977-78 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards merged into the SIU. Members of the tallying committee meet with SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (center) after last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left are OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann, AB Jeff Lagana, Heindel, Oiler Thomas Burns, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and SA James Simms. New Ships, Modern Ports, Stronger Fleet Are Goals Stressed at MTD Board Meeting With new ships and port modernization plans on the drawing board, speakers at the winter meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board outlined a broadbased agenda for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in the new century. Board members, who come from the 30 unions and 23 port maritime councils that compose the MTD, heard from government representatives, shipping executives, union officials and legislators. The board approved a series of policy statements on such subjects as cabotage, shipbuilding, dredging, ocean shipping regulations and labor issues when it met February 10 and 11. MTD President Michael Sacco set the tone for the two-day meeting in New Orleans in his opening remarks. Sacco, who also serves as SIU president, told the board members and guests, "We've worked together to make sure every Congress and every administration understands the importance of having a strong U.S.-flag sealift capability. "We're going to keep working together to increase domestic shipbuilding, both in the commercial and military sectors. I'm talking about American-flag ships carrying American crews, built in unionized American yards! "We'll keep fighting to maintain the Jones Act and other laws that protect the interests of working families. And we'll continue to seek new labor laws that give workers a fair and reasonable system when they consider union representation." New Ships Update Of particular interest to many in the room were progress reports on two U.S.-flag passenger vessels and two U.S.-flag rollon/roll-off ships announced last year. Jerry St. Pe', who as executive vice president of Litton Industries oversees its shipbuilding division, announced the first steel would be cut for the SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages' U.S. Lines passenger ships Saltchuck Co-Chair and CEO Stan Barer tells MTD President Michael Sacco and the rest of the MTD executive board that his company is taking the lead by building two new RO/ROs for the Jones Act trade. in July. He noted delivery of the first ship is set for January 2003 with the second coming a year later. Saltchuck Resources Cochairman and CEO Stan Barer said his company showed its commitment to U.S.-flag shipping and the Jones Act when its SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) affiliate signed a contract to build two commercial RO/ROs late last year. "I hope what we're doing gives confidence to other operators to do the same," Barer stated. Looking Ahead Setting forth a vision that others could follow was retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger, who called on the U.S. government to work with the U.S.-flag industry to devise a maritime policy. "When you consider this nation a maritime nation, the greatest trading nation in the world, an economic giant by every measure with a highly successful maritime industry in peace and war, with a significant national security need that requires strong operating companies, dedicated professional maritime labor with experience, skills and high standards in the operating unions, in the shipyards, in the ports and terminals, in the longshoremen ranks- to have this off-again, on-again policy pattern is contrary to common sense," Herberger declared. He outlined areas where growth can take place domestically and internationally. (See story on page 5.) AFL-CIO President John Sweeney .·noted how everyone benefits when labor and management work together. He congratulated the workers at nearby Avondale Shipyard for sticking together during their six-year fight to gain union recognition. He also saluted St. Pe' and Litton Industries for their efforts to bring labor peace to the Louisiana yard after acquiring Avondale last year. Continued Support House Democratic Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.)-as well as House colleagues William Jefferson (D-La.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and Robert Weygand (D-R.I.}-recommitted their support for the U.S.-flag fleet. Bonior, the second highest ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, pointed out "the Jones Act is in our national interest" and called port modernization "one of the best, single investments this country can make." Continued on page 4 Seafarers LOS 3 �Avondale Focuses Unions' Resolve to Fight for Better Working Conditions AFL-CIO Pres. Sweeney Reminds MTD Board Of Value in Grassroots Campaign Efforts The recent union recognition for Avondale (La.) Shipyard workers highlighted the discussion of labor issues before the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) winter executive board meeting in New Orleans last month. Words of encouragement came from AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, elected officials and others during the two-day meeting. "I congratulate you on your long overdue win at Avondale," stated Sweeney. "So many of the people in this room fought so long and so hard for that tremendous victory." In 1993, Avondale workers voted by a 3-to-2 margin to be organized. However, executives at the privately owned shipyard did everything they could to evade the outcome. Litton Industries purchased the yard in August 1999. Three months later, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department and the new shipyard management signed an agreement to end the strife. Litton also owns the unionized shipyard in Pascaguola, Miss., where the two new SIU-crewed U.S. Lines passenger ships will be built. Sweeney recognized the head of Litton's shipbuilding division, Jerry St. Pe', and thanked him for his efforts in bringing peace to Avondale. "Labor and management-we can build stronger lives, stronger companies, stronger communities and, most important, stronger ships," the head of the national labor federation added. The president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, John "Red" Bourg, also thanked those who helped the Avondale workers during their struggle. He noted the fight to gain a union at the Louisiana yard began 30 years ago. "We would not have won it without the support of the AFLCIO around the country. I want to thank you for what you have done for us and the mariners," Bourg said. Sweeney did not limit himself to the subject of Avondale. He reminded the board members that 2000 is an important election year in which a new president, the full House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be elected. He said early predictions show anti-labor forces may outspend unions by a 15-to-l ratio during MTD Speakers Stress Goals For U.S.-Flag Industry Continued from page 3 The vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Vice Admiral James Card, noted all predictions he has seen call for America's trade with other nations to grow substantially. "This inevitable growth means we need to be very serious about preserving America's maritime strength while refining and enforcing safety and environmental standards," Card said. this year's balloting cycle to get their candidates elected. "These guys are terrified, terrified of the progress we've been making," Sweeney stated. He pointed out that some of the issues for which trade unions will be fighting in this election are fair trade policies, better public schools, securing Medicare and Social Security, affordable health care for all and labor law reform. He added the AFL-CIO gets its power "from engaging and mobilizing our rank-and-file members-the people who make this country what it is. And getting them to hold elected officials accountable every day. That's what I see us doing, and it makes me hopeful." One of those elected officials, Louisiana State Sen. Michael Robichaux, thanked the MTD board for the grassroots efforts their members have performed to elect him. He said he views the battle for better working conditions as being between "sweaters and nonsweaters"-people who sweat on the job as opposed to those who work in plush offices and have others do their duties. "We need to insist in some Hal Creel, chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, added, "One of the commission's mandates is to encourage the development of an economically sound U.S.-flag liner fleet capable of meeting national security needs." The member unions of the MTD, of which the SIU is one, represent approximately 8 million workers. 4 Seafarers LOG ITF's Jon Whitlow way, shape, manner or form that they [the sweaters] receive decent wages and improved wages!" declared Robichaux. Also pointing out the need for better wages and working conditions, but in this case for the world's mariners, was Jon Whitlow, the assistant secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF) Seafarers' and Fisheries' Sections. He reminded the board of the work performed by the ITF during the last 51 years to fight runaway-flag shipping "to try to protect those crews." Whitlow noted the cruise ship industry is one of the biggest challenges, but recent stories about breakdowns, fires, pollution and other unpleasant conditions have brought these ships under public scrutiny. "It is about time the cruise ship industry is brought to task," Whitlow added. The MTD is made up of 30 unions and 23 port maritime councils in the U.S. and Canada. Its member unions represent around 8 million workers. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as MTD president. Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Crowley Seafarers Approve Contract Seafarers employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation recently approved a four-year contract that includes numerous gains. Among the agreement's highlights is a new medical benefit: prescription coverage for dependents. The pact also calls for wage increases, additional optical benefits, amplified pension credits, additional vacation benefits, an increased death benefit and contract language making it easier to advance one's rating. With Crowley having recently commenced operations in San Diego, the contract was appended to include that area. This means new employment opportunities for Seafarers in Southern California. The agreement also stipulates that the union and Crowley jointly will develop galley training for the company's new four-person tractor tugs. Retroactive to July 1, 1999, the contract covers members who also are part of Crowley's operations in Jacksonville, Fla.; Lake Charles, La.; Philadelphia; San Diego; and Wilmington, Calif. "We've always made good money, and these new benefits put it right over the top," said Nicholas Conway, who served on the negotiating committee. Also representing the SIU during a pair of weeklong bargaining meetings in Piney Point, Md. were Seafarers Wayne Berry, David Verschoor, Peter Albano, Robert August Sr., Rick Cristofano, Darrel Koonce Jr. and James Adaway along with SIU Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Jacksonville Port Agent Tony McQuay and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi. La. AFL-CIO Pres. Red Bourg Collecting contract suggestion forms and meeting with Seafarers at the Crowley facilities in Wilmington, Calif. is SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker. Pictured with him are members (from left) George Cox, Tom Humphry, Mike Stravers, John Tipich, Bob Bouton, Bruno Kameta, Dragi Odak and Mike Restivo. When Crowley recently began operations in San Diego, Engine Utility Jasper McGrit (left) and Captain William Stevens (pictured aboard the tug Spartan) helped ensure a smooth and safe start. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the November 1 through December 31, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than mid- 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. night, November 15, 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46 no later than November 25, 2000. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked "Ballot" and a mailing envelope no later than November 30, 2000. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked "Ballot." Do not write on the "Ballot" envelope. Place the envelope marked "Ballot" in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper lefthand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight December 31 , 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than January 5, 2001. Man:h2000 �1 ) MTD Board Hears Plans to Promote U.S.-Flag Fleet Herberger, Barer Outline Their Ideas for Moving Industry into the New Century The former head of the U.S. Maritime Administration and a top executive of a U.S.-flag shipping company presented their visions for the future of the U.S.flag commercial fleet when they spoke before the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board last month in New Orleans. Vice Admiral Albert Herberger (USN-retired) served as the Maritime Administrator from 1993 to 1997. During his term, he worked with the U.S.-flag industry to steer the Maritime Security Program through Congress and the Clinton administration. He rejuvenated the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program, which helped domestic shipyards convert from military to commercial construction. He was instrumental in the development of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), which ensured that the nation's intermodal transportation systems be available to the military in times of emergency or crisis. Herberger began his maritime career as a merchant ship officer Ret. Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger lays out his plans for strengthening the U.S.-flag fleet in the new century during his address to the MTD executive board. after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He joined the Navy and served 32 years-including a tour as deputy commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Comman4 which oversees the logistics for all U.S. armed forces worldwide---before retiring in 1990. In opening his address, Herberger reminded the executive board that America always has been a maritime nation, but the U.S.-flag industry has ebbed and flowed depending on the immediate needs of the country. He called on government leaders to work with the maritime industry to develop a policy that would make America a stronger commercial maritime power. "The question of investment in new ships must be the key to any policy initiative," Herberger stated. "The U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth if corrective action is taken. Both international and domestic fleets along with revitalized ports and waterways can be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security capability." He noted, "The industry's challenges and opportunities are many, but must be aggressively pursued." In order to move forward, Herberger said three things need to be done: "There must be, one, commercial development and investment in new services and shipping opportunities which will, in turn, bring additional mariner jobs, new shipbuilding and port operations; "Two, a strong partnership with the Defense Department to fulfill the ever-critical national security requirements; and "Three, hold the line against changes to U.S. cabotage and trade laws." He pointed out changing patterns involving trade, new technological developments and increased marketplace demands in the U.S. and around the world will create opportunities for waterborne transportation. One particular change he sees happening is the increased use of domestic and coastwise shipping as the nation's railways and highways become more congested. "I see waterborne transport of trucks, freight, automobiles and passengers in a complementary Legislators Real firm Support for Merchant Shipping Four members of Congress told the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board that the U.S.-flag fleet continues to have strong support on Capitol Hill. Speaking before the group during its winter meeting February 10 and 11 in New Orleans were House Democratic Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.) and Reps. William Jefferson (D--La.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and Robert Weygand (D-R.I.). Boni or, the House of Representatives' second highest ranking Democrat, started his address by thanking the board members for all that they have done to support him and other pro-maritime, pro-labor legislators. "Thank you for standing with me through all my toughest battles. "But, let me thank you for something else, too. Thank you for standing up and speaking out for an America that a lot of people in Washington find it easy to ignore these days. I'm talking about the America that works with its hands," he said. "I'm not talking about folks you'd find pushing paper in some plush office tower, but the men and women on board lakers hauling taconite pellets through port towns with names like Algonac. "It's the longshoremen who bust their backs every day moving cargo in Boston, New York, Baltimore and right here in New Orleans. It's the engineers living in a world where it always smells like diesel fuel ... men and women who've made the world's sea lanes their home." Bonior called a U.S. flag flying from a vessel "the only guarantee there is that ship is properly maintained with a trained, professional crew." He added the Jones Act is in America's economic and defense interests. Commitment, Modernization, Funding In welcoming the board members to his home district, Jefferson also affirmed his commitment to the Jones Act. "I will continue to support the Jones Act and will work with you to fight off any effort to undermine it." He pointed out that every member of the March2000 Rep. Robert Weygand Rep. Nick Rahall Louisiana delegation signed the resolution supporting the freight cabotage law during the previous Congress. Jefferson updated the board on legislation he introduced in the House with Rep. Jim McCrery (R--La.) to make the U.S.--flag fleet more competitive internationally-the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act (H.R. 3225). Jefferson said part of the decline in U.S.flag shipping overseas is due to the industry being overburdened with taxes. H.R. 3225 -and its companion in the Senate, S. 1858-would allow the owner of a U.S.flag vessel operating in international trade to fully deduct that vessel in the year in which it was acquired and documented under the American flag. The measure would extend an existing income tax exclusion for Americans working overseas to U.S. mariners. It also would include alternative minimum tax relief on shipping income and expand the expense deductions coming from conferences or other meetings aboard U.S.-flag vessels. "We came to the conclusion it is time for Congress to act in this important area and it is time for Congress to act now to level the playing field," declared the Louisiana representative. Rahall told the MTD board action needs to be taken to modernize America's ports. Rep. William Jefferson "We have a national interest in maintaining and improving these navigational channels," noted the West Virginia official. "Maintaining a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine is critical to our nation's economic and security requirements. That is something I've always supported in my 24 years in Congress," Rahall remarked. Weygand reminded the audience his home state of Rhode Island has a history of shipbuilding. He proclaimed the cutbacks in funds for ship construction during the 1970s and 1980s "devastating." He called on Congress to fully fund the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program because of the success shown during the 1990s in constructing double-hull tankers and other vessels. "We believe it is important that we have the money to rebuild our fleet, to build new ships, because by doing that, not only do we have a better port, a better facility, better ships to come into there, we have a better environment. A good clean environment with good clean jobs-high-paying jobs-is what we want and that's what we must strive for," Weygand stated. The MTD executive board is made up of officials from its 30 unions, including the SIU, and 23 port maritime councils. The unions in the MTD represent approximately 8 million workers. partnership with trucking and railroads-not an open competition." He urged the maritime interests in the audience to maintain the nation's freight and passenger cabotage laws. He called for a renewed effort to rebuild the nation's ports and their infrastructures. He reminded everyone that the U.S.--flag fleet continues to be and will remain vital to the national security. He called for maintaining cargo preference laws. Finally, Herberger urged the nation's lawmakers to review the tax laws that affect the merchant fleet. "The bottom line is U.S. companies need policy changes to stay alive. The tax burden-the U.S. tax environment under which the American shipowner must compete, but from which foreign competitors are largely exempt- impacts the day-to--day operation competitiveness and the ability to acquire new replacement tonnage for the American fleet." Following up on Herberger's theme of looking ahead was Stan Barer, co-chairman and CEO of Saltchuck Resources. Barer announced the company is determined to prepare for the new century by building the first two commercial roll-on/roll-off vessels for the Jones Act trade in 10 years for its SIU-contracted affiliate Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). "The way to win on the Jones Act is simply build because if you make the investment, I don't think Congress is going to take it away from you," Barer told the MTD executive board. He noted the nation's cabotage laws (of which the Jones Act is one) are part of a "four-legged stool" that supports American domestic transportation systems and its workers. He said any effort that would take away just one of those legs would affect all others, which include rail, trucks and airlines. "If you change the Jones Act and said you can bring in foreign labor and foreign ships immune from taxation, immune from labor laws, immune from the civil rights laws-you just come in and do the work in America and take your money home, what's a trucker going to say? You will upset the balance here." He stated the trucking companies would succumb to thirdworld wages and workers, then the railroads, followed by the airlines. "This would wipe out millions of workers! "Is there something wrong with employing our own workers inside our own country?! I want U.S. citizens working for me!" Barer declared. He added labor and management have to work together to keep the industry moving forward. The MTD is composed of 30 unions and 23 maritime port councils in the U.S. and Canada. The unions within the MTD represent approximately 8 million workers. Seafarers LOG 5 �---- - ~ -- ----~ ---- - - - -- -- Home on the (Gun) Range Petersburg Crew Keeps Terrorism in Crosshairs; Course Aims at Strengthening National Defense Since its chartering in 1938, the SIU continually has cooperated with American shipowners and the U.S. military to help ensure a strong national defense. Seafarers on the USNS Petersburg recently displayed such teamwork again when they participated in anti-terrorism firearms training in Guam. Overseen by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the training took place at a gun range on the island's U.S. Naval base. The Petersburg crew is far in more training with U.S. Marines. AB J.J. Arnold provided the photos accompanying this story. Under the professional instruction of U.S. Navy personnel, SIU crew members from the Petersburg take aim with 9 millimeter handguns (top photo) and M-14 rifles (below). from alone in learning the safe operation of handguns and rifles. All of the MSC ships stationed in Guam (many of which are SIUcrewed) are provided with this anti-terrorism training. The course is offered four to six times per year, depending on the availability of the gun range. Meanwhile, the Petersburg was scheduled to travel to Okinawa last month and take part Recertified Bosun Peter Funk (right) is ready for the start of the course in Guam. Above: Operating the stores crane is AB Carlos Thomas. Left: Back aboard ship, AB Miles Copeland loads stores. ABs Roman Genetiano and Eddie Ponteres, part of the Petersburg crew, help with loading stores. Quick Response Douses Fire Aboard Sea-Land Developer The captain of the SIU-crewed Sea-Land Developer credited all hands for a timely, effective response in extinguishing a shipboard fire January 14. Captain Robert Lamb provided the following account. No injuries were reported. "The Sea-Land Developer arrived in Long Beach (Calif.) on January 14 in the early morning hours. After a very hectic day of ABS safety inspections, she sailed at 1830, taking departure at the pilot station at 2130. The entire crew was looking forward to the long, peaceful trip to Balboa down the Mexican coast. "Two hours later the chief engineer called me to say he had an economizer fire. I went immediately to the bridge to find flames shooting 10 feet out of the stack! "We rang the general alarm for emergency stations at 2248. While the chief mate assessed the situation with the engineers, Bosun Dana Cella and two other men were fully suited in turnout gear and ready to apply boundary cooling by 2300. He reported in at that time and I informed him to 6 Seafarers LOG You Towed My Battleship! stand by. "The chief engineer and I had by then decided to use the fixed C02 system for the economizer (a device that pre-heats fuel or water for greater efficiency m 'This proficiency . . . is a tribute to the training that is given to each member of the SIU.' - Capt. Robert Lamb engineering plants). This had the effect of knocking down the flames and the stack was now clear. "It was determined that the boundary cooling was not necessary because the fire did not appear to be in danger of spreading. Charged hoses were left in place, a fire watch was set, and the crew stood down at about 0100. "At 0600 on January 15, a second set of bottles was rigged from the main bank to the economizer co 2 station, no small feat by any means. Before we were towed back to the dock and applying C02 from a tank truck on the pier, this evolution was accomplished three times and C02 was released four times into the economizer. "Throughout this period the crew handled themselves in the best traditions of the sea. Their performance was exemplary and is commended. "In addition to Dana Cella, the unlicensed crew consisted of ABs Eric Lund, George Mazzola, Robert Crooks, Thomas Arnold and David Cordero, Electrician Gary Dahl, QMED Keith Manzano, DEU Jose Garcia, Chief Steward Ruben Casin, Chief Cook John Gehring and GSU Ali Ghalib. "Once again this proficiency in the ability to act in dangerous circumstances is a tribute to the training that is given to each member of the SIU. It is indeed a pleasure sailing with such professionals." SIU tugboat crews played a key role last year in a Veterans' Day celebration in Philadelphia. SIU-crewed boats from Crowley and Moran moved the battleship USS New Jersey along the Delaware River as part of the ceremonies. Seafarers from the McAllister fleet also were on hand. Above, SIU members (from left) Deckhand Dave MacCollister, Deckhand Wallace Duffield and Mate Robert Van Blunk aboard the Iona McA/ister join in the festivities. Meanwhile, the Grace Moran (directly below) and the Explorer (bottom) team up. Man:h2000 �Luedtke Crews Complete On-Site Hazmat Training Great Lakes Crews Eye Fitout AMERICAN MARIN£ OS Mohamed Mohsin Safety gear comes in various sizes and varieties, as shown by (from left) Luedtke foreman Shannon Jensen, AB Dale Leonard and QMED Ed Carlson. Preparing for a spring assignment that likely will involve the dredging lllld transport of contaminated substances, SIU members employed by Luedtke Engineering recently completed a 40-hour course on hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Mark Jones, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., conducted the class January 31Febroary 4 in Frankfurt, Mich. (near Luedtke's offices). "All the guys thought it was a good course," noted Captain Marty Szekely. "For about half of us, the hazmat training was completely new material. I'll tell you one thing, that instructor was A-1. He was right to the point and he made everything clear." In addition to Szekely, the other SIU members who completed the class were Ken Glaser, John Shaski, Bert Adams, Dale Leonard, Charlie Wallace, Les Morr, William West, Rieb Arnold, Kevin Hollenbeck, Ed Carlson, Lorry Wilcox. Jason Beyette, Randy Johnson, Joe Kane, Jim Rider, Larry Hilton, Don Mills, Mike Niehus and Albert Cropek. Luedtke officials and a few members of the International Union of Operating Engineers also completed the class. "Everything came together quite well," said Jones. "It was cold and snowing all week, but everyone in the class showed up every day. There was a lot of effort put into it." Jones and the students covered numerous topics, including terminology, rights and responsibilities, personal protective equipment, decontamination operations, field survey instruments and sampling, medical surveillance, first aid and CPR and more. The class ended with an exam. The Paul Hall Center routinely offers on-site training to meet the unique needs of Seafarers throughout the country. QMED Ed Carlson dons a safety suit in class, aided by Captain Marty Szekely. Seafarers are asked to keep in touch with the SIU halls in Algonac, Mich. or Duluth, Minn. this month as Great Lakes fitout information becomes available. Meanwhile, these photos provide a glance back at the 1999 season-one in which U.S.-flag ships transported nearly 116 million tons of cargo on the Lakes. Captain Kenny Glaser Kurt R. Luedtke Bosun Tim Johnson Chief Steward Kris Setterington Buffalo Iglehart Unlicensed Apprentice Steven Cook, Kinsman Independent Lakes Seafarers Make Icy Rescue Left: Instructor Mark Jones (left) and Captain Les Morr demonstrate using protective equipment. Below: Students covered many subjects in the 40hour course, which blended classroom instruction with hands-on training. March2000 American Mariner Crew members on the Southdown Challenger began the new year with an unusual pier-side rescue in Ferrysburg, Mich. AB John Vegh, trying to aid a dockworker who had fallen through ice between a tug and barge notch, suffered a separated shoulder during the January 1 nighttime episode. Deckhand Michael Cushman helped lead a group that pulled Vegh from the frigid water. The dockworker, Bruce Groeneveld, also assisted after he was retrieved. The incident began as the Southdown Challenger, a freighter hauling cement, went to tie up. "We didn't have a clear dock because of the tug and barge, so extra people were sent out to help us," recalled Vegh. "One of the (shoreside) workers went up on the barge to catch a heaving line. There's a notch cut out for the tug to attach to it. All the ones I'd seen have a railing or some other barrier around it, but this one didn't-just a notch cut out in the deck. "The tug was in there, but there was probably 20 feet of open area," he continued. "It was very dark, and the shadow from the bow of the tug on the barge made it look like no gap. "I heard somebody yell, 'Help, I'm in the water!' I followed this guy's footsteps in the snow, jumped down on the barge, took three steps and fell on top of him. I couldn't even tell there was a [gap] there." With Vegh unable to swim due to his injury, and Groeneveld powerless to help him under the circumstances, Groeneveld crawled onto an ice floe, J~·- After a mishap while trying to aid a dockworker who fell into icy water, AB John Vegh (left photo) got help from Southdown Challenger shipmates, including Deckhand Michael Cushman (right and inset). from where he was pulled onto the deck. Meanwhile, Cushman retrieved a ladder and positioned it so that he, Grueneveld and another person could reach Vegh (who was wearing a lifejacket). "I'm not sure exactly how long it took. Probably eight minutes, but that was long enough because it was cold," said Vegh, who added that he and Groeneveld have kept in touch since then. Seafarers LOG 7 �r 1st Group from Guam Heads to Piney Point 10 Slated for Apprentice Program Ten people from Guam are scheduled to enroll this month in the Paul Hall Center 's unlicensed apprentice program. They are the first Guamanians to begin the threephase curriculum since the signing late last year of a cooperative agreement between the Piney Point, Md.-based school, the SIU and the government of the U.S . territory. That pact calls for establishment of a recruitment system aimed at boosting Guamanians' enrollment in the unlicensed apprentice program. It is structured the same as the one in which Alaska has participated since 1997. In mid-January. as many as 1,000 residents of Guam attended a seminar on the island about the entry-level trn.ining. Representatives from the Paul Hall Center described the program in depth and met throughout the day with prospective applicants. Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez (who along with several other Guam officials extensively toured the Paul Hall Center in late December) attended the seminar. Speaking to local reporters, he described the Paul Hall Center as "state-of-the-art" and said the unlicensed apprentice program is a good fit for "people who are committed to a drug-free workplace and challenging work to find a responsible place in society." Guam is the westernmost United States territory, situated between Hawaii and the Philippines in the Western Pacific. Its population last year was approximately 163,000. The unlicensed apprentice program blends classroom instruction and hands-on training, including a 90-day stint aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordinary seaman, wiper or steward assistant. SIU crew members from the USNS Petersburg enthusiastically volunteered to help spread the word about the apprentice program during off-time. The ship was stationed in Guam during the seminar but has since sailed to Okinawa (see story, page 6). In these three photos, interested residents of Guam learn more about the Paul Hall Center's entry-level training program. Chatting during a break at the mid-January seminar are (from left) Chief Steward George J. Borromeo (who provided the photos accompanying this story), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan. SIU Supports ILA at Dredging Rally Seafarers participated in a late-January rally and public hearing in Fort Monmouth, N.J. concerning a proposed dredging project at the port of New York/ New Jersey. SIU members joined with an estimated 2,200 fellow trade unionists, most of them members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), in urging public officials to support dredging of terminals at Brooklyn and Queens, N.Y. Failure to do so, they warned, will threaten hundreds of thousands of local jobs and damage the economy. At issue is whether or not the mud samples from the terminals contained unacceptable toxicity levels. Apparently, at least one environmental group thinks so. and hyperbole." A high-ranking port official stated at the hearing that the Army Corps of Engineers itself has acknowledged that mud samples from Brooklyn and Queens met the "clean" standard. The official further asserted that the samples satisfy the 1997 accord overseen by Vice President Al Gore and signed by the Army, two federal agencies and environmental groups to restrict an old dump site to categorically clean material. During the January hearing, Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) stated that those who support dredging "care just as much about the environment as anyone else. We understand that water quality and habitat are important, but 180,000 jobs and a $20 billion economy generated by the port also are important." Two weeks following the hearing, ILA Executive Vice President Al Cernadas addressed the winter executive board meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. He thanked the MTD board for passing a statement to allow the needed dredging to get started so large commercial vessels may continue to call on the port. Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan is interviewed by Stephanie Lum for a local television station, KUAM Channel 8. Others are challenging the project based on a questionable interpretation of other rules governing the dumping of dredged material. As an official from the New York Shipping Association put it, environmental "extremists want to bring the shipping industry to its knees" by using "scare tactics B Seafarers LOG AB J.J. Arnold (right) answers a question about the shipboard training. SIU members join thousands of fellow trade unionists at a public hearing in Fort Monmouth, N.J. addressing a dredging project for the port of New York/New Jersey. March2000 �Crew members on the El Yunque had a special guest recently, when the vessel carried the Ringling Brothers Circus from Jacksonville, Fla. to San Juan, P.R. Posing with one of the elephants are AB Carlos Suazo. AB Ron Mena. SA Blair Baker, DEU John Cooper and Bosun Luis Ramirez. Douglas Burch, steward/ baker on board the USNS Cape Isabel, prepares a tasty meal for the crew. The vessel is on ROS status in the old Long Beach (Calif.) naval shipyard . From the left are Chief Cook Mariano Norales, AB Carlos Parilla, AB Thomas Lasater and SA Elston Yumateo. i WITH THE SIU The Sea-Land Expedition is loaded up and ready to go. From the left are AB John Alberti, Electrician Joe Corr and AB George Darley. The crew aboard : the /TB Groton enjoyed a cookout, which was prepared with pride by Chief Steward Charlie Roldan (left) and Chief Cook Joel Molinas. Right: San Juan Port Agent Victor Nunez (left) shows unlicensed apprentice Brett Parkins around the SIU hall. Participating in a membership meeting aboard the USNS Pathfinder in San Juan are San Juan Port Agent Victor Nunez, GVAs Richard Jensen, Jonathan Gibson and Celso Ordonez, Chief Cook Francisco Aguillar, Storekeepers Gary Hanson and Luther Jesord, ABs John Soares, Rafael Lopez and Kenneth Gross, OSs Victor Velez and Joseph Gierbolini, Oilers Oswaldo Lopez and Bryce Gritten and QMEDThomas Hooper. Second Pumpman Mario Cruzat is ready to go ashore. His vessel , the Overseas Ohio, was at the moorings in El Segundo, Calif. The entire unlicensed crew on the USNS Dahl poses for a group shot while the vessel was in a San Diego, Calif. shipyard. Man:h2000 When the Sea-Land Expedition was in Elizabeth, N.J. recently, steward department members Tom Vanyi (left) and Charlie DiCanio show it takes teamwork to get the job done. Seafarers LOG 9 �CelebraJing a New Year On tb.e El Yunque While much of the rest of the world was getting ready to celebrate the year 2000 in excessive fashion, crew members aboard the El Yunque also took note of the new year, but in their usual, professional manner. The vessel, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Co. spent New Year's eve at sea, heading for a payoff in San Juan on January 2. Members of the engine department on the El Yunque include (from left) DEU Orlando Herrera, OMU Hiawatha J. Williams and Oiler Reginald Abrams. Chief Cook Joey Gallo (left) and Recertified Steward Louis Nicoud 111 are a great team aboard the Sea-Land Liberator. Here, they pose on deck as the vessel navigates the Panama Canal. East Coast Meets West Coast Aboard Sea-Land Liberator Steward Dept. Team Stresses Education Along with Fine Food and Service Ready to usher in the new year are deck department members (from left) AB Blair C. Baker, OS Pedro C. Gago, Bosun Luis Ramirez, AB Carson Jordan and (kneeling) AB/Ship's Chairman Paul J. LaTorre. Delicious, home-style meals are prepared and served by (from left) Chief Steward Milton Yournett, SA Charles B. Collier Jr. and Chief Cook David Camacho. A real sense of camaraderie is evident among the El Yunque's crew members, including AB Ronald Mena, OS Pedro C. Gago, Chief Steward Milton Yournett, Chief Cook David Camacho, AB Blair C. Baker, Oiler Hiawatha J. Williams, Bosun Luis Ramirez, AB Carson Jordan, SA Charles B. Collier Jr. and DEU Orlando Herrera. When Recertified Steward Louis Nicoud III from Las Vegas met up with Chief Cook Joey Gallo from Brooklyn aboard the Sea-Land Liberator, everything fell into place. The two professionally trained chefs were of one mindset: a commitment to provide a superior level of service to the unlicensed crew and officers. Everything from daily meetings on menu development to an emphasis on sanitation went toward fulfilling that goal. Both men also believe in professional development as the key to a thriving U.S. merchant marine, and stress to their fellow crew members that upgrading their skills at the Paul Hall Center is the way to go. Nicoud, a 19-year member of the SIU and graduate of the union's entry-level training program at Piney Point, emphasizes a clean galley and house, galley economy, fine food and service and a sense of humor. According to his shipmate Gallo, Nicoud (who has completed the steward recertification program at Piney Point-the highest curriculum available to members of the steward department) is a quality-driven food service professional with a flair for marketing, which is reflected in his menu text and design. Gallo has been a member of the SIU for 10 years. A professional chef and Culinary Institute graduate, the former U.S. Marine Corps cook/baker has the philosophy, "If we can do it in a restaurant, we can do it on a ship." Menu diversity and preparation are Gallo's strong points, and he is a stalwart proponent of the Paul Hall Center. He has upgraded to certified steward and hopes to attend the union's recertification program as well. He also plans to enroll at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey to complete requirements for a bachelor's degree in hospitality management. Nicoud and Gallo are almost like a bicoastal vaudeville act, always seeking to surprise, entertain and please their audiences. Whether it comes in the form of high quality international cuisine or a simple good morning, the two Seafarers are always on the job-living and working the credo, "Brotherhood of the Sea." HoHday Highlights .tram tb.e PresidentJachon Those crew members who found themselves aboard the President Jackson on Thanksgiving and Christmas days were in for something special. Mary Lou Lopez, assistant cook/utility and steward department delegate on the vessel, noted that the President Jackson was in the Far East. "Being it was the last Thanksgiving and Christmas before the new millennium," she wrote in a letter accompanying these photos, "we went the extra mile." Clockwise from left: Nothing says Christmas like festive decorations-and freshly baked cookies, brought into the crew lounge by Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez. Ron Peterson, chief mate aboard the President Jackson, is the first crew member to sample the elegant Christmas appetizers. Just to make sure the Thanksgiving Day treats are as delicious as they look, Recertified Steward Terry Allen and Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez do a quick taste-test. An assortment of pies and cakes topped off a perfect Christmas dinner. 10 Seafarers LOG Man:h2000 �he seafaring life agreed with Matt Harrison from the moment he joined he SIU in 1982. "It's the best thing that ever happened to me. I've gone around the world because of the SIU," stated the 38-year-old AB. Harrison graduated from the trainee program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. A few years into his sail- 71 ing career, he took up photography-expressly to "capture the feel of shipping," he recalled. "I didn't have any background with photography, but it interested me," he continued. "I started for artistic reasons. but it was all trial and error. As the years went by, I got better." Approximately eight years of flashbulbs Man:h2000 and film fulfilled the AB 's pictorial aspirations. He sold his camera gear in the mid1990s. But during his time behind the lens, Harrison accumulated a compelling collection of photos, with subjects such as shipmates, vessels and foreign lands. And although he's had his fill of taking pictures, he's eager to continue sailing. "I wanted to see the world, and that's why I joined the union," noted Harrison, who most recently sailed aboard the Northern Lights. "It was either Piney Point or join the (military) service, but I'm glad I ended up with the SIU. "(SIU President) Mike Sacco got me started, I met him at the school. To me, we're family. That brotherhood means a lot." Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers Crew New The delivery ceremony featured a tribute to the vessel's namesake, Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. Taking part in the service are (from left) AB Johnny Birdwell, AB Omar Muhammad, SIU Port Agent John Cox, Misty Elk (Red Clt>ud's grMddeughter). OS Lenerd Madison and Recertified Bosun David Parl<. U e new year began with new SIU jobs, as Seafarers crewed the USNS Red Cloud in San Diego. A Watson-class vessel assigned to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Red Cloud began its inaugural voyage in January, shortly after delivery. For the union, the 950-foot ship represents job opportunities. But it also signifies a commitment by the U.S. government to a strong American sealift capability. The Red Cloud is part of a 19-ship program (14 new builds, five conversions) designed to ensure sufficient U.S. sealift resources. Built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), the Red Cloud joins MSC's prepositioning fleet. Vessels in that armada are fully loaded with U.S. military supplies and equipment and are stationed near potential areas of conflict around • fc I, the world. Their tanks, tractor-trailers and high-mobility military vehicles, just to name a few. Like the others in its class, the Red Cloud includes 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It is named in memory of Army Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. ( 1925-1950), a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. Red Cloud perished from enemy fire while defending a ridge in front of his company command post in Korea in 1950. "His heroic actions prevented his company from being overrun," noted the U.S. Navy in a press release. The first SIU crew aboard the USNS Red Cloud consisted of Recertified Bosun David Park, ABs Omar Muhammad, Thomas Ellington, Andre Frazier, Edward Miller and Johnny Birdwell, OSs Jerry Fanning, Lenard Madison and Willie Harrington, QMEDs Timothy Pillsworth, Sylvester Crawford, Nunzio Ciciulla, Anthony McNeil, Dwight Ward and Michael Gott, Storekeeper Alex Davis, Steward/Baker Christopher Hale, Chief Cook Bernardo Jordan and SAs Claudia Kamm eyer and Tanja Pfizenmaier. A walk through the engine room shows all the latest equipment. 12 Seafarers LOG Man:h2000 �Prepositioning Ship Crew members take a short break in the galley. Greeting a visitor is the watchstanding AB, Edward Miller. SAs Tanja PHzenmaier (left) and Claudia Kammeyer sign on for the Red Cloud's first voyage. A specially decorated cake helps mark delivery ceremonies for the new MSC-operated vessel. USNS Red Cloud By the numbers Length: 950' Beam: 105'-9" Displacement at design draft: 62,700 tons Cargo area: 393,000 sq. feet Design speed: 24 knots Miscellaneous Berthing, living, mess, recreation and office spaces for as many as 13 officers and 32 unlicensed personnel. Similar facilities available for 'supercargo crew' of 50 military personnel. Additional features include leisure and community facilities, hospital complex, laundry and workshops. Propulsion plant Two GE LM-2500 gas turbines with an output of 32,000 BHP each Two 24' -0" controllable pitch propellers - 95 RPM at full power Man:h2000 12,500 KW total ship's service generating capability 2,000 KW emergency generating capacity Cargo system & equipment Self-sustaining roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) capabilities Self-sustaining lift-on/lift-off (LO/LO) capabilities Centerline stern slewing ramp Port and starboard sideport ramp system Two single pedestal twin cranes Cargo hatches in three holds All RO/RO decks fixed Combination of fixed and hinged RO/RO ramps Special features Environmental control for cargo holds Foam firefighting and de-watering system for cargo holds Bow thruster units List control system Source: NASSCO The ship's delivery ceremony kept the steward department busy and in good spirits. Pictured from left to right are Steward/Baker Chris Hale, Chief Cook Bernardo Jordan and SA Claudia Kammeyer. Seafarers LOB 13 �- Port Agent Anthony McQuay (center) congratulates certified chief cooks Jimmie Reddick (left) and Willie Grant for their hard work in preparing the holiday fare. More than 100 Seafarers and their families and friends gathered at the festively decorated Jacksonville hall last December 22 for a memorable holiday party. Port Agent Anthony McQuay set the tone for the celebration in his welcoming remarks, which were then followed by a delicious luncheon. Certified Chief Cooks Jimmie Reddick and Willie Grant took advantage of the hall's full galley to prepare the meal, while messmen Almus Allen and Brian Wilder assisted in helping serve the holiday fare, consisting of everything from turkey and ham with all the trimmings to an endless variety of freshly baked pies and cakes. The photos of the party on this page were taken by Patrolman Bryan Powell and Recertified Bosun Roan Lightfoot. Enjoying the festivities are (from left) Retired Bosun Paul Butterworth, Port Secretary Karen Shuford, Mrs. Butterworth and Carolyn Shuford. IP®rn! ®i!J]~®mwfillil@ M@~ &.b@ Ifil®Ifil®~~ > • >J ' I '•'•· • ,·, Left: Messmen Alm us Allen (left) and Brian Wilder help serve lunch to Seafarers and their guests. Partaking in good food and holiday cheer at the Jacksonville party are (from left) ABs Rubin Mitchell, Lydell Grant and Charles Whitehead. The party at the Jacksonville hall helps (from left) AB James Blitch, Recertified Bosun Roan Lightfoot and QEE Angel Hernandez get in the holiday spirit. Bosun John Micklos (left) gets a chance to share in the festive occasion with AB Tom Gruber and his wife. Having a great time are (from left) OMU Stephanie Brown, DENU Jerry Miller and Mrs. Charles Whitehead. Patrolman Harmando Salazar (left) welcomes retired Recertified Bosun Billy Darley to the Jacksonville hall. Right: It's all smiles at the table of (from right) OMU Ramon Calazo, his wife and their niece Stephanie. AB Tom Driggers (left) and his wife enjoy a soda and some good conversation with AB John Gatton. Posing for a photo during the festivities are (from left) Patrolman Harmando Salazar, Port Agent Anthony McQuay, Crowley VP of Labor Relations Mike DePrisco and Patrolman Bryan Powell. 14 Seafarers LOS Retired Recertified Steward Joe Miller (left) reminisces about "the good old days" and the bright future of the SIU with retired SA Frank Sirignano. Port Agent Anthony McQuay and his family enjoy the culinary delights served at the holiday luncheon. llarch 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San . Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 32 5 4 15 19 18 34 31 26 26 6 10 Houston 26 St. Louis 3 0 · Piney Point Algonac Totals Port Ne~~\Tork P~iladelphia Baltnnf.?re Norfolk Mobile New Orleans JackSonville San Francisco _ Wih;nington "" Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 23 4 8 2 3 5 1 7 5 12 1 7 2 6 11 12 4 12 3 14 5 3 30 10 3 8 5 14 5 13 15 11 9 12 5 10 20 1 4 5 6 5 6 3 3 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans H6 137 8 10 6 2 10 3 5 0 5 3 13 8 7 2 3 2 1 3 11 3 l9 1 11 9 3 14 13 4 3 4 7 2 3 8 z .,. .. 5 10 12 3 15 5 9 19 4 9 3 5 2 3 125 0 106 0 16 7 3 3 2 8 17 2 7 9 13 41 14 9 18 4 ll 46 9 5 17 5 13 1 1 10 53 9 25 9 .... .1 -.. . 3 u 4 () 4 88 1 418 0 173 3 16 0 0 ·3 15 ·- '3 10 3 11 5 14 0 5 3 21 8 6 12 6 4 0 15 3 3 6 0 98 1 1 2 0 2 1 5 11 19 14 24 14 15 15 10 11 29 2 · 3 San Francisco ......... Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Juan ..................Thursday: April 6, May 11 4 3 55 2 St Louis ................. Friday: April 14, May 19 Tacoma ................... Friday: April 21, May 26 Wilmington ...............Monday: April 17, May 22 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 3 5 1 0 8 9 11 2 4 2 EKOWDOFFOH 26 4 7 4 4 0 2 6 13 IO 10 17 6 7 3 2 2 2 0 9 2 0 2 0 0 15 0 24 100 16 0 l 9 2 10 14 3 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 6 3 11 5 0 2 7r 0 0 54 47 37 30 3 24 20 TERRY GILLILAND 2 3 Please get in touch with Pammy Gilliland at 21168 Winding Way, Lexington Park, MD 20653; or call (240) 728-0777. 5 0 5 7 0 9 2 1 2 0 0 0 263 59 27 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 16 7 0 0 0 5 0 41 35 0 0 2 1 9 3 8 12 29 1 7 0 2 15 1 11 17 13 68 8 1 3 6 I 8 3 10 1 0 0 34 0 0 2 6 189 308 3 6 9 0 38 4 St. Louis 0 Piney Point Algonac 0 0 36 5 I 139 205 39 0 119 558 420 344 464 354 2 8 6 7 115 0 0 19 0 0 0 3 4 15 0 I 11 0 5 0 0 10 17 8 11 16 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 12 1 24 17 25 3 38 18 l 12 5 ESTEBAN B. LUKE Please contact Reyna Roman at P.O. Box 216, Hampton Bays, NY 11946; or telephone (631) 3691682. Job Call in the New Orleans Hall 13 20 11 11 18 8 86 13 3 10 22 0 0 0 0 0 75 247 258 185 949 606 437 *"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. William Coffy (Bob Louis ' nephew) saw your picture in the February LOG and would like to hear from you. Please call him at (973) 485-3487. 1 0 42 Personals JAMES ROY AMBROSE 44 0 6 3 0 9 0 0 2 7 -PhlladeJpbia.. :......... Wedn~day: Apn1 5, May 10 11 2 12 14 New York ............... :Tue§day; April 4, May 9 1 2 4 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 11, May 16 2 30 0 0 5 0 2 1 12 New Bedford ..... :.... Tuesday; April 18, May 23 6 4 0 71 0 2 4 0 2 0 6 7 3 10 2 4 0 1 3 3 8 3 10 0 4 0 141 0 Mobile .................... Wednesday: April 12, May 17 Please contct Tammy Ambrose Bullock at 2703 South Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322; or call (757) 421-7233 or FAX (757) 421-4320. 6 7 0 3 8 5 10 14 Jersey City ..............Wednesday: April 19, May 24 2 0 5 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 6, May l l 9 0 1 Houston .................. Monday: April I0, May 15 29 3 25 Honolulu ................. Friday: April 14, May 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 3. 1 3 0 3 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: April 12, May 17 193 3 4 0 38 9 2 Baltimore ................ Thursday: April 6, May 11 ~No~folk ..........~.'. ...... Thursday~_April 6, May 11 2 4 4 1 4 Algonac .................. Friday: April 7, May 12 53 0 121 12 0 5 6 3 March20DO 17 1 6 7 Piney Point ............ Monday: April 3, May 8 4 0 127 1 0 4 0 0 37 4 3 2 2 6 1 s 2 0 l9 15 Totals All Departments 4 1 0 9 8 8 l 5 0 2 San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Totals 8 14 22 22 3 60 24 26 59 41 2 14 7 2 2 13 55 lO 7 12 6 2 18 5 6 16 6 0 2 6 16 9 3 4 3 6 ~ 6 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston 16 8 12 10 ·- 8 Port New York 2 4 204 14 10 18 Totals 12 7 9 5 3 2 U2 9 19 8 Jacksonville Piney Point Algonac Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 2 3 Houston St. Louis 21 18 30 4 12 19 1 78 0 Port New York **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Trip Reliefs April & May 2 • Memlletship Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 0 These three Seafarers were spotted recently in the New Orleans hall waiting for a job call. From the left are Chief Cook Gerardo Frederick, DEU Cirilo S. Centeno and Chief Cook Pedro Ramos. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Dlridory JANUARY 16 - Michael Sac<:o President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services " .... - lttADQtJAl'UERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (~01) 89M675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair Rivt:r Dr. - Algonac, MI 48001 Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 14 0 4 0 0 4 5 0 11 15 FEBRUARY 15, 2000 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 2 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT o· 6 I **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 21 6 0 5 2 0 3 4 0 _9_ 9 Totals All Depts 42 34 0 0 8 17 0 38 *'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. 21 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE SQoam~ St.J if l C 721 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage~ AK 99503 (907) ~61-4988 JANUARY 16 - BALTIMORE FEBRUARY 15, 2000 1216 E. Baltimore St *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802. (11~) 12~-4110 HONOLULU 0 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HI 968 i9 (808) 845"'.?222 3 ,.·' JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. JacksonviIJe, FL 32206 (904} 353-0987 JEllSEY CITY ,,, ,.•.• , •• ,,.,, "'· c:,,,. 9~l M'ontgom~efY-·.St,.j\: ..... ,_, ., .,. . ,. ""''". . . ,. . . . ,. Jersey City, NJ 01302 (201) 435-9424 ''" MOBILE i64o Datiphin1stand.P~. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union -St. New Bedford1 MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 upalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (sp.t) 3,28-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk,. VA 23510 aA<l Waters 0 2 5 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 ~~' f!ll~{i }Va~~t . ::''·Q West Coast 0 Totals 0 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 0 West Coast 0 Totals 0 0 1 . ~L 0 6 10 8 1 0 10 3 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 1 1 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 0 6 8 ·O 1 16 2 28 0 1 ·~ ~-_ ~:o ,;" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Totals All Depts 10 9 5 3 10 3 5 3 *"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. 29 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604S.4St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY J>OINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point1 MD 2067:f (301)994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division {415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16% Santurce, PR 00907 - (787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, "\NA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by John E. Helman of Fremantle, Western Australia. It was taken August 15, 1944 aboard the SS Edwin L. Godkin. The Luckenbach Lines vessel was offloading allied equipment for the war effort in St. Tropez in the south of France. AB Helman (standing center) identifies his shipmates as "AB Charles Lucas from Queens, N.Y., Felix (a carpenter) from Baltimore, Md. and AB Frenchy Cyr from Maine." Now 80, Helman still enjoys reading the Seafarers LOG and wonders where his old shipmates are today. Man:h2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. nland Captain John E. Long is among the 14 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 38 years of active union membership, Brother Long graduated from the towboat operator program offered at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. This program was designed to prepare qualified mariners for licenses under U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring such documentation for all operators of uninspected towboats and tugboats. Jncluding Brother Long, four of the retirees navigated the inland waterways and l 0 sailed in the deep sea division. Six of the retiring pensioners were members of the steward department, five shipped in the engine department, and three worked in the deck department This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: five have retired to the East Coast, three make their homes in the Gulf states, three live on the West Coast, two reside in the Midwest and one person calls Puerto Rico home. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. I DEEP SEA HAMEEDK. ALI, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the San Francisco, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in Yemen, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. Brother Ali makes his home in New York. ERNESTOR. AVILA, 65, joined the SIU in 1973, first sailing in the inland division aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He later transferred to deep sea vessels. A native of Honduras, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Avila last worked aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. Hawthorne, Calif. is where he calls home. WILLIAM H. BRIMIIALL, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. His first ship was the Vantage Venture, operated by Vancor Steamship Co. Born in California, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. March2000 Brother Brimhall last sailed in 1982 aboard the Overseas Juneau. He has retired to Santa Rosa, Calif. CHARLESH. .--~-=-~--, DAVIS, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1966. His first ship was the Ocean Cloud, operated by Ocean Ore Carriers. The Ohio native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, h worked aboard the SP5 Eric G. Gibson, a Maersk Line Ltd. vessel. Brother Davis makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. VIRGILIO GALDOS, 65, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Galdos worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He has retired to Cloverdale, Calif. JOE HARRIS, 61, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Bradford Is land, operated by Cities Service Oil Co. He worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Anny from 1956 to 1958. Brother Harris last sailed aboard the Guayama, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Jacksonville, Fla. is where he calls home. LLOYDT. PALMER, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1987 from the port of Mobile, Ala. He first sailed aboard the USNS Dutton. The Alabama native worked in the steward department as a chief cook. Brother Palmer last sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Mobile. DONALDE. PETERSON, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of New Orleans after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. Brother Peterson's first SIU ship was the Sea-Land Economy. Born in Minnesota, he sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He has retired to Foley, Ala. VIRGILIO RIVERA, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1972 aboard the Longview Victory. The Puerto Rico native worked in the steward department and frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. Brother Rivera makes his home in Vega ~aja, P.R. JACKA. SINGLE- CHARLES M. GAUTIER, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 from the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Gautier last sailed as a barge captain in 1984 aboard a Maritrans vessel. He has retired to Mt. Olive, N.C. JOHNE. LONG, 60, joined the sru in 1961 in the •" port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he completed the towboat operator course in 1973. Prior to retiring, he sailed as a captain aboard a Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessel. New Orleans is where he calls home. STELLAM. PAYNE, 62, started her career with the SIUin 1986 in the port of St. Louis. Born in Missouri, she worked in the steward department Sister Payne last sailed aboard a vessel operated by Midland Enterprises, Orgulf Division. She makes her home in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Worth 1, 000 Words TARY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967, first sailing aboard the Burbank Victory. Born in Oregon, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1954 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Singletary last worked aboard the Cape Trinity. Santa Fe, Texas is where he calls home. INLAND GEORGE W. DIXON, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked in the engine department. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard an Interstate Oil Co. vessel. Boatman Dixon makes his home in Philadelphia. SIU retirees Eddie Craddock and Jerry Brown recently stopped by the hall in Mobile, Ala. to check out the growing collection of framed photos of SIU-contracted ships. While there on January 24, they chatted with SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly and others. Pictured from left to right are Kelly, Brown, Craddock, retiree Clarence Pryor, QMED Hannable Smith and retiree Jerry Carl. Reprinted from past issues of the Sea(arers LOG aboard SIU ships before January 1, 1955 or had not shipped r~gularly during the peri· 1941 ods to cover classes A and B received a "C" More than 2,500 members of the Atlantic rating. ln the future, seamen with "A" ratings and Gulf District participated in the election of will receive preference over the other two catofficers of the SIU, Atlantic & Gulf District egories for job calls and the "B" rated seamen for 1941. This was rr.=:========~====================::::;:n will receive preference the first election conover ''C" men. ducted since the two districts were amalga1963 mated into the one The SIU will represent district. The election the crew of the new covered the Atlantic cable ship SS Long District representative, Lines. Crewmen have the Gulf District reprebeen flown to sentative, and port agents and patrolmen in all Hamburg, Germany to sail the ship, the ports from Boston to Texas City and including world's largest cable ship, out of the shipyard where she was built and take her on sea trials. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her initial job will be to complete an all cable 1955 underwater network throughout the The membership of the Seafarers International Caribbean, connecting Florida, Jamaica, Union, Atlantic & Gulf District, ratified a Panama and South American points. Since newly negotiated contract clause establishing a there is no other large cable ship sailing under seniority hiring provision with contracted com- the U.S.-flag, the SIU negotiated a special panies. The new hiring system involves three manning scale to cover the crew. When the classes of seniority. Men sailing before ship arrives in the United States, SIU crew December 31, 1950 got" A" ratings; men members will take part in a training period for sailing regularly since January 1, 1951 were several weeks to prepare them for cable laying rated class "8'' and men who had no time operations. who 1HlS MO " TH lN SlU HISTORY Seafarers LOS 17 �DEEP SEA HARRY JESSE BARRICK Pensioner Harry Jesse Barrick, 75 , passed away December 23, 1999. Born in Washington, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards ~~__J (MC&S) in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Barrick worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Kauai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He was a resident of Bullhead City, Ariz. and started receiving his pension in February 1987. HOWARD G. BRADSHAW tification program in 1982. Prior to retiring in October 1984, he sailed aboard the Golden Monarch, operated by Westchester Marine. He was a resident of Savannah. retiring in November 1987, he sailed aboard the Inger, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. He made his home in Galveston, Texas. ROBERT JAMES MAIELLO Robert James Maiello, 53, passed away December 22, 1999. Born in New York, he first sailed with the SIU in 1989, aboard _ ____, the USNS Harkness. The steward department member upgraded his skills to chief steward at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Maiello last worh!d aboard the JQb Stuart. Wilmington, N.C. was his home. Pensioner Edward Charles Ryan, 72, passed away December 14, 1999. Born in Oregon, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1964. He first sailed aboard the Yorkmar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. Brother Ryan worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Philadelphia, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in August 1992. EDWARD CHARLES RYAN Pensioner Howard Gilbert Bradshaw, 68, ctiea January 2. He fust sailed with the Sea· farers in 19 51 as a member of the engine department. The Virginia native upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1948 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Bradshaw last sailed aboard the Charleston, a Westchester Marine vessel. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he retired in August 1990. JAMES LUDWIG MILLER GEORGE A. SILVA Pensioner James Ludwig Miller, 79, died December 22, 1999. A native of Washington, he joined the MC&S in 1942. · Brother Miller worked in the steward department, last sailing on the President Grant, an American President Lines vessel. A resident of Oregon City, Ore., he began receiving his pension in April 1991. , . - - - - - - - - . Pensioner George A. Silva, 74, died December 5, 1999. A native of Massachusetts, he began sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of Boston. Brother Silva worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the ITB Jacksonville. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Sykesville, Md. resident retired in August 1986. DAVID BRONSTEIN JOSEPH P. PETRUSEWICZ Pensioner David Bronstein, 70, passed away January 16, 1997. He started his career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Henry, operated by American Bullc Carriers. During his career, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. Prior to retiring in September 1991, he sailed aboard the Cape Hudson. The Texas native served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Brother Bronstein lived in Houston. Pensioner Joseph P. Petrusewicz, 67, passed away December 20, 1999. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951. His first ship was the Ann Marie, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. The Massachusetts native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in December 1989, Brother Petrusewicz sailed aboard the Falcon Princess, operated by Seahawk Management. Quincy, Mass. was his home. DANIEL JOE CHERRY Pensioner Daniel Joe Cherry, 84, died December 30, 1999. Brother Cherry began sailing with the Seafarers in 1943 from the port of Tampa, Fla. Born in Florida, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Bayamon, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. A resident of Baltimore, he began receiving his pension in May 1984. THOMAS C. HANKINS Pensioner Thomas Cranston Hankins, 70, passed away December 21, 1999. A native of Florida, he · joined the SIU * ' in 1945 in Savannah, Ga. Brother Hankins sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recer- 18 Seafarers LOB RUDOLFO "RUDY" RAMIREZ Pensioner Rudolfo "Rudy" Ramirez, 73 died December 24, 1999. A native of Texas, he joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Brother Ramirez worked in the steward department and upgraded bis skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Sea-Land Consumer. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in December 1991. JOSEPH RAPOZA Pensioner Joseph Rapoza, 82, passed away November 29, 1999. Born in Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Seattle. Brother Rapoza sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in January 1980. He was a resident of Lynwood, Wash. JOHN W. RIELLY Pensioner John W. Rielly, 77, died November 25, 1999. Brother Rielly began his SIU career in 1943 from the port of New York. The Minnesota native worked in the steward depart- ERIK P. SMITH Pensioner Erik P. Smith, 79, passed away November 18, 1999. He joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Finland, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring in August 1985, he sailed aboard the Pittsburgh, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He made his home in Lantana, Fla. WILLIAM C. SMITH Pensioner William C. Smith, 93, passed away June 1, 1999. Brother Smith was a member of the MC&S, and a resident of Daly City, Calif. He started receiving his pension in February 1973. JAMES STATHIS Pensioner James Stathis, 73, died March 1, 1997. Brother Stathis began sailing with the SIU in 1953. His first ship was the Dorothy, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. The New York native sailed as a member of the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and attended an education conference in 1970 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring in June 1988, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. Brother Stathis was a resident of San Francisco. NICHOLAS SWOKLA Pensioner Nicholas Swokla, 73, passed away November 10, 1999. Born in Connecticut, he joined the Seafarers in ' - - - - = - - " " " ' ' - - - - ' 1946 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Swokla sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in December 1982. He was a resident of Hayward, Calif. - PERCY THOMPSON Pensioner Percy Thompson, 94, died November 30, 1999. Brother Thompson first sailed with the SIU in 1947 from the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of New Orleans, he retired in October 1972. RAYMOND J. VAUGHT Pensioner · Raymond J. Vaught, 80, passed away October 10, 1999. A native of California, he joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school. He last worked aboard the Manu/ani, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Vaught made his home in Sacramento, Calif. He began receiving his pension in February 1984. RONALD E. WARRIOR Ronald E. Warrior, 48, died December 4, 1999. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Seattle. Born in Oklahoma, he sailed in the deck department. From 1969 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Warrior was a resident of Federal Way, Wash. VAN WHITNEY Pensioner Van Whitney, 78, passed away November 9, 1999. Born in Trinidad, he started his career with the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Del Sud. Brother Whitney sailed in the engine department and upgraded bis skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of St. Petersburg, Fla., he began receiving his pension in January 1978. INLAND PIDLIP E. AYERS Pensioner Philip E. Ayers, 63, passed away December 26, 1999. Born in North Carolina, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961. Boatman Ayers worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator program in 1973. A resident of Mullica Hill, NJ., he began receiving his pension in December 1998. From 1955 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Air Force. ERNEST FELIX FABRE Pensioner Ernest Felix Fabre, 79, died December 16, 1999. He started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer aboard a vessel operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Fabre began receiving his pension in 1983. He was a resident of Harvey, La. JAMES THOMAS GASKILL Pensioner James Thomas Gaskill, 86, passed away December 26, 1999. A native of North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Gaskill sailed as a tugboat captain and retired in December 1975. Arapahoe, N.C. was his home. DERWOOD D. KENT Pensioner Derwood Downing Kent, 84, died December 25, 1999. Boatman Kent began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. The Virginia native worked as a chief engineer. A resident of Round Rock, Texas, he started receiving his pension in May 1979. GREAT LAKES THOMAS HOLT FORG Pensioner Thomas Holt Forgrave, 85, passed away January 9. Brother Forgrave joined the Seafarers in 1961 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., where he made his home. He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1976. MICHAEL J. MARTINAC Pensioner Michael John Martinac, 80, died January 15. Born in Michigan, he started his career with the SIU in 1957 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Martinac worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of Gladstone, Mich., he started receiving his pension in February 1982. RAILROAD MARINE OTTO CONRAD SCHWARZ Pensioner Otto Conrad Schwarz, &7, passed away December 18, 1999. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. Brother Schwarz sailed in the deck department and retired in January 1975. He was a resident of Hoboken, NJ. March 2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts ta print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Sh/ps_1piiifttis first are reviewed by the union's- contract department. Thoss fss{jes tei/uiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union l)/itfif. · to/the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ·: !o.the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines, Ltd.). November 29Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Dekgate Joseph LeBeau, Engine Delegate Ricky Carter, Steward Delegate Rayford Nixon. Meeting held while at anchor in Gdansk, Poland. Chairman stated vessel probably not entering drydock next day as planned. Deck watches set. Secretary noted lack of stores, including milk. Every effort being made to obtain supplies in Gdansk. Educational director stressed upgrading program at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Beefs reported in deck and steward departments. Chairman read communications on EPA wage adjustment and led discussion on impending NMU merger. He urged all members to vote. Clarification requested on reliefs after 120 days while outside continental U.S. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (CSX), November 19--Chairman Hayden W. Gifford, Secretary Franchesca ose, Educational Director Ray L. Chapman. Chairmah noted portside gangway motor fixed and crew did great job in annual Coast Guard inspection in Oakland, Calif. He informed all crew members ·o f importance of being aware of all existing emergency procedures regarding safety of vessels and crew members while at sea and ashore. Secretary encouraged everyone to take advantage of new fire fighting school in Piney Point and keep in mind importance of participating in safety meetings and fire and boat drills. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and make sure fire fighting endorsements are up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vessel going on new run to Russia. All hands advised to bring warm clothing. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship Corp.), November 21--Chairman Carl T. Lineberry, Secretary Claude C. Hollings III, Educational Director Michael L. Mefferd, Deck Delegate Larry Martin, Engine Delegate Dennis C. Bennett, Steward Delegate Thomas G. Mccurdy. Chairman announced arrival in Morehead City, N.C. on Thanksgiving and then to payoff in New Orleans. Of two washing machines ordered, one arrived. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain TRBs, upgrade skills at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. No beefs noted by all three delegates. Steward department given vote of thanks on job well done. AMERICAN MERLIN (Osprey Acomarit Ship Mgmt.), December 11--Chairman James R. Wilson, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Jeffrey L. Murray, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson Ill, Steward Delegate Ambrosio Fachini. Chairman informed crew of ship's arrival at sea buoy in Orange, March2000 Texas and stated vessel would probably go in on low tide with some ballast changes. Educational director recommended members take advantage of course offerings at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on issue of missing seaman's wages pertaining to deck department. Wholehearted thanks given to Chief Steward Goggins and his gang for job well done. CAPt= JACOEJ (American Overseas Marine Corp.), December 13-Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary Salvatore E. Torneo. Chairman asked mem- bers to read communications regarding SIU-NMU merger. Secretary stated SIU President Mike Sacco's view on merger, urging each member to think long and hard about direction of our union and this industry as we head into next century and how this union can only build a brighter future for all. Educational director stressed union's school in Piney Point offers training and potential to better each member. Treasurer announced $220 in ship's fund. Request made to assign specific area for smoking in crew lounge. Voyage made with Royal Overseas Police Officers to reconnoiter outer islands of Chagos Archipelago (in Indian Ocean). Several crew members ferried ashore to islands that not many people have ever visited. GALVESTON BAY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 12--Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Robert H. Brown Jr., Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Engine Delegate Randell G. Porter. Chairman reminded crew members to check z-cards for renewal date. Educational director noted importance of SPAD contributions, especially with upcoming presidential election. He also advised crew of courses available at Paul Hall Center for compliance with STCW. Treasurer announced $110 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT reported in steward department. Suggestions made and forwarded to headquarters for 100 percent health care coverage for Seafarers and for option of buying seatime with vacation pay. Food reefer containers don't work properly and should be replaced. Vote of thanks given to steward department for wonderful Thanksgiving Day dinner. Next ports: Houston and Jacksonville. LNG ARIES (PRONAV), December 27--Chairman Jack J. Cooper, Secretary Robert A. Brown, Educational Director Allen W. Scott, Deck Delegate Angel L. Perez, Engine Delegate Paul P. Pagano, Steward Delegate William F. Smalley. Chairman noted good crew and said he enjoyed sailing with them. Discussion held about reflagging of LNG fleet. SIU Rep. Steve Ruiz visited ship December 13 to answer questions about reflagging issue. Secretary reminded crew members to continue jobs in same professional manner as always. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade as much as possi- ble. Treasurer announced $1,905 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read and posted in crew messhall. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to include dependents in current prescription plan and to give ID cards to members and dependents similar to those issued by other insurance carriers. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine holiday meals. MAERSK TENNESSEE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 26Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Engine Delegate Herbert Daniels, Steward Delegate John Q. Lee. Chairman announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. and led discussion of possible SIU-NMU merger. He noted new dishwasher installed and old gym equipment repaired. Still awaiting new exercise equipment and repair of galley exhaust fan. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Forms available aboard ship. He also reminded those getting off in Charleston to have TRBs signed. Treasurer announced $171 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on pay increase and contract changes due to MaerskSeaLand merger. Crew also requested improved allotment distribution, comfortable coveralls for tropical climates and replenishment or purchase of first aid kits for control room. Helmsman asked for wheel reliefs when necessary. After payoff in Charleston, ship heading to Freeport, Bahamas. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), December 7--Chairman John O'Ferrell, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Antonio N. Libo-on, Deck Delegate amon uimba, Steward Delegate Russell B. Beyschau. Payoff scheduled for December 12 in Portland, Ore. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Bosun gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done, especially Thanksgiving Day meals. Following payoff in Portland, ship heading to Long Beach, Calif. and Japan. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG), December 10--Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Carlos Sierra, Deck Delegate Don Ackerman, Engine Delegate Conrado D. Martinez, Steward Delegate Pablo Alvarez. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Portland, Ore. After fast turnaround, vessel headed to Indonesia. He thanked deck department for very good job on long trip and to rest of crew for smooth voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read pertaining to SIU-NMU merger. Crew requested additional information. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to extend prescription coverage for dependents. All crew members' mattresses need to be checked and replaced if necessary. Request also made for sheets and blankets that fit bunks. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 19Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Nick Andrews, Educational Director Clive A. Steward. Chairman requested specifications for shortwave radio for crew lounge. He noted no beefs or disputed OT this voyage and stated voyage was pleasant and crew well-trained. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Communications received from headquarters regarding possible merger of SIU and NMU. Suggestions made and forwarded to contracts department to raise maintenance and cure according to cost of living, upgrade medical benefits and continue to keep skills sharp by upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters to have board of trustees look into raising pension and equalize vacation days for members aboard all SIU-contract- Liberty in Israel Recertified Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez (far right) recently sent these photos taken aboard the MN Liberty Wave in December. The ship was headed for Haifa, Israel. Joining the bosun on deck are AB Burlin Pinion (left) and AB Jim Nixon. Pictured below are AB Lester Hoffman (left) and Pinion (in bosun's chair). extend them to dependents and have all pension and welfare contributions made by company forwarded to seafarers upon retiring. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Final thought from crew: "With the millennium knocking at our door, may all our brothers near and far have a healthy and prosperous new beginning. The future is ours." SEA-LAND PACIFIC (CSX), December 25--Chairman Dominic L. Brunamonti, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Carmine Barbati, Deck Delegate Theodore E. Doi, Engine Delegate Gregory Howard, Steward Delegate Cecil R. Husted. Chairman recommended crew members read report about SIU-NMU merger in Seafarers LOG, keep informed of contract and contribute to SPAD. He also suggested everyone be ready for customs and immigration - on arrival in U.S. Secretary reminded crew to take advantage of upgrading and educational benefits of Paul Hall Center. Educational director spoke of complying with STCW, attending courses at Piney Point, if necessary. Treasurer announced $110 in cook-out fund and $170 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. On order are two VCRs and a dryer. Crew members reminded that lounge and messroom are no-smoking areas. Question raised as to lack of unlicensed apprentices aboard ship. Most recent one was almost a year ago. Vote of thanks given to steward and his crew and to Captain Smith for wonderful Christmas party. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii, Guam and Hong Kong. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 12--Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Irwin J. Rousseau, Engine Delegate Darrell C. McDonald, Steward Delegate Larry Bachelor. Chairman stressed safety while on deck and in house. He also led discussion of possible SIU-NMU merger. Secretary noted importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director advised crew members to ed ships. Since Maersk bought Sea-Land, clarification requested on whether Maersk also participates in money purchase pension plan. Hats off to steward department for great job. Next port: Jacksonville. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (CSX), December 27--Chairrnan Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco, Deck Delegate Norman Adler, Engine Delegate William E. Cassel, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Curley. Chairman stated vessel in shipyard in Pusan, South Korea. Crew to be laid off December 31 for three weeks. He reminded crew members to register to get jobs back. Educational director stressed need for everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. Some beefs reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT noted by engine or steward department delegates. Requests made for new TV and antenna for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great Christmas dinner. LNG LEO (PRONAV), January 2--Chairman Woodrow Shelton Jr., Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Michael L. Brown, Deck Delegate Raphael S. Vargas, Engine Delegate Endang Abidin, Steward Delegate Claudell Blakely Jr. Chairman spoke about shipboard visit by SIU Rep. Steve Ruiz, who answered questions about proposed SIUNMU merger. He noted importance of sending in absentee ballots in order to be counted. Educational director reminded crew to take advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. With potential for many new jobs in upcoming years, everyone should be ready. Treasurer announced $346 in ship's funds. All communications read and posted regarding merger and MarAd's decision to reflag LNGs. Steward department given thanks for hard work during holidays and for preparation of extra special meals for officers and crew. Next port: Nagoya, Japan. Seafarers LOS 19 . ;I �1941: The Defense of Wake &land by J. Melford Smith Pensioner James M. Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore as a charter member, first sailing aboard the SS Cornelia (Bull Line) in 1939. Previously, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He sailed during World War II the Korean conflict and Vietnam, accumulating 30 years' sea time with the SIU and the American Maritime Officers. This article describes events preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor. T he Hindus call it karma. In the west they call it fate. In the Marines we called it just plain dumb luck:_ At one time or another, everyone who has been in combat has probably thought about it "Why me? Why was I spared when so many of the people I knew were either killed in action or wounded?" . Call it karma, fate or whatever-whether or not you become a casualty seems largely to depend on a decision you made sometime in the past. In the summer of 1941, I was working at Kaneohe on the windward side of Oahu. I was an electrician for the "Contractors, Pacific Naval Air Bases," a consortium of construction companies that were building air bases in Hawaii, Midway, Johnston, Palmyra and far to the westward, Wake Island. When we started at Kaneohe there was nothing there but sand and coral. In three months beginning in May we put up barracks, a mess hall, a hospital building and finished the runway and the No. l hangar. During our lunch breaks Auto~atic Rifleman) in the 1st ner to which she was accustomed. the talk was about the war in Bn. 5t Marines at Quantico, Va. How true. Europe and how long it would be Around the middle of October, Several of the married men I before we were in it. worked with decided to go since the diplomatic negotiations with I had been sailing with the SIU they needed the extra money. Japan reached an impasse and the for two years since being dis- Against all my Marine training war tension grew. I was wiring up charged as a corporal from the (never volunteer for anything!), I the pumps along the runway that Marine Corp and wa enjoying practically had decided to go with were to be used for fueling the my work ashore, especially since them. However, Aunt Grace and aircraft when another SIU seaI was living with my man, Oneal "Sparky" Aunt Grace and her .-------------------~ Sykes, who was working mother in Lanikai, just with the plumbing gang, five mile from my job. joined me for lunch. Aunt Grace, a retired As we sat in the sunschool teacher, had inshine on the edge of a troduced me to a lovely refueling pit eating our Chinese-American girl sandwiches, Sparky said, whom I considered very "You know, this place is - \\ . I exotic and romantic. going to get clobbered ! \ I -. Being just 22, I was pretty soon." looking for romance and I said, "I've been a possible Jong-term thinking the same thing. I relationship. It didn't What do you say we get l d hurt that her father was a the hell out of here?" We // very wealthy businessboth knew that if anyman and had just bought thing happened we her a new Oldsmobile would probably be while I was still driving frozen in our jobs. an old clunker. Our We didn't waste any wages were barely adetime. That weekend we quate but our standard of got our final paychecks living was gradually and registered at the improving after the long union hall in Honolulu dark years of the for shipping. The followDepression. ing week we were on a In September 1941, Waterman Line ship the superintendent of ~-~--~-------~~---~ heading for Panama and construction a ked for The raising of the U.S. flag at Wake Island in 1945. the Gulf port of Mobile, volunteers to go out to Ala. As we steamed out Wake Island to rush that of the harbor toward base to completion. They wanted my girlfriend were being very Diamond Head, it was early carpenters, plumbers and electri- persuasive in insisting that I evening. cians and the pay would be time- should stay and finish the job at Looking back at the area and-a-half, "seven tens" (seven Kaneohe. where Hickam Field and Pearl days a week, 10 hours a day). To I decided to stay on Oahu for Harbor were located, an anti-airus "wire-jerkers," that sounded the time being. Since she had craft battery was having firing like big money! talked me into staying, I ugge t- practice. The shells were bursting I knew that Maj. James P.S. ed to my beautiful Chinese girl- high in the air against the backDevereux had just taken over as friend that because we got along drop of the Koolau range in a commanding officer of the so well, we should think about prophetic farewell salute. Marine Detachment on Wake. He getting married. Much to my chaIt was only six weeks later on, had been my battalion CO when I grin, she laughed and said that I December 7, that the Japanese was a BAR man (Browning could not support her in the man- attacked. The base at Kaneohe ~\ ,. . I -\ ,'\. i There are Thousands of Reasons to Apply for an SllJ Scholarship . . . . \ ... anywhere between 6,000 and 15,000, to be exact. For these are the dollar amounts of individual scholarships being awarded this year to Seafarers and their dependents. In all, seven scholarships are being offered by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. One Seafarer will be eligible to receive a $15,000 grant for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. Two other Seafarers will have r---------------------------------------------------------------------., I I I please send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. I I I : Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I' I Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ __ _ __ __ _ __ _ ________ I < I : Street Address II City, Deadline State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ April15,2000isthe date by which all completed applications for this year's scholarships must be mailed. Some of the items that I : Telephone Number 1 1 This application is for: D Self D Dependent I I I Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 3100 the opportunity to be awarded $6,000 grants for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four scholarships will be presented to the spouses and dependent children of SIU members. Each of these $15,000 awards is for use at a four-year college or university. Because the Welfare Plan receives many applications for the scholarships, it is often quite difficult to determine the seven recipients. Therefore, all applicants should fill out the application form as thoroughly as possible and provide all the requested information by the due date. was hit hard, and the next day Wake Island was attacked. Major Devereux and his Marines put up a magnificent fight until December 23, causing the enemy more than 381 dead and many wounded. They sank two ships and shot down seven planes, but with no reinforcements or supplies, the end was inevitable. The surviving Marines and Navy personnel and some of the construction crews (70 were killed and 12 wounded) were sent to POW camps in China and Japan, though five Marines were beheaded on board the Nitta Maru, chosen at random from the survivors_ Nearly 100 of the construction men, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plus the foreman of each group, were kept on the island as slave labor for the Japanese military. Rear Admiral Shigematsu Sakaibara was the officer commanding. By October of the following year, the work on the island was completed. At that time the men were marched down to the beach in formation and machine-gunned to death_ The U.S. recovered Wake Island after the Japanese surrender in 1945. For his atrocity, RADM. Sakaibara was hanged as a war criminal. Although the U.S. merchant marine suffered a higher rate of casualties than any of the services except the Marine Corps in that war, where I served during the battles of Guadalcanal, Saipan, Guam and Linguyan Gul , the defense of Wake Island is one operation that I'm glad I missed! J. Melford "Jim" Smith, Ch.Engr. USMM (Ret.) (Major Devereux was awarded the Navy Cross for his leadership of the Marines at Wake Island.) need to accompany the written application form are transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, scores from college entrance examination tests, a photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Also, those who have previously applied for a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. (Eligibility requirements are spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. To receive a copy of this booklet, fill out the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklets also are available at the SIU halls.) April 15 is only one month away! But there still is time to send in your application. Good luck! 1 L.------------ -----------------------------------------------------------J 20 Seafarers LOG Mart:h20DO �Letters to the EdhOr Artlcl• in LOG Venore. After 58 years as an old ore line stiff, I'd heard this story in almost the same language. "Come closer, identify yourself." Rugged old tub took four or five to do her in. I was on the new SS Lenore and SS Fe/tore in deck maintenance, F.W.T., etc. But my favorite was the SS Mangore, ex-SS Oremar. For 13 months, we were armed with two 30caliber land-based machine guns, which only the crew rnessrnan knew how to operate. From March 1942 until November 1942, we were armed in Belfast with a 4-inch off an old American four-stack destroyer, which was useless against high level and dive bombers off the Norwegian coast The 20-millimeter were 60 rounds per drum with tension put carefully on them while loading them with various rounds of tracer and armor piercing shells. The latest edition of the LOG was great~ even saw an old shipmate of mine, Jimmy Tucker. Bring• Back Memories Jack Gardner I was surprised by the accuracy of the story on the sinking of the SS New (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Jan. LOG Great; Keep It Up I always enjoy reading the LOG and finding out about what's going on in the union. The latest [January] issue was great. I especially liked all the old-timers' stories of their early days in the union. I would appreciate more of the same as well as human interest stories about members and their experiences at sea. Willard C. Thayer St. Petenburg7 Fla. c )Is Orlean~, La. Labor Briefs UFCW Wins at Wal-Mart 'Fair' Vote Postponed The AFL-CIO last month reported that 12 employees at Wal-Mart's Jacksonville, Texas "Supercenter's" meat department "stood up to the company's intense anti-union campaign and became tbe fi st employees at the wor 's largest retailer to join a union, voting to become members of Food and Commercial Workers Local 540." UFCW President Douglas H. Dority called it "the vote heard 'round the world," adding, "This victory could open the floodgates ent-up worker frustration at the a ·ve treatment, low pay and lousy benefits at Wal-Mart." The U.S. House of Representatives has postponed indefinitely consideration of the Fair Access to Indemnity and Reimbursement Act, which threatens to ruin the enforcement powers of the National Labor Relations Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration by requiring the agencies to pay fees and expenses of companies that win any administrative or judicial proceedings before them. According to published reports, anti-worker representatives did not have enough votes to pass the bill. An'N: SEAFARERS Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls, If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. / PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify Sru President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 l A'-:lth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices- a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r---------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 3100 (Please Print) Name: Phone No.:---'-~~---'-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Address: -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Social Security No.: D Active SIU / ____ I _ _ __ Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- L---------------------------------------------------~ Seafarers LOS 21 -- .- �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes HAZMAT - Basic Fire F. ghting - Seafarers working aboard the Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen steamboats recently graduated from a basic fire fighting class at the Joseph Secco Fire Fighting School. Presenting them with their certificates of course completion are Steve Ruiz (far left) and Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jim Hanson (far right) . Th@ stud@nts ar@ (in no particular ord@r) Sigmund Tomczak, Johnny Speed, Mike Swigert. Ronnie Jackson. Charles Meers and Michael Knighton_ Advanced Fire Fighting - Graduating from the advanced fire fighting course on January 21 are (from left, first row) Robert Hagood, Robert Flesey, James Donohue, (second row) Frank Bakun, Mario Cruzat, John Miller, (third row) Robert Bell, Bernard Hutching, Rick Redmond (instructor), (fourth row) John Schafer, Roman Kasparyan, Monty Smith, (fifth row) Charles Thompson, Johnny Johnston and Robert DesMarteau. Boatmen sailing aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels recently participated in an on-site hazardous materials class. They are (in no particular order) James Holtrey, Shannon Jensen, William Frary, Tim Kibby, Mike Schmeltzer, Kenneth Glaser, John Shaski Jr., Bert Adams, Dale Leonard, Charles Wallace, Lester Morr, William West, Richard Arnold, Kevin Hollenbeck, Edward Carlson, Lorry Wilcox, Jason Beyette, Randall Johnson, Joseph Kane, James Rider, Martin Seekley and Larry Hilton. Completing their HAZMET recertification are Don Mills, Tom Zatkovic, G_ Lamerson, Mike Niehus and Albert Cropek. Basic Electronics - Completing the basic electronics course on January 28 are (from left) Mohamed Alsinai, Jay Linx, Douglas Felton and George Collier. Their instructor, not shown, is Russ Levin. Radar Observer Earning their radar observer endorsement recently are (first row) Joseph Riccio, (from left) Mingta Yuen, Ben Shupp, Marc Liebig, Jerome Wong, Daniel Marino and Lance Armstrong. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is standing. Phase 3, Unlicensed Apprentice Program- Completing the third phase of their unlicensed apprentice program are (kneeling, from left) Robert Parker, Reggie Donaldson, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Brandon Scalzo, Bobby Ellis Jr., Jason Dew, Europa Tuivaiti, (standing) Erik Nappier, Shannon Bonefont, Adam Williams, Steven Cook, David Green, Blaine Harkins, Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, Kenneth Jones and Romel Holland. 22 Seafarers LOS March 2000 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Safety Specialty Courses The following is the schedule for classes pegirining between March through June 2000 at file Paul:.HallCentetfor Marithne.Trafuing and Education in Piney are geared to hnprove the job skills of Seafarers and to Point, Md. All promote the American maritime industry. Please npie that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the rnembet$bip; the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Stuae]its attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their coufse's $tart date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva- programs nons shi>uld be made for Saturday. Seafar~.rs .who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* March6 Apri13 March24 Mayl May29 May19 June 16 March27 April24 March31 April 28 May26 (*must have basic fire fighting) Basic Fire Fighting April 21 May22 April 3 March 17 April 14 May29 June9 March6 Advanced Fire Fighting the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. April 14 Marcb27 Government Vessels Deck Upgrading Courses May26 May8 . MaY: 22 Date of Completion Start Date April 3 s1'cw Bisif Safety (refresher). ,., ................ ; ................ . ..·.·.. ;:;:' .;. ... :..~. . . . . May I June9 March10 March30 April 7 Mafch6 March 27 April 3 March 20 March 17 April 17 .: April 7 .J: .. :May 26 March24 Academic Department Courses . ~neral educatio~ and. ~:9:P~~ :~()!f.l.;S~S . ?.r~11v11il~ble as needed. In addltion, · ·. basic vo~a(ional support ptograni CPU~ a17e 9tlered throughout the year, one week prior .to .the AB, QMED, FOWT~ Thlr4~:M~!~, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to com.pot~~ 4.19~r~, will be self-study~ .• April3 June 12 May12 July 21 · March 13 April 17 May22 March 31 Mays June9 Ma 1;5~,....,,,..,-..,~-- Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward (Every other week) March 6, 13, 20, 27 April J,, 10, 17, 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 March6, 20 April 3', 17 May 1, 15, 29 ----~ -- -- - --- - ---- ---------·----- ---- --- - --- ------- ------- - ----- --- - ----- --·- -- ------- -- --------- -- -- --- ---- - ------ -- -- -- - ---- -- --- -- -- ----- ----With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page.,of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their awlication. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes 0 No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. REI'URN COMPI.ETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Man:h2000 Seafarers LOS 23 �Volume 62 Number 3 March 2000 Attention Seafaren: One month remains until the April 15 deadline for scholarship applications. See page 20 for additional information. Mike Dillard, Newport News Shipbuilding The HM/ Ambrose Channel, crewed by SIU members since its launch early last year, features individual pumps and valves for each tank, controlled from a central location. Ambrose Channel Makes 1st NY Harbor Call SIU-Crewed 'Double Eagle' Enters Second Year of Operation The SIU-crewed HMJ Ambrose Channel last month made its first visit to the port of New York/New Jersey. The "double eagle" tanker traversed its namesake to deliver 155,000 barrels of diesel oil from a refinery in Baton Rouge, La. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management for H vi de Marine, the Ambrose Channel is part of a new five-ship fleet crewed by Seafarers. The other double-eagle tankers are the HMI Diamond Shoals, HM/ Cape Lookout Shoals, HM/ Nantucket Shoals and the HM/ Brenton Reef All were constructed at unionized Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. They were built with double hulls to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The Ambrose Channel entered service in February 1999. Named after on old U.S. Coast Guard light ship, it can carry a wide variety of chemica products in 14 specially coated tanks. HMI Ambrose Channel Length: 619'-09" Beam: 105'-08" Speed: 16 knots Cargo capacity: 341,459 gross barrels Tanks: 7 pairs of tanks port and starboard SIU members sailing aboard the Ambrose Channel when the photos on this page were taken included the following: Recertified Bosun Carmine Bova ABs Walter Taulman, Bartow Bridges, Patrick Rankin, Maurice Hetri~k and Reginald Watkins, QMED Peter Joseph, OMUs Hilario Martinez, Charles Jones and Jamie Hernandez, Chief Steward Lonnie Jones, Chief Cook Obencio Espinoza and GVA Juan Rochez. The photos were submitted by SIU Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF CAMPAIGN VESSEL CONCLUDES WORLD TOUR SIU, NMU BACK MERGER TALKS NEW SHIPS, MODERN PORTS, STRONGER FLEET ARE GOALS STRESSED AT MTD BOARD MEETING AVONDALE FOCUSES UNIONS’ RESOLVE TO FIGHT FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS AFL-CIO PRES. SWEENEY REMINDS MTD BOARD OF VALUE IN GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN EFFORTS CROWLEY SEAFARERS APPROVE CONTRACT MTD BOARD HEARS PLAN TO PROMOTE U.S.-FLAG FLEET LEGISLATORS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT SHIPPING HOME ON THE (GUN) RANGE PETERSBURG CREW KEEPS TERRORISM IN CROSSHAIRS; COURSE AIMS AT STRENGTHENING NATIONAL DEFENSE QUICK RESPONSE DOUSES FIRE ABOARD SEA-LAND DEVELOPER LUEDTKE CREWS COMPLETE ON-SITE HAZMAT TRAINING LAKES SEAFARERS MAKE ICY RESCUE 1ST GROUP FROM GUAM HEADS TO PINEY POINT SIU SUPPORTS ILA AT DREDGING RALLY A SEAFARERS SCRAPBOOK AB MATT HARRISON AIMS LENS AT SHIPPING AND SIGHTS RED CLOUD ROLLS IN SEAFARERS CREW NEW PREPOSITION SHIP 1941: THE DEFENSE OF WAKE ISLAND BY J. MELFORD SMITH AMBROSE CHANNEL MAKES 1ST NY HARBOR CALL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 3 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0433b5608cd6267104cdaade2a811105.pdf ae0416fdaf854bc2032fcca0e6a56bcf PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 4 Hull Completed For 1st Coastal Cruise Vessel New Delta Queen Ships Slated to Sail Next Year The hull has been completed for the first 226-passenger coastal cruise ship in the SIU-contracted Delta Queen Coastal Voyages fleet (above). Construction of the second hull is under way. Delta Queen's parent company, American Classic Voyages, also recently announced news concerning the first of two 1,900-passenger deep sea cruise vessels it is building. Page 3. Tampa Ne Of Stranded Crew SUNDAY. FllUWAU 27. '!000 Seafarers Honor late VP By Dedicating Mobile Hall Stranded sailors languish in limbo ITF, Others Gain Back Pay, Repatriation for Mariners More than 150 active and retired Seafarers and their families recently gathered at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. to celebrate the memory of Leon Hall, the late Atlantic Coast VP. Hall began his career in Mobile. As the building was dedicated in his memory, a photo of Hall and a plaque were unveiled (top photo). Applauding at the ceremony are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Clyde Hall (nephew of Leon Hall) and Port Agent Ed Kelly. In bottom photo, members of Leon Hall's family are welcomed to the building by SIU officials, led by Sacco (front, third from right). Among those in attendance were Hall's sisters, Isabella Singleton and Alberta Hall (front, third and fifth from left). Page 4. A front-page story in the Tampa Tribune chronicled the saga of Lithuanian and Russian mariners who were stuck aboard their rusting , disabled runaway-flag freighter for more than a year and a half in the Gulf Coast port. Immediately after the original story ran, authorities cleared the red tape, allowing crew members finally to return home with back pay. Page 2. �Stranded Crew Finally Goes Home Presidnt'1 Report Our Next Generation When you are doing something right, the word spreads. That has got to be the case concerning the Paul Hall Center's unli.-------...,,.._.... censed apprentice program. From Alaska to Hawaii to Guam to Florida, special efforts are in place to promote this nine-month curriculum to young men and women looking for a career. Last month, I took part in a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where the local Propeller Club offered a scholarship to a young lady, Dusti Arrowood, who is headed to Piney Point. Executive Vice President John Fay, Fort Lauderdale Port Michael Sacco Agent Ambrose Cucinotta and I were proud to represent the SIU at the event where we could meet one of the people who will be carrying the banner oftbe union and the U.S. merchant marine in this new century. The unlicensed apprentice program has been turning out mariners ready to meet the challenges of the sea since the curriculum was changed in 1997. At that time, the center expanded its basic training for those entering the industry. Previously, newcomers studied for three months in classroom situations while receiving hands-on training at the Piney Point campus. Now, they receive nine months of preparation-with three months of actual sea duty in between the education received at the school. These young people are the future of the SIU. They are the ones who will be aboard the U.S.-flag vessels that are on the drawing boards today. Their future is bright because of the work all of you have done to secure a strong U.S.-flag fleet. I'm sure you have noticed 11ll the new vessels we have announced in the Seafarers LOG the last several years. Some of them already are sailing, others will he coming on line soon. It does not do any of us any good to contract for these new ships, then not recruit new people to join our ranks. Like most of you, I look in the back of each issue to see who has retired. But I also make the point of looking to see who's coming on board. Those great young faces photographed in the unlicensed apprentice water survival classes are the next generation of Seafarers. Their efforts have caught the eyes of many. Alaska Congressman Don Young devoted one of his half-hour television shows aired to his constituents to the unlicensed apprentice program. He interviewed two of the graduates who came from that state during the telecast. Government officials in Hawaii are working with the union to recruit young people from the Aloha State. After touring the center in December, the governor of Guam, Carl T.C. Gutierrez, launched a recruitment program for the residents of his territory. And this is just the beginning. Each of you can play a role in this effort. Promote what it means to be a Seafarer to young people. Explain how they can gain a profession and see the world at the same time. Let them know what is coming, like the new cruise ships. Put them in touch with the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center. Remember, others watched out for you and taught you the ropes when you joined. Now you can return that favor to a young man or woman just starting his or her venture in life. Our next generation of Seafarers have tremendous opportunities ahead of them. Let's do all we can to help them meet those challenges. ITF Aids Mariners on Runaway-Flag Ship; Tampa Tribune Articles Bare FOC 'Prison' The headline said it all: "Stranded sailors languish rn limbo." It applies to any number of mariners aboard runaway-flag ships throughout the world. But in this instance, the Tampa Tribune front-page article focused on the awful case of Lithuanian and Russian crew members stuck aboard the Golden Star for more than a year. In its edition of Sunday, February 27, the newspaper published three articles related to the case, beginning on page one and occupying a full page inside. Attracting such publicity is part of the campaign against runaway-flag shipping that is waged by the London-based International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), to which the A front-page article in the February 27 Tampa Tribune exposes the SIU is affiliated. Besides general· plight of Lithuanian and Russian crew members stuck aboard the ly increasing people's awareness Golden Star, a Panamanian-flag freighter in need of repairs. about the runaway-flag scam, exposure can help pressure the last six without getting paid. unscrupulous shipowners to give They survived with the help of a crew members their due-usually local minister and the monthly back wages and repatriation, and food stipend provided by the perhaps medical attention. shipowner, alternately listed as With the Golden Star, efforts Tamboril Properties Inc. or The Miami Herald last by the ITF and the Immigration Caribbean Ship Management. month reported that the runand Naturalization Service were After surveying the rusting augmented by the Tribune s ship and meeting the crew, away-flag Carnival Cruise aggressive coverage. Tribune reporter Elizabeth Bettendorf Lines opposes a cruise ship reporter Jim Sloan, one of two wrote, "Their vessel has become ticket tax- $4 per person, per who covered the Golden Star, their prison. They share it with day-that would generate said the paper fielded numerous cockroaches and sweltering heat." $320 million for construction phone calls and emails from local In an overview of the runwayof a baseball stadium downcitizens responding to the stories, flag scam, Sloan described "a town. "saying the situation is really dis- worldwide fleet of derelict hulks Carnival Chairman Micky gt'.isting and wanting to help." rusting in ports around the world, Arison's basketball team, the After the stories ran, the manned by sailors left to rot Miami Heat, plays in a new mariners received back wages while shipowners squabble over and were flown home. arena "operated through a tax Coast Guard fines and port fees, The relief was long overdue. or simply battle bankruptcy. They on hotel visits," the newspaper The Panamanian-flagged Golden are most often flag-of-convenoted. However, a Carnival Star, a 490-foot freighter, limped nience ships, registered with spokesman told the Herald into Tampa in September 1998 Third World countries that prothat the proposed cruise ticket after sustaining damage from a vide little regulation. Some call tax is "absolutely preposterhurricane. them 'runaway flags.' Others ous." It's still there and still needs bluntly label them ' Dogs of the The levy would partially repairs. Sea."' fund a ballpark for the Florida Many of the mariners who The scheme usually involves recently departed the vessel had multiple parties from runawayMarlins, with the club paying spent more than 17 consecutive an estimated $80 million. Continued on page 4 months aboard the Golden Star, Stranded sailors languish in limbo Carnival Taxed By Proposal Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves Union's Records for 1999 A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during last month's union meeting in Piney Point, Md., has reviewed the SIU's financial records for 1999 and found them in good order. Each department was represented on the committee. Serving were Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, AB Joseph Riccio, QMED John H. Smith, FOWT Melvin Grayson, OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann and SA SIU officials welcome a new recruit for the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program during last month's meeting of the Port Everglades, Fla. Propeller Club. From the left are Fort Lauderdale Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU President Michael Sacco, Dusti Arrowood and SIU Executive VP John Fay. Volume 62, Number 4 April 2000 Jam es Simms. The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOB Serving on the committee were (from left) OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann, FOWT Melvin Grayson, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, SA James Simms, QMED John Smith and AB Joseph Riccio. Pictured with them is SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (far right). "We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation," the committee noted in its report. The use of an annual financial committee is required by Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution. It reads: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations." Apri/2000 �American Classic Announces 'Milestones' In Revitalization of U.S. Passenger Fleet 1st Hull Complete for Coastal Cruise Ship; Expansion Means New SIU Jobs On Horizon SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages last month announced what it described as "several milestones in (the company's) plan to introduce six new vessels over the next four years," augmenting its position as the largest owner and operator of U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed passenger vessels. For Seafarers, the news bodes well for job opportunitiesbeginning next month, with the scheduled start of Columbia Queen riverboat vacations in the Pacific Northwest. The new 161passenger vessel, slated to sail on May 26, is part of the fleet operated by American Classic sub· sidiary Delta Queen Steamboat, also rui SIU-ccntracted company. Meanwhile, the hull has been completed in Jacksonville, Fla. for the first 226-passenger ship in Delta Queen's new "coastal voy- ages" fleet, and construction of the second hull is under way. The line--ultimately to include five vessels-will begin operations next year. American Classic also announced that Independence Day weekend ''will mark the start of fabrication of the first of two 1,900-passenger vessels (the company) is building under the historic Project America initiative to help revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, create more than 5,000 American jobs, increase U.S. tax revenues and expand consumers' leisure travel options." These two deep-sea vessels are being built in union-contracted Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascaguola, Miss. The ships (operating under the banner of United States Lines) are scheduled to sail around Hawaii beginning in 2003 and 2004, respectively. As part of that same program, the Patriot (formerly Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam and acquired last year by U.S. Lines) is expected to begin Hawaiian Island cruises in December. The ship can transport more than 1,200 passengers. Finally, American Classic reported that November 11 has been scheduled as the fust departure of the SIU-crewed SS Independence from its new home port of Kahului, Maui. Currently, the Independence utilizes Honolulu as its home port. "American Classic Voyages remains committed to the U.S.:flag fleet," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. •This company is another example that the maritime revitalization program initiated in the mid- l 990s is paying dividends in new vessels and new jobs for American mariners." The first hull is complete for Delta Queen's new fleet of coastal passenger ships, which will sail along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. First Orea-Class RO/RO Expected by Summer 2002 TOTE Provides More Information on New Jones Act Vessels Seafarers may see the first of two Orea-class roll-on/roll-off vessels operated by Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) as early as the summer of 2002, according to the company's president and CEO, Robert P. Magee. Speaking before the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on February 29, Magee updated maritime industry and government officials on the progress of the new vessels, announced in the January issue of the Seafarers LOG. TOTE plans to build at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego two RO/ROs for the Jones Act fleet. They will sail between the Pacific Northwest and Anchorage, Alaska. The ships will be the first non-military containerships or RO/ROs built in an American yard since the R. J Pfeiffer came out in 1992. Magee told the audience the company is fully involved in the engineering phase of design. He expects the first steel to be cut by spring 2001. "We look forward to these vessels serving the people of Alaska soon," Magee stated. He revealed more details about the vessels during his address, including several planned "redundancies." With this, maintenance can be performed on one unit while another is working. He added TOTE is doing this because the ships operate more like a cruise vessel as they are never shut down in order to keep the seven-day round-trip schedule. Each will be powered by diesel electric plants, with four main engines and two auxiliary units. Each will have two electric motors, dual rudders and twin propellers. The power plants are designed to be the cleanest burning available in today's market. The two RO/ROs will be 839 feet long and have beams of 118 feet. The three vessels already in the TOTE fleet are 790 feet long with 105-foot beams. One of the necessary design features for the new ships is they must fit the terminals already being used by TOTE. The ships will incorporate other environmentally secure systems, including a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant and double-hulled fuel tanks that are not adjacent to the skin. The Orea-class vessels will be able to hold more than 600 trail- TOTE Pres. and CEO Robert Magee (left) updates SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker on the progress of the two new Jones Act RO/ROs planned for Alaskan service. Apri/2000 ers/containers and 200 automobiles as opposed to the nearly 400 and 110 respectively on TOTE 's present ships. The new RO/R.Os will feature 12 internal ramps compared with five on the three that are sailing. The deck configuration will allow the new ships to handle trailers ranging from 30 to 70 feet. The bows will feature a "whaleback" design to protect containers on the deck from high seas. The hulls will be ice-belted to provide additional protection in Cook Inlet during winter. Magee pointed out TOTE is the first of several shipping companies considering an update of their Jones Act fleets. He said this points to an even stronger U.S.flag merchant fleet for the new century. (The Jones Act, part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, is the nation's freight cabotage law. It states that any cargo moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels.) TOTE operates three SIUcrewed vessels-the Great Land, the Northern Lights and the Westward Venture. TOTE is a subsidiary of Saltchuk Resources, Inc. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on · Monday, Mai 29i' 2000 for the observance of MemofieFDay {unless. an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Administrative Task Force Finds USCG Missions Vital for New Century An interagency task force assigned to look into the needs of the U.S. Coast Guard into the 21st century has found "that the nation has an enduring need for a Coast Guard, specifically for a Coast Guard in the deepwater environment, that there is a near term requirement for re-capitalization and that the Coast Guard's Deepwater Capabilities Replacement Project should continue to be pursued." Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater issued the report in late February in conjunction with a speech by Coast Guard Commandant James Loy to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on February 24. Admiral Loy updated the media and others from the maritime industry on the role of the Department of Transportation agency and how it is being prepared for the future. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Mort Downey served as chair for the 16-member task force composed of representatives from various federal departments and agencies as well as the White House. The group, appointed by President Clinton in 1999, was charged with answering if the nation requires a Coast Guard to operate in the deepwater environment. It analyzed the agency's missions through the year 2020. This was the first administrative-level survey of the agency in almost 20 years. In the summary of his task force's report, Downey stated, "Our findings reinforced the value of a multi-missioned Coast Guard with regulatory, law enforcement, and humanitarian-focused emergency response authority, and military capability that offer this and future administrations a highly motivated, cost-effective service with the demonstrated competence to meet changing national priorities." The task force agreed to a series of conclusions that underscore the need for the Coast Guard and the support the agency will require to meet the challenges of 2020: •the Coast Guard's roles and missions support national policies and objectives that will endure into the 21st century; • the United States will continue to need a flexible, adaptable, multi-mission, military Coast Guard to meet national maritime interests and requirements well into the next century; •in order to hedge against tomorrow's uncertainties, the Coast Guard should be rebuilt so as to make it more adaptable; • the Coast Guard should continue to pursue new methods and technologies to enhance its ability to perform its vital missions; •the re-capitalization of the Coast Guard's deepwater capability is a near-term national priority; and • the deepwater acquisition project is a sound approach to that end and the interagency task force strongly endorses its process and timeline. Seafarers LOG 3 �1 ----'He Earned the Respect of All' Building Named in Leon Hall's Memory Among the more than 150 people attending the ceremony are (from left) OMU Percy Payton, Jacksonville, Fla . Port Agent Tony McQuay and retired Steward Tobe Dansley. Pictured at the counter are (from left) SIU employee Alicia Lorge, Recertified Steward Albert Coale and retired Steward Herbert Scypes Sr. SIU Boat Operator Rescues Fisherman Editors note: SIU member Richard Williams, second assistant engineer on the NATCO dredge Manhattan Is land, submitted the following article. On the morning of March 10, the crew boat Columbia River -operated by Seafarer Dennis Johnston-was doing a routine survey of the San Juan, P.R. entrance channel. The Columbia River is working with the SIU-crewed hopper dredge Manhattan Island, which is contracted to deepen and widen the entrance channel. San Juan is well known for its onshore swells and heavy surf. Aboard the Columbia River, Johnston and Don Smith, a field engineer for NATCO, sighted a sport fisherman caught in the trough and waving frantically. Initially the fisherman was moving in and out of sight due to the heavy swell. It appeared his engine lost power and he was rapidly heading toward the rocks. Captain Johnston immediately suspended the survey to investigate. Sea conditions made it impossible to go full speed; by 4 Seafarers LOB the time the Columbia River arrived, the fisherman was only about 25 to 50 feet from the rocks. Now the crew boat was in danger of going aground; but Smith threw a line to the boat-aptly named Hijo Afortunado or Fortunate Son-and safely towed it to a nearby marina. Approximately one-half mile away was a runaway-flag vessel that had been aground for several months. If the crew boat had arrived a minute later, the allfiberglass Hijo Afortunado would have suffered the same fate. The fisherman praised Johnston and Smith for their assistance and courage. Captain Steve Taylor saw the rescue from the Manhattan Island. "If he had gone up on the rocks, there's no telling if anyone would have found him," he said. "His boat would have crunched like potato chips. "He's lucky, because we don't survey there every day and (Johnston and Smith) were the only guys around for miles." More than 150 active and retired Seafarers and their families recently gathered at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. to celebrate the memory of Leon Hall, former vice president of the union's Atlantic Coast region. In what is believed to have been an unprecedented ceremony, the building was named in memory of Hall, a charter member of the union, who passed away in 1992 at age 72. No other SIU hall has been dedicated in someone's memory. The hall now features a large photo of Leon Hall and a plaque of remembrance. "Leon was a mentor to the next generation of union officials," said SIU President Michael Sacco during the February 25 ceremony. "He reminded all of us who worked with him to always respect the brothers and sisters who make up this union. He drilled into us the need to do our homework and always be prepared when we boarded a ship, because the members were counting on us." At least 20 members of Hall's family attended the assembly, including his two sisters. "The comments from everyone who attended were so positive," noted Ed Kelly, the SIU port agent in Mobile. "It couldn't have gone any better." Hall, always an extremely popular union brother. worked every shipboard job in the galley, becoming a chief steward. In the early 1960s he came ashore to work with the union's Maritime Advancement Program, the SIU 's early upgrading and refresher training operation. From there, he served the membership in various posts including San Francisco port agent, New York port agent and headquarters representative. In 1979 he became Atlantic Coast vice president, a position to which he was re-elected in every union balloting until his retirement in 1988. Never short of conversation, he affectionately was nicknamed "Radio" by his union brothers and sisters. "Leon truly cared about his fellow Seafarers," observed Sacco. "He earned the respect of all." AB Herbert Scypes Jr. provided four photos accompanying this article along with two on the front page. The memorial plaque reads as follows; "Leon Hall was a true believer in helping others. He was an advocate, teacher, listener, mentor, supporter-in other words, a union brother in every sense of the word. While he fought to improve the working I Leon Hall served the membership in many union posts, including Atlantic Coast vice president. conditions for all Seafarers, his heart always remained in Mobile. Brother Hall charted the course that many others followed in the SIU." SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) is pictured with retirees (front, from left) Sonny Rankin, Sacco, Y. C. McMillan, Herbert Scypes Sr., Herbert Hollings, (back) Nick Juzang and Eddie Bowers. 1 NATCO Crews Ratify 3-Year Contract By a vast majority, SIU members sailing aboard NATCO dredges have approved a new three-year contract featuring numerous gains. "We're all pretty excited about it," said Captain Steve Taylor aboard the Manhattan Is land. "Everybody's happy with it," observed AB/Dragtender Ray Maddock, who served on the negotiating committee. "Primarily, what the guys were asking for were more benefits for their dependents, a higher pension and pay raise. We achieved all of those goals, along with others. We got everything the members asked for, plus a few other gains they (initially) weren't even aware of." Also serving on the committee, which negotiated the contract in early March, were Mike Horn, Dale McKelvie, Jeff Mccranie, SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta. Captain Phil Kleinebreil said everyone on the Northerly Island approved the contract. "Everybody is very satisfied," he noted. Among other gains, the pact calls for a 3-percent wage increase each year of the contract; doubles the optical benefit for members and their dependents; doubles the death benefit; and adds prescription coverage for dependents. It also stipulates additional pension credits; increases vacation benefits; and adds NATCO crews to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. "I think it's a good one. I was happy with it," said Hom. "I've been through this procedure a few times now, and every time it's been an education. We tried really hard this time to educate the crews about all the gains that were made, because some of the background information isn't necessarily incorporated into the printed version of the contract." Both Hom and Maddock credited Tricker and Cucinotta for their efforts. "This was my first time on the bargaining committee, and it was a worthwhile experience," stated Maddock, whose wife is a shop steward for the Office and Professional Employees International Union. "Both George and Ambrose were invaluable. They're professionals and they're good guys." He added that both the SIU crews and the company are work- ing to ensure NATCO crews may take advantage of the curriculums available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, including various classes based at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. ITFAssists Stranded Mariners Continued from page 2 flag nations. More than a halfcentury ago, U.S. maritime unions called them runaways because of their use as a device for shipowners to pay a fairly nominal fee to the government of a non-maritime nation seeking to raise revenue. The shipowners then escape from a maritime nation's safety regulations, procedures and inspections, tax laws and higher wages-mostly by insulating themselves with often unscrupulous managers and registries. The ITF comprises more than 500 unions from approximately 130 countries. April20DO �Houston Seafarers Meet With Rep. Green U.S. Rep. Gene Green (top photo, standing) earlier this year attended a membership meeting at the SIU hall in Houston, where he emphasized to Seafarers his strong support of the U.S. merchant marine. Green-pictured with (from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee and SIU Representative Kenny Moore-reiterated his backing of the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program. He also encouraged members to register and vote in the November elections. Supreme Court Rules State Oversteps Jurisdiction Regarding Tanker Regs By a unanimous vote, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the state of Washington had overstepped its jurisdiction in imposing stricter tanker regulations than those implemented by the federal government. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy delivered the decision in the case of United States v. Locke on March 6. In his statement, Justice Kennedy wrote, "Washington's regulations regarding general navigation watch procedures, crew English skills and training, and maritime casualty reporting are preempted by the comprehensive federal regulatory scheme governing tankers." Kennedy added, "The state has enacted legislation in an area where the federal interest has been manifest since the beginning of the republic and is now well established.... Only the federal government may regulate the design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, equipping, personnel qualification and manning of tankers. Congress has left no room for state regulations of these matters." The case was remanded to the lower courts to consider whether other standards, such as lookouts in times of restricted visibility, may be allowed because of "peculiarities" within Washington state's waterways. It was brought to the U.S. District Court in 1996 by the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) after the Pacific Northwest state passed laws requiring tankers entering the state's waterways to meet its stricter regulations than those implemented by the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Those regulations dealt with watch policy, English-speaking requirements, spill reporting and additional training and drills. INTERTANKO challenged the legislation as unconstitutional because it superceded federal law. After the district court ruled in favor of the state, INTERTANKO appealed. The United States intervened on the side of INTERTANKO, claiming the district court failed to give sufficient weight to the foreign affairs interests of the federal government. Despite the involvement of the government, the appeals court found in favor of the state. The case moved to the Supreme Court and was heard December 7, 1999. AFL-CIO Continues Push for Global Economic Fairness Following its peaceful march through the streets of Seattle last December to call attention to the needs of workers in the global economy, the AFL-CIO is pushing forward with its campaign for global fairness. The national labor federation's executive board endorsed a state- Amsea Offers Retroactive Adjustments for RRF Crew Members Amsea has joined the list of Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel operators providing EPA wage adjustments to Seafarers working aboard its contracted ships. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez reported the company will provide the adjustment retroactive, in some cases, to July 1998. Tellez noted the problems concerning the EPA pay scales go back to complaints filed in July 1998 about the bidding procedure used by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in awarding new three-year contracts for RRF ships. When MarAd rescinded the awards announced the previous month, it extended the contracts for those companies already managing the vessels. Since that time, MarAd has been working to correct the problems discovered within its bidding procedures. New awards are expected to be announced later this year. The SIU-contracted vessels covered under the Amsea announcement include the Cape Jacob, Cape John, Cape Johnson, Cape Juby, Cape Lambert, Cape Lobos, Cape Nome, Cape Washington, Cape Wrath, USNS Curtiss and USNS Wright. The RRF fleet provides surge shipping for the U.S. armed forces. The ships are owned by the government but operated by private companies that employ U.S. merchant mariners. The vessels, which are kept in various states of readiness, include tankers, roll-on/roll-offs, breakbulk and auxiliary crane ships. Pres. Jackson Crew Discusses Merger ment during its meeting in February to educate both union members and the general public on how the global economy affects everyone, to push for stronger human rights and worker rights language in trade agreements, to establish international solidarity with workers in emerging nations and to hold multinational corporations accountable for their e:fforts to speed the race to the bottom. One of the AFL-CIO's immediate objectives is to stop legislation that would grant permanent normal trade relations to China. Congress is considering a measure that would end the yearly review for such trade status for China. The measure has the support of the White House. In its effort to show why China should not be granted permanent normal trade relations, the AFL-CIO referred to a U.S. State Department report issued February 25 that stated the Asian nation's "poor human rights record deteriorated markedly throughout the year, as the government intensified efforts to suppress dissent." The report detailed extensive human rights abuses, including AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney updates the Maritime Trades Dept. executive board on the labor federation's campaign for fairness in the global economy. continued or further tightened restrictions on freedom of religion, association, movement, speech and the press. Among the facts listed by the State Department to support its contention were: • extrajudicial killings, torture and mistreatment of prisoners, forced confessions and denial of due process; •by the end of 1999, almost all key leaders of the opposition China Democracy Party were in prison or custody; • thousands of members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement were detained after the movement was banned in July; and • violence against women which included forced abortions and forced sterilization as well as trafficking of women and children. After the State Department report was released, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, "Year after year, report after report shows that China has no intention of abiding by the most basic rules of the international community. Our growing trade relationship with China has not encouraged China to clean up its act, despite what supporters of permanent free trade status claim." Polling conducted by the AFL-CIO since the first of the year revealed nearly 70 percent of American voters reject the idea that "the best way to improve human rights is not to restrict trade, but to engage China and include it in important international bodies, such as the World Trade Organization." The polls also showed Americans dismiss the idea that permanent trading status for China would expand exports and create good jobs in the U.S. Sweeney further noted, "China-which has not yet ratified the two United Nations covenants on human rights it agreed to sign before President Clinton's-·trip to China in 1998has broken every trade agreement it has signed with the United States over the past 10 years." The affiliated unions of the AFL-CIO, which includes the SIU, represent more than 13 million workers. Hvide Marine Founder Dies Earlier this year, Seafarers aboard the President Jackson in San Francisco discussed the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Pictured in the galley are (from left) SIU San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celona, Recertified Steward Terry Allen, Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. As reported in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, members from both unions overwhelmingly voted in favor of full merger talks. April2000 Hans J. Hvide, founder of Hvide Marine Incorporated, passed away March 16 after a 10month fight with heart disease. He was 83. Hvide Marine owns the five SIU-crewed "Double Eagle" tankers-the HM! Ambrose Channel, HMI Diamond Shoals, HM! Cape Lookout Shoals, HM! Nantucket Shoals and the HM! Brenton Reef Hans Hvide had a long and distinguished career in the maritime industry, retiring in 1994. He is credited with initiating the first roll-on/rolloff operation in the United States, in the early 1950s. He founded several maritime companies, including American Overseas and Chartering Corp. (1945), and Port Everglades Towing Co. (1958), the forerunner to Hvide Marine. The Miami Herald described Hvide as a "maritime pioneer" who "helped mold Port Everglades with his inventiveness, will and philanthropy." His son, Erik, who served as president of Hvide Marine for five years, told the newspaper, "Whether it was a deckhand or a cook, a captain or a manager, he always had time for people and a sincere interest for them. He believed in people and was very idealistic." Hans Hvide was born in 1916 in Bergen, Norway to a ship-owning family. He graduated from Bergen Commercial College in 1935 and immigrated to the United States five years later. During World War II, Hvide was an executive with the Norwegian Shipping and Trading Mission in New York, which was charged with the operation of the Norwegian merchant fleet. Seafarers LOG 5 �Wheelsman Joseph Boyer Richard Reiss QMED Eugene Hayes J.A. W Iglehart After a fairly mild winter, Great Lakes Seafarers are getting an early start the 2000 navigation season. The Southdown Conquest was the first laker to fit out; the cement carrier departed February 7 from Chicago bound for Charlevoix. Mich. Full crews also reported aboard the JA. W Iglehart and Alpena in mid-March to inspect their boats and get them in tip-top condition for the heavy loads ahead. The opening of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.-traditionally marking the beginning of a new sailing sea.son-took place at the end of last month~ and most of the other SIUcrewed lakes vessels began their routes at that time as well. SIU representatives met with Seafarers aboard many of the vessels at fit-out and provided the photographs on this page. They noted that whil.e no ice remains on the lakes, the water levels are still very low. on The dredge Luedtke gets to work. Porter Gary Lipczynski American Mariner Wheelsman Kenneth Bluitt American Mariner Right: AB Watchman Jeff Laland Richard Reiss A Great Lakes tug in Toledo helps break ice for the American Republic. Bosun Herb Shiller J.A. W Iglehart Deckhand Lorry Wilcox Luetdke Engineering Co. 6 Seafarers LOB AB Vladislav Pitsenko J.A. W Iglehart Right: QMED Tracy Ribble J.A. W Iglehart Second Cook Raymond Maynord American Mariner April 2000 �Recertified Stewards Encourage Apprentices The message may not be new, but its tremendous importance to SIU members also is intact. In what has become an unofficial tradition, 10 graduating members of the recertified steward class last month urged unlicensed apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to take full advantage of the opportunities available through the school and the SIU. The stewards-Robert Hag- gerty, Martin Buck, Abraham Martinez, Anthony St. Clair, William McGee, Charles Roldan, Randy Stephens, Richard Riley, Jeanette Montgomery then," said the 38-year-old Seafarer. "Today, the unlicensed apprentices have a wonderful program here. I encourage you to ask questions and be careful in foreign ports. Good luck!" Haggerty, 36, whose home port is Tacoma, Wash., told the apprentices that this shouldn't be their only trip to the Paul Hall Center. "I can't urge you enough to keep upgrading. Keep current and you'll have no problem shipping," he stated. St. Clair, McGee and Stephens each reminded the apprentices that their safe, productive work aboard ship will help determine and Kevin Marchandaddressed the apprentices and fellow Seafarers during the March membership meeting in Piney future continued employment opportunities for Seafarers. "It's important to do a good job when you're out there," Point, Md. observed Stephens, 45, who sails from the; port of Houston. Thi; recertified stc;w~ds also complimented the school's in· structors and staff, crediting them with maintaining a comfortable but professional atmosphere that promotes learning. Recertification, a five-week curriculum, is considered the top class offered to members of the steward department. Head Start Marchand, who sails from Port Everglades, Fla., let the apprentices know "what a head start your have." He recalled that his first deep-sea voyage ( 1978) occurred only because an · officer literally shanghaied him to a nonunion ship. . "Things were very different "When you get to sea, work hard and do your job," said the 46-year-old McGee, whose home port is Jacksonville, Fla. "Stick with the course and come back to Piney Point to upgrade as soon as possible." "It may seem obvious, but the best thing you can do for yourself and your union is to do a good job/' explained St. Clair, 43, who sails from the port of Houston. "And come back ~o upgrade. The staff here works hard for our benefit." 'Holding ~ Future' Riley, 49, emphasized, the impact the apprentices can have. "You hold the future of our Part of the class took place at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located near the Paul Hall Center's main campus. Several stewards said they were impressed by the facility's very modern and maritime-specific equipment. The fire fighting school opened last summer. The SIU's newest recertified stewards are pictured with SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (top photo, fourth from left) and (bottom photo) SIU Director of Legislative Affairs Terry Turner (right, standing). Completing the fiveweek curriculum were Richard Riley, Anthony St. Clair, Abraham Martinez, Robert Haggerty, Kevin Marchand, Jeanette Montgomery, William McGee, Charles Roldan, Randy Stephens and Martin Buck. union in your hands," declared Riley, who sails from the port of Honolulu. "Please don't drop the ball. We have the best educators here at the school; take advantage of it. There are more and more (industry) regulations to come, so stay current by upgrading. "And remember this; 'Safety First' will protect you and your family." Others in the recertification class mentioned various aspects of the curriculum, with several pointing to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School as an invaluable addition to the Paul Hall Center. Montgomery, 35, praised the Paul Hall Center's culinary staff, whom she described as "outstanding." She said the recertification students enjoyed a natural camaraderie and "good communication" throughout the class. Montgomery, whose home port is Tacoma, Wash., also said she enjoyed the upgraders' meeting with SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts George Tricker at the union's headquarters, located in Camp Springs, Md. Martinez, 43, credited the union and the school for offering a worthwhile class and a solid career path. "I'm proud to be an SIU member and I thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco and his staff," noted Martinez, who sails from the port of Jacksonville. Buck, 42, who also sails from Jacksonville, commended "the Apprentices Earn GEDs Because academic studies can help Seafarers be more proficient in their work at sea, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers such instruction in addition to vocational courses. Two unlicensed apprentices recently took advantage of the center's GED program, and they received diplomas during the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. GED graduates Steve Pollard (second from left) and Phillip Hartline (right) are pictured with SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Apri/2000 officials at headquarters and at Piney Point. I can't thank you enough. Keep up the good work." Roldan, 30, whose home port is New York, described the course as "very rewarding. I thank everyone involved." Among other studies, the course included various lessons in the galley labs, training at the new fire fighting and safety school, a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and a visit to SIU headquarters. Boeing Strike Ends Workers Approve 3-Year Pacts Union engineers and technical workers at Boeing Corp. declared "a huge victory" as they returned to work last month in Puget Sound, Wash., following what is believed to be the largest whitecollar strike in U.S. history. The workers on March 19 approved separate three-year contracts covering 22,352 members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). SPEEA is an affiliate of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. The contracts, each approved by more than 70 percent of those voting, call for annual wage increases and health benefits for dependents, among other gains. The union also triumphed when Boeing dropped its demand that workers pay part of their health insurance premiums. "We plan to march back in just as we left- as a group together," the union said in a statement. "This is a huge victory for SPEEA. We thank every person who played a part in making our strike work-the members on the picket line, the volunteers, the staff, other labor unions and the community at large." AFL-CI 0 Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, who led the crucial final days of bargaining before the settlement, stated that because of this outcome, "Millions of white-collar and professional workers in our country now know they can build a better future for their families by joining and forming unions." An estimated 17 ,000 workers walked off their jobs on February 8, following nine months of contract negotiations. In a resolution supporting the workers, the AFLCIO pointed out that Boeing "refused to engage in meaningful negotiations on economic items despite the company's record profits and aggressive acquisition strategy. Boeing (also) threatened to retaliate against employees who engage in their right to strike .... Boeing disciplined the engineers' bargaining chairman for expressing the employees' point of view to the press." The company's penultimate contract offer included major concessions on employees' benefits and was rejected by a nearly unanimous vote. A subsequent offer was rejected, largely because of wages. Days before the strike began, federal mediators intervened and brought the parties back to the bargaining table. However, the company flatly refused to improve its offer and the mediator halted negotiations. Under terms of the settlement agreement, union members will return to the same jobs they held prior to the strike. Boeing and SPEEA "mutually pledge to return all operations back to normal at the earliest possible time," the union noted. The new contract also includes a "partnership agreement" aimed at "rebuilding the relationship" between Boeing and the workers. Seafarers LOG 7 �ITF: Stop Blacklisting Filipinos SIU Backs Mariners at Manila Demonstration More than 1,000 mariners along with 118 International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) inspectors marched through Manila to protest the blacklisting of Filipino seafarers who report ill treatment, dangerous working conditions and unpaid wages. The late-February rally coincided with the biennial seminar for ITF inspectors from around the world. Don Thornton, the Sill's ITF inspector on the Great Lakes, represented the union at the five-day session. The protest against the practice of blacklisting highlighted the ITF assembly. Despite sweltering temperatures, it lasted five hours and covered three miles, including a lengthy stop at the Philippines Overseas Employment Agency (POEA-often the lone official source for seagoing jobs). Several Filipino mariners told the crowd about the severe and unjust treatment they have endured because of blacklisting. lTF officials pointed out that the disreputable practice is widespread, but particularly acute in the Philippines. A global federation of more than 500 transport-related unions (including the SIU), the ITF reported that the Philippines "is the world's largest supplier of Among the participants in the ITF meeting were (from left) Arthur Petipas, Don Thornton, Rick Esopa and Jose Ybarra. Thornton is the SIU's ITF inspector on the Great Lakes; the other three men are ITF inspectors for the NMU. labor to the global merchant fleet, with some 200,000 individuals. Every year, ITF inspectors assist many thousands of Filipino mariners in recovering millions of dollars in unpaid wages, ensuring that the vessels they sail on are safe and that they are being fairly treated. "However, more often than not those who contact the ITF for help are labeled as 'troublemakers.' Their names are added to blacklists held by manning agencies and watch-lists held by the POEA. As a consequence, many frightened mariners keep silent, leaving the way clear for unscrupulous shipowners to ignore even their most basic rights." As one ITF representative put it, "When seafarers rightfully complain about safety standards, poor working conditions or unpaid wages, they should not be punished for life. Yet if a seafarer appears on a blacklist, their maritime car~er, often the only job open to them, is over. "This immoral and illegal practice must be stamped out." The ITF further charges that such blacklisting violates not only the rules of the International Labor Organization, of whlch the Philippines is a member, but also the Philippines Constitution itself. According to press reports, Philippines Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who spoke at the seminar, promised to investigate the ITF's complaints about blacklisting. Crewing agents also pledged their cooperation. Upon learning of a strike by workers at the Manila Hotel-originally scheduled to host the five-day gathering-the ITF moved its seminar to a different location in the city. Above, Abdulgani Serang, a member of the National Union of Seafarers of India, blocks a truck from approaching the Manila Hotel. Some of the U.S.-based ITF inspectors who attended the seminar gather for the rally. · Crew Member Confirms Threat of Blacklisting More than 1,000 mariners marched through Manila to protest the blacklisting of Filipino mariners. The lateFebruary event, conducted by the ITF, elicited promises from the local government and manning agencies to cooperate in solving the problem. Lucio Degal knows all about the fear of being blacklisted. He was part of the Filipino crew aboard the runaway-flag Evangelos late last year when the ship delivered foreign steel to Cleveland. The crew sought ITF assistance when the ship arrived in Ohio in October. Inspectors quickly discovered that the mariners were owed more than $100,000 in unpaid wages and were suffering from a severe lack of stores. But the crew members, reportedly afraid of being blacklisted, rescinded their initial complaints asking for the ship's arrest. In fact, ITF inspectors Don Thornton and Jim Given were told the captain of the Panamanian-flagged, Greekowned ship ordered the mariners to sign papers indicating they already had been paid "if they wanted to continue sailing." Only Degal refused to back down. He received $5,000 in back wages, plus repatriation. At the ITF rally in Manila, Degal recognized Thornton and shared new details about the Evangelos case. Degal, who repeatedly thanked the ITF for its assistance, insisted that the others withdrew their grievances because they were worried about blacklisting. Lucio Degal (right) , received his back wages, thanks to help from ITF · inspectors Don Thornton (left), Jim Given and others. But the rest of the Evangelos crew members, afraid of being blacklisted, withdrew their complaints. B Seafarers LOG Apri/2000 �When representatives from the Paul Hall Center were in Guam last January to run a seminar aimed at establishing a system to boost enrollment by Chamorros (the people of Guam) in the unlicensed apprentice program at Piney Point, Md., they also took time to visit SIU-contracted ships stationed nearby-both on Guam and Saipan, two U.S. territories in the Western Pacific. Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Bart Rogers, the center's admissions coordinator, updated crew members on the latest union news, including the SIU-NMU elections and brought them recent copies of the Seafarers LOG. The photos on this page show some of the meetings held aboard the 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, SPC5 Eric G. Gibson, PFC Dewayne T Williams and the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. Above: Seafarers " discuss Uf~aboard the Bobo in Saipan with VP Don Nolan. Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan poses with (above left) SA Richard Gegenheimer and (above right) Bosun John Davis on Right: Chief Steward Robert Firth (right) gets the latest union news when the Wifliams in Saipan. Admisstons Coordinator Bart Rogers visited the GUDE AU Mohamed, left, and QE Kenneth Couture, right) Hsten to SIU representatives 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo. aboard the Williams. Left: Two of the crew members on board the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus in Saipan are Chief Cook Eric Loret and AB Robert Butler. Right Preparing lunch for Bobo crew members is Cook/Baker Danelle Harvey. Apri/2000 Seafarers LOB 9 �Global J,ink Finishes Flurry of Five Repain The SIU-crewed Global Link recently concluded a busy stretch of five consecutive cable repairs lasting three weeks apiece. Chief Steward Willie Crear reports that the vessel completed jobs near Florida, New York, the Bahamas and the mid-Atlantic shelf, "with more than 90 people on board for each trip. Whew! That was a lot of work." The ship returned to its home port of Baltimore in late January - just in time for a spate of snow and ice that paralyzed the region. Meanwhile, crew members in early March congratulated OS Mary Bado on successfully concluding her first voyage. A graduate of the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Bado signed off the Global Link and headed back to the school in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade to AB. "We all love Mary and she has come a long way from apprentice to OS," noted Crear. "She is furthering her career by continuing the union tradition of improving oneself." The steward department gave Bado a warm sendoff, preparing a banana-chocolate ganache cake with kirschwasser and chocolatedipped strawberries. The Global Link is operated by Transoceanic Cableship Co. VIEWS FROM ABOVE: The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Explorer and SeaLand Voyager tie up in Long Beach, Calif. while Electricians Daran Ragucci and Allen Pasik work on a head block and bar. On tlieJob in Long Beach Seafarers in Long Beach, Calif. recently met with the SIU's Wilmington, Calif. port agent, John Cox, to discuss the proposed SIU-NMU merger and other union news. The camera-toting port agent provided these photos. The Global Link's steward department had its hands full but got the job done during a recent stretch of five consecutive cable repairs. The ship carried more than 90 people for those voyages. Pictured from left to right (standing) are Chief Steward Willie Crear, SA Ali Akmar, SA Marcial Avila, Above: Electricians Van Phan (left) and Jim Dryden are pictured at the end of a boom. (kneeling) Cook/Baker Radames Toro and SA Mauricio Martinez. Photo right: On behalf of the entire crew, Chief Steward Willie Crear (left) presents OS Mary Bado with a cake to commemorate her first voyage. "She has come a long way from apprentice to OS," Crear observed. ATTENTION: SEAFARERS ',, ,,, ,,, '~ \ ' Being in California in January has its advantages-such as riding with the top down. Shown here returning to the Sea-Land Express are AB Dan Porter, SA Ali Mohamed, QMED Alfred Lane and DEU Aguilo Llorente. SA Ali Mohamed heads to the galley on the Sea-Land Express. \ CQNfKllUTF 'ta TllE SEAFA~E~S POL.tTICA'AOTroN OONAT\ON 10 Seafarers LOB Apri/2000 �Stories Won't End Because Bosun Cain's Come Ashore Mobile Member Calls It a Career After Nearly 50 Years With the SIU Anyone who has spent any time with recent pensioner Hubert Cain knows he is a man who likes to pass along stories. Not your typical sea stories, which he can do as well as anyone else, but real life stories about his nearly 50-year career as a Seafarer. Perhaps the most well known is the one immortalized by an old "Ripley's Believe It or Not" cartoon about an eel plugging a leak in a cargo ship_ "That really happened because I was on the ship when it happened," recalled the retired recertified bosun in an interview with the Seafarers LOG. "I still have the cartoon." (A copy is reprinted with this article.) The vessel was the Alcoa Pioneer. Cain and shipmates were trying to bring the vessel to Mobile, Ala. because it was taking on water. When the cargo ship came into drydock, the eel was discovered in the hole where water had been seeping. "I never saw anytlllng like it before or since." Cain received his mariner's document while he was in the eighth grade_He said that was a normal thing to do in Mobile, the southern Alabama community 4·8-MOBILE PRESS BELIEVE IT OR NOT By Ripl~y .....~-~ .' ."... . . ..... . ..,, . · -~· . TlfAT HAD I\ LEAIC D UP BY AN EEL! The S.S. ALCOA PIONEER, 'TAlaMG ON WATER IN ITS HOO>, LWffD INlt>- ORYDOQ( AT tl()BIL;, ALABAMA, NBElrMU~ 711AT A HOLE IN TUE '801'7tM1 OF 11/E $11/P NAO BEEN EFFECTIVELY BY AN EEL·! • rtl/G661> ._............ ".... ~ ..... : !. DR~ THOMAS MAHTON '"20.-.n>" DELIVIPEO $0 SflfMON$ OIJ : THE .SUBJECT OF 'P.Slfl./rf I/SJ . , HIS PUBLISHED SERMONS ON PSAlM-'19 COMPRISE .A eooK OF UOQOOO ~ - NEARLY ·~Cf THE ~U"'f. ·:· . OF THE &NTfR& 8181;1 ···~• •·· 1 This reprint from 1961 tells about the eel that plugged a hole on the Alcoa Pioneer while Hubert Cain was aboard_ where he and his brother John (another SIU bosun) grew up. They stayed in school but would sail during the summers Being one of the biggest kids in the neighborhood, he played center on his high school football team and earned all-city honors. Also on that team was his next door neighbor, Vince Dooley, who eventually became the head football coach at the University of Georgia. When graduation time came, Cain recounted his teammates saying what colleges they were headed for_"I'm going to the union hall" was Cain's reply, where he caught the Fort Jackson. " Sailing really is my life. I'm retired, but I'm still SIU!" He started in the deck department and worked his way up to recertified bosun in 1975 _Over the years, not only did his job change, but so did the working conditions for Seafarers_ When asked what was the biggest change he had witnessed. he could not list one because he believed there were several. Cain said many of the changes regarding the shipment of cargo can be traced to Malcolm McLean for introducing containers. Prior to the arrival of the boxes, cargo was handled as best as possible. Cain remembered being aboard a C-2 Waterman vessel with five hatches, 22 booms and one jumbo boom in the days before containers. "It was fun to rig, but we don't do that now," he noted . When he started sailing, fo ' c's'les could have as many as five mariners occupying them and no air conditioning. "Conditions kept getting better. We went to two in a fo ' c's' le with a shower at the end of the hall. Then, private rooms with baths and phones_ " I call them floating condominiums" he added with a chuckle. ing without a wait to allow them to build up 90 days' sea time. 1963 Under the arrangement with the Coast Guard, The SIU-manned Floridian became the first Seafarers who pass the examination at the end American merchant ship fired on by Cuban of their lifeboat training will be automatically MIG jet airplanes when she was attacked last given their lifeboat tickets after they have Thursday, March 28, sailed for the required rr.:===============================:;i 90 days to gain certiby two Russian-built fication. aircraft about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets first circled 1980 the ship for 20 minMembers of the SIU utes before opening joined picket lines in up with their machine San Francisco recent· guns. u==:::::::::::::=::=::==::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=:::!l ly, to show solidarity The attack came in with unions striking the same waters between Cuba and Florida local TV station KRON. Local unions belongwhere Cuban MIGs attacked the American ing to the American Federation of Television shrimp boat Ala with rockets and machine and Radio Artists {AFTRA} and the guns on February 20. Seafarer Jack Nelson, an International Brotherhood of Electrical AB, took pictures of the attack from the deck, Workers (IBEW) have been on strike for nearly which he handed over to U.S. intelligence three months, seeking improved wages and sources when the ship docked in Miami. working conditions. The management of the TV station had pub1967 The United States Coast Guard recently grant- licly claimed that the striking unions did not have the support of organized labor in San ed approval of the lifeboat certification trainFrancisco. The SIU's response was to publicly ing at the Harry Lundeberg School of demonstrate that the IBEW and AFTRA cerSeamanship: In the future, examinations for tainly did have labor's support by joining the lifeboat certification will be given to seamen who attend the school after their lifeboat train- picket line. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG Marking Hubert Cain's retirement recently are (from left) his brother John (an SIU bosun) , SIU President Michael Sacco. Cain and Bosun Tom Soresi. But Cain quickly pointed out these better conditions were gained by the SIU through negotiations . "Union leaders got these conditions. The companies didn't offer them! " The Mobile native also listed automation of the wheel house and engine room among the alterations that influenced all manners. Even after 50 years of sailing, the bosun is proud of the facts "I never met a seaman I didn't like, and I never brought a beef into port We always settled it before tying up." Cain provided some advice for those entering the SIU: "The union is not offering a job, it's offering you the opportunity to be somebody. You can go places and be what you want to be." He urged all members to keep upgrading and learning because the industry will continue to change. Cain plans to stay active in union causes. He still attends membership meetings in Mobile and is involved politically for candidates that support maritime issues_ He said he may not be making ships, but he has no intention of slowing down. Credit Chief Cook, Too The steward department aboard the President Jackson went the extra mile to provide special meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, as noted on page 10 of the March issue of the Seafarers LOG. However, in a recent note to the LOG, Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez said the department overlooked one thing: a photo of Chief Cook John Bennett (pictured here). "His photo inadvertently got left out, but he did a great job on his holiday relief trip," wrote Lopez. "Everyone enjoyed his great personality and cooking skills_" Doubling Up at Paul Hall Center 1 . JS C> · I . JU HJSTC> April2000 Other students at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education may have thought they were seeing double when, in fact, they saw identical twins Shannon (left) and Shaun Bonefont at the school in Piney Point, Md. Shannon is upgrading to FOWT, while Shaun is completing the third and final phase of the unlicensed apprentice program. Numerous other members of the Bonefont family also sail with the SIU. Seafarers LOG 11 �Vacati()n at the Vaul llall tenter As many Seafarers, pensioners and their families have already discovered, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. offers just about everything one could possibly want to help make a memorable summer vacation-and at a great value. Just ask the people pictured on this page. They were among the many vacationers who took advantage of this SIU benefit last summer-and had a great time! For up to two weeks this summer, SIU members and their families can enjoy a dream vacation of their own, spending their hard-earned time off doing exactly what they want. The center offers affordable accommodations and three meals a day plus a health spa, tennis courts, Olympic-size swimming pool, a maritime museum and beautifully landscaped grounds. There also are plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, jogging and sunbathing at nearby beaches. The summer months in Southern Maryland are filled with festivals, celebrations, fairs and Cl'aft show5, and that doesn't even begin to take in all the museums, historic sites, haseha.11 games and other activities in Washington, D.C., Alexandria and Arlington, Va., and Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.-all within an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Piney Point. As a benefit of membership in the SIU, Joe Vazquez, who works on the shoregang in Philadelphia, took advantage of the summer vacation opportunities for himself and his family at the P11ul H11ll Center. Enjoying th~ pool 11rea are members of his family-Kathryn, J ~nnif "r and Kothy Vazquez-as well as Anna, Jessica, David and George Marusiak and Roy Erdman. While QMED Rand . summer, his wife y McKenzie was attendin . him at the schooi Deb, a~d daughter, Shawn~ upgrading courses last and still be on vacation. , were able to stay with Retired Bosun John Aversa and his wife, Shirley, spent part of last summer's vacation at Piney Point. John now has his own embroidery business-Ship's Wheel Nautical Crafts. He made the caps that both he and Shirley are wearing. If you missed out on the Paul Hall Center in 1999, then don't let your summer holiday be a repeat of last year's. Start a new tradition ... in Piney Point. Everyone in your family will love it and want to keep coming back. The first step is to decide when you want to arrive. Then, fill out the reservation form at right and mail it to the Paul Hall Center. That's all there is to it. Happy vacation! PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Book number: Address: Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. 12 Seafarers LOG Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 4100 Apri/2000 �What You Need to Know About STCW Certificates The information on this page is reprinted from previous issues of the Seafarers LOG in order to clarify which unlicensed mariners need an STCW certificate, the differences between 1978 and 1995 certificates, and how to obtain them _ Who is required to carry an STCW certificate right now? Any mariner sailing in international waters who is required to hold a lifeboatman 's endorsement Any rating forming part of a navigational watch. All tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties (such as ABs and pumpmen, for instance). Whether they carry a 1978 certificate or a 1995 certificate depends on when they entered the industry and when they may have upgraded. _ _ _ _ _u_n_i_te_d_S_t_a_te_s_o_f_Am_e_r_ic_a__ ENDORSEMENT ATI1!SI1NG THB ISSUB OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER 1HE PROVISIONS OF THE INTI!RNAnONAL CONVENI10N ON STANDARDS OF TRA1NINO, CERTIFlCATlON AND WATOIX1!l!PINO JIOll SJ!AJIAJU!RS, 1978 ~~":~of the Uniled Stalel of America catiliel that Certificate No-,!=..::6:.=:!_.!.:.7.~::,:::6..:::.:6!...oo~3:.__dul_y_qualificd_ . _in UMlJ'A'IlONS APPLYING 1" ANY) CAPAoTr consider timing their application for the 1995 certificate so it coincides with renewal of their z-card. By doing so, the 1995 certificate will be valid for five years. Rating forming part of tl navigationa1 watch Proficient in the use of aurvi val. craft What if I am an AB sailing on a tanker in international waters, but currently don't have an STCW certificate? "THIS CERTIFICATE EXPIRES 31 JANUARY 2002." No one fitting that description is supposed to sail. If you were unaware ot the requirement (which dates to 1996) and somehow "slipped through the cracks," then you should immediately make arrangements to acquire your STCW certificate. What's the difference between the two certificates? Date of isaue ofthW endonement Who is required to cany an STCW certificate as af February 1, 20027 Th@ mi!!in chi!lng@ i!IS of that dat«:! i$ that vvatch$tand· ing members of the engine department are required to carry a 1995 STCW .;;ertificate (as of February 1, 2002) . So, the requirements apply to all watchstanding personnel (including engine department members), all tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties, and all lifeboatmen on passenger vessels (that is. those crew members who are required to hold a lif@boat !!!!ndor~'='m~nt). Also, the 1978 certificate is obsolete as of February 1, 2002. If I currently must carry an STCW certificate, which one should I possess? It depends on when you began sailing and when you may have upgraded your rating. Mariners who started their sea service or training before August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1978 convention. Those individuals may carry ex ires on February 1, the 1978 certificate, hi 2002 (regardless of when it was issued). Mariners who began their sea time or training after August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1995 STCW amendments-and , therefore, must carry a 1995 certificate. One potentially confusing issue is that it is permissible for mariners who began sailing or training before August 1, 1998 to carry a 1995 certificate, even though it's not presently required. For those individuals, the 1995 certificate supersedes the 1978 document. In other words, there is no reason to carry both. However, the 1995 document is not considered superior or more desirable for those mariners. Either one satisfies current regulations for affected ratings. Keep in mind that the 1978 certificate cannot be used on or after February 1, 2002. What if I upgraded after August 1, 1998? If you began both the required sea time for the upgrade and also the training itself after August 1, 1998, then you need a 1995 certificate. If any of the required sea time or training took place prior to August 1, 1998, then you only are required to have a 1978 certificate (though, again, you may apply for a 1995 document, provided you meet the Chapter VI requirements). What if I applied for my first z-card after August 1, 1998 and had no prior sea time or training? You need a 1995 certificate, which would have been issued when you acquired your z-card if you satisfied the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. How do I get an STCW certificate? Through Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs). To get a 1995 certificate, Seafarers must present evidence of meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. These requirements are for documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. Mariners also may apply by mail to the REC that issued their license or document. The 1995 certificate expires on the same date as the individual's z-card, regardless of when the certificate is issued. With that in mind, mariners may want to Apri/2000 of the a1xwe c..m:ntion, '°-in :-::::;·;.th~~~ ilM~Jion. illdiCaiedO Thia cndoracmcat ii DOI valid wilC8 ICCOlllpOilicd by a Yl1id US Merclwlt Marinen' lic:cmc or doc:umellt. The lawful bok!Dr of this cndoracmcnt may ltrVC in the following capacity or capKitica apecified. The main differences are that the 1995 certificate has a space for a passport-size photo (the 1978 certificate does not): and the 1995 certificate uses d@scriptions thi!!t are germane to particular coun· tries. instead of wider-ranging terminology from the International Maritime Organization . An example of the terminology differences'. Under the "capacity" description, the 1995 certificate may say, WAble seaman, any waters, lifeboatman," whereas the 1978 document says "Rating forming part of a navigational watch" and "Proficient in the use of 18 APR 1997 25 AUG 1945 L. M. HYMAN (O.. ........ I0..1) sample of a 1978 certificate surviv~I cr~ft." It's also worth noting that the 1995 certificate features spaces marked "function," "level" and "limitations applying (if any)." However, these areas intentionally are left blank. They were added to the certificate solely to aid port state control officials by providing some uniformity between U.S. certificates and those used in other signatory nations. United States of America ENDORSEMENT ATTESTING THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAi. CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAJNING, ceRTIFICAnON AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978, AS AMENDED IN 1995 The Gov.,.,,,ent ol the U"ted States of Amaica cettiftes Iha! Cer!ificata No.(s) _,,,,46"-'-7"-"92-""12"""23 "--------has " - Issued lo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___,whoho> be<n ""'1d dtJy~ollod in accaaancew1111111eprovismsolragu:atlor(s)_,_,VI'"-'/Z,,___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ o1111eaoovecooventim, to serve In the How did this all start? And why is it so confusing? This casiaeil\I or capacities fisted below. endors.,,,.,,t is not vajid unJess The lawful - ABLE SE.AMAN, ANY WATERS LIFEBOATHAN BASIC SAE"ETY TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION COMPLETED 11 DECEMBER 1998. Endo<semontNo.: 467921223 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center iHued"' ll FEBRUARY 1999 ot~HO~US~TO:::.:,:N_ _ _ __ 2 2 NOVEMBER 5 3 Oatootbffthollhoholdo'otlhoccrtlllGoto photo DEPT. OF TRANS .. CG 5611 (1Q.!16) Contact your nearest REC, your port agent or the Paul Hall Center. You also may check the Coast Guard's STCW web site, located at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 """""ed. LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) S1gnot1nolcertitlcate- U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY} of this onlarsamant may servo In the following capacity or capocitles CAPACITY I have more questions. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 _.l'-'J'-"'UN,,_,,E.....!!2""-'00;.:.3_ _ _ _ _~ LEVEL FUNCTION STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention, ratified in 1978, is a multi-national agreement which sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide. The U.S. didn't sign onto the original convention until 1991. At that time, the U.S. was given five years to reach total compliance. Here's where things became more complicated: In 1995, more than 100 nations-including the U.S.ratified amendments to the original convention. In some cases, the dates for compliance with the original pact and the amendments overlapped. Essentially, that is how the U.S. ended up with two different STCW certificates (not to mention other requirements). subject lo '"'Y limitations indiealod '-"til accompanied by a valid U.S. M#chant Mariner's license er docu'nanl sample of a 1995 certificate with space for photo U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of 9/30/99) 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane. Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination Center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Memphis Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave. , Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave. 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Seafarers LOG 13 �- A VOYAGE TO INDIA-1940 Pensioner James M. Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore as a charter member, first sailing in 1939 following a four-year stint in the US. Marine Corps. After having spent a cold and hungry winter in the port of Savannah, Ga., he shipped as an ordinary seaman on Isthmian Line's SS Steel Age, an old Hog Islander built during the First World War. During a voyage to India, the 21-year-old Smith kept a journal of his observations and impres- course to escape enemy submarines. At 1600 we raised land off the starboard bow with the mist shrouding the mountainous coast of North Africa. At 1800 we entered the Strait of Gibraltar with the city of Tangier on our starboard side. We were through the strait at 2200 and received a signal from a British warship to heave to and prepare for a boarding party. As stood by f o r the kling off the port quarter and the lights of Ceuta, Spanish Morocco off the starboard quarter. East to Suez Sun and wind and beat of sea Great lands stretching endlessly Where be bonds to bind the free All the world was made for me. Author? by J. Melford Smith and lives as he pleases with no gold braid around to dampen his enthusiasm for his chosen profession. Tuesday, February 27Rigged cargo booms and stood wheel watch. Got haircut from my watch partner last night, my first in two months. Wrote letters this evening. Am drawing $10 from my $55 a month pay but will endeavor to save part of it. Last year I was mak- sions. This is the first of several installments of that journal. W e sailed from the port of New York about the middle of February 1940 bound for Gibraltar. The war in Europe had started in September of the previous year with the German iltta~k l'.'ln Pt'.'>land1 but as we were a socalled uneutral" country1 we painted a big American flag on the side of the ship and sailed with all our lights on. Our captain was from Denmark and was worried about his family there. He said he knew the Germans would invade his country sooner or later. As it turned out, his worst fears had been realized before the voyage was over. At Sea Monday, February 19-1 am the ordinary seaman on the 12 to 4 watch along with two able seamen. We share a room with three bunks. It is spartan but comfortable. During the day we each stand an 80-minute wheel watch while the other two do routine ship maintenance under the supervision of the bosun. On the night watch, it is another 80minute wheel watch, the same on lookout and the same on standby. The lookout stands his watch on the bow and is required to report any lights he sees by ringing the ship's bell: one ring for port, two for starboard and three for dead ahead. He also checks every 30 minutes to see if the running lights are all working, then shouts at the bridge through cupped hands, "Lights are bright, sir." At sea aboard a merchant ship, the routine is eat, work and sleep. On the mid-watch you go to bed at 0400 and get up at 1130, so your breakfast is the same as lunch for the rest of the crew. Soup, meat and vegetables for breakfast take some getting used to! Tuesday, February 20--Sure will be glad to go ashore when we arrive in Alexandria, Egypt, our first port. Maybe find me a Cleopatra! Hope to take a trip to Cairo if we have enough time in port. The weather was warm today and the sea smooth. Passed a ship on the morning watch- the first since leaving New York. I am enjoying this. Wednesday, February 21Steaming steadily toward Gibraltar at the magnificent speed of 10 knots (quite a change from last year on a 33-knot Navy cruiser). The weather is fair and warm. We passed an Allied ship about noon that was making a zig-zag 14 Seafarers LOB inspection party, the light of a brilliant full rtlOt'.'>Il revealed the majestic rt'.'>ck rising abruptly from the water, entirely devoid, to my great disappointment, of the Prudential Life Insurance advertisement I had always seen emblazoned upon it. Gibraltar: the ancients' "Pillars of Hercules," the impregnable lord of the Mediterranean, the universal symbol of indomitability. Gibraltar: the romantic place where Tarik, the frrst Moorish chieftain, launched his invasion of Spain, and the place from which the last of his race returned to Africa 700 years later. The scene of 14 long sieges dating from Phoenician times to the Napoleonic wars. Gibraltar is a British colony and the headquarters of the Ninth Army Corps. There is an indifferent harbor with the town of Gibraltar plastered on the side of the rock, perched expectantly above the sea. The rock itself soars 1,300 feet above the Mediterranean and consists of Jurassic limestone overgrown with cactus and infested with monkeys. There are no lights to indicate that here is the greatest and most significant fortress in the world, but any student with military experience knows that, in keeping with its grim appearance, the rock is studded with heavily camouflaged guns such as the nineinch fieldpiece on Rock Gun Point, the northernmost peak. This is the British "Mount Olympus," this corner of two continents (Africa and Europe) and two oceans (the Atlantic and Mediterranean). At 2300 the armed boarding party comes alongside in a launch-two officers and six men. They proceed to inspect the ship's papers concerning cargo. They were very courteous. I asked a British sailor how he was enjoying the war. "What war?" was the answer. Until now there has not been much action on either side. As the moonlight turns the Strait of Gibraltar to silver, the boarding party leaves the ship and we begin creeping out into the star-studded Mediterranean night. Bright moonlight with the lights of Algeciras, Spain twin- Thursday, February 22Windy and cool. Routine day at sea. Passed several ships. Didn't get up until noon. George Washington's birthday. Friday, February 23-1,450 miles to Alexandria. Our position is just off the island of Sardinia. I asked the 2nd mate if this was where sardines come from. He must have thought I was serious and just about choked laughing. This afternoon I stood watch, washed clothes and went to bed. Read "The First Hundred Thousand" by Ian Hay-an interesting history of the Scottish Highlanders during the war. Most seafarers are voracious readers. It's been said that we will read anything with printing on it. Fortunately, the Seamen's Church Institute runs an exchange library so we can exchange our reading material in almost any port. Saturday, February 24-The blue Mediterranean, warm weather, smooth seas and a clear blue sky. A really enjoyable life. Haven't had a thing to do all day except for watches, so a siesta is indicated. Just lying about the deck and reading. There is a full moon these nights; it is so brilliant it seems to flood the ocean with a white ethereal light. Last night on my 12-4 watch, the lost love of my teenage years was haunting me for the fust time in many months. It must be the romance of the Mediterranean. Fire and boat drill today. Sunday, February 25-0ff the coast of Sicily today. In 1912 there was a disastrous earthquake here in which many thousands died. The weather is hot with a wind blowing off the African desert. It is called a "sirocco." Norman Douglas, in his novel "South Wind," describes the effect it has on people. I see what he meant because I have been in a black mood all day. Four more days to port. Monday, February 26Weather warm, wind shifted to northeast. Routine watches and maintenance. On a freighter (unlike on a passenger ship or Navy cruiser), a man's life is his own. The ship belongs to him: its decks, its bridge, its holds. He brooks no repression. He dresses $42 a month as a corporal, USMC. Progress. \Vednesday, February 28-Routine day at sea. More wind. water and stars. Expect to arrive in port in the morning. Passed a British destroyer squadron at about 0200. They were really making knots, and l wondered about their mission. Thursday, February 29And so we sailed for eight days on to the land of Egypt. Sunny days and starry nights with a full moon. What vagabond could ask for more-the ship almost to myself, good quarters, excellent food and balmy weather. As the white walls of Alexandria begin to peep over the horizon, I realize that Egypt is only 10 miles away. Alexandria, Egypt Arrived in port at I 000. Customs and immigration officials came aboard. We were cleared for entry at about 1130. Went ashore with my watch partners Bill Marks and Bud O'Conner at 1700. Five piasters for the boatman. Searched by police three times before leaving the dock-a blatant shakedown for bribes. They seem to have one price for the natives, one for Europeans and one about 500 percent higher for Americans. Left Bud and Bill and shoved off alone through the narrow streets of Alexandria past dark alleys, evil-looking natives and a horrible stench. Soon met two Coldstream Guardsmen, Morton Hinds and George Hesse, who were out on the town. Had a good time. Back to the ship at 0300. Friday, March 1-Woke up with a bad hangover (can't imagine having a good one). Worked all day. Went ashore at 1800 in the dress blues uniform of a U.S. Marine corporal. Entertained at dinner at the Coldstream Guards' mess. Drank a considerable amount of wine and got lost in the narrow streets of a native quarter on the way back to the ship. Saturday, March 2-Got underway for Port Said about 1400. Set sea watches. Arrived early Sunday morning and tied up to buoy at entrance to Suez Canal. Numerous British merchant ships mounting one five-inch and one three-inch gun aft. Battery on shore fired 21-gun salute for someone. City looks interesting but can't go ashore. At 1800 we were underway to transit the canal. Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal is just a ditch. There are no locks throughout its 90-mile lengthjust sand dunes on both sides. We passed nine ships during our transit and had to tie up to the bank each time. Turned in at 0400. Monday, March 4--Got up at 1030. We are anchored at the town of Suez at the southeastern end of the canal. We are anchored about three miles from shore, discharging some cargo on to a barge. Can't go ashore--broke anyway! The scenery here is a remarkable blend of subtle colors: high blue mountains of barren rock, plains of dazzling white sand reaching from the mountains to the sea, and the light blue waters of the harbor sparkling in the blazing sunlight. It was very hot today but is cold enough for an overcoat tonight. Expect to get underway by noon tomorrow. Tuesday, March 5-Able Seaman Jack Hollrock's 22nd birthday today. We played the victrola and drank Scotch in lieu of a celebration. We are now cruising slowly through the Red Sea to Jidda, Arabia, about 600 miles down the coast. The sea is like a mirror this evening and the sunset very beautiful. Wednesday, March 6---Calm sea and very hot weather. Just came off 12 to 4 watch. Have been feeling rather ill todaychills and fever. Didn't do any work but read "The Complete Mariner" by Nason. Thursday, March 7-Feeling much better today. Weather is beastly hot with absolutely no breeze. Last night I had the fust wheel (midnight to 0120). The wheelhouse was hot and the smoke from the stack was going straight up. There is very little current in the Red Sea and the desultory clicking of the autopilot along with the heat caused old Morpheus to take over and I suddenly found myself on the deck. The third mate said, "What the hell happened?" I said, "I don't know, I guess I went to sleep." The old saying "asleep on his feet" is not true. When you go to sleep, your knees buckle and you fall down. Jidda, Saudi Arabia Friday, March 8-Arrived in Jidda this morning. The harbor here is very shallow with many sand bars. Three hundred yards from us is an old Turkish freighter lying partly on her port side, hard aground on a sand bar. Her superstructure and decks have been charred by fue and are rusting away with age. She has been lying here for 15 years, according to the customs officer. The view from our ship is very good-low rugged mountains and heat-burnished plains making a fine setting for the gray walls and minarets of Jidda. This port city is the gateway to Mecca, the "Forbidden City," which lies about 40 miles inland and which Christians are not allowed to enter under penalty of death. To be continued in future issues of the Seafarers LOG. April 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonvi1le San Francisco ~ilm,~gt~~": Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston . S.t.. L9'1h·. · .Piney :P~int Algonac Totals 25 8 6 8 14 17 40 20 21 24 7 14 23 4 2 2 235 16 5 3 9 7 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 20 2 8 2 l 10 4 10 7 14 3 7 3 17 10 13 IO 12 15 3 28 12 16 8 9 5 27 23 6 6 7 6 4 13 8 2 4 24 14 3 2 0 l 1 1 0 94 198 85 11 6 7 2 5 16 l 5 0 122 Trip Reliefs 7 0 51 10 8 3 2 22 19 5 30 61 2 5 4 6 7 14 2 0 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 22 10 8 5 17 1 4 10 17 18 11 6 10 24 18 11 13 7 8 5 12 3 3 23 IO 6 9 9 6 1 12 43 36 37 13 15 45 3 2 8 0 4 I 0 54 0 0 I 2 2 7 0 74 401 180 5 3 4 10 0 115 May & June 2000 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point .............Monday: May 8, June 5 Algonac .................. Friday: May I 2, June 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 1I, June 8 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: May 17, June 14 Honolulu ................. Friday: May 19, June 16 Houston .................. Monday: May 15, June 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 11, June 8 Jersey City ...... ~ .......Wt'dn,es~y: May 24, June 21 Mobile ........... ;....... ~Wednesday; May 17, June 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: May 23t June 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 16, June 13 New York. ...........·....Tuesday: May 9 June 6 1 Port ·: : N¢:W·Y9rk · . · ·. "Philadelphia · ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 u 9 2 2 14 5 .9 2 1 0 0 5 .Z 3 2 Norfolk 6 4 6 10 12 3 I 7 2 0 1 Mobile 5 1 6 4 12 1 0 Saltirpore 14 New Orleans 9 ·:. ")a'bksb"vtlle · 19 S~n Fr~ncisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston . St. Louis Piney Poi.pt I o ac 6 .4 " ·..... to:L:·: . 15 3 3 15 1 3 1 4 11 ' 5 '·.·:.: ·" 7 4 4 8 ' 4 11 7 14 2 2 2 . ''• .. ?.: 4 ' 4 0 1 1 120 86 47 13 6 4 0 12 6 8 2 1 4 4 6 0 0 Jacksonville 16 4 Totals Port e Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 6 2 Ho-qston St. Louis Piney Point 11 0 3 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 0 9 2 0 4 1 l 0 140 0 50 28 6 26 14 0 1 2 0 28 8 2 7 3 1 4 1 14 8 7 6 11 3 4 10 24 45 8 5 6 33 29 6 1 2 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 2 1 57 0 0 2 2 1 5 I 3 2 0 243 68 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 8 0 0 0 0 9 50 37 0 2 2 15 11 15 2 I 15 21 18 20 20 7 1 7 0 4 0 4 5 11 12 6 9 13 1 15 14 11 2 20 3 4 0 4 0 71 14 10 0 0 9 6 7 9 5 0 8 0 0 6 0 18 4 l 21 17 0 10 1 155 0 176 0 0 82 268 2 3 8 3 5 4 6 46 6 0 19 0 119 228 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 148 l 0 0 6 3 15 7 7 3 12 4 30 8 36 24 0 3 0 0 0 68 899 Please contact Edwin H. Hagedorn at 615 Braeside Road, Baltimore, MD 21229-2113. PETER CZECH Please get in touch with Wayne Hardesty at Box 3692, Erie, PA 16508; or telephone (814) 454-7852. 9 45 0 Personals LEONARD PAUL *"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. Apri/2000 4 7 23 4 5 St. Louis · .':~·.. .'::·: ~:.::;·::.: :Friday: May 19, June 16 . · Wilmington ...............Monday: May 22, June 19 31 2 May 11, June 8 5 2 2 '6 2 0 29 0 0 453 1 2 0 0 6 I SanJuan~-.~ ............... Thursday; Tacoma ....... ~ .. :.· .~:... :.Frid.~y: May 26, June 23 0 6 4 0 124 28 0 4 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 18, June 15 '' (;'' 0 0 0 345 0 29 0 0 12 413 0 32 2 0 1 527 129 1 l 8 6 8 32 187 70 2 1 0 0 12 0 0 5 5 2 0 0 0 7 0 1 2 19 17 0 4 0 0 5 0 ., 5. ' 4 5 2 0 15 ? 0 1 0 9 2 "8 ' 9 9 3 .2 1 12 1 13 20 1 11 '7 .0 2 3 Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 18 ' 9 7 19 19 2 4 -·-------- 5 12 4 3 11 26 0 4 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore 7 15 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 5 1 3 2 20 4 8 15 6 2 4 14 0 20 0 0 103 '6 6 5 8 3 ·o San Francisco Algonac Totals 19 :· 1 I ..o Wilmington 1 7 2 5 5 11. 7 8 9 8 4 16 2 268 645 11 2 1 2 16 21 19 6 101 13 3 19 0 280 481 AUTHOR SEEKS INTERVIEWS WITH FORMER MARINERS Did you work on the America or United States? I am a writer looking for information on these great ships. Please contact me: Larry Driscoll P.O. Box 676 Seneca Falls, NY 13148-0679 or e-mail elaurensl@yahoo.com. LOG-A-RHYTHMS Nikita's Journey at Sea by Roslyn Nikita Brooks With the sea in mind, things are not as bad as they seem. With the sea in mind, I can fill my wildest dreams. With the sea in mind, I can do anything, I know I can. The stars above speak to me as though they are aware of the most inner secrets of my heart. I can look for the best in life. I shall not be dismayed by the wickedness around me, because the angels of the sea surround me. With the sea in mind, I can find the shape of my soul. I shall not flee, I shall continue ... to be a sailor of the sea. (This poem came in a dream to Chief Cook Roslyn Nikita Brooks while sailing aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. She hopes it will be an inspiration to her fellow shipmates.) Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sealal'IN'S lntemallonal Union Oireototy FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 2000 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay :E-x~c:Utive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast . Nicholas J. Marrone · .· Vice President. West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice Prei:iident Government Services .. . lIEADQUARTERS S20 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Al..CO~AC 520 St. Clair Ri"er Dr. Algonac, Ml 4800 I (810) 794-4988 L-Lakes NP - *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups All Groups Class CL Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Company/Lakes Class L Class CL Class NP 0 19 7 0 7 1 0 4 3 0 19 Class L Non Priority **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP 0 19 3 0 6 0 0 3 3 DECK DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 l ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·o 3 0 L Totals All Depts 0 49 24 0 3 4 0 46 *"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. 9 ANCHORAGE Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters 721 Sesame St.. #lC Anchorage. AK 99503 (907) 56 r-4988 FEBRUARY 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 B. Baltimore St. *TOTAL REGISTERED A.II Group~ Class A Class B Class C Ilaltirt'lorc, MD 21202 (41 O} 32H~UU J:>ui.•tra ' 70~ Medical Arts .Buil<11ng MARCH 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C DuJuth, MN 55802 .. ' (218) 722-4110 Region HONOLULU Atl~tl.ti~ : Go~$t~· . 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845~5222 .• . HOUSTON J221 ·eierce·st ;:: ·· · Houston, TX 77002 (713} 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 331S.Liberty St. · Jacksonville, FL 32206 {904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY ~9 Montgomery St Jersey Cify, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 164() Dauphin Island Pk;wy. . Mobile, AL 36605 . (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 391 l Lapako Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Nor.folk, VA 23510 (7$7) 622-1892 :PHILADELPIDA 2604 S.4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301} 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division - (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l 61h Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 - ST. LOUIS 45&1 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 5l0 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4-000 16 Seafarers LOS . Gulf.Coast .....· .3 .2 Lake$, Inland Waters 0 2 5 0 0 2 0 4 0 2 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Cdast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 DECK DEPARTMENT .:: O•··. ·.<) 2 . 2 "· ·. o · ff 0 6 10 ENGINE 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 .o 0 0 0 0 0 o .,o .· 0' 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT :·,. o D 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ()··· ..,: 0 0 1 1 1 Totals All Depts 5 3 10 10 3 5 9 3 *"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. 2 1 29 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by H. Pensioner Hubert "Red" House of Mobile, Ala. It was taken in the late 1950s aboard the SS Alcoa Clipper, and from the looks of it, fishing was pretty good. House, who was a dayman on this voyage, is pictured fourth from left. Others he identified in the photo are Dayman Frank Cotchot (left) and OS Berry Hill (second from left). Brother House, now 72, worked in the deck department, both inland and deepsea. He began sailing with the SIU in 1945 and retired in 1987 (interrupted by a twoyear stint in the U.S. Army from 1952-54). April 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. hree recertified bosuns are among the 25 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 86 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns T Luis E. Guadamud, Vagn T. Nielsen and Ramon L. Quiles graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 16 of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, eight sailed the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA JOSEG. last worked aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. A native of Canada, he has retired to Montreal. ABRAHAM CARBAJAL, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 aboard the Overseas Explorer. A native of Honduras, he became a U.S. citizen and worked in the engine department. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Arabi, La. is home to Brother Carbajal. LONDON CURRY, 65, with the Seafarers in 1970. His first ship was the Steel Rover, operated by Isthmian Lines. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Sea~ farers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. Brother Bagat makes . e-in s-te ' graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1972 and joined the MC&S in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Curry worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1997 as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Defender. From 1955 to 1957, the Oklahoma native served in the US. Army. He makes his home in Los Angeles. HANSM. BANG, 62, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. The Transhudson, a Hudson Waterways vessel, was his first ship. Born in Denmark, Brother Bang sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Voyager. He has retired to Monte Rio, Calif. FUfil,65, first sailed with the SIU in 1966 aboard the Overseas Rose. A native _....-::c..___._ _ of Oregon, he started working in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Fujii last sailed in 1980 aboard the Stuyvesant, operated by Bay Tankers. He has retired to Woodland, Calif. BAGAT, 64 1 began sailing HUSSAIN A. BUBAKR, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Detroit. Brother Bubakr began working in the Great Lakes division. He later transferred to deep sea vessels and upgraded his steward department skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Great Land. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen. He makes his home in Seattle. WILLIAM H.BURKE, 68, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Detroit. He first sailed aboard the J.A. Kling, a Great Lakes vessel, and later transferred to the deep sea division. Brother Burke sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He April2000 TADATO LUISE. GUADAMUD, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Del Mar. Born in Ecuador, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification class in 1975. A resident ofMetairie, La., he last sailed in 1978 aboard the Overseas Vivian. WILLIAMD. HATCHEL, 62, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Michael, a Mayflower Steamship Corp. vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to retiring, Brother Hatchel sailed aboard the Sea-Land Tacoma. He has retired to Starks, La. MOHAMED M.HUSSEIN, 59, began his SIU career in 1971 in the port of New York. Born in Yemen, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hussein last worked aboard the !TB Philadelphia, operated by Sheridan Transportation Co. Dearborn, Mich. is where he calls home. GEORGEO. KHULAGI, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. The Ames Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, was his first ship. Brother Khulagi worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1986 aboard the Sea-Land Venture. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen and makes his home in Buffalo, N.Y. VAGNT. NIELSEN, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Kathryn, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. A native of Denmark, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Nielsen last worked aboard the JTB Philadelphia. --~ JAMES A. PEACOCK, 60, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the union in the port of New Orleans. Born in Georgia, he first shipped aboard the Pecos. Brother Peacock worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school. A resident of Jacksonville, Fla., he last sailed aboard the Nuevo R, Inc. San Juan, operated by From 1957 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. RAMON L. QUILES, 55, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Steel Recorder was his first vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the SIU's training school, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard an NPR vessel. Brother Quiles has retired to Cliffwood, N.J. ANTONIO M.RODRIGUEZ, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Elizabethport, a SeaLand Service Vessel. Born in Cuba, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Rodriquez makes his home in Santurce, P.R. JEAN R. SAVOIE, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va., after a 20-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Massachusetts native began working in the inland division, sailing as a member of the deck department. He later transferred to deep sea vessels and worked in the steward department. During his career, Brother Savoie upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. His last ship, before retiring, was the Cornhusker State, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Portsmouth, Va. is where he calls home. INLAND ROBERTM. CROFT,40, first sailed with the SIU in 1976 aboard the C.H. Masterson, operated byG&HTowing Co. A native of Texas, he worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Croft last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Hitchcock, Texas. VICTOR V. DANIELS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Daniels last sailed aboard the tug Roanoke, operated by Maritrans, Inc. He has retired to Wanchese, N.C. ISAIAH JENKINS, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of New Orleans. The South Carolina native worked as an engineer and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Whiteman Towing. Boatman Jen.kins makes his home in Harvey, La. JAMESR. LUPTON, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1970. Born in North Carolina, he worked as a captain, most recently aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. Oriental, N.C. is where Boatman Lupton calls home. JOHN H. OTTINGER, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. The New Jersey native worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard an Interstate Oil Co. vessel. From 1955 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Boatman Ottinger has retired to King of Prussia, Pa. STEPHEN M.PLASH III, 41, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Houston, sailing aboard the tug Atlas. A native of Texas, he worked as a tugboat captain. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Francis E. Haden, operated by G&H Towing Co. Boatman Plash makes his home in League City, Texas. HERBERTP. THOMPSON, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Houston. Boatman Thompson worked as a captain and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Houston, he last sailed aboard the Scout, operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. HOLLISR. WILSON, 59, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961. The Alabama native worked as a captain, last sailing aboard a Crowley Marine Service vessel. Boatman Wilson makes his home in Perkinston, Miss. GREAT LAKES ALI A. MUSLEH, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Musleh worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the J.A. W. Iglehart, operated by Inland Lakes Management. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Seafarers LOG 17 �final DeN~ures DEEP SEA VALENTIN ACABEO Pensioner Valentin Acabeo, 83, passed away December 12, 1999. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1940 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in February 1978, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Acabeo was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. WILLIE H. CHESTNUTT Willie H. Chestnutt, 61, died February 20. Born in Arkansas, he started his career with the SIU in 1970 ifi the pon of New Orleans. His fll1lt '--.........::'---'~---' HALIM Y. HAMBOUZ - Pensioner HalimY. Hambouz, 73, passed away February 10. He began sailing with the SIU in 1949. Born in Egypt, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in March 1995, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Value. Brother Hambouz was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. ALLISON I. HEBERT Pensioner Allison I. ship was me Kyska, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Chestnutt sailed in the deck depanment and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1955 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Gretna, La., he last worked aboard the Liberty Star. ROBERT J. DAWSON Pensioner Robert J. Dawson, 73, passed away January 7. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1958. The California native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in March 1994, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. Brother Dawson made his home in Seattle. JEREMIAH W. DONOVAN Pensioner Jeremiah W. Donovan, 72, died October 22, 1999. Brother Donovan joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1945. The California native sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in July 1974. From 1951 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Donovan made his home in Mesa, Ariz. BERNARD F. FIMOVICZ Pensioner Bernard F. Fimovicz, 77, passed away February 22. Born in Ohio, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of San Francisco, sailing in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in April 1979, he worked aboard the Ultramax, operated by Westchester Marine. Wheeling, W.Va. was his home. NILS E. GRONBERG Pensioner Nils E. Gronberg, 84, died January 30. A native of Finland, he first sailed with the SIU in 1942. 18 Seafarers LOS Brother Gronberg worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1972. He made his home in Sea Level, N. C. Hebert, 75, died February 3. Brother Hebert joined the - Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the engine depart· ment and upgraded his skiJls at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the OM! Pla11e, a Titan Navigation vessel. A resident of Abbeville, La., he started receiving his pension in July 1985. BERNARD R. HIREEN Pensioner Bernard R. Hireen, 67, passed away December 16, 1999. Born in Canada, he began his SIU career in 1964 ..................:s............__.,,___Llili>i!I from the port of New York. His first vessel was the Robin Locksley. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Walter Rice, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Hireen lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and retired in August 1997. TONY E. INSON Pensioner Tony E. Inson, 94, died January 8. He joined the MC&S in 1944 in the port of San Francisco. Born in the Philippines, he sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in July 1968. Brother Inson made his home in San Francisco. CHOCK S. JONG Pensioner Chock S. Jong, 75, passed away November 6, 1999. Brother Jong began his career with the MC&S in 1947 from the port of San Francisco. A native of California, Brother Jong sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1978. San Francisco was his home. SANFORD KEMP Pensioner Sanford Kemp, 73, died August 18, 1999. A native of Georgia, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951. Brother Kemp worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. A resident of Register, Ga., he retired in May 1980. From 1948 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Navy. of New York. Brother Nuttal sailed in the steward department and retired in May 1974. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. San Francisco was his home. JOHN A. KICSAK EDDIE A. PARR John A. Kicsak, 37, passed away December 20, 1999. Brother Kicsak graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry-level training program in 1984 and joined the union in Piney Point, Md. His first vessel was the LNG Virgo, an Energy Transportation Co. vessel. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the school. He was a resident of Norfolk, Va. Pensioner Eddie A. Parr, 89, passed away February 3. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed as a bosun in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Parr was a resident of Wells, Maine and started receiving his pen· sion in January 1973. JOSEPH LAN ISAAC ROWEL Pensioner Joseph Lan, 88, died December 27, 1999. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in 1942 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward dep~ent and began receiving his pension in September, 1974. Brother Lan made his home in San Francisco. Isaac Rowel, 50 died December 2, 1999. A native of Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Rowel worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1994 aboard the Carolina, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. He was a resident of New Orleans. EDWARD E. LINDBERG Pensioner Edward E. Lindberg, 76, passed away December 5, 1999. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port ...,..;..:.__~ of New Orleans. A native of Iowa, he sailed as a member of tlie deck department. Brother Lindberg was a resident of Long Beach, Calif and started receiving his pension in December 1986. PAUL D. MARRA Paul D. Marra, 42, died Jan 22. A native of California, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg School's entrylevel training program in 1974 andjoined the union in Piney Point, Md. The Potomac, operated by Ogden Marine, was his first vessel. Brother Marra sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the school. Sacramento, Calif. was his home. EDWARD G. MORALES Pensioner Edward G. Morales, 87, · passed away February 15. , Brother Morales · first sailed with the SIU in 1952 : aboard the Wacosta, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the engine department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Winter Haven, Fla. and started receiving his pension in January 1977. WILLIAM NUTTAL Pensioner William Nutttal, 94, died January 19. Born in the Philippines, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port ARTHUR W. RUMMEL Pensioner ArthurW. Rummel, 86, passed away • December 11, 1999. He first sailed with the , · Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New ~York. Born in Germany, he worked in the steward department. During his career, he was active in union orga1 nizing drives and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. Brother Rummel resided in Sea Level, N.C. and began receiving his pension in August 1976. THOMAS S. SCRUGGS Pensioner Thomas S. Scruggs, 86, died January 13. Born in Oklahoma, he joined the MC&S in 1954 1 in Portland, ~L.J.JLl-~~~:::J...11 Ore. Brother Scruggs sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Seattle, he retired in July 1979. JOHN A. SMITH Pensioner John A. Smith, 75, passed away January 27. A native of West Virginia, he began his career with the Seafarers in '-----"'""-------' 1949 from the port of Tampa, Fla. Brother Smith sailed in the engine department. Prior to retiring in February 1988, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Oakland as a chief electrician. He made his home in Elkton, Md. INLAND LOYD G. ARMANTROUT Pensioner Loyd G. Armantrout, 77, passed away January 30. Born in Florida, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Houston. L..._~---"""""":..bL=-----1 Boatman Armantrout worked as a chief engineer, last sailing aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. A resident of Galveston, he started receiving his pension in August 1987. ANTONIO ATILES - - - . Pensioner Antonio Atiles, 72, died Jariuaryr l9~ He started his career with the SIU in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. Boatman Atiles sailed in the deck department and attended an education conference at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in June 1991, he worked aboard a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Carolina, P.R. was his home. ARANTIC FISHERMEN SANTO G. FARINA Pensioner Santo G. Farina, 87, passed away January 31. Born in Italy, - he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., he started receiving his pension in April 1979. CORRECTION RAYMONDE. SHARP Raymond E. Sharp, 66, passed away October 19, 1999. Brother Sharp joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Indiana, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1978 aboard the Cape Washington. LEROY SIMMONS Pensioner Leroy Simmons, 75 , died December 3, 1999. He joined the MC&S in 1955 -~) in the port of San Francisco. Born in South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Simmons was a resident of Daly City, Calif. and began receiving his pension in July 1976. The biographical sketch of inland member Robert F. Hudgins that appeared in the February Final Departures was incomplete. It should have read: ROBERT F. HUDGINS Robert F. Hudgins, 54, died December 3, 1999. Boatman Hudgins started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port · of Norfolk, Va. '----'""'-'-~"""""""""---"-'-' For many years, the Virginia native worked as a captain, sailing from Norfolk to Texas aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co., Interstate Oil Transport, Sonat and Maritrans. He also attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Mathews, Va., he last sailed in 1985 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. April2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests ()f union shipboard minutes as possiblel On occasion, because of space limitations, some wlll 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. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), December 19-Chainnan Roy L. Williams, Secretary James E. Harper, Educational Director Lowell R. Lemm, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter. Chainnan discussed president's report in LOG reflecting on past decade. He reminded everyone that upgrading skills is vital to maritime industry. Clarification requested on cleaning cargo holds and tanks and on number of hours needed for sanitation by DEU; also on water blasting for deck department, which is not in current contract. Secretary urged crew members to participate in upcoming merger vote and advised tMm t6 check expiration dates on STCW and z-cards. Educaticinal director dre~~~d need to stay current with all issues concerning uruQn. Crew asked for text of Jones Act. V6tt of thanks given to stew· ard department for job well done. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. EL YUNOUE (IUM), December 31-Chairman Paul J. Latorre, Secretary Milton M. Yournett. ' Educational Dir~ctor Orlando Cancel, Deck Delegate Ronald Mena, Engine Delegate Jimmie R. Graydon, Steward Charles B. Collier Jr. Chairman announced He reminded crew members to vote for merger of SIU and NMU, noting strength in unity and better bargainin osition. He also . stresse 1mpo nee o co · uting to SPAD for preservation of Jones Act and job security. Secretary echoed sentiments and urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for better future. Recommendations made to ask contracts department to consider lowering seatime required for retirement and pension and fully fund medical and prescription plans for dependent family members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), December 5--Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgardo M. Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, Steward Delegate Michael A. Harris. Chairman announced everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT. Secretary advised crew members to upgrade skills and help union by contributing to SPAD. Educational director spoke about benefits of upgrading at Piney Point. Discussion held on upcoming SIU-NMU merger vote. Vote of thanks given to SA Luis Rivera for maintaining clean ship and to steward department for delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner. HAWAII (CSX Lines), December 19-Chairman Billy G. Hill, Secretary Edward P. Herrera, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Evan J. Bradley, Engine Delegate Mark E. McNabb, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. He thanked all crew members for successful Russia-aid shuttle. He also reminded everyone to fill out paperwork for coll).pleting tour of duty. Educational director asked that crew members have mate sign TRBs. Beef reported by engine Apri/2000 delegate regarding no day's pay for those flying to Far East. Suggestion made to lower age of retirement. Job well done in all departments. Bosun asked crew to take care of videotaped movies. AB watchstanders thanked Capt. Barry for chair on bridge during long periods of hand steering. OHIO (ATC). December 13Chairrnan Gregory A. Agren, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Rudolph Lopez, Deck Delegate Winston D. Thompson, Engine Delegate Marvin Lambeth. Chairman reminded crew members to vote on SIUNMU mtrger by January 3 L Educational director suggested everyone take advantage of educational opportw1itits at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT repcrt~d. Communication received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding changes when daymen become watchstanders. Suggestions made to lower eligibility for vacation pay and increase benefits for dental care. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. OVERSEAS JUNEAU (OSG Ship Mgmt.), December 5--Chairman Benedict B. Born, Secretary Thomas Wybo, Educational Director Christopher J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Steve Brown, Engine Dele ate ona Lucas, Steward Delegate Vickie Haggerty. Chairman led discussion of SIU-NMU merger. Many questions brought up regarding merger, for which clarification requested. He also talked about money purchase pension plan and told everyone to keep abreast of personal statements. He requested crew members turn in keys and leave rooms clean at end of voyage. Secretary reminded members to check shipping documents for expiration dates. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to look into direct deposit of allotments twice a month. Mail service needs to be checked and new curtains and crew lounge/mess hall furniture ordered. Chairman gave vote of thanks to all for hard work throughout voyage and keeping house clean. Deck gang also thanked for smooth operation of tank cleaning, and steward department given A+ for food and sanitation. Steward, in turn, thanked bosun and deck department for help with barbecue, Steve Brown for extra help and master for providing specialty items for holiday meals. Emergency relief supplies given to crew aboard foreign-flag ship (Panamanian flag, Greekowned, Ukrainian-crewed), Delos #1, who have been without pay for months. Next port: Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG Ship Mgmt.), December 12-Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Dorothy S. Carter, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey, Engine Delegate Adrian Davis, Steward Delegate Jasper Jackson. Chairman noted ship out of yard and will load jet fuel in Singapore for delivery to West Coast. Secretary advised crew that captain is checking on whether crew members can call families from ship during holidays. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills and keeping STCW endorsements updated. TRBs to be filled out by chief mate. No beefs reported in deck or engine departments. During safety meeting, crew members reminded to secure all work areas and rooms, to stay off deck during bad weather and heavy seas, and to always wear hard hats and overalls. Anyone needing goggles, earplugs or safety belt should see mate or bosun. Next ports: Honolulu and Los Angeles. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (AMSEA), December 6--Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kristin Krause, Educational Director Charles J. Betz, Deck Delegate Darryl S. Atwood. Discussion held about SIU-NMU merger. Chairman asked that anyone with problems see department delegate. If problem remains unresolved, take it to ship's committee, which meets weekly. Secretary noted cola machine not working; will be repaired soon. Volunteers needed to help with Christmas decorations. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point He ncited that with possible NMU merger, classes may be mere crowded, so get in early. Treasurer announced $1,955 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Money purchase pension plan discussed. Satellite system is on the way. Contract for . upcoming year to be published soon. Steward department given vote of thanks for enjoyable Thanksgiving Day dinner. Next ports: Barcelona. Spain; Haifa, Israel. SPIRIT (CSX Lines), December 26-Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Angel B. Correa, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Frederick C. Me· er, Engine De egate J · Reyes, Steward Delegate Miguel A. Robles. Chairman talked about SIU-NMU merger vote and asked everyone to participate. Secretary spoke about benefits of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $60 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to lower seatime needed for vacation and retirement. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: San Juan, P.R. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), January 9-Chairman James L. Carter, Secretary Robert A. Castillo, Educational Director David B. Hamilton. Chairman said trip went well with good crew. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and announced arrival in Long Beach, Calif. January 14 with payoff following day. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep vessel clean. Educational director reminded everyone of necessity of obtaining TRBs in order to register. Crew members also need to have STCW endorsements by 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract to have same vacation time as MMP and MEBA. Vote of well deserved thanks given to steward department. EXPLORER (U.S. Ship Mgmt), January 30--Chairman Edward M. Cain, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Ernest Gibson, Deck Delegate Horst Baetjer, Engine Delegate Larry D. Thompson, Steward Delegate Michael R. Briscoe. Chairman announced arrival in Long Beach, Calif. February 2. U.S. Coast Guard inspection drill to take place there. Chief mate sent out notice of time off for unlicensed crew. Suggestion made to send letters to union and company regarding Coast Guard inspections and drills taking place on only full day in port (day off). Request that drills and inspections be held on sailing day, when all crew members are aboard. Secretary noted that any issues concerning food quality or service should be addressed to him. Educational members of upgrading at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on shipping rule violations and equalization of overtime. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk), January 10--Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Theodore E. Gilliland in the Gulf While the USNS Gilliland was in the Persian Gulf recently, SIU members continued to perform their jobs in a professional manner. At right aboard the Bay Ship Management Co. vessel are QMED Octovianus Pariama (left) and GUDE Ezell Jordan. Below, Roberto Rodriguez works on the diesel generator from above. director urged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,500 in ship's fund. Everyone enjoying new video rewinder, thanks to chief cook. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GOPHER STATE (IUM), January 27--Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Winston E. Marchman, Steward Delegate Wayne D. Webb. Chairman announced payoff on January 31 in Guam and urged crew members to continue attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center when time permits. Everything running well with no beefs or disputed OT reported. HM/ DIAMOND SHOALS (IUM), January 29-Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Leticia Perales, Educational Director Nestor V. Martinez, Deck Delegate Randall R. Shearer, Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Chairman announced ship arriving January 30 in El Segundo, Calif. to anchor. Payoff scheduled next day. He thanked deck department for good, safe job. Secretary stated linen always available. If anything else needed, let steward department know. Educational director spoke of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced movie fund of $150/ month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Two suggestions made and forwarded to contracts department. First, that crew receive one hour weekly for sanitary and delegates, chairman and secretary get one hour weekly for union business. Second, that crew members be allowed to collect vacation pay after 80 days employment. Thanks given to all department for job well done. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk), January 23-Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Floyd J. Acord, Steward Delegate Allan D. Bright. Chairman discussed upcoming SIU-NMU merger vote and misinformation being spread via internet about merger. Educational director reminded crew Quammie. Chairman announced everything running smoothly with arrival in Charleston, S.C. January 11. Still awaiting arrival of lounge furniture and new motor for washing machine. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or .disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done . PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON (Waterman Steamship), January 13--Chairman Henry Bouganim, Secretary Patrick D. Helton, Educational Director Robert A. Farmer, Deck Delegate Juan Torres, Engine Delegate Maximo D. Dising, Steward Delegate Rudolph A. Xatruch. Educational director stressed benefits of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to make sure STCW certificates are up to date. Request made to look into availability ofreliefs and also to be sure hiring halls let Seafarers know of pay scale on this vessel. Thanks given to steward department for great voyage, especially holiday meals. Port of expected payoff: Souda Bay, Crete. ROBERT E. LEE (Watennan Steamship), January 23Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Miguel A. Pabon, Deck Delegate Quintin S. Herrera, Steward Delegate Fernando R. Guity. Chairman announced watchstanding changes in deck department. Educational director noted those crew members who took hazmat test this trip should receive validation card from chief mate. Treasurer reported $602 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on penalty rate OT. Job well done given to Capt. William Dunford, engine department and ABs for safe operation after ship hit bad weather while entering port of Morehead City, N.C. Damage was done to bridge and other places in house. Port of expected payoff: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �I lctlcn to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Remembering The Good Times lam writing to let you know my dear friend of nearly 30 years, Wally Lau, passed awaym February. Steward/Baker Wally Lau aboard the Gus W oamelf in 1987. He was 78. We met on the Martposa in San Francisco. He was a great tMk/bilker and got along well ith illl the ~hipmates . Wally made very attractive ornaments for the passenger tables, which pleased the guests very much. He is survived by a daughter, Elaine. Jeanie L. Sartup Rochester, Wash. (Pensioner Jeanie Sartup first sailed aboard the Monterey in November 1969. She retired in 1983.) Remembering The Good Times II Once an SIU member retires after countless years with the best union ever, and the excitement dies down after fishing, vacationing and doing all the other things you couldn't do when you were sailing, you' 11 start thinking of all the amazing sights you've seensome good and some bad. As an oiler aboard the Robin Kirk on the South African run, I remember seeing Tabletop Mountain and Lion Head Mountain as we neared the port of Capetown-both ef which I had read of in geography and history books in my grade school days. Two wipers and I went to the top of Tabletop by cable car and could watch the city getting smaller and smaller. Once on top, it was a. beautiful sight, and I haven 't forgotten it to this date. Then there was the time on the Steel Surveyor as we were heading toward Hawaii for a full load of sugar after discharging military cargo in Saigon. As we neared the Hawaiian coast, I saw the most beautiful sunset everpicture-perfect. Another memory: as a second electrician aboard the Cosmo Trader, we were going to Saigon with military cargo, but due to an emergency, we had to pull into Manila, in the Philippines, for repairs. A company gangway man told us of an unusual sight at a cemetery there. The man was right. After entering through a gate, the chief electrician and I noticed a stone wall encircling the place. As we went in deeper, it was truly a sight to behold. Every deceased person was interred in a marble monument above ground, each one with a huge painting of him- or herself enclosed in glass. One of the monuments was huge and must have housed many generations. The entire cemetery was spotless and a sight to be seen. I have tried to find the pictures I took, but can't locate them. I was an SIU member from 1951 until 1986, and I owe everything I have to the SIU. Members will never realize what a great union they are with until they retire or go somewhere else. Walter Karlak Woodside, Queens, N.Y. Remambarlng The Good Timas Ill Russians have told me that everybody in Russia has read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Around 1953, I spent a month in Russia. I sailed aboard a cadet training stiip in Talin, Estonia and on a Russian ship out of Odessa1 then l l days aboard the Alexander Pushkin from Rostov on the Don to Kazan. With this experience, I wrote a short story, "Bernard Overall, The Russian Tom Sawyer." Rev. Charles H. McTague Harrison, N.J. (Charles McTague joined the S!UonFebruary2, 1939andlater studied for the priesthood at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. He has been a priest for the past 53 years.) Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the November 1 through December 31, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, FREE 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. AD~ISSION November 15, 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than November 25, 2000. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked "Ballot" and a mailing envelope no later than November 30, 2000. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked "Ballot." Do not write on the "Ballot" envelope. Place the envelope marked "Ballot" in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight December 31, 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than January 5, 2001. • F.AA&ILY FUN! ~D:i[]~ @D~~ D [])!]10~~ [].QJ@)G8~~l][]@)G8~ ~©we3 ~ D@B []m80IBDlS0 cu:Dl:18l~~~ Friday, May 5 -12 111• t• • 1-•. lat. - 1u11. - Man.• May 1-1 11 •••• ,. , ,_._ 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expendihrres and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chainnan Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods. such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or sheis denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has .been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. April 2000 �-~;.: Start Date Date of. Completiop April 3 Mayt · May29 April21 May19 June 16 Basic Fire Fighting April 24 May22 April 28 May26 morning Advanced Fire Fighting April 3 May29 April 14 June 9 Seafarers who have .MY questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at th~:.,r~. . :· ....~J.: m~~~!·: ~y- cail the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Government Vessels May8 May22 May26 June9 x-~r h: \~~ _ -: .;_ _ . ; ;·. -~::. · - .;, : . <.~-.;;:_._.}( , .{. , S}A :··. ·\.-:,. .'~ _ ./~: - ~hefQJt~~itJ,gi~. ~b~.·~gli,~9ul~ fo('das~~~~~~niting between April through Tanker Familiarization/ ~sistant <;;argo (DL)* June ZOQ()jlfthe ~,aulHa~fCenter fQr Marii1me training and Education in Piney ,' Poirit, :Nld._AlLprdgrafus ate geared to improv~ thejob skills of Seafarers' an4 to . (*fnusthave basic fue fighting) promote the American maritime industry. · Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the iµatjtime inuustry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students atte11ding any of these classes should check in the Saturday before · theit course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the Qf the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva,· :"#oits· sh~uid be made for Saturday. oeok Upgrading Courses . April 7 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) \ Date of Completion Start Date ". April 28 Mayl6 April 7 ::.May26 . :. Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (~must l1gve b«Sic ./irf!.flghliflg) .: · . April 28 (pre-AB) General educati~rl iij·~J:::;~~lli!~'. :¢~....r:§.~: ~~ j\f~ll~lite· ~i~~~fle~~ Iniddition, ·:.:<ba,;c .v~cational support progra.1rFcoqrses are otfererl throughout the year, ].1~:·:.W.~·ek prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Th.i rd Mate, Tanker Assistant :: :: ::"· : ~~: .. :: J.',.'. Su~~i,:Y.~l ~~µ_rs~; ·:.~P J'1.~9:~.~~p9.~ : :t~:. ~O.:ipll.~~ers .coµrse .will be . · /' . ;!@~:,;n 3; io;'11, ~· _ Mayl, 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12, 19, 26 April 3; 17 May 1, 15, 29 June 12, 26 Check next, month's LOG for·; additionf!I Paul Hall Cent~r co4PseS Tor the second half of the year. ·, ...::.·-~·-·-·-·-·- .....:~·.-. .·..:.:·:_.;:..., ___ ___ ·-·-·-·-·-·- · -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- ~-·-·--··-·-·-·-·-·;._·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·, UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime'for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime .for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _- - ' - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ----'---- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes 0 No Firefighting: 0 Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes 0 No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Apri/2000 Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P 0 Box 75. Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (30 I) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4100 Seafarers L06 21 - �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes - ARPA - Completing the course in automatic radar and plotting aids on February 4 are (from left) Jeff Lagana, Bill Hough, Edgard Martinez, Tim Johnston, Chris Edyvean, Raymond Henderson, John Astad, Dennis Hurley and Mike Smith (instructor). Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 599 - Unlicensed apprentice class 599 graduating from the water survial course are (from left, kneeling) Peter Pamepinto, Normar'I ArquillaM, Ryan Humphreys, Quinton Washington, Elijah Huff, (st~nding) Brian Fifer, Jesus Martinez, Ray Hebert. James Brosher, Donna Sylvia and Jam~I Somerville. Welding Marine Electronics Technician - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on March 3 are (in no particular order) Conrado Martinez, Peter Sternberg, Lino Remorin, David Kloss, Marino Callejas, Sotero Berame, Rhonda Koski and Faustino Pereira. Thei~ instructor was Buzzy Andrews. Graduating from the marine electronics technician course on March 31 are (from left) Frank Bakun, Mohamed Alsinai, George Collier, Douglas Felton and (seated) Jay Linx. Their instructor, not shown, was Russell Levin. At left are the same students on a tour of high tech exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The museum displays helped the upgraders understand the rapid changes that have occurred in technology. Recertified Stewards - Students completing the steward recertification program on March 6 learn the art of ice carving as part of their requirements for graduation. Members of the class (not all in the photograph) are (in no particular order) Richard Riley, Anthony St. Clair, Robert Haggerty, Kevin Marchand, Randy Stephens, Abraham Martinez, Martin Buck, William McGee, Jeanette Montgomery and William Bryley. Able" Seaman - Upgrading Seafarers earning their AB endorsements on February 18 are (in alphabetical order) Ronald Ammar, Arvell Brown, Michael Brown, David Burnham, Paul Cuevas, Randy Diaz, John Durfee, Miguel Guity, Frank Hall, Douglas Hemphill, Mark Hummel, Walter Lichota, Patricia McNulty, Nelson Montoya, Michael Moore, Chad Noda, Phillip Noto, James Stimage and Justin Vonsprecken. 22 Seafarers LOG Aprl/2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL) - Among those completing the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on January 28 with instructor Jim Shaffer are (in no particular order) Shannon Bonefont, Alfred Mcintyre, Europa Tuivati, Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, David Green, Blaine Harkins, Randy McKenzie, Adam Williams, Brandon Scalzo, Robert Parker, Charles Larson, Secundino Arzu, Romel Holand, Kenneth Jones, Michael Mayo, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Erik Nappier, Reggie Donaldson, Thomas Komenda, Lino Remorin, Barry Verbois, John Astad, Enrique Crespo, Roy Williams, Steven Cook, Abdulla Saeed, Jason Dew, Bobby Ellis Jr. , Frank Iverson and John Palughi. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL} - on February 25. another group gradu~ted from thA tanker assistant cargo (DL) cour~e with instructor Jim Shaffer (far right). They are (in no sp@· eifie order) Roy Jerue Jr., Brock Booker, Carlton Hendley, Vincent Sanchez Ill, Fr@d McGauley IV, Derrin Juul, M~rk P@sola , Hectcr Frederick. Judith MJ::rwin, St@v@n Kniola , Miehael Kachele, Jo$eph Saeger', Antheny Brown. William Lough, Donovan Christie, Edgardo Ong, Johnie Chavis, Maxw911 HassQll-EI, John WMg, David Fricker, Kenji Hoffman, Ernie Gay, Jerome Wong, Adel Shahter, Bernard Hutching and David Heavey. •\:. ' SEAFARERS P!»t-HA.U~. !EKTER LIFEBOAT CLASS 6Q.0_ ' "" ·'·~ ~ .. .. :(t~}· ~-·, Unlicensed Apprentice Class 600 - Completing the water survival course are members of unlicensed apprentice class 600. They are (in alphabetical order) Travis Astbury, Joseph Brasher, Shannon Berry, William Colson, Todd Curry, Paul Hagan, Blake Horton, Michael James Jr., Andrew Linares, Michael-Shawn Logotaeao, Jessica Lorusso, Bradford Lowry, Harry Oglesby, William Schuchardt and Leonard Shuman II. FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements on February 18 are (in no particular order) Calvin Mcfield, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva, Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Antuan Barnes, Shaun Bonefont, Cole Bridwell, Kevin Bullen, Elvin Fontanilla, Timothy Apri/2000 Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left, front row) Kameron Kamaunu, Lisa Marie Kitashima, Daniel Dillabough, (second row) Chef Ed White (instructor), Larry Jolla, Terry Allen, Richard P. Mata and Roy Fairfield (assistant instructor). Flynn, Manuel Hernandez, Mohamed Jamsheedi, Anthony Jones, Carlos Majao, Nelson Martin, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise. Their instructor was Mark Jones (far left). Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 62 Number 4 Vacation at Piney Point Now is the time to start thinking_ about a summer vacation. The Paul Hall Center can provide you and]OUT family with all the ingredients for a memorable summer holiday. For additional information and_rates, see page 12. NATCO Crews 'Always Picking Up' Safety Stressed in Round-the-Clock Assignments Captain Phil Kleinebreil describes dredging as "probably the most dangerous part of the maritime industry. There's a lot of moving equipment and the work is nonstop. There are a lot of overhead dangers." SIU crews on NATCO dredges meet the challenge by constantly emphasizing safety. From basic precautions such as wearing hardhats and steel-toed shoes, to more elaborate protective measures like meticulously rigging equipment for dredging and beach-replenishment jobs, the mariners work safely. "I'd say that the union, the company and the crews are well-equipped for doing safe work," says Kleinebreil, who has spent 13 years on NATCO's SIU-crewed dredges. Adds Captain Mike Horn, a 17-year veteran of the industry, "It's fa ·r1y specialized work. In order to do it properly and safely. you can't put just anybody out there." SIU members crew the NATCO hopper dredges Dodge Island, Sugar Island, Padre Island, Manhattan Island and Northerly Island, plus another dredge (the Long Island) operated by NATCO parent company Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. And, as reported in the January issue of the Seafarers LOG, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is building a new 315-foot dredge at a union yard in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.-the Liberty Island, tentatively slated to sail in 2001. "We work all over the place:· notes Hom. "We work most of the major ports on the East Coast and some of the lesser ones. I've also worked jobs in Oregon and California." Routine dredging, channel maintenance and beach renourishment are the most common jobs for NATCO 's fleet. Last month, the five Seafarers-crewed dredges handled assignments in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and Puerto Rico. No matter the task, the vessels operate 24 hours day, seven days a week. Despite that relentlessly demanding schedule, Kleinebreil says the NATCO mariners have found their niche. "I like dredging. The work is hard, but the time goes by fast when you're out here," he observed last month while aboard the Northerly Island. "You get quality time at home, and the money's not bad, either." The crews also keep a sense of humor about their industry. They jokingly describe their work with slogans such as, "Dredging is always picking up," or "Dig it." "And there are a few others, too, but we don't want to go there," Kleinebreil chuckles. Chief Steward Sidney Guidry whips up a delicious lunch for fellow crew members aboard the Northerly Island. Ready to meet with Pat Vandergrift, SIU safety director from the port of Norfolk, Va., are (from left) Asst. Engineer William Quick, AB Brad Brunette and Steward/Cook David Strickland on the Sugar Island. A visiting photographer is the only thing that briefly slows (from left) QMED Brett Sallee, QMED Rickey Pettaway, AB Joe Conlin and Chief Engineer Joseph Kadak aboard the Northerly Island. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES STRANDED CREW FINALLY GOES HOME ITF AIDS MARINERS ON RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP; TAMPA TRIBUNE ARTICLES BARE FOC ‘PRISON’ CARNIVAL TAXED BY PROPOSAL RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVVES UNION RECORDS FOR 1999 AMERICAN CLASSIC ANNOUCES ‘MILESTONES’ IN REVITALIZATION OF U.S. PASSENGER FLEET FIRST ORCS- CLASS RO/RO EXPECTED BY SUMMER 2002. ADMINISTRAIVE TASK FORCE FINDS USCG MISSIONS VITAL FOR COUNTRY. BUILDING NAMES IN LEONA HALL’S MEMORY. NATCO CREWS RATIFY 3-YEAR CONTRACT SIU BOAT OPERATOR RESCUES FISHERMAN SUPREME COURT RULES STATE OVERTSTEPS JURISDICTION REGARDING TANKER REGS AFL-CIO CONTINUES TO PUSH FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC FAIRNESS HVIDE MARINE FOUNDER DIES RECERTIFIED STEWARDS ENCOURAGE APPRENTICES BOEING STRIKE ENDS WORKERS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT ITF: STOP BLACKLISTING FILIPINOS SIU BACKS MARINERS AT MANILA DEMONSTRATION CREW MEMBER CONFIRMS THREAT OF BLACKLISTING GLOBAL LINK FINISHES FLURRY OF FIVE REPAIRS ON THE JOB IN LONG BEACH STORIES WON’T END BECAUSE BOSUN CAIN’S COME ASHORE MOBILE MEMBER CALLS IT A CAREER AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS WITH THE SIU A VOYAGE TO INDIA- 1940 BY MELFRD SMITH Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 4 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ca8cbda27269aa3443977fb652072553.pdf 7f7bd310e1742008c9a00ed98a694cf2 PDF Text Text • • • imulator laildin School Will Add World's Most Modern Systems Groundbreaking for the new simulator building at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took place last month. The school, based in Piney Point, Md., is adding new simulators for shiphandling (insets), engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Pages 12-13. Local Clinic Contracted on Island The union last month opened a new hall in Guam, a U.S. territory where many SIU-crewed vessels are based. It is located on the third floor of Sunny Plaza in Tamuning. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan contracted with a nearby medical clinic in Harmon, Guam. At right (from left), SIU Representative Matt Holly, AB/Dayman Mike Merrell, AB Bruce Bussert, AB John Favero and Recertified Bosun Peter Funk arrive outside the hall. Page 3. Jobs Gained Joining Call for Global Debt Relief Seafarers Crew Tanker Prudhoe Bay The SIU tanker fleet grew last month as Seafarers crewed the Prudhoe Bay from the hall in Tacoma, Wash. The vessel's run includes three different stops in Washington as part of the Jones Act fleet. Page 3. At a rally April 9 in Washington, D.C., Seafarers and other union members joined fellow activists in calling for global debt relief for developing nations. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (center) delivered a powerful message at the event when he pointed out that Third World debt is forcing American workers to "compete for jobs with workers in countries who are making 1O cents an hour." Greeting Sweeney are (from left) Recertified Bosun Dan Ticer, SIU Representative Steve Ruiz and Unlicensed Apprentices Patrick McAlpin and William Yurick. Pages 2, 11. �President's Report Bulldlng for the Future As you can see on the front page of this issue, we have another project under way at the Paul Hall Center designed to further improve the quality of the training Seafarers receive. The center is expanding and upgrading its simulator facility. In a big way. When the Lindsey Williams Building opened 15 years ago, the equipment inside was considered cutting-edge technology. Members could come to the school to upgrade their shiphanMichael Sacco dling skills using computers rather than actually being on the water. Fifteen years ago, the shiphandling simulator was the most effective way of training. It has been upgraded to the best of its capabilities. However, it has reached its limits. All the information stored in the separate computer room in the Williams Building to operate the simulator now can fit inside a laptop computer. The new simulator building-scheduled to open this fall-will continue to provide shiphandling training. The facility is designed to better prepare deck department members to become ABs. The new equipment will allow upgraders to have a full 360 degree view from the virtual bridge. It will have electronic chart displays in a fully integrated bridge. Like the old simulator, it will have several auxiliary bridges along with the main bridge. The difference will be that the separate bridges will be interactive. This means a Seafarer training to operate a docking tug can work with another upgrader learning to bring a containership to port. The technology will allow them to work together to experience this situation. This is just one of many new training situations that can be experienced. Seafarers working aboard tankers and tank barges will benefit from the new technology. The center will be installing a liquid cargo handling tanker simulator which can be used by inland and deep sea upgraders. The new system incorporates the latest technology aboard today's tankers, including computerized loading and discharge. Engine department upgraders will have their own simulator courses. The new equipment will greatly expand the automation training for QMEDs as the center will have the capability to train in any propulsion mode. This includes diesel propulsion, steam propulsion, gas turbine propulsion and all auxiliary support systems. The new building will feature multi-functional classrooms that will allow for all kinds of training. And, best of all, the whole system is designed to upgrade and expand to include the technology needs of the future. The SIU is proud of the fact that we have the best trained, safest mariners in the world. This new s ·mulator complex is the latest proof we intend to keep that distinction. The Paul Hall Center has continually grown and changed to meet and exceed the needs of Seafarers since its gates opened more than 30 years ago. Those of you who have been to Piney Point know of the many changes that have taken place just during the last couple of years. The culinary lab and the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are the most obvious. But, the range of new classes and the modem way that old standards are taught highlight the school's ability to change with the times. The Seafarers LOG will keep you updated on the progress of the new simulator building. The new facility is the latest example of how the SIU is moving ahead with the times-new ships, new jobs, new technology and new training for the new century. Volume 62, Number 5 May 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Seafarers Join In Call For Global Debt Relief Approximately 50 SIU members took part in an April 9 rally in front of the U.S. Capitol-a demonstration described by the AFL-CIO as "a symbolic call to the world's industrialized nations and global financial institutions to break the staggering chain of debt afflicting the world's developing nations." Union members were prominent among the estimated 4,000 people who participated in the four-hour event, culminating with demonstrators forming a human chain around the Capitol. Organized by Jubilee 2000/ USA, which bills itself as "part of a worldwide movement of people of conscience and people of faith, including trade union members, environmentalists, human rights and other activists," the rally kicked off a week of mobilizations aimed at making the global economy work for working families. "High debt levels force developing countries to lower labor standards and wages in order to attract corporate investment," AFL-CIO President John Sweeney told the Jubilee 2000 crowd. "That means American workers must compete for jobs with workers in countries who are making 10 cents an hour. It pits worker AFL-CIO President John Sweeney calls on Congress to cancel the debt owed by some nations. against worker and nation against nation in a race to the bottom, and it's a race we must stop with debt relief." OS Joao Cordeiro, interviewed by a television reporter during the event, said that canceling the debts of the most heavily indebted nations "is the right thing to do." That will help enable them to boost spending on education, health care and job creation, he stated. According to rally organizers, 40 such nations owe other governments and financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, some $220 billion, with little realistic hope of repayment. One result is that these countries cannot afford the most basic social needs. In Mozambique, recent floods killing more than 600 people and displacing a million more added to already crushing poverty, said Eufrigina dos Reis Manoela, a member of that nation's parliament. Yet Mozambique must spend most of its few resources on servicing its debt. "That money should be used for long-term development to Continued on page 11 Many of the Seafarers who took part in the demonstration show off part of the chain held by participants around the U.S. Capitol to symbolize the chain of debt incurred by developing nations. St. Louis Port Council Honors 3 The St. Louis Port Council f;'!JIT2Wi'!777~ of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO last month honored three individuals during its annual dinner event. Pictured at the April 8 affair are (from left) Dick Mantia, port council president; Jack Martorelli, port council VP: Michael Sacco, MTD and SIU president; Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, recipient of the Joseph Sacco Friend of Labor award (named in memory of the late SIU VP); Jimmy Hathman, president of the Iron Workers District Council of St. Louis and winner of the Labor Man of the Year award; Ken Behlmann, president of the Behlmann Automotive Group and honoree as the Management Man of the Year; and Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Council of St. Louis. May 2000 �Prudhoe Bay Signals New SIU Jobs The union last month gained new jobs in its Jones Act tanker fleet as SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime became the operator of the former ARCO vessel Prudhoe Bay. After the first SIU crew signed onto the ship, the vessel began lightering operations in Puget Sound, Wash. The Prudhoe Bay usually loads several grades of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel at the Cherry Point refinery and then lighters to Crowley barges in Anacortes, Wash. Built in 1971 in Baltimore, the tanker is 810 feet long and has a 105-foot beam. It can carry approximately 443 ,000 barrels. SIU Tacoma Safety Director Jamie Overby met with Seafarers as they boarded the tanker late last month. He reported they were excited at the prospect of new jobs for SIU members. In the engine room of the former ARCO tanker are (from left) GUDE J. Israel, OMU Earl Olson, Safety Director Jamie Overby, OMU John Lange and OMU Casey Barber. Helping keep the galley operating smoothly is Chief Cook Gary Loftin. Formerly part of the ARCO ··· . 'fleet, the Prudhoe Bay now by SIU members. Pictured aboard the newly contracted tanker Prudhoe Bay are (from left) AB Alula Teferi. ABT. Ingersol. Safety Director Jamie Overby and Bosun Lewis FitzjearL On 'Z' Job in Pearl Harbor SIU Opens Hall in Guam Welfare Plan Contracts With Clinic With the opening last month of a new SIU hall in Guam, Seafarers now have an additional location where they can register, file for benefits, acquire upgrading forms and beneficiary cards and take care of other related business with the union. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan has contracted with Harmon Doctors' Clinic in Guam, so members may utilize that facil- ity to meet their medical requirements for shipping. "Considering the large number of SIU-contracted ships that are based in Guam, this is a logical move that should prove very convenient for the membership," observed SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. He added that in addition to the SIU halls in the continental United States, the union now operates Earlier this year, SIU-crewed tractor tugs accomplished their task of docking an aircraft carrier at the Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as these photos were taken. Seafarers first crewed the new "Z-class" boats in early 1999. Operated by Admiral Towing and Barge Company. the tugs feature a Z-drive-an integrated unit which replaces conventional propellers and rudders. It performs propulsion as well as steering, thereby enabling the tug to push or pull in any direction. Each of the Hawaii-based tugs-named Z- Three, Z-Four and Z-Five-is 95 feet long. Seafarers in Guam may utilize the new SIU hall at Sunny Plaza (left) and the new clinic in Harmon (right). SIU Hall in Guam Sunny Plaza 125 Tunjesus Crisostona St. Suite 301-E Tamuning, Guam 96911 Telephone: (671) 647-1351 or 1350 Fax: (671) 647-1359 SWP-Contracted Clinic Harmon Doctors' Clinic 2214 Route 16 Harmon, Guam 96912 halls in Guam, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. The Guam hall is located at Sunny Plaza (third floor), 125 Tunjesus Crisostona Street in Tamuning. The clinic is in nearby Harmon, located at 2214 Route 16 (see box above). Meanwhile, progress continues in the modification of the building on Essex Street that will serve as the SIU's Baltimore hall. The union anticipates transferring its Baltimore operations from the current facility on East Baltimore Street to the newer building in the near future. Taking advantage of the newly contracted clinic in Guam are SIU members (from left) AB/Dayman Mike Merrell, AB Bruce Bussert and AB John Favero, each with Tesh Caole of the Harmon Doctors' Clinic. May 2000 Seafarers LOG 3 �Membership Receives President's Pre-Balloting Report SIU President Michael Sacco has issued the pre-balloting report to the membership announcing general elections for the union's officers will take place this year. The releasing of this report is called for in Article X, Section 1( e) of the SIU constitution. The report lists the various offices that will appear on the will begin ballot. Voting November 1 and continue through December 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2001 through 2004. A total of27 positions from president to port agent will appear on the ballot. In presenting the report, Sacco noted he has worked with the union's executive board and port officials to appraise the needs of the SIU for the next four years and beyond, while considering changes that have occurred in the industry. Printed below is the full text of the 2000 pre-balloting report. May 8, 2000 Pursuant to Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my Pre-Balloting Report The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2001-2004 will commence on November 1 and continue through December 31, 2000. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective July 13, 1989, and such other voting procedures as our SecretaryTreasurer may direct I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward the ever-changing meeting demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2000 General Election of Officers for the term 2001 through 2004. HEADQUARTERS President Executive Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Seamen's Missions Offer Aid Centers Assist Mariners Throughout U.S. Editor s Mte.· Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member and diocesan director of the Apostleship of the Sea, wrote the following article. A Catholic priest, Oubre joined the SIU in 1990. This year, he has sailed as an AB aboard the HMI Dynachem and the ocean-going tug Doris Moran. You finish the last gulp of coffee before going below to relieve the watch. It is 1945 hours, and you finish the story with your crew mates. Going below, you relieve the watch. As you look at the clock in the control room, it is 2000 hours. A tremendous shudder rattles the ship to her keel, and at the next moment of consciousness you are on the deck, wondering how you traveled the last 15 feet. As you come to your feet, and head to the main deck, you see the ravaged deckand then come upon one of your friends who only a moment before was sharing your story. He is pinned and dying, crushed by equipment that came loose in the explosion. • • • A clear night meets the watch and the ITB slowly moves out of the channel. Up ahead, a ship is heading into port. The two vessels are positioning themselves to pass port-to-port. This pmcedure has happened thousands of times before, but this time something is different. The alignment is not right. Closing at more than 20 knots, it's too late to avoid collision once you realize this will not be a standard passing situation. A tearing sound rings from ahead, the vibration of two vessels sliding past each other. It is followed by the bright light of igniting fuel. You had read of things like this happening, but you thought it only happens to other people. You ring the emergency alarm, and the crew tries to go to their emergency stations. However, the flames already have engulfed the barge, and the fire's intensity prevents the mate from reaching the life raft canister. Can't stay, can't get to the life raft, so there's only one choice left. You grab your life jacket, and you and the rest of the crew jump into the black abyss. As you rise to the surface, the acrid smells of petroleum fumes fill you lungs, and you do not know if you will make it. • • • The above stories are true, but they are not unique. When a maritime casualty hap- 4 seatarers LOB pens, damage occurs. There is one type of damage to the ship-but there are two types of damage to the crew members. The first type of crew injury is the physical trauma: broken limbs, lacerations, bums. These conditions need immediate attention. Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Enforcement 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 2 Headquarters Representatives 10 Port Agents There shall be one port agent in each of the ten Constitutional ports; namely: Piney Point, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Though they are terribly painful, they can be treated, splinted and bandaged. The healing takes time, but each week, progress can be seen until the bones and flesh heal. Once healed, the mariner can physically return to his or her profession. The second type of damage is much less obvious, and may take much longer to heal. This is the psychological hurt that each mariner suffers in his or her own unique way. Often, one is not aware of the depth of the psychological damage until the physi- San Francisco, Detroit-Algonac and St. Louis. In accordance with the abovementioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open on July 15, 2000 and close on August 15, 2000. The foregoing constitutes your President's Pre-Balloting Report and subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco cal healing is completed, and one prepares to board the next ship. This happened to one of the crew members of the SS Texaco Oklahoma. He did not realize the degree of his injuries until he attempted to board the plane to meet his next ship. At that point, he realized he could never go back. The pain was too great, the hurt too deep. A friend recently said to me, "The company was very good about getting help. Continued on page 8 Fire Fighting Instructors Smith, Combs Pass Away The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are mourning the loss of two fire fighting instructors-John Smith and Richard "Stormie" Combswho passed away recently in unrelated cases. Smith, 71, worked at the school in Piney Point, Md. smce 1988. He died April 16 ~----~ after battling John Smith cancer-a disease which he refused to let keep him off the job, right until his final days. Combs, . .rm......_,.__, 55, started teaching at the Paul Hall Center in He 1996. died March 26, apparent- ~"­ ly from com- ·ifw.w.'.!"'''''' p 1i cat i on s Stormie Combs after what was expected to be fairly minor surgery. Both men helped plan and build the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (pan of the Paul Hall Center), which is the premier marine fire fighting facility in the U.S. It opened last year. "It's a shame. I don't know how you replace either one of them, because they both did such a great job," said Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. "We extend our condolences to, both fami- lies, but I know that everyone here at the school also feels as if we've lost two members of our family." Jim Hanson, safety director at the center, knew both instructors well. "When we hired John, he told me that he never dreamed he would get paid for doing something he loved so much," Instructors John Smith (left) and Stormie Combs (center), picHanson recalled. "It didn't tured at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School with take long for him to prove that. fellow teacher Rick Redmond, brought dedication and expertise Whenever you gave him a to their jobs. class, a project or anything else to do, he was on it right A Florida native, Smith Mechanicsville (Md.) Volunaway. I learned in a very short served in the U.S. Navy from teer Fire Department and was time that I didn't have to check 1950 to 1973. He remained an a familiar face at local schools, on him to see if a task was active member of the Bay where he annually instructed d(')ne, because it always was. District Volunteer Fire Depart- children on fire safety during "I have known Stormie ment, located in Lexington "Fire Prevention Week." since we joined the county's Both made numerous trips volunteer (fire fighting) com- Park, Md. and was to have been inducted this month into to the SIU-contracted passenpanies," Hanson continued. "I Southern Maryland ger boats Delta Queen, Misstook him on his first trip on the the Delta Queen to show him the Volunteer Fire Department issippi Queen and American different classes we do for Association Hall of Fame. (His Queen, where they provided those crews, and I immediate- posthumous induction took on-site safety training for ly knew he was going to love it place at Smith's memorial ser- Seafarers. In various remembrances, and do a great job for us. vice on April 22.) He instructed an estimated they were praised as extremely People on the boats looked forward to his return. He had a 7 ,000 students throughout reliable and diligent. way with people; you just had Southern Maryland, not only "They're a credit to this to love him." at the Paul Hall Center but also school," stated Bobby Dean, Fellow instructor Anthony at local colleges and emer- another fire fighting instructor Hammett also knew both men gency-services organizations. at the Paul Hall Center. for many years. During most of his years at the "Stormie never had an enemy. 0 Stormie would give you Seafarers school, he was the John, once you got through the the shirt off his back in a primary fire fighting instructor rough exterior, you saw that he snowstorm," Hammett said. "I had a love for the fire fighters for the trainees. never saw him upset. He was and Seafarers he trained." born in LeonardCombs, always trying to help someRecertified Steward Dorotown, Md., was a veteran of body. the U.S. Air Force (1963thy Carter described Combs "John was a good instructor, too," he continued. "I hope 1969). He worked as a fire and Smith as "very supportive. I'm (working) that hard when fighter for the Department of They were always there for the I'm that age, because he'd Defense for 23 years before students. and we needed that wear me out. He really put a joining the Paul Hall Center more than anything else. They staff. He was an officer for the meant a lot to us." lot of energy into his job." May2000 �Military 'Depends' on Merchant Marine Joint Chiefs Chair Shelton Reaffirms Support for U.S.-Flag Fleet The nation's highest ranking military officer told cadets at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. that the military "depends" on the U .S.-flag merchant fleet. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Henry H. Shelton (U.S. Army), addressed the students during the academy's 12th Battle Standard Dinner on April 5. His remarks covered several topics, but he opened with his emphatic support for the U.S.flag fleet. "Quite simply stated, our national security strategy depends on a vital merchant marine, and the Joint Chiefs and I know it and so do our leaders in Washington," Shelton stated. "Ask any officer from any of the services who has had the opportunity to serve on a joint task force in the myriad of hot spots around the globe- just ask any of them if the U.S. merchant marine is important to their operations," noted the general. "You will not only get a 'yes,' Georgine Retires as President Of the Building Trades Dept. Robert A. Georgine retired last month as the president of the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (BCTD) a position he has held more than 25 years. "The trade union movement is losing one of its giants," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob Georgine has always been a fighter for building trades members. He has done a lot to improve the lives of a.11 working people_ We are all going to miss our friend," added Sacco, who also is president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. The BCTD board elected Edward C. Sullivan, president of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, to finish Georgine's unexpired term. The board also selected Joseph Maloney, who had been the executive director for the Canadian office of the BCTD, to be the department's secretary-treasurer. Georgine, 67, started his career in his native Chicago catching hot rivets as .an Iron Worker helper. After serving in the Army, be began an apprentice program as a lather. He later was elected business agent of Lathers Union Local 74 before becoming president of the International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers_ He was elected to the BCTD post in December 1974. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called Georgine "a strong and effective leader_ His supp6rt for the programs of the AFL-CIO has been a critical factor in our rebound in organizing and political power." New York Bill Aims to Include Mariners in Civil Service Exam Law New York legislators are considering a bill that would provide men and women who sail in the U.S. merchant marine with the same status as members of the U.S. armed forces when they apply to take a state competitive civil service exam. State senate bill 1710 was introduced earlier this year by 12 members of the upper body of the New York State Legislature. It is being considered by the Senate's Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs. May2DDO and Construction Trades Dept. He is pictured with SIU Pres_ Michael Sacco after addressing the 1998 Mart meat department workers earlier this year voted to join the UFCW. Since that mid-February vote in Jacksonville, Texas, the company's union-busting lawyers have used red tape in attempts to stall and subvert the exercise of employee rights. Armstrong, who works at Crown Cork & Seal in Abilene, Texas, pointed out that several UIW members at the plant have family members who are employed at Wal-Mart_ "So, we've had an inside look at some of the tactics the compa- ny is using to prevent this election from being successful," be noted. "The UFCW has one representative in town for these [ 1OJ meat cutters; the company bas 20. The company is bringing in each employee one at a time and then in groups, telling them that unions are just 'big business that wants their dues.' Then they tell them the union won't get them Gen. Henry H. Shelton ed all U.S. forces during the Persian Gulf War also has been vocal in his backing. "Since I became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I have come to appreciate first-hand why our merchant marine has long been called the nation's fourth arm of defense .... The American seafarer provides an essential service to the well-being of the nation, as was demonstrated so clearly during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm," noted Gen. Colin Powell in 1992. MarAd's Hart Visits SIU Vessels Maritime Trades winter executive board meeting. Like the Maritime Trades, the BCTD is one of seven trade and industrial departments within the AFL-CIO. The BCTD is composed of 15 international unions representing 3 million construction workers in the U.S. and Canada. The measure would amend the present state law to allow merchant mariners to take the same makeup civil service exams as permitted members of the armed forces when they are not available on the regular testing day because they are on active duty. Civil service tests are required for some jobs in the Empire State. The position goes to the person with the highest score. The law provides for military personnel who are forced to miss an exam they have qualified to take, to have a special test administered later. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey saluted the legislators introducing the bill. He said recent actions to include mariners who sailed in World War II as veterans made the elected officials aware of the problem with the state's civil service exam process. SIU Affiliate Backs Wal-Mart Campaign On the heels of the first prounion vote by Wal-Mart employees~ the AFL-CIO and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) have launched a joint nationwide educational campaign to spotlight the harmful impact the huge retail chain is having on working families and their communities across the nation. "Regardless of industry, occupation, trade or craft, Wal-Mart is destroying jobs, lowering wages, eliminating health benefits and busting unions" wherever it situates, said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and UFCW President Douglas Dority in a letter to all AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils. During the campaign's early stages, two members of the SIUUnited Industrial affiliated Worker (UIW}-Mike Armstrong and Glenda Copelin-recently participated in a rally in Tyler, Texas, near the town where Wal- Robert Georgine (left) retired last month as president of the Building but a resounding 'yes-and-canwe-have-more! '" This is not the first time the Battle Standard Dinner has been used by a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to declare support for the U.S.-flag commercial fleet and its American citizen mariners. Three years ago, Shelton's predecessor, Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, told the cadets, "Today, after two centuries, our merchant marine is every bit as important and every bit as vital to the commerce and defense of our nation as it ever has been. "We simply cannot overstate the vital contributions of our U.S. merchant marine. Our national security depends on its vitality," Shalikashvili stated. These two chairmen are not alone in their support. The man who served in the post immediately prior to both and command- anything (through collective bargaining) or represent them." Armstrong is president of the AFL-CIO Abilene/Big Country Central Labor Council, which supported the Tyler rally. Sweeney and Dority took part in that event, which may be a springboard to union representation for other workers at WalMart's 2,485 stores in the U.S. "We won't stand by and let Wal-Mart take our money at the cash registers as consumers, then stab us in the back as workers," said Sweeney. "As a movement, we must take steps to respond to Wal-Mart's attack on our living and working standards." Meanwhile, the UFCW welcomed a ruling in late March by the National Labor Relations Board ordering a union representation election for meat and seafood department employees at the Wal-Mart "Supercenter" in Palestine, Texas. Labor's initial reports in ·its nationwide educational campaign concerning Wal-Mart pointed out that, among other facts, Wal-Mart is the largest outlet for imported goods in the United States, buying many products from countries Seafarers aboard the Gopher State and the Petersburg recently welcomed U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (far right) aboard the respective vessels in Guam. Recertified Steward George Borromeo aboard the Petersburg said Hart complimented the SIU for its reliability. Recertified Bosun Peter Funk told Hart that the crews "extend our gratitude for the opportunity to serve MarAd and our country in the most professional manner possible." Pictured with Hart aboard the Petersburg are (from left) Captain Jay Parker, Guam Rep. Robert Underwood, Funk and Borromeo. Both ships are operated for MarAd by lnterocean Ugland Management where child labor, slave labor and human rights suppression are commonplace. Additionally, an average WalMart employee earns about $11,700 per year (working 30hour weeks), while only 38 percent of Wal-Mart employees have company-provided health cover- age (the national average is more than 60 percent). And qespite the company's "Buy American" and "Bring it Home to the USA" slogans, a pair of 1998 studies revealed that 80 percent and sometimes more than 90 percent of clothing sold in Wal-Mart is foreign-made. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (left} and Mike Armstrong, a member of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, discuss labor's efforts to protect Wal-Mart workers' legal right to choose union representation. The two met at a rally in Tyler, Texas. Seafarers LOG 5 �With 29 diversified facilities for handling all types ; of cargo, the port of Los Angeles-including Long Beach · and Port Hueneme-is one of the busiest in the nation. In recent weeks, SIV Wilmington Port Agent John Cox met some of the incoming SIV-crewed vessels in those ports f\fq'~,;0··;r1·,<W{;%''J!:ti-1'.~;(t1\?2t.;1)1)fi>'I to update the members on recent activities within the union and the maritime industry and to clarify or respond to any questions raised during their voyages. Cox also provided the photos appearing on this page. More of these pictures will be included in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOQ. Susan Galka (above) is an AB aboard the USNS Effective (below), a SWATH vessel operated by Maersk for special missions of the Military Sealift Command. Aboard the Developer, AB Jerry Borucki loads barrels with the help of a deck crane. In the Wilmington Hall When the Overseas New York tied up in Long Beach, the camaraderie among crew members was evident. Pictured above are QMED Stanley Golden and Recertified Steward Nancy Heyden. 6 Seafarers LOG Working on deck are Overseas New York crew members (from left) Bosun Carlos Loureiro. Chief Engineer Jeremy McCartney and Chief Pumpman Dencio cayan. Chief Cook Carlita Navarro AB Ron J. Sagadraca May2000 �Work Starts Aboard Lakers Despite Low Water Levels Low water levels in the Great Lakes-the fastest decline in nearly 150 years-is not only affecting shoreline property owners and marina operators, it also is forcing cargo vessels-like the SIU-crewed American Republic -to lighten their loads in order to avoid running aground in channels and ports. Lakes Huron, Michigan and Erie each have fallen 312 feet over the past three yearsbetween 11 and 13 inches below last year's levels. (The waters on Superior and Ontario have remained fairly constant because they are regulated by locks and dams.) Some of the marinas and channels can be dredged to avoid boat damage, but freighters and barges have resorted to cutting their loads-some by as much as 6,000 tons-to reduce their drafts by two feet in order to stay clear of running aground in narrow waterways and ports. According to Glen Nekvasil, spokesman for the Clevelandbased Lake Carriers' Association, "When you light-load your vc:ssd by 6,000 tons, you 're leaving more than $200,000 on the dock. This is not really a positive development, but there's nothing we can do about it." Nekvasil further noted that if it took an average of 50 voyages to meet a customer's coal or iron ore requirements in 1997, it now would take 52 trips with a lightened load. The low water levels could mean additional runs during this season for SIU-crewed vessels. Sometimes a laker can run more routes to make up the shortfall, but those that must traverse the Sault Ste. Marie locks are limited since the locks are closed from January 15 to March 25 due to winter ice. Vessels that don't have to pass through the locks have taken advantage of the lack of winter ice to stretch the shipping season and get in more runs. This year, for example, the SIU-crewed Medusa Conquest started the new season by sailing from Chicago to Charlevoix on February 7-just 13 days after its last voyage from the prior season. That meant that some Great Lakes mariners, who usually have ab.:>ut twl'.'.l ml'.'.lnths off during the winter seas.:>n, this year had only about two weeks. Scenes like these are not uncommon on the Great Lakes this year. Above: the lake bed is clearly visible where the American Mariner is tied up. Below: four additional feet of water usually pound against this dock. Nekvasil confirmed that in such cases, shipping on the Great Lakes "is becoming a year-round industry." The reason for the low water levels this year is two warmerthan-average winters. Snowpack runoff, rain and winter temperatures affect the water levels on the Great Lakes. This year has seen much less snow, lower-than-average rainfall and increased evaporation of surface water due to the mild winter. Higher temperatures mean less ice to protect the lakes from early evaporation and less melting snow to replenish tributaries and groundwater. And if the lack of rain continues, the Illinois Natural Resources Water Survey Division believes a drought-and therefore water shortages-are possible this summer. Dealing with this whim of Mother Nature is especially difficult since only three years ago, the water levels were at a nearrecord high. In spite of the low water levels, Seafarers are hard at work, carrying the cargoes so vital to the economy of this nation: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, sand, grain, salt and liquid bulk products. Fitout on t.IJe Alpena Cleveland, Ohio While the American Mariner was docked at Drummond Island, OS Justin Von Sprecken did some work from the landing chair, as did (inset) OS Robert Crosby. Mark LaFrance Cook Norbert Hinrichs Wheelsman Taking part in a lifeboat drill aboard the John J. Boland in Sandusky, Ohio are (clockwise from top) Wheelsman Kelly DeVine, Bosun Michael Keogh and Wheelsman Larry Skowronek. James Werda Wheelsman May2000 Seafarers LOG 7 �r NATCO Crews in the News lnq1irin9 Seatarer Question: Which port was your favorite to sail into and why? (Asked of SIU members in the union hall in New Orleans.) Norman Jackson, Steward• Recife, ' Brazil. It was a pleasant place. I loved the beach and enjoyed being there. Terrence Ford,DEU - I've only been to one port outside the country and that was Haifa, Israel. It is nice, the climate is good and the people are good. March proved noteworthy for Seafarers sailing aboard NATCO dredges, for at least two reasons. First, as reported on page 4 of the April St:1afarers LOG, SIU crews overwhelmingly approved a new threeyear contract. Participating in negotiations were (top photo, from left) NATCO VP Bill Pagendarm; SIU Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta; Seafarer Dale McKelvie; SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker; Seafarers Ray Maddock, Mike Horn and Jeff McCranie; NATCO Project Manager Bill Murchison and NATCO Operations Manager George Strawn. The agreement includes wage and benefit increases and was extremely well-received by the membership. In the next two photos, Seafarers on the Padre Island meet with SIU Mobile. Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly (left photo, standing) before casting their Vl".'.ltes. Meanwhile, Captain Steve Taylor provided the two photos at bottom. which illustrate another newsworthy happening involving NATCO crews (also reported last month). SIU member Dennis Johnston (right) helped rescue a local sport fisherman whose boat otherwise would have smashed into either these rocks (left) in San Juan Harbor or the grounded runaway-flag ship nearby. ...,......~--==---___, Jimmy Dea no, BREC Perth, Australia. It really was five women to every people were nice there to me. I sailed a majority of my time between India and Puerto Rico. When I kit I t1eeded tounseling, they sent me to a good family counselor. The counselor was very good and very qualified, but she could not understand the life of a seaman, or life on board a ship. "I went to the sessions, but they really did not help," the friend continued. Lilt was only when I talked to my uncle who had been a seamen during World War II. He had his ship torpedoed out from under him. He experienced being in the dark water, the stench of oil, and the loss of his shipmates. He understood what I had gone through and the ways of the sea. Because he knew, he could teach me how I could heal and sail again." My friend then said, "Father, could you tell the mariners that if they are in the same type of situation that I faced, they can come to the seamen 's mission. There, they can find a priest or minister who knows the life of the mariner and can be a listening ear as he B seatarers LOG tries to heal his mind and spirit." I promised to do so, and that j~ the purpose of this article. • • • All along the coasts of North America are seamen •s missions that are at the service of mariners. Often, these places are thought of as a location for a ride to the store, a place to call home or a port-o call for a cheap beer. However, and most importantly, they are the mariner's place for spiritual ministry of mind and soul. As a port chaplain and as an active mariner, I invite you to visit the seamen's mission near you for help in healing your mental or spiritual pains. These may be the result of a casualty, or other causes. Very recently, a brother mariner shared with me how much a local seamen 's mission helped him to overcome his addiction to alcohol. He confessed that he wouldn't be working today if he had not been given some tough love, and loving up- port at the local seamen's miss1on. If you are unsure where the closest seamen's mission is to you, I invite you to check at your union hall, or contact the Rev. Paul Chapman at the North American Maritime Ministry Association. Rev. Chapman works in coordination will all the centers in North America. His phone number is (212) 533-6945. You also may contact him by email at PKCMAN@aol.com or by writing to him at 23 7 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012. Another contact is Rev. Bob Balderas at the Apostleship of the Sea: telephone (202) 541-3226; email aos·usa@nccbuscc.org; mailing address 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017. Also, feel free to contact me at (409) 838-0451 extension 137. As my friend said, "If I would have known more about the seamen's mission, I would have gone there earlier." Chief StewardAntofagasta, Chile. Nice and tropical with beautiful scenery. The people greet you nice. The beach is beautiful. Birke, QMED Mombasa, Kenya. I went on a safari, saw elephants and other animals in the wild. I had a good time. Lawrence man. Calcutta, India. The Continued from page 4 ....---,....._--...,...__..,..,..,......, Howard Williams, Everybody told me that. I went and I said, 'They weren't lying.' J ohnny Young, retired Chief Cook- Seamen's Missions and Centers Areat~eServWeof Marinen Stacey Bernard, OS - Singapore. It is a nice place for shopping for clothing and souvenirs. It is beautiful for sightseeing. Laurie Christmas, QMED I've been around the · world many : times - I used to be a Delta Lines stiff - and any place in Brazil would be my favorite. ~ Wright, retired QMEDMombasa, Kenya. It felt just like home. The people were very friendly. Frank Cotton gin, AB/Dayman - I guess Estonia, in the Baltic Sea. Everything about it. The scenery was nice, plus it was my first ship (Liberty Sea), so it was exciting. Michael Devalle, L ChiefSteward · . - Any place ~ in South . America. · The people ~ were nice. It was a paradise run for members back then on Delta Lines. Bosun Mixon Commended By Overseas Chicago Capt~ Recertified Bosun Jesse Mixon recently was credited by Captain William Gould for his outstanding work aboard the tanker Overseas Chicago. In a letter to Mixon, which was forwarded to the SIU, Gould noted the "very fine job you have done during this past shipyard period aboard the Overseas Chicago. Both the chief mate and myself have been impressed not only with your competence and ability to get the job done, but also by the way you worked so well with shipyard and contract employees." The letter continued, "Thanks in large part to your determination and dedication the Overseas Chicago has come a long way .... Whether it was setting up the rigging to paint the undersides of the bridge wings, or insuring the airless paint sprayer kept running, you continually made sure things happened. "You are a credit to both your profession and the SIU." Mixon has been an SIU member for 26 years. May2DOD �New Orleans Members Meet With HQ Officials Active and retired Seafarers at the New Orleans hall got together April 11 with officials from SIU headquarters during the monthly membership meeting. SIU President Michael Sacco, Exec. VP John Fay and Sec.-Treas. David Heindel participated in the assembly, along with more than 50 members. Sacco provided updates on the potential merger of the NMU into the SIU; the importance of doing a good job and working safely aboard ship; new job opportunities in the SIU; donating to SPAD, and more. Attending the membership meeting in New Orleans last month are (from left) SIU Patrolman James Brown, President Michael Sacco, New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and VP John Fay. President Sacco (above) updates members (top right) on the latest happenings within the SIU and the U.S. maritime industry. Group from Guam Begins Curriculum At Paul Hall Center Eight citizens of Guam arrived ship. Finally, students return to last month at the Paul Hall Center the center for department-specific training that prepares them to begin sailing aboard SIU-contracted vessels. for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., where they are enrolled in the unlicensed apprentice program. They are the first residents from the westernmost United States territory to sign up for the three-phase curriculum, which r pares students for a career at SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) greets Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt, who gave a vote of thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco and his staff. Alaskans Tackle Apprentice Program sea. Arriving from Guam were Samuel Lloyd, Ryan Legario, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Joseph Benavente Jr., Jerald Martinez, Christopher Dionio and Allyson Pangelinan. The unlicensed apprentice program includes an initial 12week training session in Piney Point covering the basics, followed by a 90-day practical training and assessment period that takes place aboard a U.S.-flag Welcoming the first group from Guam to enroll in the unlicensed apprentice program are Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (fifth from left) and Recruiting Director Bart Rogers (far right). The newest apprentices are {from left, front row) Christopher Dionio, Michael Herrera, (second row) Samuel Lloyd. Ryan Legario, Allyson Pangelinan, Joseph Benavente Jr., (third row) Kevin Ignacio and Jerald Martinez. Assisted by a career-placement program run by the state, four Alaska residents are enrolled in the entry training program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. They chatted with school and SIU officials following last month's membership meeting. Pictured from left to right are Patrick McAlpin, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Beth Ketah, SIU President Michael Sacco, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. New Bedford Patrolman Retires More Apprentices Earn GEDs A familiar face at the SIU hall in New Bedford, Mass., Patrolman Eugenio DeSou:sa (left, with Port Agent Henri Francois) retired April 28. Desousa worked at the New Bedford hall for 13 years. Previously, he worked in various jobs in the fishing industry, both in the U.S. and in his native Portugal. DeSousa's plans for retirement include spending time with his children and grandchildren. working around his New Bedford-area house and-despite decades of doing this for a living-fishing. "He did a great job and will be missed," noted Francois, who presented Desousa with a commemorative plaque. In recent months, a number of unlicensed apprentices have taken advantage of the GED program offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. During last month's membership meeting at the Piney Point, Md. facility, apprentices Quinton Washington and Elijah Huff (fourth and fifth from left, respectively) were congratulated by SIU officials for earning their high school equivalency diplomas. Pictured from left to right are Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Washington, Huff, SIU Sec.-Treas. David Heindel, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Also earning his GED was apprentice Donald Davis, who was unable to attend the meeting. May2000 Seafarers LOG 9 �On SW Ships in San Francisco SIU members aboard the Sea-Land ships Challenger, Pacific and Trader and on Matson's R.J. Pfeiffer and Lurline met recently with officials from the union's San Francisco hall. Pictured on this page with the SIU crews are SIU West Coast VP Nick Marrone, Asst. VP Nick Celona and Safety Director Vince Coss. During the shipboard meetings, crews and officials discussed (among other news) the maritime industry's latest training requirements, construction of new SIU-contracted ships, and the importance of political action. Sea-Ltmd Trader VP Nick Marrone, Recertified Bosun Dennis Brown Sea-Land Challenger VP Nick Marrone, Chief Steward Bill Bragg Lurline Chief Cook Jon Blasquez, VP Nick Marrone, Chief Cook John Stein, Safety Director Vince Coss, QMED Ed Rynberg, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul R.J. Pfeiffer Asst. Cook Marcus Rowe, Chief Steward John Bulawan, Chief Cook Ronnie Richardson, Asst. VP Nick Celona ·:.; il<l«jw~·:.iti~·3~rt,¢1(::ari<l ·:support manttme tabor's ... 'fight to .t>resefv~ American jfJips, manned by ·. : :t95:s·:··.: ; ·:· . . ··. Lurline (Sitting) VP Nick M~rrone, Chief Steward Lucille Aguilar (Standing) Matson's James Mann, Chief Cook Steven Sun, Asst. VP Nick Celona Federation Promotes Savings Bonds American seamen at ':Arilerican·wage levels. He .:· lald the.responsibility for the decline of U.s.· . m~ri.dme:·af the door.of ~he Departments of .· · Agricuftu·re, Defense and State, whose polkie$ : weaken rather than help American shipping. , ~h~ . irimrqye~'t .we~f~e ·and··. bospitaU~tton pack- · Sen~tors v ance. Hartke, T~d Kennedy and · /·~g¢·'. :Were··.ri~gO,tia,t¢d: :Wit~ the s~.!P O\.Vn~rs :on . ·. o·aniel IJ'touye also ·Called for a stronger .: the advke·of the . Americaii~flag· mer~ ·S~afare..S W~lfare Plan.:· , chant fleet in speeches A v~~tpe~: plan to indud~ hospi~I an~ su~gicar·pe~¢fl.t5;;; ..(p.~usJ ~Ii incruse in ·disahUitY:.: . .· benefits,·. hOspltal benefits and death ·benefits.. will go .into effect on June 1. The provisions of The provisions . . ·include: Jiospitat bene~ The AFL-CIO is endorsing this year's national campaign overseen by ' the U.S. government encouraging citizens to "save for a more secure :·. fits fofWives of..:· ·: :s~afarerfarid unmar~ .: :;, future" by investing in savings bonds. In announcing its backing, the federation (to which the SIU is affiliated) noted, "Even though we are in the midst of the best economic times in history, as a nation we have a very low savings rate . ... Savings bonds provide Americans, young and old, a safe and convenient way to save. Whether buying the familiar series EE or the inflation-protected series I, savers receive competitive interest rates, exemption from state and local income taxes on earnings, and under certain circumstances exclusion from federal income tax if the bonds are used to pay the tuition and fees of higher education." The new series I bond is currently earning 6.98 percent interest, and the series EE was earning 5 .19 percent as of April. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, labor chairman on the national volunteer committee promoting the campaign, said, "The labor movement's long history of endorsement for the savings bonds program has been based on our concern for assuring that union members and their families know about and have access to this opportunity of saving for a sound financial future. For many working Americans ... savings bonds can offer an easy and relatively high-yielding method to save for their future needs." More information is available on the internet at: www.savingsbonds.gov. 10 Seafarers LOB THIS MONTH 'M .... Ht rTo ,:f~ ~--V :· .· ~( ~· =' · ._ .; · beforetheconven- · · 1 tiQn~ . . v ..,·· ried children under 19; provisions .for . home visits by a fami- rn:=~~~====~~============~ Ending nearly 72 . hours of uncertain ly physician; surgical benefits up to a maxicaptivity by the new Communist Cambodia mum of $300; death benefits are raised from the entire 39-m.an crew, 28 of them $1,000 to $3,500 and the disabflity pension · regime, SIU members, of the seized containership ·is. increased .by .·$ lO per wee~ tq $~5 pet M~yaguer were safely rescued tare· Wednesday week. · · evening, May 14, by the naval destroyer USS·, Wilson shortly after military action was carried out by combined U.S. Marine and Air Force · ' 1965 · .. . The 12th biennial convention of the Seafarers units against the Cambodians~~.. The Mayaguez, en route from Hong Kong to ·. International Union of North Alnerka was Sattahip, Thailand loaded with 225 containers held in Washington from May 26 through 1 of cargo, was reportedly seized in intern9tional · J~ne l. The highlight of the conventlon s first waters off the coast of Cambodia in one of the day' came when Aft-CIO President George most traveled trade routes in Southeast Asia. ,Meany pledged that, the federation would go May2000 �ISeat arers Participate in Jubilee 2000/USA: Breaking the Chains of Debt I Continued from page 2 cure social ills," she said during the rally. As one union member put it, "If they could get the debt canceled it would mean their governments wouldn't be so easy to exploit by corporations that are just looking for the cheapest way to make the bigger profits. They don't care about the people in these countries." Among those shals were (kneeling) L.G. Johnson, (standing, from left) Josh Ellerbee, Jerramy McNeil, Jessy Lorusso and Thomas Minton. OS Joao Cordeiro (left) is interviewed by a television reporter. Left: Blake Horton (left) answers a visitor's question about the rally. Ready to lend a hand to rally organizers are (top photo, from left) Seafarers DeShawn Stephenson, Dave Campbell, Mike James and Ole Olsen, along with (bottom photo, from left) Dan Ticer, Brad Lowry, David Jones, Travis Kirchhofer and Todd Curry. Low temperatures and a daylong wind advisory didn't deter SIU members from taking part in last month's rally in Washington, D.C. supporting debt relief for developing nations. At right (from left), Bob Wilson and Blake Horton join thousands of other supporters near the Capitol. Below (from left), Seafarers John Mossbarger, Jioia de Leon, Heather Frizzelle, Steve Ledermann, Dorothy Carter and Joao Cordeiro arrive early for the April 9 event. Why Global Debt Relief Matters to Working Families Editors note: The following is reprinted with permission, from the AFL-CIO. Saddled with enormous debt owed to international financial institutions and rich countries, the governments of many developing nations ex.pose their citizens to exploitation by multinational corporations and are unable to spend money on critical health and education needs. This overwhelming debt helps speed the global "race to the bottom," lowering wages, living standards and workers' rights not only in poor nations, but in the United States as well. Relieving that debt would help create a global economy that works for working families in all nations. Because they lack their own resources, poor governments have to borrow billions of dollars from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to finance their economic development. But these institutions often require poor countries to reduce spending on social programs, cut wages, eliminate job security and privatize public enterprises. These moves can be devastating. leading to massive job losses, which in tum May2000 make it hard for governments to afford to pay back their debts. The pressure to repay their debt prevents governments of developing nations from meeting their citizens' basic needs. For example, Zambia spends $3 on debt payments for every $1 it spends on basic social services. This in a country where, according to the Harvard University Center for International Development, 20 percent of the population is HIV positive, 30 percent of children have no vaccinations and half of the population has no access to safe drinking water. Meanwhile, in their efforts to augment international loans with private investments, governments of developing nations often lower labor standards and wages to attract corporations-undercutting jobs here and abroad by forcing competition with workers who earn as little as 10 cents an hour. Because the debt owed to the United Sates is a ver.y small proportion of our overall budget, relieving developing nations' debts would barely impact the United States- but it would make a huge difference to the countries affected. Seafarers LOS 11 �Paul Hall Center A L The engine room simulator includes diesel propulsion plant consoles (upper left), the electric power plant main switchboard (upper right) and electric power plant consoles (right). It is designed for the training of engine room watchkeeping personnel in the operations of a vessels diesel propulsion plant and electrical power plant and includes an auxiliary systems and machinery simulator. ast summer, the Paul Hall Center for M marine-oriented fire fighting and safe of its kind. The center, located in Piney Point, Md., i mier this fall when it is scheduled to open ne simulator in the world. Altogether, the refu addition will feature new simulators for ship tions and liquid cargo procedures. Deep sea, inland and Great Lakes Seafar upgrading courses will utilize the new simula tice program. Without exception, the simulat with the amended STCW convention. These new simulators will go a long way trained in the latest shipboard technology," s help SIU crews prepare for the challenges of "It's going to be a huge boost to the stu added J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of v "Several years of research went into this, incl ulators overseas. Because of the thoroughne the best equipment for the best-trained, safes The centerpiece of the expansion w'ill 360~degree viewing sector and three interac include an integrated ship control console wi (GMDSS), electronic chart display (ECDIS, console and more. Graphically, it is believed to be as power The simulated "views" from the bridge are re wide variations in weather, time of day and c It provides teaching support in the follo coastal and offshore navigation; collision avo · igation systems; search and rescue operation igation; bridge watchkeeping procedures incl GMDSS procedures; oil spill response manag bridge team management. The engine room simulator is potentially wipers to engineers. It is designed for the trai in the operations of a vessel's diesel pr Additionally, it includes an auxiliary systems The crane and liquid cargo simulators are The simulators are designed by Transas M Further details about the simulators and t upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. 0 Adding to the realistic feel of the simulators is an integrated ship control console with tools such as Furuno radar (lower left) and electronic chart displays ECDIS (left and below). Thousands of navigational charts from around the world are included Some Classes That Will Utilize New Simulators AB Bridge management Third mate/limited license Unlicensed apprentice Inland courses QMED FOWT Pumproom maintenance and operations Crane maintenance electrician Tankerman-PIC (barge) (DL) Tankerman familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) Diesel engine technology Marine electrical maintenance Gr, Ql 12 Seafarers LOB May2000 �• Qing 4 Simulators Instructors can select from a wide variety in weather, time of day, location and class of vessels for the full-mission shiphandling simulator (above and two photos directly below). aritime Training and Education opened a new, school now considered by many as the best looking forward to another blockbuster preclassrooms equipped with the most modem bished Lindsey Williams Building and new andling, engine room functions, crane opera- rs in nurutf(")U~ deck and eng;ne department ors, as will students in tht unlicensed apprenr~bascd training in those cour es ill cDmply oward helping ensure that Seafarers arc fully id SIU President Michael Sacco. "They will the new century." ems, the instructors and our entire school," cational education at the Paul Hall Center. ding evaluation of some of the high-tech sims of that research, we know we' re installing -working mariners in the world." fu11-mission shiphandling simulator with a ive auxiliary bridges. The main bridge will h ARPA/radar, global marine distress system ith charts from all over the world), a steering u] a system as exists anywhere in the world. arkably realistic, and the programs allow for ing areas: voyage planning and execution; dance; ARPA/radar operation; electronic nav; vessel traffic management; high speed rtavding tugs and barges, towboats and pilottttg; ment; port dcvdopmcnt; human factors; and seful to any rating in that department, from · g of engine room watchkeeping personnel pu1sion plant and electrical power plant. and mat;hinc,ry simulator. imilarly advanced and useful. nne. t; classroom expansion will be published in With state-of-the-art equipment and unparalleled graphics (two photos directly above, right and below)J the bridge simulator will bolster numerous classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. It includes a 360-degree viewing sector. undbreaking for the new simulator classrooms the Paul Hall Center took place la.st month. May 2000 Seafarers LOB 13 �Each summer, the Paul Hall Center fot Maritime ·.: Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. opens its :-. :·doors to vacationing Seafarers and their families. ·: · There is ·much to take advantage of at the center - com.·f?rtable accommodations, three delicious meals each day, a ·• . libtaty, !'ealth spa, te~s courts, ~lympic-size swimming :· ··· .pool, .s~ilb()ats and mtles of beautiful landscape for peaceful ::· walks or picnics. · In historic southern Maryland, where the facility is located, are ~any fam~us la1!dmarks and ~actions-something for everyone in the family- like seafood festivals, arts and crafts fairs, antique shows, country auctions and acres of unspoiled parkland. The center also is just a short drive front Washingto~ D.C., Arlington.1 Va. and Baltiinoi'e.1 · Md.t each offering many histori... "'" .~V. cal and educational sights as well ·· • as recreational pursuits lik~ baseball 11111m1i1.-,,,., at Camden Yards.. A vacation stay at Piney Point is limited to two weeks pe' family. . ..... f t:· PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number'.----~------­ Book number: - - -- - -- UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Address'. A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: 0 ate of arrival: 1st choice: t I ----------~------ 2nd choice: - - - - 3rd choice: _ _ __ •r Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day I I I I • I (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) two weeks per family. I I I • Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I I I I Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. age or younger. The prices listed above include all ' meals but do not include tax. ~ - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . I I 5100 ----- ~~-~~-----~~--~-~--~--------------------------------------------------------------------! f4 Seafarers LOG May 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia B~ltimor~, •.. Norfolk Mobile 19 . 4 17 5 4 6 11 15 7 9 5 9 5 3 9 10 3 4 9 7 7 15 9 11 7 6 8 10 9 Houston .. St Louis ·:Piney Po.in,t . Algonac Totals DECK DEPARTMENT l7 5 i4 ...... () 5 8 8 30 12 .~ 0 5 ell 3 .o 235 0 148 12 9 2 3 6.•. 3 10 0 S. 6 2 4 Trip Reliefs 29 " 18 17 27 .'i .·.·, 2· l .o 2 3 7 2 5 21 17 3 11 8 8 17 13 19 9 5 24 31 10 10 6() . 24 0 4 5 41 8 48 21 18 4 2 12 4 0 39 18 16 11 7 11 4 10 4 0 11 10 31 2 l 4 0 2 " 8 0 193 0 106 5 .2 3 406 196 124 22 11 7 5 4 9. 5 9 l 2 67 3 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT } 2 5 0 3 2 0 3 1 ......J .:. . 8 3 4 4 2 7 8 4 0 4 7 19 7 15 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 8~ July 6 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 Honolulu .................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston ................. .Monday: June 12, July 10 • .,., 20 ···· Mobile ..... ~ ..... ~ ........ Wedn~y: . Juri~. 14.. July 12 9 4 I Algonac ..................Friday: June 9, July 7 H 20 51 ·Piney Point .·........... :Monday: June 5, July 3 Jacksonville ........ .,Thursday: June 8,. July 6 6 7 2 73 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 7 · .. Puerto Rico Honolulu TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C .· Jua.a & •.J•1Y 2001J .MelilbBrsbJP . ,' .. Meelin .· . rgs ;Dtiejj:Sea; .Lakes,.Inland'Waters New Bedford ......... .Tuesday: June 20, July 18 6 21 8 Personal Mobile New Orleans 0 2 6 2 6 1.ac'ksonville Puerto Rico 8 4 .·J.3 . 1 l~ · ':l 2 14 2 2 2 0 6 12 8 8 38. 9 8 40 35 6 .6 . ·2 2 3 2 1 0 ". 31 3 1 1 ROBERT B. HYLAND Please contact William H. Hyland at 7143 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21224; or call (410) 282-0595. Discussing STCW Requirements 2 47 35 0 91 0 1 0 1 1 27 25 257 78 37 4 3 38 18 88 , ()°, . 7 4 o· 0 0 0 () l 19 ' 23·. 0 0 0 ' 0 AlgM.M 202 Totals Totals All Departments SS4 422 359 26 396 108 304 124 230 14 0 0 5 1 0 73 254 308 138 934 *"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. May 2000 10 657 540 After last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU President Michael Sacco and SA Shirley Winbush discussed some of the requirements of the amended STCW convention and how they impact Seafarers' training. Winbush is enrolled in the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MARCH 16 · '""''. ,., ......... ·. ,., ....... Mkltad Sacco President . John Fay .. ·q . · · ·executive Vfo.e Presidenf;.;· ·· CL - Company/Lakes Secretary-Treasurer L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel APRIL 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts .; Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Bytiln Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nfchotas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kennett Mang.ram Vice President Government Services 4 .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207% (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. DECK DEPARTMENT ] 8 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 9 0 l Port 0 17 6 0 9 3 Algonac 0 5 6 Port Algonac 0 18 16 Algonac Port Algonac Port 0 8 5 0 6 3 0 5 6 9 14 0 . .. _.-. ~ - .... 28 1 0 49 31 0 20 0 *"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. Totals All Depts 28 tair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCllORAG.E 721 Sesame St., #IC, An<:horage, AK 99503 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters (907} 561-4988 MARCH 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore SL, l3altirot)re, MD 212-02 (4WH27-49<?'J *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B o· 0 0 Class C ,: : · ah:it:e<;a~t:<:;r:;::<:.:;;s+::::· . . · 1 ::E~~~~$S:.1m.~~:; W,~j~f.S:: · .:· q West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B 0 0 0 0 Lake8, lfilana. warers ·o · 0 0 0 I 0 4 S Gulf Coast 0 ;pa,~~.s~JP:l~g ,~a~~:: : · .0.·... Wc~t Coast 0 Totals 0 Region ·:· : ~~~t~~:: ~~~:~J::i:.:·:>YT:·:::::::::::.:°' . . '(:folf Coast···':· ....:::\:.:: ..... :.:.....0: .... 3 8 9 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 Q. ... 0 1 ... 0 14 11 1 1 24 2 2 27 10 0 '' 0 0 1 . 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 2 1 1 4 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 5 1 10 10 2 7 12 1 West Coast Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Region Atlantic·: C9.a$t,.:.: · APRIL 15, 2000 *"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. 0 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner John M. Clarke of Houston, Texas. It was taken at "Joe Palooka's" in Mobile, Ala. in 1953 at a moment of relaxation during the Atlantic organizing drive. Pictured are some crew members from the Royal Oak, a Cities Service vessel, as well as members from Atlantic 16 Seafarers LOG Refining. Clarke, then a steward assistant, is the one in the cowboy hat. John M. Clarke joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York and sailed in the steward department. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952 and retired in 1994. May2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 50 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Thomas H. Hawkins graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the recertified graduate, 12 of the retiring mariners sailed in the deep sea division , four shipped on inland vessels and five plied the Great Lakes. Fifteen of the retirees worked in the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and two sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. O DEEP SEA LUIS R. CENTENO, 66. first sailc;d with the Seafarers in 1959 aboard the Beauregard. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department. During his career. he also sailed in the engine dcpartrnr;nt, Brother Centeno last worked aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He makes his home in San Francisco. THOMASH. HAWKINS, 73, began his career with the Seafarers in 1949 from the port of New YMk. A native ofWashingt1:m, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification cours.e in 197 5. Brother Hawkins last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. He calh Hoodsport, Wash. home. LO, 70, started his career with the STU in 1986, sailing aboard the USNS Hess , operated by May 2000 port of San Francisco. A native of California, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Lawrence H Gianella, operated by Ocean Ships. Inc. From 1956 to 1960, he served in the U.S . Air Force. Brother Lacunza makes his home in Sparks, Nev. THOMASN. LUKETICH, 65, firs.t ~ailed with the SIU in 1978 aboard the Potomac. operated by Ogden Marine. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. From 1951 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Luketich has retired to Ardenvoir, Wash. OLIVEIRA, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1962 in Santa Rosa. Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Ft'ttt'lti~tl">. Bmii in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Galdos worked in the steward department. last sailing aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He has retired to Cloverdale, Calif. JARAMIL- ERNEST LACUNZA, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the in China, he worked in the steward department. He participated in several Thanksgiving events at the San Francisco hall. Brother Siu last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Bay Shore, Calif. ROBERTL. SMITH, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York after graduating from the Andrew Furuseth Training School. His first ship was the Alcoa Pioneer. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Anny, Brother Smith calls San Francisco home. JOSE SOTO, 61, began his career with the SIU in 1969, first sailing aboard the Joplin Victory. A native of Puerto Rico. he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Mayaguez , an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Soto makes his home in Carolina, P.R. MANUELM. VIRGILIO GALDOS, 65, ROMAN LSC Marine, Inc. Born in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Jaramillo worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the USNS Denebola, a Bay Ship Management vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. He resides in Brigantine, N .J. 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1992, first sailing aboard the Antarctic. He worked in the deck department and upgraded hi~ ~kill~ a.t the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. Brother Oliveira last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. San Diego is his home. ANGELR. SANTANA. 67, graduated from the Andrew LEONARD STEINHARDT, 57, graduated from tbe Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Steel Seafarer was his. first ship. Bl">rn in New York, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Steinhardt has retired to Toms River, N.J. ated by Radcliff Materials. Mendenhall, Miss. is where he calls home. FREDDIE R. RICE, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native worked as a mate/pilot, last sailing aboard a Maritrans vessel. Boatman Rice makes his home in Lowland, N.C. WILLIAML. SMITH, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1973 aboard the tug Mariner. Born in Mississippi, he worked as an OS/Cook, last sailing aboard the Honour, operated by Maritrans. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Smith calls New York home. GREAT LAKES FRANCIS J. BELLANT, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1957 working aboard the tug Mojave, operated by Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. A native of Michigan, he sa~led as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Before retiring, Brother Bellant worked aboard the tug Carl Luedtke, operated by Luedtke Engineering Co. St. Ignace, Mich. is where he calls home. CLARENCE B. CASEY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit, working aboard the tug Hardwick, operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the deck department. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Anny. Brother Casey has retired to Fort Gratiot, Mich. JAMES CORBRAN, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1960 from the port of Buffalo, N.Y, sailing aboard the Edmund P. Smith, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Corbran worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S . Air Force. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. The New York native makes his home in Hamburg. KENNETH w. DeGRAFF, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967. Born in Illinois, he worked as a deck engineer and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. A resident of South Holland, Ill., Brother DeGraff last worked aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. MARVIN A. SCHMITZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Chicago. The FredA Manske was his first vessel. A native of Wisconsin, he worked as a conveyorma11, last sailing aboard the St. Clair, operated by Amerfoan Steamship Co. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Schmitz has retired to Glenbeulah, Wis. INLAND Furusdh Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. The Puerto Rico native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Santana makes his home in Caguas., P.R. KWAN JOY SIU, 62, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1969 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Wilson , operated by American President Lines. Born CHRISTOPHERS. LUPTON, 64, started his. career with the SIU in 1954. Boatman Lupton worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A native of North Carolina, he makes his home in New Bern. HENRYR. RAINEY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native worked in the deck department. Boatman Rainey last sailed in 1990 aboard the Avocet, oper- ...... Re$tonttiQU of the historic. ~1P 4meripaf1. f.icto,Y . co.~tin~~~ju·· . ·:. Tampal ~cording to the groil:P.oveiseeing.th.e projeer:·. . , ·· · J'~~Vic~oty S4ip. I~c. last .rnQnth. repo~~d-that tlfo: ves.seF-s -bµ~l,;. . deck and superstructure ''have been sand blasted and have' a new ·. coat of paint. The ship is out of dry-qock and back in the wet slip." .'. A loca.t television station planned to air a feature late last month about yolunteers who are helping restore the American Victory. .o"I'he project also has received newspaper coverage. .... . FQr tnot~ information about the American Victory~ restorai)on, · · or to volunteer, sen<l email to AmVic@aol.com, ·telephone"(Sl3) · 228r8766 or write to The Victory Ship, Inc., 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33609. . ". . . Built in 1945, the American Victory had been part of th~ U.S. Re erve Fleet on Virginia~s James River since after the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU members the 454-foot vessel was one of more than 500 Victory ships that debuted near the end of World War Il During Vietnam, it was operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. · Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA LORENZO BENNETT Pensioner Lorenzo Bennett, 73, passed away February 3. A native of Mobile, Ala., he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of New Orleans. The steward department member later graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in Mobile and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Bennett last sailed aboard the SeaLand Galveston as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in February 1992. He was a resident of Los Angeles. ZEEY.CIDNG Pensioner Zee Y. Ching, 78, died December 22, 1999. Born in China, he started his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of N cw York. Brother Ching worked in the steward depart· ment, last sailing aboard an inland VMMI operated by Dixie Carriers. A resident of Violet, L;i., he started receiving his pttlSiM in November 1976. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. JOSEPH L. FORNIS Pensioner Joseph L. Fomis, 71, pMsed away January 19. Brother Fomis joined the Marine Cooks & Stewa.rd:J (MC&S) in 1945, first sailing aboard the Edwin H. Du.ff: He worked in the steward department and retired in January 1975. Los Angeles was his home. CESAR S. LAGO Cesar S. Lago, 60, passed away February I 0. A native of the Philippine ldand~, he begcli\ his SIU career in 1984 from the port of ="'-"-"--' Wilmington, Calif., first sailing aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Brother Lago worked as a chief cook. A resident of Wil· mington, he last sailed aboard the Sga-Land Enlerprist:. WALLYW.LAU ···.,,: . . Pensioner Wally .: W_ Lau, 78 died February 19. He joined the MC&S in 1944 in the port of StUl Frattcisco_ Born in China, he worked in =-=-=--'--~~ the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. Prior to retiring in April 1997, he sailed aboard the Overseas New York_ Brother Lau wa~ a resident of San Francisco. the Cubore, an Ore Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Long worked in the engine department and retired in December 1979. Sea Level, N.C. was his home. ALEJANDRO S. MARTINEZ Pensioner Alejandro S. Martinez, 66, died February 13. A native of Puerto Rico, he graduated from the Andrew , "' Furuseth ;~l'\\ 1 Training School in 1964 and joined the union in the port of Baltimore. The Transeastern was his first vessel. Brother Martinez sailed in the deck department. Before he retired in June 1999, he worked aboard the Golden Monarch, a Westchester Marine vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. His home wa:J in Ponce, P.R. EDWARD MERCHANT Pensioner EdwMd Merchant, 87, passed away March 5. He joined the MC&S in the 1940s. Brother Merchant sailed itl the steward department and began receiving his pension in April 1977. OLIVER P. OAKLEY Pensioner Oliver P. Oakley, 71, died December 8, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he first sailed with the Seafa.rer:J in 1946 aboard the B/uq Ridgq Victory) a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Oakley worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in December 1997, he sailed aboard the Denebola, operated by Bay Tankers. He was a resident of Olyphant, Pa. CALVIN T. PRICE Pensioner Calvin T. Price, 76, passed away MMch 10. A native of North Carolina, he joitled the SIU in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va_ Brother Price worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Van HorizQn, opernted by Vancor Steamship Co_ During h1s ca.rter, he also worked in the engine department. The Tarboro, N.C. resident started receiving his pension in April 1983 . KIM SIN QUAN Pensioner Kim Sin Quan, 67, died February 15. Brother Quan began his career with the MC&S in 1958 from the port of San Francisco_ ~..........- - Born in China, he worked as a chief cook. Prior to retiring in January 1995, he sailed aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. San Francisco was home to Brother Quan. HENRY D. LONG - Pensioner Henry D. Long, 83, passed away February 6. Born in North Carolina. he started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was 18 Seafarers LOG OTIS L. SESSIONS Pensioner Otis L. Sessions, 72, passed away February 14. He joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. The Mississippi native worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the SIU's training center in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was .___ _ _ ___..._"""-..;..;:oi active in union affairs and organizing drives. His last ship was the LNG Capricorn. A resident of Bay Minette, Ala., he began receiving his pension in May 1997. From 1950 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. RAYMOND J. THOMAS Pensioner Raymond J. " Thomas, 79, died December 4, 1999. Born in Alabama, he -- started sailing '" with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New York. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Cove Trader. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he started receiving his pension in July 1986. RICARDO M. VENZON Pensioner Ricardo M. Venzon, 72, died January 25. Brother Venzon joined the Seafarers in 197 5 in the port of Wilmitlgton, Calif., first sailing aboMd the Council Grove. A native of the Philippines. he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in March 1992, he sailed aboard the Over$eas Alice. From 1945 to 1972, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Venzon lived in Honolulu. STEVE WEST Pensioner Steve West, 79, passed away February 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1963 from the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Pioneer Mist_Born in Poland, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother West ~ailed in the engine department and upgraded to a licensed officer. A resident of Bergenfield, N.J., he started receiving his pension in March 1988. WILLIAM M. WEST Pensioner WilliamM. West, 85, died January 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1938 in the port of Norfolk. Va. Born in Panama, he sailed in the engine department. He was active in union affairs and organizing drives during his maritime career. Brother West last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Newark. A resident of Seattle, he retired in January 1981. Mobile, Ala. Brother Whitten worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He was a resident of Mobile and started receiving his pension in February 1985. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1950. JAMES H. RATHBONE AHSAIWONG Pensioner Ah Sai Wong, 89, died January 27. Born in China, he began sailing as a steward with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of San Francisco. He started receiving his pension in July 1975. Brother Wong was a resident of San Francisco. Pensioner Walter H. Whitten, 72, passed away January 14. He started his career with the SIU in 1945 from the port of James H. Rathbone, 52, passed away February 8. Born in North Carolina, he first sailed with the SIU in 1990 aboard deep sea vessel Cape Farewell. Boatman Rathbone later transferred to the inland division, sailing primarily aboard McAllister Towing Co. vessels as a mate. Poquoson, Va. was his home. HARRY WOO SR. Pensioner Harry Woo Sr., 78, passed away January 31. A native of Hawaii, he joitled the MC&S. Brother Woo sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in January 1970. Kaneohe, Hawaii was his home. RONALD L. REEVES HILAND Ronald L. Reeves, 50, died December 30, 1999. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1994 aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Reeves sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in Indiana, he was a resident of GainesviHe, Ga _ LESLIE W. COLLIER HUGH L. STEWART Pensioner Leslie W. Collier, 69. died March 6. A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman ColHer worked as a captain and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Coinjock, N.C., he started receiving his pension in March 1993. Pensioner Hugh .: L. Stewart, 69, passed away January 2 7. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1952, first sailing in the deep sea division aboard the Oremar. He later transferred to inland vessels. Boatman Stewart worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Baltimore and started receiving his pension in December 1987. From 1948 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Navy. JOHNNIE W. FELDMAN Johnnie W. Feldman, 62, passed away January 2. Born in Arkansas, he began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Houston. Boatman Ftldm.an last sailed as a captain aboard a Marine Towing Co. vesseL From 1955 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Air Force. DONALD G. HUDDLESTON Pensioner Donald G. Huddleston, 71 , passed away January 20. He started sailing with the SIU in 1960 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. Boatman Huddleston worked as a tankerman, last sailing aboard a Maritrans vessel. A resident of Supply, N.C., he retired in September 1993. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Air Force. BENNIE J. LANDRY Pensioner Bennie J. Landry, 68, WALTER H. WHITTEN ated from the diesel scholarship program in 1982. During his career, he also worked in the deck department. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Lufkin, Texas, he began receiving his pension in August 1988. passed away February 21. Boatman Landry began his SIU career in 1963 from Port Arthur, Texas. The Texas native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he gradu- GREAT LAKES REINO E. SALO Pensioner Reino E. Salo, 85, died November 12, 1999. Born in Wisconsin, he began his SIU career in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother Salo sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in April 1979. He was a resident of Superior, Wis. THOMAS KARL SCHULTZ Thomas Karl Schultz, 56, passed away January 15. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Schultz worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. DANIEL A. STORCE Daniel A. Storce, 62, passed away February 4. Brother Storce first sailed with the Se ...Jrers in 1968 aboard the Reiss Brothers, operated by American Steamship Co. Born in Illinois, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1985 aboard the Presque Isle. Cloquet, Minn. was his home. May2000 �fa wwwawwww crew members to keep current with upgrading/training and Coast Guard requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department, with special thanks to Chief Cook Arthur Medeiros for excellent meals and great barbecues. EL MORRO (IUM), January 31-Chairman Steve Copeland, Secretary Kris Hopkins, Educational Director Fred Dougherty, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Marvin E. James. Bosun stressed importance of keeping all beefs routed through department heads. He asked crew members to lower noise on crew deck, take care while smoking in cabins and return movies promptly and put in order. Secretary advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and check expiration dates on necessary shipping documents. Treasurer announced $152.28 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew van provided at Blcunt Island seems to be working well. Inquiry made into increasing pensicn benefits. Clarification requesced on STCW deadline. Vote of thanks given to steward department for jcb well done. Ne'.l{t ports~ Port Everglades and Jacksonville. Fla. HM/ CAP/i LOOKOUT SHOALS (IUM), Jatmary 31 ChAirma.n Steven t,. Bush. Secretary Alan W. Bartl~y, Edu<;atiomtl Director Salom~ CHtr6, Deck Dele ate.Zimmnc Qn, ngine Delegate Wilbert J. Mil~& Jr., Steward Delegate Ralph F. Morgan. Prior to leaving port of Seattle, chairman requtsttd absentee ballots for mercer vote. EdLicational diri;dor ,minded crew members to check STCW and z-cards for expiration dates. Treasurer announced $900 in ship's movie fund. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Inquiries made on improving mail service and obtaining refrigerators for crew rooms. Steward asked crew to help keep linen locker clean. Recommendation made to keep door closed during meal times to keep people out of galley other than steward d~partment memberi. Vole of thanks givett tc steward depa.rtment for job well done, to deck department and DEU for help provided to :o;teward. Ship heading to New York. Hou~ton und Philadelphia. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime Corp.), January 24Chairman Rodney Jimenez, Secretary Normnn EYnns, Educational Director Trent R. Sterling. Chairman noted payoff scheduled January 28 in Beaumont, Texas. All crew member!; ~hould return movies, ~trip bunks and cleaft rMms before getting off ship. Trip was good. Educational director advised those members who have time to consider upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for weekly cookouts. MARINE COLUMBIA (Intrepid Ship Mgmt), January 24Chuim1un Greg()ry Hamilton, Secretary Jamu F. Dunne, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Detricke R. K~lly, Steward Delegate Kathleen Lanah~n. Chairman noted shipyard work finished and vessel ready to sail. Payoff to take place in El Scgun- May2000 do, Calif. and will then sail to Richmond, Calif. and Valdez, Alaska for cargo. Secretary said holidays enjoyed by all and wished good health and happiness from ship's crew to officers and staff at Piney Point and headquarters. Educational director urged everyone to use facilities and upgrading programs at Paul Hall Center and be aware of new regulations and requirements needed for future sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into ability of receiving vacation pay after 90 days. Several items needed to be purchased, including new set of exercise weights, furniture in crew lounge, curtains in living and dining areas and cabins and new jacket for steward department for work in reefer boxes. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), January 16-Chairman Werner H. Reeher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Edui;ational Director Robert E. Bruckmall, Dock Delegate Joseph Dallas, Engine Delegate Ross Himebauch, Steward Delegate Terry R. MaKno. Chairman announced payoff January 22 in port of Tacoma. He thanked i;rew for helping keep ship in order and reminded them to get clean set of linen for relief b@for@ leaving. He also urged everycne to take time to vote in SIU-NMU merger. He noted pro· gress made in last 10 year~. Trtasurer stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have vacation pay incorporated into gross pay, which later will determine pension benefits. Vote of thanks to steward department for well-prepared meals. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (AMSEA), January 26-Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kristin Krause, Educational Director Ch~rles J. Betz, Steward Delegate haat Newsome. Chairman announced arrival of across-the-board EPA, which is posted en bulletin board. Anyone int@rested in voting ~hClUld check with union patrolman when returning to States. He also advised crew to make sure all shipping documents are updated. Educational director suggested crew members take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. TteMurer announced $1.355.85 in ship's fund, of which $942 allocat· ed for purchase cf T-shirts in Pa.lma 1 Spain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Satellite system still in the worh. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), February 13--Chairman Mauro Gutierrez, Secretary William E. Bragg. Educational Director Marvin D. Wells. Chairman stated rumors regarding vessel being transferred to East Coast are firming up as fact. No official notice yet, but preparations being made. He announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. on February 15. Crew awaiting response from headquarters regarding tanlc/cargo hold cleaning. Secretary read fax from headquarters informing crew of preliminary results on SIU-NMU merger vote. Educational director urged GUAYA MA (NPR, Inc.), February 6-Chairman Ray Gorju, Secretary Richard Hicks, Educational Director Ronald C. Smith, Deck Delegate James R. Blitch. Chairman thanked all hands for good trip and announced payoff upon arrival in Jacksonville. He asked that all movies be returned and that plastic refuse be separated from regular trash. Educational director recommended crew members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. GUS DARNELL (OSI), February 21-Chairman Salvatore G. Ciciulla, Secretary Robert L. Easley, Educational Director Lawrence A. Banks II, Deck Delegate Efrain N. Santana. Chairman led discussion on new shipping company and encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary warned crew to watch cut for use of alcohol at sea and ashore. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Piney Point, particularly the tanker operations course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request for satellite to be brought up to captain and company. Request made to provide additional cold drinks while in Caribbean and other hot areas. Next port: Charlestont S.C. HM/ DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), February I-Chairman Bradley L. Seibel. Secretary Steven R. W agner , Educational Director harles J. Brockhaus\ Deck Delegate Arnold R. Neff, Engine Delegate Kenneth Stratton, Steward Delegate Isabel Sabio. Chairman announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 3. Educational director recommended everyone take upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing number of days needed to receive vacation check from 120 to 60 and increase fine for missing ship from $100 Lo $500. Discussion held regarding medical attention for crew members; Chairman noted regular charter from Corpus Christi to be changed after two more discharges in Tampa. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), February 6-Chairma.n John E. Stout, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educaticnal Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate William G. Burke, Engine Delegate William D. Parker, Steward Delegate Yahya S. Ali. Chairman thanked crew for good voyage and reminded those getting off to clean cabin for next person and leave key. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep mess hall and crew lounge clean, with special thanks to bosun and daymen for great job painting galley storeroom. He pointed out importance of donating to SPAD for job security. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point and stay on top of new rules and regulations needed to ship <'.>Ut, including STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into cutting vacation pay from 120 to 90 days. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), February 21Chairman Michael A. Presser, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Walter R. Ferrero, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Seymour, Engine Delegate John D. Lewis, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman announced payoff in New Orleans on February 25. He posted communications for all to read regarding SIU-NMU merger vote. Hill, Engine Delegate Cary Pratts, Steward Delegate Alberto Falcon. Chairman thanked deck department for good job while ship was in co1d north. He announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas and urged those getting off to go to Piney Point to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's Report from Seafarers Great to Be Home It was all smiles for the crew aboard the Developer, when it put into the port of Long Beach, Calif. last month, fresh from a Far East run. From the left are DEU Jose Garcia, Relief Steward/Baker Ruben Casin and AB Dante Cruz. For additional photos taken aboard this U.S. Ship Management vessel and other ships calling on the busy California port, turn to page 6. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director stated importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into 100 percent dental insurance coverage for members and dependents. Repairs needed to meat box. Vote of thanks given to steward department in helping make good trip and keeping morale high. Next port: Haifa, Israel. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk), February 6-Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Educational Director James T. McParla11d, Deck Delegate Donnie Collins II. Steward Delegate Edward F. Fuller. Chairman stated ship locks good and asked for help keeping it that way. Educational director advised crew members to advance learning skills by upgrading at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $850 in ship's fund. Discussion held about safety factors related to working on watch and everyone stated they would like to work more overtime. Clarification requested on overtime for steward department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension fund. New vacuum cleaners and coffee pots needed as well as new mattresses. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.: Freeport, Bahamas; Miami; and Panama. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk), February 4-Chairman William C. Dowzicky 1 Secretary Khamis Mageed. Chairman stressed importunce of having STCW endorsement by 2002. Secretary stated that best way to clear air among shipmates is to hold union meetings on reg-ular basis. Educational director reminded crew to keep eye on new courses available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ice cream freezer for crew mess hall needed as well as TV antenna and e-mail service. Request made for company to inform crew members of death in family. Better health insurance requested as well as dental coverage for family members. Ship heading to Japan and South Korea. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Mgmt.), February 20-Chairman Daniel N. Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Michael LOG read, and discussion ensued regarding new ships, importance of contributing to SPAD and SIUNMU merger vote. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider being able to file for vacation pay after 90-day tours. Steward department given vote of thanks. OVERSEA S OHIO (ATC), February 22-Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeffery L. Smith, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate J ess Chalker, Steward Delegate Tommy Belvin. Chairman reported that captain will attempt to pay off ship every 30 days. Electronic transfer draws will be availagle twice a month (15th and 3ot ). Educational director will keep in touch with Paul Hall Center regarding schedule of proposed ATC courses. Chairman read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez addressing questions about riding gangs and 90-day vacation. Requests made to have periodontal treatments covered by health plan for members and dependents. Discussion held about money purchase pension plan. Forms being printed to deal with pre-payoff room checks which will be conducted and signed off by steward or bosun. Next ports: Los Angeles, Ferndale and Richmond, Calif. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (ATC), February 22-Chairman Jack Walker, Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Charles W. Dahlhaus. Chairman announced payoff scheduled at anchor in next port. He mentioned STCW requirements need to be fulfilled. Secretary said deck department doing good job with separating trash and plastic items and in keeping house in good shape. He advised members to read Seafarers LOG to be informed on issues, especially SIU-NMU merger vote. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point, especially for tankerman certificate. Disputed penalty . OT in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Request made for tape rewinder in crew lounge. It was reported that there was a lot of snow in Valdez, Alaska this past winter and that anyone taking a job aboard a tanker in that region should be sure to bring along lots of cold weather gear and safety shoes. Ship heading to Anacortes, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 �~ I ·· · ·.- ,~ was retired, but that's not the end .• :~1:~n~fe10Ii~;: ~~0a':.,~0!i~infi ·,·_-._.,-_. 1 •_:~.· ·. thi~, and sailed on ships such as a ._. . _ floating museum, if you will ..........:..=..................""""'"...............__..'""'"-~~-----.....;.;.'----........_ _ . . . - - -...............-............. She's probably nothing com(Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG ment of U.S. seamen; pared to the ships being built and reserves the right to edit letters •Armed Guard who served on sailed these days, but she wasfor grammar as well as space U.S. merchant marine ves- and still is-something real speprovisions without changing the sels; cial to those who had her as part writers intent. The LOG we!• members of any uniformed of their Jives way back when. comes letters from members, penU.S. armed services with a Want to see the ship? She's sioners, their families and shipDD-214; and berthed at Pier 1 Clinton Street in mates and will publish them on a •widows of veterans who have Baltimore. She's open to the pubtimely basis.) received their DD-214. lie Wednesdays and Saturdays. To receive an application for She's scheduled to leave May 15 Seafarers Welfare Plan membership, please call or write: for a trip to Toledo and ports of Has No Comparisons American Merchant Marine call on the Great Lakes, which Veterans will keep her away for about four I've heard people tell of the months. c/o Gene Delong medical plans their unions give Hudson Valley Chapter The old students? Some of us and, believe me, there's no comP.O. Box 284 are among the volunteer crew that parison: the Seafarers Welfare Pleasantville, NY 10570 will man her for the trip. Now Plan is the best. (914) 769-3539 that's a far cry from the school No matter what type of meddays when we heard the boilers ical attention I needed in the past When your completed applica- constantly but never dreamed of (before Medicare), the SWP paid tion and copy of proof of eligibil- sailing with her. To some of us, it everything. I am very, very fortunate in ity are returned, they will be for- is a second chance at an unfulhaving been a member of the warded to an AMMV chapter filled dream of a lifetime. Whether our dreams were fulSIU. And, speaking as the voice near your residence. filled or not, what remains is that of experience, I hope all members Albert M. Antaki the John W Brown was somerealize what a good union they Chapter President thing very special to those of us belong to. privileged to have gone to school Walter Karlak aboard her. Queens, N.Y. Llllarty Ship John Brown George P. Whitney Now a Living Memorial Glenside, Pa. September 7, 1942 at Beth· AMMV Looking lehem-Fairfax Shipyard in Balt(Editors note: George P Far New Membere imore, Md.: the Liberty ship John Whitney ;s a graduate of the W Brown slides down the way The American Merchant schoolship John W Brown, part Marine Veterans (AMMV) i5 a and into the Chesapeake. Her life of Metropolitan Vocational High young, growing organization has begun. School in New York City. He curShe was one of only 2, 700 s.eeking new members. rently is secretary of the alumni It is a non-profit pro-American Liberty ships to be built and one association that was formed three organization whose purpose is to of 344 built at the Bethkhcmyears ago. He is looking for other Fairfax yard. gain recognition for what the me i 1f she had made but one cross- past tudents of the schoolship. of the merchant marine have Anyone intersted in joining the accomplished for our country in ing during the war, it was figured alumni assocation should contact times of war and pence. It abo that her construction was a sucthe SS John W Brown Alumni aims to educate the American cess. But thi$ old girl, s.he's someAssociation by mail at P. 0. Box thing clsc. She made 13 crossings public as to the importance of 343, Wading River, NY 11792 or having a strong Amtrican-ftag as a lim ·tcd troop s.hip, taking our by e-mail at jwba/um@aol.com.) merchant purine at all times and men over and sometimes German to help the cause c.f American POWs back. Once the war was won, she SIU Gains Strengtll seapower and the American seadidn't stop there; she went on to man. Through the Years To be eligible, applicants must serve as a schoolship in New This letter is dedicated to the submit proof of service in the York City, training thousands of men and women who-in the past, American merchant marine at young men for merchant careers. any time, or on allied countries' Thousands of young men like present and future-strive daily to ships carrying American cargo in myself walked her decks and hit retain a strong hold on our wartime. Acceptable proof of ser- the books in preparation for a life nation's defense. Through the strength of the at sea. I wonder how many of vice includes: • certificate of discharge from you were among those young American merchant marine, we m;can voyages (foreign or mi:n. If you are, we're looking to live in peace today. The courage speak with yc.u, as. we have start- of these men and women is awecot'\stal) or inland waters;. •members M U.S. maritime ed an alurtttli association and are some. Through the visionary leaderservice (active or inactive, trying to locate as many of the old students as possible in an attempt ship and the strong unity of the including Academy cadets); membership and the Paul Hall •members of U.S. Health to reunite aboard our proud ghip. In 1982 the John W BMwn Center, the union continues to Service who cngaged in treatgrow. I am proud to be one of its members for 38 years- from 1947 to 1985, and then reclaiming my book in 1987 for a last voyage. Paul Hall was the head of the union when I joined. He left a legacy-now the Paul Hall The U.S. merchant marine, so long ignori;d, unappreciated and Center-where everyone could i:veu orgollen by the nation it served during World War IT gets a have the opportunity io educate just and long-overdue tribute in a new book, "Pntriofa and Heroes: themselves and make life meanTrue Stories of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II." ingful. His vision went far and The author. Gerald Reminick, became acutely aware that 50 beyond even his expectations, years after the end of thi; war, many of the old-timers were dying. and the Paul Hall Center is no He determined to gather together and publish as many first-person doubt the greatest technical vocadiaries and remembrances as possible tc remind the nation of its tional school to assist seafarers in debt to the merchant seamen. being all that they ~an be. SIU Pensioner Peter Salvo of McKeesport, Pa. is one of the Carrying on Hall's tradition mariners foatured in the book. His sailing ex.pi;ricnccs during the and adding a stronger emphasis 1940s are included in chapter 5. to training was Frank Drozak. ((Patriots and Heroes" is being published by Glencannon Press The gavel then fell to a third and will be available late this month. Anyone wishing to order the great man, one with whom I am book (320 pages with more than 50 photos and illustrations) should proud to asso~iaic, Mike Sacco. contact: The Glencannon Press, Maritime Books, P.O. Box 644, May the Scafarcr5' leadership Benicia, CA 94510. The toll free number is (800) 711-8985 and the continue to have God's blessings. f~x is (707) 747-0311. The price for the book is $21.95 plus $4 shipRobert C. Goodrun pmg. • • SIU Pensioner Pete Salvo Featured in New Boak an WWII Merchant Mariners Eufaula, Ala. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts arc posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under "no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as weJl as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. lf any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. [n connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May2000 �----------------------------------~--~~~~~- -- ~- ~~- .•' The foUowing·is the schedule for classes beginning between May through November at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. AU pro- - Course ~gtams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's Start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the - start dates. For clllSses ending on a Friday:t departure reservations should be made for .:Saturday. · Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul .:::·. ~~~ ·.S91~:. ~:~Y. ~~~-~e admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ May 1 May29 June 16 ·. · Assistant Cargo (DL)* May19 July 14 August 11 July3 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date July 31 September 4 Date of Completion May26 August4 September 1 September 29 Odober27 Mayl July 10 August7 September4 October 2 September 15 October 13 November3 October 2 October 23 May26 Basie Fire Fighting. July 21 August 18 September 22 October 20 November 10 .July7 · June 26 ~Tuly 24 August 4 A~ust21 September l September 29 September 18 With this application, COPIES of lhfl following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in 1he lasl six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicaring your department and seniority, and qualifying seat_ime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested All FOWT. AB and QMED aaalicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard &e of $180 with thgir applicqtiofL The pavment should be made with a monev order onlv. aavable m LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone ------~---­ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakc:s Member DateofBirth _ _ _ __ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is noi filled out completely, your application will not be processed. S6~1AI Seturity # - - - - - - - - - Seniority~----------- Departmtttt _ _ _ __ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port ----~~~~~~-- Ettdorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - LAST VESSEL; _ __ _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On; Ari; yQ\l ~ graduate af the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? [J Yes SIGNATURE Jfyes 1 class# - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Da ycu hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No -----~--~-~- CPR: D Yes Date Off: [J No D No Primary language spoken~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~-~-~ ~----------~-~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATJON TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit. equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified. of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5100 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes - Unlicensed Apprentice Class Graduation Welding - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on January 28 are (in no particular order) Michael Blue, David Heavey and Jean Horn. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at the back. Headquarters Representative Carl Peth (left) administers the union pledge to the unlicensed apprentices who completed the third and final stage of their training program. The proud new book members are (in alphabetical order) Shannon Bonefont, Steven Cook, Jason Dew, Reggie Donaldson, Bobby Ellis Jr., David Green, Blaine Harkins, Romel Holland, Kenneth Jones, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, Erik Nappier, Robert Parker, Brandon Scalzo, Europa Tuivaiti and Adam Williams. QMED - Graduating from the QMED course on April 14 are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Ashworth, Eugene Bedard. George Bixby, Philip Curtis, Robert Flesey, Roy Frett, William Harris, Antonie Jennings, Asher Liss, Dennis Middleton, Vincent Mull , Michael Repko, Daniel Rodriguez. Carlos Sanchez., Gregory Stone. Kim Tye, Benjamin Vernon and Hiawatha Williams. Chief Cook - Learning some of th@ finer points in cooking from Chc;if/lndructor John DOMM (center) are (from left) Susan Mos, Louis Morri~. Dobson, Jam~~ Wadswonh and Christa Arnold. Government Vessels - Completing the government vessels course on February 18 are (from left, seated) Blaine Harkins. Romel Holland, Reggie Donaldson, Bobby Ellis Jr.. (second row) Mark Cates (instructor), Thomas Broberg, Sarah Hansen, David Green, Steven Cook. Shannon Bonefont, Kaid Adam and Jason Dew. Train the Trainer - To teach ~ny STCW ccurse at the Paul Hall Center, the U.S. Coast Guard requires instructors to complete this w@@k-lor'lg ~curse _ Conducted by Beth Wroblewski (Mad of the curriculum development department at Piney Point) last December, the participants learned and discussed different aspects of training. Completing the train the trainer cours@ are (in no particular order) Mitch Oakley, Tami Accardo-Jones, Gregory Thompson, Francis Russell, Robert Russell, Robert Dean Jr., Buzzy Andrews. Jody Sch'11rf@nstein, Penny Adams. Ray Adams Sr., Sam Meyers, John Smith, Bernabe Pelingon, Stan Beck. Bill Saul, Joyce Raum and John Hetmanski. 22 Seafarers LOS S CW Personal Survival - Upgrading Seafarers recently completing the personal survival requirements for their STCW certificates are (in no particular order) Alvin Moore, Deborah Tate, Edward Wallace. Clifton Washington, Larry Bradley, Edward Pace, Doug Gantenbein, Sidney Jenkins, Cesar Johnson, Joseph Ayeo, Herberd Adolph, Carlos Ebanks, Wilfred Lambey, Ronald Tremble, Carlos Julio, Miguel Rivera, Gary Lamp and Steven Hoskins. Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. May2000 �Pa uI Ha II Ce nter Graduat in9 CIass.es Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Daniel Dillabough, Roy Jerue, Lisa Kitashima and Thomas Medardo. Their instructor, not pictured, was Chef Ed White. Welding - Completing the welding course on March 3 are (in alphabetical order) Sotero Berame, Marino Callejas, David Kloss, Rhonda Koski, Conrado Martinez, Faustino Pereira, Lino Remorin and Peter Sternberg. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back, at left. Jones, GarloS' Majao. Nelson Martin, Calvin McField, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva. Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise_ Advanced. Fire Fighting Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements on March 17 are (from left. Kneeling) Luis Martinez, Donna Jacob-Scott, (second row) William Thomas, Ede DeOliveira . Paul Grant. Austin Howard. Albert Haarmann, Richard Durance, David Heavey, John Wong. Curtis Nicholson Sr., Joel Rosete, (third row) Sarah HM$en, Tim Keller. Antnony Hammett (instructor), Norman Smith, David Campbell, Tommy Cyru5, Bart Bookman , (fourth row) Sen Shi.ipp ~no Nicholds ViQira _ May2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Daniel Dillabough, Roy Jerue, Lisa Kitashima and Thomas Medardo. Their instructor, not pictured, was Chef Ed White. Welding - Completing the welding course on March 3 are (in alphabetical order) Sotero Berame, Marino Callejas, David Kloss, Rhonda Koski, Conrado Martinez, Faustino Pereira, Lino Remorin and Peter Sternberg. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back, at left. Jone , Carlmr Majao. Nelson Martin, Calvin McField, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva, Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise. Advanced Fire Fighting - Earnin!J their advanced fire fighting endorsements on March 17 are (from 1en. Kneeling) Luis Martinez, Donna Jacob-Scott, (second row) William Thomas, Ede DeOliveira. Paul Grant. Austin Howard. Albert Haarmann, Richard Durance, David Heavey, John Wong, Curtis Nicholson Sr., Joel Rosete, (third row) Sarah HM$en, Tim Keller, AnthOny Hammett (instructor), Norman Smith, David Campbell, Tommy Cyrus, Bart Bookman , (fourth row) e~n Shupp ~no Nicholds ViQira . May2000 Seafarers LOS 23 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS JOIN IN CALL FOR GLOBAL DEBT RELIEF PRUDHOE BAY SIGNALS NEW SIU JOBS SIU OPENS HALL IN GUAM MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT SEAMEN’S MISSIONS OFFER AID FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTORS SMITH, COMBS PASS AWAY MILITARY ‘DEPENDS’ ON MERCHANT MARINE GEORGINE RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF THE BUILDING TRADES DEPT. NEW YORK BILL AIMS TO INCLUDE MARINERS IN CIVIL SERVICE EXAM LAW SIU AFFILIATE BACKS WAL-MART CAMPAIGN WORK STARTS ABOARD LAKERS DESPITE LOW WATER LEVELS BOSUN MIXON COMMENDED BY OVERSEAS CHICAGO CAPT. NEW ORLEANS MEMBERS MEET WITH HQ OFFICIALS SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN JUBILEE 2000/USA: BREAKING THE CHAINS OF DEBT MAJOR UPGRADE PAUL HALL CENTER ADDING 4 SIMULATORS SIU PENSIONER PETE SALVO FEATURED IN NEW BOOK ON WWII MERCHANT MARINERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 5 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e21d25ac95fa37f6bd1d08da538caa2c.pdf efd0ba25f064cee28b5157d9851c007c PDF Text Text SIU Makes Big Gains In Fast eaI if t Pact Seafarers on Pictured May AB Robinson "Mack" Ward, the USNS Altair are happy with the new contract. 24 aboard the vessel in New Orleans are (from left) Crusoe, AB Tyrone Benjamin, Chief Steward Harold Bosun Morris Foster and OS Edwin Fuller. The USNS Capella is one of eight fast sealift ships being operated by SIU-contracted AMSEA following last month's contract award by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The SIU made substantial gains in the five-year agreement. Page 3 New Baltimore Hall Opening This Month Joining Forces With Mine Workers Page4 Navy League President Praises 'Vital 4th Arm' During a demon~tration la~t month on Capitol Hill, Seafarer5 5howed their support Pages for tens of thousands of Mine Workers who are fighting to preserve the health care benefits they lonQ aQo were promised by the government. Page 2 3 Seafarers, 4 Dependents Win SWP Scholarships Seafarer Victor G_ Frazi9r Seafarer Dana Seafarer Neonito D. Cunningham S. Sodusta Chevone C. Hall Daughter of Carlton P Hall John J. Macom Hyacinth Padua Son of Earl M. Ma com Stepdaughter of Stephen Avallone Elizabeth Heath Daughter of Donald w. Heath A panel of educators named three Seafarers and four dependent children of SIU members as winners of the 2000 Seafarers Welfare Plan Scholarships, totaling $87,000. �. President's Report (.. U.S. Maritime'• History - and Future Fittingly, the Maritime Day ceremonies conducted last month by the U.S. Maritime Administration in Washington were dedicated to the memory of those mariners who lost their lives while serving their country. The long and proud history of the U.S. merchant marine, particularly the extraordinary sealift effort that made the Allied victory in World War II possible, remains a vital part of our fabric today. More than 1,200 Sill members perished in Michael Sacco World War II. Their names are engraved in a sobering, handsome monument at the Paul Hall Memorial Library in Piney Point, Md. Those men-and thousands more-braved often-horrific conditions to deliver the goods. From North Africa to Sicily, from Murmansk to the Pacific, from Anzio to Normandy, they voluntarily answered the call--every step of the way. Overall, more than 200,000 U.S. mariners helped move some 300 million tons of materiel to support the cause. Estimates of their fatalities range as high as 8,000-plus-a casualty percentage second only to that of the Marine Corps. Of course, their courageous legacy cannot be fully conveyed by statistics. The essence of their contribution and their heroism is better reflected by the survivors' accounts of fiery sinkings, weeks spent in lifeboats, mustering the will to ship out again. Their stories and their role in history must never be forgotten. As General Dwight D. Eisenhower put it after the war, "Every man in this Allied Command is quick to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage and fortitude of the officers and men of the merchant marine.'' But, ceremonies are only one method by which we remember the U.S. merchant marine's contributions to America's national and economic security. Today, the best way we can honor our predecessors is by continuing the revitalization of the U.S.-flag fleet. Along those lines, there i5 an excellent column by retired Rear Admiral John R. Fisher, president of the U.S. Navy League, on page 5 of this issue of the; Srnfarers LOG. I urge you to read it and closely examine his advice. As Fisher points out, the history of the merchant marine is something from which we, as a nation, must take valuable lessons. Foremost among them is that in all future conflicts, sealift will be; the dominant means of transport. Equally important, as Fisher write5, We ~annot depend on foreign-flag ships to carry that 0 cargo_" In part, that is why we must build on the momentum that has boosted the U.S. fleet since the mid-19905. Consider some of the many positivc developments in that time: the enactment of the Maritime Security Program, construction of the Double Eagle and millennium-class tankers, new builds and conversions for the civilian-crewed prepositioning ships of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, and containerships and car carriers reflagging under the Stars and Stripes. That's not all. The U.S.-flag passenger fleet is primed for major expansion. That growth includes new deep sea and coastal cruise ships being built in American shipyard5, plus the reflagging of a modem deep sea passenger vessel from foreign to U.S. flag. ThMe success stories and others didn "t happen by accident. It has taken hard work and unprecedented cooperation from all segments of the ittdustry_ It will take more of the same to sustain our momentum. I'm confident we'll get the job done_ I wholeheartedly believe that the young men and women now entering the industry can look forward to a bright future and a lifetime career in the U.S. merchant marine_ Just as the mariners of World War 11 overcame tall challenges, today's Seafarers are proving the nay-sayers wrong. We're proving that not all of the U.S. merchant marine's finest moments arc; in the pa.st, because we intend to remain an indispensable part of America's security well into the next century and beyond. The U.S. merchant marine has been a crucial component ofthis nation since Revolutionary rimes. And in all the years since then, one thing ha~m~t changed and never will: Give us the cargo, and we'll deliver. Volume 62, Number 6 June 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~16 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) 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) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices.:. POSTMASTER'. Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Bi.scardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor. Jim Guthrte; Art, Bill Brower: Administrative Support. Jeanne Texror. Copyright (0 2000 Seafarers International Union. AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Back U•WA In Health Care Battle Rally's Focus: 'Save the Coal Act' Seafarers joined forces with some 12,000 United Mine Workers May 17 during a Capitol Hill rally. The gathering, staged on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. marked the latest step in the UMWA's ongoing campaign to protect the lifetime health care benefits of retired coal miners and widows. The Seafarers• contingent, hailing from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney · Point, Md., complemented supporters from across the country who jointly chanted "Keep the Promise, Save the Act" during the course of the proceedings. Clad in white shirts and blue baseball caps bearing the SIU logo, they brandished their signs, which boldly proclaimed, "The Seafarers International Union, Maritime Trades DepartmentAFL-CIO Supports The United Mine Workers and The Coal Act." More than 50 years ago, an historic agreement was signed between the Mine Workers and the federal government that created the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds_ That pact, known as the KrugLewis Agreement, laid the foundation for decades of medical improvements in America's coal fields. Since then, hundreds of thousands of coal-mining families have enjoyed the promise of lifetime medical care for themselves and their dependents. But today, that pledge is in danger of being broken. Because of a series of court decisions, the self-sustaining financial support for the UMWA Combined Fund that Congress put into place in the l 992 Coal Act has been jeopardized. And unless Congress steps in and once again ensures that the act is saved, nearly 70,000 retirees and widows could lose their benefits. "We're here to make sure Congress keeps its promise to America's coal miners," UMWA International President Cecil Roberts told the ra1ly participants, many of whom traveled by bus from a dozen states as far as away as Utah and Nevada. "It was very necessary for you to make this trip to make sure that 68,000 persons are not cut off from their benefits_" Several other speakers took turns at the microphone to buttress the sentiments affirmed by Roberts. Among them was AFL-CIO Secretary- Representing the SIU at the rally were Jafar Gordon, Kenneth Jackson, Antwan Stafford, Beth Ketah, Ibrahim Muhammad, Nathan Jarmon, Sean Fortener, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber, Kris Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Dyson. Treasurer and former UMWA President Richard Trumka, who pledged labor's full support. "We're here today to rally to remind Congress during this election year that we need help, and we need it because our friends are in danger and 70,000 retired miners and their widows are in danger," he said. "We rally to remind our elected officials that the Coal Act is a sacred trust forged on the field of battle, and we will fight to save it," Trumka continued. "And we rally to remind our nation that we will win the fight because we are more than just coal miners and our families, we"re workers from all walks of life and we're standing together, 40 million strong, Connnuedonpagel4 Welfare Plan Awards Scholarships to Seven The Seafarers Welfare Plan has announced this year's scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. Victor G. Frazier, who sails as an AB, was awarded a $15,000 Reviewing the scholarship appli· cations are (top photo, from left) Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Trevor Carpenter, (bottom photo, from left) Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr.. Dr. Michael Glaser and Or_ Charles Lyons Jr. scholarship. He plans to study finance and international business and possibly earn a law degree as well. Two scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each were awarded to deep sea members Dana D. Cunningham and Neonito "Dacu" S. Sodusta. Cunningham is a graduate of the entry-level training at the Paul Hall Center and completed the steward recertification program there. A member of the Associated Locksmiths of America, he hopes to continue in this field and specialize in safe and bank vault work. Sodusta already has a Bachelor of Science degree in maritime transportation from the Philippines and is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy. A member of the SIU since 1994, he would like to study photography at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Va. Four graduating high school seniors each were selected to receive $15,000, four-year scholarships for dependents of SIU members. They are Chevone C. Hall. daughter of Bosun Carlton P. Hall; John J. Macom, son of QMED Earl M. Macom; Hyacinth V Padua, stepdaughter of Chief Steward Stephen Avallone; and Elizabeth E. Heath, daughter of inland member Donald W. Heath. This year's selection committee, as in the past. was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The panel was composed of Dr. Michael Glaser, St_ Mary's College of Maryland; Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County [Md.] Community College; and Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of College and Universities. (Unable to attend the meeting in Sedona, Ariz. were Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio.) For a more in-depth look at each of the scholarship winners, see page 9. June2000 �SIU Achieves Big Gains in Fast SeaHf t Contract AMSEA Wins 5-Year Pact/or 8 Vessels The SIU achieved substantial gains in the new contract for eight fast sealift ships awarded last month by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) won the five-year pact with MSC to operate the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus. The transfer of the vessels from Bay Ship Management to AMSEA was expected to be completed late last month. "The award keeps the jobs on the eight ships with the SIU membership and will continue to provide employment for the next five years," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "The contract also provides for excellent gains for the crews, both in full operating status (FOS) and reduced operating status (ROS)." The agreement calls for significant wage increases. Details were presented to Seafarers during last month's membership meetings and during shipboard meetings with SIU officials. The contract also provides for Seafarers Welfare and Pension Plans benefits at their top levels, and includes the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at 5 percent of base wages. Aboard the Altair, Chief Steward Harold Ward, a 30-year member of the SIU, said the new agreement "is a good deal. The benefits are excellent and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan sounds fantastic. And the wages, of course, are fabulous. It's been well worth the wait." Ward also cited the revised work schedule and wage categories as highlights. On the Pollux, AB William Talbert mentioned "better benefits" and the increased wages as two focal points of the pact. Similarly, Bosun Walter Loveless on the Algol said, "I'm tickled to death with the new contract. It's a whole lot better pay and excellent benefits. I'm sure I'm speaking for every SIU member on this ship." The fast sealift ships (also called SL-7s) are roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off vessels equipped with cranes and ramps. They are specially suited to transport heavy or bulky materiel such as tanks, helicopters and large-wheeled vehicles. All were built as container ships for SeaLand Service and later were acquired and converted by MSC. They can sail at speeds greater than 30 knots. According to MSC, "Ninety-three percent of a U.S. Anny mechanized division can be lifkd using all eight ships. Seven of the class moved 13 percent of all the cargo transported between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia during and after the Persian Gulf War. Six were activated for the Somalian operation in December 1992 and all have been used in various operations and exercises since then." SIU crews remain aboard the eight fast sealift ships now operated by AMSEA, including the USNS Bellatrix (top) and the USNS Algol (below and at left). APNJide World Photos Herberger Outlines Goals to Strengthen U.S. Fleet Past MarAd Administrators Urge Action to Promote Merchant Marine The immediate past head of the Maritime Administration put forward a three-point outline to focus governmental and commercial attention to strengthen the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in the 21st century. Retired Navy Admiral Albert Herberger was one of five former U.S . Maritime Administrators to speak before the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club during a Capitol Hill luncheon May 9. Each- including Andrew Gibson who served from 1969 to 1972;' Samuel Nemirow~ 1979 to 1981; John Gaughan, 1985 to 1989; and Captain Warren Leback. 19891993- spoke about his term in the office and offered a brief look a.head. The quintet was introduced by the present administratC>r1 Ctyde Hart. Herherger who was at the helm when the Maritime Security Program became law in 1996. devoted his remarks ~o whr;n; the fleet a11d the industry must go in the coming years. The Kings Point graduat<; and former merchant marine officer stakd there is an increasing national defense role for the commercial industry there are new opportunities for domestic coastwise trade and there must be stronger federal as i~tance for the fleet. 1 1 National SecurHy "The commercial merchant marine represents a cost-effective way of providing logistic supp1i es," Herberger pointed out ~bout the U .S.-flag merchant fleet carrying needed military good~ to U.S. troops around the wor1d. June2000 Five previous U.S. Maritime Administrators join the present head of the Maritime Administration, Clyde Hert (third from left), at a Capitol Hill luncheon to discuss the future of the U.S.-flag fleet. From the left are John Gaughan. Warren Leback, Hart, Albert Herberger, Andrew Gibson and Sam Nemirow. He added that investment must be brought into the industry so new ships will be built. One of the key components for that investment is the ever-growing role of the merchant fleet in national security. .. Look at it objectively. There i5 not a more cost·effective way. It's a bargain! Any support that can be given to the commercial sector for national security reasons is valid!" Coa~twise Development Herberger then told the audience that the coastwise trades could see a major resurgence as the nation's highways and railroads get more and more crowded. He noted America started as a waterborne nation and could return to its roots if predictions hold true that there could be an additional 10,000 trucks deliver· ing cargo daily in 10 years. "The waterborne alternative is the only viable way to start look- ing at it." He stated truckers, rail and shipping could all benefit by working together. Federal Assistance Finally. the administrator from 1993 to 1997 cited the need for the maritime industry to emphasize what it does for national security to acquire more government anention and federal assistance. He noted the merchant fleet is needed to maintain America's role as the world's greatest trading nation. "I the maintenance of a U.S. maritime capability as a key component also important?" Herberger asked. He informed the Propeller Club that the Defense Department provided a subsidy of $855 million to ease the merger of defense contractors Lockheed and Martin Marietta. The figure is almost the same amount authorized for the 10-year Maritime Security Program. "How important is it-as the result of government assistance - that U.S.-flag vessels are crewed by skilled U.S. mariners who are available in emergencies to man not only the commercial fleet, but also the govemmentowned strategic sealift vessels?" Herberger urged the audience to work hard to promote the U.S.flag fleet so it will continue to grow to meet the new challenges of the coming years. Other Administrators Andrew Gibson, who served as administrator when the 1970 Merchant Marine Act was enacted, called the present fight for the U.S.-flag fleet "a critical moment ... worthy of more than a passing interest." Sam Nemirow said the industry must be placed on a sound basis in order to compete with international competition. He added Congress and the administration must work to pass legislation with a longer commitment to the fleet than the 10 years authorized in the Maritime Security Program. Citing section 101 of the 1936 Merchant Marine Act, which called for the U.S. to foster the development of a U.S.-flag fleet, John Gaughan stated, "We need to find a solution. We need to hold government accountable. This can't be done on the cheap." ln conclusion, Warren Leback reminded the group of the time it took to pass previous maritime measures and that action for new legislation must get under way. .v~nc~ oflndependence . Day (unless an errjer-·=. .gency arises). Nor.ma/ . · business hours will resume the following wQrkday. RRFAward Challenged The U.S . Maritime Administration (MarAd) last month awarded five-year contracts for the maintenance and operation of 74 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships, but several companies subsequently challenged the awards. As a result, the existing contracts have been extended for 90 days. MarAd announced May 16. A MarAd spokesman said the agency "received notification that . . . bid protests were filed with the General Accounting Office." The original assignments saw 45 vessels awarded to SIUcontracted companies. For those 45 ships, the sru secured substantial wage increases, plus an additional pair of wage increases retroactive to 1998 and 1999, respectively. Further details will be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Names Lakes VP: T. Orzechowski The SIU executive board last month named Tom Orzechowski as vice president of the union's Lakes and Inland Waters District. Orzechowski succeeds Byron Kelley, who retired (see page 5). A native of Camden, N.J., Orzechowski graduated from the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1991. He sailed in the deck department, both in the deep sea and inland divisions. In 1996, he was elected SIU port agent in St. Louis. Two years later, he was elected vice president of the SIUNA-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union. Orzechowski has extensive experience as an organizer, Tom Orzechowski including sailing aboard organizational-status vessels. SIU Makes It to the Show The new Baltimore hall, slated to open by month's end, is located at 2315 Essex Street. Renovations to the former art studio will include (top left) replacement of the bay door with glass panels and a double front door. The brick. building is situated in Canton. New Hall to Open in Baltimore SIU's Guam Office Is Fully Operational The SIU plans to open its new hall in Baltimore by the end of the month. Refurbishment of the facil- ity, located at 231.5 Essex Street in the Canton section of town~ is expected to be finished by midmonth. The union will complete transfer of its operations from 1216 East Baltimore Street during the following week or so. The telephone number for the new Baltimore hall will remain the same; (410) 327-4900. Seafarers who utilize this hall are asked to stay in touch with the staff for an exact opening date. Formerly an art studio, the Essex Street building represents a significant improvement compared to the hall on East Baltimore Street. "It will be very user-friendly for the membership," noted SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. "It's in a better area of town and it's something everyone in the SIU can be proud of." Baltimore•s will be the second new hall opened this year by the SIU_ In April, the union opened an office in the U.S. territory of Guam. SIU Guam Port Agent Matt Holley reports that the hat I there "is fully up and running and already has been used by a lot of members. The feedback has been very positive." The Guam hall is located at Sunny Plaza, 125 Tunjesus Crisostona Street, Suite 301-E. The SIU and one of its affiliated unions, the United Industrial Wor1<ers (UIW). shared a booth last month at the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show_ This year's event took place May 5-8 in Milwaukee and attracted hundreds of thousands of guests. Above, pictured at the SIU-UIW booth are (from left) AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex, UIW National Director Steve Edney, Glass and Pottery Workers President James Rankin, SIU President Michael Sacco, UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Dobbins and SIU Headquarters Representative Leo Bonser. Below, visiting the SIU-UIW display are (from left) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Dobbins, Pecquex, AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charlie Mercer and Edney. Bottom, guests check out the numerous displays of unionmade goods and services. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel greeted Seafarers last month at the SIU hall in Guam. Prospective unlicensed apprentices Jesse Anthony (right) and Pua Crisostomo-Kaaihue apply for the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Trainino and Education's entry program at the Guam hall. 4 Seafarers L06 June2000 �Navy League President Cites Need For Strong U.S. Merchant Marine John R. Fisher Editors note: In the May issue of Sea Power magazine, Rear Admiral John R. Fisher, national president of the Navy League of the United States, describes Americas need for a strong US.flag merchant marine. His column is reprinted here. The Vital Fourth Arm In the Foreword to our January 2000 "Almanac" issue of Sea Power, I noted that "Very few Americans realize how dependent the United States is on the U_S _flag Merchant Marine for national defense and its continued economic well-being." That comment is worth repeating. and expanding upon. as Navy Leaguers and other supporters of a strong U.S.-flag fleet observe "Maritime Month" this May in numerous special events both in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere throughout the country. From the Revolutionary War to and through Desert Storm, SIU America's Merchant Marine served as an essential partner of the U.S. Navy, earning the unofficial but well-deserved title of "the vital fourth arm of national defense." As has been the case with the nation's armed services that it served so well and so gallantly, however, the Merchant Marine is almost always neglected in times of peace_ Our grateful but perennially forgetful nation always talces for granted that in times of future conflict there will be enough time to rebuild the Merchant Marine to the number of ships needed, and enough trained American seafarers to man those ships. Those careless and militarily dangerous assumptions may have been partially valid even as late as the beginning of World War II, but not since then, and are demonstrably not true today. Consider the following: • German submarines sank more than 20 million tons of U.S. and Allied shipping in World War II, and came within a hair of winning the Battle of the Atlanticand, therefore, the war- for Adolf Hitler_ The US_ Merchant Marine had a higher per capita casualty rate than any of the nation's armed services in the first two years of fighting. • Less than 10 years ago it took the greatest sealift effort in all history for the United States and its coalition partners to defeat Iraq, a third-rate military power. In that conflict the United States possessed almost total control of the sea and was able to safely offload almost 10 million tons of cargo in the modem ports of Saudi Arabia- but had to charter foreign-flag ships to transport more than 20 percent of that cargo. Of much greater importance: Many of the U.S. seafarers, including some WWII veterans who manned the U.S.-flag ships in the Gulf War, had to come out of retirement to answer their country's call. Appropriately, they were the only civilians to march in the Desert Storm victory parade in Washington. • If the U.S./NATO air war against Serbia last year had required the commitment of ground forces, Navy officials have stated. the result might well have been a "logistics nightmare" and, rather than total victory, a total debacle instead_ A careful reading of history shows that there are several lessons to be learned from the preceding and other conflicts. The first is that in all future wars threatening U.S. interests overseas, 95 percent or more of the supplies and equipment needed by our air and ground forces in the combat zone will have to come by sea. The second is that we cannot depend on foreign-flag ships to carry that cargo. The third is that, because of the pace of modem warfare, the U.S.-flag sealift ships and American seafarMaritime Day activities in Washington, DC took place too late for the Seafarers LOG's June printing deadline. Full coverage of those ceremonies will be included in the July issue. ers available at the start of conflict cannot be substantially augmented in any way. What can, and should, we as a nation do to ensure the availability of enough sealift ships and crews for the foreseeable future? Several things, as Rep. Herbert H. Bateman, chairman of the House Merchant Marine Panel, points out in an interview in this issue of Sea Power: (1) Extend and probably expand both the maritime security program and the prepositioned ship program; (2) Significantly increase the funding available for shipbui1ding under the Title XI loan-guarantee program; and (3) Develop. promote, and implement policies that make it possible to once again build ships "of every variety"-commercial as well as naval-in American shipyards. "If we lose our ability to build ships," Chairman Bateman further points out, "we lose our capability to sustain ourselves as a maritime power." I concur wholeheartedly in that appraisal, and in his assessment of what should be our immediate maritime priorities. After these crucially important short-term actions are taken, though, we also should develop, and quickly implement, longerterm plans and policies to ensure that the U.S.-flag merchant fleet is no longer what it now is, the Achilles' Heel of national defense -but once again resumes its rightful role as the Vital Fourth Arm. In the long run, of course, it will be up to the American people, in a very real sense, to determine whether we want to be-or even deserve to be-a true maritime power in the brave new world of the 21st century. John R. Fisher National President This article is reprinted courtesy of Sea Power magazine, the official publication of the Navy League of the United States, which retains all rights of ownership, including copyright restrictions. es VP Kelley Retires Former Tug Capt. Logged Half-Century of Service After 50 years of making his living in the maritime industry, SIU Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Byron Kelley has retired. The son of a tugboat captain, Kelley started sailing in 1951. He served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard (1953-57) before rejoining the ranks of the merchant marine, where he earned licenses as a tugboat captain and pilot. Kelley, 67, often saih:d on ves~ sels operated by Great Lakes Towing or Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging. The Michigan native came ashore in 1973 to work for the SIU and became a fixture in the Great Lakes region. He served the last 11 years as vice president of the SIU's Greal Lakes and Irtlartd Water~ Di~trict Earlier, he worked as an SIU representative, safety director ( 1983-89) and assistant vice president (1989). "Byron took his work very seriously, and that benefited the membership. He was a dedicated official," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. Kelley cited the overall progress of the U.S. merchant marine as his career highlight. "It sounds cornball. but what I enjoyed the most was seeing the comfort of the working guy improve to the point where they make a damn good living," Kelley recalled_ "When I started sailing, if you got a 2-cents-an-hour raise, that was something. Today, it has evolved and become a job to be proud of. Here on the Lakes, the money and the benefits through the SIU are such that the members don't want to give them up. So, my ability to help through the negotinting process is probably my greatest source of pride." George McCartney, retired SIU vice president West At a recent gathering in Allen Park, Mich., House Minority Whip David Bonier {left) and his wife, Judy, congratulate retiring SIU Lakes and Inland Waters VP Byron Kelley on his career. June20DO After more than 20 years sailing in the deck department, Kelley came astiore in 1973 to work for the SIU. Above, Kelley (left) chats with Seafarer W. Adamek in 1978 at the old SIU hall in Detroit. Below, Kelley surveys the icy conditions outside the hall in Algonac, Mich _ Coa~t, credited Kelley with being Hvery reliable and accurate. He was always well-informed and on the ball." Ed Hogan, vice president of Sill-contracted Hannah Marine, said Kelley "always did a good job for his people. really hustled for them. But he was decent for us to work with. too." Ed Coffey. business representative for the Greater Detroit AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Council, said Kelley is "a he11 of a good trade unionist. He got involved with us through the Michig'1n Maritime Trades Port Council, and we're proud of our association with the Seafarers __ .. You knew when he was talking, it was time to listen." More than 200 well-wishersincluding dozens of political figures-joined Kelley for a combination birthday-retirement party April 16 in Allen Park, Mich. Among those attending were U.S. House of Representatives Minority Whip David Bonior (DMich.), U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and numerous state officials. Also participating were Richard Cordtz, president emeritus of the Service Employees International Union; Edgar Scribner, retiring president of the See related story, page 4 Detroit Metropolitan AFL-CIO; Patrick Devlin, head of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council; and others. Despite retiring, Kelley said he will remain active in the labor movement. He is vice chairman of the Detroit and Wayne County Port Authority, president of the AFLCIO Labor's International Hall of Fame, and serves as a consultant to the Detroit Metropolitan AFLCIO, among other endeavors. "I can be of service to the movement in several capacities," he noted. "I'm not going to get bored, by any means." Seafarers LOG 5 �Crowley Seafarers Complete Tailor-Made STCW Training School Helps Licensed Mariners Meet Requirements ofAmended Convention Although many of the courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are geared toward helping unlicensed mariners meet the requirements of the amended STCW convention, the school also provides similar instruction for licensed Seafarers. With that in mind, nine licensed SIU members who sail with Crowley Maritime Services recently completed two weeks of U.S. Coast Guard-approved, STCW-related courses at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Their curriculum included advanced fire fighting, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) recertification, STCW basic safety, CPR and first aid. Finishing the classes April 28 were SIU members Homer Roberson, Anthony Morgan, Miguel Vasquez, Roger Horton, For instance, according to the Coast Guard, the requirement for a master's license for 500 or 1,600 gross tonnage on ocean or near-coastal waters may include automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA), global maritime distress systems (GMDSS), bridge team- John Salmon, Bruce Brumback, Bill Smith, Willie Gardner and Paul Fuller. These STCW Info. on the Web Seafarers sail from the Gulf Coast region, primarily Lake Charles, La. and Houston. The two-week session at Piney Point was crafted following meetings between Crowley representatives and school officials. The Paul Hall Center honored the company's request to help its crews fulfill multiple STCW requirements in one uninterrupted stretch of training. "We understandably have concentrated most of our efforts the last few years on unlicensed (training), but many SIU members sail licensed on limited tonnage vessels," said Bill Eglinton. director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. "In some cases they have to meet additional STCW requirements." The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a comprehensive web site covering STCW. It can be found at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ That site and others of potential interest to Seafarers are linked at the SIU's web site: http://www.seafarers.org work. advanced fire fighting. STCW basic safety. and survival craft and rescue boat. The requirement for engineering officers' licenses- including designated duty engineer (unlimited hp), chief engineer (limited oceans) and assistant engineer (limited oceans)--comprises first aid and CPR, advanced fire fighting, STCW basic safety, and survival craft and rescue hMt The Crowley crews-and other SIU-contracted companies that traditionally operate in coastal waters- are subject to STCW regulations once they go beyond the 12-mile U.S. boundary line. " We may sail on tugboats, but we're not just inland. I recently made a trip to Africa," noted Gardner, who sails as a chief engmeer. SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker (left) and Crowley Maritime Services Director of Marine Operations Ed McCain discuss STCW requirements with crews from the Gulf Coast region. He said the Paul Hall Center trammg, including hands-on instruction at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, proved worthwhile, "especially water survival. We also fought all kinds of fires, different types. I never had done that before, so it was an experience." Students said the fire fighting training proved very worthwhile. Smith, a captain, said he appreciated the chance to meet numerous STCW requirements in a fairly short time. "I'd recommend to other members who need this training~ to come up here and do it-get [the requirements] out of the way," he said. "Just be senous about it, because it's a serious school. Don't think you're going to come here and party. Nobody's going to give you anything." Smith added that the fire fighting and water survival components were particularly useful. Getting Lots of Practical Experience No Beefs Between Steward, Captain · Whci says unlicensed mariners and officers can't get along? Chief Steward Michael Kozak {right) and his wife, Kimberly Borges-who sails as a captain with the American Maritime Officers-report smooth sailing since their marriage in February 1999. SIU President Michael Sacco chatted with them after the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. 6 Seafarers LOG Maxwell Hassell-El, a student in the chief cook course at the Paul Hall Center, enjoys the hands-on approach to cooking. The upgrader, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., believes "the instructors at the school are truly interested in the students' welfare." June2000 �14 Bosuns Earn Recertification Many Commend Paul Hall Center for Progress A seasoned group of SIU members last month became the union's newest recertified bosuns, following their completion of the top curriculum available to deck department Seafarers at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Graduating at the Piney Point, Md. school May 8 were Rickie Burgess, David Campbell, Arthur Cross, Bernard Hutcherson, David Kalm, Steven Ledermann, Jeffrey Libby, Robert Lindsay, Paul "Blackie" Matsos, Thomas Minton, John Mossbarger, Johnny O'Ferrell, Daniel Ticer and Robert Wilson. (O'Ferrell successfully completed the class but left to catch a ship before the graduation ceremony.) In remarks at the meeting, the bosuns commented on variou5 aspects of the school and the union. 0 1 was overwhelmed to find out just how many people work in the political Menn to kc;i;p thi5 industry alive," observed Minton, The union's newest recertified bosuns are congratulated by SIU officials following last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) Daniel Ticer, Rickie Burgess, (standing) SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Bernard Hutcherson, David Campbell, SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker, Robert Lindsay, Arthur Cross, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Steven Ledermann, John Mossbarger, David Kalm, Paul Matsos, Robert Wilson, Jeffrey Libby, SIU President Michael Sacco, Thomas Minton and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. who joined the SIU in 1968. "I now know more about the industry, so I can answer questions and do my job as ship's chairman much better than before. "I feel that with the hard work (SIU President) Mike Sacco and (SIU VP Contracts) Augie Tellez and. for that matter, everyone in the Washington political (field) are doing~ we are in for exciting times and a bright future." Campbell, an SIU member for 26 years. encouraged his fellow members to "stick with it and good things will happen to you. The SIU has always been a good deal." He also pointed out that in this federal dcdion year, "Whoever 's going to hdp U5 in maritime, that's who to vote for. Remember also to contribute to SPAD." Lindsay complimented his classmates, Paul Hall Center staff and SIU headquarters officials for helping provide a valuable course. A 10-year member of the SIU, he listed contract issues, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department's role, the operation of the Seafarers benefits plans and the importance of SPAD as some of the highlights. "It was a good experience and I met a lot of nice and helpful people:," Lind~ny ~nid. "There; arc; a lot of opportunities in this union .... rd also like to thank the SIU staff in Norfolk (Va.) for being so helpful." Wilson said he hadn •t attended the school since 1979. and he was pleasantly surprised at its progress. "I wasn't impressed in 1979. Now, I am," he ~aid. "The teachers care, they want each student to achieve high kveb of knowledge in each course. We had fun, David Campbell June2000 Daniel Ticer too. I recommend all members upgrade." He added, "The progress of the SIU is not by chance. A plan has been set to assure all SIU members employment with better benefits and pay on the horizon." A frequent upgrader who joined the union in 1978, Hutcherson identified computer training as a course highlight. "I would recommend to any Seafarer to upgrade.'' he stated. "Upgrading is advancing yourself. I've always enjoyed this school. Ifs very rewarding!' In a brief but emotional address, Ticer emphasized his feelings about the Brotherhood of the Sea. ''I'm talking to you from my heart. This is my family, my house," he said, gesturing toward the audience. "Support this thing and it'll keep working." For Ledermann, bosun recertification marked his eighth time upgrading at Piney Point. "I joined in 1969 as a trainee, and every time I come here, it gets a tittle better," he said. "Mike Sacco and (Paul Hall Center VP) Don Nolan make it better, and I thank them for giving us this opportunity.h ed the chance to interact with his classmates. "That was a highlight, rubbing shoulders with the other bosuns," he noted. "We usually don't get to see each other. because we're at sea.·· He also credited the union ·s officials for "great leadership. Our officials stay on top of the industry and instigate change in the industry. It's to our benefit." Matsos said that, through the SIU, "I've always had a job and always done well. I thank the SIU and the whole staff, from the president down. It's nice to be here, but I'm ready to go back to work!" Addressing the unlicensed apprentices in the audience, he added, "Ask questions. I joined in 1956 and I still ask questions." Burgess also spoke to the apprentices. "You can get anything you want, as long as you work at it. And when it comes to politics, remember we're all about maritime." A Seafarer since 1979, Kalm noted the improvements in the Paul Hall Center•s facilities and curriculum. ..The school's been really great and it's come a long way. It's something for all of us to be proud of," he said. "There are a lot of unions. but none can match us with this school." Both Cross and Libby thanked the school staff and encouraged the apprentices in their studies. Because the bosuns also completed the school's STCW basic safety course, they finished a total of seven weeks of studies at Piney Point. Combining practical and classroom instruction, they covered topics such as wire splicing, navigation. damage control. forklift handling, Hagglund crane operations, fire fighting, first aid and CPR, and many others. Additionally, they were updated by Sacco and Tellez on the union's latest efforts to ensure job security for all Seafarers. They also met with representatives from the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department and the union's communications staff. Rickie Burgess Robert Lindsay Steven Ledermann Arthur Cross Mossbarger said he appreciat- Seafarers LOS 7 �Engine Simulator Will Aid Paul Hall Center's Training New Tools to Help With STCW Compliance The schooling of engine department personnel at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. will receive a boost beginning this fall, thanks to the addition of a state-of-the-art engine room simulator (ERS). Slated to be housed in the center's completely refurbished Lindsey Williams Building, the ERS is one of four new simulators that will be installed in the school's classrooms. The ERS will consist of a two-stroke and four-stroke slow speed and medium speed propulsion diesel, a 600-psi main propulsion steam and turbine simulator, and a gas turbine simulator. It will be utilized for teaching engine room watchkeeping personnel how to properly operate a ship's propulsion and electrical power plants. The other simulators will be for training in shiphandling, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Energized about the new equipment and its array of appli- Construction continues on the new Paul Hall Center building that will house simul~tors for shiph~ndling 1 engine room ations and liquid cargo procedures. op~ration~ 1 eran~ op~r­ cations, J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the center, said the learning tools will help provide unprecedented realism. "Up until now, (some) students have had to rely exclusively on classroom lectures for training," he continued. "With the addition of this simulator, we can now provide them with hands-on experience which ultimately translates into a better trained student." In compliance with revised STCW 95 Convention and Code requirements, the new ERS will allow Paul Hall Center instructors to conduct three-level training for new personnel. These levels are: • Entry level-familiarization. This level is designed for the study of the structure and operating principles on the machinery and related systems. •Standard level (for FOWT/ QMED ratings)--standard operation and watchkeeping. • High level (for licensed engineers)-advanced operation and troubleshooting. The engine simulator features the most modern technology. In addition to making the three-level training available for instructors, a milestone in the center's curriculum, this cutting-edge technology will facilitate assessment of student competence. This feature is deemed particularly beneficial during certifications and the recruitment of new engine department personnel. As an example, the ERS can simulate operations during emergencies. This capability will permit training in troubleshooting to be conducted. A malfunction scenario, prepared in advance by instructors, can be included in the exercise. From the instructor workplace, the scenario can be edited on-line for each trainee. Similarly, failures of machinery can be entered, levels in the tanks changed and orders given from the bridge imitated. Instructors also can prepare arbitrary start situations, assign each student an individual exercise, or give the same exercise to the entire class. Twelve students can be put through simulated exercise paces at the same time. The simulator will make it possible for instructors to: • Freeze situations at any juncture for the purpose of additional discussion, • Record the sequence of actions and events of each trainee, and • Replay recorded classes on real, fast and slow time or in a step-by-step mode. The ERS can also be used in conjunction with bridge resource management and engine room resource management. Apprentice Program Gives 'Second Chance' Shavies Grateful for Opportunity at Paul Hall Center Five years ago, Shauntay Shavies Mula Mly ~ttvi~iM hi~ rurur~ tlmmgh dream~ arid make-believe itttage~. He wa~ uncertain about where he was going as well as h6w he W<">Uld get there. At that juncrure, he was repaying society for a wrong tum he had made as a youth. Life had not been especially kind to the then troubled and misguided 15-yearold. He had not experienced the security that normally correlates with happiness during childhood. His sense of worth was fictional. His aspirations for success were clouded by an absence of purpose. Desperate to replace these voids with closeness and a feeling of belonging, he rumed tc street gangs. Change or Lne That was then. Nowadays, life is very different for the 21-year-old Tacoma, Wash. native. His demeanor. values and entire approach to existence have undergone a dramatic reformation. Currently enrolled in the third and final phase of the unlicen5ed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Shavies looks forward to being a productive part of society and earning a respectable tiving. "I look at being here (the school in Piney Point, Md.) as being given a second chance, and I plan to make the most of it," he said. "I now have a future and no longer have to worry about living day to day." Perhaps his day-to-day Jiving conditiOrt~ led hitn towa.rd hi~ itt.di~cretioM a_~ a_ minor. Sha.vies is the second of four siblings who was raised entirely by his mother. A single parent, Tamra Shavies spent her days Md ttJghts wofkihg to provide for hi:r ~hildm1. ..My mother did everything she could for me and my brothers," Shavies recalled. "She worked two jobs and basically gave us what we needed to survive. We never got anything fancy like some kids did. And that really made me mad because for some reason, that was not enough for me. I always wanted more. Like every good parent, though, my 0 B Seafarers LOB mom tried to keep us out of trouble," he cottt1nued. She taught an of us the ditlerente between right an.d wrong, but I was the kind of kid that had to learn the hard way .. . from experience. I never believed anything until I experienced it on my own. r had to prove things to myself." Such "proof• often was gained at the expense of others. He became involved in gangs at an early age. By joining a gang, he sought to secure those things that he longed for yet never realized he already had in his family life. In his estimation at that time, the gang afforded such things as caring, sharing, unity, guidance and-perhaps most importantly- loyalty. HI got involved with the street and gangs earty in my life, because I had no father figure around," Shavies said. "I joined because it made me feel like I belonged and could be myself. I thought that the gang would give me all of the things I did Mt ha eat home." All of his expectations were met and 0 surpassed initially, but the gang's appeal i;vi;ntually subsidi;d. As a result, Shavies sometimes reassessed his involvement. "In gangs, everybody has a job to do based on what they do best. They (gangs) are not just made up of young people and teenagers; you also have older people who run things, they are almost like parents" Shavies said. "And I understood that part of it. But I had a hard time handling how someone could say that they loved you on the one hand and beat the hell out of you at the same time for whatever reason. "I guess the part that hurt me most, though, was when I discovered how quickly the people that I used to hang out with in the streets would desert me/' Shavies said. ((lt's not a good sensation to feel deserted, forgotten about, or to have people who you think are your friends turn their backs on you. I guess they were not really my friends and they did not really care about me that much either." Through it all however, there was at least one constant in Shavies' life which remained loyal and unshakable-his mother. She never gave up on her son or compromised her faith in him . ..My mom was my only real friend. She always supported me and gave me encouragement," Shavies said. "She was always there for me and I thank God for her. "People say that it takes something dramatic or significant to wake someone up," he continued. "When I looked at people around me and thought about them and their futures, I didn't like what I saw. "I found out that a close friend of mine would never get out of jail and it scared me to think that I could end up just like him if I didn't change. I now know that through faith and belief in yourself, anything is possible." Shavies' newfound hope and belief in himelf paid dividends in 1996 when he earned his GED. Two years later, he regained his freedom. Life had new meaning and purpose. He could now assertively let go of his past and get on with his future. For the next six months, he worked in various capacities under a work release program. After completing the work release program in March 1998, he sought the advice and guidance of counselors who helped him maintain his focus. Over the next 12 months. Shavies contacted more than a few agencies. He sought employment opportunities and any "breaks" along the way that would aid him as he traveled the long road back to a normal existence. He worked at a food processing plant, drove a forklift and was employed as a janitor. Getting a Break Then came the break he had been awaiting. He entered the first phase of the SIU's unlicensed apprentice program Sept. 1, 1999. Some 12 weeks later, he began phase 2 and was off to sea for his first voyage. He spent 90 days aboard the Totem Ocean Trailer Express vessel Northern Lights. The ship made weekly calls at ports between Tacoma and Anchorage. During this part of his training, Shavies achieved superior ratings in all required departments. Shauntay Shavies, scheduled to graduate this month from the Unlicensed Apprentice Program at the Paul Hall Center, credits the school with helping him turn his life around. Upon graduation, Shavies will ship out for 120 days and work as an OS. Ile then will return to the school to upgrade to AB. Currently, he serves as the chief bosun for the Unlicensed Apprentice Program. In this role, he works dosely with the school's commandant in the daily supervision of unlicensed apprentices in phases one and two. Shavies openly credits the Paul Hall Center and its staff for both the impact that it has had on his life and also the role it has played in the reformation of his values. "When I first came here, I thought that I had made another big mistake because I viewed it like being in the military ... too many rules to deal with," he said. "But I stuck with it and it all began to make sense to me. Everything really came out while I was at sea because all that they (instructors) had been telling me fell into place. "Before, I really did not care about much of anything, but now I understand that I have responsibilities and that other people depend on me," Shavies concluded. "Now I can hold a conversation with my mom and tell her how good I'm doing and what I plan to do in the future:· June2000 �Scholarships Awarded to Seven in 2000 ince the Seafarers Welfare Plan issued its first scholarships in 1953, nearly 300 SIU members and their spouses and dependent children have used the award monies to further their educations. In introducing the program, the union wanted to make sure that Seafarers and their family members who were qualified to attend a college, university or technical school would have the financial means available to do so. That philosophy continues today as seven more people-three Seafarers and four children of SIU members-were selected recipients of the Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarships totaling $87, 000. Last month, a panel of educators, making up the Seafarers Welfare Plans scholarship committee, met to select the scholarship winners for 2000. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and career goals of the seven college-bound students. S SEAFARERS ICTOR G. FRAZIER, 39, was awarded a four-year scholarship in the amount of $15,000. The deep sea member looks forward to obtaining a degree in finance and international business and is seriously considering pursuing a degree in law as V we1L follc.wing his 1978 graduation from high school in Albuquerque N_M_ Frazier worked various jobs to help support his mother and three siblings, putting off dreruns 1 1 of continuing his education. It was not until 1982 that Fra'.lier returned to academics, attending classes at various colleges 1n CaHfom1a and working toward a degree in aeronautics. It was then that he also joined the Air Force Reserve. Eleven years later, in 1993, and not happy with the direction his life was leading, he joined the Seafarers International Union. He thanks the SIU West Coast offic;:iab for hdping "a mlrtd young man transition into becoming a merchant seaman. He has continua11y upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and EducatJon in Piney Point, Md. a.nd i~ c;:urr~ntly ~ailing as an AB aboard the Liberty Spirit. The deck department member has a.ppli~d to the University of California in Berketey Calif., Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif'., Iloward University in Washington, D.C. and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga. H 1 D , ANA D. C I G- HAM, 3 7, has been a merchant sailor for 17 years_ He completed his junior year at Oakton High School in Oakton, Va. and went to sea. Brother Cunningham completed the entry-level training at the Paul Hall Center in 1984 and earned hi~ QED at that time:, as well. Since then, the steward department member has returned to the school on many occasions 1 advancing from cook/baker to chief cook to chi f steward. In 1992, he graduated from the steward recertification program-the highest curriculum available to JuneZOOO members of the steward department. But Cunningham also has other interests. In 1995, he began working as a locksmith apprentice and after two years, received his memthe Associated bership to Locksmiths of America. While continuing to sail with the SIU, presently aboard the LNG Capricorn, the recertified steward has been practicing as a full service locksmith. He hopes to specialize in safe and bank vault work and believes he will excel in this field. With the $6,000 scholarship award, Brother Cunningham plans to attend the Master's Safe and Vault School in Nicholasville, Ky, considered one of the best schools in this field. EONITO "DACU" S. SODUSTA has already accomplished much in his 42 years. Following graduation in 1974 from high school in the Philippines. he went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree in maritime transportation from Visayan Maritime Academy, also in the Philippines. He then shipped out aboard foreign-flag ships until 1985, when he went shoresidc and took a marketing position. But seafaring was in his blood, and Sodusta enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Ht was a vtttran of th~ Persian Gulf War and received many medals and commendations during his four years of military service. With an honorable discharge from the Navy. Brother Sodusta then joined the SIU in 1994, first working aboard the S.S. Ittdependente. He has taken a number of upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center and is presently an AB aboard the N Courier. In his scholarship application 1 Sodusta noted that much of his time as a mariner has taken him away from his parents and his wife and three sc.ns, but that phc.tography has helped him keep busy and gives him much pleasure. While in rhe Navy, he enrolled in a photography home study program from which he received a certificate of graduation in 1993, and he now would like to improve in this field and concentrate on commercial photography. With his two-year, $6,000 scholarship from the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Sodusta hopes to realize his educational dreams at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Va. or another trade school specializing in photography. ber since 1978, presently sailing as a bosun aboard the Quality. While in school, Hall participated in a number of athletic, academic and musical activities, among them junior varsity volleyball, the Latin-American Society, the Deerfield Black Student Coalition, and as a member of the chorus, chamber singers and an a cappella group. She also has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and at several nursing homes. "Drawing and writing are my hobbies," Hall wrote in her application form, "and music is certainly my passion, but life-science enthralls me . . . . I feel it is very important that we understand as much as we can about ourselves. With this knowledge, I hope to one day contribute to society as much as I can by helping as many people as l can." OHN J. MACOM, 18, is another student with ambitions of being a doctor. He is graduating this month from Belfast Area High School in Belfast, Maine, and will use his $15,000 scholarship award to follow a pre-med curriculum at Villanova University, Boston University, Fairfield University or Dickinson College. He is the son of Rebecca and Earl M. Ma,om. His father. a deep sea member who joined the SIU in 1965, sails in the engine department, currently aboard the Potomac. Macom has been an excellent student and has challenged himself by taking as many advanced placement courses as possible. He stayed on top of his studies, maintained honors and ranked in the top 20 percent of his class while still participating in many organizations throughout his school and community. He is a mentor for elementary and middle school students, has participated in his town's voluntary fire department, taken the position of treasurer of his high school newspaper and been elected treasurer of the Future Business Leaders of America- among other activities. He also has found time to manage the school's champion swim team and has been a member of the tennis team for our years. With all these activities, Macom also earned a little money while working as a pizza delivery boy; dishwasher; newspaper deliverer and camp counselor. 0 My goal is to become a doctor," Macom wrote in his scholarship application. "Just the thought of helping others makes it all worthwhik. I also plan to use my knowledge in medicine to help poverty stricken areas." J DEPENDENTS HEVONE C. HALL is graduating this month from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Mass. With her fouryear, $15,000 scholarship, she plans to pursue a career in medicine at any one of 10 schools to which she has been accepted, including Cornell University, C Dartmouth College, Wellesley College and Tufts University. The 17-year-old is the daughter of Colleen and Carlton P. Hall. Her father has been an SIU mem- H YACINTH V. PADUA hopes to become the first doctor in her family. The 17-year-old immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1997 and the family relocated to New Mexico. Her parents are Julieta and Stephen Avallone. Her step-dad joined the union in 1988 and currently sails as a chief steward aboard the Jack Lummus. As she graduates this month from Manzano High School in Albuquerque, N.M., Padua has overcome cultural challenges to become a remarkable student. She quickly mastered English and became a first-rate writer, and has been published in the school literary magazine. She excels in both mathematics and English and has taken honors classes in both subjects, maintaining a 3.9 grade point average and ranking in the top 11 percent of her class. Padua's other activities include working part time and doing volunteer work for her church. "I want achievements that I can be proud of," Padua wrote in her scholarship application, "so that when I look back from the future, I know that I have made a small difference in the world. I want to be an example to other children that education is the trail out of poverty. I want to make my family proud so when I go back to the Philippines, others will be empowered to pursue higher a academic excellent." Padua will use her $15,000 scholarship money to begin premed studies at the University of New Mexico in August. W hen ELIZABETH E. HEATH was in the first grade, she wanted to be an engineer and then an astronaut. Since the second grade, she wrote in her scholarship application, her plans have changed slightly. She decided then that she no longer wanted to be an astronaut but still wanted to pursue a career in mechanical. civil or industrial engineering. The 18-year-old can now realize her dreams. With the help of her $15,000 schoJarship, she plans to attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. next fall. Graduating this month from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Va., Heath is ranked number 10 in a class of384. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society and high school academic team. She was selected in a highly competitive field as a delegate to the Virginia Girls State and "Who's Who of American High School Students." Heath also has been enrolled in advanced placement physics and is involved in several civic, church and other school organizations such as the science club, Keyettes and Latin club. Additionally, she has performed as a percussionist in the school's marching band, concert band, symphonic band and winter drum line. Heath also is an active member of her church, where she sings in the adult choir and the Virginia youth choir. While she has not determined exactly what she wants to do with her engineering degree, she hopes that by furthering her education, "I will determine exactly what field I want to enter because the job market is changing so rapidly these days. More education will be my key to determining how I want to spend the rest of my life." Heath's parents are Connie and Victor G. Frazier Dana D. Cunningham Neonito S. Sodusta Chevone C. Hall John J. Macom Hyacinth V. Padua Donald W. Heath. Her father, a member of the inland division since 1983, is presently a launch operator with the Virginia Pilot Association. Elizabeth E. Heath Seafarers LOG 9 �Left The tugs Cleo J. Brisco and Ronald Brisco tie up in Port Hueneme. Above; AB Richard Volkart poses in front of the Maersk Tennessee, which just tied up in port In and Around tb.e Port al Los Angeles A photo feature on activities around the port of Los Angeles-including the SIV hall in Wilmington-appeared in last month's Seafarers LO(/. SIV Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, who met with some of the crew members aboard the incoming SIVcrewed vessels, provided additional photos this month . Ships and boats of all types and sizes call on the port of Los Angeles which, together with Long Beach and Port Hueneme, is one of the 10 Ssafarers LOii June2000 �-- 1 Adai'&omS A rousing "hafa adai" (welcome) was given to SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel during his recent visit to Guam. Heindel was in the U.S. territory to meet with Seafarers aboard several of the large number of SIU-contracted ships based in the area-including the MV Lt. Col. Calvin P Titus, USNS Petersburg and Gopher State- and to check out the new hall and SWP-contracted clinic (see related story on page 4). Feedback about the union facility was quite positive. The crew members he talked with seemed pleased with the addition of a local ball where they can register, file for benefits, acquire upgrading forms and beneficiary cards and take care of other related union business. The photos appearing on this page were sent to the LOG by the secretary-treasurer. Thi~ view of the harbor was taken from Nimitl Hill, named after Admiral Nimitz. who was in charge or the U.S. Navy forces during WWII and led the invasion to free Guam from Japanese control. The beach is where the U.S. Marines landed. and the port and Navy base are also visibl~ - TM v~ss~I in tM baci<ground is the Sgt_ William R. Button. Above; Whomping up a great meal for his fellow crew members on the Calvin P Titus is Chief Cook Mark Stevenson _ At left AB Carl Larson finishes a task aboard the Gopher State_ The Cdlvin P. Titus i~ fortunate to have a number of unlicensed apprentices (UA) on board. From the left, following a shipboard meeting, are UA Jerramy McNeil, Bosun Evan Bradl~y, SIU SecretaryTrg;;u;umr D~vid HQindel, UA William Howell and UA Stiles Anderson. Remembering Brother Chuck Haller Working together on the Petersburg's deck are AB John Favero (left) and AB/DM John Barnard. .. Above; Nathaniel Leary is the bosun aboard the Gopher State_ At left: 803un Eddie Hall (left) joins Pef'Jrsburg 5teward department members tor a photo. They are Steward Oscar Angeles, Chief Cook Wendy Fearing, SA Fisal Zain and SA Nasser Hasson_ This is believed to be one of the last photos of longtime Seafarer Chuck Haller (far right), who passed away February 26. It was taken under sunny skies but in frigid temperatures early in the new year at the Crowley Petty's Island facility in Pennsauken, N_J_Pictured with Haller are (from left) fellow SIU members John Wozunk, John Gallagher, John Haller (Chuck's brother) and Mike Kirby. The Hallers are one of many families with more than one member sailing with the SIU. In addition to Electricians Chuck and John , QMED Robert Haller and OMU Mike Haller are part of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Chuck Haller's obituary appears on page 18. Seafarers LOS ff �•• San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean, so it is no wonder that the SIU hall, located in suburban Santurce, is a hub of activity. SIU-contracted ships are a common sight as they arrive in San Juan and other Puerto Rican ports such as Guayanilla, Yabucoa and Guayama. The vessels are offloaded with goods for the nearly four million people living on the island. A small percentage of this merchandise is then shipped out again to smaller islands such as St. Thomas and St. John in the Shipping Virgin Islands. During a recent tour of the various ports, SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez and Safety Director Amancio Crespo met with crew members aboard a variety of vessels, including those operated by NPR, Inc.; CSX Lines; U.S. Ship Management; and lnterocean Ugland Management. Jn addition, two NATCO dredges-the Dodge Island and the Manhattan Island- are presently working in San Juan harbor on a 10- to 12-month project to dredge the shipping channel. Above: While the Producer was in San Juan recently, this photo was taken of (from left) AB William D. Brinson Jr., Chief Steward Gregory N _ M~lvin and Bcsun JC~I A _ L~CML At l~ft'. Chief Pumpman Alex S. Dunlop assists in a di3charge operation aboard the Patriot in Guayanilla, P.R. /;:/: Above right Samuel Porchea, bosun aboard the Allegiance, is : '' pleased with what he reads in the Seafarers LOG. At left: This was ·' the fir~t time in Puerto Rico for' the Cdtolina after time in the shipyard_ !=rom the left are Bosun Stewart V Dixon, Chief Cook Jorge R. Salazar and Chief Steward Eva M. Mayers. While the Chemical Explorer was in Guayam recently, Chief Steward Dadang R Rashi receives his full membership book from SI Safety Director Amancio Crespo. Abovs:Bosun Luis Ramirez and Chief Steward Francis The AllfJgianofJ stopped off in Yabucoa, PR during a recent run _From tne left are 6A Mo~leh C:athQrim~ 6. Mo~leh, Chief Steward M_ Hays and Chigf Cook. Larry Jolla. 12 Seafarers LOB E_Ostendarp Jr_ take a coffee break aboard the El Yunque, along with (left) GUDE Pedro C. Gago and OMU Jimmie R. Graydon. Chief Cook Loicy M _Jones watches over the deep fryer on board the Chemical Explorer. June2000 �Solidarity . SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo (left) marches with UNITE Assistant to President Wilfredo Medina. Seafarers joined scores of other union members and officials recently in a rally and picket line in front of the Capitol building in San Juan to support their brothers and sisters in the Puerto Rican Police Federation. Marching with members from UNITE, the MTD and other unions and organizations April 4, the group voiced its concerns to legislators to create afand to compensate members of the police force for overtime already worked, but for which the government says it doesn ~ have the funds. GIMl<wise from far left: Dredging operations contin- ue aboard the Dodge Island in San Juan Bay • A happy crew on board the dredge Manhattan Island are (from left) Oiler Keith E. Neathery, AB Kevin Hamilton, Chief Steward Harold Kinney, SA William Brainard. AB Jimmy G. Saloom and Mate George Hofmann • Dr~gt9nd9r Torrimy Davi~ worll~ in tne "pit" inside the wheelhous~ cf thA Dodg~ Island during operation$ in San Juan Bay • On break aboard the Dodge fa/and are (from left} SA Miriam Merluzzo, Chief Steward Steven Talucci , Dragtender Tommy Davis and AB Charles G. Troutwine Jr. Halping with cargo operations on tne Allegiance are ABs Michael M. Edwards and Eddie L. Major. JuneZOOO Maintaining watch aMard tne Carolina is OMU Charles L Whar on. Wharton also serves as the engine delegate. Shewing ~upport for the Puerto Rican Police Federation are (from left) Pumpman Angel Ortiz, GUDE Luis Carrion, AB Jose Canales and AB Richard Wheat. AbovQ left: SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo (left) and SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez (right) talk over the situation with legislator Anibal Vega Borges. Above right: Bosun Eric Perez joins in the rally. Seafarers LOG 13 �Seafarers Rally With Mine Workers Continued from page 2 fighting." U.S. senators and representatives from six coal-field states, and from both sides of the aisle, also addressed members at the highly spirited rally. They pledged their support for legislation that would restore the fmancial integrity of the UMWA's Combined Benefit Fund (CBF). Congressional speakers included: Sens. Robert C. Byrd CDW. Va.), Jay Rockefeller (DW.Va.), Charles Robb (D-Va.), John Warner (R-Va.), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Arlen Specter (R-Pa. ), and Reps Bob Wise (DW. Va.), Bob Ney (R-Ohio), Spencer Bacas (R-Ala.), Ron Klink (R-Pa.), Rick Boucher (D- Va.), Frank B. Mascara (D-Pa.), Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.Va.), Ted Strickland (D-Ohio) Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), and Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.). Others who spoke were National Council of Senior Citizens President George Kourpis; Bituminous Coal Operators Association President David Young; UMWA International Vice President Jerry D. Jones; and UMWA International Secretary-Treasurer Carlo Tarley. Seafarers who participated in the rally included JaFar Gordon, Kenneth Jackson, Antwan Stafford, Beth Ketah, Ibrahim Muhammad, Nathan Jarmon, Sean Fortener, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber, Kris Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Dyson. An estimated 12,000 union members join in the May 17 demon~tration M Capitol Hill. Each was impressed with the tremendous turnout and show of solidarity. Several offered their impressions. "I think the rally was very effective," said Ketah. "It shows that union members are a proud people, united, they are like a big family. It's good that so many of them came out to support something as meaningful and worthwhile as this." "Today's is a very strong rally because other unions are here supporting the coal miners," Fortener offered, "and that's good because they (the UMWA) are a hard-working group. They need to have what they are asking for in this rally. I'm glad I had the opportunity to be here and show my support." "Coming together like this helps to build stronger unions," Mohammed suggested. "Groups of people should unite for common causes. As far as politics are concerned, when politicians see this many people gather for one cause, they should take notice because they are supposed to be representing the people. They should give them what they want." Soeteber praised the UMWA stance and all of the supporters who turned out to rally in their behalf. ..I understand totally Vian a Viney Vuint VacatiC>n Bchools soon w111 t7B ou-i for r.ne ki~~-iiilnd t-hat- means only one thin~: &i Gummer vaca1'iio11 i~ ~rQ1.m~ th~ Gorner. SIU members anti -their familie~ who want to do somethin~ different- t:hi& year wit-hoU1~ blowin~ -Che family bud-ae-i ml(jl'lt. mn5ider 't.ak- UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. MAmber $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There ;s no charge for children 11 yQa~ of ~ge or youngfi!fr. The pricris listed above include all meals Dur do not inolude tax. In~ .adv.a11t:age of :a benefit unique vacationing at the Paul Hall Center for M21ritime Troining trnd Educl'ltion in Piney Poittt, Md. Everythin~ yDu could :a~~ for in 1l su111111er VL'lca-tion c.-an be found 21t Pi11ey Point. Bee;ide~ c:omfort:~ble .accommodation~ for the whole family, a5 well ag, three dedic:iou~ me.als .a day, the Paul HJtll Center 21fforde; plenty of opportunities to fish, go boating, pl;;;iy tenni& ~nd swim. Also .av.ail.able for uBe are a Bauna and exercise facili-Cies. Piney Point. in S~. M~ry's County, is ideally situated to .allow for d~y trips throughau-c -che historic: ~outhern Maryland and Washington. D.C. me'tropolit.a11 areas. The loc.at.iD11 provides ~ grcn:rt chzmcc to vi~it ~uch l.:::1ndmt.1 rks £15 t.he home of George w.ash111~'t011 at Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol. Children will love w wur to SMfarer~: ~uw? the FE31 l?uilding or see where U.S. money i~ made a"t the Bureau of f'rintintJ and En~ravin~. And waitchlntJ t,he sharks at the Baltimore acquarium is a real tre;;it. But: if sight-seeing is 1101i your idea of .a v.-ac.-ation, there i!3 alw~y~ something going on in St. Mary'B County, it~elf. Se.>ifood fe&tivGil&, art exhibit;ions. antique and craft shows, concerts and theater product.ions .are but a few of the offerin(3S. A vilcation stay at the Paul H21ll Center is limited to two weeks per family, and the rates are very rea~onal?le Bill Yockey (white cap), a Mine Worker from Booneville, Ind., thanks Seafarers for participating in the demonstration. Yockey asked the SIU contingent to autograph one of the Seafarers· support signs and said he would keep it as a souvenir and share it with fellow UMWA members. UMWA International President Cecil Roberts calls on Congress to honor its commitment providing health benefits for Mine Workers and their families. where they (members of the UMWA) are coming from," he said. "The coal miners just want the respect and benefits that they have been promised and I think it's long overdue:· shared Gordon. "Being here and supporting them fits into what we are learning about in school. People coming together and backing one another for a common cause . . . that's really what it's all about." The UMWA supports several bipartisan measures introduced recently on Capitol Hill to help shore up the dwindling CBF: • H.R. 4144, the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act for the 21st Century (CARE 21) drafted by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), which would authorize the transfer of $1 72 million in the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Fund interest money to the CBF. • S. 2538, the Coal Miners and Widows Health Protection Act of 2000, proposed by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W. VA.), which would annually transfer a portion of the $346 million allocated by the Clinton-Gore Administration in its 2000 budget from the U.S. Treasury into the CBF. • S. 2584, the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act, introduced by Sen. Charles Robb (D-Va.) as the Senate companion bill to Rahall 's Care 21. SIU Shipping Scenes in Port Elizabeth (Bee box at left). Give yourself a11d your family an unforgettable vacation at f'iney Poin't. Ge11d the completed applict:rtion form to the Seafarers & Recreation Center, P.O. E3ox 75, f'iney Point, MD 20674. You won't regret it. PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Port Elizabeth, N.J. typically is a busy place for SIU members. Such was the case on the recent day when these photos were taken. Above: Pictured on the Crusader are (from left) Chief Staward Jo~ Emidy, Wiper J. Vega Mercado and OMU Allen Newgen. Below: Seafarers tie up the OOCL lnncvatian . Name; Social Security number: _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Book number: Address;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Telephone number: Number in party I ages of cn11aren, If applicable: - - - - - - - - - - 2nd choice: _ __ 3rd choice: ___ Date of arrival: 1st choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure:------------Send 1hi~ compluUJd application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674--0075. ' 6100 I L--------------••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••------------------------------------- 14 SeafalYllS LO& June 20IJIJ �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C MAY 15, 2000 TOTAL SIDPPED ALI Groups Class A Class B Class C Port July & August 2000 •embers/lip Meetings Trip Reliefs .,,eep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney ·Point .. ~ .......... Monday: July 3; August 7 DECK DEPARTMENT 6 New York Philadelphia Baltimore 30 4 5 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 13 11 14 13 4 :. )~cksonyille San .F a11.;:~sco .32 i\4 ' 14 Wilmington. 24 11 Seattle 26 5 Puerto Rico Honolulu 13 13 27 4 . Houston St. Louis Piney Pofot. · 3 2 11 ' 9 O· 4 8 14 12 7 6 2 4 4 4 7 7 10 17 31 10 12 3 9 7 22 26 16 51 2 8 22 22 7 0 4 19 11 12 4 7 7 1 1 3 3 11 2 3 0 0 14 2 l 4 0 12 3 14 ·. .Baltiiµore 4 4 Norfolk 5 4 12 3 0 J 3 Port Mobile New Orleans 3 2 ·.·.ja~~~n~i·u~ · 22 · Seattle 19 10 6 0 103 195 6 0 56 5 0 1 4 10 3 1 11 5 7 7 Baltimore ................ Thursday: July 6, August l 0 20 7 17 23 . 5 15 12 Honolulu ....... ..........Friday: July 14, August 18 7 7 12 41 45 42 2 l 19 20 39 8 7 2 l I 2 7 14 12 13 4 9 23 2 6 0 1 116 2 0 397 179 25 6 6 13 5 0 10 2 10 3 2 2 2 6 9 7 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday; July 19, August 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday~ July 12, August 16 New Bedford ......... .Tuesday: July 18> August 22 New Orlean.s >..•.~ .; , , .. TUe$d~y:July lhAugust 15 . New York................ Wednesday: July 5* Tuesday: August 8 •chapge Cri:t{it~dhy Independence Day holiday Norfolk ................... Thursday: July 6? August 10 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: July S~ August 9 San.: f~~S~~~ .:"~: :·· ~:<Th~ay: July 13, August 17 . $a,n Jµan.~:" ..·:.:.;:;··::··:·;Thursday:July 6, August 10 .. '. ·. ··· ·. ·:·.;,..·..; '·'.•• ' ··.· ........ . .·•· ;: si;.:; L,6~1~<.·;~;.:/'.:.·~~;.:, ....Friday; Jt1l:y14~ August 18 . Tacoma ...... ·.......... .'.. Friday: July 21. August 25 ........ Wilmingtoo .. :, ............ Monday: July 17; Tuesday, August 22* 16 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 6, August 10 7 14 7 Houston ......... .........Monday: July l 0, August 14 4 l 8 9 9 Duluth .... ................. Wednesday: July 12, August 16 2 8 12 83 2 Algonac ..................Friday: July 7, August 11 8 2 5 10 20 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 8 l 3 0 2 I 4 : ....Stii;t::F.:r!lri"isco ·. .40 ..:, 'wnfiiil{i6n '"' .... ' Jl . . ·: ' !2 " Puerto Rico 3 2 0 72 ·Philad~lphia 11 15 2 0 108 ", NeW'' Yotk 17 6 8 3 0 247 Algonac Totals 50 5 17 3 2 8 4 3 11 1 6 6 4 2 5 , 6 .. , . .. . *cha'f!ff:C ¢r(lt/tfld by Plmf .Rall birthday haliday Honolulu : Hous~on ... : :..".. :: .............·.. Sb: L9'!.:l(~:::! . ·:::!.;:;·:·:: . : ::~fo~y·; Poim . · · Personals Algonac Totals Port . :N.~w rork .. EDWARD CALLAWAY (or anyone knowing his whereabouts) l 4 .. Please call Marthalyn at (904) 733-0274 . . .:Phi.i~d~lph~~: ·:. ·;... :; : ..i .: :.;: ·; . "J,la.ltft'nore HUBERT CHARLES · · ·I Norfolk Mobile New Orleans :· )i\c~g~pviHfi! 8 1 11 · .San F'rancisco .Wihniugton . Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu : "':. :f!o.uswn · St. Louis : ·Piney Point · · · Algonac Totals 7· 16 6 2 4 4 8 JC) 8 10 16 2 15 3 8 I 2 1 . .:· Bait1m~re Norfolk Moblle New Orleans 2 .. 2 40 7 2 5 37 9 4 31 4 2 2 4 2 0 16 5 15 ANYONE WHO KNEW WES TRACY 18 . 3. .. ,2 ' 2 l l 9 2 40 Shannon Grady, daughter of the late Wesley Tracy, is seeking information about him "to enable me to pass a few stories of him on to his grandchildren. " Tracy reportedly sailed out of West CQast ports in the early 1960s. Anyone who knew him may write to Shannon Grady at P.O. Box 972, Fall River Mills, CA 960280972. 8 5 3 0 0 o· 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 35 22 47 247 2 82 8 48 41 1 3 2 14 3 2 18 0 131 51 2 26 1 30 118 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 7 15 3 0 0 0 2 0 o· o 0 0 2 11 11 4 9 11 0 1 1 3 0 0 3 9 9 1 0 8 10 14 0 .· 27 20 23 0 4 14 8 0 s 1:5 22 0 0 12 5 12 2 23 32 5 40 18 11 112 20 ·8 3 : ·SP.n f'rahci~co . 7 t5 lO 5 6 ll' 11 ::.with1.ihet.~n.... ". 3 '' :. 12 9 3 7 Seattle 7 Pueno Rico j Honolulu 9 Houston 1 0 0 2 0 0 Total~ 8 2 IO Total!i 0 3 7 9 12 ..' .:: ~t. J..9~~~ ' ' :· :.Pihcy Point ·. ·· · · Algonac · 1 0 11 2 4' YJackS(}riville·· .: 7 6 4 Port ::: ,Now .Y<>tk ·;:·:·pfril~de1 .... . . .... P'hia". ..· 7 10 5 11 . 35 · 8 2 4 S 17 10 I 9 3 6 3 0 19 3 4 40 0 4 0 12 13 (912) 284-9922 or (904) 384-5404. THEODORE HENKLE Please contact David C Williams at (662) 568-2291. SEAFARERS ABOARD COLUMBIA EAGLE IN 1970 Were you aboard the Columbia Eagle in March 1970 when it was hijacked to Cambodia? If so, a researcher would be interested in talking with you. Write to Don Charleston, 8118 Heacock Lane, Wyncote, PA 19095 or e-mail: oldtar@home.com. A New Beginning 12 0 4 I 0 0 3 17 0 42 165 189 25 103 llS 0 79 263 319 549 422 330 439 312 231 159 921 650 542 0 CHARLES DAVIS Please contact your daughter, Teresa Carreon, at 0 0 22 l Please get in touch with your old shipmate. Jim Rose, al (412) 795-1017. All Departments 111 "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. June2000 AB Antonio Rodriguez happily receives his first pension check in March from Amancio Crespo, safety director at the SIU hall in Santurce, P.R. Rodriguez worked in the CSX shoregang in San Juan. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes APRIL 16 CL - *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP AugllStin Tellez Vice President Contracts . J~kCaffey · Vice President Atlantk Coast . Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters . , Qt;.a n Co.rgey Vke President Gulf C<la& ' .~klV1,IJUI J, Mam>,n,e " ' ~t¢ idcnt West C<iASt Pre .. . · Ktrmett Mangram · Y;.c;e Pr~sident Gov-emment Services Company/Lakes Port 0 16 ·9· Algonac 0 9 8 Port Algonac . Port 0 5 Algonac Port Algonac IO '" .7 ' 20: MAY 15, 2000 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 12 0 2 ENGINE DEPARTMENT ". 0 . 6 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT .. ·3 . .... 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 5 6 ' **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 0 5 HEADQUARTERS 520t Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair ruver Dr., Algonac, MT 48001 Totals All Depts 0 40 44 0 23 14 0 16 *"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. 30 (810) 7944988 -- ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St,, #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE APRIL 16 - . 1216 E. Baltimore St., &Jtimore, MD 21202 ' (410) 327-490-0 . *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 MAY 15, 2000 TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 Total§ All Depts 5 1 19 12 0 9 12 0 *"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. 5 32 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Salvatore A. (Joe) DiMaggio of Scranton, Pa. The larger photo is of the deck gang aboard the Robin Locksley in the summer of 1957. The ship, which was on the Baltic run, was in drydcck in the port of Baltimore at the time this photo was snapped. Brother DiMaggio is second from left, sitting on the bitt. The inset photo shows two Sais-DiMaggio on the left and BMun Salvatore Frank on the right-aboard the Stratport in 1953. Pen$ioner DiMaggio jcined tne SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Before retiring in 1975, he sailed as a bosun aboard Sea Transport's !Eagle Traveler. Brother DiMaggio, now 74, is a U.S. Navy veteran of World War IL He would like to hear from some of his old shipmates. They may call him at (717) 346- 8119. If anyone has a vintag~ union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. 16 Seafarers LDG June2111JO �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. member of the deck department who also sailed as an inland captain is among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month . Brother Richard G. Montalvo has some 26 years with the SIU in addilion to his service in the u_s. Anny. He upgraded his skills several times during his career, most recently in 1994 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. In addition to Brother Montalvo, three other retirees navigated the inland waters, nine sailed in the deep sea division, three plied the Great Lakes and one worked in the railroad marine division. Ten of the retirees were in the deck department, six shipped in the engine department, and one sailed in al I three departments. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA .---=:----------. LARRY W. COMBS, 61, is a native of Charleston, S.C. Ile first sailed in 1955 aboard the Alcoa Puritan and upgraded his skills in 19.59 at the Andrew Furus~th Trnining School in Baltimore. A member of the deck department, Brother Combs last sailed in 1999 aboard the SetaLund Atlantir;. He is an honorably discharged veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. Combs now resides in Reno) Nev. JERRYW. DELLINGER. 61, graduated frcm the JAMES V. HIGGINS, 67,joined the Seafarers in 1967 and sailed from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Oceanic Wave, an Oceanic Pioneer Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department. Brother Higgins last sailed in 1995 aboard the Sea-Land Galveston. He is a military veteran, having served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1956 and the U.S . Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He now calls Savannah, Ga. home. AHMED HUSSAIN, 60) began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in Seattle. Pim sailing aboard the lngqr, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. 's Marine Division, Brother Hussain worked in all three departments during his career. He was a native of Yemen and bcr;amc an American citizen. Hussain last sailed in 1999 aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Westward Venture. He resides in Tacoma, Wash. WILLIE L. c;nlry•lcvd training pro- gram at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1967 and jcined the SIU in the port of New Ycrk. He first sailed aboard the Seatrain Savannah as a member of the engine department. Brother Dellinger upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point) Md. in 1970 and a.ga.1n in 1986. The Ncrth Carolina native last sailed in 1999 aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. GARIN DOYLE, 59, hails from New Orleans. A mi;!mber of the deck depa.rtment, Brother Doyle first sailed in 1978 from Freepon, Texas. His first vessel was the Co ve Navigator. operated by Cove Shipping Company. Doyle last shipped in 1999 aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak, a Waterman Steamship Com. vessel. He lives in Rover Ridge) La. MELVIN H. FERGUSON, 61, began his career with the SIU in June2000 1968. First sailing from the port of Tacoma, Wash., he worked in the deck department aboard the Sea-Land Fairland. A native of Colorado, Ferguson last sailed in 1999 aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. Brother Ferguson served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1963. He calls Port Orchard, Wash. home. LINDSEY, 50, joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Mississippi, he first sailed aboard the Hastings , operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Lindsey sailed as a member of the engine department during his career, most recently working in New Orlcan:s as 11 r;rane maintenance electrician. He last sailed aboard American Steamship Company's Sgt. William R. Button. He now calls Natalbany, La., home. MOHSIN MOHAMED, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, first sailing as a member of the engine department aboard the Alcoa Commander. Brother Mohamed upgrad~d hi~ ;,kill:s at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He rnake:s his home in Brooklyn1 N.Y. CARLOS THOMAS, 76, began his career with the Seafarers in 1990. Born in Trinidad , he first sailed aboard the Ameri~an Cormorant. This vessel was operated by Pacific Gulf Marine. A .---,...,.,.,,.==---- member of the deck department, Brother Thomas last sailed earlier this year aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Petersburg. He now makes his home in Italy. INLAND RICHARDG. MONTALVO, 48, first sailed in 1977 aboard the Vulcan, operated by Sabine Towing. A native of Texas, Boatman Montalvo sailed in the deck department, most recently as a captain. He was last employed in 1998 with Sabine· Hvi de. An honorably discharged veteran, Montalvo served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972. He calls Groves, Texas home. SIDNEVD. PELASJR., 62. is a naLi v~ of Buras, La., who sailed as a member of the deck department. . . .: Joining the Seafarers in 1971 , he first sailed aboard Dixie Carriers vessels out of the port of New Orleans. He lad ~ailed aboard Barge #St-85 in New Orleans 1 a vessel also operated by Dixie Carriers . Brother Pelas still resides in Buras. GEORGE W. STEWART, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1981 and first sailed aboard the Manhattan Island. Operated by North American Trailing Company (NATCO) ~ this ve~~el sa.iled out of New Castle. Reprinte~ fr~m Canada. A member of the engine department, Brother Stewart last sailed in 1999 aboard the Dodge Is land, aNATCOLtd. Partnership-operated vessel. Born in Key West, he now calls Seffner, Fla. home. Stewart is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force. .--~~=:----, STOUDEN- MIRE, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, Boatman Stoudenmire worked as a member of the engine department during his seafaring career. He last sailed in 1987 aboard Cape Fear Towing Company's Fort Fisher. Stoudenmire calls Wilmington, N .C. home. GREAT LAKES ROBERT C. CHARTERS, 61, hails from Frankfort, Mich. A member of the deck department during his career, he joined the Seafarers in 1961. Charters first sailed aboard the Ben W Calvin, 11 vessel operated by American Steamship Company. The same company last employed him in January of this year. At that juncture, he sailed aboard the Sam Laud. Brother Charters is an honorably discharged veteran who served in the U.S. Army. WILLIAM COCHENET, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1960. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard an American Steamship vessel from the port of p;i,st issues of ~he Seafarers LOG 1941' The SS Robin Moor1 an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to.be sunk by the Germans. On May 21, the crew was given 20 minutes by the Gennan submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats1 and were approximat~ly one mile from the ship, ·the Gemia'1 subma- .'·. rine torpedoed the ship, ~inking tt. This action led to a · ., demand, eventually carried out, that all .---____,,_ ...-------. RAMZEY A. NASSER,49, first sailed with the Seafarers in I 971 from the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1988. Brother Nasser last sailed in 1997 aboard the Saint Clair, operated by the American Steamship Co. He now makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. RAILROAD MARINE FRANK J. OTTOFARO, 66, hails from Richmond, Va. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1962 in the deck department. An honorably discharged military veteran, Brother Ottofaro served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957. He was last employed in 1999 with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Ottofaro currently resides in Hampton, Va. S ea£are i.-s : Remember to contribute to SPAD for job security. soon as the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the NLRB gave their approval to the plan. Under the terms of the welfare plan as agreed to by the shipowners committee, Seafarers will receive $500 in death benefits and $7 per week in hospital benefits. The plan provides for the trustees to set up additional benefits as the fund grows. The plan will be supervised by a six-man board of trustees, three from the union and three from the companies. THIS MONTH Jl'I SJU HISTORY 1991 Sixty-five SIU mem· ~~~~~~======s;:;;:;;;;;;;;:;:;:;;;;;;:;~~::;::;:~ bers were part of a American .. flag ships be armed and supplied with gun crews. lt led to the union's dem4nd also for higher bonuses and insurance. 1950 On June 15, the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District signed an agreement with the bulk of st~arnship <:ompan1es und~r contract to the union, the terms under which the Seafarers Welfare Plan would operatf. The signing paved the way for the plan DALLAS E. Detroit. Brother Cochenet is a native of Wisconsin. He last sailed in 1999 aboard the Southdown Challenger, operated by Cement Transit Co. to begin functioning as contingent of civilian mariners who -0n June 8 marched rlown the streets of Washington, D.C. and past President George Bush in the National Victory Celebration Parade to honor Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans. The military invited civilian mariners to participate because of the major role they ptay~d in getting materiel to the troops, marking the first time they were invited to march in a parade. An estimated 200,000 parade viewers were on hand. Seafarers LOG 17 �•. SIU in 1951 in Lake Charles, La. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the BIN AHMAD Pensioner Bin Ahmad, 70, died February 22. Brother Ahmad started sailing with the STU in 1967. Born in Malaysia, he worked in the de~k department and frequently upgraded at the Seafarers Harry L~ndeberg School of Seamanship in Pmey Point, Md. He graduated from the ho.s un recertification program there 1.0 1982 and last sailed aboard the LNG Aries. A resident of Ne"'. ~ork, .Brother Ahmad began rece1vmg his pension in October 1988. FELIX P. AMORA Pensioner Felix P. Amora, 76, passed away April 6. Born in the Philippines, he be&an his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port =~~ ofN~w Orleans. He worked in the engine di::pamm:m. last sailing ~bo~d n Sea-Land Service vessel. During his career, he also sailed in the steward department. Brother Amara was a resident of Daly City. Calif. ~~----' Star of Texas. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army ' from 1941 to 1945. Brother Fontenot made hi heme in Lake Charles and retired in December 1982. JAMES J. GORMAN Pensioner James J. Gorman, 69, died April 9. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1956 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first vessel was the West Trader Born in New York, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1947 to _1952, he served in the U.S. Navy. Pnor to retiring in March 1994 he sailed aboard the Ambassador, 'operated by Crow lc;y American Transport. Brother Gorman was a resident of Sarasota, Fla. CHARLES W _HALLER Daniel G. Brady, 59, died Mfil'th 20. A native of Chicago, he began his sailing career in 1977 when he joined the Military SMHft Command. Brother Brady worked in the deck department, ln:st :sailing aboard tho Lawrence Gianella, an Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel. Fort Meyers, Fla. was his home. RICHARD C. BUSBY Pensioner . " Richard c. Bu~by, 74, passed away March 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. ' . , The Mississippi nuhn:; worked 1fi the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. A veteran of World War II he served in the U .S. N~vy from ig43 to 1946. Brother Busby last sailed aboard the Del None, opernted by Delta Steamship Lines. He was a resident of Mobile and began receiving his pension in December 1984. MICHAEL D. FLOOD Michael B. Floml, 71, died January 8. Born in Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1950 in the port of Ph11ade1phia. .:· Brother Flood wo_rked in the deck department and retrred in Decembet 1959. He was a resident of Holmes, Pa. From 1945 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Navy. CLARENCE FONTENOT Pensioner Clarence Fontenot, 82, passed away March l l . Brother Fontenot began his career with the - 18 Seafarers LDG Charles W. Haller, 46, passed away February 26. He graduated from the Se11farers Harry Lundeberg School's entry-level training program in 1970 and joined the union in Piney Point, Md. The Thetis was his first vessel. A native of New Jer~ey, Brcther Haller sailed in the engine department and upgraded hi$ skilb at the school. Housten was his home. JOSEPH KLONDYKE Pensioner Jo~eph Klondyke, 72, died February 5. Born in Michigfill, he ~taned his career with the Seafarers m 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Klondyke worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Green Valley, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A resident of Spartanburg, S.C., he began receiving his pension in June 1990. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. JACK J. "JACKIE" PARSLEY Pensioner Jack J. "Jackie" Parsley, 65, passed away March 26. A native of West Virginia, he joined the SIU . in 1966. Brother Parsley worked ·: ·. in the engine department and upgraded hi~ ~kill~ at the School of Marine n.ngineering in :Brooklyn, N. Y. Dunng his career, he also sailed in the inland division as a member of ~e deck department. Prior to retiring m March 1992, Brother Parsley worked aboard the Sea-Land Crui5ader. Jacksonville Beach, Fla. was his home. From 1951to1955 he served in the U.S . Navy. ' CATALINO R. RAMOS · . Pensioner Catalino R. Ramos, 92, died April 3. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Ramos was a resident of Beachwood, N.J. He retired in November 1975. RICHARD SHEEHAN Richard Sheehan, 31, passed away February 6. Brother Sheehan started his career with the SIU in 1999 in the port of New York. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Global Sentinel. He was a resident of the Bronx, N.Y. RICHARD F. SWEETING Richard F. Sweeting, 42, died January 3. Born in Maryland, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg School's entrylevel training program in 1978 and jo~ed the ~nion in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Allegiance, operated by Interocean Management. He sailed in the deck department and returned to the school to upgrade his skills. From 1995 to 1997, he worked in the inland division, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Brother Sweeting made his home in B11ltimore. JAMES H. COLBERT Pensioner James H. Colbert, 77, died March 20. Boatman Colbert joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II. having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in September 1981, he worked for Dravo Basic Materials. Atmore, Ala. was his home. ROBERT M. CROFT Pensioner Robert M. Croft, 40, passed away March 30. A native of Texas, he began his career with the .. ;, SIU in 1976, sailing aboard the C.H. M_asterson. operated by G&H Towmg Co. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Croft last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Hitchcock 1:exa~, he began receiving his p~n­ ston in January 2000. CHARLES YOUNG Pensioner Charles Young, 76, died March 8. Born in Louisiana he first sailed with the Seafarers in '1959 aboard the Del Sud. Brother Young worked in the steward department. His last ship wns the Dd Caribc. Both his first and last vessels were operated by Delta Steamship Co. From 1948 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of New Orleans and retired in June 1988. INLAND MILTON H. ATHERTON Pensioner MHton H. Atherton, 74, passed away March 7. Boatman Atherton joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native worked in the;: deck department, last sailing aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Cobbs Creek, Va., he bcg11n receiving his pension in April 1988. From 1949 to 1950, be served in the U.S. Army. WILLIAM P. CAMPBELL William P. Campbell, 52, died April 5. Bomin Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New Orlcan:;. Boatman Campbell worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing Co. Gretna, La. was his home. JOSEPHS. CHUPKA Joseph S. Chupka, 46, passed away February 3. He graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School 's entry level training program in 1974 and joi_ned the union in Piney Point, Md. His first vessel was the tug Mary Ann, operated by Marine Towing 0'1. Boatman Chupka w~~ked in lhe deck department, last sa1hng aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Philadelphia. BENJAMIN FITTE Pensioner Benjamin Fitte, 78, died February 29. Born in Louisiana, he began sailing with the Seafarers in ,___ ___..m:.:::.....___ _ 1 l 957 from the port of Houston. Boatman Fitte worked as a captain, primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels. A yeteran of World War 11, he served m the U.S . Coast Guard from 1940 to 1946. He made his home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah and started receiving his pension in February 1987. CLARENCE R. HAYES. Pensioner Clarence R. Hayes, 95, passed away February 6. Boatman Hayes started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Nonh Carolina native sailed as an engineer and began receiving his pension in May 1970. He was a resident of Wanchese, N.C. THO MAS C. HUTCHINS Thomas C. Hutchins, 62, died February 23. A native of Texas he first sailed with the Seafarers i~ 1969, aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Hutchins sailed as a member of the deck department. Rockport, Texas was his home. FLOYD H. McGOWAN Pensioner Floyd H. McGowan 71 passed away F cbruary 19. Aft~r a ' 27-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, he joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the pon of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina he sailed in the engine department ~nd upgraded ~is ~kills at the SIU's trnining school ~n Pmey Point, Md . Prior to retiring in March 1993, he sailed aboard an Atlantic Towing Co. vessel. Boat· man McGowan lived in Chesapeake, Va. GREAT LAKES RALPH J. GOOD Pensioner Ralph J. Good, 82, passed away April 4. Born in Ohio, he began his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Brother Good worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. He was a resident of Avon Lake, Ohio. EDWARD KASZUBINSKI Pensioner Edward Kaszubinski, 73, died January 20. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Kaszubinski worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Detroit, he retired in November 1988. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. VICTOR W. KNECHTEL Pensioner VictorW. Knechtel, 79, passed away February 28. Brother Knechtel joined the SIU in 1960 in the pore of Detroit. Born in Michigan , he sailed in the deck department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U .S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. Prior to .retiring in February 1986, he satled aboard the Sam Laud an American Steamship Co. v;ssel. Alpena, Mich. was his home. WILBERT L. PINNEY Pensioner Wilbert L. Pinney, 78, died January IO. Brother Pinney began his career with the Seafarers in 1961 . in the port of "· Duluth, Minn. The Minnesota native worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Co. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Anny from 1942 to 1946. He was a resident of Two Harbor, Minn. and began receiving his pension in 1984. ALVER V. STENMAN Pensioner Alver V. Stenman, 90, passed away March 2. A native of Wisconsin. he joined the SIU ' in 1960 in the port of Detroit. ,___ _ _ _ _ _--1 Brother Stenman worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the JE. Ferris. He made his home in Ashland, Wis . and retired in October 1974. WILLIAM E. WILCOX Pensioner William E. Wilcox, 67, died February 16. He first sailed with the SIU in 1957. A native of Michigan, he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in July 1994, he sailed aboard a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. Brother Wilcox. who was a resident of Sault Saint Marie, Mich., began receiving his pension in July 1994. June2DOO �·Digest of ~flipboard . .· g~i!PJ1'fetinss The Slatare'fS:. l,o.fl:attemp'tf.:tt(prf6ta1 mtJny digerl$ of union shipboard · · · . ·: :"· miiiclt~"S.·: 'is:jiiJSiiblilJlfn.ifccasion, because ot space .. limitations, some will be omitted. Shipsmli1l!fi[s ilrst are reviewed by the unions contract department Those i"sues iequlrfiig attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon fBCf:if!L°'t the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded · · · : / :F:.t:... to :the Se.atarers LOG for publication. TRADER (CSX Lines), February 1:3 hnirm.nn Loren E. Watson, Secretary Ktvin M. Doughtrty, Educational Dirc.;;tor Robert D. Mayer, Deck Delegate Ervin T. Davis 1 Engine Delegate Joseph A. Canlas, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman reported all going well this voyage. Treasurer announced $250 from ship's fund used to purchase ping pong table and equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Message received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding outcome of proposed merger vote. Also received communications regarding use of outside companies for shoregang work. President's report from Seafarers LOG revkwtd. Everyeine encouraged about new U.S.-flag ships, noting, "H's good to see tangible results of our potitical efforts and hard work.,. Bosun reminded crew to separat~ pladic items from regular ti'Mh, fill L>Ut repair list and keep vessel clean. He thanked engineers for quickly fi~ing broken dryer. Ncxl ports: Tncomn, Wnsh. and Oakland> Cati f. USNS HENSON (Dyn Marine Services}, Fobruary 12--Chairrrnm John R.. Wolft, Secretary Harry Brvwvr, Deck Dii!legate Dnvid Koory, Stewnd Delegate Kevilt M. Brown. chainnan stated vessel due in mid-March to sa· o coast of we~t Africa (Ivory coast) for 12 yenr voynze for oManographic survey work. He said he is trying to introduce faster and t\'J~fe efficient way for seamen to receive money at payo ff. Some disputed OT reported in steward depart· ment. Chairman read president's report from recent Saafarars LOG and explained why merging of SIU and NMU would be good for both unions- more jobs and greater variety of ships. (CSX Lines), March l 2-Chnirm1m Roy L. William!il, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Allen D. Park@r, Deck Delegate Charles A. Mull, Engine Delegate Robert D. Feltus Jr., Steward Delegate Clenn A. Taan. Chairman read president's report from latest LOG. He stated still no official word as to ship's renssignmcnt to EMt Coast, possible toward end of April. Payoff s:cheduled for Mnch 28 in Oakland, Calif. Secretary read cover letter and directive from W@d Cmid VP N icK. Marrone and applauded effort to bener inform meni.bers:hip aboard contracted ~HALLENGER ve!:!:el!: . Di!:CU!:!:ion hell1 abOut srarrine ship·s fund: all agreed it would be good idea. Steward t.o begin accepting donations at rtext payQff ruid b~gin ~ooount ledg@r. o beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made to reduce in-pon evening meal service by half-hovr due to reduced crews, since most nlrcndy n.rc ashore. Steward requested help keeping ship clean, nnd crow was asked for patience during completion of repairs. Next ports'. Oakland and Long Beach. Calif; Honolulu. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mnnngcmcnt ). March 19-Chairmnn Roger J. Rtinkt, Sooretary Ruben Casin Jr., Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Deck Juno2000 Delegate Jo~eph A. Loyal, Engine Delegate Julio R. Paminiano, Steward Delegate Ali A. Ghalib. Chairman announced ship docking ·n Long Beach, Calif. March 22. Standbys to be on dock when ship clears customs and immigration. Payoff scheduled upon arrival. Crew members to remain aboard ship until completion of Coast Guard fire and boat drill. Vessel will sail following day for Cristobal, Panama and then to the Freeport, Bahamas. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point. and to complete course work necessary for STCW endorsement. Course schedule listed in Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT Several suggestions made: to collect pension after 20 years seatime, to get update on proposed NMU merger, to be allowed to collect vacation checks every 60 days or on discharge from vessel on foreign voyages of 70 days. Lener sent to union regarding condition of cargo stncking :frrunes and expanded metal catwalks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. DISCOVERY (CSX Lines), March 19-Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary Jo~@ph A. Laureta, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Deck Delegate Allan R Cimpb~U, Sttward. Deltgatt Mark V. Cabasag. Chairman announced payoff in Long Beach, Cnlif. on March 25. He thnnked officials for great job informing crew members about SIU activi· ties. Secretary urged everyone to continue to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT. Crew pleased with arrival of new VCR and thanked steward department for top-of-the-line menu. Next ports; Long Beach and Honolulu. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), March 19-Chairman Norberto Prats. Secretary Edear Vazquez, Deck Delegate Efrain Alvarez, Ensine Delegate Jose Ramos, Steward Delegate Charles N. Ratcliff. Chairman announced everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT. Educational director advised crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Piney PMrtt. Chairman. read president's report from recent Seafarers LOG and talked about proposed merger of SIU and NMU. Sugstgtiort made to receive 365-day pension credit for 180 days seatime per year. Anorher recommendation was for contracts department to look into prescription covernge for dependents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer announced $4, 109 in ship's fund and secretary noted approval from captain for purchase of games for crew use. Two memos on NMU-SIU merger vote read and posted. Satellite dish to be repaired in Portland, Ore. Everything being set up for departing crew to clear Canadian customs. Special vote of thanks given to steward department for fine meals 24 hours a day and for keeping house clean--even with crew of 99. Next ports: Victoria, Canada; Portland. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman Steamship), March 5-Chairman Michael Borders, Secretary McKinley Jones Jr., Educational Director Thomu P_ Arthur, Deck Delegate Domingo Contreras, Engine Delegate Philip W. Zalewski, Steward Delegate Lataysha L. Roberson. Educational director reminded crew members to check STCW and zcards for expiration dates and also bring TRBs up to date. He also stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in steward department; no beefs noted. Chairman acknowledged receipt of letter from headquarters regarding new pay scale and manning. Suggestions made to have vacation days recognized as seatime for pension purposes and to separate living quarters of dayman and watchstander. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding barbecue. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk), March 19--Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett Snow, Deck Delegate David Joseph, Engine Delegate Ray Avie, Steward Delegate Allan D. Bright. Chairman a.Mounced payoff in Long Beach, Calif. upon arrival. He thanked crew for job well done and reminded them to check expiration dates on endorsements and to wear hard hats when loading and unloading cargo. Educational director recommended taking advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $498 in ship's movie fund. No beefa or di:Jputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great meals and service, and steward thanked crew for support and helping keep ship clean. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk), March 8-Chnirman J(')hlt M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare. Chairman stated Coast Guard inspection went well. Ship looks great and everyone performed well. Repairs still needed on large washing machine, ice machine and left upper dryer. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep house clean. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Piney Point and be sure STCW certificates are current. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate; no beefs or disputed OT in engine or steward departments. Everyone reminded to clean room~ thcroughly before payoff. Stand-bys available at halls. Clarifkation requested from company regarding money purchase pension plan. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), March 22-Chairman Joseph J. Olson. Secretary Kent D. Rosiek, Educational Director Ronald J. Za~h. Chainnan thanked crew for job well done. Capt. Perez also thanked everyone for professional attitude and top performance on recent cable project. Delegates given room inspection sheets fer room repairs. Educational director stated road to advancement is by upgrading at Paul Hall Center and reminded everyone of necessity of holding valid STCW certificate. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), March 31-Chairman Anthony J. S11b11tini, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Emilio Madara, Deck Delegate Jeff D. Turkus, Engine Delegate Detricke P. Kelly. Chairman emphasized safety during upcoming work in Barbers Pt., Hawaii. He reminded crew to be especially careful while embarking/disembarking launch boat. Educational director emphasized importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and making use of facilities there to further educate and enhance careers. Treasurer announced $1,300 in ship's fund. Approval given for purchase of new weights for crew gym. New curtains also ordered for all living and public spaces. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing time needed to collect vacation pay from 120 days to 90 days. Request also made for new washing machine, furniture for PACIFIC (CSX Lines), March 5Chairman Edward C. DeSoucey, Secretary Robert Mosley, Educational Director Carmine Barbati, Deck Delegate Theodore E. Doi, Engine Delegate Carlito V. Episioco, Steward Delegate Cecil R. Husted. Chairman read and led discussion on president's report from latest Seafarers LOG about new ships being built. All crew members strongly welcomed news of modem fleet. Secretary advised Innovation Comes to Port Elizabeth SIU officials were on hand to greet crew members aboard the OOCL Innovation when it sailed into the port of Elizabeth, N.J. recently. They updated the Seafarers aboard the U.S. Ship Management vessel on union and maritime news and handed out, among other things, copies of the latest Seafarers LOG. At right, AB Thomas J. Kilbride readies the gangway, while at left (from left), GUDE Simeon Rivas, Electrician Brian J. Sengelaub and SA Richard F. Oliva check out the headlines in the LOG. crew lounge, room keys and dart board. Next ports'. Honolulu; Valdez. Alaska; El Segundo, Calif. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), March 26-Chairman Edward J. Stoetzel. Secretary Susano C. Cortez, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Joseph Dallas. Engine Delegate Ross Himebuch, Steward Delegate Dominico N. Dacua. Chairman read response from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding suggestion on vacation pay. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. He also noted $240 collected for movie fund. Treasurer announced $167 remaining in tuna fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for great job. especially excellent meal of black· ened tuna, sushi and sashimi prepared by Chief Steward Cortez and Chief Cook Dacua. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG Ship Management), March 14--Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Dorothy Carter, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey, Deck Delegate Norman Tourtellot, Engine Delegate Apolinario S. Aguirre. Steward Delegate Mariano M. Martinez. Chairman related "job well done" from captain and announced ship heading to Alaska from Korea. Secretary going on vacation; new steward coming aboard. She stressed upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center and reminded members to register and vote in November congressional and presidential elections. Educational director reminded everyone to check z-cards, STCW and other endorsements to make sure they're up to date. Treasurer announced $1,500 in ship's fund. Deck delegate noted presence of gas fumes which needs to be checked. Suggestion made to receive vacation with at least 30 days aboard vessel and cut seatime from 120 to 90 days. This would put more jobs in halls. Thanks given for all good work aboard ship and for good food. everyone to take advantage cf upgrading facilities at Piney Point and make sure z-cards are current. Educational director also spoke about new fire fighting school at Paul Hall Center and reminded crew to be sure STCW certificates are kept current. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $40 in movie fund, $65 in ship's fund and $147 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members offered suggestions for future contract. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially cookouts. Thanks also given to chief electrician. for his help. Next ports; Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif.; Hawaiibefore heading to Guam and Hong Kong. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Shipholding), March 12-Chairman William H. Bubrig III, Secretary Paul Sullivan, Educational Director Jimmie E. Thomas, Deck Delegate K.evin O'Callaghan, Engine Delegate Scott A. Lucero, Steward Delegate Adolphus C. Young. Chairman thanked crew members for their hard work. Steward echoed thanks, singling out Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser for exceptional job. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Repairs needed on starboard dryer and basketball hoop. Next ports: Selby, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; Ferndale, Wash. USNS LITTLEHALES (Dyn Marine), March 5-Chairman John J. Bluitt, Secretary Willie T(')omer, Educational Director John M. Valle. Chairman informed crew of completion of voting on NMU merger. Secretary strongly urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in order to stay competitive. Educational director noted all applications and information on courses available aboard vessel. Ship's fund to be started soon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to lower minimum retirement age. Crew requested access to computer e-mail, separate from captain and officers. Next port: Aqaba, Jordan. Seafarers LOG 19 �Know Your Rights r. .. .·.· · · (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) s Penaloner Karlak Gives Back to Union It seems to me t at people today only know one thing -take, take, take. Seldom do I read of the few that gi vc back. I have the SIU to thank for everything I own-for sailing their [contracted] ships at a good salary and under good conditions-and most of all for the excellent medical benefits. Shortly after retiring in 1986, I was hospitalized for six weeks -and the union paid everything. Once I became entitled to Medicare, which covers 80 percent of the costs, the union continued paying the remaining 20 percent. If I were to have paid what the union paid, I'd be wiped out of all my years of savings. A number of times, I received a Christmas bonus from the union-something I never received ashore before joining the SIU. To show my appreciation for everything the union has done for me, I am enclosing a donation to SPAD so the officials can continue their good work in Washington. Walter Karlak Woodside Queens, N. Y. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SID Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. Crew members from the MIV lnt~grity recently asked that the Seafarers LOG publish mailing addresses for U.S. Senators and Congressmen. Here they are; The Honorable (Name) United States Senate W~~hington, DC 20510 The Honorable (Name) United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Additionally, mo$t members of Congress may be contacted by em~il. To locat~ ~n address, go to www.senate.gov or www.house.gov. The SIU's web site (www.seafarer5.org) provides links to those sites and to the Whit@ Hcw~e under our ulegislation" section. When writing to members of Congress, whether via letter or email, remember to be concise_ State your purpose, be factual and explain how legislation probably will impact you and others_ If writing about a specific bill. include its name and number (House bills begin with H.R., Senate bills with S_)_ Also be sure to include your name and return address. The telephone number for the Capitol ~witchboard is (202) 224-3121. Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for me SIU Atlantic, (;ulf, Lakes and Inland Wat~rg District are scheduled for later this year_ As in past SIU election years. a comprehen· sive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the c~~e of members eligible to vcte WM believl!! th~y will M at s~a during the Nov_ 1 through Dec. 31, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available_ The SIU constitution gnsures that memb~rs WhO ar~ ~ligibl~ tc vet~ and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are est~bli~hed in the SIU constitution to $~feg1,1ard the seeret ballot election, including tl'I~ ~M~nt~~ Miiot process_ Here i5 the procedure to fallow when requesting an aosentee ballot: 1. Make the reque~l in writing to the SIU offioe of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2_ Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be m~iled. 3. Send the request for ~n ?bsentee ballet by r~g­ istered or certified mail. 4. The r9gi~ten;id or certified mail ~nv~lop~ must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, .ZO Seafarers LOii 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2000. 5. The secretary-treasurer. after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail. return receipt requested. to the address designated in the request. a ballot. together with an envelope rnarkgd "B;;illot" and a mailing envelope no later than Nov_ 30, 2000_ 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot After voting the ballet, place the ballot in the envelope marked "Ballot." Do not write on the ~Ballar envelope. 7_ Place the envelope marked "Ballot" in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand ccrner_ Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9_ The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight Dec. 31, 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2001_ SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers_ Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts arc posted and available in all union ha.Us_ If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority righb a.s contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union er to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS_ Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their i;;ontractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges. trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SID. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers_ Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. lf 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. P OLITICAL DONATION SEAFARERS ACTIVITY SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be ~olicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June2000 �June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 18; Sept. 11, 25; Oct. 9, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 20 Start Date July 10 August7 September4 October2 LiiD·t~;;::,;ff{tr;,!t%U1;(fJ;i:fJ/:§:]ftfiil'f>g@">J..f.;t!tiffiJ~41ii'{;·;f:Ji;.t'}Xtl~ With th1r applicatton, COPIES of the following must be sent · One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts. USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi- Name _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - cating y our department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee Qf $280 with their uoolicution. The pavment should be made with a money order only. pavahle to LMSS. END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Te1ephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Dup Sea Member D Date of Birth - - - - - - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following inftJrmatton is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# ----------Seniority _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSSIPHC trainee program? DYe~ DNo If yes, class# ~----------------------­ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken----------~--------­ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Cuard Lifeboatman Bndorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR; D Yes ONo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - June2DOD -~--~--~---- Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Ojficu, po_ Rox 75, Piney Point, MD 10674-0075; or Jax to (301) !J!J4-2180. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6100 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Welding - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on March 31 are (from left) Francis Yapching, Gustavo Osorio. Roy Matteson. Ali Rhoufiry. Buzzy Andrews (instructor), James Oling and Sjamsidar MadjidjL ARPA - Completing the course in automatic radar and plotting aids on March 24 are (from left) John Arnold, Kenneth Boone, Daniel Cruz, Mark Klecz, R. Mark Cobb, James Watson and Mike Smith (instructor) Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on April 14 are (from left, kneeling) Lisa Kitashima, Mike Frampton, Eduardo Ramos, Gregory Douglas, Ali Ali, Abdul Hassan, Donna Jacob-Scott, Malika Brown, David Jones, (standing) Albert Tircuit, Corinthis Thomas, Ali Rhoufiry. Keith O'Bryan. Shelia Lewis. Pedro Valdez, Donald Davis, Peter Kulyk, Rashad King, Steven Lamb, Larry Hogan, Shirley Winbush, Steven Kroner, Frank Bakun, Jay Linx and Jim Shaff~r (instructor) . Detk Engine Utility - In their final phase of the unlicensed apprentice program are (from left) Larry Hogan. Rashad King. Steven Lamb. David Jones and Donald Davis. Marine Electronic~ LNG Familiarization - Graduating from the LNG familiarization course on March 24 are (in alphabetical order) Andre Bennett, Brock Booker, Larry Crawford, Ede DeOliveira, Miguel Guity, Maxwell Hci55ell-EI, Donna Jacob-Scott, John Kolodziej, Luis Martinez, Curtis Nicholson, Jerome North, John P:;}lughi, Dinh Thong and William TMma~ - ThAir instructor was John Thompson _ Technician Instructor Russ Levin (riatit) congratulates QMED Mohamed Alsinai for passing the exCim given by the FCC in global marine distress systems with radar endorsement. Alsinai completed the Marine Electronics Technici~n course ~t the Paul Hall Center on March 31. 22 Seafarers LOG Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Kaid Adam, Monamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Donnie Cabanizas, Jonathan Gibson, Johanny Gonzalez and John PalughL Chef/Instructor Ed White is third from left and Assistant Instructor Scott Burgess is fifth from left. (Note: not all the course participants are pictured.) June2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Advanced Fire Fighting Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements on April 14 are (in alphabetical order) Gregory Baker, Andre Bennett, Jeanmarie Berger, Scott Brady, Dorothy Carter, William Churney, Jioia De Leon, Heather Frizzelle, Alberto lnsong, Kameron Kamaunu, Faustino Onato, Gustavo Osorio, Romeo Rivera, Wendelyn Sugui, Derrick Sullivan and Tom Woerner. Their instructor, John Smith. is at far right. This was the last class taught by Smith prior to his death last month from cancer GED - JH~n FMt~r and Elijah Huff (second and third from left) worked hard and tM academic d~partm~nt t~ ~arn th~ir high school equivalency degree (GED)_Congratulating tti~ pair ar~ P~ggy D$Mford (left) and Joan Mile5, both in5tructori;; at the Paul Hall Genter_ mMe use ~f Able Seaman - SIU members enrolled in the AB currieulum in April included (in alphabetical order) Abdulaziz Ahmed, Mary Bado. Dionisio Baldevia, Bernard Beof, Jonathan Brown. Alvin Clark, Efrain Collazo, John Davis, Clifton Doonis, Jason Foster, Kathleen Holden. Reginald Johnson Jr.. Benjamin Okazaki. Kenneth Salgado, Nathaniel Salter, Jeremy Thigpen, Eddie Thomas, Cornelio Villaflor and Adam Walls. Their instructor was Barnabe Pelingon. ChiefCook Learning some of the finer points in cooking from their instructors are (from left) Donnie Cabanizas, Chef Instructor Phyllis Rand, Crista Arnold. Susan Radar Observer - Standing on the construction site for the new radar simulator Moe, Thalis Ealy building are graduates of the radar observer class. which ended April 14. From the left ~r'Q SkMm Ruiz, Brock Booker, David Hin~on, Mike Smith (instructor) and Richard Roel. and Richard Mata. GED - Peter Pameointo recently earned his hiOh schOol diplo- ma while training for his career in the merchant marine (unlicensed apprentice class 598)_ He stands beside a portrait of Paul Hall, previous pr~sidMt of the SIU who firmly believed that yo1.1ng peopl9 ;;ir9 th9 futurn of the SIU and th~t the SIU has the best-trained seamen in the world_ .June2aatJ STCW Personal Safety - One component of the bosun recertification program is completion of the STCW per5onal safety class. From the left (front row) are Instructor Ben Cusic, Robert Lindsay Jr., John Mossbarger, David Kalm, Robert Wilson, Bernard Hutcherson (seated), Johnny O'Ferrell and Daniel Ticer. In the second row are Steven Ledermann, Rickie Burgess, David Campbell, Jeffrey Libby, Thomas Minton, Arthur Cross and Paul Matsos. Seafarers LOS 23 �Number 6 Vacation at Piney Point Enjoy a summer vacation with your family at the Paul Hall Center. See page 14 for information and rates. Overseas Philadelphia Calls on North Korea Historic Voyage Takes SIU Ship to Two Ports in Communist Nation Deep sea mariners often cite the "chance to see the world" as an appealing part of their profes- sion. For Seafarers aboard the tanker Overseas Philadelphia, that opportunity extended to new territory earlier this year, as the vessel delivered grain to the North Korean ports ofNampo and Hungnam. That is believed to be the first time an SIU ship visited the communist country. Several other U.S.-flag vesselsincluding the SIU-crewed Maersk Artzona and Overseas Vivian-also went there at the ~umc time. "It was an experience," noted Rtctrtifitd Steward Don1thy Cart~r, who provided the photos The photos above and at right of the port of Hungnam, North Korea were taken March 7 aboard the SIU-crewed Overseas Philadf?/phia. accompruiying thi3 article. "We ml cd quik u bit ubout the hi~­ toric a3ped of the trip, und it wn3 kind of neut to go 3ome· where we hndn't been bdore." Cruttr and st:>mt M htr ship- Taking advantage of a rare opportunity to tour North Korea are SIU members from the Overseas Philadelphia along with three shipping agents and three officers from the vessel. The SIU members in the photo are Recertified Steward Dorothy Carter (front row, second from left), and (back row, left to right) GSU Majed Alsunbahi, OS Ali Nasser, AB Larry Toston. Bosun Larry Kunc, AB Norman Tourtellot, (second from right) DEU Apolinario Aguirre and AB Anecito Lim boy. mates went ashOre in Nam.po in early February. Among those venturing throu&h the three-hour t~rnr (dire~ted by Kumm military personnel) were Bosun Larry Kunc AB Norman Tourtellot~ AB Anei:itv Limbvy, OS Ali Nasser. OS Larry Toston. DEU Apolinario Aguirre. Carter and GSU Majed Alsunbahi. Other than during the super1 vised sightseeing- the t:>nly kind permitted in North Korea-crew members "could leave the ship. but only stay around the port/' Carter recalled. "To any other S lU members who happen to go then;. pkasc do as the authorities tell you. Because you'll be arrested if you don't." Tight security notwithstanding, the Nampo tour proved enjoyable for the Seafarers. The guides spoke English and assisted the crew members in commu- The Future of the SIU nicating with other North Koreans. "We saw sports arenas and monuments the burial sire of a political leader, and we went on a shopping expedition," said Carter, a 20-year member of the SIU. Fox hats, hand-made swca.tcrs and a North Kortlln ~tamp i;;olkction were (lmong the good~ purchn~cd by SIU mem- bers. "My overaJl impression is that it's very regimented there," she continued. "There s security everywhere. armed guards. 1 There's poverty in some areas. We could see kids trying to steal the wheat (nt the port); you Mt1 tell they're hungry. ..It was a worthwhile experience~ but I wouldn't do it again." The words printed at the bottom of this sign say it all: "Through this N orlh Korea is located in ea~tem As;a. ;n the northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan. China, South Korea and Russia are its border countrie~. Loaded with grain, the Overseas Philadelphia sails through ice en route to the port of Nam po. North Korea on February 7. door walks the future of the SIU." Eight young people arrived in April at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. to enroll in the unlicensed apprentice program. These trainees, all citizens of Guam, are the first residents from that U.S. territory to sign up for the three-phase curriculum which will prepare them for a career at sea. Beginning the first phase training session are (in no particular order) Samuel Lloyd, Ryan Legario, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Joseph Benavente Jr., Jerald Martinez, Christopher Dionio and Allyson Pangelinan. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS BACK UMWA IN HEALTH CARE BATTLE RALLY’S FOCUS: ‘SAVE THE COAL ACT’ WELFARE PLAN AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SEVEN SIU ACHIEVES BIG GAINS IN FAST SEALIFT CONTRACT HERBERGER OUTLINES GOALS TO STRENGTHEN U.S. FLEET UNION NAMES LAKES VP: T. ORZECHOWSKI NEW HALL TO OPEN IN BALTIMORE SIU’S GUAM OFFICE IS FULLY OPERATIONAL NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT CITES NEED FOR STRONG U.S. MERCHANT MARINE SIU LAKES VP KELLEY RETIRES CROWLEY SEAFARERS COMPLETE TAILOR-MADE STCW TRAINING ENGINE SIMULATOR WILL AID PAUL HALL CENTER’S TRAINING APPRENTICE PROGRAM GIVES ‘SECOND CHANCE’ SHAVIES GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITY AT PAUL HALL CENTER PUERTO RICO: CARIBBEAN HUB OF ACTIVITY OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA CALLS ON NORTH KOREA HISTORIC VOYAGE TAKES SIU SHIP TO TWO PORTS IN COMMUNIST NATION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 6 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log